The fact of current occasions is driving a ‘new regular’ for actuality TV reveals. Leisure channels are tapping into digital alternatives to set the ball rolling for his or her unscripted non-fiction content material, in an try and not simply woo a brand new set of viewers, but in addition to open up an alternate gateway to drive participation from elements of the nation.
For the primary time, Kaun Banega Crorepati, for its twelfth season, has rolled out a 100% digital choice and screening course of for its contestants amid the lockdown, hinging on the thought, “Har cheez ko break lag sakta hai… Sapno ko nahi”.
The truth that a big quantity persons are homebound and spending lengthy hours on TV and digital media, made it conducive, says Ashish Golwalkar, Head – Content material, Sony Leisure Tv (SET) and Digital Enterprise. “We count on the participation to develop exponentially,” he provides, revealing that digital course of will quickly be introduced for his or her properties Tremendous Dancer and Indian Idol, too.
There’s additionally Dance Deewane, which is using a digital screening course of, enabling contributors to remain protected and audition from their properties, by means of an app. Manisha Sharma, head of content material, Colours, says, “The response has been overwhelming. We clocked 1000+ entries in simply two days. There’s no purpose one ought to lose hope. We wish our viewers to remain motivated throughout the powerful occasions.”
Moreover that, viewer engagement is a key purpose why MTV has formulated authentic content material. Whereas a first-of-its variety digital audition for a wild card entry is occurring for Roadies Revolution, the channel can be showcasing straight-from-home ideas resembling Hustle From House, a six-part sequence with rappers jamming from dwelling, and Ace Quarantine, which has viewers voting for contestants who’re given duties round ‘acing the quarantine’ at dwelling.
Amit Puri, who works as artistic director for varied actuality TV reveals, says the viewers is lapping up this content material attributable to its relatibility, plus they really feel inspired to take part with out having to step out of their properties, therefore growing the attain.
Both approach, amid the lockdown and even for the quick future, straight-from-home content material is changing into the norm, believes Ferzad Palia, Head- Voot Choose, Youth, Music, and English Leisure, Viacom18. “Our properties have bridged the hole for brand new content material on tv. We’re adapting to the brand new regular,” says Palia, including that reveals driving on reputation, resembling Roadies, will proceed to get traction.
Speaking of that, to mark 25 years of Sa Re Ga Ma Pa, Zee’s flagship music actuality present, the channel has deliberate a 25-hour music marathon on digital, and a live performance with well-known names singing from the confines of their properties. “It’ll absolutely assist uplift the temper of individuals the world over throughout the COVID-19 lockdown,” says singer Udit Narayan.
However what’s the longer term? Whereas security issues would be the high precedence, the consultants say, practices resembling carrying masks, limiting the workforce on units, making preparations for full sanitation and medical accessibility, following social distancing pointers will turn out to be paramount.
Golwalkar says, “We’ll must develop new SOPs that align to the brand new actuality, protecting in thoughts the very best curiosity of everybody concerned — be it the artistic crew, the on-ground crew, the technicians, the expertise, or the viewers at massive.”
In line with manufacturing sources, viewers co-ordinators that work on actuality reveals, are fairly involved about dropping work because the idea of a stay viewers itself might be impacted because of the pandemic.
