Kodak Eyeing Entertainment Imaging Market In India  ( October '3,2003, FE)

Eastman Kodak is looking to make a strong presence in the entertainment imaging market in India. This is a significant line of business for the company worldwide.

According to Eastman Kodak Company president (entertainment imaging), Eric G Rodli, the Indian market presents a great opportunity for the company. “It is a very complex market in terms of a large number of distributors, producers and exhibitors. We are looking to firm up our plans over the next six months to a year” he said.

Kodak’s worldwide presence in the digital business comprises the spheres of digital effects, commercials and music videos. Apart from this, the company is a major player in the areas of audio post-production, digital restoration and digital film mastering. A significant project being worked on is that of developing a Kodak Digital Cinema system in Hollywood.

“Our expertise lies in digital technology. We plan to invest in a digital cinema system for movies which will have a market in India as well,” Mr Rodli said.He added that there were also business opportunities in digital advertising and the field of film infrastructure which includes camera sport.

Eastman Kodak views the emergence of multiplexes as a huge market for itself. The growth, said Mr Rodli, is likely to be healthy which would augur well for the company. “Worldwide, we have had a history of supporting the film industry,” he explained.

The company is still in the process of closely examining the Indian market. “We have several ideas and are trying to work out options,” Mr Rodli said. When queried on investments which have been earmarked for India, he said it would be “relevant dollars.” Pointing out that options such as joint ventures were possible in the sphere of digital cinema, he added that India was looking attractive and was a growth market for Eastman Kodak.