ITV

Tag: Balaji

  • Challenges faced by the OTT players in India; the way ahead

    Challenges faced by the OTT players in India; the way ahead

    MUMBAI: With the majority of the OTT players operating on a freemium model, subscriptions are enjoying a new prominence as a revenue model for digital content and apps. While India saw Ditto TV working on the subscription revenue model, Balaji is all set enter the digital space with its digital platform Alt Digital Media.  

    The panel discussion on ‘Cracking the money code- Challenges and solutions for Digital Subscription models’ at FICCI FRAMES 2016 discussed the revenue models and the profit generation formula for this sector. Industry stalwarts included VUClip CEO Nickhil Jakatdar, Nazara Technologies CEO Manish Agarwal, ALT Entertainment chief strategy officer Eklavya Bhattacharya, Eros Digital COO Karan Bedi and Spuul India CEO Rajiv Vaidya. The session was moderated by BBC World News presenter Ros Atkins.

    After throwing light on the revenue models that each of the platforms followed, the panellists broadly discussed the revenue models that are followed in India with their positives and negatives and the various challenges that OTT was facing due to certain issues like infrastructure, piracy, etc.

    Initiating the discussion with how the ‘freemium’ model helped the OTT platforms, VUClip’s Jakatdar said, “The thing with such an emerging market is that if you don’t give content for free to the viewers, they will switch to some other place where they are getting it. You need to have content beyond the subscription pay wall. For example, in Malaysia, we found that Korean content works well there and is extremely popular. We got the simulcast content rights for Korea which they had to pay for, but the library content was for free.”

    He further added that, “We believe in micro payments which means that viewers can pay per content they view.  This means that they can buy data for a single day and don’t have to pay a monthly subscription. This is working well for us.”

    “Even as we use the freemium model, the free content for is important. If we look at the free content on the platforms as an ad-revenue driver, then we may find it difficult to sustain in this space ,” he further added.

    Differing with Jakatdar, ALT Entertainment’s Bhattacharya opined, “I don’t agree that the consumers will move to a different platform if you charge them. That’s going happen if you provide the same content on different platforms. It is definitely a challenge to provide exclusive quality. People don’t want to watch free content. They want to watch good content. The key for such platforms is to target the most loyal audiences and to provide them good quality and exclusive content which they can’t resist to buy. If you are creating content and hoping that you can break-even on advertising, it’s not going to work out. If you are confident about your content, people will definitely pay for it irrespective of the cost. If you create content that the consumers can’t get anywhere, they will come to you.”

  • Balaji selects Xstream & Diagnal to power OTT service ALT Digital

    Balaji selects Xstream & Diagnal to power OTT service ALT Digital

    MUMBAI: India’s TV and film production studio Balaji Telefilms has partnered with OTT solutions providers Xstream and Diagnal to power its new OTT entertainment service ALT, which is slated to launch in Q2-2016. The service will be available across connected devices, targeting young, connected and new age audiences.

    Xstream’s cloud-based video management system, Xstream MediaMaker, will fuel ALT’s multiscreen solution, whereas Diagnal will be responsible for front-end design, development, big data solution and systems integration. 

    Announced in 2015, ALT is a part of the Balaji’s strategic intent to extend its creative expertise to the digital domain by developing on-demand, original and exclusive content for digital audiences globally.

    “ALT Balaji wants its audience to enjoy compelling stories and does not want technology to be a stumbling block in their experience. We believe that technology is an enabler and if it’s invisible to the consumer then we have done a great job,” said ALT Digital Media COO Sunil Nair. “Xstream gives us world class solutions that are flexible allowing us to offer seamless smooth user experience in video playback. Their experience combined with the depth of knowledge of the Diagnal team has helped us very quickly build a fabulous platform.”

