Chennai, 3rd October 2024 — ABC Talkies, the pioneering open-access film streaming OTT platform dedicated to independent filmmakers, is thrilled to announce the launch of the Fourth Edition of its flagship initiative: The Big Shorts Challenge – Tamil Edition. This announcement, made during a press conference at Prasad Lab Theatre in Chennai, also showcased other key developments, including strategic partnerships and the onboarding of Sakshi Agarwal as the Advisory Board Member and Regional Brand Ambassador.
The Big Shorts Challenge – Tamil Edition: Fourth Edition
Building on the incredible success of its previous editions, The Big Shorts Challenge is an integral initiative of ABC Talkies designed to unearth fresh talent and provide aspiring filmmakers with a prominent stage to share their stories. The Tamil Edition of this challenge is specifically focused on the vibrant Tamil filmmaking community, aiming to spotlight the creativity and diversity of regional filmmakers and offer them the chance to share their stories, generate revenue, and gain industry recognition.
ABC Talkies dismantles barriers for creators, offering a platform free from restrictive selection processes, allowing filmmakers to directly upload and monetize their work from the very first view.
Unveiling The Big Shorts Challenge – A Launchpad for Aspiring Storytellers This edition takes inspiration from the successful Malayalam Edition, which served as a launchpad for aspiring filmmakers, offering unparalleled exposure through the ABC Talkies platform. The Big Shorts Challenge is not just a competition; it is a pathway for storytellers to turn their creative visions into reality. As the only OTT platform in India to host such a competition directly, ABC Talkies reaffirms its commitment to the next generation of filmmakers by offering a stage that doesn’t discriminate based on budgets or connections.
The Big Shorts Challenge – Tamil is supported by Sakshi Studios, Shot2Shot Film and Entertainment, SGR Film Factory, Seiyon Media and Shortfundly as Contest Partners; and Mindsreen Film Institute & DG Vaishnav Collage as Talent partners.
Open to All, Rewarding for All
The Big Shorts Challenge embodies the spirit of inclusivity, welcoming all storytellers to participate. Unlike traditional competitions with rigid selection processes, every story here has the potential to shine. Participants will gain access to ABC Talkies’ extensive audience, allowing them to reach viewers worldwide and monetize their work immediately. Additionally, participants compete for a prize pool of Rs 2,00,000, with Rs 1,00,000 each awarded for the Most Watched Film and the Highest Grossing Film. Real-time analytics and industry recognition empower filmmakers, providing a roadmap to a sustainable and impactful career in cinema.
Submission and Schedule:
- Submission Period: October 3rd to November 10th, 2024
- Contest Period: November 15th to December 31st, 2024
- Winner Announcement:15th January 2025
- For participation inquiries:gp@abctalkies.com
Shalibhadra Shah, Founder & CEO of ABC Talkies, shared his vision for this initiative: “The Big Shorts Challenge is more than just a competition; it’s a movement to break the mold. By giving talented voices from Tamil Nadu the platform they deserve, we are fostering creativity without borders and helping them leap into the spotlight. We are incredibly excited to see the unique stories that this edition will bring to the world.”
Welcoming Sakshi Agarwal to the ABC Talkies Team
Another major announcement made at the press conference was the appointment of Sakshi Agarwal as a member of the Advisory Board and the Regional Brand Ambassador for ABC Talkies. Sakshi Agarwal, a celebrated actress and model in the South Indian film industry, is well-known for her versatile performances and dedication to supporting young talent. Her addition to ABC Talkies is a crucial step toward ensuring that the platform’s initiatives align with the evolving dynamics of the entertainment industry.
In her role on the Advisory Board, Sakshi will provide strategic insights to shape the platform’s offerings and expand its reach among budding filmmakers. As the Regional Brand Ambassador, she will play a key role in promoting ABC Talkies across regional markets, actively encouraging more filmmakers to utilize the platform and showcase their work without the financial or logistical hurdles that often hold them back
Sakshi Agarwal expressed her enthusiasm: “I am deeply honoured to join ABC Talkies, a platform that empowers young filmmakers and breathes new life into the world of independent cinema. The Big Shorts Challenge – Tamil Edition is a wonderful opportunity for new voices in cinema, and I am committed to supporting this vision and helping emerging filmmakers shine.”
Strategic Collaborations for Broader Reach
As ABC Talkies continues to innovate, it has also secured strategic partnerships aimed at expanding the reach and impact of independent films:
- Hungama Digital Media: Through an extensive partnership withHungama Digital Media, ABC Talkies is extending its distribution reach across platforms such as Airtel Xstream, Tata Play, Vi Movies and TV, and Watcho. This collaboration will ensure that independent films on ABC Talkies reach millions of mainstream viewers across India, providing creators with an unprecedented opportunity to gain visibility, enhance their careers, and make a lasting impact in the entertainment industry. The collaboration aligns perfectly with ABC Talkies’ mission to democratize content distribution and enable independent filmmakers to thrive without traditional limitations. ABC Talkies has released these movies last week through these alternative distribution platforms which are in Kannada, Happily Married, Malayalam movies Ithuvare, Samara, State Bus, Vivaha Avahanam and Beyond the 7 seas and has lined up another 25 movies to be released in the coming quarter.
- Cpics TV for North America: ABC Talkies has also partnered withCpics TV, a prominent distributor of South Asian content, to introduce its films to audiences across the United States and Canada. This partnership offers filmmakers the chance to reach the vast South Asian diaspora in North America, expanding the platform’s influence and enhancing the international exposure of content created by emerging Indian talent. By leveraging Zee Addons as part of its distribution network, Cpics TV will provide a powerful new channel for bringing the diverse stories on ABC Talkies to global audiences
A Pathbreaking Platform for Independent Filmmakers
ABC Talkies is the only platform of its kind globally, offering a truly open-access streaming solution for independent filmmakers. Competing against major OTT giants such as Netflix, Amazon Prime, and Disney+, ABC Talkies has managed to carve out a unique and impactful space dedicated solely to supporting independent talent. By breaking down the financial and operational barriers that typically prevent independent voices from being heard, ABC Talkies offers creators a genuine opportunity to present their stories, earn from their content, and access audiences worldwide.
This Fourth Edition of The Big Shorts Challenge, combined with strategic partnerships and the onboarding of Sakshi Agarwal, marks an exciting new chapter for ABC Talkies. By expanding its reach both regionally and internationally, and building a thriving community for creative talent, ABC Talkies continues to redefine what is possible for independent filmmakers. We are proud to be the platform that lifts unheard voices and provides the resources and exposure necessary for them to succeed on the global stage.
For more information, please contact:
[Gunadeep P.N.]
[Director – Growth & Strategic Alliances]
[ABC Talkies Pvt Ltd]
[+91 97407 31101]
About ABC Talkies
ABC Talkies is an open-access film streaming OTT platform focused on supporting independent filmmakers by providing them with a platform to showcase their work, earn revenue, and gain visibility. It is the first of its kind globally and is dedicated to democratizing the filmmaking process, creating a stepping stone for filmmakers to enter mainstream cinema.
About Sakshi Agarwal
Sakshi Agarwal is a prominent actress and model in the South Indian film industry, known for her versatile acting skills and dedication to supporting young and emerging talent. She brings her experience and passion for the industry to ABC Talkies as an Advisory Board Member and Regional Brand Ambassador.
