The Evolving Landscape of OTT Seasons: Striking a Balance Between Audience Expectations and Creative Constraints
The advent of OTT platforms has revolutionized the entertainment industry, introducing the concept of seasons to Indian audiences accustomed to the daily soap opera format. While the new format has gained acceptance, the duration of the wait between seasons has remained an uncertain variable.
Factors Determining the Inter-Season Hiatus
According to director Karan Anshuman, three primary factors influence the length of the gap between seasons: platform, makers, and audience.
Platform Considerations:
Streaming platforms prefer shorter intervals between seasons to maintain audience engagement and prevent them from losing interest.
Makers' Constraints:
Producing a new season involves a lengthy process of writing, casting, pre-production, shooting, and post-production, which can take a substantial amount of time.
Audience Expectations:
Viewers have become accustomed to receiving new content frequently, with six months being the ideal interval between seasons from their perspective.
Strategies to Bridge the Gap
To address the challenges of lengthy waits, some makers have adopted proactive strategies. Director Akarsh Khurana believes in starting the writing process for the next season even before it is officially commissioned. This allows for a seamless transition between seasons and minimizes delays.
Factors Affecting Scheduling
Despite these strategies, other factors can impact the scheduling of new seasons. Pre-sold successes like Mirzapur and The Family Man have a guaranteed audience, but unforeseen circumstances such as actors' availability can affect their production timelines.
Impact on Actors
The lengthy gaps between seasons can have varying effects on actors. While some believe that the time lapse helps them maintain a fresh perspective on their characters, others find it necessary to revise their performances to recapture the nuances of their roles.
Audience Response to Season Gaps
Despite the concerns surrounding season gaps, the consensus is that high-quality content will ultimately prevail. Long intervals can even enhance the show's impact by allowing only its core essence to linger in the minds of viewers.
Conclusion
The ideal gap between seasons remains a fluid concept, influenced by a complex interplay of factors. While shorter intervals may align better with audience expectations, extended hiatuses can provide both makers and actors with the time and space they need to deliver exceptional seasons that maintain audience engagement and critical acclaim.