    “Diagnal’s proven market expertise and product delivery capabilities combined with Xstream’s flexible and scalable platform, their impressive track record of managing high-end, customised Internet video services, proven technology and their ability to act as a solution partner, truly sets them apart from others and made them a natural partner and first choice for us. With Diagnal and Xstream we’ve gained partners who truly understand the complicated OTT ecosystem and we have built a future-proof solution. This enables us to continue to build a platform for our next generation OTT service on multiple devices that we can grow and develop with as we move forward in a speedily evolving market,” adds ALT Digital Media Entertainment head of product Ashish Bhansali.

    Launching this summer, ALT will utilise Xstream MediaMaker and Diagnal’s robust technology services to offer the audience in India and abroad an enjoyable experience across various devices.

    Xstream MediaMaker is designed to enable operators, broadcasters and content owners to seamlessly create, manage, deliver and monetise future- proof Internet TV solutions across regions and countries with multiple languages & currency on multiple devices- all with an easy and transparent workflow management- simplifying the complexity in Internet TV and allowing their customers to focus on their core business, not the complexity in OTT.

    “As the pioneering studio in India, Balaji continues to propel the entertainment industry forward with innovation and quality content. We look forward to support their passion for creating quality content with our flexible, proven and scalable cloud- based OTT platform for delivery of multiscreen video solutions and other innovative and personalized services for engaging and delighting subscribers. ALT Balaji is a great example of a true innovator in Direct-to-consumer OTT services and we are delighted to be working together,” said Xstream CEO Simon Hoegsbro.

    “We’re incredibly proud of what the partnership between ALT Balaji, Xstream and Diagnal has achieved in a short period of time – a world class OTT product that is suited to the content needs of the Indian market and is also a pleasure to use,” added Diagnal CEO Reuben Verghese.

    The ALT Balaji solution by Xstream is fully cloud- based, using Amazon Web Services. Using AWS, Xstream is able to deliver unparalleled performance and durability to ensure a quality delivery to ALT Balaji subscribers. With EC2 Xstream have access to a perfect solution to operate API’s and customer facing services. S3 is used for robust storage of content and assets, which is then served using Cloudfront. Lastly RDS and Redshift are used databases for metadata and statistics. Xstream is proud to be an Amazon Web Services Advanced Technology Partner.

  • Balaji selects Xstream & Diagnal to power OTT service ALT Digital

    Balaji selects Xstream & Diagnal to power OTT service ALT Digital

    MUMBAI: India’s TV and film production studio Balaji Telefilms has partnered with OTT solutions providers Xstream and Diagnal to power its new OTT entertainment service ALT, which is slated to launch in Q2-2016. The service will be available across connected devices, targeting young, connected and new age audiences.

    Xstream’s cloud-based video management system, Xstream MediaMaker, will fuel ALT’s multiscreen solution, whereas Diagnal will be responsible for front-end design, development, big data solution and systems integration. 

    Announced in 2015, ALT is a part of the Balaji’s strategic intent to extend its creative expertise to the digital domain by developing on-demand, original and exclusive content for digital audiences globally.

    “ALT Balaji wants its audience to enjoy compelling stories and does not want technology to be a stumbling block in their experience. We believe that technology is an enabler and if it’s invisible to the consumer then we have done a great job,” said ALT Digital Media COO Sunil Nair. “Xstream gives us world class solutions that are flexible allowing us to offer seamless smooth user experience in video playback. Their experience combined with the depth of knowledge of the Diagnal team has helped us very quickly build a fabulous platform.”

    “Diagnal’s proven market expertise and product delivery capabilities combined with Xstream’s flexible and scalable platform, their impressive track record of managing high-end, customised Internet video services, proven technology and their ability to act as a solution partner, truly sets them apart from others and made them a natural partner and first choice for us. With Diagnal and Xstream we’ve gained partners who truly understand the complicated OTT ecosystem and we have built a future-proof solution. This enables us to continue to build a platform for our next generation OTT service on multiple devices that we can grow and develop with as we move forward in a speedily evolving market,” adds ALT Digital Media Entertainment head of product Ashish Bhansali.

