Mumbai: The eighth edition of The Content Hub Summit delved into the ever-changing world of content creation. With the consolidation of platforms, creators face new hurdles in gaining visibility, maximizing revenue, and maintaining creative freedom. The event explored the remarkable theatrical success of Indian cinema and unraveled the secrets behind its unprecedented profits, with a critical eye towards its sustainability.
The esteemed panel of industry leaders has shared their expertise on adapting to the shifting landscape, tackling daily challenges, and envisioning the future of production.
The session was moderated by HitFlik film director & CCO Saurabh Varma which includes panelists: Inspire Films Ltd founder & managing director Yash A Patnaik, Dangal Play head Akshat Singhal, writer & director Soumik Sen, Geophil managing director Robin Philip, producer Monisha Singh Katial, GSEAMS producer, creator Kartk D Nishandar and Pratilipi co-founder & CEO Ranjeet Pratap Singh.
Verma kicked off the discussion by highlighting the future trend of regional content, to which Katial emphasised its growing popularity beyond traditional markets. She noted the increasing viewership of South Indian movies in the Hindi belt, signaling a promising avenue for content creators.
Nishandar echoed this sentiment, stating the importance of creating content within budget constraints while adapting to changing trends. Success, he argued, lies in the ability to evolve with the times and cater to shifting audience preferences.
Singh drew parallels between his platform and a modern-day version of Disney, emphasizing the power of storytelling to transcend barriers of format, language, and geography. In a landscape inundated with content, he stressed the challenge of identifying what resonates with audiences.
Sen stated the importance of audience engagement, stating that creativity thrives on interaction and connection with viewers. In an era of abundance, where choices abound, creators must actively seek to engage their audience rather than passively expect their attention.
Philip shed light on the global perspective, highlighting the significance of international distribution in monetizing Indian content. He urged industry players to aggressively position themselves for global licensing opportunities, viewing it as a lucrative avenue for revenue generation.
Singhal gave more importance to regional content as according to him, focusing more on niche content meaning where people can relate themselves in their daily life, can give an immense boost to the storytelling narrative.
Patnaik gave succinct framework for content success: invite, engage, involve, and entertain. He told the importance of consistency, drawing parallels with the enduring popularity of US sitcoms characterized by their extensive episode count.
The session wrapped up with each panelist expressing a high level of optimism regarding the future of content.
