Priya Narayanan
Content/Film Strategist And Executive
Kuala Lumpur
Summary
I aim to utilize the skills gained through my varied professional employment and and international education and exposure to be a truly diversified member of any professional team – with a finger on the pulse of what works in country/region. This combination of creative, corporate and rigorous critical/academic training will allow for a dynamic and a results-oriented strategy/approach to all projects and tasks. As a Creative Producer (with a strong grounding and network within the film/content space in Southeast Asia/South Asia), I am best suited for opportunities in Content/Film development and production, curation, business development/strategy, feasibility studies, marketing and stakeholder engagement for studios, production companies and OTT/SVOD platforms, regionally and internationally.
Overview
16
16
years of professional experience
Work History
Film/Content Consultant
Freelance
01.2024 - Current
- Ideated, identified and designed strategic film and content investments for three international clients.
- Ideated, led development and execution of series bibles, film scripts and pitch decks to secure production greenlight for clients' slate. Two pictures successfully greenlit.
- Created and managed project plans, timelines and budgets.
- Spearheaded creative development for projects, leading brainstorming sessions and guiding the team in conceptualization efforts.
- Made presentations to investors, financiers and other project stakeholders to obtain project funding.
- Established clear and competitive goals, growth roadmaps, and strategic business plans.
Contributing Writer
1 2004 - Current
- Written over 40 articles for both local and international publications on topics including socio-politics issues, film, art, culture, and current affairs, human interest and arts development
- Articles featured in publications such as KLue Magazine (Features Writer), Harpers Bazaar Malaysia (Sub-Editor and Features
- Writer), The Malay Mail, Vida! Magazine, Asia-Europe Institute at the University of Malaya journal, Malaysian Bar Council newsletter and a number of international online magazines.
Chief Operating Officer
Petra Media
07.2022 - 12.2023
- Charged with running daily operations, leading strategy, content development and ensuring continue financial success for this new 15 person production company that also includes affiliates at Petra Film, a Hong Kong based award-winning boutique film company and Creator +, a Los Angeles based OTT platform with a full slate of Originals.
- In charge of ideating, writing and developing content/ bibles/proof of concepts and running all writers room for content and properties on slate.
- Played a critical role in mergers and acquisitions activities; including due diligence processes, negotiations, integration planning, and execution efforts to ensure seamless transitions.
- Formulated strategic plans aligning with overall company vision; setting achievable short and long-term goals to drive growth and profitability.
- Refined organizational structure to consolidate, streamline, and delineate necessary functions.
Executive Producer/Head of Longform
Directors Think Tank
01.2019 - 01.2022
- Developed and led a comprehensive strategy for Longform Division including film investment, development, production for theatrical and OTT release - including strategy for synergy with digital and branded content creation and execution for the division.
- Made presentations and creative show bibles for investors, financiers and other project stakeholders to obtain project funding.
- Improved production company operations and profitability by applying new technologies and fostering evolution of production standards.
- Co-Creator and Executive Producer of PUSAKA, DTT's co-production with Astro Shaw which collected MYR$14million. Led development and produced TIGA JANDA, a co-production with Multimedia that found critical success and is currently on Netflix.
- Successfully pitched and won new business through persuasive presentations of creative concepts.
Lead Producer
C27
7 2018 - 12.2018
- Charged with developing a motion/video Vertical for C27. Led Strategy, Execution and Pipeline development for the new part of the Company, in synergy with its existent parts.
- Led and developed the maintenance of best relations with Malaysian/Regional content, production, publishing, casting and talent companies to allow for the best talent selection when required
- Led the production of a successful video asset for the Netflix Malaysia account in collaboration with local production and post-production companies – for dissemination on social media platforms.
Creative Consultant
Infinitus Entertainment, Sdn.Bhd
7 2017 - 6 2018
- My role focused on Script, Production and overall Creative Development for four Malay language and one Chinese language Feature films on slate.
- Led Development and initial showrunning for 2 Original Scripted series created for regional/international IVOD platforms to be made in Malay/English and/or other regional languages
- This work included sourcing talent for a Writers Room, running the Writers Room and developing deliverables including the Pilot Script, Story Bible and Proof of Concept documents.
Strategy/Creative Consultant
Freelance
08.2016 - 06.2017
- Contributed to the business/strategy development for a Malaysian/US film production/distribution company with a MYR$5 million quantum funded by MavCap, Ministry of Finance, Malaysia
- Script Doctor/Consultant – worked on 5 local and international feature and short film scripts
- Focused on providing both creative and commercial notes for consideration for assorted clients.
- Advised clients on the best use of various marketing channels, including social media, email campaigns, print collateral, and event promotions.
Production/Development Executive
Khazanah Nasional Berhad
02.2015 - 09.2016
- Led Greenlight, Production and Operational processes of Sonneratia Capital (SC), an MYR $50million slate-financing venture for investment, development and production of/into local Malaysian feature films with export potential
- Sourced a new investee for an MYR $10million investment into slate financing.
- Spearheaded Production and Development processes of 3 greenlit films financed by Sonneratia Capital.
