Saturday, July 16, 2011

Vijay Awards, 16-07-2011, Part 2

Vijay Awards, 16-07-2011, Part 2

Vijay Awards, 16-07-2011, Part 2
Vijay Awards, Video
July 16, 2011











Vijay Awards, 16-07-2011, Part 1

Vijay Awards, 16-07-2011, Part 1
Vijay Awards, Video
July 16, 2011






Veppam Unplugged

Veppam Unplugged





Tamil TV shows sets checked at CNN-IBN

In the list of parameters that Tamil TV channels have to compete with rivals, stage sets for different shows also found its place a few years ago. But considering the attention and detail given to set designs, they have become one of the quintessential aspects of a TV show, with special budgets allotted to it. As a result, the whole concept of a set has undergone a makeover, benefitting art directors and TV channels that use them.

One of the factors for the success of Beach Girlz in Raj TV, apart from the lively hosts, is its set. Though it looks simple, the set creates the necessary effect to make you feel the sea breeze with all the suitable props.

But why do channels concentrate on sets so much these days? “The concept of programmes have become very similar in all channels, so it’s only the sets that differentiate them,” says DRK Kiran, art director, who designed the set for the current edition of the reality show, Super Singer, on Star Vijay.

“In all other reality shows, audiences would be sitting on a steps-like structure, whereas I came up with a different theme of pit-like model and it was readily accepted,” he says. Kiran has been an art director for over 15 years and has designed sets for more than 1,000 commercials. He was also the art director for Ko.

After the producers discuss the concept of a new programme, their requirements and budget, the set designers sketch a rough design or make a miniature model. Once it is approved, they erect the real set. Depending on the size, it takes about 3 to 15 days to complete a set. “The set of Super Singer measures 4,800 sq ft and it took 15 days to complete it, while Deela No Deela (which used to get aired on Sun TV) took two weeks,” he says.

While improvisations keep happening while erecting the set, a trial show is also done before the actual shooting, where cameraman, sound engineer and the host of the show will check if everything is according to plan.

The small set for Kutram, Nadandhadhu Enna, which is aired on Vijay TV, where the host Gopinatah narrates a variety of issues, easily catches the audiences’ attention. “We created the set keeping in mind the time it is telecast,” says Maniraj, art director, who has also designed the set for Neeya Naana. “The colours, lighting and props will give you the subtle mood to watch the programme. It’s simple, yet elegant,” he says.

But Kiran and Maniraj agree that Mumbai is much ahead in terms of set-making. “There are not much options in terms of materials here. Still, we’re able to differentiate the sets with its design,” says Maniraj.

Aaryan, cinematographer for Neeya Naana, explains, “Even when erecting a set, we’ll decide where the cameras need to be placed. And depending on the colours used on the sets, we’ll use suitable lights to give a balanced feel.”

Seven cameras were used for Neeya Naana, he says. “There are not much difference between shooting outdoors or in the sets, as both have their positives and negatives,” he says.

While other reality shows carry out minute changes to give the set a fresh look, Manada Mayilada� keeps bringing new elements every week based on the theme of the show. Art director Anbu, who is busy shooting the finals, says, “Kala master decides everything. After the week’s theme is decided, we get the set ready in three days,” he says.
But why do we need sets? “Because, it’s fantasy. It’s something which we create using our imagination that audiences haven’t seen before. That’s why innovative sets attract them,” says Kiran

-cnnibn

‘Jodi Season 5’: A report from the sets



Five weeks into ‘Jodi Season 5’, the energy is running high, with the ten dance pairs of this season bringing their best moves to the foreground. On Thursday, as the clocks strikes two in the afternoon, Prasad Studio is abuzz with activity as at this point (sixth episode onwards), the elimination rounds begin.

The dance floor is being laid, the white-balancing and lighting checked meanwhile a few hopeful participants request extra stage time for last minute rehearsals.

Daniel Xavier, director and producer of the show, seems very proud of his new Jodi team. He says, “Unlike the previous four seasons, which focused on celebrity partners, we have a wide variety of partners this time.” Take for instance, a father and his 9-year-old daughter (Nethran and Abhinaya), body builders (Prabu and Tyson), classical experts (Jayalakshmi and Moulika) and even look alike siblings (Ajeesh and Aneesh Rehman and Nirmal and Manoj Kumar).

