|
|
|
|
| The *Indian Film Industry* Network is not currently active and cannot accept new posts |
| Digital Film Studio | Views: 1578 |
| Jun 11, 2008 3:37 pm | | Digital Film Studio | # |
Biju Abhilash | | Well I was checking with another Film maker .. A ryzer himself for starting a Digital film studio ...
Do let me know how many of you will bet your pennies on a digital film studio ....
We are looking at inputs,brickbats and support ...
Regards
Biju Abhilash ...
Live your dreams or chase your dreams
http://venclub-network.ryze.com/Private Reply to Biju Abhilash |
| Jun 12, 2008 4:26 am | | re: Digital Film Studio | # |
Zulfi Shaikh | | Hi Biju
welcome ...Private Reply to Zulfi Shaikh |
| Jun 12, 2008 4:34 am | | re: re: Digital Film Studio | # |
Suresh Menon | | Hi. I own a Digital Film Studio myself. Started about a year back. Going strong. A half-baked website is just up www.hdstudios.in Private Reply to Suresh Menon |
| Jun 16, 2008 1:29 pm | | re: re: re: Digital Film Studio | # |
Biju Abhilash | | Just to add to my post ...
When I said a digital film studio ....
It is film studio with special emphasis on regional movies which doesn't get the kind of funding which any major language film gets ...
Well the idea is to have a center of film production for Regional films ...
Regional means exclude the main languages .. let us say gharwali, Tulu, konkani , Nepali ...etc ...
Suresh well not a pure film studio in the industry parlance ...
Appologies for my not being clear in my first post
Regards
Biju Abhilash ...
Live your dreams or chase your dreams
http://venclub-network.ryze.com/Private Reply to Biju Abhilash |
| Jun 16, 2008 1:56 pm | | re: re: re: re: Digital Film Studio | # |
Suresh Menon | | Hi Abilash
Yes. I am on the same boat. I am concentrating on South Indian movies - low budget ones - and they get done in budgets of 25 to 35 lakhs overall. Going further down to Konkani, Tullu, etc ... wonder what difference it makes. Ultimately the technology remains the same, am I rt? ... or wrong?Private Reply to Suresh Menon |
| Jun 18, 2008 10:30 am | | re: re: re: re: re: Digital Film Studio | # |
Biju Abhilash | | Well it is neither right or wrong ..
it is about creating a brand and the concept.. do we need to compete with the mainstream guys directly or start of supporting languages where you don't have movie making crowd and the moolah ...
Well if you have a super hit in tulu you will probably making a decent profit ... as your audience is niche ...
what it will do it it will churn out a lot of directors and artists ... who will probably get into mainstream ...
But by creating a movie making culture in languages which are not mainstream what we are actually doing is promoting good movie as you cant have a masala fare to succeed in the such niche crowds ....
Well am I clear or do you feel I am wrong ... please correct me if you feel so
Regards
Biju Abhilash ...
Live your dreams or chase your dreams
http://venclub-network.ryze.com/Private Reply to Biju Abhilash |
| Jun 18, 2008 10:38 am | | re: re: re: re: re: re: Digital Film Studio | # |
Suresh Menon | | You seem to have a point. I must agree with you. But do the numbers work out atleast for a no loss-no profit venture? For example, a decent movie in a regional language (read niche) can be made in about 25 lakhs. Does the same niche segment have sufficient viewing to absorb the cost? Private Reply to Suresh Menon |
| Jun 20, 2008 7:06 am | | re: re: re: re: re: re: Digital Film Studio | # |
Ramchandra PN | | Biju, I should say that the idea is exciting - a center where digital films are made in cultures that do not have a great film heritage. If we have the resourses, we should certainly go ahead with it.
I agree with Suresh, when he says that one needs to look at the returns in such a venture, atleast on a no loss basis. I belive that the existing film exhibition system does not allow that to happen. We would be better off by by looking at alternative methods to show the films and alternative revenue models.
If we dont do that, sustainability could be an issue.
Private Reply to Ramchandra PN |
| Jun 20, 2008 2:18 pm | | re: re: re: re: re: re: re: Digital Film Studio | # |
Biju Abhilash | | Well the actual revenue models which has been thought about are :
1) CD and DVD ...
2) tie up with Video Rental
3)Retail distribution network .. well i mean foodworld and other supermarkets ..
4) mail order of the CD and DVD
5) direct download from the net
:) i have the necessary infrastructure and contacts for the above five revenue streams ....
BTW Hukkum ka Ikka is still with me ;)
Inputs and brickbats are wrelcome .....
Regards
Biju Abhilash ...
Live your dreams or chase your dreams
http://venclub-network.ryze.com/Private Reply to Biju Abhilash |
| Jun 20, 2008 2:19 pm | | re: re: re: re: re: re: re: Digital Film Studio | # |
Biju Abhilash | | forgot to add
we can even work out a special screening of regional language movies in the multiplexes and well we also have the in movie advertisement ....
Regards
Biju Abhilash ...
Live your dreams or chase your dreams
http://venclub-network.ryze.com/Private Reply to Biju Abhilash |
| Jun 22, 2008 2:51 pm | | re: re: re: re: re: re: re: re: Digital Film Studio | # |
Dalton L | |
>South Indian movies - low budget ones - and they get done in budgets of 25 to 35 lakhs overall.
Suresh, I would think that's a lot of money for a low-budget, regional film made in digital format!Private Reply to Dalton L |
| Jun 23, 2008 8:44 am | | re: re: re: re: re: re: re: re: re: Digital Film Studio | # |
Roy Andersen | |
The concept of a digital film studio is interesting ... it can only work if you have some big guys to back you out for the first few years ... I am guessing ....
Dalton
What is the approx budget to make a movie in the digital format ...
Suresh
Well what are the kind of movie you can produce for 35 - 50 lakhs ..
well what is the cost of distributing a movie ... lets say i want to release my movie in 500 cinema halls across the world ...
I was always under the impression you need a few 100 millions to make a movie .....
Private Reply to Roy Andersen |
| Jun 23, 2008 10:29 am | | re: re: re: re: re: re: re: re: re: re: Digital Film Studio | # |
Suresh Menon | | Hi. I am surprised that the idea is new to most. I received other enquiries on my email too.
