Hindi
Copyright challenges with globalisation of the Indian film industry
NEW DELHI: Media lawyers Jamshed Mistry and Suneera Madhok have said categorically that copyright belongs to the filmmaker by right, simply because he or she has created a piece of art – film – and the right was inviolate.
It is when these rights are transferred that copyright issues come to the fore. Unless sold outright (not advisable under any circumstances) all transfer of rights are temporary and applicable to the media/format, the geographical territory and for a given period.
If these issues are taken care of through a contract, then issues of insurance come up to cover not-budgeted for legal expenses on cases thrust on the production/producer by some mischievous litigants, asserted insurance expert Maneck Dastur.
These experts were taking part in a panel discussion on challenges following globalisation of the film industry in India. The discussion was moderated by writer and filmmaker Ramesh Tekwani. Filmmaker Brahmanand Singh also spoke at the discussion jointly organised by Entertainment Society of Goa and the Film Federation of India.
Filmmaker and distributor Vincent Corda confirmed that no international co-production or distribution deal could be finalised unless the project is adequately insured. He went on to explain that besides the various development funds that existed to initiate and sustain project development, there was also a risk fund to cover such exigencies.
Straying from films yet staying with entertainment, Entertainment Society of Goa CEO Manoj Srivastava wanted to know just how IPR applied to events; the system of collection of fees seemed to be in place but he was not quite sure how the IPR owners got their dues from the collections. As this flummoxed all, the Film Federation of India had been asked to tackle it at the industry level with a condition that it must take up the copyright issue as a full-fledged, daylong seminar and thrash out the issue in detail.
Hindi
Rajesh Ramaswamy exits The Script Room to focus on filmmaking journey
Ad filmmaker steps away from own venture to pursue direction and storytelling
MUMBAI: In a move that has caught the attention of the advertising and creative community, Rajesh Ramaswamy has announced his exit from The Script Room, the company he co-founded, marking the end of a seven-year stint at the helm.
The decision, which came into effect earlier this month, signals a shift in focus for Ramaswamy, who is now looking to immerse himself fully in filmmaking and direction as an independent creative.
Known for blending sharp advertising insight with storytelling craft, Ramaswamy has been instrumental in shaping The Script Room into a creative hub that delivered campaigns, branded content, and original storytelling formats. Over the years, the company collaborated with agencies, directors, and a wide network of writers, while also experimenting with formats such as short films and web series.
Sharing his thoughts on the transition, Ramaswamy indicated that the move is driven by a desire to focus and explore stories he has been developing over time. While he acknowledged the unconventional nature of stepping away from one’s own venture, he also framed it as a necessary leap toward clarity and creative pursuit.
Importantly, The Script Room will continue its operations with its current team and leadership, with Ramaswamy expressing confidence in the group that helped build the company’s identity. The studio, he noted, remains well-positioned to evolve further with fresh talent and ideas.
His exit also reflects a wider industry trend, where experienced advertising professionals are increasingly transitioning into independent filmmaking, tapping into the growing opportunities across digital and long-form content platforms.
As Ramaswamy steps into this new phase, the move underscores a familiar creative instinct, sometimes, the boldest ideas begin with a clean break.
