Recently, on Bengaluru’s iconic Church Street, a group of friends caught the attention of passersby with hilarious placards asking for help to find “Ankit.” One of the placards read: “Ankit, where are you? Our friend @Rashmi123 accidentally swiped left! What we know: He is 5’10”, loves chai, and works at one of the Big 4s. Find Ankit pls!!!”

(https://x.com/aneetta_joby_/status/1881601310077899213?s=46 )

Aneetta Joby’s heartfelt plea quickly went viral after a popular X (formerly Twitter) influencer shared pictures of the group with a caption rallying Bengaluru to join the hunt. Social media timelines are now buzzing with people tagging friends, sharing posts, and cracking jokes—all in the spirit of helping Rashmi find her Ankit.

Everyone in the Bengaluru internet community has come together to find Ankit, the 5’10, chai-lover guy.

Featured on pages like:

1. Viral Bhayani: https://www.instagram.com/reel/DFINiDmoDUU/?igsh=MXZheTZnNWc0eTJyNA==
2. RVCJinsta: https://www.instagram.com/p/DFF6GPyhWFW/?img_index=4&igsh=MTZiYnE3cG4yNWNpdQ%3D%3D
3. WhatsHotBangalore: https://www.instagram.com/p/DFHY3ZRpp-M/?igsh=MXR6Nmg4OHM5anhkYw%3D%3D&img_index=1

Stay tuned to know if Rashmi finds Ankit after all.

The post The Social Media Frenzy Surrounding the Search for Ankit appeared first on NRI News.

NEW DELHI: According to PwC India’s report “Global Entertainment & Media Outlook 2024–28: India perspective,” the Indian E&M industry is projected to grow at a CAGR of 8.3% to hit INR 3,65,000 Crore (19.2 Bn USD) outpacing the global rate of 4.6%.

Despite economic challenges and geopolitical tensions, global E&M revenues grew 5.5% year-on-year, from INR 13,891,000 crore in 2022 to INR 17,359,000 crore in 2023. Currently, the US leads the global E&M market by revenue, with China in the 2^nd place and India at the 9^th.

Manpreet Singh Ahuja, Chief Digital Officer and TMT Leader at PwC India commented, “India’s Entertainment & Media sector is on the cusp of a major transformation. According to our Global Entertainment & Media Outlook 2024-2028, key growth drivers such as digital advertising, OTT platforms, online gaming, and Generative AI are shaping the future of the industry. These rapidly expanding segments are positioning India as a global leader in innovation and growth. Businesses that adapt and innovate in these areas are poised to seize unparalleled opportunities in this dynamic landscape.”

With India’s improved connectivity, rising advertising revenues, and favorable Government policies around foreign direct investment (FDI), the country is predicted to see one of the highest growth rates in the next five years. The country’s large millennial and Gen-Z population base of over 91 crore has access to the world’s cheapest data costs. At present, India has 80 crore broadband subscriptions, 55 crore smartphone users, and 78 crore internet users. Indians are spending 78% of their time on mobile phone apps related to E&M. Leveraging India’s strong growth trajectory in the E&M sector, the Government of India is set to host the inaugural WAVES summit, boosting its E&M sector globally through stakeholder collaboration and innovation.

With growing consumption and gross domestic product (GDP) growth in India, the advertising market is projected to grow at a 9.4% CAGR from INR 1,01,000 crore in 2023 to INR 1,58,000 crore in 2028, which is 1.4x the global average. Most of this growth will come from the digital front (internet advertising), which is expected to grow at a 15.6% CAGR, rising from INR 41,000 crore in 2023 to INR 85,000 crore in 2028. Internet advertising’s year-on-year growth, which was 26.0% in 2023, will remain in double digits throughout the forecast period (2024–28) and is expected to be 12.2% in 2028.

This shift towards cord-cutting is expected to accelerate. Traditional TV advertising will grow at a 4.2% CAGR between 2023 to 2028, while global revenues are set to drop by -1.6%. India is poised to become the fourth-largest TV advertising market by 2026.