Well, the idea is already being implemented out here in Tamilnadu and Chennai. There are atleast 4 movies that have already been released and about 15 (known to me) in various stages of production.
It works like this. The mushrooming of regional TV channels have left them scrambling for content. They now buy a film with second-level artists for a whopping sum of 25 to 40 lakhs (Tamilnadu). It is virtually an auction. The Hero and Heroines can be freshers, but the product should be a full length feature film with censor certificate. This throws up a huge market.
Going digital helps in cutting a lot of costs. Any experienced film maker will agree. And when shot in Progressive HD/HDV, the resultant footage can be converted into film too. Today there are several people doing such films, with specially tailored scripts and heavily shortened shoot schedules. A movie with a slightly known artiste fetches even more than the above sum.
After this, when you release the movie in theatres using a digital projection network (UFO or QUBE) all the money you earn is your profit, after having tasted break-even in Satellite rights alone. I hope I have answered most queries.Private Reply to Suresh Menon |
| Jun 23, 2008 10:31 am | | re: re: re: re: re: re: re: re: re: re: re: Digital Film Studio | # |
Suresh Menon | | O yes and Roy ...
Distribution is through the Digital Network. Or, you just sell away the rights to distributors areawise and you are done. No headaches. ... provided of course they are convinced that the movie will run in the theatres ... i mean the quality of the overall movie.
I have several groups using my equipments to make such movies. Private Reply to Suresh Menon |
| Jun 23, 2008 12:14 pm | | Digital Film Studio | # |
Nanda Kishore.M.P. | |
Biju & Suresh
Thanks for the valuable information to small scale producers. Can you people arrange for distributors / channels to commit their business before the production. Of course I understand that the need to maintain quality standards and to guarantee them. If a producer can give let us say performance guarantee can this be arranged ? If you can arrange for this tie up I think there will be a lot of creative and talented Producers / Directors who will want to take up this opportunity.
Small Scale Film makers of the world unite, you have nothing but to lose your (Hard Earned) money ? Which can always be earned back.
Wishing all the best to all of you film makers
Nanda Kishore.M.P.
Private Reply to Nanda Kishore.M.P. |
| Jun 23, 2008 12:47 pm | | re: Digital Film Studio | # |
Suresh Menon | | Dear Mr. Nanda Kishore
I had actually emailed you a couple of days back, but there has been no response from you.
Anyway, a guarantee from the channels will never be available. Dont you think it is too much to ask? :-) How do they know what you are going to give them? On the other hand, the channels have themselves begun producing movies due to lack of content, and SUN Group is already producing 10 movies simultaneously.
The only way to get a firm guarantee and make the entire deal risk-free is to employ branded personalities as the cast. That will definitely bring the channels forward with advance payment. But then, it is not a low-budget affair.Private Reply to Suresh Menon |
| Jun 24, 2008 1:21 pm | | re: re: Digital Film Studio | # |
Biju Abhilash | | Well Suresh and nanda kishore
We can work it out to ensure that the producer and directors dont loose money ...
but do we have enough directors who are ready to take the bite ...
if you guys can guarantee me at least 10 movies from all the directors ... I am hoping it will be completed with in a year or two .... then it should not be a problem to get funds ...
I have suresh who is basically a producer , and ram who is the only director who responded ...
Well so do we have the talent with us so that we can ensure the funds ...
I would only bet my penny if I am sure of some product at the end ....
Well can't start a studio and wait for work to happen ...
Well Suresh can you also send me the details of the system in place for small movies in tamil nadu ...
Regards
Biju Abhilash ...
Live your dreams or chase your dreams
http://venclub-network.ryze.com/Private Reply to Biju Abhilash |
| Jun 24, 2008 2:07 pm | | Digital Film Studio | # |
Nanda Kishore.M.P. | | Hi Suresh & Biju
Suresh
I have received your mail and I will be writing to you soon. Since you wanted a lot of details give me a couple of more days to respond.
In regard to asking for business guarantees,it is definitely not too much. In fact all other organized industries work on the same principle. There are distributors,dealers,direct marketers,etc.. all of whom do pick up a pie for a cost, much before the goods are either produced or shipped to them. Of course I understand that Cinema is a Service Industry and so needs slightly a different approach. However we will be able to pick up a lot from the success of our Software / BPO / ITES Industries. It only requires our mindset regarding business to changed. Since at present the film industry is largely comprising only of conventional individual / family ownership we have all this problem. Once, as it is happening,it gets corporatized, the business will happen. Nevertheless it will threaten small scale producers / distributors / exhibitors and that is why I said we all need to unite to fight for our survival.
Biju
Your words are truly encouraging. YES, we have enough talent and we will be able to deliver the quantities you ask for, if you have the funds. I will be able to get all this tied up for you even before you spend a penny and convince you about about the TIMELY DELIVERABLES.
I am sure you, me and Suresh can start the process. Suresh can take charge of the equipments and the infrastrucure, I can handle the Creatives and Production deliverables and you take care of Marketing and Finance.
Hey looks & sound great. What do you folks say ??????
Nanda Kishore.M.P. Private Reply to Nanda Kishore.M.P. |
| Jun 24, 2008 4:02 pm | | re: Digital Film Studio | # |
Biju Abhilash | | I am in it ... guys
One guy who has been silent on this but I have had a few discussion with him ie Ramchandra PN
He has actually produced and directed a tulu movie ..
http://www.sonkfilms.com/
Regards
Biju Abhilash ...
Live your dreams or chase your dreams
http://venclub-network.ryze.com/Private Reply to Biju Abhilash |
| Jun 25, 2008 7:14 am | | Digital Film Studio | # |
Nanda Kishore.M.P. | |
OK Guys. Then let's proceed forward. Let us fix up a time and date and meet to finalize the issues. BIJU / Suresh can you please PM me about a convenient date & time.
Nanda Private Reply to Nanda Kishore.M.P. |
| Jun 25, 2008 11:49 am | | re: re: Digital Film Studio | # |
Ramchandra PN | | Hi Biju – my silence was due the fact that I am now in Pune, away from my home city, and I have a restricted access to the net. Since you have brought up SUDDHA, I thought I should share my experience of trying to market it.
