Director is no longer the captain of the

Till recently, the director was the one who decided the course of action in his television serial. But times seem to have changed now. The director is no longer in-charge of his ship. He is governed under the supervision of the writers and the creative heads. They are the ones who guide his path and show him the directions in which he has to sail. And the director is required only to carry out their orders.

"In today's time, most of the directors are mere executioners. The directors shoot the serial based on the script. They don't apply their creativity. I would love to work with people who are real directors and believe in their abilities," says Purnendu Shekhar, writer of the top rated show Saat Phere. "In the last 8-10 years, the new breed of TV directors who have been groomed are more than happy to work in this atmosphere. Besides, with these kinds of serials, you hardly have scope to use your creativity," comments Sukesh Motwani, Creative Director of Left, Right, Left.

"Times have changed. The television industry has now become more revenue based. It's been run by MBAs and other business management people. I really feel sorryfor directors with real talent," says veteran director-producer Ravi Rai. Mohit Jha, who has directed hit shows like Kyunki Saans Bhi Kabhu Thi and Kareena Kareena agrees with the fact that the system has changed. "At first the creative heads were a major help. But they are now dominating the directors. They don't understand what the director needs or what his requirements are. Their only concern is TRP. Unfortunately, the television industry, once a creative landmark, has turned into a marketing exercise," says Mohit Jha.

We understand that the system of working in the television industry has changed after the introduction of the daily soap pattern. But why aren't the directors taking a strong stand against it? Why are they proving to be mere puppets controlled by the channels and the writers? "Everybody has to work. Channels are calling shots. The directors are scared to go against them. They are not allowed to incorporate what they feel. It's really sad for the directors who are really good at their work," feels Purnendu Shekhar. "It's the question of survival. You don't have any choice than to follow their orders. After all, they are bosses and the paymasters," says Ravi Rai.

It seems that the current crop of directors like Mohit Jha have accepted the present environment. Jha has learnt the art of diplomacy which is the best way to survive in this industry. "I will not rebel against the present system. I am happy with what I am doing now," he says. Undoubtedly, insecurity is the main reason behind the directors being puppets in the hands of management guys. But isn't this insecurity killing the creativity of directors?

Says Ravi Rai, "The creativity is already dead. Mention one single television director whom the audiences recognise by name. No one knows about these so-called directors," shoots back Mr Rai. Looks like the directors have learnt to go with the flow.