Content Hub
Jyoti Kapoor on high-concept films and screenplay
MUMBAI: There is a myth in Bollywood that high-concept cinemas don’t find their way to the box office. But the economy of film-making is going through a change and more small budget story-driven films are coming out as hits. The list is long with Badhhai Ho, Raazi, Andhadhun, Thappad, Shubh Mangal Zyada Saavdhan and The Sky is Pink.
At The Content Hub 2020 Masterclass, Jyoti Kapoor, writers of films like Badhhai Ho and Good Newzz in a candid chat with film-critic Gayatri Gauri shared insights on high-concept films.
Kapoor said that high concept story is something that is unique and the premise of the film can be defined in one line. However, according to her all good films are not necessarily high-concept driven. She also shared experiences of her early professional life as a journalist which helped her later as scriptwriter also. Although she did not reveal too much she said that real life definitely reflects in her works.
She also added that constant work teaches you how to make a synopsis less boring, how to balance between breaking and following a screenplay structure. While there are chances of story ideas being stolen, she said that chances of ideas getting tampered increases if a one-page story synopsis is being shared.
Mumbai: Exploring the shift from regional to national content, this synopsis delves into the trends and challenges. It navigates the transformation, analyzing industry dynamics, emerging trends, and the hurdles faced. From preserving regional variation to adapting to a broader audience, it examines the multifaceted journey of regional content evolving into a national narrative. In what ways do the emerging trends and challenges influence the dynamics of the entertainment industry during this transition? How can creators navigate these changes effectively? What strategic approaches can content creators adopt to strike a balance between maintaining regional identity and fostering a cohesive national narrative in their work? How can the transition from ‘regional’ to ‘national content’ impact cultural diversity within the entertainment industry, and what measures can be taken to ensure the preservation of regional variation?
In a rapidly evolving media landscape, seasoned industry professionals have offered valuable insights into the transformation of content consumption and production. The session was chaired by Ernst and Young partner Raghav Anand, MMTV chief executive officer P.R. Satheesh, Sony Marathi business head Ajay Bhalwankar, PTC Network chairman & MD Rabindra Narayan, Shemaroo Entertainment COO, Digital, Saurabh Srivastava esteemed voices in the field, have articulated their perspectives on the burgeoning shift towards globalised content.
Rabindra Narayan emphasised the dissolution of regional boundaries in content consumption, attributing it to the accessibility facilitated by global platforms and connectivity options. He predicts a future where language barriers will fade, citing the potential of technology to clone and adapt voices, thus enabling seamless localization across languages.
Saurabh highlighted the democratisation of content creation in the digital era, underscoring its empowerment and revenue potential, particularly in linguistically diverse markets like India. He emphasizes the value of culturally rooted storytelling in filling gaps in content supply, with technology enabling effective monetization, especially through OTT platforms.
Ajay Bhalwan sheds light on the evolving landscape of Hindi and regional language content, noting a significant shift where a substantial portion of content on Hindi film channels originates from regional languages. He accentuates the importance of language in enhancing authenticity and audience engagement, exemplified by the strong resonance of Marathi content in Maharashtra.
PR Satheesh underscored the paramount importance of content quality in driving viewership and transcending language barriers. Drawing parallels with the global popularity of Korean dramas, he advocates for leveraging technology, including AI and real-time translations, to enhance content creation and distribution.
These insightful perspectives collectively echoed the industry’s adaptation to a globalised content landscape, where technology catalyzes innovation and accessibility. As content continues to evolve, these experts offered valuable guidance on navigating the dynamic media landscape and maximizing the impact of storytelling in diverse markets worldwide.
