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Category: Over The Top Services

  • GRB Studios & Media Ranch partner for distribution joint venture

    GRB Studios & Media Ranch partner for distribution joint venture

    Mumbai: GRB Studios CEO Gary R. Benz and Media Ranch CEO Sophie Ferron have entered into a joint venture partnership to create a premiere independent distribution organization. The new entity will combine the extensive content catalogs and proven formats, coupled with the years of entertainment business experience of both companies and principals to create an entity with a broader reach and a deeper catalog than the two partners have individually.  The company, GRB Media Ranch, will have a portfolio that includes over 5,000 hours of factual, unscripted, and scripted programming as well as a multitude of formats in all genres.

    Both companies will retain their separate production and creative businesses. Creative and original production for GRB Studios will remain solely with GRB under the management of Benz while Media Ranch’s original IP and format development, including current paper formats, and incubator Horsepower will remain solely with Media Ranch, under the management of Ferron and with Media Ranch’s Philip Kalin-Hajdu, head of development and storytelling.

    The two companies have a combined 50+ years in the international content sector, with award-winning programming such as GRB’s  Untold Stories of the E.R.; Icons Unearthed series: The Simpsons, Marvel, Star Wars, etc.; On the Case, among others, and GRB is the producer of megahit, Emmy Award-winning  Intervention. Media Ranch distributes over 150 formats, including Round Table from Wonwoo Park  (creator of Masked Singer), Watch, and hits such as Surprise sur prise, Comedy on the Edge, Rose D’or winning Street Jungle, and many more.

    Both Benz and Ferron have been active on the international trade circuit, speaking at MIPCOM, NATPE, Realscreen and other events. Ferron is an Advisory Member of FRAPA and the International Emmys org, and Benz is currently a member of the Directors Guild of America, the Writers Guild of America, the Academy of Television Arts and the Board Chairman for the Entertainment Industries Council, Inc.

    Under the leadership of both Benz and Ferron, the team will include personnel from both partners handling distribution. From GRB:  Liz Levenson will cover Africa, Middle East, Scandinavia, and Eastern Europe while Torquil Macneal will cover APAC; Janel Downing will cover Latin America;  From Media Ranch:  Tanja van der Goes will cover Europe for formats; Alexa Jorizzo will cover Europe and Canada for finished programs.

    Benz stated, “Sophie and I have known each other for over 10 years, partnering on various inspiring projects. Our companies and visions complement each other well, and we bring our creativity to deal-making into the evolving business of the content industry. Our joint venture is a natural and logical next step in our relationship to build a super independent distribution organization.  Together, we will expand our global reach even further.”

    Ferron added, “Gary and I have two strong teams that will become a unified and stellar sales force. We are eager to contribute our skills to the new entity and reach even greater heights. The goal is to become an international distribution powerhouse offering a comprehensive marketing approach from formats to finished programs in all genres.” 

  • GUEST ARTICLE: A rundown of the remarkable growth of Instagram Reels in 2023

    GUEST ARTICLE: A rundown of the remarkable growth of Instagram Reels in 2023

    Mumbai: TikTok dominated social media for the longest time, with a robust user base of over 120 million as of 2019. Despite close competition and a nearly equal extent of popularity, Instagram’s growth in India could not match up with that of TikTok. But with TikTok’s exit in June 2020 and the emergence of Reels in the same year, Instagram made its way to the top and continues to block the coveted spot with new updates and unrivaled features.

    How? We will find out. First, let us understand the basics.

    What are Instagram Reels?

    Instagram Reels are short-form videos that allow users to record, edit, and string together multiple clips to produce an engaging video in just a few minutes. The video clips can range from 15 to 30 seconds and be merged with audio clips or music and enhanced with fun elements like filters or Instagram stickers. Unlike Instagram Stories, Reels do not disappear within 24 hours after uploading them; instead, they stay on the timeline for as long as one decides to retain them.  

    In terms of usage, this feature is easily understandable and doesn’t demand much time or external resources. Users can select the Reels tab on Instagram and press the camera icon on the top right. A Reel can either be recorded in a single stream or series of clips or pre-recorded and uploaded later.

    For those who want to add music to the footage can tap the audio icon and select music from Instagram’s library. Alternatively, adding original audio by importing the file is possible. The seamless transitions between different clips can be attained by accessing the aligning and editing feature. Upon reaching a point of satisfaction, users can preview the Reel, add a cover photo, and write an interesting caption that resonates with the video.

