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Tag: production house

  • Poonam Wahi launches her own production house – PWF

    Poonam Wahi launches her own production house – PWF

    Mumbai: Poonam Wahi, a seasoned executive producer with over two decades of experience in the film and advertising industry, is thrilled to announce the launch of her own production house, PWF (Poonam Wahi Films).

    After spending a couple of years at Lintas C:EX, where she honed her skills in producing high-quality content, Poonam has now branched out to start her own venture. Prior to Lintas, she was producing at Chrome Pictures, and prior to Chrome as a freelance producer with Equinox Films and Highlight Films. While freelancing she worked on feature films like Lakshay, Sarkar Raaj, 3 Idiots, One Night with the King, Darjeeling Limited, The Fall, Doors to the Seven Star to name a few.

    PWF is a dynamic content house that embodies Poonam’s vision for creating innovative and impactful storytelling. With a diverse portfolio of esteemed clients, including corporate giants like Reliance, Adani, Tata, and Danone India, as well as emerging disruptors like Swiggy, PWF is poised to make its mark in the industry.

    At PWF, collaboration is at the heart of the company’s ethos. Poonam has forged partnerships with industry luminaries from Bollywood icons like Akshay Kumar to culinary maestros like Chef Ranveer Brar, crafting compelling and impactful content that leaves a lasting impression.

    “I’m excited to bring my expertise and passion to the forefront and create unforgettable stories that captivate audiences worldwide,” said PWF founder and executive producer Poonam Wahi.

    With a team of passionate and dedicated professionals, PWF is committed to delivering top-notch results while fostering a culture of joy and camaraderie. Whether it’s brainstorming sessions or on-set collaborations, the team brings a unique blend of professionalism and enthusiasm that makes every project not just successful but also enjoyable.

  • “Wiz Films will always venture into new creative formats”: Wiz Films’ Viraf Sarkari

    “Wiz Films will always venture into new creative formats”: Wiz Films’ Viraf Sarkari

    Mumbai: In today’s dynamic entertainment landscape, the art of storytelling takes myriad forms, capturing hearts and minds across cultures and generations. Diverse content creation has become the heartbeat of modern narratives, where stories unfold in multifaceted ways—from riveting films and immersive series to innovative formats that challenge conventions.

    Amidst this vibrant tapestry, Wiz Films emerges as a beacon of creative brilliance, driven by a mission to craft distinctive content that establishes meaningful connections and resonates with a diverse global audience. Wiz Films, driven by a deep commitment to storytelling, thrives on captivating imaginations through innovative technologies and diverse formats. Beyond films and series, they offer line production, film liaison services across regions, and content syndication. As it ventures into filmmaking, Wiz Films aims to become a global production powerhouse, delivering entertaining and valuable content for audiences, and create value for stakeholders.

    Indiantelevision.com in conversation with Wiz Films director Viraf Sarkari delved deeper into Wiz Films’ inception, its target audience, the inspiration behind the latest film ‘Kadak Singh’, and more…

    Sarkari, a dynamic professional and prominent figure in the entertainment industry, stands as one of the co-founders of Wizcraft and serves as a director of Wiz Films. He has produced and directed Broadway-style musical productions like Zangoora, the world’s largest and longest-running Bollywood musical, and Jaan-e-Jigar in Dubai Parks & Resorts. As a seasoned producer and director, Viraf has orchestrated global sporting opening and closing ceremonies, mega concerts with renowned artists, and film award ceremonies. Currently, he has expanded his horizons to produce and direct innovative content for OTT platforms and cinema releases, involving ventures such as web series, docu-series, feature films, ad films, and music videos. His diverse portfolio underscores his influential role in shaping the landscape of entertainment on a global scale.

    Edited Excerpts:

    On the inception of Wiz Films

    Wiz Films was conceived as a natural progression in our three-decade-long journey in the entertainment and live events industry. With 36 years of experience in organising diverse formats such as corporate events, parties, award functions, concerts, and musical and theatrical productions, Andre, Sabbas, and I sensed the opportunity to extend our expertise to film production. This expansion marks a significant milestone for us, completing the circle of our journey in the dynamic world of entertainment.

    On Wiz Films setting itself apart from so many production houses in terms of storytelling and content creation

    Wiz Films distinguishes itself in the realm of storytelling and content creation by focusing on the essence of meaningful cinema. While we acknowledge our presence in the industry, with just one film to our credit, we refrain from drawing direct comparisons with other production houses. Our primary goal is to craft compelling narratives inspired by true events, striving to deliver impactful and high-quality films that resonate with audiences. At Wiz Films, our commitment lies in bringing forth the best stories to the world, contributing to the cinematic landscape with authenticity and purpose.

    On Wiz Films having a niche genre or specific audience that it primarily targets, or is it more about universal appeal

    Wiz Films strives itself on exploring a diverse range of genres to cater to a broad audience. Whether it’s a compelling family drama, a gripping murder mystery, a laugh-out-loud comedy, an adrenaline-pumping action film, a quirky and unconventional movie, or a heartwarming romantic story, we are open to it all. Our primary focus lies in identifying exceptional stories and well-crafted scripts. The key criterion for us is a narrative that stands out and has the potential to captivate audiences. We prioritise uniqueness, steering away from current trends to bring fresh and engaging content to audiences across the world.

    On any new genres or forms that Wiz Films is keen on exploring in the near future

    Wiz Films will always venture into new creative formats. We are exploring the possibilities of adapting our Broadway-style Bollywood musical production “Balle Balle” a big fat Indian wedding.

    On the inspiration behind ‘Kadak Singh’, and Wiz Films seeing this film contributing to the current cinematic landscape

    Kadak Singh was conceived 12 years ago, and after a dedicated six-year production effort, we successfully brought it to fruition. The primary focus throughout this journey was crafting a unique and compelling script, which we believe sets the film apart. Contributing to the current cinematic landscape, Kadak Singh stands out as a multi-genre experience—blending elements of family drama, crime, romance, and comedy. The film’s distinctiveness lies not only in its diverse genres but also in its well-crafted screenplay. Overall, Kadak Singh offers a fresh perspective, enriching the cinematic landscape with its innovative approach.

    On Wiz Films approaching the production of diverse content, such as web series, docu-series, feature films, ad films, and music videos

    Wiz Films adopts a tailored approach to producing diverse content, spanning web series, docu-series, feature films, ad films, and music videos. Each genre is handled by a dedicated team of specialists, ensuring a focused and nuanced execution. For instance, when working on a docu-series, we enlist a director with expertise in that specific format. The same principle applies to web series, feature films, ad films, and music videos, where teams are curated based on their proficiency in the respective genres. This strategic allocation of specialized teams allows Wiz Films to deliver high-quality and targeted content across a spectrum of creative formats.

    On your film liaison services across India, Southeast Asia, and the Middle East, are there any collaborations or partnerships on the horizon that audiences should be excited about

    Currently, we are working on a project which is an exciting Indo-Bollywood collaboration tentatively titled “Children of God”. With this project we will explore to leverage the technical expertise and creative talent from both Hollywood and Indian Cinema, presenting a unique and ground-breaking production. As technology advances rapidly, our goal is to stay ahead of the curve. We envision creating interactive films and embracing emerging trends such as VR movies, 3D, and 360-degree experiences.

    On Wiz Films’ future plans and aspirations, including any new market entries or the exploration of emerging trends in the entertainment sector

    Wiz Films has a clear vision for the future, focusing on creating captivating films with global appeal. As technology advances rapidly, our goal is to stay ahead of the curve. In our strategic planning, we are exploring the integration of technology and creativity. By constantly updating ourselves with the latest technology, we aim to position Wiz Films as a leading force in the industry, where the world becomes our stage. Our commitment is to remain current and innovative, ensuring our films resonate with audiences globally. 