As per the 2024 outlook, other subsectors will also witness growth that surpasses global averages:

• The total online gaming and esports revenue in India stood at INR 16,480 crore in 2023 and is expected to reach INR 39,583 crore by 2028, growing at a CAGR of 19.2%. With the inclusion of real money gaming (as per PwC’s India Gaming Report ‘24) the total gaming and esports revenue would amount to INR 33,000 crore (4BnUSD) in 2023 and is expected to reach INR 66,000 crore (8BnUSD) by 2028 at a CAGR of 14.5%. Globally, video games and esports revenue will increase at a CAGR of 8.0%.
• Over-the-top (OTT) will be the third-fastest growing segment with a CAGR of 14.9%, putting the country in the lead by 2028.
• Infrastructure enhancements have supported massive growth in India’s out-of-home (OOH) advertising market which grew by 12.9% in 2023. It is expected to continue to grow at a 7.6% CAGR.
• When it comes to print advertising revenues, despite a global decline at a CAGR of -2.6%, India’s market is expected to grow at a rate of 3%, making it the 3rd largest Print market in the world by 2028
• India’s cinema market continues to expand, growing at a 14.1% CAGR.
• The total music (live, recorded, and digital)  revenue grew from INR 2,416 crore (293 Mn USD) in 2019 to INR 6,686 crore (811 Mn USD) in 2023. It is expected to cross INR 10,899 crore (1.3 Bn USD) by 2028, growing at a CAGR of 10.3%.
• At a 5.6% CAGR, India will stand out as having the highest B2B revenue growth rate in the world over the next five years. In contrast, global B2B revenue growth is forecasted at a 1.9% CAGR.

The report highlights four key opportunities in the E&M sector. Internet advertising emerges as the fastest-growing market in Asia-Pacific and the second globally, with a projected 15.6% CAGR (2023–2028). Companies can prioritize regulatory compliance and leverage data analytics to enhance trust and implement targeted advertising strategies.

OTT platforms in India, the world’s fastest-growing, saw a 20.9% rise in 2023, reaching INR 17,496 crore (2.1 Bn USD), and are projected to double by 2028 (14.9% CAGR). Focusing on advertising-supported tiers, market consolidation, and regional narratives can boost engagement.

Online gaming and esports are rapidly expanding, projected to represent 9% of the E&M sector by 2028. Promoting responsible gaming and investing in high-quality AAA games will position Indian studios on the global stage. Lastly, generative AI (GenAI) is set to transform content creation, personalization, and monetization, with over 70% of global companies expected to adopt it by 2025. Early adoption of GenAI in India can drive hyper-personalised content and dynamic advertising campaigns.

The report also outlines strategic approaches for companies to enhance success. It recommends consolidation among regional or niche players through mergers and acquisitions to increase size and scale. It also highlights the use of social media for marketing and distribution, as media companies leverage these platforms for content promotion. The report suggests innovation in content strategy, including esports, online gaming, and Indigenous sports to meet changing consumer behaviors. It advises investment in cost optimization through analytics, audits, and automation to lower operational and production costs. Finally, it points to the use of GenAI for creating hyper-personalized content discovery and improving user experiences, especially for regional players aiming to match the technological capabilities of global peers.

The post Indian Entertainment and Media Industry Set to Reach INR 365,000 Crore by 2028 with 8.3% CAGR Growth appeared first on NRI News.

The 3-day workshop is set to be a comprehensive exploration of Adobe Premiere Pro, a pivotal tool in the field of media and animation. The workshop will be spearheaded by Mr. Ajay Popalghat, a distinguished VFX Expert. Participants can anticipate a deep dive into the software’s functionalities, and creative storytelling techniques, and engage in informative Q&A sessions that promise to enhance their proficiency.

The workshop by Lexicon IMA is a strategic move to bridge the gap between industry demands and the skillsets of the professionals. This proactive approach towards skill development aims to boost India’s self-reliance and contribute to the overall improvement of employment rates.

Dipta Joshi, Principal, Lexicon IMA, said, “Our commitment to creating the next generation of thought leaders is reflected in our workshops. These initiatives enhance technical skills and foster innovation and entrepreneurship among individuals, empowering them to thrive in the landscape of media and animation.”

Lexicon IMA will consistently organize similar workshops, establishing a continuous learning ecosystem for individuals aiming to stay ahead in the competitive field.

The Adobe Premiere Pro webinar is scheduled for 15th-17th February 2024. To enhance your skills and enroll in the workshop, registration is now open. For more information, please contact +91 9762522801 or 9156782801, or email yusuf.lokhandwala@lexiconedu.in.

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In his inaugural address, Kamlesh C. Mehta, Chairman of IAPC said, “It is an absolute honor to stand before you as the Chairman of this prestigious organization. I am deeply humbled by the opportunity to address this gathering of media professionals, journalists, and distinguished guests. The Indo-American Press Club has always been at the forefront of promoting cultural exchange, fostering dialogue, and encouraging collaboration between India and the United States. This conference embodies our commitment to these ideals.”

Mehta said, “In the spirit of our conference’s theme, let us pledge to continue building bridges, not walls. Let us commit to facilitating open and honest dialogues that transcend boundaries and promote mutual respect. Let us strive for a world where information is a force for unity, not division. I want to take this opportunity to express my gratitude to all the speakers, panelists, and participants who have traveled from near and far to share their insights and expertise during this conference. Your contributions will undoubtedly enrich our discussions and contribute to the growth of the Indo-American Press Club as a platform for constructive dialogue.”

