Government’s OTT platform a cultural intervention: KSFDC Chairman
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The State authorities’s proposed foray into the net content material streaming house with the launch of an over-the-top (OTT) platform is a cultural intervention, somewhat than one thing prompted by the market or revenues, in line with Kerala State Film Development Corporation (KSFDC) chairman Shaji.N.Karun.
Speaking to The Puucho, he stated the plan is to launch the platform by November 1.
‘‘Even though the market is crowded with too many platforms, the government is taking this up as a cultural intervention, rather than looking at its viability. We do have an audience which is spread out across the globe. Even an OTT platform like Mubi, which has curated content, has its set of audiences. But, our priority will still be the big screen, with the films first getting a screening in the cinemas and then coming to the OTT platform,’’ Mr. Karun stated.
Major gamers
Though main gamers reminiscent of Netflix and Amazon have been exhibiting extra curiosity in Malayalam cinema, it’s principally restricted to movies which they’re ensured of a income. In the previous one 12 months, solely fewer than 15 Malayalam movies, a majority of them that includes large stars, have been taken up by these streaming platforms. Smaller, home-grown OTT platforms reminiscent of Neestream and Mainstream TV do not need the monetary muscle to match the larger gamers. The authorities’s proposed platform would possibly guarantee house in addition to some form of income share for the decrease price range, impartial movies which can be struggling to see the sunshine of the day.
‘‘We have initiated conversations with firms handling the legal issues regarding streaming on international platforms, especially regarding the concerns of protection from piracy. Making a platform on our own would be ideal, as the data and content would remain with us, rather than with a third party, if we depend on an existing platform. In the initial period, we might have to engage consultants for the smooth running and to address streaming issues that might crop up,’’says Mr. Karun.
The filmmaker sees the newest initiative together with the main ongoing works to show the Chitranjali Studio in Thiruvananthapuram to match worldwide requirements. The ₹150-crore mission, he says, will allow filmmakers to provide high-quality content material in smaller budgets, which might in flip have an assured OTT platform too.
‘‘The government is seeing this as part of a vision extending from the production to the exhibition side. In recent decades, the KSFDC and Chitranjali have been weak in the production side, causing directors to migrate to other locations. Now, along with the works at Chitranjali, the KSFDC is setting up a connected production centre in Ernakulam. With the latest set-up becoming a reality, filmmakers would be able to make better use of remote production possibilities; for instance, a music director can remotely guide an orchestra based in eastern Europe or a filmmaker can remotely associate with a colourist based in London,’’ stated Mr.Karun.
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