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Miditech, the television content creation company promoted by the brother duo of Niret & Nikhil Alva is now set to expand in the international market, film production as well as reality-game shows for the small screen.
Elder brother and president, Miditech, Niret Alva tells Business Standard that there are opportunities galore in the industry about the opportunities likely to emerge due to the proposed launch of several new television channels.
How do you view the business of television production?
It's an exciting time to be in the business of content creation. With several new channels coming up, each wants to offer path-breaking content. They turn to us for the best content.
We are already in talks with a number of new television companies including Viacom-TV 18, INX Media and several regional language channels. Our work has expanded. We started with just a handful of people with me and my brother Nikhil driving the work. Today, we have more than 600 talented people working for us across offices in major metro towns
What is the current work portfolio in-hand? What offerings can we expect in the next six months?
With the massive success of Indian Idol-3 on Sony Entertainment, we have been asked to begin work on its fourth season.
In the kids genre, Gali Gali Sim Sim will start its third season soon. We have just finished a reality series for Discovery Travel & Living on Taj Hotels. There is the Hindi version on Sony Television of the popular English show 'Extreme Makeover'.
Our existing shows on Star Plus and Zee TV are getting appreciated. We have also submitted a documentary featuring Hollywood actress Ashley Judd for the National Geographic Channel along with a documentary on Delhi Metro for the Discovery channel.
What are the innovative projects that stand out?
We are proud of an animated series that we are currently doing for Turner International. All the work has been done with the in-house talent. Then there is a documentary called 'Chasing Earthquakes' that we did for NGC Australia. Its yet to be seen by the Indian viewers and we are extremely proud of it.
What about producing a full-length feature film? Will Miditech do a film or stick to only the small screen?
We are not authorised to speak about it, but yes we have made our debut in film production as well. It's a low-budget film primarily for the multiplex audience. We are in the final stages of production. Our contract with the film producers does not allow us to reveal its details.
Do you think the reality shows on television will continue to deliver for the broadcasters or its been overdone? Can we expect new formats on the small screen?
I think what we have on the television today is just the tip of the iceberg. More can be done with the reality-show format genre. I see a lot more celebrities being created through television in times to come.
Even though Ankita or Chang could not win Indian Idol-3, they are big stars. They are getting live shows to perform. Its altogether a new line of work for ordinary citizens with some great talent. I see more of this happening on the television.
