MUMBAI: The Indian entertainment industry is looking at a brighter tomorrow as BAG Films' Siddhant has qualified in the drama category for the final of the International Academy of Television Arts and Sciences' 34th International Emmy Awards.
The semi final round was conducted in Mumbai today and saw a 19-member jury scan entries in four categories - comedy, non-scripted entertainment, drama series and children and young people (the latter two being new additions from last year's judging).
India is among a select few countries like Germany, New Zealand, Australia, Qatar and Greece to host the semi final rounds of this event. The jury comprised different representatives from the television fraternity in India including Abhimanyu Singh, Archana Puran Singh, Ashwini Yardi, Asit Modi, Ketki Dave, Mandira Bedi, Monisha Singh, Nachiket Pantvaidya, R D Tailang, Ravi Kiran, Ram Kapoor, Ravina Raj Kohli, Ritu Goel, Sanjeev Sharma, Shristi Arya, Siddharth Kak, Smriti Irani, Supriya Pathak and Suresh Bala.
In essence there seemed to be a consensus among jury members that there was a dearth of Indian content due to sheer lack of awareness among producers and TV channels alike.
International Emmy Awards Semi-Finals host Anil Wanvari with International Academy of Television Arts and Sciences director, Emmy judging, Sandy Clark.
Speaking to Indiantelevison.com, Walt Disney Television International (India) executive director production and programming Nachiket Pantvaidya said, "Asian content was quite good as there seems to be a trend in programming particularly around the theme of magic and fantasy. However, Indian content was highly under represented."
Having been on the jury last year as well, Contiloe Films Pvt Ltd CEO Abhimanyu Singh was of the opinion, "Indian entries are at par with the rest. However, there is a greater need to drive the Emmy's forward through better marketing of the brand, to encourage greater participation."
In response to the jury's plea for greater awareness in terms of the procedure to enter the competition, the International Academy of Television Arts and Sciences director, Emmy judging, Sandy Clark told this website, "There is a misconception that the Emmy's is only open to US programming. However, there are no restrictions and thus broadcasters, directors, distributors and producers can all enter. We spread awareness through our website, via email and through events like Mipcom and MipTV to encourage entries from across the globe."
Hopefully this year's win, combined with word-of-mouth will provide an impetus to more Indian producers and TV channels to make a bigger entry next year. Speaking about B.A.G. Films' achievement, Indiantelevision.com CEO and International Emmy Semi Final host Anil Wanvari said, "Siddhant making it to the final speaks volumes for Indian content and this will hopefully facilitate greater participation next year."
The entries in the remaining categories shortlisted for the final round are as follows:
Comedy - War of the In Laws, TV Broadcasters Ltd, Hong Kong, China
Non-Scripted Entertainment - 1. Wisholang (My Wish) - Papawad (Forgiveness), GM Networks, Philippines
2. Viking Family Special, Fuji Network Corp, Japan
Children and Young People - 1. My Perfect Partner, Media Corp, Singapore
2. Advengers, TV Asahi Corp, Japan
Drama - 1. Home Affairs, Penguin Films, South Africa
2. Siddhant B.A.G Films, India
