People
First Step Entertainment Capital announces ‘Writer’s Lounge’ in Mumbai
Mumbai : A good story is essential to make a film and, hence, writers are critical in the film making process. To consistently create some good stories, writers need a workspace that allows them to sit, think and pen-down their thoughts. The lack of such a space in Mumbai was noticed by Swati Semwal, Creative Head of First Step Entertainment Capital (FSEC). Being a writer herself of many notable short films, she created the FIRST-EVER-FREE co-working space called Writer’s Lounge. It is an inviting space that is located at the epicentre of Television and Films, Versova, Andheri West, Mumbai.
Writer’s Lounge does not levy any charges for using its space. Its aim is to fill a lacuna that exists due to space constraints in the city. It is available for writers of all ages, associated with Screenwriters Association (SWA), to come, sit and write. Talented writers are groomed in the company of senior writers and peers while they write freely without the fear of paying exorbitant rent.
Actor, director, writer Swati Semwal, the Creative Head of First Step Entertainment Capital, says, “The idea to start the space actually came to my mind while trying to meet my own needs of finding a suitable space to write. I came from Dehradun to Mumbai and soon realized that there was a need for a common place, where writers could collect, sit, write, exchange and bounce-off ideas amongst each other. This space should become the destination for production houses to come looking for budding writers with fresh ideas. We are helping them feel the ownership of their space. We hope Writer’s Lounge becomes a haven for all aspiring writers.”
Research indicated that though there were a few websites offering a virtual lounge offering support to writers to send in their stories or exchange ideas across the world, but there was no such facility on-ground in Mumbai. There is a need for a common place, where budding writers are groomed, and nurtured, in good company of senior writers and peers.
“All writers should have access to a place where their creativity flows easily to become strong narratives. Writer’s Lounge will ensure that all serious writers, who are members of the Screenwriters Association in India, are given a comfortable place and a peaceful environment to write their stories. It allows like-minded people to work under a common roof”; says National Award Winner, Juhi Chaturvedi.
The well-known Director-Writer of several films, Tanuja Chandra says, “Since the time we were young, we were highly encouraged to read and write and to be creative. Despite being into creative arts, it took me a while to write my first book because I found it very intimidating, since every word counts and affects the impact of the story. When I ventured into script writing and direction, Bollywood was largely a male dominated industry. I managed to make a mark. Today, as I see myself standing with my fellow writers, all women, I must say women have always had to move against the tide and they have come up as winners. I believe if you have talented and motivated people, they should be encouraged to work in a peaceful arena where creativity or efficiency is the highest priority. Here’s wishing Writer’s Lounge the very best to be a successful destination for writers.”
Writer’s Lounge is a community workspace that’s more than just a few desks, fast internet and free coffee. The team at First Step Entertainment Capital have been working hard at curating the ambience of the lounge and creating a workspace where the writers can just get their head down, and be focused and productive.
First Step Entertainment Capital’s vision is to support small budget Indie Cinema, and give creative people all they need to make their ‘First Break’ into films, be it in terms of a beautiful space like Writer’s Lounge to write their stories and in giving them all the facilities to make their stories a reality– as a short film, feature film or documentary and can also give them a platform, Net Pix Shorts to showcase their short films.
Speaking on the occasion Imran Ashraf, the Founder of First Step Entertainment Capital says, “First Step is an incubator of content and creative talent with a goal to discover and nurture fresh talent of film makers and writers. We believe in good storytelling, because content is the king. The mission of First Step Entertainment is to tell stories with social impact, have thought leadership in content, make films fast and give writers of all ages who have innovative ideas and concepts an opportunity to make a film.”
“At First Step, we personally handpick content and execute it without compromising the story. We want to bring newer and differentiated stories by giving opportunities to fresh talent, and make movies that will make you ‘Think, Laugh and Thrill;” Imran further adds.
Do visit Writer’s Lounge and enjoy the neat and clean surroundings, with no maddening din to clutter the mind. With the availability of essentials like free community writing space, WiFi, Writer’s Lounge is the First Step towards bringing about a change in a writer’s life!.
