ZEE Studios International Opens in Canada

Zee Entertainment Enterprises Limited (ZEEL) has become the first Indian broadcaster to set up a production company in Canada with the launch of ZEE Studios International, which also marks its entrance into global production for mainstream audiences.

The production company, located in Vancouver, will be headed by Subhadarshi Tripathy, who will be supported by a local team and a core team from India. Tripathy will jointly report to ZEEL Managing Director and CEO Punit Goenka and Amit Goenka, the CEO of the international broadcast business. ZEE Studios International will create global content and formats for international markets in local languages, many of which will be based on successful Indian concepts. The production company will initially focus on developing content for TV and digital platforms, as well as original formats and homegrown remakes, with plans to venture into film production at a later stage.

The content developed will encompass a range of scripted and unscripted formats across an array of genres, including reality, game shows, dance shows, crime dramas, sitcoms, sci-fi, horror and paranormal. Some of the initial productions in the pipeline include adaptations of the Hum Paanch, Lala’s Ladiez and Love Thy Neighbour (working title).

Goenka said: “In line with our corporate philosophy of ‘Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam—The World Is My Family,’ ZEE has always been a cultural ambassador of India, taking its rich and engaging content across the world. In yet another major milestone, we are now set to launch our production company, ZEE Studios International, in Canada. Canada is known as a large production hub for various Hollywood companies, as the country offers the requisite infrastructure, talent pool, scenic locales as well as a favorable government incentive scheme. After a series of discussions with the government of British Columbia, Canada, we were invited to set up a production company in Vancouver. Our endeavor through this venture is to produce global content for mainstream audiences across various international markets as well as take care of our domestic requirements. Canada has grown to become a priority market for us and through such initiatives, we plan to increase our presence in this country. We thank the local government bodies for their cooperation and support in helping us establish this business.

“ZEE Studios International will be headed by Subhadarshi Tripathy, who has been with the organization for over 18 years and has championed several of our leading brands. We are confident that Subhadarshi and his team will grow this division into a formidable business, creating cutting-edge content that has immense potential to be adapted throughout the world.”

“I’m pleased to welcome Zee Studios International to British Columbia,” Premier John Horgan added. “This new production company will create jobs and opportunity for people, and showcase our province to audiences around the world. B.C. is a global leader in film and television production, and we’re pleased to see that growth continue with the addition of Zee Studios International.”