|
Oman Television has mapped out Ramadan shows that not only provide entertainment to viewers in the country, but across the region.
“We have shot three dramas and lined up quiz and game shows throughout Ramadan," Abdullah Bin Salem Al Shueili, director of documentary film development with the government-controlled Oman Television, told tabloid!
The three dramas were shot entirely in Oman with an estimated budget of 300,000 Omani riyals (nearly Dh3 million), said Al Shueili.
“We have actors from the other Arab countries acting in our drama series but they are entirely conceptualised by Oman-based artists, writers and directors," he said.
The Oman Television programmes are beamed both on local and satellite channels, making them available around the region through the free-to-air Nilesat channels.
For the first time, Oman Television has bought rights for a highly successful Dutch game show. “The basic concept of the show is the same but it has been Omanised with Oman, Arab and Islam-related questions for the viewers," he revealed.
“It is a unique show where viewers answer a seven-letter word which will contain questions in seven different categories," explained Al Shueili. Omani anchor Ebtihaad Al Zedjali will present the show, Saba Te Saba (Seven by Seven), which is broadcast daily at 11pm.
Audience can participate in the show by SMS and calling in. “We will tie up with both mobile phone service providers in the country and each SMS will cost around 300 baizas (Dh3)," Al Shueili said.
He promised attractive prizes, saying the show was the first of its kind in Oman. “It is more or less along the lines of Who Wants to be A Millionaire."
Then there's Biladi (My Country), a quiz show aimed at small children and hosted by two young girls — Maha Al Gufail and Latifa Al Balushi. This hour-long show, broadcast at 4pm, tests contestants on monuments and important places in Oman.
Local hit
Saalfa (Conversation), a SMS-based quiz has the potential to be a local hit. “Salem Sultan Sa'adi and Sansan Al Zaki will travel throughout the country and engage artisans, elders, farmers and people from different walks of life in conversation," Al Shueili explained. At the end of the conversations, which have already been recorded, viewers will be quizzed on the dialogue.
Out of the three dramas planned, one 30-episode series will run throughout Ramadan (at 6.45pm). Each episode of Darayis (Windows) will deal with current issues affecting Omani citizens in their day-to-day life, such as runaway housemaids, studies and employment.
A myth about a whale that enters a village is at the heart of Al Yaram (Big Whale). The series was shot in on location in Oman. “It is how good triumphs over evil and about destroying myths that prevailed in old times," said Al Shueili. The 15-episode, hour-long drama will be aired at midnight.
Ward Al Shawky (Rose and Thorns) will replace Al Yaram after 15 days at the midnight slot and is a saga of a business tycoon, his family and attempts by his underhanded assistant to take over the business.
“We have tried to provide wholesome entertainment and at the same time educate our viewers," claimed Al Shueili.
|
