'We plan to make 40-odd films a year'

As TV18 and Viacom announced an equally owned joint venture today, Aminah Sheikh caught up with Viacom President and Chief Executive Philippe Dauman and TV18 Managing Director Raghav Bahl. Excerpts:

Will Viacom-18 go regional?

Bahl: As of now, we have no intention to foray into the regional space. Our focus is to build a leading multi-platform entertainment company. We have just begun, this initiative may spin off much more.

What is your game plan for the motion picture business?

Bahl: We plan to produce 40-odd mainstream Bollywood films in a year, out of which 20 are already at different stages of production. This year, we will release 10-12 films. We will look at acquisition, distribution and other syndications. The two companies will jointly invest in the film assets management company, Indian Film Company, to be listed on the Alternative Investment Market of the London Stock Exchange.

Dauman: The movies we churn from Viacom's existing production houses "" Paramount Pictures and DreamWorks "" will also come under the gamut of Viacom-18.

Which are the niche channels Viacom-18 plans to host?

Dauman: Viacom has niche channels in its bouquet like Comedy Central and Spike TV, which cater to a male audience. Similarly, in India, we will launch niche channels that will either be in the same or different formats.

Bahl: Viacom-18 will increase its presence in the niche channels segment, and in online and mobile entertainment.

What about the online and gaming space?

Dauman: Apart from the existing 200-odd portals that Viacom owns, Viacom-18 will have additional portals that will give users a visual world experience online.

Likewise gaming will also be explored.