Film Producer Chandrakant Singh is at European Film Market to do co-production deals for international films. He shares his views ranging from changing cinema business in India to how films with local stories and heavy on content are taking on the gradually fading stardom in Bollywood Interview with Chandrakant singh

Rajasthan-born Director and Producer Chandrakant Singh is at Berlinale and European Film Market 2020 to do co-production deals for international films. His Indo-US coproduction feature film ‘Lost in Goa’, which is being made in collaboration with US-based producer Peter Ziebert, is set to be entirely shot in India with Indian and international actors. The soft-spoken Director- Producer of web-series Fashion Street and commercial Bollywood film ‘Kya Masti Kya Dhoom’, sees Berlinale as an apt platform where he can meet experts and collaborators to learn and create a bigger market.

What are your main objectives of visiting the Berlinale and European Film Market 2020?

The basic objective is to look for co-production deals wherein we combine the creative energies to make international films. Berlinale has been at the forefront of progressive cinema and it gives us immense exposure to bid in the European market.

What do you look forward to in the year 2020? Also, what’s your long-term vision of this decade?

This decade will witness several changes in cinema business. The shift from cinema screens to digital consumption is something which will rule the coming decade. The streaming giants will see more glorious days as there is enough optimism on cross cultural stories.

What are the current projects you are working on? Tell us about the Co-Production partners you are looking for the new project?

I am currently working on an Indo- US coproduction English feature film ‘Lost in Goa’, which will be entirely shot in India with Indian and international actors. This project is in collaboration with US-based producer Peter Ziebert. At present, I am looking for more deals, wherein we work on international subjects and create a bigger market.

You have been visiting many markets across the world in recent times? But it will be your first time at Berlinale and European Film Market. What is the most important thing you want to achieve at EFM?

I have been doing rounds of several international film festivals, which helped me produce and direct films like ‘SIX X’. I am always open to learn. Learning is the essence of a good filmmaker. Having developed enough sense of international collaborations, I want to now channelize my energy in developing my international ventures and Berlinale can provide me a good platform to sign some good co-production deals to take my projects forward.

Film ‘Parasite’ has won the Best Picture at Oscars? How do you see this change?

‘Parasite’ winning at Oscars is one of the best news for cinema in recent times. It is the first movie in a language other than English to take home the Oscar for Best picture in the award show’s 92-year-old history. Thus, it has opened the doors for filmmakers like us to tell stories which are rooted and have cultural echoes.

What are your thoughts on OTT and streaming? How do you see it impacting India?

The impact of streaming is going to be huge in India, given the rise in access to internet and smart phones in the country. I think this is a welcome change as it opens new doors for creativity. I believe that the bigger the platform is, the better the scope for creative people like me.

What are the major trends driving the Indian film industry today? The mass market seems to be dying and big heroes like Shah Rukh Khan are not anymore successful. Only content-driven cinema has been working for the last two years or so?

Yes, I agree that the stardom in Indian cinema is gradually fading. Films with local stories and heavy on content are working nowadays in India, which is an excellent thing. With a new breed of producers coming up, more innovative ideas and courageous stories can be seen. It’s a great time
to be in Indian film industry. We are enjoying this paradigm shift.