Suddha is a kind of film that would not confirm to the normal aesthetic norms of the mainstream film industry. But it had a straight narrative and I was sure that it would strike a chord among the Tulu speaking audience – for the film was about their lives. Tulu is spoken in two districts in Coastal Karnataka and there are enough conventional theatres in the area. Since the film was shot digitally, I first tried the conventional way to do a reverse telecine of the film, but could not find any backers.
Meanwhile, Suddha won an award at a film festival in Delhi and there was considerable interest generated about the film in the Tulu speaking areas. I was sure a small release in the theatres would not harm the film. I came to know that there are two theatres in the two districts that project films digitally using a technology owned by a company in Mumbai.
The local distributor, who had the leased rights to one of the theatres in question agreed to give me a morning slot for a week, that too on an outright rental basis. There was a condition. He would allot me the screening slot provided he feels that his already running film will not do well in its collection the following week.
But the company that owned the technology refused to take up the film citing reasons that it is shot on standard definition format. The other films that they take up are all shot on celluloid first and then screened digitally. There would surely be a quality difference those films and mine, but I did not mind that. I was sure that my audiences too would not mind that provided I could explain to them before hand that there is an inherent quality loss. I did some conversion and gave them a progressive scan sample sequence. But the company would not play game.
Although the reasons given by the company for not taking up the film were technical, I fear that the film was too small for them, economically. I had asked for a minimum of two weeks in two theatres, that too the only the morning shows. Therefore the amount of revenue the company would get with my film would be too less when compared to a Hindi blockbuster which gets shown in hundreds of their digital screens. I have reasons to believe that they would not have taken up the film even if it were shot on high definition.
With the theatrical option out of the way, I turned to TV rights. There are no specialised TV channels in Tulu language. There are a couple cable channels and the advertisement rates are so pathetic that I can’t tell them here. Some of the Kannada channels did not even respond to my marketing queries, simply because a Tulu film had eyeballs in only two districts. It did not just suit them.
I then contemplated tapping the Internet download market – but with the kind of bandwidth we have, I am told that it is difficult to stream high-resolution feature length movies. (Correct me if I am wrong). A person from the coastal Karnataka came to me to buy the CD / DVD rights for an amount which was again pathetic. The rate he was giving me was actually less that the amount he would give to buy the rights of an on-stage-recorded Tulu masala play. I decided against the offer.
Maybe I am not a born marketing guy.
I feel that a digital film studio that proposes to make films in languages that do not have a great film culture is an exciting idea, but it would need to address the above issues. For one, I think the budgets will have to be really small. I would like to believe that there are people who want to see such films. I would love to know a self-sufficient business model that works for such unconventional films.
Fortunately for me, I got a small grant with which I could hire a digital projector and show the film in the villages of Coastal Karnataka. I have had around 100 screenings and many of them had no tickets. I was present in around ninety percent of these screenings and I should say the response was tremendous – but that’s a different story.
Phew! This is very long. Thanks for your patience.
Private Reply to Ramchandra PN |
| Jun 25, 2008 12:46 pm | | re: re: re: Digital Film Studio | # |
Dalton L | |
> What is the approx budget to make a movie in the digital format...
There is no fixed budget. One can make a digital film on anything from a no-budget to a mega-budget. It all depends on how resourceful you are as a person and your contacts/good will in the industry.Private Reply to Dalton L |
| Jun 26, 2008 4:48 am | | re: re: re: re: Digital Film Studio | # |
Suresh Menon | | Hi
Was away for a day, and so much has taken place.
Well Biju, I am actually a Director, but only of Corporate Films, Commercials and Documentaries. The best part is that I only do in HD/HDV, and have all the equipments for the entire workflow of production and post-production. Incidentally, my edit suite is the only one in the Progressive HD category in South India. This has thrown open to me a niche market, with the producers of feature films. There have been 4 full length feature films that have rolled out to the theatres so far from my facility. Another 2 movies are complete and are awaiting release, while 3 are under different stages of production and post production. All these films have been in Malayalam and Tamil, and have recently received enquiries for a Kannada film and Telugu film.
Now for the regional segments. Example: Tulu. I do not have first hand knowledge of this segment, but based on the discussions that have been happening here, I assume that it would be wise to compare it with a few tribal dialects of Tamil and Malayalam in the respective states. If I am right in this, I guess there is a solution. WHY NOT DUB THE FILM in the parent language also? Example: Konkani. The movie can be made in Konkani, with a Kannada version also. Alternatively, during shoot itself, it can be done in 2 languages simultaneously for a marginally higher fund outflow. This experiment has been tried out and was hugely successful in the case of a tribal dialect based movie in Tamilnadu. The mainstream also got to know of the tribe, while they were accepted as their brethren. The talents were instantly recognized, and the actors themselves found a comfortable slot in the parent language movies too.
This trick is in fact being tried out between multiple languages too, and seems to be successful. A Malayalam movie with a superstar, had conversations in Kannada, Telugu and Tamil. It was a multi-lingual film. The film presentation was not very good, but the film was successful in all the 4 states, without any change in the prints (except the sub-titles). In Karnataka, the Malayalam, Telugu and Tamil dialogues appeared with sub-titles, and vice versa.
Maybe this technique will enable a larger market for the regional films, and the release in theatres or the satellite rights will not be an issue. Am I making a little sense on this?
On the teaming up ... Well, just let me know what, when and how. I dont mind a little travel too, maybe to Bangalore or anywhere a night away. In fact, such trips enables me to recharge my batteries by breaking away from my hectic schedules. I am always available (mutual convenience) and my facilities are also available on appointment as an investment in a mutually beneficial business relationship.Private Reply to Suresh Menon |
| Jun 26, 2008 9:35 am | | Digital Film Studio | # |
Nanda Kishore.M.P. | | Hi
Ramachandra has nailed the issue in the head. That is the exact state of affairs in our beloved film industry. In fact tulu is not a tribal languages but quite widely spoken in the mentioned districts of Karnataka and is an official language of the state. In spite of this we have this sad state of affairs.
I personally feel this is due to the unorganized and unprofessional functioning of the industry specially how the marketing takes place. In fact that is the reason I asked for commitments from distributors and agents.
You can't dub any other language film into Kannada language. This is banned here in Karnataka. All such earlier attempts have been foiled and the films have not been released in Karnataka. This if just of Information.
Regarding our meeting Suresh you are welcome to Bangalore any time. Since I and Biju are in Bangalore it will be convenient to all and provide you the much needed respite. Please schedule the meet before the 7th July,otherwise I will be out on a shoot for about 10days. What do you say Biju ?
