MUMBAI: Indian television production house Optimystix has added another feather to its cap. It has become the first company in Asia to join the organisation Sparks Network.
Sparks Network was established in 2004 with the aim of fortify the market position for its members who are independent production companies. With its entry, Optimystix becomes the 14th company to join a network that comprises 12 independent producers from Europe and one from South America. Sparks Network aims at creating a stronger position for its members so that sales and profitability go up.
Speaking to Indiantelevision.com about the development, Optimystix CEO Rajiv Vyas says, "What gave us the edge as far as being chosen was concerned is the fact that we have a succesful track record in adapting international formats like The Price Is Right and Indian Idol. We are also one of the very few Indian companies that actually markets international formats to Indian broadcasters. This year we will work on three international formats which will include game shows.
"Being a member of Sparks Network will give us access to information and formats. International alliances will allow us to bring the best ideas and concepts from abroad to India. We will also be able to market our own formats abroad. Another advantage is in the area of production process outsourcing. For example we can do the post production work for a show being made by a member for Britain.
"The cost would be much less - a fraction of what one would need to spend in a foreign country and our track record would mean an excellent chance of getting business here. In recent times we have laid more emphasis on improving processes and sytems. This has allowed us to scale up without losing our creativity."
Sparks Network president Nicola Söderlund says, "The Indian TV market is very dynamic and there is now a lot of attention for foreign formats. Optimystix is the only production company that so far has been able to put foreign formats on air. This year they have three foreign formats in production. They have an international approach, interesting in-house development, excellent relations with all major broadcasters and a leading position in the Indian market - so they fulfill all criteria we have on a Sparks member."
The network's stated aim is to facilitate the free exchange of formats. By sharing development costs with other territories the member companies can increase quality and minimise investments. Sparks looks to organise the sales organisations of the member companies in a more efficient way by using direct contacts with local broadcasters through the other members.
The network also serves as a tool to develop project targeted at many territories. Other members include - ATM Grupa (Poland), Crea Video & Moskito TV (Finland), Ena Productions (Greece), Elephant & C:ie (France), Globomedia (Spain), Kanakna Productions (Belgium), MME Entertainment (Germany), Princess Productions (UK), Promofilm (South and Latin America), STV Television (Denmark), Titan Media (Sweden), Triangle Production (Italy) and Zana Media (Switzerland).
All Sparks members have a first right to option any format created by the other members. The members also share marketing and development resources to strengthen each other.
