Kaka Nikki Times lights up the small screen with bright colours

TELEVISION studio sets convey a lot about a channel’s attitude towards production values; props, colour scheme and space management are essential inputs. Sets should be designed keeping in mind a telecast’s contents. For a talk show, the ambience has to be sober, whereas bright colours would enhance the appeal of a show featuring children or pop singers.

Different TV productions have varying quality of ingredients. For example, Kaka Nikki Times lights up the small screen with bright colours and the seating arrangement leaves ample space for the anchors and guests to move around. And, the two kid anchors do make full use of this space. Similarly, Alpha Gaddi varies the background according to the anchor’s get-up. For instance, you have rustic environs when the anchor’s playing a village bumpkin. Phulkari has comfortable settees/chairs, and changes d`E9cor to suit the show’s contents. On the other hand, Dial-E-Punjab, with all its hi-tech accessories and ambience, often fails to impress as it’s too static. The anchors remain fixed to the floor, facing the camera throughout. Even when they’re talking to those who phone-in, the expressions remain rigid or self-conscious.

The sets of Khabarsaar, Kujh Pal Tere Naam, Aaj Da Rashiphal, Dil Diyaan Gallan etc could do with a makeover too. Colours, for example, could be less gloomy. In the case of Kujh Pal Tere Naam, the setting remains constant whether Satinder Satti is interviewing a classical singer, a folk artiste or a Punjabi pop star. The Khabarsaar sets are adequate for a couple of guests only. Whenever there’ve been more invitees, things have looked crowded; it could take a leaf out of Lashkara channel’s once-popular Khariyan Khariyan and try outdoors for animated discussions. Similarly, Kujh Pal Tere Naam need not always be within a dark room.

When quizzed on the quality of sets, Mukesh Gautam, Zee Punjabi’s head programmer, admitted that there was scope for improvement. However, he pleaded lack of resources for refurbishing the sets. Since Zee Punjabi and ETC Punjabi boast of advertisement patronage from well-known market brands, funds shouldn’t be a constraint. So, why scrimp on sprucing up the sets that help fetch TRPs for their shows?