VITRUAL AUDITIONS A REALITY
Reality shows have now adopted the straight-from-home concept in a bid to get more viewers and participants from across India
The reality of present times is driving a ‘new normal’ for reality TV shows. Entertainment channels are tapping into digital opportunities to set the ball rolling for their non-fiction content, in an attempt to not just woo a new set of viewers, but also to open up an alternate gateway to push participation from across the country.
For the first time, Kaun Banega Crorepati, for its 12th season, has rolled out a 100% digital selection and screening process for its contestants, amid the lockdown due to the Covid-19 pandemic.
The fact that a large number people are homebound and spending long hours on TV and digital media, made it conducive, says Ashish Golwalkar, head — Content, Sony Entertainment Television (SET) and Digital Business. “We expect the participation to grow exponentially,” he adds, revealing that a digital process will soon be announced for their shows Super Dancer and Indian Idol, too.
There’s also Dance Deewane 3, which is employing a virtual screening process, enabling participants to stay safe and audition from their homes, through an app. The response has been “overwhelming”, says Manisha Sharma, head of content, Colors, adding: “We clocked 1,000+ entries in just two days. There’s no reason one should lose hope. We want our viewers to stay motivated during these tough times.” Apart from that, viewer engagement is a key reason
why MTV has formulated original content. While a first-of-its kind virtual audition for a wild card entry is happening for Roadies Revolution, the channel is also showcasing straight-from-home concepts such as Hustle From Home, a six-part series with rappers jamming from home, and Ace Quarantine, which has contestants trying to ‘ace the quarantine’ with specific tasks.
Be it amid the lockdown or even for the immediate future, straight-from-home content is becoming the norm, believes
Ferzad Palia, head of Voot Select, Youth, Music, and English Entertainment, Viacom18. “Our properties have bridged the gap for new
ontent on television. We’re adapting to the new normal,” says Palia, adding that shows riding on repute, such as Roadies, will continue to get traction.
Talking of that, to mark 25 years of Sa Re Ga Ma Pa, Zee’s flagship music reality show, the channel has planned a 25hour music marathon on the web, with a concert with wellknown names singing from the confines of their homes. “It’ll surely help uplift the mood of people across the world during the lockdown,” says singer Udit Narayan.