GOA: Producers of content for television feel that they are not creating value as the intellectual property rights go to the channels. However, they are ready to invest in creating content for digital networks and over-the-top (OTT) platforms.

Addressing a session on whether the content ecosystem was ready to serve 2000 channels, these producers said serials made for television gave them money but they did not feel satisfied since they were not the owners of their creations. 

Contiloe Pictures CEO Abhimanyu Singh said there was little doubt that TV got more eyeballs than cinema, but this was not totally satisfying. Singh was in fact keen to syndicate their content, which the company could then monetize in different languages.

“One reason why content creators settle for the present position is because the risk lies with the broadcaster and not with the creator,” he said.

In the session moderated by Indiantelevision founder CEO and editor-in-chief Anil Wanvari, Singh said that he was keen to take up the challenge of creating content for other digital platforms.

Further stating that the younger generation was not coming to television but taking to other mediums, Singh lamented the shortage of good writers in the industry. “The ecosystem has to change for content creators, and this can happen when the intellectual property rights remain with the creator,” he emphasised.

Concurring with Singh on the shortage of writers, Colosceum Media CEO Lalit Sharma looked upon the future as an opportunity for new people to come in. He said, “We will be ready to create content for other digital platforms.”

Beyond Dreams Entertainment Ltd founder Yash Patnaik added, “We have already been doing programmes for other platforms and we have tested audiences for new formats. I am waiting for the market to open up with the entry of OTTs.”

Referring to the shortage of writers, Patnaik said that the writer was also preparing himself for digital platforms. “It is an investment on losses, which may turn into profits later. Content creation needs money, which in turn will create value, which will fetch more investments,” he added. 

Wanvari expressed confidence that OTT players will pay well.