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  • The Media Pioneers secures global distribution for Korean anime ‘Codename X’

    The Media Pioneers secures global distribution for Korean anime ‘Codename X’

    Mumbai: The Media Pioneers (TMP), a UK-based distributor of kids’ content and feature films, has acquired global distribution rights (excluding Singapore, Greater China, and Korea) for the highly anticipated South Korean anime ‘Codename X’ (26 x 13’). This marks the first anime in TMP’s growing catalog and has already resulted in several international sales.

    Produced by SIDE9, a renowned South Korean animation studio, ‘Codename X’, has been sold to various broadcasters and platforms, including Junior Channel in Israel, MBC in MENA, Lingopie (a language-learning SVOD platform) for Europe, and Ceska Televise in the Czech Republic.

    The 2D anime has been praised for its striking animation, engaging storyline, and exciting blend of action, fantasy, and adventure. TMP also produced an English version, featuring popular voice talents and introducing recap clips at the start of each episode for easy catch-up.

    TMP’s managing director Maggie Liang expressed her enthusiasm for the show, stating, “When  I first saw the poster, I knew that Codename X was exactly what we were looking for. I absolutely love the story and it’s the perfect fit for kids aged 6 and up as well as  tweens. They will be hooked from one episode to the next without ever pressing the  pause or exit button.”

    Synopsis:  

    ‘Codename X’ follows Blue, a boy who unexpectedly time travels to the past, where he meets his mother, Violet, at age 11. To his surprise, she’s not the typical, boring mom he thought he knew—she’s a senior officer at M.S.G., one of the world’s top spies. Blue becomes an M.S.G. agent and teams up with his mother to tackle impossible missions. Together, they face the challenge of whether they can change the future or become trapped in the past.

    themediapioneers

  • Radio City partners with Legends League Cricket for third season

    Radio City partners with Legends League Cricket for third season

    Mumbai: Radio City, a radio network, is set to reignite cricket fever as the official radio partner for ‘Legends League Cricket’ (LLC) third season, scheduled from September 20 to 16 October. With two successful seasons already under its belt, Radio City is back, bringing the legendary matches to millions of listeners across India. This year, fans can catch the electrifying action from iconic venues like Jodhpur, Surat, Jammu, and Srinagar, as cricket legends return to the field for an unforgettable season of nostalgia, excitement, and pure sportsmanship.

    The partnership goes beyond the airwaves as Radio City is offering listeners exclusive match tickets in Surat, giving fans the chance to witness the cricketing action live. Lucky listeners will also get to meet and greet the legendary players, making this season even more special.

    At the forefront of Radio City’s coverage is RJ Yuvi, the dynamic afternoon RJ from Delhi, is reporting live from the venues throughout the tournament. Listeners can tune in for real-time updates, exclusive interviews with cricketing legends, and super exciting behind-the-scenes moments. From live commentary to thrilling player interactions, RJ Yuvi promises to bring fans an immersive cricket experience like never before, right from the heart of the action.

    Radio City CEO Ashit Kukian expressed his excitement about the continued partnership, stating, “Partnering with Legends League Cricket for the third consecutive year reflects Radio City’s dedication to bringing entertainment and sports closer to our audience. LLC celebrates cricket’s legacy, and we’re proud to be the voice that amplifies this incredible journey. With live updates, interviews, and on-ground engagement, our listeners are in for a thrilling experience this season.”

    Legends League Cricket co-founder Raman Raheja said “Legends League Cricket associates with Radio City for the 3rd consecutive time is a testament to the great value that it continues to add for the League. Radio City is a legend in the radio space and it is only right that the legends of the cricketing world reach millions of cricket lovers across the country as they tune Radio City.”

    Fans can also catch the matches on Star Sports and Fancode, ensuring that the cricket frenzy reaches everyone, whether on-air or on-screen. Tune in to Radio City for exclusive content, interviews, live match updates, and a chance to be part of cricketing history with Legends League Cricket third season.

