Prime Video, India’s premier entertainment platform, continued its mission to bolster India’s creative economy by conducting an insightful masterclass at the Satyajit Ray Film & Television Institute (SRFTI) in Kolkata.

This event marked the second in a series of masterclasses, following the inaugural session held at the Film and Television Institute of India (FTII), Pune.

The commitment to nurturing India’s creative talent is part of the Letter of Engagement between Amazon India and the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting (MIB) signed earlier this year.

The masterclass, titled ‘Creating Period Dramas for New Age Audiences,’ was led by renowned filmmaker Vikramaditya Motwane, Shri Vikram Sahay (Joint Secretary, Ministry of Information and Broadcasting), actor Sidhant Gupta, and Nikhil Madhok (Head of Hindi Originals, Prime Video, India).

The event delved into the intricacies of crafting period dramas that resonate with contemporary viewers.

The success of Amazon Original Series Jubilee served as a basis for the discussion, exploring the art of creating exceptional period dramas. The panelists shared insights into the creative process behind conceptualizing historical narratives that connect with modern audiences.

They emphasized the transformative role of streaming platforms in storytelling and filmmaking, offering diverse opportunities for creative and technical talents to experiment with various formats, themes, and genres.

Shri Vikram Sahay, Joint Secretary, MIB, highlighted the importance of incorporating India’s rich cultural heritage into contemporary storytelling. He stated, “By embracing our heritage and presenting it in a modern context, we’re crafting narratives that resonate with global audiences while nurturing the creative minds that will shape the future of our entertainment industry.”

The collaboration between Amazon and MIB aims to nurture creative talent in India, enhance the capabilities of prestigious film and television institutions, and showcase ‘Made in India’ creative content on a global scale.

Nikhil Madhok, Head of Hindi Originals, Prime Video, emphasized the platform’s commitment to investing in India’s creative talent, stating, “Our commitment to such initiatives aligns with our mission to create exceptional content that resonates with diverse audiences globally, and these masterclasses are a testament to that vision.”

Vikramaditya Motwane, Creator and Director of Jubilee, shared his perspective on writing multi-genre stories, emphasizing the importance of engaging the audience through character and plot development.

Sidhant Gupta, known for his role in Jubilee, stressed the significance of research in preparing for a character in a period drama and the importance of asking questions during the research process.

Prime Video plans to host additional masterclasses in collaboration with MIB at leading film institutions across India in the coming months, continuing their commitment to nurturing and empowering the country’s creative talent.

The masterclass at SRFTI showcased the industry’s dedication to advancing the art of storytelling and creating content that resonates with audiences both locally and internationally.