    Launching this summer, ALT will utilise Xstream MediaMaker and Diagnal’s robust technology services to offer the audience in India and abroad an enjoyable experience across various devices.

    Xstream MediaMaker is designed to enable operators, broadcasters and content owners to seamlessly create, manage, deliver and monetise future- proof Internet TV solutions across regions and countries with multiple languages & currency on multiple devices- all with an easy and transparent workflow management- simplifying the complexity in Internet TV and allowing their customers to focus on their core business, not the complexity in OTT.

    “As the pioneering studio in India, Balaji continues to propel the entertainment industry forward with innovation and quality content. We look forward to support their passion for creating quality content with our flexible, proven and scalable cloud- based OTT platform for delivery of multiscreen video solutions and other innovative and personalized services for engaging and delighting subscribers. ALT Balaji is a great example of a true innovator in Direct-to-consumer OTT services and we are delighted to be working together,” said Xstream CEO Simon Hoegsbro.

    “We’re incredibly proud of what the partnership between ALT Balaji, Xstream and Diagnal has achieved in a short period of time – a world class OTT product that is suited to the content needs of the Indian market and is also a pleasure to use,” added Diagnal CEO Reuben Verghese.

    The ALT Balaji solution by Xstream is fully cloud- based, using Amazon Web Services. Using AWS, Xstream is able to deliver unparalleled performance and durability to ensure a quality delivery to ALT Balaji subscribers. With EC2 Xstream have access to a perfect solution to operate API’s and customer facing services. S3 is used for robust storage of content and assets, which is then served using Cloudfront. Lastly RDS and Redshift are used databases for metadata and statistics. Xstream is proud to be an Amazon Web Services Advanced Technology Partner.

  • Q3-2016: Balaji revenue up 8%; reports higher programming hours

    Q3-2016: Balaji revenue up 8%; reports higher programming hours

    BENGALURU: Balaji Telefilms Limited reported eight per cent YoY growth in total income from operations (TIO) at Rs 78.65 for the quarter ended 31 December, 2015 (Q3-2016, current quarter) as compared to Rs 71.54 crore and 43.8 per cent QoQ jump from Rs 52.85 crore.

    Note:  (1)100,00,000 = 100 lakh = 10 million = 1 crore

    Commissioned programs in the current quarter increased 24.4 per cent YoY to 712.2 hours as compared to 572.7 hours and increased 47.6 per cent as compared to 482.6 hours in the immediate trailing quarter. Net realisation per hour of commissioned programs increased 17.5 per cent YoY to Rs 24.2 lakh as compared to Rs 20.6 lakh, and was almost flat QoQ as compared to Rs 24.3 lakh.

    The company’s revenue from commissioned programs segment in Q3-2016 increased 16.2 per cent YoY to Rs 72.01 crore as compared to Rs 61.97 crore and rose 40.7 per cent QoQ as compared to Rs 51.18. The segment’s operating profit in the current quarter more than doubled (by 2.5 times) YoY to Rs 18.94 crore and increased 45.7 per cent QoQ to Rs 13 crore.

    Balaji’s other segment – Films, reported revenue of just Rs 1.12 crore in the current quarter as compared to Rs 0.13 crore in Q3-2015 and Rs 1.64 in the immediate trailing quarter. The Films’ segment reported operating loss of Rs 1.91 crore in the current quarter as compared to an operating loss of Rs 2.83 crore in Q3-2015 and an operating profit of Rs 0.06 crore in Q2-2016.

    Other consolidated numbers reported by Balaji Telefilms

    Total Expenditure in the current quarter declined 16.1 per cent YoY to Rs 68.68 crore as compared to Rs 81.81 crore, but increased 49.8 per cent as compared to Rs 45.85 crore in the immediate trailing quarter.

    The company’s cost of production/acquisition and telecast fees increased 5.7 per cent YoY to Rs 68.04 crore as compared to Rs 64.39 crore, but declined 15.3 per cent QoQ as compared to Rs 80.22 crore.