    Reasons behind the popularity and acceptance of Reels

    Ever since Instagram introduced Reels, the new feature has grabbed the attention of younger audiences for various compelling reasons, such as:

    Short Content Format: In today’s fast-paced digital world, capturing and maintaining the audience’s attention is essential for social media success. Reels’ short content format catered to the shrinking attention span of users by delivering succinct, fun, and engaging messages, thereby increasing their likeability.

    Content Versatility: Reels are incredibly flexible and versatile. Scroll through the explore page on Instagram, and you will find Reels being used in every way possible – whether it is for sharing personal finance tips and makeup hacks or cooking tutorials and educational content. In addition to entertaining the audience, Reels helped users stay connected with their followers, showcase their creativity, and improve engagement. In a way, this web of infinite Reels has attracted and retained users on the platform.

    Wider Reach and Better Engagement: Users that embraced Reels saw a tremendous rise in their follower count, engagement rates, and overall profile visibility. This helped them reach newer users and serve the videos to a larger audience. The sharable nature and potential for virality encouraged users to create more content and add to the platform’s exposure.

    How are marketers leveraging Instagram Reels to grow business

    Given that Instagram Reels can be made seamlessly, allow for plenty of creativity, boost reach and engagement, and help generate leads and sales, brands are purposefully making it a part of their social media strategy. In fact, brands skeptical of this format are now swiftly investing in short-form video content, partly due to its resemblance with TikTok. But fast forward to today; there are some Instagram Reels that you do not want to miss!

    Britannia’s Reel Ad with content creator Danish Sait for Nutri Choice Protein is one of them. In the video campaign that read “Make Protein Routine,” Sait can be seen lifting weights and exercising while playfully and effectively getting his message across, including Nutri Choice cookies.

    Similarly, the popular clothing brand – Bewakoof – which boasts over 1.7 MN followers on Instagram, has often grabbed the limelight for their approach to launch a new collection via Reels. Besides selecting impactful models & influencers and creating smooth product-focused videos, Bewakoof demonstrates a portfolio of its products using fresh and unique content formats on the platform, thereby breaking the monotony and making the timeline aesthetically pleasing.

    Reels should be a top priority for brands looking to build awareness and win more customers via Instagram. They are worth the time and an important content format for business owners and marketers to leverage!

    The bottom line

    We all need to keep up with the ever-evolving paradigm of social media to remain relevant. Until now, it was TikTok and Twitter. Now, it is Instagram and the Reels feature. Tomorrow, it can be something else!

    The author of this article is C Com Digital founder and managing director Chandan Bagwe. 

  • Parikshita Deka and Supratip Bhattacharya win Hipi G.O.A.T.2

    Parikshita Deka and Supratip Bhattacharya win Hipi G.O.A.T.2

    Mumbai: The spotlight has shone brightly on musical brilliance, Hipi G.O.A.T. 2, singing challenge on Hipi, as it culminated with the emergence of many a fresh talent onto the digital stage. The resounding success of Hipi G.O.A.T. 2 underscores its unparalleled capacity to create life-changing opportunities for exceptional musical talents across India.

    Guided by the remarkable Palak Muchhal, a true luminary of the music industry, Hipi G.O.A.T. 2 unfolded as a journey of discovery, passion, and artistry. The contest celebrated the boundless talent of Indian music creators and provided them with a unique platform to highlight their vocal gifts. The extraordinary number of participants and the video views during this journey testify to the extraordinary impact that Hipi G.O.A.T. 2 has had on the musical landscape.

    As the grand finale unfolded, Supratip Bhattacharya and Pratiksha Deka emerged as shining stars, captivating audiences with unparalleled vocal prowess and distinct artistic expression. This victory not only marks a personal triumph for Supratip Bhattacharya and Pratiksha Deka but also signifies a groundbreaking entry into the world of music.

    Hipi chief business officer GBS Bindra said, “Hipi G.O.A.T. 2 has been an amazing journey, showcasing the diverse and exceptional musical talents that India has to offer. The massive participation and the overwhelming response reaffirm our commitment to providing a platform that empowers creators and nurtures their talents. We are immensely proud of the impact this contest has had on the lives of talented individuals.”

    With an astounding 350,000 video submissions and 1.2 billion cumulative video views, Hipi G.O.A.T. 2 succeeded in bringing voices from every corner of the nation. Participants from across the country showcased their musical talent creating a tapestry of harmonious melodies.

    Throughout the journey, Hipi G.O.A.T. 2 remained steadfast in its commitment to nurturing creativity. Mentorship and duet opportunities with the illustrious Sireesha Bhagavatula, coupled with cash prizes, celebrated the journey of every participant and winner, solidifying Hipi’s reputation as a platform that changes lives.

