Akash Sharma has been at the forefront of acquiring, developing and launching high-quality prime-time hit shows in India since 2005.
An economics graduate from the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, USA, Sharma spearheaded Bulldog Media & Entertainment’s efforts to be awarded the Indian licence to the international format of 2007 "Are You Smarter than a 5th Grader?" from Mark Burnett Productions. He is currently serving as an executive producer to the Indian version of "5th Grader" on Star Plus hosted by Shah Rukh Khan. Interestingly, Sharma shares his birthday (2 November) with SRK and likes to refer to this as a coincidence indicative of their similar destiny.
In an interview with Jaahnavi P Paal, Bulldog Media & Entertainment MD Sharma reveals all about "Kya Aap Paanchvi Pass Se Tez Hain?," the company's future plans and lots more.
Excerpts: |
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Who are the stakeholders in Bulldog Entertainment? What are the core areas that the company is concentrating into? |
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'Are You Smarter Than a Fifth Grader' is a format owned by Mark Burnett. How did you acquire the format of the show? |
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Do you think the format is suitable for the Indian market?
The show is being produced by Synergy and Bulldog. Out of the 50+ territories in the world, we knew that it was most relevant in India because we focus on education more than anywhere else. Right from the start, we knew that it was an SRK, Star plus show, and hence we did not go anywhere else.
In India, it will go on air when kids go on vacation. And will go on at least for a year. But what’s interesting to share is the fact that Paanchvi Paas will be telecast in the UK and USA for the NRI audience. We are in talks with representatives from New Zealand, Canada, Indonesia and Australia so that Indians across the globe can watch it.
We are also launching a licencing and merchandising division with Star Plus where we will promote toys, games and apparel during Paanchvi Paas. |
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How would 'Paanchvi Pass' be different from KBC? |
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How does the deal that you have recently inked with CBS Paramount for the show 'America's Next Top Model' look like?
We are also looking at casting A-list model-cum-actors to host the show. |
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How is the format of the 'America's Next Top Model' different from so many other shows currently running in almost all Hindi GECs? |
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How big would be the prize money for the show? |
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What are the other shows that are in the pipeline? This concept has been sold to Fox in USA and now we have the rights in India. It will be a heavily promoted show for them, and is scheduled to be launched this fall on prime time. |
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What are the future plans for your company? |
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