    Staff cost increased 16.9 per cent YoY to Rs 4.89 crore as compared to Rs 4.19 crore but reduced 1.2 per cent QoQ as compared to Rs 4.95.

    Balaji Telefilms standalone numbers

    Balaji Telefilms’ YoY standalone profit after tax (PAT) catapulted more than six-fold at Rs 20.66 crore (28.7 per cent margin) as compared to Rs 3.09 crore (5.4 per cent margin) and was double QoQ as compared to Rs 10.31 crore (20.2 per cent standalone margin) in the immediate trailing quarter. 
    The company reported 26 per cent YoY increase in standalone total income from operations (TIO) in the current quarter to Rs 72.3 crore from Rs 57.27 crore and 41 per cent jump from Rs 51.11 crore in Q2-2016.

    Standalone EBIDTA more than quadrupled (by 4.24 times) YoY in Q3-2016 at Rs 18.05 crore as compared to Rs 4.25 crore and almost doubled (up 94 per cent) as compared to Rs 9.32 crore in the immediate trailing quarter.

  • Q3-2016: Balaji revenue up 8%; reports higher programming hours

    Q3-2016: Balaji revenue up 8%; reports higher programming hours

    BENGALURU: Balaji Telefilms Limited reported eight per cent YoY growth in total income from operations (TIO) at Rs 78.65 for the quarter ended 31 December, 2015 (Q3-2016, current quarter) as compared to Rs 71.54 crore and 43.8 per cent QoQ jump from Rs 52.85 crore.

    Note:  (1)100,00,000 = 100 lakh = 10 million = 1 crore

    Commissioned programs in the current quarter increased 24.4 per cent YoY to 712.2 hours as compared to 572.7 hours and increased 47.6 per cent as compared to 482.6 hours in the immediate trailing quarter. Net realisation per hour of commissioned programs increased 17.5 per cent YoY to Rs 24.2 lakh as compared to Rs 20.6 lakh, and was almost flat QoQ as compared to Rs 24.3 lakh.

    The company’s revenue from commissioned programs segment in Q3-2016 increased 16.2 per cent YoY to Rs 72.01 crore as compared to Rs 61.97 crore and rose 40.7 per cent QoQ as compared to Rs 51.18. The segment’s operating profit in the current quarter more than doubled (by 2.5 times) YoY to Rs 18.94 crore and increased 45.7 per cent QoQ to Rs 13 crore.

    Balaji’s other segment – Films, reported revenue of just Rs 1.12 crore in the current quarter as compared to Rs 0.13 crore in Q3-2015 and Rs 1.64 in the immediate trailing quarter. The Films’ segment reported operating loss of Rs 1.91 crore in the current quarter as compared to an operating loss of Rs 2.83 crore in Q3-2015 and an operating profit of Rs 0.06 crore in Q2-2016.

    Other consolidated numbers reported by Balaji Telefilms

    Total Expenditure in the current quarter declined 16.1 per cent YoY to Rs 68.68 crore as compared to Rs 81.81 crore, but increased 49.8 per cent as compared to Rs 45.85 crore in the immediate trailing quarter.

    The company’s cost of production/acquisition and telecast fees increased 5.7 per cent YoY to Rs 68.04 crore as compared to Rs 64.39 crore, but declined 15.3 per cent QoQ as compared to Rs 80.22 crore.

    Staff cost increased 16.9 per cent YoY to Rs 4.89 crore as compared to Rs 4.19 crore but reduced 1.2 per cent QoQ as compared to Rs 4.95.

    Balaji Telefilms standalone numbers

    Balaji Telefilms’ YoY standalone profit after tax (PAT) catapulted more than six-fold at Rs 20.66 crore (28.7 per cent margin) as compared to Rs 3.09 crore (5.4 per cent margin) and was double QoQ as compared to Rs 10.31 crore (20.2 per cent standalone margin) in the immediate trailing quarter. 
    The company reported 26 per cent YoY increase in standalone total income from operations (TIO) in the current quarter to Rs 72.3 crore from Rs 57.27 crore and 41 per cent jump from Rs 51.11 crore in Q2-2016.