So far the season has seen celebrity judges like Shanthanoo, Sneha (who made her presence for the Dasavatharam round) and Prasanna.

The fifth episode which goes on air this coming Sunday will have actress Meena on board for a Rajini special, coinciding with mass hysteria at his return in good health. Also a much anticipated guest on the show is Janani Iyer, of ‘Avan Ivan’ fame who will be seen in the following episode.

The highlight of this episode is the fusion round, complete with classical, western and folk styles blended together.

“Each participant will have to present a three minute performance which will be evaluated based the co-ordination skills of the pair and how far they reflect a mirror image,” Daniel explains.

And just when you think, that things might be getting a tad predictable, Daniel pipes in, “Two of our contestants, Rinson and Rafiq will be taking quite a risk by performing on nails. This is after Rinson fractured his little finger in the previous episode.”

The stage is set at 3.30pm and anchors Bhavna Balakrishnan, in a pretty gown and Siva Karthikeyan take their positions. Apart from the only permanent judge one the show — Ramya Krishnan, the other celebrity judge is actor Shaam. Although the elimination round was meant to be kept secret from the participants, Shaam happens to breaks the news unexpectedly, unnerving several dancers set to take the stage.

First to perform were the Rehmaan brothers, who had skipped the group formation round and have lost points. And next up, is Manoj and Nirmal, but unfortunately, Nirmal hurts his leg badly during performance. As the anchors and judges discuss whether they should be given a chance, it is doubtful whether Nirmal will recover in time. So will this lead to the duo getting eliminated?

After every performance, it is taken care of that the participants get a drink of water and have their faces wiped before the comments from the judges. Despite the bright lights and sequined costumes on camera, it is apparent that after a long afternoon of sweat and nerves, nothing comes easy in showbiz. (The sixth episode on Jodi No 1 will be aired on Vijay TV at 7pm
next Sunday, July 24).

-expressbuzz

Friday, July 15, 2011

Vijay Awards, 15-07-2011, Part 3

Vijay Awards, 15-07-2011, Part 3

Vijay Awards, Video
July 15, 2011













Vijay Awards, 15-07-2011, Part 2

Vijay Awards, Video
July 15, 2011



Vijay Awards, 15-07-2011, Part 1

Vijay Awards, Video
July 15, 2011







Thursday, July 14, 2011

Santhanam at Vijay Awards

Santhanam at Vijay Awards

Monday, July 11, 2011

Star Vijay Nite - Let the music play

Star Vijay Nite - Let the music play




There was a mix of excitement, anticipation and impatience in the air as the audience waited for the show to begin. And when the music blared, stage lights flashed and dancers walked up 40 minutes behind schedule, they burst into applause nevertheless. Vijay TV's ‘Star Vijay Nite' kicked off with a dance by the city's very own Sheriff and team. ‘Magic' was the theme — the dancers threw in a few tricks to a lilting music track and presented a fitting curtain raiser.

The atmosphere was all charged up when Singer Vijay Prakash came up to render his first performance for the day. And what a performance it was! The aalaap was enough to render the audience speechless. He sang Ilayaraja's Om Shivoham like never before. The performance was one of the evening's best.

He was later joined by singer Saindhavi for a melody from Enthiran. Saindhavi, whose ticket to fame was a reality show Are You Ready conducted by Vijay TV a few years back, recalled the competition with fondness.

The youngster treated the audience to a song from the yet-to-release Dheivathirumagal. There was absolute silence as her mellifluous voice breezed on.

The participants of Super Singer, a reality show, doled out some peppy Tamil numbers. Dance lovers were on their feet in no time! Sheriff and company made sure they remained so with their dance sequence for a medley of foot-tapping numbers. Energetic little boys and girls in sparkling outfits also joined the dancers. How would it be if Michael Jackson danced for a Tamil number? Manoj, yet another Vijay TV find, showed how. With his elastic moves, frizzy hair, ankle cut pants and white socks, the youngster was an absolute delight to watch.

But it was Vijay Prakash who won the audience over once again with a passionate rendition of A.R. Rahman's Hosanna. Masakali from Delhi-6 followed.

Super Singer participants then presented a medley of celebrated Tamil retro songs. There were minor goof-ups but the songs more than made up for it. The evening culminated with ‘Jai Ho' by the singers led by Vijay Prakash and Saindhavi.

-The Hindu
 
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