  • Banijay Asia names Rajesh Chadha as EVP & business head of scripted content

    Banijay Asia names Rajesh Chadha as EVP & business head of scripted content

    Mumbai: Banijay Asia has named Rajesh Chadha to head the scripted business as the executive vice president and business head. As part of this role, Chadha will be responsible for developing the scripted slate for the media company.

    A media veteran with a career spanning over 27 years in the M&E industry, Chadha has spearheaded projects at prominent companies like Endemol, BBC Studios and RBNL. Leading the content execution for the award-winning OTT series – “Criminal Justice” and “Out of Love” at BBC Studios, he was also involved in Ajay Devgn’s digital debut “Rudra” and “Guilt & Press” in early 2022.

    “The Indian streaming space is under content revolution and Banijay Asia is leading the shift seamlessly,” said Rajesh Chadha. “Producing premium content, associating with top streaming platforms, and collaborating with national and international studios to churn out newer formats, Banijay Asia is a uniquely positioned production house in the industry. I am looking forward to contributing towards the growth and success of Banijay Asia along with Deepak Dhar.”

    “Innovation and creation are the way forward in the rapidly changing content industry and we are delighted to have Rajesh join the leadership team,” said Banijay Asia CEO and founder Deepak Dhar. “His determination and affluent experience in the space will certainly add immense value to our future endeavours.”

  • Rusk Studios and Fyp join hands for new web series ‘Tuition Ke Baad’

    Rusk Studios and Fyp join hands for new web series ‘Tuition Ke Baad’

    Mumbai: Rusk Studios in collaboration with the Fyp app have announced the launch of “Tuition Ke Baad,” a new rom-com and drama web series. Starting 28 December, the first episode of this flagship launch is now streaming on the YouTube channel of Rusk’s entertainment vertical, Binge.

    With some of the freshest talent on board, “Tuition Ke Baad” promises the much-needed light-hearted entertainment with a relatable plot that revolves around the love and the lives of five school-going teens who find themselves in comic situations. The series will air its fifth and final episode in the first week of January.

    From bunking tuition to getting into a fight with rival groups, “Tuition Ke Baad” captures relatable scenarios centered on the life of four friends, all of whom are crushing on the female lead, Sneha. Helping their friend in pursuing his first love, they find themselves in comical situations. Rusk has onboarded a cast of Instagram influencers and YouTube personalities like Abhishek Kapoor, Mugdha Agarwal, Sanyam Sharma, and Ritik Ghanshani who play the roles of Shole, Sneha, Jhatarburg, and Aashiq respectively.

    “Fyp App enables the teenagers to get easy access to money anytime from their parents or siblings in their Fyp Wallet and have their own Fyp Card for online and offline purchases,” said Fyp CEO Kapil Banwari. “The series ‘Tution Ke Baad’ has captured those moments that are relatable and close to the hearts of school kids.”

    “At Rusk Studios, we bring together a smart blend of entertainment and brand integrations by creating relatable IPs that drive immense value for advertisers,” said Rusk Studios head of revenue Karanvir Sofat. “Delivering across an omnipresent network of platforms and multiple formats: long format on YouTube, short snackable bits on Facebook and Instagram; our content reaches its viewers no matter where they choose to view it.  Targeting 6 million views on ‘Tuition Ke Baad’ over the course of next 10 days across Rusk’s multiple platforms, we aim to amplify brand’s connect with its TG.”

  • Reliance Big Synergy CEO Rajiv Bakshi calls it quits, joins ZeeL

    Reliance Big Synergy CEO Rajiv Bakshi calls it quits, joins ZeeL

    KOLKATA: Reliance Big Synergy CEO Rajiv Bakshi has stepped down from his position. Bakshi has now joined Zee Entertainment Enterprises Ltd (ZeeL) as its chief operations officer – revenue. According to sources close to the development, he will report to ZeeL South Asia business president Rahul Johri.

