There is hope somewhere in the world that is what keeps us all going. I hope we all are running on the Adeline of hope. Without hope, there is no way forward. I got some the other day when an email from Rashmi Sharma Productions, said that things look positive for my web-series project. An email popped into my mailbox from the prospective producer from the production company, saying they need 10 days but things look good. Who knows I might hit the jackpot here. But I am not keeping static I am making audiobooks out of the e-book all with the theme song and everything, a full masala audiobook. I have also started with the translations of the book in Hindi and Malayalam.
“ No no Rajan not to worry Raj Shandiliya will direct your film, you both co-produce it and I will get all the shooting permissions done in BHU, we can do the shoot in 15 days flat .” Those were Tiwari’s words of hope .” He is my old friend and I have done so much of writing free for him. He will do the websites .” Tiwari was adamant that I should go with the young director, I am yet to meet him though. But hope again, The Watchoo channel talks came to nothing and my secret play writer has lost hope, he doesn’t think the channel will be interested .” Margins are very low at Rs 5 lakhs per episode the scope Rio earn for all is very little. I think the production house is not interested, as it is they want to fuck up the story by getting Rashmi Verma fucked in every episode. I think they will screw up the concept .” Krishan said looking a bit disappointed that his efforts have not payed dividends.
“ Content is king sir, you have punches and jokes and masala in your story it will sell, just wait for the right buyers .” A director friend of mine said .” You should at least ask for 5 lakhs for the story nothing less than that, they can pay for the acting extra, no need to put your money in the project anymore .” I was told by my friend to be cautious about how much I spend on the project.
“ Yaar I just visualized the Mama Molester scenic in the web series of mine, I think it should be shot in black and white, with only Rashmi Verma in color like in Schindler’s list, you had that little girl in the red coat, use it as symbolic to lost innocence .” I did some more brainstorming with my director friend .” On top of that, the mama molester theme song should have the tune for Rosemary’s Baby that 60’s film by Roman Polanski .” I had started to visualize the scenes and songs in my mind .” Richard Attenborough was right, he took 20 years visualizing and planning GANDHI, but when he shot it, it was perfect. I think a film grows in you like an idea and then like a fine wine you have to let it mature and age to the giver that percent look and flavor. This is the same for my book and websites, it grows within me day in day out .” I tried to explain the creative process to my learned friend.
“ It’s how much groundwork and detailed planning one has done before the film goes to the floor, that’s what matters the most in the success of a film and web-series project like this. My casting is also 50% complete and it looks like so is the location BHU has a vintage and retro feel ” I was perhaps trying to explain to my friend that I had put enough hard work in pre-production of my project .” You have to be consumed by it and keep developing the story .” He knew that I was talking from experience.
“ Well you have limited options, it is adult content Alt Bala Ji is your best bet, along with Voot and Vishesh Films, they do this kind of content .” My director friend had the feel of the market .” No news from Sunil Shetty yet, it seems he is finding work for himself. Nor has Ramu responded .” I said a bit inflated .” Keep going brother and throwing the Jaal, after all, it’s all about webbing the web-series web “ my friend egged me on my journey.