Corner Office Conversation With Monika Shergill, VP, Content, Netflix India
Aug 23, 2024
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Monika Shergill, the VP of Content at Netflix India, shares her insights on the dynamic growth of Netflix's content strategy in India. She discusses how original series like 'Sacred Games' have transformed the landscape, emphasizing the need for quality and variety. Monika highlights the innovative storytelling methods adopted during the pandemic and the importance of local narratives resonating globally. The conversation also touches on Netflix's unique recommendation algorithms and the rise of regional content, showcasing the evolving Indian streaming landscape.
Netflix India's commitment to diverse storytelling has revolutionized long-format content, attracting a broad audience and enhancing its global footprint.
The challenges posed by the pandemic led Netflix to focus on quality content and audience preferences, resulting in impressive subscriber growth and success with original programming.
Deep dives
Netflix's Impact on Viewing Habits
Netflix's approach to content creation has significantly changed the way audiences perceive entertainment. The platform's commitment to diversity in storytelling has resulted in groundbreaking series like 'Sacred Games', which revolutionized long-format storytelling in India. This commitment extends across various genres, showcasing that Netflix aims to cater to a broad audience rather than a singular demographic. The evolution of Netflix has positioned it as a leader in on-demand content, reflecting a global trend towards personalized viewing experiences.
Navigating Challenges During the Pandemic
The pandemic presented unique challenges for Netflix, particularly in India, as the company struggled to establish a consistent strategy for original content. Initially, Netflix experienced a choppy start, hindering its ability to produce shows quickly and efficiently. However, with a renewed focus on quality content and addressing local audience preferences, the service gained momentum, achieving record subscriber growth. Notable successes like 'Aranyak' and 'Money Heist' highlight Netflix's adaptability in a rapidly changing landscape.
The Creative Journey from Concept to Screen
The process of bringing a story from an original idea to screen at Netflix involves meticulous collaboration and creativity. An example discussed was the adaptation of the Kandahar hijacking story, which required extensive research and multiple perspectives to authentically portray the event. The involvement of creative producers and showrunners throughout the development stages ensures a well-rounded approach to storytelling. By balancing oversight with creative freedom, Netflix aims to produce content that resonates with audiences while adhering to high production standards.
Measuring Success in a Dynamic Landscape
Defining success in streaming, particularly for a platform as expansive as Netflix, involves various engagement metrics rather than traditional view count. High engagement rates, viewer retention, and financial performance are pivotal in determining a show's impact. As the industry evolves, Netflix has committed to transparency in sharing its data with partners, facilitating a better understanding of what drives success in the streaming space. This strategic approach reflects a shift towards data-informed decision-making while prioritizing storytelling quality.
Netflix’s India story is a growing piece of its global saga that spans 278 million subscribers and an annual revenue of more than $34 billion. Indian content on the platform has been attracting subscribers at home and abroad and has pushed into being a profitable entity. But content costs are growing, cinemas are filling and consumer dynamics are rapidly changing. In this episode, Monika Shergill talks about the Netflix India story and its upcoming episodes and seasons.
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