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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.
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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
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