In a bid to foster creative talent, enhance capacity building, and showcase indigenous content on a global platform, Prime Video, the popular streaming service, has initiated a series of masterclasses across prominent film and television institutes in India.

This endeavor is part of the Letter of Engagement (LoE) established between Amazon India and the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting (MIB) earlier this year. The LoE aims to bolster the creative ecosystem in India and promote locally crafted content internationally.

The inaugural masterclass of this series took place at the esteemed Film and Television Institute of India (FTII), located in Pune. This session marked a significant collaboration between Amazon and MIB, with notable figures from the entertainment industry sharing their insights and experiences. National Award-winning director Nitesh Tiwari, acclaimed actor Janhvi Kapoor, and renowned film editor Antara Lahiri participated as speakers.

The session was hosted by Sushant Sreeram, Country Director of Prime Video, India, along with the presence of Shri Vikram Sahay, Joint Secretary of MIB.

Titled ‘Crafting Stories that Resonate’, the masterclass covered a wide array of topics pertinent to aspiring filmmakers and students. Discussions ranged from the art of story selection and injecting relatability into narratives, to the crucial role of writing, the dynamics of improvisation in acting, and the transformative impact of streaming on the industry.

Nitesh Tiwari, known for his directorial prowess in films like ‘Dangal’ and ‘Chhichhore’, shared valuable insights on casting decisions in filmmaking. He emphasized the importance of not fixating on specific actors during the writing process, in order to avoid limiting creativity and perpetuating typecasting in cinema. Tiwari also highlighted the evolution of a film from its initial conception to its final execution, advocating for directors’ receptiveness to change throughout the creative journey.

Janhvi Kapoor, renowned for her roles in films such as ‘Dhadak’ and ‘Roohi’, shed light on the nuanced process of acting and the role of improvisation in portraying authentic characters. She emphasized the need for actors to delve deep into their roles, allowing room for spontaneous emotions that resonate with the characters they portray. Kapoor also advised fellow performers to continually challenge themselves, stepping out of their comfort zones and embracing diverse roles.

Antara Lahiri, a notable film editor who has contributed to projects like ‘Shakuntala Devi’ and ‘Four More Shots Please! S2,’ shared insights into the collaborative nature of editing and filmmaking. She stressed the importance of open communication and creative collaboration between directors and editors for effective storytelling.

The commencement of this masterclass series at FTII is just the beginning of an extensive collaboration between Prime Video and MIB. Subsequent sessions are set to take place in other premier film institutions across India. Through these masterclasses and the partnership’s overarching goals, Amazon Prime Video is poised to contribute significantly to the growth and global recognition of India’s creative talents and content.