Sangeeta Tanwar
Media

Endemol India high on thriller-psychological, horror and survival reality shows

Endemol India is set to launch two shows -- Fool Around with My Girlfriend and Wipeout -- in the next few months

Endemol India appears to have its hands full with the second season of the reality show, Khatron Ke Khiladi Level 2 already on air on Colors; as well as work in progress for another big property, Bigg Boss 3, again for Colors.

Speaking to afaqs!, Deepak Dhar, managing director, Endemol India shares the organisation's projects and plans for the next few months.

He says, "The year 2010 is going to be an exciting one for us, with shows such as Bigg Boss Season 3, Fool Around with My Girlfriend and Wipeout. On the request of broadcasters, we are developing exciting concepts related to thriller-psychological, physical comedy, horror, sports and survival reality."

Endemol India high on thriller-psychological, horror and survival reality shows
So what is Endemol doing differently, to ensure viewers' interest in fresh editions of its popular shows? According to Dhar, it has overhauled the level of tasks and spikes for both Khatron Ke Khiladi Level 2 and Bigg Boss 3, ensuring that viewers continue to get quality entertainment from these formats. It has some real shockers in both these properties.

The Endemol think-tank has regular discussions, where it redefines the concept and tasks -- there is no space which is a no-go for creative ideation.

Though he does not share the organisation's exact plans in the fiction genre, Dhar informs that following its last show, Sabki Laadli Bebo – currently being aired on STAR Plus – Endemol is in advanced stages of commissioning discussions with a broadcaster. "The story line is unique and the new offering will be a marquee show for Endemol, further consolidating and building our success rate with scripted shows," he says.

With international production company, Freemantle Media setting up shop in India, what will Endemol India's approach towards the business be?

Dhar subscribes to the theory that it is good to have competition, since that tends to bring out the best in people. "Some of our formats are well liked and there is no better customer than a satisfied customer. We have developed some long-lasting relationships with broadcasters and there has been a mutually beneficial business relationship," he shares.

With increasing competition, he points that what has changed is that today, unique concepts are being exposed and conceptualization has improved overall in the industry. Values involved in every production require that content creators de-risk the broadcaster by doing adequate pre-production and there are no surprises involved in execution stage.

He adds, "Computing power has assisted in this and bibles are being created before jumping onto telecast-ready tapes. This is something that will assist local producers sell concepts in international markets. Storytelling has become tighter and simpler, thereby ensuring that every individual viewer better appreciates the premise of the show, which in turn, translates into better rating points for the broadcaster."

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