MUMBAI: While the common consensus was that there is a lull in the content that we see on television today, a few freelance scriptwriters present at The Content Hub claimed that this was not due to a dearth of good writers. According to them, there, in fact, is a lack of good producers.

Indiantelevision organized a three-day initiative that  brought together writers, creators, producers, artistes and broadcast executives to discuss, understand, educate and engage those involved in the content creation process – both for TV and digital.

Putting forth the creator’s perspective, Balaji Telefilms creative director Nivedita Basu said, “Well, we need to be in the realms of what the Indian audience wants. When you talk about pushing the envelope so drastically, we need to be careful of not venturing too differently.”

Basu, who has been working with Balaji since the late 90s, feels that the saas-bahu sagas are the ones that bring in the money. “I am a huge fan of daily soaps but I am ready to experiment with new concepts as long as the audience relates to it,” she said.

A budding screenplay writer, Ilashree Goswami, on the other hand, feels that there is not enough support from the producers when it comes to fresh concepts. She stated, “There is a misconception that we lack good writers. Producers and channels need to support and encourage writers with fresh concepts.”  

The Format People CCO and partner Justin Scroggie provided a different perspective when he said, “Broadcasters need to see if shows sell. Creators need to be clear about what kind of show it is, in terms of genre.”  

Speaking on how channels can help in making a show popular, Basu explained, “Promotions matter a lot too. Kudos to Sony for promoting Itna Karo Na Mujhe Pyaar so well. I hope this show turns the channel around and becomes the next Bade Acche Lagte Hain.  We, as producers, also can’t experiment if the channel is not supportive.”