MUMBAI: The first day of Sigma 2003 organised by The International School of Business and Media, Pune (ISB&M) in close collaboration with MAMI as part of the International Film Festival got off to a rousing start.
The seminar was inaugurated by Govt. of Maharashtra secretary and MAMI Trustee Govind Swaroop. Stalwarts from various fields of media discussed a number of topics affecting the industry today in this particular forum.
(L to R) Leslee Udwin, Govind Swaroop, Dr. Pramod Kumar, Akash Khurana and Nandan Khudyadi during the inauguration of SIGMA 2003
According to ISB&M president Dr. Pramod Kumar, "MAMI being the international Film Festival we mutually discovered that in the new era of changes in the film industry, corporatization theme is most appropriate." He further added that commitment to commercial returns to the investor and therefore film completion guarantee is the key to professionalising the industry."
British Actress and Producer of East is East Leslee Udwin delivered the keynote address. According to Udwin, "It is difficult but not impossible to break the existing mould and bring out something new. The most important part of a film is the story and you need to feel strong about the story." She also spoke about her reincarnation in life and career as a theatre actress. Nimbus CEO Akash Khurana spoke on "Mind set Change" - the mantra for Media Corporatisation.
KPMG Corporate Finance executive director Rajesh Jain who also spoke on "Mind set Change" emphasised on seven aspects namely: script evaluation, pre-market survey, savings, financial cost reduction, risk reward sharing, documentation and exhibition and distribution.
The first day also saw eminent personalities speak on various topics like production consultant and production manager for the Oscar winning movie 'Gandhi' Alex de Grunwald, United India Ltd. consultant Ajit Gupta and Rajesh Jain spoke on the topic "Mind Set Change." Adlabs Chairman Manmohan Shetty spoke on "New Cinema and Multiplexes."
Coulmbia Tristar head publicity and acquisition Vikramjit Roy, producer and film-maker Rajat Kapoor, E-City CEO Atul Goel, Mukta Arts CEO Pankaj Sethi had a panel discussion on "Entertainment Destination - Multiplexes." Leo Entertainment GM Sanjay Bhutiani spoke extensively on "Brand Placement in Movies" and so on.
