MUMBAI: The convention for the business of entertainment Frames takes place in Mumbai from 22-24 March. One session will look at Financing Options for Indian Entertainment industry.

The Indian entertainment industry is one of the fastest growing sectors recording a growth rate of 18-20 per cent each year. How do the investors and the financial community view this sector? What will be the various financing options that could be made available to this sector.

Seeking to provide answers are JP Morgan MD Vedika Bhandarkar, HSBC Securities (USA) global sector head for media and entertainment Sandeep Pahwa, Carlyle Asia Investment Advisors MD Rajeev Gupta, Enam Financial Consultants partner and MD Munesh Khanna, GW Capital partner Vikram Narula and Waygate Capital MD Rajesh Jog.

On 23 March there will be a plenary session on Emerging revenue options for the Indian Entertainment Industry. Indian cinema is still less than one per cent of worldwide movie revenues. Digital distribution of content provides unprecedented and timely reach to consumers of Indian content in markets, which are non-traditional clusters. New markets, better distribution and broadband at home open up significant opportunities for digital distribution of movie and music content with the enhanced security of content protection and advanced payment mechanism.

The session will be moderated by Nasscom president Kiran Karnik. The opening address will be given by Kamal Haasan who will dwell on The Interplay of Technology and Entertainment. Intel will make a presentation.

Another plenary session will look at the Marketing & Distribution of Films: The Global Perspective. How is it that a global product is communicated locally keeping in mind the specifics of that particular region.

The session will be moderated by UTV chairman Ronnie Screwvala. The speakers include Buena Vista International president Mark Zoradi. He will deal with the challenges in marketing a film in different countries and across various regions. Hollywood has found India a tough nut to crack as it is faced with an audience who is loyal towards Indian cinema. Hollywood accounts for around seven to eight per cent to total film revenues in India. How can Universal, Paramount and other Hollywood studios increase revenues in India?

Meanwhile Indian filmmakers are looking at how they can tap the overseas market better. Looking to tackle these two issues is United International Pictures chairman and CEO Stewart Till who also serves as chairman of the UK Film Council.