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Tag: Anant Roongta

  • Warehouse 47 partners with AVA Experience to launch a music festival

    Warehouse 47 partners with AVA Experience to launch a music festival

    Mumbai: Warehouse 47, a leader in immersive event design, has announced its first travel & luxury collaboration with AVA Experience to launch a groundbreaking music festival. Taking place on 7 & 8 September 2024, at the Khyber Himalayan Resort & Spa in Gulmarg, this inaugural event sets a new benchmark for high-end travel experiences.

    Set against Kashmir’s breathtaking landscapes, this festival integrates the region’s natural splendour with an unparalleled blend of opulence and artistry. Guests will experience panoramic views and luxurious surroundings like never before which makes this worth visiting for the majestic setting.

    Featuring revolutionary stage designs and immersive lighting curated by Warehouse 47, the festival will transform the venue into a visual and sensory marvel, perfectly complementing the exquisite Kashmiri scenery. Warehouse 47 founder & Famous Studio MD Anant Roongta highlights this vision: “We are excited to partner with AVA Experience to bring a unique fusion of luxury and creativity to Kashmir. Our goal is to craft an event that not only celebrates the region’s beauty but also sets a new standard for high-end travel and entertainment.”

    Designed for connoisseurs of luxury, this members-only event merges sophisticated travel with world-class artistry, creating an exclusive atmosphere of refinement. Warehouse 47’s expertise in curating immersive environments will elevate this festival to a new level of grandeur making this an exclusive opulence.

    This collaboration between Warehouse 47 and AVA Experience exemplifies a commitment to pushing the boundaries of luxury and immersive design, ensuring every moment of the festival is as extraordinary as the surroundings.

    Warehouse 47 and AVA Experience invite you to be part of this transformative event, where elegance and creativity converge to redefine luxury travel.

    Book your slots on:

    https://insider.in/ava-festival-gulmarg-sep7-2024/event

  • Warehouse 47, Famous Studios and Green Rain Studios launches Pixelab

    Warehouse 47, Famous Studios and Green Rain Studios launches Pixelab

    Mumbai: Warehouse 47, a pioneering launch by Famous Studios, is set to transform the industry with its advanced approach to experiential content production. Leveraging its first-mover advantage, Warehouse 47 aims to redefine the landscape of events and services in Mumbai and put India on the global map with its innovative and ground-breaking offerings. In collaboration with Green Rain, Warehouse 47 proudly announces the launch of Pixelab, a future technology lab poised to revolutionise creative technology and digital innovation. As an end-to-end service powerhouse, Warehouse 47 is dedicated to pushing the boundaries of creativity and setting new industry standards. Pixelab embodies this commitment by merging cutting-edge technology with boundless creativity, creating a dynamic playground for visionaries, creators, and innovators. Adding to the excitement of the event, Cirqa Dining Room was the food & beverage partner ensuring a memorable culinary experience to complement the innovative launch.

    Pixelab is more than a tech lab; it is a beacon of innovation and creativity. Green Rain, with its extensive expertise, has been instrumental in transitioning studios across Asia into virtual production and real-time workflows. As India’s first premier authorized unreal engine training center, Green Rain stays at the forefront of technological advancements, continually pushing the limits of what is possible. Here, the future is not just imagined but actively created. This collaborative, state-of-the-art lab offers a dynamic environment where imagination knows no limits, and possibilities are as expansive as the cosmos.

    Visitors are greeted by an array of sensory marvels from the moment they step inside. The lab’s entrance is a portal to the future, with strobe lighting and motion sensor detectors anticipating every move. LED walls pulsate with vibrant energy, transforming the surroundings into a living canvas of light and colour. Wall and 3D projection mapping transport visitors to alternate realities, effectively blurring the lines between the physical and digital worlds. Pixelab offers a symphony of interactive experiences designed to ignite creativity. Features include thread laser lighting capsules and motion sensor LED gaming, generative AI capabilities inviting users to engage with technology in novel ways. AR (augmented reality), VR (virtual reality), and XR (extended reality) technologies redefine reality, while artificial intelligence provides dynamic interactions and insights, making the lab an interactive wonderland.

    Every corner of Pixelab is designed to challenge both mind and body, pushing the boundaries of what creators can achieve. In this lab, the future is a tangible reality ready to be shaped. It is equipped with state-of-the-art tools such as robotic arms and green screen virtual production capabilities, allowing creators to unlock infinite possibilities. It encourages collaboration among like-minded visionaries, empowering them to harness technology and craft their audio-visual narratives in unprecedented ways. It is ideal for businesses seeking end-to-end content solutions, seasoned creators looking for advanced technology to bring their visions to life, and curious explorers eager to dive into the world of digital innovation.

