T.O. Webfest marks its 10th anniversary, Sept. 19-20, highlighted by keynote speaker Christina Jennings, Founder, Chairman and CEO of Shaftesbury. Her keynote will offer her perspectives on the web series world within the media ecosystem. Speakers are confirmed from Australia, Brazil, Germany, and the U.S. discussing taking short form content to longer forms, distribution strategies, monetization, alternate streaming platforms and making the most of festival participation. Prior to the festival, international guests will also be participating in an invitation-only International Summit: The Webseries Frontier, to discuss the state of the short form series world, its challenges and strategies for success. 

QYOU Media’s flagship Hindi language channel Q TV has introduced new original digital creator series Viral Hua Re, driven by artificial intelligence (AI). The series marks the beginning of efforts to leverage technology to drive channel content. Led by sassy animated AI anchor, Viral Bhabhi, the daily show features viral videos sourced from social platforms spanning various sub-genres including comedy, pranks, gags, falls, and fails. CEO Curt Marvis says the Toronto-headquartered company, operating in India and the U.S., wants to embrace, rather than ignore the new technology “as we believe as a brand we stand at the crossroads of innovation and storytelling with our young India creators and viewers. Harnessing the power of technology to enhance the viewer experience is core to our DNA, while staying true to the essence of captivating content that our audience cherishes.”