Content Acquisition

About the Role:

We are seeking a highly driven Content Acquisition Manager to strategically build and rapidly expand STAGE's content library by acquiring existing movies, web series, short films, and other key content from our target dialect markets.

This critical role will directly support the rapid scaling of our catalog and the launch of new markets. You will be responsible for end-to-end content acquisition: identifying high-potential assets, negotiating complex licensing deals, cultivating strong, long-term relationships with regional producers and distributors, and ensuring a robust, consistent pipeline of high-quality acquired content.

Key Responsibilities:

1. Content Sourcing & Identification

• Library Scouting : Proactively identify and evaluate existing content libraries in target dialects (feature films, TV shows, web series, short films, music).
  

• Catalog Gap Analysis : Strategically analyze current STAGE catalog gaps by genre, format, and language; prioritize acquisition targets based on precise audience demand data.
  

• Market Mapping: Build and maintain a comprehensive, up-to-date database of content owners, producers, distributors, and aggregators across each dialect region.
  

• Pipeline Development : Track and forecast upcoming releases, theatrical films, and content currently in production for future acquisition opportunities.
  

• Competitive Intelligence : Monitor competitor acquisitions (Chaupal, YouTube creators, regional OTTs) and analyze market pricing to inform strategy.
  

Key Activities:

• Attend regional film markets, festivals, and industry events (Haryana, Rajasthan, UP, Gujarat).
  

• Forge relationships with regional film associations and producer guilds.
  

• Scout content from regional TV channels and YouTube creators with existing, relevant content libraries.
  

2. Deal Negotiation & Licensing 

• Rights Negotiation: Lead negotiations for digital streaming rights, focusing on exclusivity, territory, duration, and platform specifications.
  

• Deal Structuring: Structure commercially viable deals using various models: Minimum Guarantee (MG), Revenue Share, Hybrid arrangements, or Outright Purchase.
  

• Contract Management: Collaborate with the legal team to efficiently draft, review, and execute license agreements.
  

• Window Planning: Secure optimal release windows for acquired content; negotiate holdbacks and exclusivity from competitors.
  

• Renewal Management: Proactively track expiring licenses and manage the renewal process for high-performing, valuable catalog content.
  

Deal Types Managed: Exclusive Licenses, Non-Exclusive Licenses, Revenue Share, Minimum Guarantee, and Bundled Deals.

3. Relationship Management

• Producer Relations: Develop and maintain long-term, strategic partnerships with regional producers, studios, and production houses.
  

• Aggregator & Distributor Partnerships: Partner with key content aggregators holding dialect-specific catalogs and develop relationships with regional theatrical distributors for post-theatrical rights.
  

• Industry Presence: Represent STAGE effectively at film festivals, industry events, and trade associations to build brand presence.
  

Key Relationships to Build: Regional film producer associations, theatrical distributors, music labels, TV channels with archives, and YouTube MCNs

4. Financial & Data Analysis

• Content Valuation: Conduct rigorous financial evaluation of content based on star cast, genre, recency, theatrical performance, and social buzz metrics.
  

• Budget Management: Manage the quarterly and annual acquisition budget effectively across all target markets.
  

• Performance & ROI: Track acquired content performance (views, completion rate, subscriber impact) and calculate Return on Investment (ROI) to build data models for future valuation.
  

Key Metrics Tracked: Cost per hour of content acquired, Cost per view, Acquisition content vs. Originals performance, and Deal cycle time

5. Cross-Functional Coordination

• Market Leads: Collaborate to understand precise content gaps, cultural fit, and audience preferences per market.
  

• Marketing: Coordinate seamless launch plans for marquee acquisitions.
  

• Tech/Ops & Legal/Finance: Ensure smooth content ingestion, quality checks, rights clearances, budget tracking, and payment settlements.
  

Qualifications Required

• Experience: 5-8 years of progressive experience in content acquisition, licensing, or distribution.
  

• Industry Background: Proven experience at an OTT platform, TV network, film distribution, or a major production house.
  

• Regional Expertise: Deep, verifiable knowledge of at least two target regional film industries (Haryanvi, Rajasthani, Bhojpuri, Gujarati, or Marathi).
  

• Skills: Demonstrated track record of successfully closing complex licensing deals and a strong existing network with regional producers and distributors.
  

• Languages: Fluent in Hindi and English, plus fluency in at least one target dialect.
  

• Education: Graduate degree (MBA preferred but not required).
  

STAGE-Specific Requirements: Dialect Focus & Priority

• P0 (Immediate): Haryanvi, Rajasthani, Bhojpuri (Expand and deepen existing library).
  

• P1 (Launch Focus): Gujarati (Aggressively build launch catalog).
  

• P2 (Future Prep): Marathi, Awadhi, Maithili (Prepare content pipeline for future market expansion).
  

Content Acquisition Types:

• Feature Films (High Priority): Regional theatrical releases and direct-to-digital titles.
  

• Web Series, Short Films, TV Shows (Medium Priority): Existing digital content from creators, festival circuit content, and off-air regional TV.
  

• Music/Folk Content (Low Priority): Regional music videos and folk performances.
  

Critical Considerations:

• Dialect Authenticity: Content must be in the pure dialect, not Hindi-dubbed versions.
  

• Cultural Fit: Content must align with STAGE's family-friendly brand positioning.
  

• Rights Clarity: Full rights clearance, especially for music and remake rights, is mandatory.
  

• Technical Quality: Minimum HD quality required; 4K preferred for feature films.