It’s made its name in the TV soap business emerging as amongst the most successful TV producers in India. Now Balaji Telefilms is hoping to replicate that success in animation. In its latest annual report, the company has announced its intent to expand into animation.
The managing director and CEO review in the annual report says: “We are optimistic that with India emerging as an attractive outsourcing hub for animation, our established infrastructure and industry position will serve as relevant foundation for growth in this new area.”
The company produced 2113 hours of live action programming in 2005-2006 generating revenues of Rs 2693 million and net profits of Rs 594.2 million. This was buoyed greatly by the company’s realisation per hour of commissioned shows to Rs 2.2 million from Rs 1.7 million last year. It is reportedly sitting with oodles of cash and looking for new investment avenues.
In recent times, the company introduced animation in its show Kandy Floss on Sony Entertainment in the form of a gossip lady Kandy an animated character. The company invested Rs 131.7 million in captive equipment, three studios, and editing infrastructure in 2005-2006. The company is also reportedly drawing up plans to start a media educational academy in Pune.