Exclusive: EORTV is for the lovers of art and believers in equality says Deepak Pandey

Exclusive: EORTV is for the lovers of art and believers in equality says Deepak Pandey

Award winning camera man and filmmaker Deepak Pandey shares the vision, dream and future of EORTV - Premier Video on Demand, OTT media service platform with a differentiated philosophy to focus on the LGBTQ audiences and other communities.

Excerpts

How did this idea come into existence?

The idea likely came from a combination of factors, including the lack of representation and marginalization of LGBTQ individuals in mainstream media, as well as the increasing popularity and accessibility of streaming services. We saw an opportunity to fill a gap in the market and provide a platform for LGBTQ stories to be told and for LGBTQ individuals to see themselves represented in media.

Additionally, creating a community around the platform would help to foster a sense of connection and support among LGBTQ individuals, which is especially important given the discrimination and isolation that many members of this community face. By providing a safe and supportive environment for LGBTQ individuals to engage with one another, the platform could help to promote greater understanding and acceptance of the LGBTQ community as a whole.

What were the difficulties you faced?

1.Writing authentic and resonant stories: Creating LGBTQ-focused content that truly resonates with audiences can be challenging, especially if the creators do not have personal experience with the community. Crafting emotional depth and themes that are both authentic and relatable requires a level of sensitivity and nuance that can be difficult to achieve.

2. Balancing authenticity and relatability: The creators of the platform likely had to find a balance between creating content that is authentic to the LGBTQ experience while also being relatable to a wider audience. This requires careful consideration of the storytelling approach, character development, and other factors that contribute to creating compelling content.

3. Building a community: Creating a platform that fosters a sense of community and connection among LGBTQ individuals can also be challenging. This requires creating a safe and supportive environment where users can engage with one another and feel comfortable sharing their experiences and perspectives.

Overall, creating an LGBTQ platform like EORTV requires a deep understanding of the community and its experiences, as well as a commitment to creating content that is both authentic and resonant. By addressing these challenges and staying committed to their goals, the creators of EORTV can build a platform that truly speaks to the LGBTQ community and beyond.

 

What inspired you to launch the first and only LGBTQAAI+ Ott platform?

I was motivated by a desire to provide authentic and diverse representation for the LGBTQIA+ community in India. Historically, the mainstream media in India has not always portrayed LGBTQIA+ individuals in a positive light, and there has been a lack of representation of LGBTQIA+ stories and experiences.

Creating an LGBTQIA+ OTT platform would allow for the production and distribution of content that speaks to the experiences and perspectives of the LGBTQIA+ community, and provide a platform for LGBTQIA+ individuals to see themselves represented in media. Furthermore, the creation of an LGBTQIA+ OTT platform in India may also have been motivated by a desire to create a safe and supportive space for the community to connect and engage with one another.

Overall, the motivations behind the creation of the first LGBTQIA+ OTT platform in India are likely driven by a desire to fill a gap in the market, provide authentic representation for the LGBTQIA+ community, and create a supportive environment for the community to connect and engage.

Your thoughts on high Censorship on OTT in India?

The issue of high censorship on OTT platforms in India has been a topic of much debate and discussion in recent years. While there is a need to ensure that content does not promote hate speech or violence, excessive censorship can stifle creative expression and limit the types of stories that are told.

As a platform that aims to promote diversity and inclusivity, we believe in the importance of allowing creators to tell authentic and nuanced stories, even if they may be uncomfortable or controversial at times. It's important to strike a balance between protecting viewers from harmful content and allowing for artistic freedom and expression.

We believe that the current level of censorship on OTT platforms in India can be excessive and limiting, and we hope that there can be more constructive dialogue and collaboration between content creators, policymakers, and regulators to find a solution that works for all stakeholders involved.

 

You have worked in this showbiz over 20+ years now, what changes you have seen in this industry in terms of acceptance of LGBTQAAI+ community?

Over the past few decades, the entertainment industry has become increasingly inclusive and accepting of the LGBTQ+ community. LGBTQ+ characters and storylines are now more common in films, TV shows, and other forms of media, and there are more opportunities for LGBTQ+ actors and filmmakers to work in the industry. Additionally, there has been a significant increase in the number of LGBTQ+ characters portrayed in a positive and nuanced light, with many shows and movies featuring LGBTQ+ characters as main protagonists.

While there is still a long way to go in terms of achieving full representation and acceptance for the LGBTQ+ community in the entertainment industry, there have been some significant strides made in recent years. More and more studios and production companies are making a conscious effort to include diverse and representative content, and there are now several LGBTQ+ themed OTT platforms and streaming services that cater specifically to this community.

Overall, while there is still much work to be done, the entertainment industry has come a long way in terms of representation and acceptance of the LGBTQ+ community, and there are positive signs of progress being made towards greater inclusivity and representation in the future.

