Backing Smart Writers: Green TV’s Smart Strategy
Under the leadership of Fasih Ur Rehman, Green TV has become one of the most successful and popular entertainment channels in Pakistan. This remarkable achievement would not have been possible without a simple yet powerful strategy: backing talented writers. Great writing has been the backbone of Pakistani drama throughout history, yet it is something recent drama serials often lack. This issue isn’t unique to Pakistan; in our neighboring country India, the biggest dilemma faced by both the drama and film industries is the lack of recognition and empowerment of writers. Recently, with the rise of OTT platforms and the success of parallel cinema that thrives without a star cast, it has become clear that if there is high-concept content in any genre, it is bound to succeed.
Green Entertainment TV has been fortunate to be led by a smart and visionary CEO who fully understands the importance of strong writing and creativity. From the very beginning, when he was launching the channel, his vision was evident through the choices and decisions he made. He entrusted the content development department to an esteemed writer and a team of highly creative and dedicated professionals, setting a solid foundation for the channel's success.
A great writer is someone who is deeply attuned to what is happening in society. Typically an empath, a writer feels the pain of others and recognizes everything that is going wrong. Yet, a good writer also possesses high self-esteem. It's a well-known joke in the industry that while everyone understands the importance of a good writer, few can get along with them due to their uncompromising stance on the finer points of the content they create.
The management at Green, especially the founder and CEO, deserve special credit for creating an environment that encourages writers to craft some of the best stories of their careers. They understood and valued the writers' perspectives. It takes an exceptionally smart and emotionally intelligent leader to connect with individuals who are both highly sensitive and immensely creative.
This is why writers at Green were empowered to offer fresh perspectives and experiment with storytelling. That freedom is what encourages them to delve deep into their creativity, crafting unique stories and exploring complex themes that must resonate with both local and global audiences. The challenge, however, is twofold. Writers, directors, and producers at Green Entertainment TV are not only tasked with creating content for their own intellectual and creative satisfaction but must also cater to the audience — all while maintaining a high level of dignity and creativity. Much like international OTT platforms such as Netflix and Prime, Green TV is shifting the narrative in the Pakistani entertainment industry by provoking thought and inspiring its audience.
Green TV has already made waves with several standout productions. "Jeevan Nagar" challenges societal prejudices by telling the story of a transgender individual striving for acceptance in a close-knit community. "22 Qadam," an empowering tale of a young woman’s journey to join the Pakistan Women’s Cricket Team, underscores the importance of perseverance and gender equality. Meanwhile, "Idiot" tackles the tension between individual logic and societal expectations, urging viewers to rethink conventional notions of right and wrong.
Other notable productions include "Nauroz," a gripping narrative of a girl’s resilience in the face of adversity, and "Gumn," a thrilling series that captivates with its mysterious plot. These dramas exemplify Green TV’s mission to presenting diverse stories that reflect the struggles, aspirations, and diversity of Pakistan’s population.
Green TV also provides a unique space where writers can experiment with new formats and storytelling techniques. In doing so, it aligns itself with a broader global trend of empowering content creators to influence public discourse and contribute to cultural shifts. This strategic backing of creative talent is expected to play a pivotal role in shaping the future of Pakistani media, as the platform pushes for stories that reflect the diversity, struggles, and aspirations of the country.