Nanda Kishore.M.P.
Private Reply to Nanda Kishore.M.P. |
| Jun 26, 2008 4:11 pm | | re: Digital Film Studio | # |
Dalton L | |
Hi Biju, Suresh, Ramchandra, Nanda Kumar...
Do add me to your group mail ID and keep me posted on your activities. And let me know if you ever need CLASS singers…
Been busy with a few journalist commitments since last November including my own publication, but things are settling down finely now. Once things are perfectly in order, I intend to move out into writing-directing-producing.
Plan to move down South by the year end. Have 3 low-budget digital Malayalam films being lined up, the first of which should hopefully hit the floor by early next year.
-Dalton
Private Reply to Dalton L |
| Jun 29, 2008 5:24 am | | re: re: Digital Film Studio | # |
Roy Andersen | | Just a bit curious ...
as how is your Digital Film making movement moving up in its lifecycle ..
Do you need a catalyst to expedite the movement ... or is it in the right phase at the right time ..
Can we have a digital film makers collective ... ;)
might make a billion dollar :) with the creative output
Private Reply to Roy Andersen |
| Jun 30, 2008 2:19 am | | Digital Film Studio | # |
Nanda Kishore.M.P. | |
Hey where are my partners absconding ?
Nanda Kishore.M.P.Private Reply to Nanda Kishore.M.P. |
| Jun 30, 2008 3:55 am | | re: Digital Film Studio | # |
Suresh Menon | | Hi. I am not absconding, but am merely waiting to know my week's schedule. There is a trip to Coimbatore this week, and am planning to come over to BLR from there and then back to Chennai. Just waiting for the appointment from CBE. I know you are not available from the 7th, and hence will surely be making it this week. Will keep u informed. Cheers
SureshPrivate Reply to Suresh Menon |
| Jun 30, 2008 4:45 am | | re: re: Digital Film Studio | # |
Biju Abhilash | | ♦ Well Guys .. sorry about the late reply ... but we can fix a date and meet ... Hi kishore will call up by EOD ... hope u sleep late ... might end up calling you at 10 PM :) .... BTW where can we abscond ... Just sharing my number in case you guys find me misiing again give me a call or prefer a text message :) just in case 9845987412 ... Cheers
Regards
Biju Abhilash ...
Live your dreams or chase your dreams
http://venclub-network.ryze.com/Private Reply to Biju Abhilash |
| Jun 30, 2008 5:01 am | | re: re: re: Digital Film Studio | # |
Suresh Menon | | And mine is 98412 90047 Private Reply to Suresh Menon |
| Jun 30, 2008 12:13 pm | | re: re: re: re: Digital Film Studio | # |
Salil Lal Ahamed | | Found this thread interesting. If you are meeting in blore please ping me at 9341988051.. Private Reply to Salil Lal Ahamed |
| Jun 30, 2008 3:14 pm | | re: re: re: re: re: Digital Film Studio | # |
Biju Abhilash | | Salil ...
Give us a few more details about yourself and how do you plan to contribute ..
Am I sounding to Rude ...
:) BTW need to make some importance for the Team what do you say my partners ...
Suresh ... Well give you a buzz soon ... and hope to see you soon in Bnagalore ...
Kishore .. where did you vanish now ?
Dalton and Ram would guys be traveling down south any time in the near future ? ....
Regards
Biju Abhilash ...
Live your dreams or chase your dreams
http://venclub-network.ryze.com/Private Reply to Biju Abhilash |
| Jun 30, 2008 3:42 pm | | re: re: re: re: re: re: Digital Film Studio | # |
Dalton L | |
Unless something comes up, I don't see myself traveling down South in the very near future. However, I think, exchanging ideas by group mail may be a sound idea...
In case anyone needs to contact someone from the Indian music industry, am fairly-decently connected.
-DaltonPrivate Reply to Dalton L |
| Jul 01, 2008 5:53 am | | re: re: re: re: re: re: Digital Film Studio | # |
Ramchandra PN | | Same here Biju... dont see myself in BNG in the immedeate furure. will be in touch Private Reply to Ramchandra PN |
| Jul 01, 2008 11:52 am | | re: re: re: re: re: re: Digital Film Studio | # |
Salil Lal Ahamed | |
Biju;> my page gives little bio about myself.
Not sure how I can contribute. thought if the meeting was in blore could network and explore. found some of the ideas discussed here similar to the one that my film group has been exploring.. Private Reply to Salil Lal Ahamed |
| Jul 01, 2008 4:14 pm | | Digital Film Studio | # |
Biju Abhilash | | Do you guys want me to start a Blog or a wiki where we can do the posting ... or would you prefer anything else .. can make parts of the Webpage with restricted access ....
or we can continue in this POST :)
Well just need your inputs ....
but will keep you guys posted on the outcome .. I will be meeting my partners this weekend hopefully , keeping fingers crossed ...
Regards
Biju Abhilash ...
Live your dreams or chase your dreams
http://venclub-network.ryze.com/Private Reply to Biju Abhilash |
| Jul 01, 2008 4:26 pm | | Digital Film Studio | # |
Nanda Kishore.M.P. | |
Hi Everybody
Sorry for this delayed reply. Was out of town to arrange for my shoot next week and could not access my mails. Thanks Biju for calling me and letting me know about Sureshs'program. Well will be glad to meet both of you in the week end. I am sure we will be able to take this forward from there.
Bye till then and KIT
Nanda Kishore.M.P.
Private Reply to Nanda Kishore.M.P. |
| Jul 02, 2008 6:18 am | | re: Digital Film Studio | # |
Suresh Menon | | Hi Biju and Kishore
Just confirmed travel plans. Fingers crosse!! Well, worst case, atleast we get to know each other. Will be there on Saturday morn from Coimbatore, by a KPN coach. Leaving BLR on Sat night by the 22.30 train to Chennai.
My partner in the studio, one Mr. Rajgopal (Rajiv) who incidentally happens to be in BLR as his wife's house is there, MAY be joining us.
So thats it Biju and Kishore .. :)Private Reply to Suresh Menon |
| Jul 02, 2008 8:21 am | | re: re: Digital Film Studio | # |
Biju Abhilash | | July the 5th .... The day for a new begining a new ERA :) in the Indian FILM industry .... Fingers crossed and waiting for the D DAY .... Well meet you guys soon ...