    On the launch, Warehouse 47 partner & Famous Studio MD Anant Roongta said, “With the launch of Warehouse 47’s Pixelab, we are not just creating a space; we are building a platform for the future. Our goal is to inspire and enable the next generation of creators to push the boundaries of what’s possible, transforming ideas into reality. Warehouse 47 stands as a testament to our commitment to innovation, collaboration, and the relentless pursuit of excellence.”

    On the association with Warehouse 47, Green Rain founder Karan Parikh said, “Pixelab is designed to be a playground for the imagination, a place where technology and creativity intersect. By providing access to cutting-edge tools and fostering an environment of collaboration, we aim to revolutionize the way stories are told and experiences are created. We are glad to be associated with Warehouse 47 by Famous Studio where the offering Pixelab is more than a lab; it’s a movement towards the future of digital innovation.”

  • Famous Studios’ unrivaled talent pool redefines excellence in filmmaking from concept to delivery: Famous Studio’s Anant Roongta

    Famous Studios’ unrivaled talent pool redefines excellence in filmmaking from concept to delivery: Famous Studio’s Anant Roongta

    Mumbai: Famous Studio is one of the oldest film studios, and it was established in 1946 is an unwavering legacy of world-class tech, talent, and infrastructure, continuing to thrive and flourish in the Media and Entertainment industry. It is famous for creating ground-breaking content with award-winning talent, cutting-edge technology & infrastructure that unlock, inspire, and nurture the imagination of storytellers. Famous has always thought ahead of time. Famous wants to give a new dimension to storytelling. All the campaigns are targeted to make a new revolution in the industry. Famous portfolio of diverse creative solutions. A range of shooting floors with a dedicated green screen stage, and ready-to-shoot sets with makeup rooms, ideal for content production and live events.

    High-Speed Visual Engineering Lab with Phantom Flex 4K GS and precision-controlled Robotic Arm, Virtual Production facilities integrated with Unreal Engine, and In-house production services with a global network of directors. End-to-end Creative Audio and Video Postproduction services, Offline Editing Suites, Online/Finishing Suites, Dolby Vision Certified DI and colour Grading Facilities on Base light and Da Vinci Resolve, and 4 X Sound Mix and Recording Studios including a Dolby Atmos 7.1.4 HE room. Established in 1998, Famous House of Artists (FHOA) has been a leading VFX, CGI, & 3D Animation service provider with a talented team of artists delivering high-end VFX/CGI projects across the globe and an end-to-end capacity to deliver content from conceptualisation to final delivery.

    Under the leadership of Anant Roongta who is a 3rd generation entrepreneur and the managing director of India’s most iconic film studio; Famous Studios, ushered big, bold changes at Famous such as setting up Famous Working Co., India’s first co-working space in film studio and partnering with Netflix as their preferred postproduction partner. In a bid to provide a technologically advanced canvas for storytellers, Anant and his team launched a state-of-the-art postproduction studio in Andheri, Mumbai & Hyderabad specializing in long format and OTT content. He also paved the way for introducing new technologies such as visual engineering, Motion Capture, Dolby Vision, Dolby Atmos-certified post-production facilities, virtual production and VFX. With a vision to make Famous a global leader and enabler of audio-visual craft and creative solutions, Anant is investing massively in talent, technology, and infrastructure. Famous has worked on landmark campaigns, legendary ad campaigns and iconic ads. Famous is giving a new dimension to lots of international brands and campaign ads launching in India. And Anant Roongta is the man behind this splendid success. The studio has splendid spaces where one can proudly showcase the work. State-of-the-art 60-seater

    The studio has splendid spaces where one can proudly showcase the work. State-of-the-art 60-seater Preview Theater with Barco 2K 8S Projector and Dolby Atmos Surround 7.1 is every content creator’s dream. Whether it’s a special screening or a private preview, famous theatre has everything one needs.

    Indiantelevision.com in a chat with Roongta, spoke on the innovations at Famous Studio, partnering with Netflix, setting up the state-of-the-art post-production facility and much more……

    On being one of the best studios in Mumbai, it was probably the only one with air-conditioned floors, practically 90% of Ad commercials have been shot here, what were the reasons to diversify into post-production

    Famous Studios was one of the leading studios in Mumbai, renowned for its extensive work in advertising commercials. Recognizing the importance of diversifying services, the studio made a strategic decision to expand its offerings by venturing into post-production in 1985. This groundbreaking move, fueled by the burgeoning industry and the growing demand for compelling advertising content, transformed Famous Studios into a comprehensive end-to-end service provider, encompassing shooting floors, animation, sound recording, editing, colour grading, and visual effects. The establishment of a post-production facility not only attracted a wider clientele but also positioned Famous Studios at the forefront of the digital era.

    On the commercial for Puma Nitro

    The Puma Nitro case study is an intriguing example of how technological advancements and collaboration can lead to stunning visual storytelling. The initial brief, focusing on the shoe’s versatility and all-weather capabilities, sparked the creativity of our team of concept artists. By leveraging cutting-edge software like Unreal Engine and Blender, we were able to create captivating visuals that effectively conveyed the shoe’s key features.

    Puma’s open and collaborative approach further enhanced the process, resulting in a commercial that is both visually stunning and impactful. The commercial’s focus on the shoe’s logo, laces, and innovative soft foam technology, coupled with the diverse environments in which it is used, highlights the shoe’s versatility and appeal to a wide range of consumers. While creativity can be a complex process, the training and expertise of our concept artists allowed us to seamlessly translate the brief into visually compelling content. As you can see in the commercial, the visuals are both dramatic and effective, perfectly capturing the essence of Puma Nitro.

    On the post-production innovations for the ad what was the specific TG the brand wanted to target

    The innovation behind this commercial was as simple as Anant describes: Famous Studios received a technical brief to showcase a shoe in a TV commercial without any actors. To address this challenge, Famous Studios employed photogrammetry technology, setting up multiple cameras to capture images of the shoe from various angles. The resulting 3D image, known as a 3D mesh, was then imported into animation software, where colours, design elements, and motion were added to create the final film.

    This commercial was entirely produced using CGI (Computer Generated Imagery), and without the advancements in technologies like Blender, Unreal Engine, and photogrammetry, it would not have been possible. However, even with sophisticated tools, the true magic lies in the talent and expertise of the team behind them. Famous Studios possesses this talent pool, enabling us to excel in the creative, production, and delivery aspects of filmmaking.

    On the launch of this facility, how has the journey been

    Famous Studio’s extraordinary journey began long before 1945, and throughout this remarkable journey, the company has weathered numerous industry storms, emerging stronger each time. This resilience is a testament to the forward-thinking mindset of the management, which has consistently embraced change and attracted and nurtured top talent.

    This commitment to innovation and talent development has enabled Famous Studios to maintain its relevance, expanding its operations with three facilities in Mumbai and recently opening a new one in Hyderabad. The company’s leadership refuses to rest on its laurels, constantly looking ahead to the next 3-5 years to ensure its continued success. The journey has been a roller coaster of emotions, with its share of ups and downs, but it is these experiences that have shaped Famous Studios into the institution it is today.

    On your insights on how the post-production landscape in India has changed/evolved over the years

    The post-production landscape has undoubtedly undergone a dramatic transformation, driven by technological advancements. In the past, we relied on cumbersome telecine machines and negative film, followed by digitization and grading before editing. Today, digital cameras have revolutionized the process, allowing for immediate shot selection and editing. Moreover, powerful computers, sophisticated software, and cloud infrastructure have significantly reduced post-production timeframes. Additionally, remote collaboration tools like Frame.io enable clients to access and review work in real-time, regardless of their location. While the post-production workflow has evolved remarkably, the demand for post-production services is only poised to increase. The ever-growing demand for content across all media and entertainment sectors necessitates the expertise and technology offered by post-production facilities.

    On your vision and mission for the next three years

    Famous Studios boasts a comprehensive mission and vision that reflects our unique position as a studio that caters to nearly every segment of the media and entertainment industry. Our mission is to ignite the creativity of storytellers through a harmonious blend of technology, craftsmanship, innovation, and infrastructure. Our vision is to deliver a seamless and transformative experience through creativity and innovation. Both our mission and vision are anchored by four fundamental pillars: innovation, craftsmanship, infrastructure, and technology. These pillars will guide our growth as we explore new avenues in the media and entertainment sector.

  • TV producers on restarting offices with safety measures

    TV producers on restarting offices with safety measures

    MUMBAI: On 8 June the Maharashtra government allowed all private offices to operate with up to 10 per cent of full staff strength or ten people (whichever is higher). Production houses are still waiting for permission from Film City and district collectors to start production in Mumbai and Thane. In the meantime, certain producers have restarted their offices, while others are waiting for things to get normal.

    Famous Studio MD Anant Roongta who resumed office on 8 June thanked his team for their constant effort. The company is currently working with less than ten people. However, it has introduced a shift system to manage the workflow. There are no more than five people per floor. The studio has five facilities and across the entire facility, 35 to 40 people are working.

    Apart from that, the office space is sanitised on a regular basis. It is mandatory to wear surgical gloves while working on any equipment to stop the mitigating virus. Social distancing is followed by providing separate rooms to each employee. As far as visual reality is concerned people are working in the extreme ends of the room. Most employees are also given separate stations to maintain the social distancing norm. For travelling, employees are using private vehicles or sharing a car with no more than two people.

