News Broadcasting
M&E veterans Saurabh Varma, Utpal Acharya launch Content Engineers
Mumbai: Former Jio Studios chief marketing officer Saurabh Varma has joined hands with a former executive from Cinépolis Gulf and Sony Pictures Utpal Acharya to form a content creation studio – Content Engineers.
According to a statement, the studio will put $50 million as an initial investment to create all forms of intellectual properties including feature films, web series, documentaries and docudramas to cater to both theatrical and OTT space.
Content Engineers is backed by Silicon Valley-based technology consulting and Angel investing enterprise Veear Projects which has networks all across North America and Asia.
“The content will focus on grass-rooted Indian stories with Indian values. The vision is to create films based on new-age, heart-warming Indian stories that will connect with audiences all across the world,” a statement said.
The firm will set up its own ideation cell and think tanks, disruptive media-tech initiatives, technology innovations, VFX studios, a post-production unit, and virtual production and script lab. The team at Content Engineers will consist of writers, storytellers, content creators from all across India including tier 2 and 3 towns with a focus on commercially viable original stories.
Varma has worked with Jio Studios, Inox, Reliance Entertainment and PVR Ltd, handling marketing, distribution, programming and content syndication. Varma has also directed multiple feature films. Acharya has been part of giant corporates like Sony Pictures, UTV, Studio18, Reliance Entertainment and Cinepolis Gulf handling box office, sales, business development, production, distribution, programming, content acquisition and syndication. Both will bring in the experience of over 45 years and more than 1500+ films together.
“Good stories can survive the toughest of times and well-engineered content has the power to put ideas into the world today,” said Saurabh Varma. “The recent growth in demand for content due to the rise of so many OTT platforms has opened a world of opportunities to explore disruptive content. In today’s world, where language is no longer a barrier, we intend to create grass-rooted Indian content that is Indian and yet global in its appeal. Content Engineers intends to invest in people, emotions and stories seamlessly link these elements to create impactful and meaningful content.”
“Apart from creating relevant IP’s and disruptive content, Content Engineers aim to build a wholesome system that will nurture the chosen projects from scripting till it reaches the audiences worldwide,” said Utpal Acharya. “At times, a good narrative fails to get the right audience due to the lack of proper strategy and initiatives. Content Engineers aims to fill that void by forming a fine balance between the creative and the commerce thinking in the media-tech business.”
News Broadcasting
BBC to cut up to 2,000 jobs in biggest overhaul in 15 years
Cost pressures and leadership change drive major workforce reduction plan
LONDON: BBC has unveiled plans to cut up to 2,000 jobs, roughly 10 per cent of its global workforce, in what marks its biggest downsizing in 15 years.
The announcement was made during an all-staff meeting led by interim director-general Rhodri Talfan Davies, as the broadcaster moves to tackle mounting financial pressures and reshape its operations.
Between 1,800 and 2,000 roles are expected to be eliminated from a workforce of around 21,500. The cuts form part of a broader plan to save £500 million over the next two years, aimed at offsetting rising costs, stagnating licence fee income and weaker commercial revenues.
In a communication to staff, BBC interim director-general Rhodri Talfan Davies said, “I know this creates real uncertainty, but we wanted to be open about the challenge,” acknowledging the impact the move would have across the organisation.
The restructuring comes at a time of leadership transition. Former director-general Tim Davie stepped down earlier this month, with Matt Brittin, a former Google executive, set to take over the role on May 18, 2026.
While some cost-cutting measures are being implemented immediately, the majority of the structural changes are expected to roll out over the next few years, with full savings targeted by the 2027–2028 financial year.
The broadcaster had earlier signalled its intent to reduce its cost base by around 10 per cent over a three-year period, warning of “difficult choices” as it adapts to shifting economic realities and audience expectations.
With operating costs hovering around £6 billion annually, the BBC’s latest move underscores the scale of the financial challenge it faces, as it balances public service commitments with the need for long-term sustainability in an increasingly competitive media landscape.
