In a MediaBrief exclusive, Deepmala, Founder and CEO of The Visual House, speaks about the launch and growth of her film production and marketing communication agency. She underscores the importance of balancing creativity with business acumen, the elements of a successful creative campaign, and highlights key social media and content streaming trends.
Retracing the journey of the inception of The Visual House and its progress so far, Deepmala, says, “The Visual House (TVH) was born out of a deep-rooted passion for storytelling and filmmaking, which I had from an early age, despite not having formal training in it.”
She recalls, “My journey began as a freelance director, collaborating with advertising agencies and production houses, mostly working on NGO projects. The turning point came in 2010 when I took the leap to start my own company, despite having offers from established media houses.”
“The Visual House,” Deepmala says, “was founded with a mission to blend creativity with purpose-driven content that can create an impact. Initially focusing on public health and social causes, we have grown into a full-fledged creative agency, encompassing digital marketing, corporate communications, and entertainment content.”
“Over the years, our vision has expanded to serve global clients with innovative storytelling across all platforms,” she adds.
Deepmala on The Visual House’s dynamic client portfolio
Speaking about clients, TVH has built a dynamic client portfolio, including the UN, MEA, and DRDO. Outling the secret behind securing and maintaining these high-profile clients, Deepmala says, “The secret to securing and maintaining high-profile clients lies in our ability to adapt our communication strategies to the specific needs and goals of different sectors. Whether it’s public health, social development, corporate responsibility, or government initiatives, we take the time to deeply understand each sector’s challenges and tailor our creative approach accordingly.
Deepmala adds, “By consistently aligning our work with our clients’ vision and delivering content that drives measurable results, we’ve built a strong reputation for being a reliable and innovative partner. Our diverse portfolio is a testament to our ability to adapt to different industries and stay ahead of emerging trends in communication.”
Deepmala on winning the Dadasaheb Phalke Award
Apart for its prestigious clients wins, TVH has also secured prestigious awards, chief among them the Dadasaheb Phalke Award in 2018. Speaking about the achievement, Deepmala says, “Winning the Dadasaheb Phalke Award in 2018 for Best Emerging Ads, Documentary, and Short Films was a significant recognition for our team and reinforced our belief that we are on the right track. This honour highlighted our commitment to creating impactful and meaningful content.”
Since then, Deepmala says the company has expanded its scope and diversified into different verticals, broadening its services to include digital marketing, brand strategy, and social media solutions, among others.
She adds, “We are excited about the projects currently in our pipeline, which we believe will further solidify our milestones. As we continue to grow, our vision remains focused on expanding globally, bringing our innovative storytelling to a wider audience.”
Deepmala on balancing creativity with business acumen
The marketing and communications industry is always evolving, with ever-present challenges. Outlining some of the biggest challenges Deepmala and the company have faced and tackled, she says, “Scaling a company in an industry as dynamic as media and communication comes with its own set of challenges, particularly in terms of managing growth and ensuring the team stays aligned with evolving market demands.”
“One of the biggest challenges was balancing creativity with business acumen, especially when we were expanding our services beyond traditional film production.”
To tackle this, she says, “I focused on creating an agile work environment, promoting innovation within the team, and embracing new technologies like Virtual Reality and CGI. Additionally, investing in the right talent and maintaining a collaborative culture has been essential in sustaining our growth.”
Deepmala on the key elements of a successful creative campaign
Touching upon some of the crucial elements of a successful creative campaign, Deepmala says, “A successful creative campaign in today’s media landscape hinges on versatility, which we’ve consistently demonstrated through our work across a wide range of sectors. Whether it’s health, education, government, or corporate communication, our approach always begins with thorough groundwork and research.
“Understanding the core needs and aspirations of our clients is key, and this foundational research allows us to create campaigns that resonate deeply with the target audience. No matter the subject or field, we ensure that the creative process is rooted in the insights we gain through this in-depth understanding.
“By doing so,” she adds, “we not only deliver innovative and engaging content but also ensure that the campaign is strategically aligned with the client’s objectives, driving measurable outcomes. This blend of creativity, research, and adaptability has been the common thread across all our successful campaigns.”
Reflecting on the need to balance creativity and the client’s brand objectives, Deepmala asserts, “Balancing creativity with a client’s brand objectives is all about understanding the brand’s DNA and then crafting a narrative that speaks to both its identity and its audience. At TVH, our approach starts with research and deep insights into the brand’s values, goals, and audience.
“We work closely with our clients to ensure that the creative vision complements their objectives, while always keeping the storytelling fresh and compelling. This alignment allows us to strike the perfect balance between creativity and business outcomes,” she adds.
Deepmala on social media and content streaming trends
Deepmala also addresses the major shifts that are shaping the social media and content streaming landscape today. She says, “The rise of social media and content streaming platforms has significantly influenced the way we approach content production. It has shifted the focus toward shorter, more engaging, and shareable content. At TVH, we have adapted by incorporating new formats, such as short-form videos and interactive experiences, that work across these digital platforms.”
She adds, “Social media has made it even more important to craft content that is not only creative but also optimized for viral reach. We continuously experiment with new ways to tell stories that resonate with today’s audience, ensuring they are both relevant and impactful.”
Highlighting emerging trends that Deepmala foresees in video marketing and creative communications in the next few years, she says, “Over the next 3-5 years, I foresee video marketing continuing to evolve with a focus on creating deeper connections through real-life stories, people, and places.”
“The emphasis will remain on crafting authentic narratives that resonate with audiences, bringing reality to life creatively. While technology will continue to play a role, we believe that the core of compelling marketing communication is grounded in real-world experiences and emotional storytelling.
“As an agency,” she says, “we will continue to adapt by focusing on creating engaging, high-quality content that highlights true stories, ensuring our work remains impactful and relevant to both brands and audiences alike.”
Deepmala on TVH and what’s next
Speaking about what’s next for The Visual House, Deepmala says, “My journey with TVH has been one of passion, persistence, and growth. From my early days as a freelance director, I took the leap to found this creative agency with a vision to blend creativity with purposeful content.
“Over the years, TVH has spread its wings across diverse sectors, adapting our communication strategies to meet the unique needs of each industry. With several exciting projects currently in the pipeline, I am focused on expanding our footprint internationally, ensuring that TVH continues to drive innovation and make a meaningful impact on a global scale,” she adds at the end.
