M’laya gets its first OTT platform, to promote local languages & talents

SHILLONG, July 11: Hello Meghalaya, state’s first OTT platform, was launched on Thursday at the Lariti International Centre for Performing Arts and Culture.
With the launch, the OTT platform now aims to not only promote Meghalaya’s local languages but also provide a stage for the state’s talented filmmakers and musicians.
Chief Minister Conrad Sangma, while addressing the gathering following the launch of the OTT platform, emphasised its role in preserving and promoting the languages of Meghalaya.
“We can push for the inclusion of the state’s languages in the Parliament for the Eighth Schedule, but what are we doing about it, how are we making sure they survive? So, through this platform, we are promoting the national languages and letting the whole world watch our content,” he said.
He also deemed Hello Meghalaya a game-changer for local talents, offering unprecedented opportunities for filmmakers and musicians.
Conrad also encouraged the people of Meghalaya to support the platform to enable payments to local creative talents.
It is pertinent to note that Hello Meghalaya will feature a range of content, including movies, music videos, and short films. Filmmakers can receive up to Rs. 5 lakh per film, with additional funding for nationally or internationally acclaimed works. Content creators will be paid Rs. 18,000 monthly for maximum uploads, with additional funds based on view counts.
The government also plans to stream key live events, such as football matches, music festivals, and MGMP events, making them accessible to everyone in the state.
The app is free to download for all and does not have any subscription fees.
Meanwhile, the chief minister said that Hello Meghalaya is not a source of income for the government but for the youths who are skilled.
During the launch event, Tourism Minister Paul Lyngdoh announced that 3,000 musicians are currently earning through music, through the Meghalaya Grassroots Music Project (MGMP) and a new collaboration with Hard Rock Cafe will allow Meghalaya-based artists to perform nationwide.
Upcoming events are planned in Chennai and other locations.
The launch event included a teaser of the platform and the Meghalaya Content Creators Award 2024, recognising talents across 14 categories.
The awardees were Jr Storyteller Lyndon, Green-Tech Foundation, WarimekiLyngwa, TriyanBabilsi, Grace Marbaniang, Akkim Tito A. Momin, Chiiung, Dr. Kham Chyrmang, Pema Leilani Ward Kyndiah, Rachel Anne Nongkhlaw, Saldorik D. Sangma, WanjopSohkhlet, Yoomani Myria, Biria Shillong, Dapalei Stacy Warjri and Ferdinand Rani.
Rakesh Joshi, head of Events and National Programming at Hard Rock Café, highlighted the process of selecting talent from Meghalaya for national events, to The Shillong Times.
“We support all genres of rock, including classic and metal. There’s a thorough screening process by the local teams, followed by our second round of filtration, to select the best talents for events across the country. The first set of events is scheduled for next month in Chennai and Bangalore. We already have 8 to 10 artists ready to perform, and we’ll continue to include more as slots become available. There’s no shortage of talent here,” he said.