MUMBAI: Indian production house Optimystix is gearing up for Mipcom in a big way. The event is an occasion for the company to meet members of the Sparks Network, a global conglomerate of 14 production houses.
Optimystix director Sanjiv Sharma however insists that he has a lot more on his sleeve. “Of course, Mipcom will be the location of one of the six annual meetings with the Sparks Network where we share creatives in the business. But we have two other highlights in our agenda.”
Elaborating he says, “One will be seeking affiliations and associations with production houses and networks across the globe for adapting international formats. I think Mipcom is a great place to get introduced to international trends in the world of television.”
“The other highlight,” he says, “will be to pitch our home-grown format Nirvana to international broadcasters.”
Sharma says that Nirvana was rated as one of the top five formats in Mipcom 2006. “Presently through the Sparks network, Nirvana is being used in several territories including the US, France, Finland by international broadcasters. We hope to engage in active dialogues with more international broadcasters for spreading Nirvana across the globe,” he says.
Apart from Nirvana, Optimystix will pitch two more home-grown formats ideated by his in-house creative team. “This year, since India is the ‘Country of honour‘, I think there will be a high visibility for Indian media houses. We are in talks with Ficci officials about deciding what value we can add to the Indian contingent for Mipcom. Since it is a government led initiative, international broadcast networks will definitely look at the event more seriously than ever before,” he says.
Optimystix has already produced format shows – Kisme Kitna Hai Dum, Khuljaa Sim Sim and Indian Idol – all of which have been adaptations from international formats.
Sharma believes that their experience in handling such formats will give them an edge over others. “With a proven expertise on adapting these formats, I think we will be the preferred distribution partners and production partners for international networks to be their local partners in India,” Sharma says.
Speaking to Indiantelevision.com Walt Disney Television International (India) director production and programming Aparna Bhosle says, “Throughout the year we shortlist content from across regions and have zeroed in on the specific programmes. We will be going to Mipcom to close these deals and conclude the legalities involved, as well as meet our licensors. We will buy atleast eight to 10 shows for our three channels.”
When queried about the financial negotiations that are a part of the procedural acquisition process, Bhosle says that the cost of acquisition is in the range of $600 to $2500 for every half hour of a property. The rates of a show largely depend on the performance and popularity of the property, its newness and quality of animation. Disney is looking buy rights to television shows for a duration of five years rather than three.
“All three kids channels from our network depend heavily on acquired content. 80 per cent of content on Hungama TV is acquired, while 40 per cent and 20 per cent of programmes on Jetix and Disney Channel are bought. However, we are looking to up the amount of acquired shows on the Disney Channel,” adds Bhosle.