India’s entertainment industry is booming — from film production and OTT platforms to event management, music, and digital content creation. Whether you're launching a production house, managing artists, or running a live entertainment business, the legal and financial framework must be carefully planned.
In this step-by-step guide, we walk you through everything you need to start a successful entertainment business in India, including registration, licensing, tax compliance, and more.
You must first define the nature of your entertainment business:
Film & TV Production House
OTT / Digital Media Content Creation
Music Label or Recording Studio
Event Management Company
Talent/Artist Management
Live Shows, Exhibitions, Comedy Events
Decide whether you’ll operate as a freelancer, agency, LLP, or private limited company, depending on your scale and growth plans.
Choose the appropriate business structure for your entertainment venture:
| Entity Type | Best For |
|---|---|
| Sole Proprietorship | Freelancers, small-scale businesses |
| Partnership Firm | Joint ventures or creative partnerships |
| LLP | Event agencies, creative firms |
| Private Limited Company | Studios, agencies planning for expansion |
Business registration gives your brand legal status, credibility, and access to tax benefits and corporate banking.
Based on your services, several licenses and permits may apply:
| License/Approval | Applicability |
|---|---|
| GST Registration | Mandatory for services and commercial transactions |
| Trade License | Required for offices, studios, and events |
| Public Performance License | Needed for using copyrighted music publicly |
| Cinematograph Certification | For film and OTT content approval |
| FSSAI License | If serving food or beverages during events |
| Import Export Code (IEC) | If importing/exporting content or working globally |
| Professional Tax Registration | Required in certain states for salaried individuals |
| Shop & Establishment License | Required for setting up an office or studio |
These vary depending on your business location and category of entertainment.
The entertainment industry involves diverse income sources:
Event fees and ticket sales
Advertising and sponsorships
Artist or talent fees
OTT and digital streaming royalties
Brand collaborations
Ensure proper documentation, contracts, and revenue classification. Setup:
Accounting software (Tally, Zoho, QuickBooks)
Tax invoices with HSN/SAC codes
Artist and vendor contracts
NDAs and service agreements
Compliance is critical in entertainment due to high-value transactions and variable GST rates. Common tax requirements include:
18% GST on event management, ticketing, digital services, etc.
5% GST on some entertainment categories (e.g., theatre)
TDS on artist payments, contractor payouts, and rent
Income Tax Filing based on business entity type
ROC Compliance for registered companies and LLPs
Timely filing ensures smooth operations and avoids penalties.
Entertainment businesses thrive on creativity and intellectual assets. To safeguard your brand and content:
Register your Trademark (company name, event name, artist label, etc.)
Apply for Copyrights on music, scripts, films, or artwork
Secure licenses for distribution and co-productions
This prevents unauthorized use and increases your brand’s valuation.
Whether you're managing events, artists, or online content, digital branding is essential. Build:
A professional website or portfolio
Social media handles for branding
YouTube, Instagram, and OTT channel presence
Email marketing and PR outreach for event promotion
Strong online visibility helps attract collaborations, sponsors, and fans.