TBI’s 2024 Predictions: Datta Dave, partner & co-founder, Tulsea

By Datta Dave 9th January 2024

Datta Dave (Source: Tulsea)

2024 is set to be a pivotal year for the global content industry, so TBI has enlisted some of the biggest names in the business to share their thoughts on the major trends of the next 12 months and how they’re going to capitalise on them.

Here, Datta Dave, partner & co-founder at Mumbai- and LA-based talent and content management company Tulsea, explains why Asia will power the growth of the global TV industry in the months and years ahead.

What is the biggest growth area for your company this year?

We spent the last few years building out our gaming vertical and think 2024 will be huge for the Indian gaming industry. There are half a billion gamers in India now, and they’re increasingly willing to spend – not everyone, but it’s growing. We will soon start to see the proliferation of home-grown casual games, and the possibilities are incredibly exciting.

What is the key trend going to be in 2024?

The world’s growth engine for the next decade is Asia. The media giants in the West are grappling with the decline of their linear television businesses and the consequences of years of overspending on content. While some are forced by stretched balance sheets to back off their plans in the region near-term, stronger firms will take advantage of sharply increasing global consumer demand for Asian content.

Paatal Lok

Korea has been the shining star in that regard, and we don’t doubt its success will continue, but it’s clear that everyone wants to find what the next global phenomenon will be – and that’s likely to be somewhere in Asia. Whether it’s Japan or Thailand or say a specific part of India, the stage is set for continued investment from the West into Asian content for years to come.

What is your New Year’s resolution and why?

Listen to the max. The last decade blindsided century-old media institutions that simply didn’t see change coming; they are reaping the consequences now. We are all susceptible and it’s important to have the antennas up and ears open. While I’m often in action mode, it’s going to be an important year of listening.

What will be the biggest headline (not involving your own company) in 2024 and why?

Hard to beat headlines which include the US and Indian elections and ongoing media consolidation. That said… ‘Person of the Year 2024: Virat Kohli | TIME’

What show are you most looking forward to in 2024?

Paatal Lok, season two – and Severance, season two, of course!

Read more from TBI’s 2024 Predictions

Tom Fussell, CEO, BBC Studios

Nomsa Philiso, CEO of general entertainment, MultiChoice Group

Marina Williams, co-CEO, Asacha Media Group

Kate Beal, founder & CEO, Woodcut Media

James Burstall, CEO, Argonon

Julian Bellamy, MD, ITV Studios

Daria Leygonie-Fialko, founder, Space Production

Rob Wade, CEO, Fox Entertainment

Frank Spotnitz, CEO, Big Light Productions