    The Harvard Business School alumnus has more than 20 years of diverse work experience in business transformation, P&L and commercial operations, corporate strategy, brand management, product development, digital strategy and market expansions across varied industries.

    According to the source mentioned above, he will work towards achieving ZeeL’s revenue objectives by identifying and leveraging internal synergies across all linear and digital platforms. In his new role at ZeeL, Bakshi will lead the sales strategy and operations function. In addition to that, he will also be responsible for leveraging technology to augment the revenue vertical. He will drive the marketing initiatives and focus on strengthening relations with key external stakeholders and partners.

    Bakshi joined Reliance Big Synergy back in 2018. During his stint at the company, he led it to branch out the content studio across all genres with high focus on fiction while it was earlier known as a non-fiction powerhouse. Along with that, he aggressively scaled its hold over regional language shows as well. The company has produced content for Star Maa, Zee Punjabi, Dangal, Zee5 and many more under his guidance. Enterr10 TV Network’s Bhojpuri channel launched a social mythology series produced by Reliance Big Synergy in January, a genre where the production house never worked earlier.

    Under his leadership, the studio produced some of the top rated TV shows across national and regional networks  in Hindi, Telugu, Punjabi, Bhojpuri and other languages. More importantly, he pushed the business in the booming OTT segment as well to produce web series for both international and homegrown platforms.

    He was conferred the ‘CEO Of the Year’ 2020 award by the jury of World Brand Congress, World Marketing Congress and CMO Global. The award was given in recognition of Bakshi’s differentiated strategy to establish Reliance Big Synergy as a leading content development and production powerhouse in India.

    Earlier in his career, Bakshi also turned around Discovery Networks’ India and South Asia business as the head of products and marketing, and is credited for building its 11-channel portfolio.

  • Balaji Telefilms approves stock options for employees

    Balaji Telefilms approves stock options for employees

    NEW DELHI: Balaji Telefilms has granted 14 lakh stock options under ESOP to its eligible employees. Each stock option is convertible into an equivalent number of shares of face value of Rs 2 each with an exercise price of Rs 52.01 per option per share.

    Employees will be able to exercise this option within three years from the vesting date.

    Amid such uncertain times, Balaji Telefilms has taken a step forward to reward its employees.

    Ekta Kapoor-led Balaji Telefilms is one of the largest content production houses across India, South Asia, southeast Asia and the Middle East, delivering Hindi and regional content. It has created several iconic serials such as Mano Ya Na Mano, Hum Paanch, Itihaas, Koshish… Ek Aasha, Koi AaneKoHai , Kkusum … EkAamLadki Ki Kahani, Kyunkii… SaasBhiKabhiBahuThi, KahaaniGharGharKii and KasautiiZindagii Kay, to name a few.

    It has produced over 17,000 hours of television content and has state of the art infrastructure including production sets, resources, manpower and editing machines, allowing it to continuously produce high quality shows.

    Promoted by Jeetendra Kapoor, Shobha Kapoor, Ekta Kapoor and Tusshar Kapoor, the company has further diversified into Balaji Motion Pictures, Alt Entertainment, Alt Digital Media, Chhayabani Balaji Entertainment, Marinating Films, Brand Ek.

  • Balaji Telefilms sees stronger Q2 FY21

    Balaji Telefilms sees stronger Q2 FY21

    KOLKATA:  The Ekta Kapoor headed content production house Balaji Telefilms on Monday reported a consolidated revenue of Rs 78.3 crore in the second quarter, up 123 per cent from Rs 35.05 crore in the first quarter. The company has narrowed down EBIDTA to a negative Rs 12.4 crore from the negartive Rs 26.3 crore in the previous quarter. The company has posted a net loss of Rs 19.5 crore again an improvement over Rs 27.9 crore in Q1 2020.