    Standalone EBIDTA more than quadrupled (by 4.24 times) YoY in Q3-2016 at Rs 18.05 crore as compared to Rs 4.25 crore and almost doubled (up 94 per cent) as compared to Rs 9.32 crore in the immediate trailing quarter.

  • Star Plus to launch 2 new shows; Balaji’s ‘Kuch Toh…’ to go off air

    Star Plus to launch 2 new shows; Balaji’s ‘Kuch Toh…’ to go off air

    MUMBAI: Hindi general entertainment channel (GEC) Star Plus is all set to add a fresh breath of air to its programming with the launch of two new shows namely Silsilla Pyaar Ka and Swadhinta in the new year. These shows will replace two of the channels’ existing shows.

     

    Balaji Telefilms’ show Kuch Toh Hai Tere Mere Darmiyaan, which was launched on 28 September, will be going off air in January. The show airs at 8:30 pm from Monday to Saturday.

     

    A source close to the development informs Indiantelevision.com, “The show failed to generate sustainable ratings, and therefore it’s going off air. It might be replaced by Silsila Pyaar Ka produced by Rashmi Sharma Telefilms, which is slated to launch in first week of January.”

     

    The promos of the show have already been released. Silsilla Pyaar Ka revolves around a possessive mother, her son and the girl in his life.

     

    On the other hand, the Hindi adaptation of Warner Bros’ Everybody Loves Raymond – Sumit Sambhal Lega is also in its final phase and is slated to go off air in the last week of January. Produced by DJ’s Creative Unit, the show was launched on 31 August and airs at 10 pm from Monday to Saturday.

     

    Another source added, “The show might get replaced by Farhaan Salaruddin headed Fortune Production’s upcoming show Swadhinta. Based on courtroom drama, the show will focus on the bureaucracy in our nation. The show is slated to launch on 1 February.”

     

    Additionally, Star Plus’ Aaj Ki Raat Hai Zindagi hosted by superstar Amitabh Bachchan will soon reach its final phase. Launched on 18 October, Aaj Ki Raat Hai Zindagi airs on Sunday at 8 pm. The last episode of the show is slated to air in the second week of January.

  • Balaji Telefilms denies specific intent to sale of stake in digital business to global firm

    Balaji Telefilms denies specific intent to sale of stake in digital business to global firm

    BENGALURU: Balaji Telefilms Limited has denied any specific intention of selling a stake in its digital business to a global firm  in a response filed at the bourses. The Stock Exchange had asked for a clarification from Balaji Telefilms about a report published in the Economic Times that said the Balaji Telefilms was in talks with a global firm to sell a 20 percent stake, and the deal valued Balaji’s digital business at Rs 1,900 crore.

     

    In its response, Balaji Telefilm said that the company, during its normal course of business, keeps exploring various opportunities to enhance shareholder value, including fund raising opportunities. There are, however, no specific discussions/negotiations by the company regarding sale of its stake in the digital business subsidiary. The response says that Balaji Telefilms was cognizant of its regulatory responsibilities and would keep the Stock Exchanges informed in case of any specific developments.

     

    The response further said that Balaji Telefilms was working towards getting the necessary approval(s) from its shareholders in the matter which was already informed to the Stock Exchanges in its Outcome of Board Meeting  letter date November 9, 2015, stating that the Board of Directors of the Company in its meeting held on November 9, 2015, had approved to raise funds not exceeding Rs 250 crore by way of QIP/GDR/ADR/FCCB/other securities linked to equity/preference shares/any security or instrument representing convertible securities and to increase the authorised share capital of the company  from Rs 20 crore to Rs 26 crore, subject to approval of shareholders.