  • Indians’ shopping trends this festive season revealed by Inshorts poll

    Indians’ shopping trends this festive season revealed by Inshorts poll

    Mumbai: Inshorts group, a news app, Inshorts, and the local content platform, Public, have released their latest poll, offering valuable insights into consumer behaviour and shopping preferences during the festive season. This survey, which garnered over 2.4 Lakh responses, highlights how various factors such as festive shopping triggers, timing preferences, budgeting habits, and platform choices influence consumer behaviour and purchasing decisions during the festive season.

    Festive shopping triggers and preferences

    ●    The Poll revealed that 48 per cent of respondents were more inclined to purchase festive-themed products during the festive season.

    ●    Whereas, 67 per cent of respondents are more likely to buy additional items when special seasonal discounts are available.

    ●    In terms of platform comparison, 82 per cent of respondents explore multiple platforms before making their final festive season purchases.

    Last-Minute vs. planned shopping

    ●    Additionally, 51 per cent of respondents purchase festive clothes well in advance, while 49 per cent tend to buy them last minute, indicating a fairly balanced approach to shopping timing.

    ●    For festive gifts, a notable 58 per cent of respondents prefer to buy last-minute.

    ●    When shopping for gifts last minute, 39 per cent prefer to make their purchases through quick-commerce or instant delivery services.

    ●    Regarding festive decorations, 54 per cent of respondents buy them last minute.

    ●    For urgent home décor items, a notable 34 per cent of the respondents opt for quick-commerce or instant delivery.

    ●    Festive gift hampers are typically purchased last minute by 55 per cent of respondents.

    ●    For urgent festive gift hampers, 35 per cent of the respondents turn to quick-commerce options.

    Budgeting & spending pattern

    ●    The poll also revealed that 59 per cent of respondents do not set a specific budget for their festival shopping.

    ●    Whereas, 60 per cent of respondents prefer to invest in high-value items like electronics and appliances during festive sales.

    ●    Additionally, 49 per cent of respondents said they spend more on Home & Decor items during the festive season compared to other times of the year.

    Online vs. offline shopping preferences

    ●    When it comes to festive clothes such as sarees, kurtas, and lehengas, 66 per cent of respondents prefer to shop offline.

    ●    For festival gift purchases, 44 per cent of respondents favour buying gifts online.

    ●    High-value purchases such as electronics show a more balanced preference, with 52 per cent of consumers opting for online shopping and 48 per cent choosing offline.

    ●    In the category of festive home décor, including diyas, lights, and rangolis, 75 per cent of respondents opt for offline purchases.

    ●    For festive gift hampers, which include sweets and dry fruits, 82 per cent prefer to shop offline.

    ●    In terms of last-minute festive item purchases, 32 per cent of respondents are more likely to shop from online options.

    ●    Additionally, 65 per cent of respondents would be more likely to purchase festive gifts online if custom gift packaging options were available.

    ●    Finally, 75 per cent believe that the ability to schedule delivery for a specific time during the festive season would enhance the convenience of online shopping.

  • Rohan Sippy & Nilesh Sahay collaborate on festival-themed action comedy

    Rohan Sippy & Nilesh Sahay collaborate on festival-themed action comedy

    Mumbai: Director Rohan Sippy and Actor and filmmaker Nilesh Sahay have joined forces to create a highly anticipated holiday action comedy, titled “Iss Diwali.”

    Sippy, who has directed films such as “Nautanki Saala,” “Dum Maaro Dum,” and “Bluffmaster,” will be collaborating with Sahay, who earlier wrote, produced and directed the film “Squad” starring Rinzing Denzongpa. This exciting new venture is a thrilling holiday action comedy that unfolds during the festive season of Diwali, set against the backdrop of political intrigue.

    The film is presented by industry veterans Ramesh Sippy and Zaheeda and is produced by Rohan Sippy, Roopa De Choudhury,  Brajesh Sahaya and Nilesh Sahay. Casting for “Iss Diwali” is currently in progress, with announcements to be made in due course.

    “I’ve loved watching films that feature chemistry between charismatic leads, from Do Aur Do Paanch & Ram Balram to Main Khiladi Tu Anaari & the original Bade Miyaan Chote Miyaan, and later making films like Bluffmaster and Taxi No 9 2 11… so it is very exciting to take Iss Diwali forward which continues this tradition, with the magic & emotion of our most important family festival adding to the genre’s appeal” said Rohan Sippy.

