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Tag: Vivify Asia

  • Vivify Asia transforms into Vivify Stories

    Vivify Asia transforms into Vivify Stories

    Mumbai: Vivify Asia, a creative production and technology solutions, revamping its brand identity to Vivify Stories, marking a significant evolution in its mission and identity. This strategic shift underscores the company’s commitment to crafting unforgettable brand activations, product launches, corporate meetings, events, and immersive experiences that transcend conventional boundaries.

    As Vivify Stories, the company embraces a holistic approach to storytelling, weaving captivating narratives that seamlessly blend the physical and digital realms. This transformation reflects Vivify Stories’ dedication to being more than just a creative production and technology agency; it positions the company as the architect of exceptional brand experiences that leave a lasting impact.

    “Our rebranding to Vivify Stories represents our unwavering dedication to elevating the art of storytelling in everything we do,” said Vivify Stories founder and CEO Vikram Bhalla. “We believe that every brand has a unique story to tell, and through immersive experiences that resonate across multiple platforms, we empower our clients to connect with their audiences in meaningful ways.”

    Some noteworthy past clients and projects of Vivify stories include Coca-Cola, Manchester United Football Club (MUFC), FIFA World Cup Trophy Tour, and Sprite Gully Cricket among others. These projects highlight Vivify Stories’ extensive experience and success in delivering impactful brand activations and immersive experiences across various industries and markets.

    Under the Vivify Stories banner, the company continues to innovate and push boundaries, guided by a team of seasoned professionals who bring expertise from diverse creative disciplines. Ralph Fernandes director of technical, an accomplished director of Photography (DOP) within the industry, shares his excitement about the rebranding: “As part of Vivify Stories, I am thrilled to be part of a team that is redefining the landscape of brand activations and immersive experiences. Our commitment to storytelling excellence remains steadfast, and I look forward to bringing our clients’ visions to life in new and exciting ways.”

    Vivify Stories invites clients, partners, and industry stakeholders to embark on this transformative journey with them, as they continue to pioneer innovative approaches to storytelling and brand activation.

  • Weekend Unwind with: Vivify Asia’s Vikram Bhalla

    Weekend Unwind with: Vivify Asia’s Vikram Bhalla

    Mumbai: With another weekend upon us, it is time to unwind with the latest Q&A edition of Indiantelevision.com’s Weekend Unwind—a series of informal chats that peek into the minds of business executives through a fun lens in an attempt to get to know the person behind the title a little better.

    In this week’s session, we have Vivify Asia founder and director Vikram Bhalla.

    Bhalla is an entrepreneur/filmmaker with a diverse career spanning over 30 years. His journey reflects his enduring passion for events, content creation, and innovation. Vikram’s expertise in lifestyle, music, and the audio industry is the foundation of his creative endeavors. He has actively engaged in various lifestyle segments, including motorcycling, music, audio, cycling, and coffee culture.

    Without further ado here it goes…

    Your mantra for life

    CARPE DIEM – seize the day

    A book you are currently reading or plan to read

    Just finished Fooled by Randomness: The Hidden Role of Chance in Life and in the Markets

    Your fitness mantra, especially during the pandemic

    No excuses – virtual cycling on the Zwift platform gave me the opportunity to ride in Europe

    Your comfort food

    Naga food … something I love cooking for the family

    A quote or philosophy that keeps you going when the chips are down  

    “If you’re going through hell, keep going.” —Winston Churchill

    Your guilty pleasure

    A Cuban cigar  with a cognac while listening to music

    The last time you tried something new

    Recently, I learned how to make a hollandaise sauce (french cuisine)

    A life lesson you learned the hard way

    Dont ignore your gut feeling

    What gets you excited about life?

    When I get a chance to create a new story for a brand

    What’s on top of your bucket list?

    To start a school for creative pursuits

    If you could give one piece of advice to your younger self, what would it be?

    Stop and appreciate the present

    One thing you would most like to change about the world

    The divisive environment, many people, find things to differ on

    An activity that keeps you motivated and charged during tough times

    Going to the gym

    What lifts your spirits when life gets you down?

    Playing and looking after my dogs

    Your go-to stress buster

    Music

  • “Success potential lies in creating fresh content that highlights India’s emerging generation’s aspirations”: Vivify Asia’s Vikram Bhalla

    “Success potential lies in creating fresh content that highlights India’s emerging generation’s aspirations”: Vivify Asia’s Vikram Bhalla

    Mumbai: Entrepreneurship is the art of turning ideas into action, where innovation meets determination. It’s a journey marked by risk, resilience, and relentless pursuit. Entrepreneurs are the architects of change, crafting their destinies with a blend of passion and practicality. In this dynamic realm, every challenge is an opportunity, and success is the sweet reward for those who dare to disrupt the status quo.