Regards
Biju Abhilash ...
Live your dreams or chase your dreams
http://venclub-network.ryze.com/Private Reply to Biju Abhilash |
| Jul 02, 2008 9:17 am | | re: re: re: Digital Film Studio | # |
shibani ghosh | | Hi all of you Biju, Suresh, Nand Kishore!
Have been reading your posts with great interest. I make films in Bombay mainly CSR and Documentaries. After all these years I find my work limiting and working alone is not that much fun or motivating either.I am looking to be involved in something bigger.
From my side I can definitely make films in Bengali , Hindi and Marathi and am working on it. But Digital, small budget is soon going to be the order of the day and I would like to be a part of this new company. We can have an office in Bombay which I could look after and source talent from here.
Tell me what you feel. My no is 09892102467.
All the best for your meeting on the 5th.
Shibani
Private Reply to shibani ghosh |
| Jul 02, 2008 10:26 am | | re: re: re: re: Digital Film Studio | # |
Suresh Menon | | Biju ....
The tone of ur last post.
The optimism is turning out to be contagious.Private Reply to Suresh Menon |
| Jul 02, 2008 4:50 pm | | re: re: re: re: re: Digital Film Studio | # |
Biju Abhilash | | Thanks Shibani and suresh ..
Shibani Welcome to the gang ...
I thought it was going to be Three Musketeers ...
Then it became famous Five ....
Then it become secret seven without the secret part should i call it secret seven ...
Now i Need to change the name again :) and Damm I am loving it ...
Well lets us us meet and ensure we sow the seeds of a new revolution in the Indian movie industry ...
Well it has to happen and let us make it happen ...
Regards
Biju Abhilash ...
Live your dreams or chase your dreams
http://venclub-network.ryze.com/Private Reply to Biju Abhilash |
| Jul 03, 2008 7:08 am | | re: re: re: re: re: re: Digital Film Studio | # |
shibani ghosh | | Hi there all of you,
Thanks for counting me in. I suppose the next step will come after you guys meet on the 5th.Dont lets give up on this even if you dont arrive at instant solutions. Its a great biz idea and will give openings to lots of talent all over India. and hopefully that will translate into revenue. If we work around it like the way regional music is catching up we are going the right way.
All the best. Keep me posted.
ShibaniPrivate Reply to shibani ghosh |
| Jul 03, 2008 9:36 am | | re: re: re: re: re: re: re: Digital Film Studio | # |
Biju Abhilash | | Well we shall definately work it out ...
But we need to ensure we have the team ready and also can deliver our promise within a given time frame ....
For now I have a very positive feeling about the whole thing and also about the team ... THou I have my fingers crossed
Regards
Biju Abhilash ...
Live your dreams or chase your dreams
http://venclub-network.ryze.com/Private Reply to Biju Abhilash |
| Jul 04, 2008 8:45 am | | re: re: re: re: re: re: re: re: Digital Film Studio | # |
Roy Andersen | | Are you guys planning to start a company or is it informal group which will be spearheading the digital film movement ...
Would have loved to join you guys but not in a position ...
:( Private Reply to Roy Andersen |
| Jul 06, 2008 7:05 am | | re: re: re: re: re: re: re: re: re: Digital Film Studio | # |
Suresh Menon | | The meeting did take place. Biju, Kishore and myself. However there was no great forward step, and we managed to agree to discuss further. This is FYI Private Reply to Suresh Menon |
| Jul 07, 2008 1:10 pm | | re: re: re: re: re: re: re: re: re: re: Digital Film Studio | # |
Biju Abhilash | | I would beg to disagree with suresh ...
Thou we never had some concrete developmental plans ....
We have taken the first step and because we all came with a open mind and not much of a concrete agenda
The greatest part of the meet was Meeting Happened and the people involved turned up and we had a two additional guests ....
We probably didn't have a concrete outcome ...
But for me it was a lot of knowledge sharing and I came two of the greatest directors of the Present ... who would create something landmark ...
Well guys Trust me we all will be proud we were part of this Ryze from where an Idea germinated and you will some good outcomes in the future ..
Have a great week ahead ...
Regards
Biju Abhilash ...
Live your dreams or chase your dreams
http://venclub-network.ryze.com/Private Reply to Biju Abhilash |
| Jul 07, 2008 6:01 pm | | re: re: re: re: re: re: re: re: re: re: re: Digital Film Studio | # |
shibani ghosh | | Hi,
Congrats towards the first step! Its only the first baby step, is what Suresh is trying to say, I think.
Biju, I kind of share your optimism!
And yes, The team is very important I too agree. If there is passion, and a feeling of belonging , the commitment will be there.
So whats the next step guys? Sleep over it for a week or start brainstorming?!
Shibani
Private Reply to shibani ghosh |
| Jul 08, 2008 5:01 am | | re: re: re: re: re: re: re: re: re: re: re: re: Digital Film Studio | # |
Suresh Menon | | Shibani. Yes, it is a first baby step, I agree. But with abt 14 yrs in the industry, I am very clear about the directions. The days of OPM (Other People's Money) are on the decline, and today, there are 2 ways to enter the industry.
1. A set of highly motivated film makers pool in their resources. By resources, I dont mean a camera, or an edit suite, but hard money. Create a fund, come up with a solid production idea, conceive a low-risk marketing plan, and work it out. In fact several groups out here work in this way. 5-10 people team up, pool in money averaging 3-5 lakhs each and start a venture. 'Chennai 600028' is an instance of such a successful venture.
2. A team of enterprising entrepreuners start off a production company, and then select the best of scripts, and assign the task to a creative individual.
THE SAD STATE TODAY
Everyone wants to be a Director, everyone claims to be the most creative person on earth. Everyone wants a producer. This is a vicious cycle, and will lead to more of talking and perhaps no actions at all. This was precisely why I was slightly pessimistic at Bangalore, and could not open up, though I brought in an investor too along with me. Honestly, I was hoping to form a team, but it seemed to be directed at making a specific movie. There are thousands of such offers in Chennai itself, if money was available, why Bangalore?
Not sure if I have managed to convey my thoughts in the proper perspective.Private Reply to Suresh Menon |
| Jul 08, 2008 6:27 pm | | re: re: re: re: re: re: re: re: re: re: re: re: re: Digital Film Studio | # |
shibani ghosh | | Hi Suresh,
I understand what you'r saying completely. Somehow I was under the impression that in this case we would work like a Publishing house in the Books Industry. If it is regional cinema we are targeting in small format then we have to focus on local talent. The best of Indian Literature is regional, so the stories are already there. The filmmakers are always a risk we have to take, but the script rules, doesnt it?
I would think we have a bank of technical talent and use them as and when.
About the moneys. Yes again it would be best to be self sufficient.
Biju, its all been thanks to your zeal and motivation that this platform has been created. What say you?
Shibani Private Reply to shibani ghosh |
| Jul 09, 2008 3:44 pm | | re: re: re: re: re: re: re: re: re: re: re: re: re: re: Digital Film Studio | # |
Biju Abhilash | | Well actually i have been thinking .. do we have a solution for the current catch 22 situation in the film Industry .... I have a few option which might work . ... As usual brickbats are welcome ..... A few things which are certain are We can have a minimum of four/five branches for whatever we start ie Chennai,Mumbai,Pune,Bangalore ,Coimbatore ... Two things which is very important and vital for any film is Funding and resources ... Funding takes the precedence Idea 1 : Start a Digital film co-operative ... on the lines of Amul .. we can start a co-operative with 7/10 members ... Let us say each one of us contribute a minimum of 5k per share .......and then based on each person individual capacity he can buy more share upto a limit ... Being a co-operative we can accept deposits also and we will try to mobilize deposits into our co-operative .. Well the co-operative will have its own studio and equipments and which will only be given to members for use for a nominal fee... Idea 2 : Start a Film company we all can contribute for starting the company and we can contibute to the setting up of the company ... and have HQ in one place and branches can actully need not be a full fledged setup ... As we have a decent team of guys once we set up a company we got to the Financial instutuions to fund our company ... and in 6 months we can even release a IPO and take money from the market ....we can talk to equal terms to any corp entity or individual ... . Does it sound to big a plan ... I Need
Ayes and Nays for my ideas who are for it and who are against ...
Well the plan of Suresh is always there where we can all contribute and produce .. Well guys what do you say ...
Regards
Biju Abhilash ...
Live your dreams or chase your dreams
http://venclub-network.ryze.com/Private Reply to Biju Abhilash |
| Jul 09, 2008 5:00 pm | | re: re: re: re: re: re: re: re: re: re: re: re: re: re: re: Digital Film Studio | # |
sudarshan warale | | well, how you plan to realize ideas ? i dont see any action in thread.
let me put more facts on reply from my side if required.
Private Reply to sudarshan warale |
| Jul 10, 2008 4:02 am | | re: re: re: re: re: re: re: re: re: re: re: re: re: re: re: re: Digital Film Studio | # |
Suresh Menon | | I am game for the ideas. But let me be frank that I may not find time to do the footwork, but can definitely be a hyper-active participant.
Not finding time for the footwork is mainly coz - with my experience, the ideas are hard to sell to established veterans in the industry, and their participation is a must for any funding. It wud be another Catch 22 situation. If someone can break this jinx, you will find me on the floor of the proposal.Private Reply to Suresh Menon |
| Jul 10, 2008 5:25 am | | re: re: re: re: re: re: re: re: re: re: re: re: re: re: re: re: re: Digital Film Studio | # |
sudarshan warale | | thought without action is an abortion, thats what they says. I can put millions ideas across the theads, whos there to act and realize ideas , getting money is easiest part in this industry. u just need to make ppl follow money but putting realistic ideas.
Private Reply to sudarshan warale |
| Jul 10, 2008 5:46 am | | re: re: re: re: re: re: re: re: re: re: re: re: re: re: re: re: re: Digital Film Studio | # |
Salil Lal Ahamed | | As much as this ideas are grandiose and enervating, wonder if there is a tinge of irrational exuberance to paraphrase Allan Greenspan. They idea of a film co-operative was once tried by and iconic film maker John Abraham in Kerala in a different format maybe. He went around the villages and collected one rupee each to make a film ( was it agraharthilea kazhuthea). The movement itself didn’t go beyond one film and John was already a cinematic legend.
With the vagaries of the box office, how to ensure the success of the first film of the cooperative. I have to assume that would be critical to the continued success of the movement. For success an initiative like this should have something that breaks the established rules either in production or distribution because if you play by the same rules you would be judged by the same .
2 ideas
Three or four short movies woven around the same theme put together as a single movie. Adoor tried this with his latest nallu penungal. The production cost can be kept very low and one can try a totally market oriented theme and treatment. There are amazing stories that can be told in 15-30 minutes. I wonder why short movies don’t get the visibility of its literary equivalent – short stories. With the explosion of alternative distribution avenues ( internet, mobile etc ) there is indeed a good chance of making it commercially viable.
Cant there be an equivalent of ITC Sangeeth Academy. Art always thrived on the patronage of the wealthy (and the state) albeit fighting with them for creative freedom. Would it be possible to interest the big corporate houses to earmark 25 lakhs, without much role in the content..let us say for a socially relevant theme. With corporate social responsibility becoming the order of the day there is a possibility if they have a structure to fund such efforts. A panel of experts to spearhead the initiate can give authenticity to the efforts.
Private Reply to Salil Lal Ahamed |
| Jul 10, 2008 1:20 pm | | re: re: re: re: re: re: re: re: re: re: re: re: re: re: re: re: re: re: Digital Film Studio | # |
shibani ghosh | | A Film cooperative is not usually proactive for a long duration. If I understood right we are not here to make one film only. We are interested in starting a Company/ Movement in Parallel Regional Cinema in the Digital Format.For that our Projections cannot be small.We can surely start Branch offices all over India and each office at a later date could be responsible for their own revenues in the pattern of Multi Nationals.
In my opinion we can pool our resources to start with, but we have to get Venture Funding for this Company. A Biz Report will have to be prepared and we have to go about it in a professional manner.
I also think we can be a great team, because we are already so Transparent,and pretty Democratic. Speaking out our thoughts and ideas so openly in this very public forum!!