What was your vision when you were in the process of creating this platform?

The vision was to create a safe, inclusive, and supportive space for LGBTQIA+ audiences to connect, engage, and share their stories.

The platform aims to provide a diverse range of LGBTQIA+ content, including  web series, films, festivals and events and short films, that are both authentic and engaging. By giving LGBTQIA+ creators a platform to share their stories and experiences, the platform hopes to increase representation and visibility for the community and provide a means of creating social change through media.

The vision also includes creating a community around the platform, where LGBTQIA+ individuals can come together and connect with one another in a safe and supportive environment. By fostering a sense of community and belonging, the platform aims to create a space where LGBTQIA+ individuals can find inspiration, encouragement, and support from one another.

Overall, the vision of EORTV is to create a positive impact on society by increasing representation, promoting understanding and acceptance, and creating a supportive community for the LGBTQIA+ community.

As the CEO of Eortv, what are your short-term Goals?

Some potential short-term goals for EORTV include:

1. Launch and promote the platform: EORTV may have a short-term goal of launching and promoting the platform to attract a significant audience. This could involve a targeted marketing campaign to reach LGBTQIA+ individuals and allies, as well as partnering with relevant organizations and media outlets to increase visibility.

2. Expand content library: EORTV may aim to expand its content library by acquiring new films, documentaries, web series, and short films. This would help to ensure that the platform offers a diverse range of content that appeals to a wide range of viewers.

3. Develop original content: Creating original content can help to differentiate the platform from competitors and provide a unique value proposition to viewers. EORTV may aim to develop original content that reflects the experiences and perspectives of the LGBTQIA+ community.

 

4. Foster community engagement: As mentioned earlier, community engagement is an important aspect of EORTV's vision. EORTV may have a short-term goal of fostering community engagement by providing opportunities for LGBTQIA+ individuals to connect and engage with one another through the platform.

5. Ensure sustainability: Building and maintaining a sustainable business model is crucial for the long-term success of EORTV. EORTV may have a short-term goal of ensuring sustainability by establishing partnerships, exploring potential revenue streams, and managing costs effectively.

You are making a biopic on Begum Nawazish Ali. What fascinated you to do that. How has the experience been?

Story of Begum Nawazish Ali, as a prominent LGBTQIA+ icon in Pakistan and a trailblazer in the entertainment industry, would be a fascinating subject for biopic. In terms of what has inspired me to take on this project, it's an opportunity to shed light on an important figure who has made a significant impact on Pakistani society and the LGBTQIA+ community. Begum Nawazish Ali's story could serve as a powerful inspiration for others who face similar challenges in their lives, and a biopic could help to raise awareness and understanding of LGBTQIA+ issues in Pakistan and beyond.

 

As for the experience of making the biopic, it will likely be a challenging and rewarding journey that requires extensive research and attention to detail. It will be important to accurately portray Begum Nawazish Ali's life and experiences while also creating a compelling narrative that engages audiences and brings her story to life.

Your Platform EORTV is known to promote the LGBTQ community your thoughts on the community?

EORTV's mission is to provide a platform for authentic LGBTQIA+ representation and to promote inclusivity and diversity in the entertainment industry. The LGBTQIA+ community has historically faced discrimination and marginalization in many societies, and it is important to create safe and supportive spaces for their stories and experiences to be told.

By giving a voice to the LGBTQIA+ community, EORTV is helping to foster a more inclusive and accepting culture, both within the entertainment industry and beyond. The platform provides an opportunity for LGBTQIA+ individuals to see themselves represented in the media, and for their stories to be told with authenticity and nuance. This can help to break down stereotypes and promote understanding and empathy for the LGBTQIA+ community.

In short, EORTV's promotion of the LGBTQIA+ community is an important step towards greater inclusivity and acceptance, and helps to create a more equitable and diverse entertainment industry.

Do you think the sub- plots of LGBTQ in many of the OTT shows are excessive and not justified?

The inclusion of LGBTQIA+ characters and storylines in OTT shows is a positive step towards greater representation and visibility for the community. However, it's important that these storylines are handled with care and sensitivity, and are not reduced to mere "sub-plots" or used for the sake of sensationalism.

It's important to remember that LGBTQIA+ characters are not a monolith, and their experiences are diverse and complex. Therefore, it's crucial that writers and producers approach these storylines with nuance and respect, and avoid falling into stereotypes or clichés. It's also important to ensure that LGBTQIA+ characters are portrayed in a positive and empowering light, rather than being reduced to mere plot devices or used to further a non-LGBTQIA+ character's story arc.

Ultimately, the key is to approach these storylines with authenticity and empathy, and to ensure that LGBTQIA+ characters and stories are given the same level of care and attention as any other character or plotline.

 

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