    “There’s nothing better than to celebrate the holidays with an amazing family entertainer and ‘Iss Diwali’ promises just that along with tackling a major issue in today’s society. When I wrote the film I knew Rohan would be the absolute best person to make it, as he has handled edgy light entertainers fantastically. We will bring in action that will be created for all age groups of audiences where they will be thrilled, entertained and engaged. Iss Diwali is gonna be one hell of a ride for cinegoers I promise you that” added Nilesh Sahay

  • Zeenat Aman mesmerises audiences at Carvaan Live’s Yeh Shaam Mastani

    Zeenat Aman mesmerises audiences at Carvaan Live’s Yeh Shaam Mastani

    Mumbai: Zeenat Aman recently took the audience on a nostalgic journey at the first edition of Carvaan Live’s Yeh Shaam Mastani. Held at the Sri Shanmukhananda Chandrasekarendra Saraswathi Auditorium in Sion, the event was a heartfelt tribute to the golden era of Indian cinema, blending music, nostalgia, and stories that have shaped it.

    Saregama Carvaan has expanded its retro music experience to live performances with Carvaan Live. The launch event, Yeh Shaam Mastani, featured the legendary Zeenat Aman, who shared personal stories and timeless melodies.

    From the moment Zeenat Aman took the stage, the audience was captivated by her anecdotes about iconic films like Manoranjan, Don, Satyam Shivam Sundaram, and Qurbani. She discussed the challenges of portraying her characters and shared insights about working with directors like Raj Kapoor and Feroz Khan, identifying herself as a director’s actor. She also revealed candid moments about her chemistry with co-stars Amitabh Bachchan and Dharmendra, along with fun behind-the-scenes stories.

    Zeenat Aman addressed the more challenging aspects of her career, including navigating industry politics while remaining true to herself. The evening was filled with untold stories and the magic that defines her legacy.

    In conversation with RJ Anirudh Chawla, her stories resonated with the audience, who were further entertained by lead singers Pragati Nagpal and Pranav Chandran. The duo performed beloved songs like Chura Liya Hai Tumne and Laila O Laila, supported by a live band. The audience, many of whom grew up with these classics, sang along, making the evening a celebration of Bollywood’s music.

    Speaking about the event, Zeenat Aman shared her heartfelt thoughts, “Being on stage with so much love in the room was truly special. Seeing people connect with songs and stories that have been part of my journey was heartwarming. Thank you to everyone who came out to spend this beautiful evening with me. I hope to connect with more people as the show goes to Delhi & Jaipur later this month.”

    Saregama’s senior VP of films & events Siddharth Anand Kumar added, “Yeh Shaam Mastani is our homage to an era that gave us timeless films and unforgettable music. Carvaan has been a beloved companion in homes with its nostalgic retro music, and now, with Carvaan Live, we’re excited to take that magic off the shelf and onto the stage. We are honored to have Zeenat Aman open this series in Mumbai and the response has been incredible. We’re excited to bring this experience to Delhi and Jaipur.”

    The evening felt like a reunion of generations. Parents and grandparents, who grew up with these timeless classics, relived their youth, while the younger crowd discovered the magic of the golden era. The smiles, laughter, and even a few teary eyes in the audience showed just how deeply these songs and stories still resonate, making it a truly unforgettable family celebration.

    After the overwhelming response in Mumbai, Yeh Shaam Mastani is now set to bring its magic to Delhi on 18 October at Siri Fort Auditorium and Jaipur on 19 October at Deep Smriti Auditorium. Grab your tickets on BookMyShow for a night of nostalgia and music.

  • Global fusion & cultural exchange take centre stage at Moscow Fashion Week 2024

    Global fusion & cultural exchange take centre stage at Moscow Fashion Week 2024

    Mumbai: Moscow Fashion Week is set to take place in the heart of Russia from  4 to 9 October. This significant event holds great importance for the fashion industries of emerging regions and the global market, as brands from various countries will have a unique opportunity to showcase their collections on a large international stage. Designers from India, Russia, Brazil, Indonesia, China, Costa Rica, the UAE, and South Africa will participate in over 80 shows, all taking place near the iconic walls of the Kremlin.

