Making thought bubbles in mind, trying to face the rejection from the publishers, often the amateur writers are disheartened and nothing less than de-motivated to try again. In order to escape this feeling these like minded literature freaks came together and formed their own publishing house – PepperScript.
With a different perspective and a new approach to this publishing arena, PepperScript recently partnered with Cartoon Network Enterprises, the licensing and merchandising division of Turner International India to bring back it’s evergreen characters through new comic books.
Sanchit Goel, CEO and Founder of this new age publishing house PepperScript, spoke to AnimationXpress.com’s Niyati Handa about what makes them different from others in this field and how they plan to get childhood memories back to their readers.
Why the name PepperScript comics? How has the journey been so far?
I often wonder whether the name ‘PepperScript’ raises the question ‘why’ in people’s mind but not very often have people asked me that. Hence, I am very glad to answer that there isn’t any extreme logic involved with the name, but yes days of mind boggling went into finalising it. We wanted something that suggested ‘style’ and ‘structure’. ‘Script’ represents the power that a pen beholds. We just shower some ‘Pepper’ to these scripts that become the flavor, a unique taste that stays behind in memories for long.
The journey from being a startup publishing house to a Cartoon Network Remix comic’s publisher hasn’t been easy. We started with sole motive of publishing English fiction and now we are doing English, Hindi and Comics. There are many proposals, tie-ups and marketing options coming our way now, we are just exploring the most interesting ones which give our readers something fresh and unique. Something, they would love to keep in their bookshelf and recommend others.
How did the association with Cartoon Network happen? Why the name “Remix”?
We were considering doing comics, and were exploring and researching on what’s best to do. Comics and cartoons go hand in hand and at the same time Cartoon Network gains the maximum recall value when it comes to cartoons for any kid. We wanted to bring the essence of childhood and comics back and went ahead to get in touch with Cartoon Network. With our enthusiasm and fresh ideas to publish first ever Cartoon Network Comics in India, Turner International India and PepperScript Publishers tied-up to publish Cartoon Network Remix. As far as the name ‘Remix’ is concerned it signifies the nostalgia it will bring back to those cartoons of 90’s. Cartoons like The Dexters Laboratory, The Powerpuff Girls, Ed Edd n Eddy, Samurai Jack, Courage – The Cowardly Dog and Johnny Bravo were immovably our favourites, when mixed together in one comic series became Cartoon Network Remix.
What is PepperScript’s content strategy?
Content development is a long and time-taking process which starts from scripting, designing, editing and proof reading before it goes to printing. There are times when we have reversed and revised the processes to make the content and graphics stand apart and interesting for the audience to relate with. The planning begins with finding the right cartoon and defining its bounds to make it suitable for the comic. Team PepperScript sits down to design the comic which takes weeks and then the content is placed perfectly for a ‘wow’ comic. After a long wait, the comic is received and is proof read for errors and sent back for editing. Post these processes everything is cross checked by core team members at PepperScript and then put into printing. The job that was only tedious till yesterday seems pretty creative when the comic is in hand.
Why comics on these Cartoon Network’s evergreen characters? How do you plan to cope-up in case this comic goes into losses?
Cartoon Network has always been the most important part of our growing years. Then why not comics on these Cartoon Network’s evergreen characters. With new publishers coming up, it is expected that they will bring something new to the industry; I don’t see this stopping cartoon/comic lovers from bringing their childhood friends back home. And more than being about 90’s IPs, we believe that CN Remix is about love of childhood, those carefree days and unlimited fun.
What is your target audience? How do you plan to market your ventures? How many more volumes are in the pipeline?
Our target audience is anybody and everybody who wants to have a good time. CN Remix is an entertainer. We are looking at anyone from 6 years of age to 40 years in age. Children, lucky now would love these characters since they haven’t had the chance to watch them on TV, the late teens and early 20’s will love these because they always have; others are aware too and would love to get a good entertaining read. Also it is less time consuming, handy and priceless!
We plan to keep the marketing simple. Social media is definitely something that we are looking at as our major tool. Also, CN Remix comics are exclusively available with Amazon.in. As of now, we are going for a monthly release with 12 volumes planned.
How many artists are involved in designing of these upcoming comics?
Team PepperScript comprises of a good number of people, different teams for content, designs, patterns, illustrations etc. They are not just people employed to work for PepperScript, they are artists who will redefine comics in the industry. CN Remix is a series planned for a long run, there might be other comics. Surprise! Surprise! Other volumes are under process and are expected to be detailed in the similar fashion.
How many copies do you plan to distribute for free at Comic-Con Mumbai? Is it going to be digital or in print format?
Comic-Con Mumbai is going to be an on-ground engagement activity for PepperScript Comics. We are not looking at going by strict rules or numbers; we are looking at what more can be done. All comics for CN Remix are going to be in the print format.
What is your view on the comics’ culture in India? Has it changed/evolved/progressed over the years?
Comics in India have been loved! With numerous characters in numerous comics, they are like one of the pillars of the growing age of children. Though lately, there has been a paradigm shift from Indian origin comics to western. In fact, the comics’ culture in India has changed, evolved and progressed over the years. There are so many new formats of developing comics and the complete concept of ‘graphic novels’ is an evolution in itself. The social media has given an unparallel lift to innovation in comics and characterisation. Creators are trying all sorts of creativity to gain popularity and are stepping into the market with a bang. I think there is lot more to come, and competition will keep rising.
What is your take on your competitors?
Well, about competition and competitors, PepperScript Comics is not seeing a direct competition because these evergreen characters are beyond comparison or competition. Greater the competition, better it is for the industry, it will only grow the pie for everyone to have a bite.