Writer’s Lounge is located at Z A Tower, Yari Road, Versova, Andheri West, Mumbai.
People
Senior exec Madhu Soman reflects on stepping away from Indian TV news
Sometimes the toughest story in a newsroom is the one about the newsroom itself.
MUMBAI: For Madhu Soman, a media executive whose career spans more than two decades at global news organisations including Reuters and Bloomberg, the decision to step away from India’s television news industry followed conversations with several leading networks.
Soman returned to India in 2022 to take up a senior leadership role in television news.
He transitioned to the business side of the industry in 2014, joining Bloomberg in Hong Kong to lead broadcast sales, news syndication and strategic partnerships across Asia-Pacific. He held the role for nearly eight years before returning to India.
“WION and Zee Business were the reason I chose to return to India after long years with Reuters and Bloomberg, transitioning from telling stories to selling them,” Soman said.
“The landing strip back home was always narrow, but it was one I was happy to take.”
The stint at Zee Media Corporation Ltd., however, proved shorter than expected.
“It didn’t take very long to realise that my runway within Zee (Media) was going to be rather short,” Soman said.
“Let’s just say I was a cultural misfit.”
Even so, he says the experience had its rewards, including exceptional colleagues and a few good friends.
After stepping away from the organisation, Soman was in discussions about potential roles.
“I spent the better part of the last two years in conversations with a few leading networks, long enough to realise the difference between being unemployed and being unemployable.”
Some of the feedback, he says, was unusually candid.
“Two of them informally told me I’m perhaps one of the best media executives in the television news business. But someone like me fronting a television news network would be considered a business risk,” Soman said in conversation with IndianTelevision.com.
For Soman, the implication was clear.
“A news network fronted by someone whose instincts were formed in journalism rooted in independence, accuracy and editorial distance from power was unlikely to find much favour with the powers that be.”
Beyond the personal dimension of his decision, Soman says the experience reflects broader pressures shaping the news industry today.
“Journalism’s job is simple: ask hard questions and hold power accountable. Keep it honest,” he said.
Quoting former Washington Post editor Marty Baron, he added: “We’re not at war with the government. We’re at work.”
“That principle applies to anyone in a position of influence, whether in government, business, sport or entertainment.”
At the same time, he says the industry faces growing pressures.
“Authoritarian regimes that resist scrutiny, along with rapid technological change including AI, are reshaping and often undermining journalism’s traditional business model.”
“There’s also a growing credibility deficit, as the race for eyeballs rewards whoever delivers the news first rather than whoever confirms it best.”
Having worked on both the editorial and commercial sides of the industry, Soman says he is acutely aware of the economic realities media organisations face.
“Running a media organisation today means being a pragmatic P&L owner. The challenge is to keep investing in strong journalism while making the economics work at a time when a growing share of the industry’s revenue is increasingly being captured by technology platforms.”
“If we drop the ball on accuracy and trust, we do a grave disservice to the democracy we’re meant to serve.”
His experience straddling both content and commerce has shaped his view of how the industry must evolve.
“Good journalism and good business strategy are not opposites,” he said.
“The best media businesses are built when editorial integrity, audience trust and sustainable economics reinforce each other.”
“And ultimately, none of it works without strong teams. Leadership in media is as much about building people and institutions as it is about building products.”
Soman is now preparing to return to his hometown of Trivandrum, barely four years after returning to India.
“Delhi NCR has a way of testing your patience, your stamina and occasionally your sanity,” he says. “But it also leaves you with stories that will last a lifetime.”
“So as I pack up and head home to Trivandrum, I do so with no complaints and no regrets.”
“I didn’t sell my soul. Some things, after all, aren’t for sale.”
Soman’s reflections underscore the tensions between editorial independence, commercial realities and political pressures shaping television news today. His experience offers a window into the challenges facing media leaders navigating a rapidly changing industry. For him, the decision marks a moment to step back after decades spent across global newsrooms and media businesses.
