| The group is planning to back up the makeover with
a massive cash infusion of Rs 15 billion, which is to be invested
in SaharaOne over the next three years. And it's taking the aid of
management firms -KPMG and E&Y - to help develop synergies in
the four major businesses and adopt best practices in the global entertainment
industry.
Says SaharaOne COO Peter Isaac, "SaharaOne epitomises the
two values that will drive the plans of Sahara India Pariwar - its
single minded focus towards 'Entertaining India' with strong and
innovative concepts across different entertainment avenues and the
mantra of being No. 1 in the entertainment industry through best
of breed partnerships with leading Indian and international content
leaders and world class technology."
Adds SaharaOne Television sales, marketing and distribution president
Satish Menon, "We are confident that SaharaOne will be the
future of media entertainment in India. Today, we have the unique
opportunity to offer entertainment concepts across different avenues
on a scale and magnitude never before seen in the Indian entertainment
industry."
Let's examine what the group is talking about by taking a closer
look at the plans for each of the subdivisions:
SaharaOne Motion Pictures:
SaharaOne Motion Pictures has entered into exclusive tie-ups
with leading film producers and directors like Ram Gopal Verma and
Boney Kapoor, among others. The company says in an official release
that it will produce 46 films at an investment of Rs 1.85 billion,
which will be released by next year.
Plans are underway to increase this to 70 films by next year, the
release says. "As a key part of its strategy to create an unparalleled
television software library, the perpetual satellite rights of these
films will remain with SaharaOne Television," it adds.
SaharaOne Television:
SaharaOne Television plans to launch a dedicated 'Filmi' channel
from 1 January, 2005.
"In line with best practices adopted by leading international
studios, SaharaOne Television will enter into exclusive long term
tie-ups with leading artistes, producers and technicians to develop
original entertainment content with international production values
for Indian audiences," the release says.
SaharaOne Television will also play host to the first ever international
Sangeet Awards 2004 at the Royal Albert Hall, London on 1 October,
to be attended by leading luminaries.
SaharaOne Radio:
SaharaOne Radio currently owns four channels on the WorldSpace
Satellite Network. "With a potential of millions of listeners
across different demographics, India presents one of the greatest
opportunities for the satellite radio market anywhere on the globe.
SaharaOne Radio plans to play a leading role in spurring growth
in a hitherto untapped market," the release says.
SaharaOne Special Projects:
The Sahara Group is developing a state-of-the-art and fully
digital film production facility, together with an academy for film
and television arts in India. The central theme of this proposition
is to provide an all in one Film Production and Finishing service
to film producers and all others involved with film making.
The Academy will offer imaginative curriculum with courses in Cinematography
and Lighting, Production Sound and Picture, Directing, FX Motion
Graphics, Motion Capture and Post Production, Web Animation and
Independent Producing. A program so advanced, it's ahead of the
curve with high-end development in drama and documentary venues
utilising the latest technology being created in the digital marketplace,
says the release. With a strong emphasis on creative development
students have the unique opportunity of working in the studios during
their Academy studies and after graduation.
The Film City team comprises a host of skilled specialists and
experts from around the world, namely Alastair Monteith-Hodge, Anthony
Pettifer, Jack McAdam, Rick Crandall, Donald Ramsey and Thomas Schurke.
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