"With OTT platforms, there’s more room for creativity and bold storytelling, allowing Indian creators to push boundaries and reach global audiences like never before."
Q. Could you start by telling us a bit about your journey in the entertainment industry and what inspired you to found Story Ink?
My journey has been a blend of passion, curiosity, and the drive to tell stories that matter. I've always been fascinated by the art of storytelling and how it impacts people. I started working in the entertainment industry more than a decade ago, and my early experiences made me realize that there's a massive opportunity for book-to-screen adaptations, which hadn't been explored much in India at that time. That’s how Story Ink was born—to fill that gap. Story Ink specializes in acquiring adaptation rights and creating opportunities for stories to transition from text to screen. It’s been an exciting journey, and I’m proud to be a part of the shift that’s putting Indian stories on a global map.
Q. House of Talkies has garnered a reputation for creating high-quality content. How does this production house align with your vision for Story Ink?
House of Talkies is all about storytelling with a purpose. Both Story Ink and House of Talkies have a similar ethos in that they focus on finding, adapting, and bringing impactful narratives to life. House of Talkies allows me to work more hands-on with production, providing the resources and framework needed to bring stories to screens. With Story Ink, we lay the groundwork by identifying promising narratives, acquiring rights, and aligning them with the right creators and platforms. House of Talkies, then, is the natural next step in taking those stories to screens with the kind of finesse and depth they deserve.
Q: Can you walk us through the process of selecting stories at Story Ink? What are you looking for when you acquire adaptation rights?
Certainly. Selecting a story for adaptation is both an art and a science. At Story Ink, we look for narratives that resonate universally, even if they’re deeply rooted in Indian culture. We focus on themes with emotional depth, relatability, and a strong sense of character. Market viability also plays a role; the story should have the potential to captivate audiences in a visual medium. Once we acquire rights, we delve into the story, analyzing characters, themes, and plot points to see how they could work on screen. Then we work with talented writers, directors, and production teams to bring these stories to life.
Q. What challenges do you face when adapting a book or a story for the screen, especially in the Indian context?
One of the biggest challenges is staying true to the essence of the book while making necessary changes to fit the visual medium. With books, there’s a vast canvas for internal monologue, background, and detail, whereas screen adaptations require conciseness and focus. Indian audiences are also diverse, so adapting content that appeals to this wide spectrum can be tricky. For instance, certain story elements might need to be modified to align with cultural sensitivities, pacing needs, or audience expectations for visual storytelling. Another challenge is balancing the commercial aspects with the creative vision, especially when there are budgetary or platform constraints.
Q. The Indian audience is becoming increasingly sophisticated. How has this shift impacted the kinds of stories you’re drawn to and produce?
Absolutely, the audience has evolved significantly in the past decade. Today’s viewers are well-informed, exposed to global content, and they appreciate layered, nuanced storytelling. This has pushed us to seek out complex, character-driven narratives rather than relying solely on plot twists or spectacle. Stories with strong social messages, moral dilemmas, and intricate relationships are what resonate most. We now have to think beyond formulas and focus on authentic, high-quality storytelling. That’s a fantastic change for the industry because it allows creators to experiment, innovate, and push boundaries in ways we couldn’t before.
Q. What are your thoughts on the role of OTT platforms in shaping the future of Indian content?
OTT platforms have truly revolutionized Indian storytelling. They provide a platform for unconventional stories and diverse voices to reach a broad audience without the traditional box office constraints. With OTT, there’s more room for creativity, experimentation, and authenticity, which has allowed content creators to explore niche genres and tackle bolder subjects. OTT platforms have also brought global recognition to Indian creators, and that international audience exposure has raised the bar for content quality. The future is bright, and I think OTT platforms will continue to play a crucial role in making Indian stories accessible globally.
Q. Could you share a recent project you’ve been particularly excited about?
One of the projects I’m really excited about is an adaptation of a classic Indian novel that we’re working on at Story Ink. It’s a story that resonates deeply with Indian culture, and we’re adapting it into a series. Working on this project has been both challenging and incredibly rewarding, as we’re attempting to preserve the essence of the original story while making it relevant for today’s audience. I’m looking forward to seeing how it’s received because it represents everything I believe in about storytelling—authenticity, respect for source material, and pushing creative boundaries.
Q. As a storyteller yourself, what advice would you give to budding creators looking to enter the film and content industry?
My advice is simple but crucial—focus on authenticity and substance. The best stories come from a place of honesty. Don’t try to fit a formula or chase trends; instead, tell the stories that mean something to you. The industry has room for everyone, but standing out requires dedication to quality and depth. And, of course, perseverance is key. It’s a competitive field, but if you’re committed to honing your craft, building networks, and learning from experiences, your stories will find their way to the right audience.
Q. What’s your vision for the future of Story Ink and House of Talkies?
I see both Story Ink and House of Talkies evolving to become hubs for unique, meaningful stories that have both local relevance and global appeal. I want to continue exploring untapped genres and narratives, creating stories that challenge norms and push creative boundaries. With Story Ink, I aim to make book-to-screen adaptations a bigger part of the Indian content ecosystem. And with House of Talkies, I’m excited to expand our slate with a mix of features, series, and potentially even animation. Ultimately, I hope to contribute to a new wave of Indian content that is recognized worldwide.
BIO :
In the world of storytelling, the transition from page to screen has always been a captivating journey. Siddharth Jain, the visionary behind Story Ink and the producer at House of Talkies, has been at the forefront of adapting stories for Indian screens, transforming literature and ideas into vivid screenplays that captivate audiences. With a career marked by a deep commitment to storytelling, Siddharth has helped redefine how stories are presented, focusing on creating high-quality, authentic content.
.jpeg)
0 Comments