     

    Balaji Telefilm said that it had no comment to offer on the price movement mentioned by the Stock Exchange letter, as this was a function of the market.

  • Balaji style soap opera unwinds at Filmcity

    Balaji style soap opera unwinds at Filmcity

    MUMBAI: Balaji Telefilms, known to be the biggest production house of the small screen, hit a roadblock when a nasty fight broke out between Balaji crew members and members of the Allied Mazdoor Union (AMU), which represents the interests of labourers like spot boys, lightmen and set technicians.

     

    The incident took place on 12 May night at the Killick Nixon studio in Mumbai’s Andheri east suburb where a majority of the Balaji shows are filmed. The reason. says the AMU, was that Balaji did not change workers even after the end of the 12-hour shift, as mandated by the agreement forged between the producers and workers’ unions.

     

    Said a Balaji source, “They blamed us saying we did not change the workers after the completion of the 12 hour shift. But it isn’t true. Even after saying, we did change workers; they raised a ruckus and did not allow us to shoot following the ugly fight.”

     

    Another source from Balaji added, “It is not for the first time they have attacked us. It’s an everyday routine. They visit our sets and try to upset our daily routine. We need to have a permanent solution.”

     

    After the ruckus, the members of the union showed its might and stalled all shoots at Filmcity on 13 May until late in the evening. The Indian Television Dot Com office got calls from irate creative directors, producers, wondering when a resolution would be found during the day.

     

    Several TV producers faced a problem, including Sudhir Sharma’s Sunshine Productions, Yash Patnaik’s Beyond Dreams, and Vikas Gupta’s Lost Boy Productions – which have units shooting different shows at Filmcity.

     

    AMU general secretary Gangeshwar Shrivastav said, “Workers are allowed to work for 12 hours. We heard that Balaji was making them work for more than 20 hours. When we received a complaint, we went there and they fought. They broke our cars. We filed a police complaint at Powai Police Station and four members of Balaji were arrested.”

     

    Balaji Telefilms raised a protest with the Indian Film & Television Producers’ Council  (IFTPC) of which it is a member. The TV division committee members got onto a conference call late in the evening with the AMU office bearers and told them to allow producers to recommence shooting at least for now. The AMU agreed to do so, but they mutually agreed to meet on a suitable date after 20 May to thrash out any misunderstandings.

     

    Following the call, at around 6.30 pm,  the cameras started whirring and shouts of “Action” were heard once again on the shooting floors of Filmcity. 

    (Tellychakkar.com – part of the indiantelevision.com group was the first to report this story.)

     

  • UTV’s ‘Shagun’ riding high in afternoon slot: TAM data

    UTV’s ‘Shagun’ riding high in afternoon slot: TAM data

    If its Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi from the Balaji stable in the evening prime band, UTV’s Shagun is currently the number one non prime time show on television among Hindi speaking audiences. The unfolding drama has left Sony’s Ghar Ek Mandir, Zee TV’s Babul Ki Duniya and even the newly launched Chandan Ka Palna on Zee far behind in the soap race, according to a company release.

     

    It is among the top 4 shows today on Star Plus after KSBKBT, Kahani Ghar Ghar Ki and Kaun Banega Crorepati, despite being in the afternoon time band, the release adds.

     

    Shagun has steadily climbed the TRP charts to garner ratings better than many prime time programmes. Says Zarina Mehta who created the show: “We are delighted that our story is appealing to audiences. Shagun is about two sisters Aradhana & Arti who love each other more than life itself. But Aradhana is “abshaguni” (jinxed) and somehow manages to bring terrible unhappiness not only to herself but worse still to those she loves most. Shagun is a tragic and beautiful story of Aradhana’s struggle to win despite her own fate.”

     

    Latest TAM data collated for a three-week period across all-India C&S homes, shows Shagun averaging 2.9 TRPs ahead of Sony’s Ghar Ek Mandir with 2.5 TRPs and both Zee offerings Chandan Ki Palna Resham (0.8 TRPs) and Gharana (0.6 TRPs). All these programmes air in the afternoon slot.

