ROLE OF STUDIOS AND PRODUCTION HOUSES IN DOWN SWINGING PAKISTANI FILM INDUSTRY (1947 – 2017)

Abstract

The purpose of this research is to explore the Pakistani film industry, identify the challenges and factors that have led to a decline of the production houses and local studios. It explores the primary data collected from in- depth interviews with the professional participants of the Pakistani film industry for the use of a thematic analysis. The research methodology used for the purpose of the current study is qualitative in nature. The data is collected from 30 respondents. The interviews are then analyzed through thematic analysis. The study concluded that there are a few challenges that face the Pakistani film industry with respect to local studios and production houses. The lack of national support, controversies regarding item songs, the funding issues, and improper utilization of talent are the main challenges as faced by the Pakistani Cinema. The thematic analysis of the conducted interviews highlighted the main challenges that are faced by the film industry of Pakistan with a specific focus on local studios and production houses. Prospective filmmakers can seek guidance from the study on the entrance into the film industry which has specifically high barriers. Prospective filmmakers can also gain valuable insights on the technicalities, budgeting, casting, and production of films for a strategic box office film. This study takes an original approach as it presents the challenges faced by the Pakistani film industry from the perception of professionals in the sector and their guidance on how the industry could be revived by fixing the areas the key players often neglect.