Filmaka India - where user generated movies compete

While Star launches Starboxoffice.com and BAG films launches E24Bollywood.com, Filmaka has launched a different kind of entertainment portal. The site is not focused on Bollywood content or gossip. Rather, its a site where users can upload their short movies and participate in thematic contests.

Movies can be between 1-3 minutes long and users actually pay Rs 500 /- to upload and participate in the contest. Contests are held at two levels - “entry level” and “jury level”. Users submit their entries into the “entry level” category. Only winners from the ‘entry level’ category are eligible to enter the ‘jury level’, where the films are judged by jury members like Farhan Akhtar, Shabana Azmi, Rahul Bose, Ashutosh Gowariker, Anil Kapoor and other prominent celebrities. Entries to the ‘entry level’ are voted for by users as well as other peers.

While I found 1-2 somewhat interesting short films on the site, most of the content is still behind a paid subscription wall (users pay $5 to get access to older entries). Also, I find the site overtly complicating in terms of their contests and voting rules etc.

Similar Posts

• Yahoo India launches Local Beta, OrderMonger plans expansion
• WatchIndia launches Internet TV Portal for Indians
• Info Edge planning other verticals ?

Comments

2 Responses to “Filmaka India - where user generated movies compete”

1. Nishi on March 31st, 2008 5:35 pm

   What a great way to populate your website with lots of videos:)

   Here is a very similar website, of course for a western audience- http://www.howcast.com/

   Howcast pays film makers to post videos (http://www.howcast.com/help/guides/1454-Can-I-Start-Earning-Money-Before-My-Video-Becomes-Popular)

   But Filmka is clever. They get paid to host them!

2. Gaurav on March 31st, 2008 11:16 pm

   Pranav,

   The site says “Filmaka Membership is now free and films can be submited in English and all Indian Languages.” Not sure if that means free uploading.

   This is a good idea to get serious filmmakers to create good content, but I think the approach needs to change.

   In this era of piracy, where you can easily get all the new Bollywood/Hollywood movies off the Internet or next door DVD store, how many people will pay $5 (is it lifetime?) to the site to view short movies?

   As you pointed out, the site is confusing. There are too many elements in the form of points, cash rewards, jury and what not. The ticker on the homepage adds to the confusion.