Animation content producers are aware why many of the TV Networks shy away from Indian animation content. But they also believe that sooner or later, market dynamics and the increasing competition in the kids TV channel space will change things and make it imperative for them to invest in locally created animation shows.

Says, Rajiv Chilakalapudi of Green Gold Animation which has been the front runner in creating TV animation content with 4 shows already on air "The acquisition cost for Indian Animation Shows is much higher than International Animation shows. The reason for this being that major income for an international show comes from their specific region and the rest comes in bits and pieces from various territories across the world. Hence channels are tempted to pick up international shows But the good news is that Indian content generates much higher ratings than an international show and hence makes sense for a channel to consider them.

He further elaborates and stresses, "Any Animation content is costly and takes time to develop. The successful channels know the value of good content and would invest their time and money into good properties. The other important thing that the channels must consider is that not to compare the cost of Live action Shows and Animation Shows. Typically, Animation shows are 2 to 3 times more expensive than live action shows, but live action shows don‘t have 1/10th of the repeat value of that of an animated show. Animation shows are usually targeted for a certain age group, for example Pre-School, 6-11 yrs and 13+ yrs. Hence, almost every 5 years there is a completely new set of each age Group and every 5 years the content will generate money.

Greengold maiden venture, the live action animation Bongo went on air on DD in 2004. India`s first 3D animated TV series produced by Moving Picture Company Jungle Tales was also acquired by CN in ‘04. 2005 saw Vikram Betal come on air on CN with the first of Greengold‘s Krishna 4 feature series on CN. 2007 saw the 3 remaining parts of the Krishna features win audiences on CN. 2008 saw just one show go on air, that being Green Gold Chota Bheem on Pogo.

No wonder Bheem seems like he is waiting for friends to join him. If only he knew that millions of kids love him, watch his shows again and again, and count him their best friend!