Private Reply to shibani ghosh |
| Jul 13, 2008 7:27 am | | re: re: re: re: re: re: re: re: re: re: re: re: re: re: re: re: re: re: re: Digital Film Studio | # |
Biju Abhilash | | I am in for anything ..
Just let me know who all are serious about this .. so we can start working on it ...
Shibani and Suresh are two guys who have confirmed ..
Who else wants to Join ..
Regards
Biju Abhilash ...
Live your dreams or chase your dreams
http://venclub-network.ryze.com/Private Reply to Biju Abhilash |
| Jul 14, 2008 8:39 am | | re: re: re: re: re: re: re: re: re: re: re: re: re: re: re: re: re: re: re: re: Digital Film Studio | # |
Biju Abhilash | | well guys did we loose the steam even before it started ...
can somebody set up a conf call so that we can discuss it on the call ???
Otherwise mine and suresh number is listed give us a call ...
One of my original partner is busy shooting a short film so we dont have any updates from him...
Guys I would go with the company model for ease of operation and funding :)
Regards
Biju Abhilash ...
Live your dreams or chase your dreams
http://venclub-network.ryze.com/Private Reply to Biju Abhilash |
| Jul 14, 2008 4:24 pm | | re: re: re: re: re: re: re: re: re: re: re: re: re: re: re: re: re: re: re: re: re: Digital Film Stu | # |
Dalton L | |
Am willing to invest my time and money for a test run, a no-frills, down-to-earth, full-length, Malayalam, HDV film. If any financer is realistically interested in being a part of the project, it’s on. Else, let’s all just go to sleep… or keep on talking.
What I can bring to the table:
1 lac in cash (either my own or that of a financial associate)
All male and female singers
Lyricist
Music composer
HDV Editing suite
What I can ADDITIONALLY bring to the table, in case the shoot is in Chennai:
All dancers
Dance choreographer
What I can ADDITIONALLY bring to the table, in case the shoot is in Bombay:
All locations
All actors
Cinematographer and second camera person
Basic Spl FX person/equipment: guns and fake blood
What I cannot bring to the table, but am VERY choosy about:
THE SCRIPT
The director
Language: Malayalam*
What else would be needed from the other associates:
2 HDV cameras; same model
At least 1 steadicam
Basic tungsten lights, Chinese lanterns, cutters, and reflectors
Approx 4 more lacs in cash
Strict Conditions; No Compromise:
No star leads, unless they’re in complete agreement to the unwritten rules of low-budget, guerilla filmmaking
99% of the shoot in broad daylight, WITHOUT LIGHTS
Max 2-3 night shoots; basic 4-point tungsten lighting
Usage of crane/dolly restricted to 2-3 days
Restricted number of locations
Everyone involved shares in the profits according to pre-determined ratios
No sightseers on the sets
Total budget for the entire shoot:
5 lacs
Split-up of the 5 lac budget:
Make-up person
Hair dresser
Comedians (popular faces)
Supporting actors/actresses (popular faces)
Sound person with sound equipment
Sound/music studio
Instrumentalists
Crane/dolly operators
Light boys
Spot boys
Low-load generator expenses for 2-3 days
Food
Accommodation
Travel
Miscellaneous
-Dalton
*Well, this is the only regional language market that I’ve studied and the only regional language that I speak
Private Reply to Dalton L |
| Jul 15, 2008 5:34 am | | re: re: re: re: re: re: re: re: re: re: re: re: re: re: re: re: re: re: re: re: re: Digital Film Stu | # |
shibani ghosh | | Hey hi!!
I am in Ujjain on a personal mission. Back on Monday. My no 09892102467. I'm in and interested. Can we all talk on Monday. Let me know.
ShibaniPrivate Reply to shibani ghosh |
| Jul 15, 2008 2:00 pm | | Digital Film - Post Meeting Review | # |
Nanda Kishore.M.P. | | Hi All Guys and Gals
Sorry for this delayed response. As I was on a shoot, which I had informed to Suresh and Biju I could not reply earlier.
In fact I did not find the time to even look at all that what has been written till now. Well I am only on a days break today and am resuming my shoot for another week from tomorrow. So please again forgive my delayed responses.
I am really amazed by what Suresh has written about our meeting at Bangalore. In fact I thought we had a very meaningful discussion. Though, We did discuss about specific projects, the motive was to form a team all through. No one mentioned about producing only one film. In fact I even suggested that we need to get funding for at least 5 films and then only we can succeed in our venture. I do not know what has been Suresh's perceptions.
In fact we did discuss the various cost savings in production and Suresh even agreed that many things are cheaper in Bangalore compared to Chennai or Mumbai. These are all very essential in a Digital Low Budget Scenario. Mr.Rajeev, Suresh's friend was a great listener and gave us some ideas as to how we can go forward.
However it was not disclosed that he wanted to invest in a film project / team like the one we were discussing. If only I knew I would discussed the financial angles. It was only the first meeting and we spent more time on knowing about each other.
Any way a good beginning is made and now I see a lot of interest. I am game for anything. Dalton thanks rolling the ball.
I will be with you all soon with my googlies ! ! ! ! Keep playing till then.In case any one wants to call me please do so on 09448312176.
Bye and KIT
Nanda Kishore.M.P.Private Reply to Nanda Kishore.M.P. |
| Jul 15, 2008 2:34 pm | | re: Digital Film - Post Meeting Review | # |
soumya madhwani | | Malyalam movies are made in Ra. 5 Lakhs? No surprised. Private Reply to soumya madhwani |
| Jul 15, 2008 4:40 pm | | re: re: Digital Film - Post Meeting Review | # |
Biju Abhilash | | Just wondering if we need to move this Topic to a secure Forum ................
Just a thought as looks like we would be getting into the nitty gritties ...
let me see if I can pitch in a bit for the movie or get some financier for the movie ... but do we need one ...
We definitely have 10 guys if each one pitches in 50K and his time we should be able to make the 5 lakhs ...
If we come with excess money we can probably look at dubbing the movie in tamil and telugu ...
Regards
Biju Abhilash ...
Live your dreams or chase your dreams
http://venclub-network.ryze.com/Private Reply to Biju Abhilash |
| Jul 16, 2008 4:45 pm | | re: re: re: Digital Film - Post Meeting Review | # |
Biju Abhilash | | OK looks like we have come to dead end ...
Dalton I Am in ... will confirm if I can investment amount later ... but will definitely put in or get a funding of one lakh on this project ...
let me see if I can get some other investors ..
