Spruced up telly

Television, infamously referred to as the ‘idiot box’, has come a long way. From disseminating information to becoming one of the main source of ‘infotainment’, the small screen has been on a revolution of its own kind. Boosted with greater satellite communication, the medium has surpassed boundaries reaching every man on this globe. However, entertainment still remains as its prime object especially in the Indian market which comprises of fiction and non-fiction shows and programmes. Unlike its counterpart, small screen is heavily shot within the four walls of a studio or any similar set-up. However, television shows are witnessing some changes in its presentation while moving beyond the four walls. Bengaluru Chronicle reports on the advancement of small screen.

“The conventional method of making a television show is usually shot in a studio setup for technical reasons. Unless an outdoor shooting is necessary, the makers do not push for it. With huge popularity and budget involved in the present shows such as soaps, reality shows and other programmes, a lot of outdoor activities are being involved, which prompts for the use of advanced and expensive camera and other equipments. The writing too has changed this situation. Previously, a majority of scenes were written appropriate  to  indoor scenes,” says director Naveen.

Whereas, television writer Ashwini explains that it depends on the subject. “A majority of soaps are family dramas. Though the concept has slightly changed, most of it happens within a house or an office. For example, if a protagonist is portrayed as a doctor, he is rarely seen performing the duties of a doctor. They are for namesake, and it is the family drama filled with revenge and animosity which rules the show” she adds.

Producer Srinivas says that it is a simple mathematics. He says, “The cost of an outdoor shoot is far more than the indoor setup. These days even the small screen is indulging in publicity on par with films. Hence, the promotional videos of the shows and some special occasions are shot in the real locations to give it a more rich and vibrant look. However, a majority of the shoot still happens indoors.”

According to other makers, in the race for higher TRPs various new experiments like shooting overseas and special episodes are done to retain the viewership of the telly audience.