February 22, 2017
Filmmaker Vikram Bhatt, who has ventured into the digital
space with his over-the-top app -- VBontheweb, says such platforms are best to
create a stable revenue system for quality content with good production values.
Asked how OTT platforms are contributing to the entertainment business,
Vikram told IANS here: "I think people are ready to pay if the content is worth
investing. The whole idea of encouraging and coming up with OTT platform is to
make a stable revenue generating model for entertainment industry on digital
platform."
"In the advent of technology, one can shoot content using a
smartphone or iPhone but to get a certain amount of quality and production value
of a content whether it is a short film, a web series, we have to invest money
for production."
"I do not want people who are working with me on a
production to get any less payment because the content is going on a digital
platform and not on the silver screen. That is why OTT platforms are the best to
get revenues," said the director of films like "Raaz" and "Ghulam".
Mentioning how good a response he is getting from the audience, he said: "My web
series Untouchables', which is streaming, is getting subscribers every day and
after watching the show they said we should price it high. Now, one can watch
the series by paying Rs 18."
Considering the fact that YouTube is one of
the digital platforms where people can watch content for free, is the Indian
audience getting used to the practice of paying to watch online entertainment?
"Yes, of course people are changing their mentality...and feedbacks from my
show, I am confident about it. It is the matter of quality on which we are ready
to invest," said Vikram, who has tried his hand at acting too.
In
"Untouchables", which is the directorial debut of his daughter Krishna Bhatt, he
is playing a lawyer.
How was his experience of working with his daughter
and acting?
He said: "Acting is different, and I enjoyed it. But it was
just one of the trying out things. I see no one is coming up with an acting
offer to me. My daughter is very talented as a director and her approach is
different from mine."
"I was a little sceptical for the first two days
and wondered how she would operate on the set but she is fine."
Vikram
considers veteran filmmaker Mahesh Bhatt, with whom he has worked on several
films like "Footpath", "Raaz 3" and "Mr. X", his mentor.
"My relation
with Bhatt Saab is more emotional than professional. Yes, I started my journey
in the film industry under his guidance, he gave me my first break and he is the
institution for me to learn," said Vikram.
"But the learning is not just
about films, but exchanging thoughts, sharing and he is always there for me for
emotional support. Over the period of time, things have grown," he added.