SMMEI Report - Gr1
SMMEI Report - Gr1
SMMEI Report - Gr1
Bangalore
Final Project
Submitted To:
Professor S Raghunath
Strategic Management of Media and Entertainment Industry
Submitted By:
Group 1
India's Official
National Film Premiered at
Entry to the
Awards for the Toronto
Academy
best Assamese International Film
Awards Oscars
Film Festival
2019
Rima Das, the visionary behind Flying River Films, has brought a unique cinematic voice to the
forefront. Some of Rima Das’s works include "Village Rockstars" (2017) follows a group of teenagers
forming a rock band, showcasing their dreams and challenges in rural life. Village Rockstars was India’s
official entry to Oscars in 2019. "Bulbul Can Sing" (2018) tackles family dynamics and societal pressures
through a young woman's quest for freedom. Das's debut feature, "Man with the Binoculars:
Antardrishti" (2016), explores loneliness and longing, while her recent film, "Tora's Husband" (2022),
delves into themes of masculinity and societal expectations. These are just a few examples of Das's
impactful storytelling, highlighting the lives of Northeast India and establishing her as a leading voice
in independent cinema.
Project Objectives
After discussion with Flying River Films (henceforth, FRF), the major problems were identified in the
areas of brand outreach, awareness, and funding for FRF. These problem areas were captured in 4
major buckets as listed below:
1. Increase Brand Awareness: Make Flying River Films more recognizable among film
enthusiasts, social justice advocates, and relevant communities.
2. Boost Engagement: Create a more interactive online presence that encourages conversation
and community building.
3. Drive Traffic to Films and Website: Direct potential viewers to watch their films and learn more
about their work.
Target Audience
We have divided the audience for the niche and independent movies into 3 major categories:
• Independent Cinema Enthusiasts: Fans of independent Indian cinema, particularly those
interested in regional stories and diverse voices.
• Socially Conscious Individuals: People interested in social issues explored in Flying Rivers'
films, such as gender equality, youth empowerment, and cultural identity.
• Vernacular Urban Cinephiles: This primarily includes the people of Northeast and other
regions of India with an interest in regional cultures, stories and can afford streaming platforms
to consume such content.
For any movie, Flying Rivers can work with marketers on transmedia strategy by delving into necessary
core information on the storyline. We have attempted to illustrate a transmedia strategy for Flying
Rivers’ most acclaimed work “Village Rockstars.”
Village Rockstars
The story
of Village Rockstars is set in rural Assam where a single mother fights to raise her two children. The
elder son wrestles with school, while his curious younger sister finds an escape in music. United by a
wild dream of forming a rock band with other village kids, their makeshift instruments become a
symbol of hope. The film delves into the beauty and struggles of their life, showcasing the mother's
unwavering strength and the girl's innocence against the backdrop of poverty. It's a story of family,
resilience, and chasing dreams in a challenging world.
We propose certain initiatives to carry out transmedia promotional campaign for ‘Flying Rivers’ with
emphasis on user generated content and audience participation.
Initiatives Farming and Rural First music instrument Photography Actors’ and Directors
life (reels, social / performance reels contest – interviews, AMAs
media posts) “Landscapes and life
in rural assam”
Theme of film’s Rural, agriculture Quest for music/art Northeast states’ Tap onto vernacular
storyline focused lifestyle production culture and way of audience and
life director’s fan
following
Platforms Instagram, YouTube Instagram, YouTube, Website, FB, Regional television,
Shorts, Twitter Twitter Instagram Instagram, Twitter
Core audience Urban vernacular Urban vernacular Urban vernacular Socially conscious
cinephiles, cinephiles, cinephiles, individuals,
independent film independent film independent film independent film
enthusiasts enthusiasts enthusiasts enthusiasts
Audience Audience create Audience creates reels Contest inviting Rima Das followers
participation simple reels speaking and twitter posts on photographs of rural and general
about their most their experience of assam. Announce vernacular audience
touching encounters buying first music winners based on engage with cast and
with rural/Agri instrument and first post interactions as crew through “Insta
lifestyle music performance well as artistic Live” and “Twitter
brilliance AMAs”, interviews to
regional television
Improving Presence
The media and entertainment industry is undergoing a period of unprecedented transformation. The
rise of streaming giants, evolving audience preferences, and technological advancements are forcing
film studios to improve presence across the board. In this dynamic environment, Flying River Films,
like all studios, must carefully consider its approach to media creation and distribution to remain
competitive.