    In this interview, we have an industry veteran – Vikram Bhalla who is an entrepreneur/filmmaker with a diverse career spanning over 30 years. His journey reflects his enduring passion for events, content creation, and innovation. Vikram’s professional life began right after school when he worked as a telephone instrument salesman in 1992. However, he found his true calling in the world of music and events. He transitioned to managing bands, including Daler Mehndi, in partnership with the international agency PNG, all under Golden Melodies in 1993.

    Vikram’s expertise in lifestyle, music, and the audio industry is the foundation of his creative endeavors. He has actively engaged in various lifestyle segments, including motorcycling, music, audio, cycling, and coffee culture. He envisions Vivify Asia as a platform for nurturing entrepreneurs, embracing the gig economy, and fostering creativity.

    Indiantelevision.com in conversation with Vivify Asia founder and director Vikram Bhalla discussed his entrepreneurial journey, Vivify Asia’s USP, and more.

    Edited Excerpts:

    On the inspiration behind your transition from selling telephone instruments to managing bands, and eventually founding Vivify Asia

    The evolution transpired as my awareness heightened during the sales process, revealing that particular brands wield a premium despite offering fundamentally equivalent products as their counterparts. This realisation prompted a heightened cognizance of the pivotal role that marketing assumes in augmenting the perceived value of products.

    On your experience as a DJ in Delhi contributing to the foundation of Vivify Asia, and the role that your passion for music played in shaping the company’s identity

    I became involved in live events out of a fascination with the factors that contribute to their success. This curiosity led me to delve into various aspects of the event process. Initially, I took on the role of a DJ, and as I embarked on different projects, I gradually assumed responsibility for additional facets of the events. This evolution saw me not only handling the musical aspects but also taking charge of technical aspects and eventually delving into the thematic treatment of events. Through this progression, I gained a comprehensive understanding of the diverse elements that come together to create a memorable and successful event experience.

    On the USP of Vivify Asia in providing high-quality content at affordable prices and balancing cost-effectiveness with maintaining content quality

    Leveraging insights gained from millions of human and consumer interactions, coupled with our adept skill in crafting impactful scripts, we seamlessly integrate our understanding of the human mindset into content creation. This synergy allows us to produce compelling content that effectively resonates with audiences without exceeding budgetary constraints. Drawing on decades of experience in the production process, we strike a harmonious balance between effectiveness and cost-efficiency. Our approach combines a deep understanding of consumer behavior with the art of crafting persuasive narratives, ensuring that our content not only engages but also aligns seamlessly with the financial parameters of the production journey.

    On your engagement in various lifestyle segments being diverse, and ensuring the appeal of your documentaries extending beyond enthusiasts

    The goal is to spark curiosity and provide a glimpse into the enriching experiences that a joyful lifestyle can offer. This initiative aims to open a window for individuals, offering them the opportunity to explore and uncover exciting aspects of life that may have previously escaped their attention. By doing so, we hope to introduce people to novel and enjoyable activities they may not be familiar with, ultimately enhancing their overall sense of well-being.

    On the genre or type of content that you believe, holds the most potential for success in the current market

    The potential for success lies in creating fresh content that highlights the aspirations of the emerging generation in India. Whether it’s fictional narratives or real-life stories, there’s a growing audience eager to witness and hear about individuals who are ambitiously pursuing their dreams and forging unique identities. The opportunity resides in showcasing the endeavors of this new wave of Indians who are thinking big and striving to carve out their distinct paths. People are keen to engage with content that reflects the spirit of these endeavors, making it a promising avenue for storytellers to explore and captivate audiences with narratives that resonate with the dreams and ambitions of the contemporary Indian persona.

    On navigating the dynamic landscape of a rapidly evolving industry, balancing traditional and new-age approaches, to position Vivify Asia effectively

    Examine all propositions critically, embracing methodologies that demonstrate efficacy while scrutinising established industry practices that may have diminished in effectiveness over time. Assume the role of a devil’s advocate in assessing each approach, thereby identifying and endorsing those that withstand rigorous scrutiny.

    On the success stories where Vivify Asia played a crucial role in fostering someone’s creative endeavors or business ventures

    The alumni of Vivify have successfully established a minimum of ten businesses. Situated in proximity to our initial office, a local community expressed interest in employment opportunities, prompting several individuals to join as production assistants. Over time, these individuals transitioned to establish a prosperous set designing enterprise, collaborating with industry leaders. Such success stories abound within our community.

