Mumbai: Film producer Deepak Nayar has launched Filmaka (www.Filmaka.com), a global digital entertainment studio and online creative community that will be led by renowned industry executive, former FOX Television Entertainment group chairman Sandy Grushow.
Filmaka is committed to inspiring, celebrating, and rewarding creativity and talent by providing professional opportunities for undiscovered filmmakers and writers from all corners of the world through a variety of competitions that are juried by industry leaders.
The panel includes Colin Firth, Werner Herzog, Neil LaBute, John Madden, Zak Penn, Paul Schrader, Bill Pullman, and Wim Wenders. The winner of that final competition, to be announced on 28 April, will direct a feature film produced by Filmaka. William Morris Agency will represent Filmaka and, each year, the top finalists will be flown to Hollywood for a chance to meet with the agency for possible representation.
"Having worked with filmmakers like David Lynch, Paul Schrader, and Wim Wenders, the quality of work and contribution from Filmaka members continues to impress me," said Nayar.
Grushow says, "The need for high-quality, low cost content for new and traditional distribution platforms has never been greater. Through Filmaka’s unique and innovative competition engine, we continue to discover talent from around the world that is capable of servicing the needs of the marketplace in an extraordinarily efficient and effective way."
On board for launch, FX and SAB Miller have enlisted Filmaka to create content for traditional and digital media and integrated marketing campaigns. Filmaka has also entered into revenue-sharing agreements with several distribution partners.
YouTube and Vuze will have Filmaka-branded VOD Channels and Play TV UK will have branded VOD and 24/7 linear channels. Filmaka’s branded YouTube and Vuze Channels can be found at www.youtube.com/user/FILMAKA and www.vuze.com/filmaka respectively.
Filmaka community members submit content in response to requests from the Filmaka studio for either live action comedy or drama, animation or branded entertainment. Content may be featured on www.filmaka.com, other distribution channels and online, mobile or traditional platforms.
Filmaka conducted a year-long beta prior to the official launch to develop and mentor the community and to begin generating content. During that time, Filmaka amassed an active community of more than 3,600 aspiring filmmakers from 95 countries on six continents who created more than 80 hours of content.
Additionally, a wide range of over 40 Web series are in production with filmmakers in ten countries.