    Creative Eye has also re-started its office. Its managing director Dheeraj Kumar says, “We are functioning as per the permission granted by the government. We have already started working on a project that was supposed to happen before the lockdown. We have booked the set, paid advances and realigned 15 scripts.”

    In the last few days Kumar has shifted his focus to operational issues. As a service provider Kumar highlights that the company works on a project basis. If needed, it has close to 100 people on the set. For now, the permanent staff consists of 50 employees and only those who are close by are coming to the office in their private vehicles. People who live far off are still working from home.

    The teams required in the office are the ideation and creation teams. They include CEOs, CFOs, head of departments, general managers, operational team, studio manager, executive secretary, administrative manager, housekeeping staff and kitchen staff. Apart from that, editors are permanently also living in the office.

    Endemol Shine India CEO Abhishek Rege makes it clear that it will not be starting its office any time soon. Employees will be working from home for the next six months at least and even after that work will resume in a shift system.  

    He adds, “The key change will be the number of people coming on the set and how they behave. What can be done to maintain social distancing, and other necessary guidelines.”

    On a similar note, Hats Off Productions founder J D Majethia is also not planning to restart his office. Firstly, he wants to ensure that everything is in place in terms of SOPs and safety and then he will think of restarting. Until then all the employees will continue working from home.

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  • Production houses plan for return after lockdown

    Production houses plan for return after lockdown

    MUMBAI: As lockdown restrictions ease across the country and state governments start handing out approvals to resume shooting, production houses are gearing up to get back on track with requisite precautions and safety measures. Tasks like an SOP plan will be on top of the priority list and this means added costs for production houses.

    IFTPC chairman TV wing and Hats Off Production founder J D Majethia is optimistic that Maharashtra will start shooting in June itself. Anticipating that the pandemic will run longer he has bought a temperature check kiosk, sanitisation stand and other necessary equipment rather than rent them. He also mentioned that insurance policies will become a necessity that will cover workers, technicians and artists for the SarsCov2 virus. 

    “On ground, our focus is crew safety and thereafter following the right protocols. We are preparing to implement SOPs on ground. We want to ensure that the number of people is less. Our focus is not just on what the government has advised but we also want to keep things under control from a safety perspective,” says Endemol Shine India CEO Abhishek Rege. However, he says that their shows will commence production only by August.

    Even though Endemol is waiting for shoots to resume here, other regional areas have commenced where permissions have been granted such as Tamil Nadu. Going forward, the company will work in a shift system, so that at any given time required crew members are present. Maintaining distance and required people on the set will be the big change. He, too, added that employee health insurance will be imperative.

    Currently, Rege is working on only new shows. “We are trying to figure out ways where we don’t compromise on our script and yet deliver good content,” he says.

    Famous Studio MD Anant Roongta, who is ecstatic about re-starting his work, thanked his team members for their constant support. Famous Studio re-started studio work from 8 June. During lockdown, his 50 employees were able to work on pending projects remotely because of its previous efforts in upgrading technology. Even artists came up with techniques to work from home.

    While mentioning hygiene and sanitisation measures Roongta says, “We have seven action areas, for all the employees and clients who are coming in our studio. We have a self-declaration form that is mandatory to fill before entering the studios. It is a list of 20 to 30 questions which includes their travel history, any possible symptoms, if they live in a containment area and much more.”

    Once people fill the form, they go to the sanitisation stand outside the office. Post that, their temperature is checked and it is mandatory to wear a mask. The studio is sanitised and disinfected every morning. Surgical gloves are provided to people who are working on equipment. As people are working on separate wings and rooms, social distancing is also taken care of. Everyone has to enter and exit from one point to avoid overlapping.

    The staff follows a dedicated SOP which included appointing housekeeping for deep cleaning before opening up the office. On the insurance front, he says “Most of the people we work with are consultants and not employees, so they are individually responsible for their own insurance policies.”

    Creative Eye Limited MD Dheeraj Kumar says that they too resumed work from 8 June. He adds, “I am waiting for broadcasters to give us the green signal to start fresh projects as well as pending ones. But even if we want to shoot, we will need a minimum of 25 days time in our hand to do all the preparation which was lost in three months.”

    Their precautionary measures include thermal infra-red guns at the entrance to check the temperature and will be written in a physical register. Whoever enters the premises will have to provide their contact details and home address. After entering the building, people must sanitise their hands with a stand that’s operated by the feet. He is also providing tailor-made in-house masks and gloves. In the past ten days, the entire Creative Eye building and office has been sanitised thrice. About 100 Creative Eye employees have also been covered under an insurance policy.