‘What Hollywood did in 50 years, we will do in 10 years’

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Monday , January 21, 2008 at 2229 hrs It’s been a busy 2007 for Eros International—the London AIM (Alternative Investment Market) has listed the Indian media and entertainment company. It released 30 films, of which ten were global launches and has included such hits as Om Shanti Om, Namastey London and Heyy Babyy.

However, in 2008, Kishore Lulla, chairman & CEO, Eros International, plans more global launches, focusing on content-creation and consolidation, upgrading its distribution channels across formats, and has releases lined up until 2010. He speaks with Sudipta Datta from London on Eros’ long-term plans for India and why the ‘Americanisation’ of the Indian entertainment space spells good news for Bollywood. Excerpts:

What are your areas of focus in 2008?

The focus is on content and consolidation. We are updating our distribution channels by integrating content across all formats, cinema, television, home entertainment, pay TV and new media. In the home entertainment segment, for example, we are building up a library. We have 1,900 titles now, we are going to aggressively buy content. In the regional and Bollywood space, we have identified eight-10 targets—content companies having libraries and future productions—for acquisitions: the acquisitions will be completed by the end of 2008.

What is the film making model that you follow, is it leaning towards Hollywood or Bollywood?

Well, the Eros model is exactly like a studio model except that we do not physically own a studio. In fact, most of the foreign studios are getting rid of their physical studios. Then, you can shoot anywhere in any location across the world.

You are paying a lot of attention to your special effects studio. Comment.

Oh yes. That’s our second area of focus this year. We feel that as the Bollywood market expands and the 400 million middle class have more spending power, they will demand good quality entertainment. We want EyeQube Studios to do big visual effects out of India. The first one Alladin has already gone on the floors. We will also release Drona, for which EyeQube is handling the special effects. It’s a Harry Potter meets Indiana Jones movie, if you will, but it’s an original story.

What’s the Eros calendar of films looking like this year?