Star frenzy at FICCI Frames 2011

With your daily cup of Joe in one hand, the insightful sessions stimulated your brain cells and cleared doubt clouds. Day 3 of this convention discussed about the future of the industry. How it can achieve substantial growth and what measures can be taken to curb the ill practices that prevail in this industry of entertainment.

The day started of by addressing the revival of regional media with a panel discussion focusing on the ample and alarming power of our countries non-English media. The panel included K Madhavan, MD, Asianet, Jayant M Mathew, director, Malayala Manorama Sanjay Reddy, senior VP, Sun TV Network, Rajesh Jain, National Industry Director, KPMG, D Suresh Babu, Managing Director, Suresh Production, Ramanaidu Studios and A P Parigi, senior adviser & consultant, Accel Transmatic. There has been an increase in the demand for regional language channels and shows. The advertising volume has also increased on regional language channels as compared to national channels. In print this trendy seems to be on the rise as well with increase in demand for regional language publications in comparison to English publications. The bottom line is the more you localize the more you grow.

Other vital sessions for the day included The Rise of the Debutants, which had young film makers and artists tell us their story. The session on 3G and its Business Models was also another highlight as well as The Power of Social Media in News and also the session on Advertisertspeak. Some of the eminent speakers included, Karan Johar, Kiran Rao, Ranvir Singh, Maneesh Sharma, Neeraj Roy, CEO, Hungama Digital Entertainment, Mahesh Prasad, President, Reliance Communications, Barkha Dutt, Group Editor, NDTV, Vikram Sakhuja, CEO- South Asia, Group M, r LV Krishnan, CEO, TAM, Rohit Sarma, Executive Director Network Advertising Sales, South Asia, Turner International India Pvt. Ltd. just to name a few.

The Valedictory honour for FICCI Frames 2011 was given to Ronnie Screwvala, CEO and Founding Chairman, UTV Group. He summarized the highlights and objectives of this convention in blatant honesty. Screwvala said, "The key solution is going to be in legislation." He summed up that the main areas that need serious attention and reconstruction are film funding, research, piracy, dependency on advertising, innovation and execution of ideas and most importantly unity within the fraternity.

His speech was followed by the presentation of the FICCI Frames Excellence International Honour to Hugh Jackman. The award was presented by the beautiful Aishwarya Rai Bachchan. Which lead to conversations with Hugh Jackman, Shahrukh Khan and Karan Johar about Bollywood and its impact on the world. SRK and Jackbhai ended this three day show with hope for a brighter Bollywood and an entertaining treat to savour. | By Vanessa Azavedo [vanessa(at)adgully.com]