Not just between fans and makers, but between those in the craft themselves. But I thought there is no better time than now to talk about the transition from a fan to a person who now is fairly aquainted with the other side of things.
So this was way back in 2007 when I loved the idea of Television shows and was extremely fascinated by the thought of how one could make them on a day to day basis without running out of a storyline. This curiosity got the better of me when I became a part of a blog. However soon after things started to change. I started realising, the closer I got to the show and its story, more I started finding fault with it. So true to most relations in our real life as well, if you were to think about it.
I started noticing body doubles, scenes that were not shot in one frame and also disjointed shots that disoriented me as a viewer. Over a period of time, no matter how much people around me would appreciate something, I would always find fault with what I would see on screen. This would annoy me, anger me and leave me totally dissatisfied with what I would get to watch. In my angst to perhaps set things right, I started writing emails to the writers of the show suggesting idealistic changes since I thought someone had to tell them. How naive of me!Having done all this I was extremely thrilled at the fact that I had taken an initaitive for the betterment of my favourite show. Outcome? Well, Nothing changed. Even if things did, it did for a day or two and we were back to square one once more.
I always thank god for giving me practical lessons in abundance, just when my curiosity gets the better of me. I got an opportunity to write a Television Show . This was when I saw the other side of things. The missing part of the huge jigsaw had just about started to make sense. This is when I began to see how during most times makers know what they are doing and where they are heading. But they are in a catch 22 situation. They do not want to write something, but they end up doing it. They try fighting it, but during most times give up fighting because they perhaps dont want to lose out on their daily bread and butter . It is the numbers that rule the game and not logic. So true in the case of this craft!
I have always said this. A person who has made a show, conceived it and perhaps poured bundles of money, brains and labour into making something look the way it does, would obviously have more to lose than a ardent lover of a show would, wouldnt they? We have had few such instances in the past like Dill Mill Gayye, Miley Jab Hum Tum, Kitni Mohabbat Hai and Geet. While the show had loads of fans from all over the world who spent hours discussing and analysing these episodes and the future tracks, they were never happy with the course the show was taking.
They always wanted makers to better the story and were willing to do anything their capacity to make it happen. Unforunately however, despite roaring success online all the shows met a similar end, leaving fans aghast. Most of these fans today await their favourite shows to return, but in vain.
Our discussions with the makers often lead us to conclude, they are well aware of the huge virtual fan base, but cant do much since the numbers never compliment them. Take a look at Sasural Genda Phool's current track where Suhana has become a daily soap actress. We have seen this happen for real as well.
Amidst all the acting, shooting, editing and telecast issues we also as Reporters at times expect people to make time for us and answer our questions since we are unaware of the situation they actually might be in. To a Reporter we are promoting a show and an Actor/Writer/Director, to a fan they are the TRP drivers but to those on the field, it is that extra time that they have to make out of their lives to accomodate some body for the sake of the show they are associated with.
All makers at all times have encouraged audience feedback. Infact during most times they have also expressed how overwhelmed they are with the responses and reactions fans give. They however, are also tied down beyond a point.
We at our end feel, this angst at some level needs to balance out. The audience today that has access to various media and the tools of expression needs to react to the makers of shows they love with a little more empathy.
We often receive comments such as "creatives have lost their minds", "they are killing their show", "they could have easily done this or that". While that momentary outburst is perfectly fine, also remember you are dealing with another person on the other side. Your strong reactions could have an adverse impact on the other person. A lot of people in the craft fear interacting directly with the fans with the fear that they will be bombarded with demands of what needs to be done.
To cut this loooooooooooooooooong story short, here is one request from Rangmunch! We will try our best to be that bridge between the makers, actors and you provided all of you bestow that kind of trust in us where we can be your voice. If you want to be heard, lets do it peacefully. Lets not get overtly emotional, nasty or harsh!
Well, we know you love your shows and always wish for their betterment, but also try and remember, everyone in their respective spaces have their limitations! We will all do our jobs and you continue with the support! We will one day perhaps reach that ideal land that we strive to live in.
Happy Weekend!
Niha
Writers Gully