Chennai:
In today’s evolving cinema industry, new directors are expected to go beyond storytelling and understand the business side of filmmaking as well. According to OTP movie director and producer Farook Abdullah, having a good story alone is no longer enough for aspiring filmmakers.
Speaking about the changing dynamics of the industry, Farook Abdullah emphasized that filmmakers today must develop the ability to market and position their stories right from the pre-production stage.
“Cinema has now become a large business ecosystem. From the early stages of filmmaking, directors must plan their projects with clarity — understanding budgeting, market positioning, and audience reach,” he said.
He further explained that identifying revenue sources in advance has become an essential part of film planning. Income streams such as theatrical release, OTT platforms, satellite rights, overseas distribution, music rights, and digital platforms play a crucial role in determining a film’s financial success.
Because of these evolving trends, Farook Abdullah believes that new directors must balance creativity with strategic thinking.
“Today a director should not be only a storyteller. From the pre-production stage itself, we must think like strategists — planning the budget, identifying income sources, and making sure the film has a clear path to profit,” he said.
The OTP director also added that cinema today is a powerful blend of art and business, and filmmakers who understand both aspects will be better prepared to succeed in the modern film industry.
