National Seminar:

Content creation for OTTs: Emerging Trends - Opportunities and Challenges

Cinetaria Foundation is organising exclusive Seminar on "Content creation for OTTs: Emerging Trends - Opportunities and Challenges" on March 21, 2026 from 9.00 am onwards at Hotel Taj Krishna, Banjara Hills, Hyderabad. Telugu Film Directos Association & Rising Telangana (Tourism), Government of Telangana was the supporting partners for the event.

Calling all filmmakers, writers, and OTT creators! Unlock the secrets to producing "must-watch" content for India’s top streaming platforms. Whether you’re working in a regional or national language, this event provides the strategic roadmap you need to succeed. Join us to bridge the gap between creative vision and platform demands—creating a perfect match for creators and OTTs alike.

This timely event will place a significant focus on the newly introduced "New OTT Rules 2026," where the government has moved to implement stricter regulations regarding obscenity, mandatory age ratings, and parental controls for digital content. Designed as a vital roadmap for the modern digital era, the seminar will address the shifting landscape of the OTT market, offering content creators and platform owners deep insights into emerging trends and the complex challenges of balancing creative freedom with legal compliance. Attendees can expect a comprehensive exploration of how these draft IT (Digital Code) Rules will redefine storytelling and distribution in India’s rapidly evolving streaming ecosystem.

Core Objectives of the Seminar::

  • The seminar is designed to provide actionable insights and a roadmap for success in the competitive world of streaming. Key focus areas include:



1. Crafting the Right Content for OTTs:

The transition from the "push" model of linear TV to the "pull" model of OTT requires a fundamental shift in storytelling. We will explore:
  • Understanding binge-viewing behavior and episodic narrative structures.
  • Identifying "platform-fit" for various genres, from long-form dramas to limited series.
  • Data-driven storytelling: Using audience insights to inform creative decisions.
  • OTT Content Creation OTT Movies, Web Series, Edutainments, Events, Programs, Shows & many.

    • 2. Elevating Quality in Content Making:

    With global players setting high benchmarks, local content must meet international technical and aesthetic standards. This session covers:
    • Technical Mastery: Utilizing advanced cinematography, sound design, and post-production workflows optimized for 4K and HDR streaming.
    • Narrative Excellence: Balancing artistic vision with commercial viability to create "sticky" content that resonates globally.

      • 3. Funding for OTT Programs:

      In the rapidly evolving landscape of 2026, OTT content funding has shifted from traditional studio "greenlighting" to a more diversified, hybrid model. Whether you are an independent creator or a production house, here is a concise guide to the current funding environment:
      • OTT Platform Funding (The Direct Route): Platforms like Netflix, Amazon Prime, Disney+, Etv Win and a few other platforms provide 100% funding. In exchange, they own the IP and global rights.
      • Sponsored Programs & Brand Integration: Branded Content: A brand funds the entire series (e.g., a travel show funded by Airbnb). The product is naturally woven into the story. Platforms now offer "Ad-light" tiers. Brands may sponsor a specific "Presented by" episode, reducing the production cost burden for the creator.
      • Fundraising & Private Equity: Selling shares of your production company or a specific project to Angel Investors or VC firms. Platforms like Itihasa now connect independent filmmakers directly with high-net-worth individuals who want to diversify their portfolios into media.

        • 4. Navigating the New OTT Rules 2026:

        The Government of India has introduced the Draft IT (Digital Code) Rules, 2026, signaling a new era of regulation. This critical segment will provide a comprehensive guide to:
        • Regulating Obscenity: Understanding the new "red lines" regarding language, themes, and depictions of violence or nudity.
        • Mandatory Age Ratings: Implementing the new classification system (U, 7+, 13+, 16+, and Adult) and the requirement for visible content descriptors.
        • Accessibility Standards: Compliance with the latest February 2026 mandates for closed captioning (CC) and Indian Sign Language (ISL) for the hearing and visually impaired.

Who can participate: