In search of the one with the ‘spark’:

Identify the Ideators

Ruwini Jayawardana

Twelve contestants from two regions across the world work together while battling to compete with each other's skills to remain as the last one standing. It is the survival of the fittest as a array of creativity and talents unfurl.

The significant point of concern is that every move is captured on camera and shown on screen. The constants need to help each other as well as plan their own survival strategies on their progress. They need to grade their own strengths, calculate the weak points of the other contestants and plan their moves.

This is basically what the hype behind 'Ideators', British Council's new reality television show, is all about. Partnered with 14 leading organisations in Sri Lanka and 10 UK and Sri Lankan educational institutes, the British Council is all set to present 'Ideators' season three.

This year's programme focuses on the fashion and design sector and provides an interactive learning platform to its contestants and viewers. It aims at promoting entrepreneurship among aspiring Sri Lankan and UK undergraduates and graduates.

Six Sri Lankan contestants and six UK contestants work together in two teams. Each team which comprises six members, three from each country, is given a challenging business task. Their work will be evaluated by a tough jury. The losing team will be questioned and the panel will decide on whom to eliminate. There is plenty of drama, laughter and tears. The competition continues until the strongest contestant remains and is declared winner.

“'Ideators' is the British Council's flagship reality programme. It is aimed at showcasing the talents of individuals as well as making way for the contestants to interact and bond with each other. They will be able to build lasting friendships, exchange knowledge about each other's cultures and engage in healthy competition.

The teams will be taken to various locations in the country such as the southern coastline and Sigiriya. They will be asked to take on thought provoking tasks such as designing wooden items in Moratuwa and window dressing at Battaramulla,” said British Council Country Director Tony Reilly. He added that that the team hopes that the contestants will be household names by the finale of season three.

“This year's theme is tied with the British council's Young Creative Entrepreneur programme which functions in over 50 countries.

We have noticed a significant increase in those who venture onto the fashion and designing sector,” British Council Programme Delivery head Ranmali Mirchandani noted.

Explaining the competition format British Council Partnerships and Business Development head Eranda Ginige said that the jury comprises three permanent judges and one visiting judge.

The visiting judge changes with each episode and represents the organisation which sets the task.

“We are looking for the one with the 'spark'. He or she needs to embody the innovate knowledge and ability to outshine the rest. This is a timely programme which motivates budding young talent,” HNB Marketing Deputy General Manager Chandula Abeywickrema said.

Hardaramani Group of Companies Director Rakhil Hirdaramani stressed that 'Ideators' will be an inspiration for all those engaged in the industry.

“It does not take a big idea to make a difference,” he said.

The contestants and especially the winner will not only earn fame on the sets but fortune too will come his or her way. If the winner is a UK contestant he or she will receive an all-expense paid internship at a leading organisation in Sri Lanka. If the winner is a Sri Lankan contestant, he or she will receive an all-expense paid short-term study course at a leading UK university.

Speaking to the 'Daily News' on her experience in the UK 'Ideators 2011' winner Munazza Rafeek said that her visit has been a life changing experience and one she had believed that had been beyond her reach.

“The experience has been nothing short of amazing. I was a part of the jury on par with business experts to judge a competition held for undergraduates. I also took part in an international lecture on marketing,” she said.

One of the important lessons that Munazza learnt during 'Ideators' was that everyone has a role to play in the enterprise.

“I met people from different countries at the competition as well as during my stay in UK. You listen to a variety of ideas and learn to group them.

You cannot criticize other's ideas but encourage them to develop on it if you feel that there is something lacking,” she said.

She aims to leave her mark in the industry and to lead a team under her own brand.

“Team work, playing your role to perfection and incorporating different ideas to the project helped me win the title. Believing in yourself is important because self confidence takes you to your goal,” she opined.

Munazza is a student of the Sri Lanka Institution of Information Technology following a degree in Business Management. She is currently working at Unilever.

'Ideators' will begin telecasting on ITN every Saturday at 9 pm from January 14. The programme will be subtitled in Sinhala. The episodes will also be available on YouTube.