Mumbai: Amidst the complexities of today’s communication landscape, the ability to weave impactful narratives is crucial for organizations aiming to resonate with their audiences. Innovative agencies are stepping up to the challenge, crafting messages that not only inform but also inspire action on pressing social issues.
TVH – The Visual House, founded by Deepmala in 2010, exemplifies this commitment to meaningful storytelling. Initially launched as a film production house, it has evolved into a comprehensive integrated communication agency. With a dynamic team of over 50 professionals, TVH specializes in diverse services ranging from brand strategies and digital marketing to audio-visual production. The agency has garnered recognition for its quality work, including collaborations with notable clients like the United Nations, Tata Sky, and the Ministry of External Affairs. By focusing on social issues such as women’s empowerment and public health, TVH not only creates captivating content but also drives real change in communities.
Indiantelevision.com’s Arth Chakraborty caught up with The Visual House founder and CEO Deepmala to discuss the agency’s evolution, the role of storytelling in social impact campaigns, and more…
Edited Excerpts:
On the inspiration behind starting The Visual House and its stand-out aspect
I started The Visual House in 2010 out of my passion for filmmaking & storytelling with a desire to create impactful, purpose-driven content. I had the chance to join a media house but I decided to take the entrepreneurial route instead and start my own journey.
From the very beginning, we have focused on addressing social issues, championing causes like women empowerment and public health, and working with development, government organizations and the corporate sector. Our approach has always been to connect deeply with our audience, ensuring that every project resonates on an emotional level. It’s this combination of heart, dedication, and a collective team effort that sets us apart from other production houses. Today, TVH is not just a production house, it is a full-fledged communications and creative agency dedicated to making a real impact through engaging and creative content.
On overcoming the initial challenges of launching and scaling TVH
TVH has always been a reflection of my passion and dedication. The journey to scale up wasn’t something that happened overnight, it took years of consistency, hard work, and commitment. Also, I would say, it has never been a solo mission. I firmly believe that success comes from collective effort, and I’m incredibly proud of the team that has stood by me, working together to achieve new heights.
We started with a humble beginning, collaborating with development organizations, tackling social issues, creating impactful health campaigns, championing women empowerment, and taking on numerous CSR projects. These initiatives not only shaped the foundation of TVH but also strengthened our purpose and vision. Each step, each project, brought us closer to where we are today—growing, evolving, and making a difference.
On your approach to creating content that drives social change
Social change is a process that involves bringing awareness and action on a large scale. While creating content, especially in public health messaging, creativity plays a crucial role. Without a creative approach, campaigns can easily become preachy, which tends to get ignored. For clients like the UN and other public health organizations, we focus on storytelling that captivates and engages our audience while remaining informative. The goal is to spark real behavioral change by generating curiosity and leaving an impact with accessible messaging. By using innovative techniques, we ensure the message connects with the audience, motivating them to act and embrace healthier habits.
On the role that perseverance plays in your journey as a woman entrepreneur and the most rewarding part of your journey as a business leader
For any business leader, whether it is a man or a woman, perseverance has to be a constant. There are countless obstacles, but strength and a clear vision have helped me push through them.
Being a woman in business, it is significant to make your presence felt and ensure your voices are heard. It is also important to build a strong support network of mentors and peers. Continuously learning and adapting to the ever-evolving media landscape has been key. Each project brings new lessons, and my biggest takeaway has been the need to evolve with time—keeping up with trends, not just following them, but using them to bring fresh ideas to our work. The most rewarding part of my journey has been seeing the impact of our work and how it resonates with people.
On TVH adapting to industry trends, both during the COVID-19 pandemic and after it (current)
Our industry is constantly evolving, and integrating innovative practices into creative storytelling is the key. At TVH - The Visual House, we have maneuvered new technologies like virtual reality, CGI videos, and 360-degree tours to enhance our storytelling for our clientele. We've also worked on sound & light shows to interactive live-streaming events, blending creativity with cutting-edge tools to keep our content fresh, engaging, and impactful.
The pandemic was a boon to us in many ways. It opened an array of new learnings and opportunities for us to do things differently. By staying updated with media trends, we ensure our work remains relevant, inspiring, and effective for our clients.
On balancing creativity with business acumen in media production
In my opinion, prioritising things as they come is more effective than striving for balance. I have always believed that these two do not need to compete but can complement each other. Through prioritisation, I can align the creative projects as per clients’ needs, keeping our focus on quality, so that we manage to deliver creative content while ensuring the business side runs smoothly. It is all about fostering an environment where both creativity and strategic thinking can thrive.
On the impact of working with global organizations like the UN on TVH’s growth
In our field of work, each project offers us invaluable learnings. Working with global organisations like the UN was no different. It has had a huge impact on the growth of not just TVH but also the people involved with it. These collaborations have expanded our expertise, allowing us to handle larger, more complex campaigns that have a global reach. It has helped us refine our communication strategies and solidify our position as a creative agency capable of delivering meaningful content on both local and international levels.
On current projects or collaborations that TVH is working on
At The Visual House, we are currently working on several exciting campaigns, ranging from public health messaging to corporate projects and CSR initiatives.
We are collaborating with Heifer on a range of projects, from IEC materials and Nukkad-nataks to radio campaigns, hoardings, flyers and various other collateral. We are also working with UNIDO, GIZ and CoFTI. Our recent projects also include digital films for Dabur's Hajmola Mr. Aam and Shaktiman, both of which highlight our ongoing commitment to engaging narratives and impactful storytelling. These collaborations reflect our focus on creating content that not only resonates with audiences but also drives meaningful results.
On your future plans for The Visual House, in terms of growth and impact
We are expanding our reach and approach beyond pan-India. We have recently opened our office in UAE, and are slowly charting into new markets. We are excited about the new opportunities of working with a wider range of clients. Through all of these, we are still committed to delivering high-quality and impactful content. As we evolve, I hope TVH will make an even bigger impact, both locally and globally, through our creative and purpose-driven storytelling.
