The second day of the Tech Media Startup Expo 2024 brought together thought leaders, filmmakers, tech enthusiasts, and global participants to explore the theme “Mind of the Machine: GenAI in Media.”
The event showcased the potential of Generative AI to revolutionise filmmaking, scriptwriting, and audience engagement, while also fostering valuable collaborations among industry professionals.
DS Prashant, CEO, Startup & IT Promotion Cell during his opening remarks, welcomed the audience and emphasised the Expo’s mission to create a platform for learning, collaboration, and innovation. Reflecting on last year’s event, he mentioned, “We began with the first edition as a parallel to IFFI, and this year, we are part of the mainstream Film Bazaar. Henceforth, we will expand it further to transform Goa into the creative capital of India.” he reiterated that through continued partnerships, community-building efforts, and the integration of cutting-edge technologies like AI into filmmaking and storytelling, the Expo seeks to make Goa a beacon of inspiration for creators and innovators alike.
Film Bazaar hosted a diverse mix of international and state-level stalls, including representatives from Spain and Japan. Visitors, including foreign delegates and Japanese representatives, engaged in meaningful discussions, underlining the event’s global appeal.
Raj Kapoor, Founder & CEO of IBA, delivered a heartfelt keynote titled “The Power of Purpose: Using Film for Social Change.” He began by engaging the audience with a personal touch, asking about their favourite movies and sharing how films like Anari, The Shawshank Redemption, La Vita è Bella, and The Pursuit of Happyness influenced his life. He highlighted, “If your spirit is broken, make art with the pieces. Movies have the power to inspire hope, resilience, and change. They teach us to transcend boundaries and believe in a greater tomorrow.”
The first panel discussion, moderated by Debasrita Datta, Content Head, Rocked Films explored “How is GenAI Shaping Filmmaking, Scriptwriting, and the Future of News?” Panelists Snehaal Dhruv, Founder, PYC and Sharad Patel, Founder, Chairman & MD, SP Cinecorp emphasised AI’s role in simplifying workflows, enhancing visual storytelling, and empowering technicians to adapt to advanced tools for pre- and post-production. However, they also stressed the importance of maintaining creativity and originality, cautioning against over-reliance on AI for generating content.
In the second panel, titled “Can AI Be Creative?” and moderated by Gayathri Giuliani, Founders & CEO, Kleos Entertainment, the conversation delved into the ethical and practical implications of AI in creative industries.
Panelists Jervis Pereira, Director, Global Partnerships & Alliances, IBA & Raj Kapoor, Founder CEO, IBA discussed AI’s application in fields like medical diagnostics, sensory analysis, and content personalisation while reiterating that AI serves as an assistive tool rather than a replacement for human creativity. They called for balanced training models and ethical guardrails to ensure responsible use of AI.
The discussions underscored a critical message: AI is not a threat to jobs but a catalyst for those willing to embrace it. As panelist, Jervis Pereira stated, “AI won’t replace humans; it will replace humans who don’t use AI.” Key areas highlighted included: AI’s growing role in consumer research and content translation, the need for industry professionals to reskill and upskill to stay competitive, ethical concerns and the importance of training to ensure AI supports, rather than overshadows, human creativity.
As the Tech Media Startup Expo 2024 continues, the coming days promise even more insightful sessions, inspiring keynotes, and opportunities to connect with global innovators. With a dynamic agenda, and networking opportunities, there’s much to look forward to.