So we need 3 more to go before we can actually start work ..
Hmmmm
Regards
Biju Abhilash ...
Live your dreams or chase your dreams
http://venclub-network.ryze.com/Private Reply to Biju Abhilash |
| Jul 17, 2008 6:53 am | | re: re: re: re: re: re: re: re: re: re: re: re: re: re: re: re: re: re: re: re: re: re: Digital Film | # |
martin george | | Hi Dalton, Good to know u are resourceful. I will be in Bangalore on the 21st of July. If ur in town we should touch base and C if we can collaborate in this venture.
PS. where u in loyola chennai viscom?
Cheers
MartinPrivate Reply to martin george |
| Jul 21, 2008 8:12 am | | re: re: re: re: re: re: re: re: re: re: re: re: re: re: re: re: re: re: re: re: re: re: re: Digital | # |
Biju Abhilash | | Hey martin
Dalton is in mumbai ...
Well Me and Nada kishore are based out of bangalore and Suresh is based out chenai .
Well give me a buzz if you want to have a coffee :) ...
Not sure if I can be resourceful as Dalton but we can discuss and exchange ideas
Regards
Biju Abhilash ...
Live your dreams or chase your dreams
http://venclub-network.ryze.com/Private Reply to Biju Abhilash |
| Jul 21, 2008 4:56 pm | | re: re: re: re: re: re: re: re: re: re: re: re: re: re: re: re: re: re: re: re: re: re: re: re: Digi | # |
Suresh Menon | | Hi
Am in a shoot now, out of Chennai, till the 30th. Am watching. On dial-up pretty tough to post. Silence not to be misunderstood as lack of interest. FYI.
SureshPrivate Reply to Suresh Menon |
| Aug 20, 2008 5:44 pm | | re: re: re: re: re: re: re: re: re: re: re: re: re: re: re: re: re: re: re: re: re: re: re: re: re: | # |
Biju Abhilash | | Appologies guy
was stuck in a bit of work kind of was away from ryze for sometime ...
Just wanted to make sure do I still have all the guys in our original plan or do we have some dropouts ...
A few came in and went looking for the long standing ones ...
I might be a dropout in the future but currently I am in ...
Well Dalton just curious what happened to your malayalam movie ?
Regards
Biju Abhilash ...
Live your dreams or chase your dreams
http://venclub-network.ryze.com/Private Reply to Biju Abhilash |
| Oct 31, 2009 6:19 pm | | re: re: re: re: re: re: re: re: re: re: re: re: re: re: re: re: re: re: re: re: re: re: re: re: re: | # |
Dalton L | |
Reviving...Private Reply to Dalton L |
| Nov 01, 2009 4:14 pm | | re: Digital Film Studio | # |
Shivram Ravi | | HI Suresh et al,
When we discuss about low budget , new faces ( Phases!)part from all the streams of distribution avenues mentioned by all of you let me also add that IF the script is really good, acceptable for PAN India screening ( purely depends on nativity factor)
One could also offer "dubbing" rights for other languages. Here again as Suresh has mentioned these dubbed version could be offered to the T V Channel in that local language.
"In -Film" branding is another area where one could look at sponsors pitching with some funds. However let me add that Indian film makers are not yet correctly used this in film branding opportunity. ( There is no point is showing an ATM or a mobile provider's hoarding behind a song sequence. ) One has to sit with the script and do this. which is a very challenging branding exercise.
Cheers.
Ravi Shivram Private Reply to Shivram Ravi |
| Nov 18, 2009 5:21 pm | | re: re: Digital Film Studio | # |
Sudheendra Kumar | | Hii..
The idea seems to be good and workable provided all are willing to chip in some moeny and take this forward..
I am not much into this industry other than that I have a few clients into bigger film industry. But have some fair idea how Bollywood works.
If, somebody can tell me what is the budget that is needed to start with a decent buffer, we can start the next step of who will pitch in with , how much. Then do a Budget vs Contribution (on the basis of committed promises), we can plan out...
I will take care of the company formation and related issues and help organise the things for you...
Please give your comments....
Intellexconsulting.com , Hunting4trade.com, Brainstores.com , Private Reply to Sudheendra Kumar |
| Nov 20, 2009 2:54 am | | Digital Film Studio ( Who Will Bell ? ? ? ? ) | # |
Nanda Kishore.M.P. | | Hi All Budding Digital Film Makers
I am really surprised to see that a topic gets revived after alomost 1.5 years after it started and bedridden. Well Me, Suresh and Biju met in Bangalore and discuss about all the possibilities. But Alas ! that was the end. None of us were able to meaningfully take it forward.
The main reason is that all of us have desires, ideas and the requisite creativity, but not enough CASH to back it up. In reality what each one of us are looking at is to get the needed funding to realise our dreams. I really doubt that whether this kind of a co-operative venture work ? I have been part of such attempts in the past and it has led us know where. Unless we form a real team with with different core srrengths, other than just desires, ideas and creativity, I am afraid we may not succeed. Not that I am being negative, but I am only suggesting that we may have to look at the whole thing practically.
To begin with Let us answer the single most biggest question WHO HAS THE CASH ? ? ? or WHO WILL FIND THAT ? ? ? Who Will Bell ? ? ? ?
If all of us are serious and are going to contribute both in terms of cash, kind and expertise then declare your pitches here and now. Then only we can move forward.
On my part I am willing to invest Rs 1,00,000/- in cash and my expertise in Marketing, Advertising, Branding and PR. I can also plan and execute the whole project to gain the maximum mileage using the least of the resources.
Just of Information Long Long Long time back I won the National Award and Couple of International Award for my first Short Film titles " DREAMS FOR SALE " which I produced and Directed. In the span of last 25 years I have been in this industry, Producing, Executing and Directing and Of course Advising and Consulting as a Professional Consultant. many Films / Shorts / Commercials, etc..
WHO IS NEXT ? ? ? ? ? ?
Nanda Kishore.M.P. Private Reply to Nanda Kishore.M.P. |
| Nov 20, 2009 5:23 am | | re: Digital Film Studio ( Who Will Bell ? ? ? ? ) | # |
rishi goswami | | hmmm i can't invest ,but i wont take any money either Private Reply to rishi goswami |
 |
|
|
