This week in the newsletter: Couples getting married are finding new ways to go viral, including inventing a new job description, a sex scene in Oppenheimer has India big mad, and much more.

— Rumneek

Why is India pissed about Oppenheimer?

Christopher Nolan’s Oppenheimer has sparked controversy in India over a sex scene involving the Hindu sacred text, Bhagavad Gita.

In addition, actress Florence Pugh’s nudity is covered with a digitally added black dress to appease censorship regulations in India. Outside of India, the sex scene remains with nudity, as Pugh forces co-actor, Cillian Murphy to recite lines of the Sanskrit text, all while having sex.

The inclusion of the sacred text in a sexual context has angered right-wing groups, who demand measures to protect religious sentiments.

The incident sheds light on the need for sensitivity when portraying historical and religious subjects in cinema. As Oppenheimer demonstrates, striking a balance between creative expression and cultural respect remains a significant challenge for the film industry.

What did you think about the sex scene’s inclusion of the Bhagavad Gita?

“Wedding Content Creators Have Arrived.”

Are you tired of the slow turtle-paced photographers and videographers who get you your professional pictures months, if not years after your moment has already passed? And you finally get your pictures a year later but now you’re too self-conscious about sharing your moments from your wedding? Worry no more, because new heroes have emerged into the wedding industry… Welcome the Wedding Content Creator.

But first, what exactly do they do? How much does it cost?

What Exactly Do They Do?

A Wedding Content Creator is a hired professional who comes and captures planned content for your event with something as simple as an iPhone. An iPhone 13 plus if you’re lucky. They use their knowledge of social media trends including, music and the “right angles” to emphasize the best moments from your day to be easily shared on social media.

This is a perfect solution for people wanting content on demand and not having to wait for professional photos or videos, hiring content creators is the perfect solution—not to mention it could help your wedding go viral.

Sharan Gill, a Canadian bride turned content creator with Socials by Sharan, says despite just starting out in the industry a month ago, she has already received an offer to be flown out on a destination wedding in Mexico.

Gill says that while some may hire content creators to produce viral content, this isn’t always the case.

“I often battle the misconception that people hiring me want to "go viral" or "do it for the gram." The brides that I have worked with so far however come from a place of wanting to capture authentic, behind-the-scenes moments and have these immediately available to them. Also, content creation does not replace photographers or videographers who often capture weddings in a more cinematic and editorial style.”

Gill adds that she isn’t sure if content creation for weddings is “just a trend,” but she hopes that those who work with her have a desire for unique, authentic content.

“I want people who enjoy content creation to hire me, because they like the silly TikTok dances and nice little highlight videos. I hope it doesn't go down a road of people feeling obligated to hire a content creator just because everyone's doing it.”

@socialsby.s

I forgot this was in my drafts oops #yeg #yyc #weddingcontentcreator #wedding #indianwedding #punjabi #2024bride #2023bride

So, How much do they charge?

One creator based in Seattle/Vancouver has their prices listed at starting at $400 for a basic package, that includes 3-8 hours of coverage and 5-10 edited recap videos.

Another Ontario-based creator has packages starting at $400 and going up to $1000 for ten hours of coverage for up to eight reels, and polaroids, as well as content planning meetings.

A US-based creator, Amrish or “Rish Creations,” has also dipped into offering content creation as a part of his services.

From $700-$2000 depending on the package, Amrish offers both kinds of services, to give his clients the best of both worlds.

It poses the question: $1000 to go viral NOW? Or $10,000 for photos that last forever?

Can Cricket Break Through in America?

Silicon Valley has invested a staggering $160 million into Major League Cricket (MLC), aiming to introduce cricket to the American market. Notable investors like Satya Nadella (Microsoft CEO), Shantanu Narayen (Adobe CEO), and Shah Rukh Khan (“Naam toh suna hoga”) have backed this venture, sparking curiosity about its potential success.

While cricket is hugely popular in almost all other parts of the world, it remains relatively unknown to American sports enthusiasts. Can MLC break through the American sporting landscape and find a substantial fanbase?

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📣 Other News:

• Punjabi music legend Surinder Shinda passed away on July 25 according to his family.

• Diljit Dosanjh just linked up with SIA—showing no signs of slowing down.

• Made In Heaven Season 2 hits Amazon Prime on August 10.

• Arnav Kapoor, a student from MIT has invented a device that helps navigate the internet by issuing internal commands.

• Jay Sean releases a new track with Ezu, Tu Hi Tu.

Listen to the PopShift Playlist on Spotify.

• Watchlist: Hot Takes: Mindy Kaling is Not Problematic, You Are

• The Deodorant Epidemic in India

• How much are people paying for rent in New York?

Writers: Aneesa Khan, Saumya Monga & Rumneek Johal
Editor: Rumneek Johal