- Collaborated with stakeholders to develop actionable strategies that aligned with corporate goals and objectives.
- Mentored junior staff members for accelerated career growth, developing future leaders within the organization.
- Led change management initiatives to drive cultural shifts towards continuous improvement mindsets.
Senior Associate, Creative/Producer
Astro Shaw, Astro Malaysia Holdings
12.2013 - 11.2014
- Led Astro Shaw's Creative team of 5 people.
- Managed scouting, writing and development of feature properties for Production Greenlight.
- Producer of TERBAIK DARI LANGIT/NOVA, winner of Best Film at the ASEAN Film Festival 2016 and nominee in the Best Future category at the Tokyo Film Festival 2015
- Collaborated on the successful origination, marketing and distribution for six films on Astro Shaw's slate.
- Led strategy development for International film festival applications/potential selection and international distribution for Astro Shaw's feature films and past filmography.
Creative Consultant
Astro Shaw Sdn.Bhd
12.2011 - 11.2013
- Collaborated on strategy development for Astro Shaw's initial feature film slate, especially in the areas of co-production, identifying profitable opportunities, and talent networking – locally, regionally and internationally
- Implemented new operational processes and frameworks for assessing production investments and workflow, as well as for talent acquisition
- Led creative development on an original historical TV series co-production set in Southeast Asia with a UK-based production company and a regional broadcaster
- Worked on script development of films under the banner including Chinese, Tamil and Malay language properties.
Research Officer
Center for Democracy, Toleration and Religion
3 2011 - 6 2011
- Curated programming of the center’s annual film festival focusing on intersections between democracy and religion on film
- Managed centre-sponsored events, lectures, and screenings, as well as contributed to commissioned research as directed by the
- Department
Assistant Director/Creative Consultant
Shiroku Productions
12.2008 - 05.2009
- Worked on creating original content for clients including Disney and Kuwait Finance House, from script to execution.
Education
Master of Arts - South Asian Studies
Columbia University
New York City, USA 04.2001 -
Diploma - Filmmaking And Screenwriting
New York Film Academy
New York City, USA 04.2001 -
Master of Science - International Politics
School of Oriental And African Studies (SOAS)
London, United Kingdom 04.2001 -
Bachelor of Arts - Politics (Dunelm)
University of Durham
Durham, United Kingdom 04.2001 -
Skills
Creative Direction
Content Curation
Content Strategy Development
Creative Writing
Market Analysis
Target Audience Analysis
Script Writing
Project Management
Stakeholder Negotiations
Critical Thinking
Script Development
Accomplishments
- Film Production Credits:
- Producer-THE KINDRED (in development)
- Producer-3 JANDA (Hyrul Anuar: Malaysia:2022 )
- Producer-HOW NOT TO LOSE YOUR JOB (Hyrul Anuar: Malaysia: 2020)
- Producer-PUSAKA (Razaisyam Rashid: Malaysia: 2019)
- Executive Producer-INTO THE DARK (Maurice Noone: Malaysia: 2018)
- Creative Dept, Infinitus-SANGKAR (Kabir Bhatia: Malaysia:2019)
- Special Thanks-FLY BY NIGHT (Zahir Omar:Malaysia:2019)
- Rhizophora Ventures Team-INTERCHANGE(Dain Iskandar Said: Malaysia/Indonesia) (2016), MRS K (Ho Yuhang: Malaysia/Hong Kong) (2016)
- Associate Producer-LET'S EAT (Chapman Toh:Malaysia:2015)
- Producer-TERBAIK DARI LANGIT/NOVA (Nik Amir Mustapha: Malaysia:2014)
Languages
English, Hindi, Malay, French
Native language
Additional Information
- Maxis Scholar of Excellence Recipient Sept 2009. Full scholarship for Tuition/Living Expenses to study at Columbia University in the City of New York.
Timeline
Film/Content Consultant
Freelance
01.2024 - Current
Chief Operating Officer
Petra Media
07.2022 - 12.2023
Executive Producer/Head of Longform
Directors Think Tank
01.2019 - 01.2022
Strategy/Creative Consultant
Freelance
08.2016 - 06.2017
Production/Development Executive
Khazanah Nasional Berhad
02.2015 - 09.2016
Senior Associate, Creative/Producer
Astro Shaw, Astro Malaysia Holdings
12.2013 - 11.2014
Creative Consultant
Astro Shaw Sdn.Bhd
12.2011 - 11.2013
Assistant Director/Creative Consultant
Shiroku Productions
12.2008 - 05.2009
Master of Arts - South Asian Studies
Columbia University
04.2001 -
Diploma - Filmmaking And Screenwriting
New York Film Academy
04.2001 -
Master of Science - International Politics
School of Oriental And African Studies (SOAS)
04.2001 -
Bachelor of Arts - Politics (Dunelm)
University of Durham
04.2001 -
Contributing Writer
1 2004 - Current
Lead Producer
C27
7 2018 - 12.2018
Creative Consultant
Infinitus Entertainment, Sdn.Bhd
7 2017 - 6 2018
Research Officer
Center for Democracy, Toleration and Religion
3 2011 - 6 2011
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