Optimystix, the TV production house famous for the Indian Idol show and other reality and game programs, has been chosen as a member of the Sparks Network, which has presence in 13 countries.
Sparks Network inducts leading TV production companies from major markets as members to facilitate exchange of television formats, production knowledge and research.
Sparks Network is a major source of catalyzing the sales and acquisitions of TV formats across markets as all members enjoy free and exclusive access to other member's catalogs.
Based on the individual member's relationships with broadcasters in their home market, the members become each other's local production counterparts and sales arms.
From the Optimystix perspective, Sparks membership will help it to strengthen its presence in reality and game shows genre besides creating a different revenue stream.
"At a time when the television industry is dominated by two or three players in the general entertainment space, it has become imperative that local producers look at different options to sustain and drive growth," said Optimystix CEO Rajiv Vyas.
Vyas also said with international format owners setting production bases in India, local production houses were feeling the heat. Hence to fortify its key strength, which are format shows, the membership with Sparks would help Optimystix develop as well as milk its format forte.
Format shows are currently in vogue in the Indian television market with every broadcaster having one or more reality format shows running.
While, the television industry in India is inward looking, over the years Optimystix has managed to carve its own space in both international formats as well as home grown game/format shows.
Some of them being Khul Ja Sim Sim (Let's make a deal) on Star Plus, Kismey Kitnaa Hai Dam (Night fever) on Star Plus, Indian Idol (Pop Idol) on Sony, Dum Dum Dum on Nick and Bum Bum Bum Gir Pade Hum on Pogo.
What is also noteworthy, is that broadcasters are more receptive to international formats as the show is a tried and tested product, hence for producers they are a much easier sell. Secondly, advertisers also are ready to pay a premium for such shows.
"Apart from dipping our fingers in various international format shows, becoming a member of Sparks would also open a gateway for Indian formats to get on to the international platform," adds Vyas.
According to Vyas, international producers are also very keen on outsourcing their productions to India as the cost differentials work to India's advantage, with well trained technical labour coming cheap.
The production house is also in talks with other international format owners for exclusive production and distribution licenses for Indian region.
