Vikaas Gutgutia is the mastermind behind Ferns N Petals Group, a name for ultimate gifting and flowers. Their existence in the space of wedding decor has been remarkable. Since 1994, he is running this successful business operation. Today, Mr. Gutgutia speaks with MI about their latest venture, FNP Media, the entertainment unit by FNP.
FNP Media has released its latest short film named, “Verses of War“. Mr. Vikaas Gutgutia being a producer of the film speaks about working with the protagonist. He also talks about the expansion plan of the company.
Excerpts here:
Q) How is your journey from businessman to the world of entertainment (Bollywood)?
The creative Vikaas was always willing to enter into cinema. Probably this is the perfect opportunity. Considering the fact that digital platform is picking up right now. It has a very bright future. So for me, FNP Media is a business extension that also fulfilling my creative needs.
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Q) Tell us about the film “Verses of War”? How was your experience working with Vivek Oberoi and Rohit Roy?
The film is based in India and Pakistan. It brings alive the patriotic fervor across every Indian and celebrates the achievements of our brave soldiers. The scale of the movie is like a feature film. Unlike a typical war movie, it has a different story. Absolutely a large film on a small screen.
Vivek and Rohit are among the veterans in the industry. They are the old professionals. There is so much to learn from both the actors. Extremely humble and down-to-earth. I would love to work with them again.
Q) How was it as a producer?
As a producer, the story is something that hit me. And the ultimate outcome (film) is amazing. So I am glad to be a part of this as a producer.
Also Read: FNP Media by Ferns N Petals appoints Girish Johar as Chief Operating Officer
Q) Tell us more about Expansion plans for FNP Media?
I am personally not aware of any serious short film platforms in the country as of now. So our focus remains on Short Films. We are able to convey a lot of messages and tell many stories through this medium. We want to be the largest short film platform in the country. Alongside, we are also working on some web series and feature films for digital and other OTT platforms. I hope in a coming couple of years you may see us as a big name in the industry.
Q) What kind of content do you want to focus on currently?
Currently, we have 3 -4 genres that are working for us. First is Romance which is evergreen. Secondly, we have Slice of Life that includes emotions. Then we consider unheard concepts and stories that have never been shared before, which is new to people. Fourth is wedding stories like marriage, engagement, divorce, etc.
Q) Please share your thoughts on OTT vs Theatre.
Both are very different experiences. I will say OTT is a convenient option. Wherever one gets time, you can just switch on the phone/TV and have a nice time for yourself. While Cinema is more like a celebration. You enjoy the whole package. Spending time together and the outing. But both are special in their own way.
Q) Do you think OTT will have a longer life, while cinema will lose its charm?
I think both will co-exist in the time to come. Cinema will never lose its charm. It will be here always. But OTT is going to be bigger with time. With digital growth happening in the country right now along with 5G. I think digital space will grow much faster than orthodox cinema.
Also Read: “Till March 2023 we intend to invest 70- 100 crore on overall media – theatrical movies, OTT, web series, or short movies”: FNP Media
Q) Among the many OTT players, how difficult it is to make your own space?
OTT is a long process of building loyalty, confidence, and economizing. So I think it is a journey before they make money. So one needs to be patient for hoping to make a name in this industry. There should be enough content on your channel which are worthy of watching. It is a game of patience and investment. Also, OTT is relatively new in India. We are still figuring out the right way to do it. According to me, none of them are making money, they are all looking at a better tomorrow.
Q) What kind of growth have you witnessed over the years in the industry especially FNP?
We are a flagship company dealing with flowers and gifting. We are growing almost 30-40% Y-O-Y. So these figures are very encouraging. The reason behind us being able to grow is because we were always innovated. There were new products and geographies. We always try to expand. Hoping to grow greater going forward.
Q) What is your expectation in terms of profit and expansion for both FNP and FNP media?
For FNP Media, I am looking for another 2 years to consider profit. I am building a credible production house in a very large industry. Apart from Bollywood, it is a very old and huge industry but largely it is an unorganized one. So I am trying to organize and establish a profitable organization. By 2024, I will consider things to make money.
As far as FNP is concerned, we want to be all over the world. I want to be uber of gifting. So when someone thinks of gifting, he thinks of FNP. FNP app is all over the world. People are able to deliver gifts and cakes in almost no time. Now the world is the market that’s where we are heading.