    In a regulatory filing, Balaji Telefilms has stated that content production has resumed slowly leading to higher production cost of Rs 60.5 crore. 176.5 hours of TV content have been produced in the quarter. Six shows were on air during the quarter and the company is expected to launch two new shows in the coming quarter.

    “This quarter we took steps to restore our content production activity and have slowly returned to more normal levels of TV content production. The teams are adapting to the new processes of shooting and I am confident we will adapt quickly given our strength and successful track record. Our digital businesses had limited fresh content during the quarter but we have managed to get better engagement using our library of over 65 original shows. We will soon restart adding more shows to the platform as shows are ready for launch. Overall some of the cost optimization programs initiated should continue to allow us to see strong profitability as our operations return to pre-COVID levels,” Balaji Telefilms managing director Shobha Kapoor said.

    Total Revenue for ALTBalaji stood at Rs 14.7 for the quarter compared to Rs 14.9 in the previous quarter. The OTT platform has witnessed a marginal uptick in international subscriptions as it is gaining traction globally. While average daily subscriber addition in the quarter has stood at 9000, average revenue per user (ARPU) remains between Rs 140 to Rs 150 a year.

    The direct subscription revenue has witnessed a marginal de-growth as the country has slowly opened up and customers are returning back to work and social commitments. Moreover, revenue from its Zee5 deal has also resumed in the quarter. As there has been a huge change in content consumption trends, the recent lockdown has accelerated the shift of consumer base from tier 1 into non-metro and tier II or tier III towns and cities. 

  • Bodhi Tree Multimedia’s debut on NSE Emerge to fuel expansion & growth

    Bodhi Tree Multimedia’s debut on NSE Emerge to fuel expansion & growth

    KOLKATA: It is not a common practice for production houses in India to venture into the capital market. But in quite a unique move, content production company Bodhi Tree Multimedia Ltd recently debuted on NSE Emerge. It has already raised Rs 3.71 crore from its SME initial public offering, which will go towards expansion activities and strategic growth, said Bodhi Tree Multimedia managing director Mautik Tolia.

    Started in 2013 by Tolia and Sukesh Motwani, the production house initially focused on general entertainment on TV, and later expanded into other genres and also into digital content. Along with working for major broadcasters, it has produced content for OTT platforms like Voot, Viu.

    Tolia said that they had been considering going public since last year, and the process would have been finished in the last financial year if the Covid2019-induced lockdown had not struck suddenly. Hence, they had to push it back by a couple of months.

    “You are at a point in entertainment industry where you are at an inflection point with digital content, TV content. Moreover, new avenues of content production are emerging. If you want to take advantage of that, this is the right time to focus on accessing the capital market because it is a long-term way for a company to grow. Eventually, if you want to develop your own IP, being listed opens lots of doors for you. It’s a strategic objective, more than anything else,” Tolia explained.

    The company posted Rs 27.45 crore consolidated revenue for FY20. For the first five months of FY21, it has reported Rs 4.86 crore revenue and profit of 0.32 crore. In a filing on the stock exchange, the company has also stated that it intends to utilize the issue proceeds towards working capital requirements, general corporate purpose and meeting the issue expenses.

    Elara Capital VP – research analyst (Media) Karan Taurani also endorsed the decision of getting listed. Noting that content making has, in fact, picked up during Covid period due to increased amount of time spent on TV and digital platforms, Taurani said this has led to greater demand for good content from major broadcasters and OTT players alike. According to him, Bodhi Tree Multimedia is a solid production house which has made quality TV shows and web-series. Hence, Taurani expressed confidence that it will get a good valuation.

    Taurani went on to mention that being platform-agnostic will also work in Bodhi Tree’s favour in a market where most listed content creators churn out shows either for their own channels or OTT platforms. Hence, it will provide multiple opportunities overall, he shared.

  • Bodhi Tree Multimedia enters capital market with IPO

    Bodhi Tree Multimedia enters capital market with IPO

    KOLKATA: Bodhi Tree Multimedia promoted by Sukesh Motwani and Mautik Tolia which produces content for television, films and digital platforms has reported robust performance in FY20. Being one of the few content production companies to get listed in a decade, the company recently entered the capital market through an IPO on NSE Emerge (SME Platform of NSE).

