ENTERTAINMENT: STORYTELLING, THE SECRET SAUCE

BY RUKMINI SARKAR | MEDIA EXECUTIVE

KOLKATA, 21 JULY 2023:

Being involved in managing a training program on how to make a documentary film, I have rediscovered the power of storytelling.

If you look at the current media landscape, you will observe that OTT platforms are gradually garnering a larger share of viewers as compared to viewers going to single or multi screen theatres.

This transformative trend is impacting the art of storytelling by creative directors.

Take the case of Hansal Mehta, the filmmaker from Bombay. Hansol made ‘Scam 1992’ that revived Sony LIV streaming platform. Recently Netflix signed a multi-year, multi-series partnership with Hansal.

It is interesting to observe how OTT platforms are liberatingfilmmakers from the burden of securing commercial success, and at the same time a larger bandwidth of creative design. When someone asked him – did Scoop, which was a runaway success in Netflix, empowered his creative freedom, his answer was very emphatic – my success with Scam and Scoopindicated my storytelling format and choice of stories.

In a recent interview Hansal Mehta beautifully expressed howstorytelling craft is undergoing transformation with streamingplatforms acquiring more and more customers.

Capsuling his views, the yellow lines are:

1. Long form has created a comfortable space for individualistic and unique storytelling techniques (Sacred Games, Jubilee, The Family Man, Farzi)
2. The focus is back on storytelling. While making films for theatres ormultiplexes the overriding consideration is ROI or return on investment, thehall collections, success in the mass market and dependence on stars.
3. If the star says yes the ecosystem supports it.

4. The streaming platforms have added another set of advantages. For example, HansalMehata’s film Scoop (2022) wasreleased and disappeared. No one noticed. But when it was released on Netflix, it hit the top of the chart.

The log line is: if your overriding matrix is to acquire mass market, you are killing storytelling.

Look at TV- quest for TRP has spoiled TV, truly turning it into an idiot box!