New Episode

Indiantelevision.com Team

(24 November 2008 3:10 pm)

MUMBAI: Shoots of TV shows have started, paving the way for fresh episodes on Hindi general entertainment channels.

Broadcasters confirmed today to Indiantelevision.com that they have given the green signal to their content producers for fresh shoots. They will be meeting soon to decide on the date when they will start airing fresh content on their channels.

According to information available with Indiantelevision.com, at least 30 producers have gone ahead with their shoots, after signing individual contracts with their workers.

"All our shoots are on from today. We have come to an arrangement with the workers and are offering them a hike," says Creative Eye founder-promoter Dheeraj Kumar.

Some of the producers, however, have yet to settle wage terms with their workers. While some of the crafts' unions have found the 19 November MoU acceptable, many of them have asked for a higher settlement.

"We have got into individual agreements with the workers and have given them a hike which has been mutually acceptable," says the head of a production house on request of anonymity.

For Star India, Balaji Telefilms, Rajan Shahi's Director's Kut (producer of Bidaai) and BAG Films and Media (Kumkum) have started their shoots.

Says Sony business head Albert Almeida, "Shoots of all our shows are on from today. We will monitor how the shooting proceeds during the day and the broadcasters will then unitedly take a call on when to start fresh programming."

Sphere Origins, which produces popular shows like Balika Vadhu, Saat Phere and Mohe Rang De, has also resumed work. "Shoots are on for all our shows. We are offering a hike to the workers," says Sphere Origins promoter Sanjay Wadhwa.

Among others, Play Time Creations' Mere Jeevan Saathi and Teen Bahuraniyaan are also on floors. Says Hemal Thakkar, "We are shooting for all our shows."