Kerala to Launch India's First Govt-Owned OTT Platform on Mar 7

Kerala is set to make history in the digital entertainment realm with the launch of CSpace, India's first government-owned Over-The-Top (OTT) platform. The platform, managed by the Kerala State Film Development Corporation (KSFDC), aims to provide a unique blend of informative and entertaining content tailored to the masses. With the launch scheduled for March 7, the industry and viewers alike are eager to see how this initiative will shape the future of OTT platforms in India. Government-backed Initiative to Address Imbalances: CSpace, an initiative of the Kerala government, is a response to the imbalances and challenges faced by the OTT sector in terms of content selection and propagation. The platform aims to provide curated content that showcases the artistic, cultural, and infotainment merit of films. To ensure transparency, KSFDC has constituted a panel of 60 curators, including eminent cultural personalities from the state, to evaluate and recommend content for the platform. Content Selection and First Phase Lineup: The curators have already selected 42 films for the first phase of CSpace, including 35 feature films, six documentaries, and one short film. The platform will also feature films that have won national or state awards or have been exhibited in major film festivals. This selection process ensures that viewers will have access to high-quality and critically acclaimed content. Transparency and Revenue Sharing: One of the distinctive features of CSpace is its transparency in operations and revenue sharing. The platform operates on a pay-per-view basis, allowing viewers to watch a feature film for Rs 75 and shorter content for a lower price. The content provider receives exactly half of the amount charged. This revenue-sharing model aims to benefit both content creators and viewers, ensuring a sustainable ecosystem for the film industry. CSpace App and Accessibility: Viewers can download the CSpace app from the PlayStore and App Store starting from March 7. This user-friendly app will provide easy access to the platform's content, allowing viewers to enjoy a wide range of films on their preferred devices. The app's availability on both Android and iOS platforms ensures accessibility for a large user base. Addressing Concerns of Exhibitors and Distributors: CSpace aims to address the concerns of exhibitors and distributors in the film industry who have experienced dwindling profits due to producers releasing their feature films directly on OTT platforms. To accommodate these concerns, CSpace will showcase only those feature films that have been released in cinema halls. Additionally, short films, documentaries, and experimental films recommended by curators will also be made available on the platform. Promoting Kerala Culture and Arts: CSpace will not only cater to the entertainment needs of the masses but also promote Kerala's rich culture and arts. The platform will feature content related to Kerala's cultural heritage, providing a platform for film students and enthusiasts to explore and appreciate the state's cinematic offerings. Furthermore, CSpace plans to encourage the formation of film clubs across the state, including in colleges. Crowdfunding and Support for Filmmakers: CSpace intends to launch a new pattern of crowdfunding, offering filmmakers the opportunity to recoup their production costs through the support of viewers. This innovative approach aims to provide financial assistance to filmmakers and encourage the production of quality films. By directly involving the audience, CSpace creates a symbiotic relationship between filmmakers and viewers.