In her keynote address during the Awards Gala, Meera Gandhi spoke about “The Role Of Media In A Polarized World”  and drew the attention of the audience to the fact that “Most news organizations today aspire to a goal of delivering quality information that can promote healthy dialogue among members of the communities some succeed better than others, but it’s more challenging to do this in a society today, in the midst of partisan, polarization, culture wars, foreign campaigns using technology platforms to divide, there is a shortage of moderate voices among political leaders, and no shortage of activists exploiting extreme and divisive rhetoric “

“I affirm a common sense of humanity deeply understand we are one consciousness and one human connected by breath. This will affect your reporting; 2. story framing have conversations within your newsrooms before putting out stories so that better framing could have the power to deliver more truthful information to polarized audiences; and, 3. Do richer interiors. Avoid divisive, nuances and softer textures should be used to discuss potential problems in a non-divisive manner.”

Ms. Gandhi reminded the media persons that “The future of millions of people are in your hands you the press, the journalists, the media outlets, the O TP platforms – you have a very serious responsibility —do not hand over to demagogues and self-interest people. We are an amazing race let’s stay connected, undivided, happy, and informed. You the journalist here today can make this happen. I salute all your efforts!”

Ginsmon Zachariah said, “IAPC members are dedicated to fulfilling the vision of enhancing their journalistic skills while striving to help fellow journalists and future generations work towards the common cause of enhancing the well-being and efficiency of all peoples of the world.”

 In his welcome address, Ajay Ghosh, Secretary of the Board of Directors, IAPC said, “IAPC was formed to bring together media groups and the Indian media fraternity, across North America, under one umbrella, to work together, support one another, and provide a unified voice to the mainstream media world and the larger community.”

Prof. Sujata Gadkar-Wilcox, in her keynote address said, “This is a particular honor for me because I feel connected to this community and this work for two reasons. First, as the child of Indian immigrants, I see the world through a kind of duality of cultures. Culturally, my values reflect a South Asian immigrant household that recognizes the role of education in breaking down barriers, the role of communities in uplifting the individual, and the centrality of family in the background of every personal and professional opportunity. My values also reflect a commitment to democracy, equality, and justice that come from my lifelong engagement with the United States Constitution.”

“Journalists provide the foundations of that democratic culture, by enabling facts to be presented, truths to be told, and vulnerabilities to be exposed. And you bring a particularly unique voice to this work, as I have learned that I bring to public life, because you live in this duality as well. You understand both global and local perspectives and you bring that intersectionality to life in your stories. Thank you for all that you do to help strengthen our democracy.”

The conference also featured the release of an IAPC souvenir and a book titled “Padmasreeyum Swathanthryavum” by Joseph John from Calgary. Social Media Influencer Awards were presented to Korason Varghese, Dr. Alice Mathew, and Meera Nair, while Joseph John Calgary received the Community Leader Award. The conference also recognized the winners of the Essay Competition Prize.

The prestigious Lifetime Achievement Awards were conferred during the closing gala on the evening of Sunday the 8th. The honorees who received the awards included:

• VINAY MAHAJAN (Entrepreneurial Excellence). He is the National President of ITServe Alliance Inc., an association of 2200 + SME US IT companies.
• Padma Shri H.R. SHAH (Media & Arts), Chairman & CEO of TV Asia Group.
• MEERA GANDHI (Philanthropist). She is the founder of the Giving Back Foundation and a recipient of the Ellis Island Medal of Honor (2015).
• Dr. SAMPAT SHIVANGI (Community service, medicine). A physician, he is a veteran leader of AAPI, recipient of the PBD Samman Award in 2016, and the Ellis Island Medal of Honor in 2008.
• SHAJAN SKARIAH (Excellence in Journalism). He is a promoter and editor of the online portal “Marunadan Malayali”.  
• Dr. RENU ABRAHAM VARUGHESE (Excellence in Elder Care). She is an Associate Professor at the School of Health and Natural Sciences, Mercy University, NY.

The IAPC was formed to unite the Indian diaspora media fraternity across North America under one umbrella to work together, support one another, and provide a unified voice in front of the mainstream media and the larger community. The annual media conferences bring together renowned journalists and media professionals from various countries worldwide and host workshops and seminars.

The post Indo-American Press Club Hosts 9th International Media Conference in Stamford, CT appeared first on NRI News.