    Among the standout brands is Nitin Bal Chauhan presented by the Fashion Design Council of India. It’s known for its innovative approach and artistic Indo-Western aesthetic. This isn’t the brand’s first appearance at Moscow Fashion Week, and this year it reinforces its commitment to the Russian market and the BRICS community.

    “I did my first show at Moscow Fashion Week and got a great response that encouraged me to come back again this season. I see the Russian market being very similar to the part of India I come from. They appreciate colour, rich hand embroideries and folklore. It is the best platform to showcase my work in Russia and with the best Media, Influencers and Bloggers attending the show it helped me in increasing the visibility of my brand,” said designer Nitin Bal Chauhan.

    Moscow Fashion Week promises to unveil exciting discoveries in the fashion industries of BRICS countries and its partners. Among the vibrant Russian brands featured will be Measure and MERÉ. The MERÉ collection focuses on the cyclicality of fashion and the durability of trends, utilizing natural fabrics alongside eco-leather to highlight the relevance of both traditional and modern materials. The measure will showcase its new collection, which celebrates its homeland of Dagestan as a contemporary region that cherishes its cultural identity. Earlier this year, MEASURE made a successful debut at Lakmé Fashion Week X FDCI in India.

    Coinciding with Moscow Fashion Week is the BRICS+ Fashion Summit, where the Indian delegation will actively engage in this international forum. This event has emerged as a key platform for cultural and business exchange between the fashion industries of rapidly growing economies.

  • Zee5 champions design innovation at Kyoorius Designyatra 2024

    Zee5 champions design innovation at Kyoorius Designyatra 2024

    Mumbai: Zee5 returned as the title sponsor of Kyoorius Designyatra 2024, for the second consecutive year. The three-day event, held from 26 to 28 September in Goa, offered a prestigious global platform for design and creative professionals across industries to showcase their work, collaborate, and celebrate artistic innovation.

    At Kyoorius Designyatra 2024, Zee5 organised an immersive experiential zone and workshop on design, UI/UX, product ideation, and creativity led by Vatsal Chaoji, at the event that attracted a large audience. Zee5’s Replay & Reimagine contest, featuring movies ‘Gyaarah Gyaarah’, ‘Sirf Ek Bandaa Kaafi Hai’ and ‘Gadar 2’, saw three young winners that showcased their immense creative prowess.

    Esteemed names like Studio Lotus’ founding principal Ambrish Arora, Aaquib Wani Design founder & director Aaquib Wani, and Studio Eeksaurus’ director Suresh Eriyat also graced the event with their expertise and vision, with a total of 22 speakers; coveted legends from the international circuit.

    Zee5 India CBO Manish Kalra said, “Designyatra stands as a premier platform, bringing together global representation across industries to celebrate and showcase design excellence. At Zee5, our commitment has always been to elevate the platform experience through various touchpoints, where design plays a crucial role in shaping our product offerings. We extend our gratitude to our partners for uniting the brightest minds in the creative industry, paving the way for a new era of design innovation.”

    Kyoorius founder CEO Rajesh Kejriwal said, “Kyoorius Designyatra in 2024 transformed into an Academy of Play, bringing together an anti-disciplinary speaker roster to inspire the next generation of design in India. The Kyoorius Design Awards 2024 has seen an influx of entries and is a testament to the growth and power of design in India. This is made possible by Zee5’s continued commitment to find India’s design excellence a spot on the global stage and inculcating an immense culture of design within their own practice.”

    Designyatra 2024 gathered global talent to explore the future of design. Zee5 partnered with the event to challenge designers to reimagine posters for iconic films like Gadar and Sirf Ek Bandaa Kaafi Hai. The focus was on reinterpretation, showcasing creativity through various mediums, including iPads and an iMac, in the Zee5 Hall of Fame. Winners received giveaways and special recognition.

