Indian contingent chases animation

SAINT TROPEZ: A small Indian contingent consisting of Delhi French embassy representative Reghu Devraj, Delhi-based New Image Entertainment promoter HS Bedi, Mumbai-based CEO Star Entertainment Pvt Ltd promoters Jiten and Shabnam Hemdev, Indiantelevision.com promoter & CEO Anil Wanvari and The Economic Times Bangalore deputy resident editor Asha Rai marked their presence at Rendez-Vous 2002 organised by Television France International in Saint Tropez in south France (9-13 September).

The flavour of the market for the Indians was French animation. AB International, Teleimages International, Antefilms, Carrere group, Dargaud Marina, France Animation, M6, Marathon International, were among the programme sellers booths that the Indians frequented.

Hemdev believes that the TVFI market's small size (vis-a-vis Mipcom and MipTV) is a positive for television buyers. "You can interact closely with the best of French programme makers, watch their shows at the screenings and then take a decision back in India."

Says New Image Entertainment's Bedi: "Some of the French animation products appear to be good for India. And some of the meetings I had appear to be promising. I have not bought any of the programmes as yet, but once the tapes come in and I take a look I will be in a position to take a decision."

According to Wanvari, price is going to be key for French animation to work in India. "India is a complicated market and pricing licensing fees for programmes as per what European buyers are willing to pay is a sure route to disaster. French programmers have to understand this and partner with genuine Indian companies the promoters of which have a keen interest to develop the Indian market for them. A long term view on the market is needed," he says.

If the French programme sellers understand this, we may well have many dubbed/subtitled French shows/movies debuting on television this year.

Delhi