On the third day of the inaugural World Audio Visual and Entertainment Summit (WAVES) at Jio World Centre in Mumbai today, Ted Sarandos, Co-CEO of Netflix, engaged in a captivating conversation with actor Saif Ali Khan. The discussion, themed "Streaming the New India: Culture, Connectivity, and Creative Capital", delved into the transformative role of streaming platforms in Indian filmmaking, the evolving landscape of storytelling, and India’s expanding influence in global entertainment.
Democratization of Filmmaking
Sarandos highlighted how streaming platforms have democratized filmmaking in India, enabling diverse stories to reach global audiences. He shared impressive figures, stating,
“Our investments in India have generated over $2 billion in economic impact, post-COVID. That’s all the jobs created, skills developed, and infrastructure supported. We’ve filmed across 100+ towns and cities in India across 23 states, and collaborated with over 25,000 local cast and crew.”
Creative Freedom through Streaming
Saif Ali Khan, reflecting on his experience with Netflix’s popular series Sacred Games, emphasized the creative freedom streaming platforms offer.
“Earlier, we had to conform to rigid formats. Streaming has liberated actors and filmmakers from those constraints. Now, people across the globe can watch our stories, which they might have missed in traditional cinema,”
“Audiences can access diverse stories anytime, and creators have more freedom to tell them. It’s a continuous cycle of watching and making.”
The Future of Storytelling
When asked about the future of storytelling, Sarandos admitted the unpredictability of its trajectory but stressed the importance of connecting with audiences.
“It’s very difficult to predict where storytelling is headed. But what remains constant is the intent to connect with audiences,”
Coexistence of Cinema and Streaming
Addressing concerns about the competition between theatrical releases and streaming, Sarandos clarified that the two mediums can coexist.
“Cinemas are not outdated. Streaming and theaters are not competitors. They can move ahead coexisting each other as the market before us is huge,”
“If someone abroad asks me about my films, I talk about Omkaara or Parineeta — films deeply connected to our culture. There’s something incredibly thrilling about telling our own stories to the world,”
WAVES as a Platform for Creative Synergy
Both Sarandos and Saif lauded WAVES as a vital platform for fostering collaboration between global and Indian storytellers. Sarandos expressed optimism about its potential, stating,
“If the ideas presented here work, they’ll succeed beyond imagination. WAVES is a fantastic platform for that momentum.”
Stay tuned to GKboard.in for more updates from the WAVES Summit and the latest in India’s media and entertainment landscape!