    Zee’s head of product development Vatsal Chaoji introduced a card-based game to enhance designers’ understanding of product ideation from the end-user perspective, boosting Zee5’s tech capabilities.

    The event attracted students, industry veterans, and designers, promoting fresh narratives across graphic, interior, product, industrial, and furniture design.

  • Vi Movies & TV strengthens OTT aggregator portfolio with ‘Super pack’ at Rs 175

    Vi Movies & TV strengthens OTT aggregator portfolio with ‘Super pack’ at Rs 175

    Mumbai: The all-new avatar of Vi Movies & TV, launched in March earlier this year, is a one-stop entertainment destination for all Vi subscribers. Vi Movies & TV provides a vast range of entertainment to its users, with up to 17 OTT apps, 350 live TV channels and complimentary access to several content libraries all under one app through thoughtfully designed packs across post-paid and prepaid. With the latest addition of ‘Super’ pack, Vi prepaid users can access over 15 OTT platforms including SonyLIV, ZEE5, ManoramaMAX, FanCode, PlayFlix, and more, along with 10GB data.

    The over 15 OTT benefits of the Vi Movies & TV Super pack will also be available to all prepaid users recharging with Vi Hero Unlimited Rs 449 or Rs 979 pack at no extra cost. These packs offer unlimited calling and daily data quota, along with unique data benefits like unlimited high-speed data from 12 AM to 6 AM, weekend data rollover & much more.

    A recent report by Ormax media reveals that India’s OTT audience has reached an impressive 547.3 million, with rural regions contributing around 65 per cent of video consumption. The penetration of OTT services has risen to 38per cent of the population, up from 34 per cent last year. Currently, there are 99.6 million active paid subscribers on these platforms. Smartphones continue to be the preferred device for watching videos, with 97 per cent of OTT viewers using them. To cater to the rising demand for entertainment, this new pack includes access to over 15 OTTs in one place and is bundled with Data benefits, exclusively for prepaid customers.

    The Vi Movies & TV App offers four subscription plans for prepaid users: Vi Movies & TV Plus, Vi Movies & TV Lite, Vi Movies & TV Pro with the recent addition – Vi Movies & TV Super at just Rs 175. As the number of OTT platforms are growing, handling multiple subscriptions can be both inconvenient and costly. Vi Movies & TV App guarantees that customers can enjoy their favourite content on a single App with a single subscription, without burning a hole in their pocket.

  • Red FM celebrates 15 years of Red Raas in Ahmedabad

    Red FM celebrates 15 years of Red Raas in Ahmedabad

    Mumbai: 93.5 Red FM, a private radio and entertainment network, is to announce the 15th anniversary of its iconic event, Red Raas. The event has been beloved by the city for its extraordinary celebration of garba, culture, community, and spirit. This year, the event will take place from 3 October 2024 to 12 October 2024 at the Milan Party Plot in Ahmedabad.

    Since 2009, Red FM has been hosting the biggest Navratri celebration in Ahmedabad, and this year marks the 15th edition of the event. Event-goers are invited to immerse themselves in the spirit of Navratri with music, dance, and cultural grandeur. Keeping up with the tradition of introducing a garba special song every year, this year Red FM has launched “Vhalam Hun Kantadi Re,” an anthem that celebrates the strength, independence, and grace of today’s modern woman. Sung by the immensely talented Shirley Setia, the song is an ode to the new-age heroine—a woman who dances through life with confidence, compassion, and a heart full of joy. The music video, shot amidst the beautiful streets of Ahmedabad and set in a 200-year-old heritage haveli, captures the rich culture of Gujarat.

    The song has been created by some of the brightest minds in the industry, including Rajat Dholakia, known for his work in Firaaq and Delhi 6, and Saumya Joshi, the writer behind the National Award-winning film Hellaro. Composed by the duo Sumant and Aalap under the mentorship of Mr. Dholakia, “Vhalam Hun Kantadi Re” embodies the spirit of tradition with a modern beat, sure to resonate with today’s generation.