The 6-hour workshop on Animation and Visual Effects (VFX) will provide participants with a hands-on learning experience of Stop Motion animation besides gaining a comprehensive understanding of the intricacies of animation and VFX from a seasoned professional. They will also delve into the remarkable VF X campaigns that brought the film Pathaan to life. The workshop scheduled for Wednesday, 31 May 2023, will be held at the Lexicon Institute of Media & Advertising, Wagholi, Pune.

Covering animation fundamentals as an introduction to animation, the workshop will explore diverse animation types, and discusses the significance of animation and VFX in 2023, while analyzing their pros and cons.

The workshop also focuses on teaching the basic techniques of Stop Motion animation thus empowering participants to harness the storytelling potential of this technique. Attendees will learn to create captivating storylines, characters, and plots while effectively managing the planning and organization process. Participants will learn about paying attention to detail and technical proficiency in cameras, lighting, and equipment during the story creation process.

This workshop is specifically designed for individuals who have a passion for creativity and a keen interest in the world of animation and VFX. Students, undergraduate students, graphic designers, character designers, environment artists, VFX artists, and anyone enthusiastic about learning about animation and VFX tools are encouraged to attend. This workshop serves as an opportunity to expand knowledge, acquire new skills, and network with professionals in the industry.

The workshop which covers the captivating realms of animation and VFX is aligned with the 3-Year Program in Animation & Media Studies being offered by the Lexicon Institute of Media and Advertising. The course covers animation, game design, and graphics over 6 semesters. The Institute also offers journalism studies covering print news, broadcast, social media, digital media, mass communications, advertising, and marketing as part of its 2 Year Program in Media Studies. The program which is divided into 4 semesters also has a capstone project to ensure students get experience solving real-world work issues. The Institute also offers a plethora of short certification courses that help learners monetize the host of new professions that have proliferated in the wake of the social media boom.

Participants will have the opportunity to engage in a complimentary testing session by taking the Agile Neuro Aptitude Test that assesses their multiple intelligence quotient parameters. This evaluation will provide valuable insights into their learning style and innate personality traits, enabling them to make informed career choices aligned with their unique potential.

Participants will also have the opportunity to receive a special coupon code, providing free access to the Lexicon Institute of Media & Advertising Scholarship Exam—a chance to unlock further educational opportunities. Participants need to register at https://lexiconima.com/animationwave/

The post Lexicon Institute of Media & Advertising announces a free masterclass by VFX industry expert Deepal Dass appeared first on NRI News.

Reely.ai has gained industry recognition for its cutting-edge AI technology tailored to gamers and streamers which streamlines video content creation, automates the editing process, and aids in crafting more engaging content. Reely’s platform can automatically identify highlights and key moments within a game, simplifying the creation of highlight videos and sharing them across various social media channels. At the backdrop of a rising global online gaming market that is projected to reach $431.87 billion by 2030 as per Meticulous Research®, VideoVerse is optimistic that its AI prowess and experience with leading global broadcasters and top Sporting fraternities alongside merged capabilities of Reely will help companies in the Esports segment alongside individual streamers enhance audience engagement on their streams and explore better revenue opportunities.

“We are delighted to welcome Reely.ai to the VideoVerse family,” said Vinayak Shrivastav, VideoVerse CEO and Co-Founder. “This acquisition is a strategic step towards expanding our offerings and delivering enhanced solutions to our customers in the gaming industry. We are confident that the Reely team’s expertise and technology will be instrumental in our continued innovation within the video creation and distribution landscape. Our team is always on the lookout for innovative companies like Reely to help our customers leverage cutting-edge technologies to create engaging content and grow their audiences.“

Siddhant Bhandari, Strategy Lead at VideoVerse, added, “Innovation has always been the driving force at VideoVerse, and we are actively seeking out pioneering companies like Reely.ai to ensure we are at the forefront of AI-driven innovation in content creation. The VideoVerse team is excited about the prospect of continuing to enhance our offerings through future acquisitions.“

VideoVerse has already started integrating Reely.ai’s technology into its existing suite of solutions to expand and improve its capabilities in the gaming market. The company will provide advanced tools to players, streamers, and content creators looking to develop, share, and extend the reach of high-quality video content.

“Joining forces with VideoVerse was an obvious choice,” said Daniel Evans, CEO of Reely.ai. “VideoVerse’s comprehensive expertise in short-form video creation and distribution, combined with the latest AI and ML technology, pairs perfectly with our real-time gaming solutions. This collaboration will generate immense value for teams and content creators. AI is experiencing a significant moment, and we are eager to merge our advanced video solutions to fuel innovation in the industry.“

The terms of the deal were not disclosed.

The post VideoVerse Acquires Reely.ai to Enhance AI-Powered Content Creation and Social Media Reach for Esports and Gaming appeared first on NRI News.