     

    Shagun screens every afternoon at 2:30 PM with a repeat telecast at 11:30 PM from Monday to Thursday on Star Plus.

  • Balajis bright new sparks

    Balajis bright new sparks

    MUMBAI: Even as television channels churn out soap operas in a bid to outdo each other, more and more youngsters are finding themselves dreaming of making it big in films and television.
    Glamour struck as these young guns are, more often than not, they are not really equipped to deal with the big, bad world that lurks beneath the shiny surface.

    This is where companies like Balaji Spark aim to step in to handhold and nurture the new talent. “Our philosophy is about nurturing. We want to do everything a parent does for a child,” exults Balaji Motion Pictures CEO Tanuj Garg about Balaji’s new talent management arm.

    With its mission to identify and manage new talent, Spark will represent both on-screen and directorial talent discovered and launched by BMPL and Balaji Telefilms in films and television, respectively. The unit will be under BMPL, and will be helmed by Firoz Engineer, who will report into Garg.

    Spark’s job will also be about guiding new talent, managing their image and PR among other things. Garg clarifies that among the hundreds of applications Balaji receives every day, its casting directors single out only such talent that they feel is worth grooming. “We are not looking at 100 people or so. It is just going to be a handful of them, who we will oversee so that there is some kind of class and pedigree involved,” he says.

    With the likes of Yash Raj Films and Viacom18 Media too having established units offering similar services, what would differentiate Spark from the rest? “We clearly don’t look at ourselves as agencies or brokers because we don’t think that’s the way talent is managed or launched. Some of the biggest names in the industry have been launched by us, and we continue to do so. It is our responsibility to help them and not use them as commodities,” quips Garg.

    Spark is all about about parenting and not deal making like others, says Tanuj Garg
    Indeed, actors such as Smriti Malhotra-Irani, Sakshi Tanwar, Ram Kapoor, Prachi Desai, Rajeev Khandelwal, Shweta Tiwari, Sushant Singh Rajput, Ronit Roy, Hiten Tejwani, Urvashi Dholakia and more recently, Rajat Tokas and Paridhi Sharma of Jodha Akbar fame, rose from the Balaji stable to achieve iconic status. Garg points out that currently, Spark will focus on the selected lot of actors instead of searching for newer faces. “We don’t want to disturb the applecart and lure people to come to us. We might do that later but as of now, our immediate plans are to nurture the talent we want to launch in TV or films,” he says.

    Spark will have a simple fee structure where it gets management fee, which is a certain price of the deal. All value-added services like paperwork, PR etc. will be part of the deal. Spark will get anything between 10-25 per cent of the deal, which is in keeping with industry standards. The contract timeframe will be a minimum of three years, though it may vary from deal to deal.
    Elaborating on Spark’s low intensive business model, Garg says: “Consumers don’t have to know about us. What matters is people in the industry know us for they will consume our talent.”

    Hats Off Production’s JD Majethia agrees. “Take the example of Sushant Singh Rajput; if he didn’t have the push of Balaji, do you think he would have been where he is today? Balaji has launched so many faces and since there are so many opportunities, it is bound to set new limits,” he says.

    Beyond Dreamz’s Yash Patnaik too feels Spark will only benefit the industry as new talent will get an umbrella where they can get groomed and hone their skills.

    Not just budding youngsters, Spark will also be managing Balaji head honcho Ekta Kapoor. “People want her for shows, as speaker or to host them. She is a brand to reckon with, and she has realised it is high time she came out if there is an interesting and exciting offer. So we will be handling her,” says Garg excitedly.

    Spark plans to partner with other entities across the nation to work with its artists to recognise the right opportunities for them in terms of brand and cause endorsements, performances and appearances on various shows and events.

    With a record-breaking career graph thus far, we are sure, Balaji will only forge ahead with this venture…