Eros Now has released a new show called “A Viral Wedding – Made in Lockdown” amid the growing binge-watching trend on OTT platforms. This original short-format show is part of the Eros Now Quickie category and stands out as the first to be shot and created remotely using only actors’ phones and GoPro. The show consists of 8 episodes, each lasting 9 minutes. In a recent interview, Ridhima Lulla, Chief Content Officer of Eros Group, shared more about the show.
Tell us about your new short-format web show titled ‘A Viral Wedding.’
Starring Shreya Dhanwanthary and Amol Parashar, “A Viral Wedding” is a heartwarming take on the impact of the lockdown on weddings. Many couples are opting for virtual weddings rather than delaying their special day. With the pandemic forcing us all to stay at home, people are looking for good content, and “A Viral Wedding” promises to deliver just that. This new web show can be enjoyed on Eros Now, a premium OTT platform.
How challenging was it to conceptualize and then explain to the actors about the shoot?
As a team, we were very excited about the idea and wanted to present this unique show right during the lockdown period. While the story was conceptualized and written during the early days of lockdown, the preparation for the shoot took three to four days. All actors had to do detailed rehearsals, which were then shared for the final shoot. Each of the actors shot within the confines of their homes and from different cities as well. The filming was done in 8-9 days in the first week of April, and the post-production, editing, music etc., were all completed by the end of April. The actors prepared for their scenes and finalized their looks and reactions to each scene. Sometimes the challenge was to get their reactions right, and some scenes had to be reshot to match the audio and the lights. Overall, we ensured that visually it all looked the same.
The production cost is less compared to the outdoor shoot, so is there anything that you would like to add about the same?
As a platform and studio, we are constantly trying to find the most unique and safe ways of entertaining our audience. While production is currently at a halt, it allows us to reinvent how we create, and we realize that there are no restrictions on how we can tell stories. We have a lot more exciting originals coming in the next few months, some new like Flesh and some familiar surrounding our iconic IP, such as Metro Park and Date Gone Wrong!
What was the motto behind such a shoot?
‘A Viral Wedding’ is one of Eros Now’s most recently released and innovative quickies, as it was the first series to be conceptualized, created, and executed completely during the lockdown. Helmed by the super talented and quirky Raj & DK, who created Stree, Family Man, and who we have collaborated with before on Go Goa Gone, there is trust and belief in the team, concept, and the show. Written, starring, and directed by Shreya Dhanwanthary, she has brought to life a very real scenario in a very original, charming manner that is relatable and has a great emotional connection with people worldwide. Imagine all the weddings that have had to be canceled!?
How do you see the M&E industry evolving or adapting post-lockdown?
During these times of social distancing and limiting exposure to the outside world, people are turning to digital entertainment. Eros Now is doing its part by providing a platform for consumers to enjoy. We have noticed a 200% increase in daily paid subscribers, and App Annie reports a 78% increase in daily traffic. Additionally, we have launched the global campaign Eros Now #Staysafe, offering consumers two months of free Eros Now subscription. Influencers have also created videos to support the government’s efforts to reduce the spread of the virus. We wish everyone good health and safety during these uncertain times.