    On the advice that you would give to aspiring entrepreneurs

    For aspiring entrepreneurs, my advice would be to dedicate 10,000 hours to your craft, embrace challenges with an open mindset, and persevere through adversity. Take ample time to observe various customer interactions, as they hold valuable insights. By doing so, you’ll discover that the customer often guides the way forward.

  • Guest Article: How successful CSR-marketing integration enhances a company’s credibility with buyers

    Guest Article: How successful CSR-marketing integration enhances a company’s credibility with buyers

    Mumbai: In an era dominated by conscious consumers and an increasing demand for corporate transparency, the intertwining of corporate social responsibility (CSR) and marketing has emerged as a powerful strategy for enhancing a company’s credibility with buyers. Beyond being a mere philanthropic endeavor, effectively marrying CSR and marketing can transform a company’s image, foster brand loyalty, and contribute to long-term success in a competitive marketplace.

    In the past, businesses often viewed CSR as a separate entity, a moral obligation rather than a strategic tool. However, as the dynamics of consumer behavior evolve, a paradigm shift has occurred, prompting companies to recognise the symbiotic relationship between CSR and marketing. This shift is not just about being socially responsible but also about communicating those efforts to consumers in an authentic and compelling manner.

    One of the primary benefits of aligning CSR and marketing is the enhancement of a company’s credibility in the eyes of its buyers. In a world inundated with choices, consumers are no longer passive purchasers; they are discerning advocates who seek brands that resonate with their values. When a company actively engages in socially responsible initiatives and effectively communicates these efforts through its marketing channels, it creates a narrative that extends beyond the product or service itself.

    Consider a scenario where a company champions environmental sustainability by adopting eco-friendly practices in its production processes. If this commitment is seamlessly integrated into the company’s marketing strategy, highlighting not only the positive impact on the planet but also the shared values with its consumers, it establishes a powerful connection. Buyers are not just acquiring a product; they are investing in a philosophy that aligns with their own ethical considerations.

    A perfect example of this would be the Godfrey Phillips National Bravery Awards, previously known as the Red and White Bravery Awards. Instituted in 1990 by Godfrey Phillips India, this initiative serves as a surrogate tobacco brand promotional activity. The awards, aimed at honoring courageous individuals in Indian society, cleverly intertwine the promotion of the “Red and White” cigarette brand with recognising acts of bravery. Another compelling illustration is the collaboration between Coca-Cola and Urban Farming during Earth Week in April 2011. In this initiative, Coca-Cola and Urban Farming joined forces to launch a Rainwater Harvesting Project. Utilising repurposed Coca-Cola syrup barrels, the project created a sustainable water supply for vegetation in Urban Farming gardens. The result was the provision of free, fresh produce to the community, demonstrating a harmonious blend of environmental sustainability and corporate involvement.

    Moreover, the integration of CSR into marketing efforts provides a unique storytelling opportunity for companies. Instead of bombarding consumers with traditional advertising messages, businesses can craft narratives that showcase their commitment to social causes. These stories humanise the brand, making it relatable and fostering a sense of emotional connection with the audience.

    Successful CSR-marketing integration goes beyond occasional philanthropic campaigns; it becomes ingrained in the company’s DNA. This authenticity is a key factor in building trust, a commodity that is increasingly rare in today’s marketplace. When buyers perceive a genuine commitment to social responsibility, they are more likely to trust the brand, which, in turn, translates into increased loyalty and repeat business.

    Furthermore, the positive impact of aligning CSR and marketing is not limited to customer relations. It extends to attracting and retaining top talent. In an age where employees are increasingly motivated by a sense of purpose, companies that prioritise CSR and effectively communicate these initiatives in their marketing efforts become employers of choice. The workforce becomes more than a collection of individuals; it becomes a community united by a shared commitment to making a positive impact on the world.

    To sum it up

    The successful merger of corporate social responsibility and marketing is not just a trendy tactic but a strategic imperative for companies looking to enhance their credibility with buyers. It goes beyond philanthropy, becoming a narrative that resonates with consumers, building trust, fostering loyalty, and attracting top talent. As businesses navigate the complex landscape of consumer expectations, embracing CSR as an integral part of marketing is not just an option; it’s a pathway to sustained success in an ever-evolving marketplace. In an era where buyers are as discerning as they are demanding, companies that authentically embrace social responsibility in their marketing efforts are poised to not only survive but thrive in the hearts and minds of their audience.

    This article has been authored by Vivify Asia founder Vikram Bhalla.