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According to Basu, the essence of the Fox format has been retained
with game variations and the elimination process in each episode.
"We created everything around this basic format. The sets,
graphics, opening montage, music, the game software and research.
It's a more pacey and exciting show. Other than Kaun Banega Crorepati
(KBC), which was technically and production wise very elaborate,
ICG had complexities of a different nature. It's a huge show,
big sets and more participants per episode. The format is constantly
evolving as the show progresses. It took us a good four hours to
shoot each episode."
The content has been developed by Synergy in association with academic
experts and Educational Initiatives (EI), who conduct the ASSET
evaluation, which is a leading scholastic test in India for students
of Class 3-9.
"One of the major hurdles in the pre-production stage of ICG
was the selection procedure. Unlike countries such as the US, India
hasn't got a fast track system to spot exceptional and bright kids.
Unlike the international Fox format, which is an annual episode
with 40 or so participants, here there will be 320 participants.
The quiz has been structured into 20 preliminary rounds, four zonal
final and two semifinals apart from the final," says Basu.
On kids programming gaining prominence with specialised shows and
expected new channels in the kids genre, she said, "I think
all Indian channels across the board are realising the need to target
the children's segment. For advertisers and marketing people the
potential is enormous for targeting this band. There has been very
little and perhaps no programming for children barring a few short
films and serials. We have to develop edutaining programming for
children," she said.
"ICG is the first instance of a channel coming up with
a series so large in scale combined with high production values.
Its thrown open an opportunity and provided a forum for children
to showcase their talent. Kids of today have a voice, are intelligent
and discerning and they need to be heard as well as an adult. They
cannot be talked down to and definitely need to exhibit their talent
and intelligence on a medium like TV that is so powerful. More power
to sane, balanced and intelligent programming for kids of the 21st
century!" said Basu.
On opening up of more avenues with its first production on Star
World, Basu said, "We have produced a variety of programmes
for Star - from a debate programme A Question of Answers,
a science series Eureka, game shows 321, KBC and Kamzor
Kadii Kaun. Star has invariably pulled all stops for the success
of each and every programme. Their programming, marketing and sales
are based on intelligent and sound research. They have been able
to look at programming as king and have got in the best in term
of producers, technicians and creative people to work on their productions.
As far as Synergy is concerned, going onto the Star World banner
is an opportunity to work with Star again and in English language
programming."
Also read:
Synergy overwhelmed by response to 'Child Genius'
'India's Child Genius' curtain
raiser on Star World
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