Written by: Hurmat Majid
Posted on: April 04, 2024 | 
| 中文
Dur-e-fishan Saleem as Zamda and Faysal Qureshi as Chanar Khan in Khaie
In today's media landscape, television has undeniably become a commercial juggernaut where the pursuit of advertising revenue often dictates the planning and execution of shows. Unfortunately, this relentless focus on maximizing profits can sometimes overshadow the intrinsic artistic value of television dramas. Viewers, who are the lifeblood of any television channel, deserve to be treated with the utmost respect and consideration, especially when it comes to their viewing experience.
Wahaj Ali and Yumna Zaidi-starrer Tere Bin was dragged for views by adding unnecessary filler scenes
When television dramas are stretched beyond their intended length, Khaie being the latest example of this, viewers often find themselves losing interest in the storyline. The initial excitement and engagement wanes as the plot become diluted with unnecessary filler content, like in Ishq Murshid. Repetitive scenes and predictable subplots can lead to viewer fatigue, causing them to tune off or switch to other programs. This loss of interest not only affects the current drama, but can also impact viewers' perception of future productions from the channel or production house. We know this is a common practice, since writers of dramas and even actors have now come out and said that a show was shot or written for a certain number of episodes, but has been stretched.
Viewers who were initially drawn in by the promising premise and engaging characters, may feel cheated or disappointed by the unnecessary padding. The frustration of watching a once-promising drama spiral into mediocrity, can erode trust and loyalty towards the channel or production. Such experiences may deter viewers from investing their time and emotions into future offerings, impacting viewership and brand reputation.
Hiba Bukhari and Faysal Qureshi in Fitoor, which was dragged unnecessarily
While a drama may initially enjoy high ratings due to its popularity, prolonged stretching can lead to a decline in viewership and ratings over time. The decision to extend a drama's length can have repercussions for the actors and crew involved in its production. Prolonged shooting schedules and extended commitments may lead to burnout and fatigue amongst the cast and crew. Creative conflicts and disagreements may arise as stakeholders grapple with the challenge of sustaining interest and momentum in the face of stretched storytelling. Ultimately, the well-being and morale of the team can be compromised, affecting the overall quality and professionalism of the production.
Effective management of television drama production begins with a clear and concise episode planning process. Establishing a predetermined number of episodes from the outset provides a roadmap for the storyline's progression, and ensures that the narrative remains focused and coherent. By adhering to a predefined structure, producers can avoid the temptation to unnecessarily prolonging the drama, and instead concentrate on delivering a compelling and satisfying viewing experience.
Farhan Saeed and Zara Noor Abbas in Badshah Begum, another stretched out drama
Implementing robust quality control measures throughout the production process is essential for upholding the standards of the drama. From scriptwriting to editing, every stage of the development process should be subjected to rigorous scrutiny, in order to identify and rectify any potential shortcomings. By prioritizing substance over filler content, and maintaining a keen eye for detail, producers can safeguard the integrity and coherence of the storyline, thereby preserving the drama's overall quality and appeal.
Engaging with viewers through regular feedback channels, offers valuable insights into their preferences, opinions and expectations regarding a television drama. By soliciting feedback via surveys, social media or focus groups, producers can gauge audience sentiment and identify areas for improvement. This collaborative approach not only fosters a sense of inclusivity and transparency, but also empowers producers to make informed decisions that resonate with their target audience, ultimately enhancing the overall viewer experience.
Humaima Malick and Samiya Mumtaz in Jindo, a dragged show by Green Entertainment
Encouraging innovation and creativity in television drama production can inspire fresh and original storytelling approaches that captivate and engage audiences. Rather than resorting to prolonging existing dramas, producers should foster an environment that nurtures bold experimentation and risk-taking. By embracing diverse perspectives and exploring unconventional narrative techniques, producers can create compelling and memorable viewing experiences that resonate with viewers on a deeper level, thereby revitalizing the television landscape.
Maintaining flexibility in broadcasting schedules allows producers to adapt to changing viewer preferences and market dynamics. If a television drama fails to resonate with audiences or experiences a decline in ratings, producers should be willing to consider shortening its length or concluding it gracefully. By prioritizing viewer satisfaction and creative integrity over commercial considerations, producers can demonstrate a commitment to delivering quality content that resonates with their audience, thereby safeguarding the long-term success and viability of their productions. In an era where alternative platforms like Over-the-Top (OTT) services offer a plethora of entertainment options, viewers have more choices than ever before. If television channels persist in prioritizing commercial interests over artistic integrity, they run the risk of losing viewers permanently to these alternative platforms.
Sana Javed and Bilal Abbas in Dunk
It is imperative for television channels to recognize the importance of nurturing and preserving the artistic integrity of television dramas. By prioritizing quality over quantity and the viewers' interests, channels can cultivate a loyal and engaged audience base that will continue to support their endeavors in the long run. After all, the true essence of television lies not just in its commercial success, but in its ability to captivate, inspire and resonate with audiences on a profound level.
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