The bustling city of Mumbai has become the epicenter of the media and entertainment industry as the Union government launches the four-day World Audio Visual & Entertainment Summit (WAVES) on May 1. The event is a significant stride in transforming India into a global media and entertainment hub, a vision championed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The summit has drawn a star-studded lineup, from Bollywood icons like Aamir Khan and Amitabh Bachchan to international executives from giants like Netflix and YouTube, all contributing to the event’s grand narrative.
India has been keen to capitalize on its entertainment sector strengths, particularly in post-production. Minister of Information and Broadcasting Ashwini Vaishnaw highlighted India’s role in global VFX, citing the involvement of Indian talent in the production of “The Lion King.” Despite the recent closure of the Moving Picture Company’s (MPC) India offices due to financial challenges from Hollywood labor strikes, the workforce remains skilled and ready, with other studios stepping in to fill the void. The government has been actively nurturing this sector, with the 2022–23 Union budget establishing a task force to boost the Animation, Visual Effects, Gaming, and Comics (AVGC) industry.
Gaming is a focal point, with companies like Masala Games leading the charge. Known for “Detective Dotson,” an 8-bit game set in Mumbai, the company is part of India’s burgeoning gaming landscape, which is bolstered by substantial growth in platforms like Steam. Shalin Shodhan, founder and CEO of Masala Games, emphasized the “tremendous” potential of the domestic gaming industry and advocated for governmental support to spur new intellectual property development, drawing parallels with the economic uplift seen in countries like Canada and Poland.
The summit also serves as a convergence platform for diverse media forms, as noted by I&B Secretary Sanjay Jaju. The WAVES will feature a Bazaar inspired by the National Film Development Corporation’s model, allowing filmmakers to showcase their work to global distributors. The government’s promotional efforts for WAVES have reached a crescendo, with advertisements across theaters and television, including premium slots during Indian Premier League matches. To sustain momentum, initiatives across animation, broadcasting, advertising, and filmmaking have been launched, encouraging innovation and creativity within these fields.
The WAVES Summit in Mumbai marks a pivotal moment for India’s media landscape, offering a collaborative space for global industry leaders while showcasing the nation’s talent and innovation. As India positions itself as a key player in the global media landscape, the event underscores a commitment to blending technology and tradition while fostering new opportunities across the vast spectrum of entertainment.
Published – May 01, 2025 11:55 am IST
Categories: Business | Tags: WAVES Summit, Media, Entertainment, Bollywood, VFX, Gaming Industry, India
Original Source: https://www.thehindu.com/business/with-waves-event-government-seeks-global-role-for-india-in-entertainment-industry/article69490944.ece
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Publish Date: 2025-05-01 11:55:00