    Speaking on the announcement, “ Red FM & Magic FM COO and director, Nisha Narayanan said, “Red Raas has been our humble effort to celebrate tradition with a touch of contemporary music and vibes. Last year, we were overwhelmed with immense love for the 14th season of Red Raas, and more importantly, for the song Aave Jo Rasiya, which became an internet favourite during the last Garba season. As we celebrate Navratri, we aim to remind everyone that these nine days are beyond just dancing. It’s also about coming together as a community and uplifting each other – something we have strived to establish with Red Raas. On that note, we look forward to hosting you all and making this year exceptional.”

  • MPA unveils new research on the success of K-content

    MPA unveils new research on the success of K-content

    Mumbai: New research prepared by Frontier Economics on behalf of the Motion Picture Association credits the South Korean government’s supportive policy environment and proactive efforts in copyright protection as key factors behind the growth and success of K-content. The MPA released the Frontier Economics report yesterday at an invitation-only event – Secrets of Success: the K-Power Story – during the 29th Busan International Film Festival.

    K-Content has become a cultural phenomenon, known as the “Korean Wave” (Hallyu), that is fueling South Korea’s rise as a global cultural powerhouse. Korean dramas, films and webtoons have gained massive followings around the world, generating an economic boon for the country and increasing Korea’s soft power exponentially.

    The report confirms the premise that sales of Korean content around the world drive Korea’s exports. In 2021, content sector exports reached USD12.4 billion (KRW16.0 trillion), and, recognising this success, the ministry of culture, sports and tourism has set a goal to double Korean cultural exports by 2027.

    Noticeably, the role of international VOD services has been critical to K-content exports. Frontier Economics highlights that 60 per cent of Netflix global subscribers have seen at least one Korean title. K-content’s popularity drives demand for online services in the Asia Pacific region: nearly 50 per cent of audience time spent on subscription VOD services in Asia Pacific involves watching Korean content.

    Opening the forum, MPA president & managing director Asia Pacific Belinda Lui said, “The success of the K-content industry is not accidental. It stems from a combination of creative genius, the freedom to tell stories and smart government action. Action in the form of a policy framework that encourages investment supports world-class production and backs development in talent and infrastructure. What comes next for the sector requires an informed conversation, and Frontier Economics’ findings provide a valuable contribution to that debate.”

    Film critic Yoon Sung-eun moderated a dynamic panel session featuring prominent executives from the film, television and streaming industry.

    “The arrival of streaming services in Korea over the last five to eight years refocused the Korean government on the importance of the screen sector”, said Kim Jong Hak Production CEO Sohn Gi-won. “The spotlight shone brightly on the industry and a wide range of funding was made available to smaller production companies.”

    Detailing some of the smart governance implemented over several decades, Film Business Division, Korean Film Council, director Kim Hyun-soo said, “Financial support ramped up in the 1990s. New SMEs started to invest in film and television. Following the Asian economic crisis, the government realized that more investment was required to stimulate the business. They introduced the idea of project financing. CGV and Lotte started to build multiplexes. These companies also invested in films to screen in their theatres. What is most important is that new films were funded through government agencies. With this injection of investment, screenwriters and directors entered the market. In summary, deregulation fundamentally contributed to positive developments from the government and private sectors.”

    Proposing what the Korean industry might consider as the next phase of its development, Schuyler Weiss, producer of the Academy Award-nominated film Elvis, said, “Opening up the Korean market to international production will benefit the entire Korean entertainment ecosystem and the local economy will profit. Korea has so much to gain from more collaboration with producers from around the world.”

    SLL Central team leader Seong Won-young added, “In the future, it would be good to see a higher proportion of non-scripted content – in the entertainment or sports sectors – shows like Chef in Black and White or Strongest Baseball, produced by Netflix, for example. In other words, I believe we need to diversify the portfolio in addition to series content.”

    The Motion Picture Association has partnered with the Busan International Film Festival for more than a decade. This year, the association is hosting the second annual MPA x KOFIC American Film Night, the MPA Chanel x BIFF Asian Film Academy Workshop: Bridge to Hollywood, and a feature film pitch competition in partnership with the Korean Academy of Film Arts.

    View and download Frontier Economics Policy + The Rise of K-Content 2024 here.