    Despite the pandemic, the company witnessed a turnover of Rs 27.45 crores demonstrating a burgeoning growth. In addition to this, Bodhi Tree Multimedia expects a good FY20-21 with the value of the order book which will be serviced in the coming year.

    Bodhi Tree Multimedia founder director Sukesh Motwani said “The entertainment industry boom with the explosive rise in digital OTT content along with an increasing growth television content gives us an unique position to create rooted Indian content for the Indian as well as global market. It’s the best time to be a content creator.”

     “The entertainment industry has the distinction of not only qualifying as a recession proof sector, but also as a sector with enormous growth potential. As an established player in creating content for television and films and digital platforms, Bodhi Tree Multimedia continues to demonstrate its resilience in a challenging market. Operating in the entertainment industry with a potential to grow exponentially in the years ahead, the company is all geared to capitalize on this exponential growth potential. Amidst the COVID-19 restrictions around the world and the uncertainty in the global economic outlook, we will continue to focus on growing our business profitably and prudently. The outlook for FY21 looks promising with orders in hand, ” Bodhi Tree Multimedia managing director Mautik Tolia said.

    The company’s IPO’s net proceeds will be utilized for meeting the company’s working capital requirements, general corporate purposes and meeting expenses related to IPO.  The company has issued 3.90 lakh equity shares at a price of Rs 95 per equity share. The IPO opened for public subscription on 9 October 2020 and closed on 13 October 2020.

    As an established player at the forefront of creating differentiated and edgy content on television and digital platforms. Bodhi Tree Multimedia is leveraging its brand in the market for entertainment content. The Company has several shows that are at various stages of development, under production and on air with marquee clients in this space.

  • Great stories can fail if not backed with right talent: Irada Entertainment’s Falguni Patel

    Great stories can fail if not backed with right talent: Irada Entertainment’s Falguni Patel

    MUMBAI: Irada Entertainment, an India-based production house is best known for its 2017 national award-winning movie Iraada starring Naseeruddin Shah. The production house has also done a Gujrati movie named Ventilator that featured Jackie Shroff in the main lead. The production house recently produced a series Avrodh with Applause Entertainment.

    It is a brainchild of Falguni Patel, an N.R.I based out of the US who is a film enthusiast at heart and believes that good content strikes a connection with the audiences. She aims to create captivating and engaging content across all genres such as a spine-chilling thriller, high-octave drama, dark-humour, or a heart-rending love story. Patel mentions that impactful stories, coupled with the right talent and technology are the need of the hour.

    Irada Entertainment is based out of Mumbai’s Andheri location and does most of the creative work on a contractual or project basis. However, the team travels to different shooting locations based on the requirements of the script. Patel shares, “We like to be as authentic as possible with our shoot locations to bring in the persuasive approach.” It is currently in the process of hiring a full-time team on board.

    “Our vision of what we want out of a story has always been cast in stone. This has been monumental in giving our team the right direction. Once we commit to any project, there is no turning back. We direct our team to think out of the box in the face of adversities and make things happen even in the worst-case scenarios.”

    As a producer, Patel thinks her biggest investment in terms of time is in the concept of the story which should be able to connect with the audiences. The firm’s significant time and efforts majorly go in shortlisting the right content. “Great stories can fail once they go into production if we do not back them with the right talent. Our approach has always been holistic, it is not only the story but also the team, the medium, and the timing that makes a project successful,” she further adds. 

    Patel highlights that producing a film or web-series comes with its own set of challenges as there is a chance that the content might not be accepted by the audience. She believes there is no formula to create hit content and it all comes with taking a risk and experimenting.

    Irada Entertainment is currently pitching its content to different OTT channels and is in talks with them for creating an OTT original as well.