The improvement of brand presence is analysed below in 3 major parts:
• Content Strategy
o Existing Content Strategy
o New Content Strategy
• Platform Optimisation
• Community Building
Content Strategy
In the ever-competitive world of film, a captivating content strategy is the lifeblood of audience
engagement. This analysis delves deep into Flying River Films' current approach, dissecting its
strengths and weaknesses. We'll explore how effectively the studio utilizes various content formats,
engages with target audiences, and builds anticipation for upcoming releases. By identifying areas for
improvement and drawing inspiration from industry leaders, we'll craft a roadmap for a content
strategy that soars, propelling Flying River Films to new heights of success.
• Create Diverse Content: There is a need to create buzz about existing and past projects
through different projects. This can be done by mixing short film clips, behind-the-scenes
glimpses, interviews, social impact stories, & audience interaction prompts.
Figure 3 Behind the shots for Village Rockstars movie shared with audience
• Utilize Relevant Hashtags: As per discussion with Rima Das’s team, there is no quantifiable
analysis of hashtags used in social media. There is a need to employ targeted hashtags to
reach new audiences interested in film, social issues, and independent cinema.
• Leverage Storytelling: Currently, only still images or posters are being shared by FRF. There is
a need to share captivating narratives about the films, their impact, and the communities they
represent. One sample as shown below is Rima’s interview snippets where she talks about the
need for diversity and inclusivity with leading directors of Bollywood. This elevates both her
and FRF’s branding across the board.
• Drama - Will story resonate emotionally? At the heart of Flying River Films lies a commitment
to creating deeply emotional experiences for their audience. They weave universal themes of
love, loss, hope, and overcoming challenges into their narratives, ensuring a connection that
transcends cultural boundaries. This impact can be further amplified by the relatable
characters they craft - individuals with flaws and desires that mirror our own. Flying River Films
should not shy away from employing powerful visuals and music to heighten emotions, adding
layers of anticipation and suspense that keep viewers engaged. They can further enrich their
stories by drawing inspiration from the real-life experiences of Assam and Northeast India.
Showcasing local culture and traditions within their narratives fosters a sense of authenticity
and personal connection for a wider audience. This dedication to touching hearts through
emotionally resonant narratives is a cornerstone of Flying River Films' philosophy.
• Responsibility- Does film enrich our lives? Flying River Films understands film's potential to
do more than entertain. They weave social issues like poverty or mental health into narratives,
sparking conversations and raising awareness. Furthermore, they celebrate cultural richness
by showcasing traditions of Assam and Mumbai, fostering understanding. Finally, their films
explore personal growth through relatable stories of self-discovery and resilience, inspiring
audiences. This commitment to social responsibility, cultural exploration, and personal growth
elevates their content beyond mere entertainment.
• Interest- Does the story grab attention? Capturing audience interest is key for Flying River
Films. They weave local elements into established genres, offering fresh takes on familiar
themes. Effective promotion through social media, film festivals, and collaborations with other
filmmakers and organizations further ensures their stories reach a wider audience and leave a
lasting impact.
• Screenplay Potential- Script sustain feature film? When assessing potential scripts, Flying
River Films prioritizes depth and complexity. They seek layered concepts that offer fertile
ground for exploration and development throughout the film. Subplots and character arcs are
crucial elements, which will enrich the overall narrative tapestry and creating a more engaging
cinematic experience. Linear narratives, lacking intrigue or opportunities for expansion, are
avoided in favor of richer stories that can unfold naturally over a feature film's length. This
focus on well-developed concepts ensures their films have the potential to captivate audiences
for the full run time.
• Personal Choice- Theater-worthy film? Flying River Films thrives at the intersection of passion
and audience engagement. Their films are driven by the filmmakers' artistic fire, evident in
every frame. However, they understand the importance of connecting with viewers. Universal
themes are explored, but with a unique twist or a local lens for a fresh perspective. Diversity
is championed, broadening their thematic range and attracting a wider audience. This balance
ensures their films resonate on a personal level while captivating audiences on the big screen.
