Time to focus on entertainment Metaverse

Film and Television Institute of India (FTII), Pune offers eleven full-time courses in various disciplines of film and television as well as a host of short-term courses. Sayyid Rabeehashmi, Registrar of FTII, talks to Shajan C Kumar about the new trends in TV media and the role of technology in meeting challenges. Rabeehashmi was Deputy Director in the New Media Wing, Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, New Delhi before joining FTII. He has served as Nodal Officer for Social Media, Election Commission of India for Lok Sabha Elections 2019.

What are the new trends in TV media content development? How is FTII equipping students to face those new challenges?

Direct to Customer is still the key and content is at the centre for all strategies of TV media. 

TV Content was already disrupted by the internet and smartphone penetration in India. The two years of lockdowns made the disruption complex. So, it is not the appropriate time to comment on trends.

When it comes to academics at FTII, there are 4 one-year programmes under its Television Wing - Direction, Sound, Editing and Cinematography. These courses are update with trends in both aesthetics and technology from the point of curriculum. Moreover, industry practitioners often visit the Institute for workshops.    

What is the scope of Metaverse in TV media? Are we prepared for it?

How fast and to what extent is a difficult question for someone to answer. But the way we get used to technology clearly hints at our readiness to be immersed in entertainment metaverse(s).  

Is it that creativity matters or the technology for quality content development?

Creativity matters the most. Technology will have a greater role, but as the tool of an artist. It will enable the artist to visualize or present more content, easier and smarter.

For instance, students of Art Direction and Production Design at FTII use 3-D Printer for their exercises. The printer has made it easy for the students to explore complex structural aspects. But still the important part is what they create or present.

In your experience what are the new generation students aspiring for? Jobs or entrepreneurship?

Not only jobs and entrepreneurship, academics too.