We need smart content & new revenue model: D-Towners

The lockdown has brought

Dhollywood

to a standstill. In a webinar hosted by

Ahmedabad Times

, actors and filmmakers talked about the challenges the industry is currently facing and the way forward. Actress-director Shital Shah moderated the panel discussion comprising director Abhishek Shah,

producer Rashmin Majithia

and actors Malhar Thakar, Yash Soni and Aarohi Patel.
‘GUJARAT STUDIOS MUST HANDLE ALL POST PRODUCTION WORK’

Malhar Thakar, actor
The task should be to rebuild the pace. We are hugely dependent on studios and technicians from Mumbai. Even post lockdown, we will have to wait for the availability of the same. So, we should strive to do post production work on our own. If that happens, it will be great.
‘BUDGETS & SHOOT DATES WILL HAVE TO BE PLANNED AGAIN’
Yash Soni, actor
The lockdown has really affected all our plans. From dates, locations, permissions, to relocation of budget, everything has to start on a fresh note. But now we all have got a chance to hone our skills. I’ve been watching a lot of films, which is like going to acting school.
‘IT’S TIME FOR OUR INDUSTRY TO EXPLORE NEW REVENUE MODELS’
Shital Shah, actress and filmmaker
One of our biggest challenges is our dependence on theatrical releases. Options like releasing a film on the OTT platform or getting a good deal on satellite rights is still not a viable option for us. We need to change our revenue model.
‘STEADY FLOW OF GOOD FILMS WILL BRING OUR AUDIENCES BACK’
Abhishek Shah, filmmaker
Getting a perfect release date without clashing with big ticket Hindi films will be a tough task. One of the biggest challenges for our industry has been higher occupancy in theatres, and it will only amplify due to this situation. But, with a steady flow of good films, we can make things better.
‘WE NEED THAT ONE BIG HIT THAT WILL CREATE NEW BO RECORDS’
Aarohi Patel, actress
We might resume shooting in the next two months, but until films start releasing on a regular basis and the box office collections are good, things won’t start rolling. We need a big film to change everything. People treat films as a stressbuster, that means we will never lose relevance.
‘GOOD CONTENT WILL HELP US TIDE OVER THIS SITUATION’
Rashmin Majithia, producer
The film industry now has to get used to the new way of functioning. If we can learn to adapt ourselves to this new normal, be efficient in our work and create good content, we will be successful. Films will always find producers and there will always be someone willing to invest in films.