• Richness and Complexity- Repeat viewing adds depth? Flying River Films transcends a one-
time watch. They craft layered narratives with subtle details, foreshadowing, and nuanced
characters who unfold over time. Symbolic depth through visuals, recurring themes, and
character motivations adds further meaning. Open-ended questions spark discussions and
invite repeat viewings, rewarding audiences with a richer understanding with each encounter.
This commitment to complexity ensures their films stay with you long after the credits roll.
• Timeliness- Timeless concept? Flying River Films prioritizes creating timeless stories. They
explore universal struggles and aspirations, like love, loss, and self-discovery. Current issues
are integrated organically, avoiding fleeting trends. Their focus lies on characters and their
enduring connections, ensuring the story's core resonates for years to come.
Platform Optimization:
To gain a greater mind share, platform optimisation is a crucial step. Currently Flying Rivers has a
social media presence in the following ways:
• Personal website of Rima Das
• Instagram: 831 posts, 20k followers
• Facebook: 52k followers
• Twitter: 8k followers
• YouTube: 7k followers.
Some of the key issues with social media presence of Flying rivers are:
A sound platform optimisation strategy will should focus on two broad aspects website enhancement
and improving social media presence.
Website Enhancement:
Flying River Films can solidify their online presence by revamping their website into a user-friendly and
visually captivating hub for all things Flying Rivers. This central platform should prioritize a seamless
user experience while showcasing the beauty of their films. An informative "About" section is crucial,
detailing the company's background, Rima Das's artistic vision, and the core inspirations driving their
unique cinematic voice. This enhanced website will serve as a vital space for fans to connect, explore,
and learn more about the stories that Flying River Films brings to life.
Movie Previews on Website:
• Create a dedicated section for movie previews, trailers, and behind-the-scenes footage on
the website.
• Consider offering exclusive sneak peeks or early access to certain content for website
visitors.
User Interaction Forum on Website:
• Integrate a community forum where fans can discuss Flying Rivers' works, share their
interpretations, and connect with like-minded individuals.
• Implement moderation tools to ensure a positive and respectful online environment.
Community Building:
A sound social media strategy will help in building a strong community presence. Additionally, we
need to work on following aspects to engage with community.
• Host interactive sessions: Interactive sessions could include AMAs, collabs with universities,
and talks with directors or cast.
• Collaboration with influencers: Joint promotion with art galleries and studios as well as
interaction with art focussed influencers on social media
• Listing on vernacular OTTs & local channels; The movie outreach can be improved by tying up
with multiple OTT’s that focus on regional content.
Community building through Memorability Framework:
The objective of these interventions is to start with passive participation and absorption and convert
that to active participation and immersion. The active participation will increase word of mouth which
in turn will lead to passive participation of new audiences. We can begin with showcasing trailer
reviews, user reaction videos and increase community engagement. The active participation can then
be brought in through AMAs, chat forums and on set tours. Interaction videos with audience can also
be posted to enhance relatability.
Conclusion
This report unveils a comprehensive roadmap for strategic management tailored to Flying River Films'
success in the ever-evolving media and entertainment landscape. We navigated key challenges like
digital disruption and shifting consumer behaviour, advocating for adaptation through strategic
decisions and content innovation. Mastering the art of captivating storytelling and leveraging digital
engagement techniques are crucial for building a strong brand that resonates with the audience.
The report emphasizes analyzing successful business models and fostering a culture of innovation to
stay competitive. Furthermore, it delves into uncovering effective leadership styles for managing
creative teams and complex projects, drawing inspiration from leading filmmakers. By comparing
strategies and challenges across different regions, Flying River Films can learn to navigate global trends
while catering to specific regional needs.
Developing strong analytical skills becomes paramount, allowing for informed strategic decisions
based on thorough analysis of competition, market trends, and internal capabilities. Ultimately, this
report equips Flying River Films with the strategic knowledge and tools needed to thrive in the dynamic
media and entertainment industry.