    The grand winner’s triumphant moment was crowned with the opportunity to record an original song for a music video, a collaboration set to be launched by the esteemed Zee Music Company. This victory is not just a personal achievement but a testament to the potential of platforms like Hipi to shape the future of the music industry.

    As Hipi G.O.A.T. 2 reached its conclusion, Hipi stands firm in its commitment to providing a dynamic platform that empowers creators to display their talents, make connections, and impact audiences worldwide. The success of this season’s contest underscores Hipi’s role as a transformative force in the digital entertainment landscape, making dreams a reality for countless creators.

  • Business Today’s G20 special issue: Exclusive interview with PM Modi

    Business Today’s G20 special issue: Exclusive interview with PM Modi

    Mumbai: Business Today’s G20 Special Issue is out! In this issue, find an exclusive interview with prime minister Narendra Modi who talks in detail about his hopes and vision for India’s G20 presidency, the areas in which he believes the country is making a difference, the impact of India’s G20 ecosystem, and more.  

    As the G20 president for the year, India has emerged as the driving force for a wide range of issues that need immediate attention from global leaders, who will converge in New Delhi to attend the G20 heads of state and government summit in September. At the summit, India will be looking to build a global consensus on a host of issues under the leadership of prime minister Modi. In that context, the prime minister said in the interview, “The G20 group is being looked at as a ray of hope by the world and the ground for this is being laid during India’s presidency of G20.” He goes on to add that India, by inviting the African Union to the G20 during its presidency, has laid the foundation for inclusivity. He also holds forth on the country’s digital public infrastructure, and that “Technology has helped India achieve targeted welfare delivery.”

    Apart from the prime minister’s interview, the special issue—centred on India’s G20 presidency—also has interviews with G20 Sherpa Amitabh Kant and Harsh Vardhan Shringla, chief coordinator for India’s G20 presidency. Besides these, the issue includes stories on key takeaways for India Inc. from India’s G20 presidency; how the country is showcasing its digital prowess, such as its digital public infrastructure, to the world; and how India is aiming to foster a global start-up ecosystem, among others.  

    The issue also has columns by thought leaders such as K.V. Kamath, Janmejaya Sinha, Vinod Dham, Sangita Reddy, Ritesh Agarwal and Dilip Oommen on what the G20 presidency means and the road ahead.

  • Kanika Mann highlights key aspects of Rakshak: India’s Braves

    Kanika Mann highlights key aspects of Rakshak: India’s Braves

    Mumbai: Amazon miniTV, Amazon’s free streaming service, recently released its first patriotic movie, Rakshak: India’s Braves: Chapter 1, the first instalment of a three-part movie series. The film has garnered abundant acclaim and admiration from viewers across India. Rakshak – Indian’s Braves weaves a story of bravery and sacrifice, followed by Lieutenant Triveni Singh bravely preventing a terror attack at the Jammu Tawi railway station and saving the lives of innocent people.  Featuring Varun Mitra as the lead, the film also features Kanika Mann, essaying the character of Mala, who was slated to get married to Lt. Triveni Singh.

    Expressing her emotions on reading a script of historical importance and significance, Kanika stated, “It’s truly remarkable because this story isn’t a work of fiction; it’s rooted in the extraordinary efforts of our real-life heroes. As an actor, there’s always a desire to portray real-life characters on screen. So, when I was presented with this script, I felt a deep sense of gratitude. It shows the real-life story of Lt. Triveni Singh, a courageous army officer who selflessly saved numerous innocent individuals.  I played ‘Mala’ who is Triveni’s love interest and got a chance to display all the ups and downs a military family deals with.

    Furthermore, Kanika outlined the epoch-making elements of the patriotic film that would pique every viewer’s interest. “I feel the rawness of the film, the characters, the emotions shown, and of course, the incident which took place in 2004, will keep the people hooked to the screens.  I feel like us, so many people didn’t know about this incident, and it needs to be known,” she concluded.

    Unfold the heroic journey of Lt. Triveni Singh in Rakshak- India’s Braves, streaming live on Amazon miniTV, for free within the Amazon shopping app and on Fire TV.  

  • JioCinema’s Taali is a resounding success with 25 million viewers in 2 weeks

    JioCinema’s Taali is a resounding success with 25 million viewers in 2 weeks

    Mumbai: Following the grand parade of hit shows including Asur 2, Kaalkoot, Bigg Boss OTT 2, amongst others, JioCinema has delivered yet another monumental success with its recently released series – Taali. With exceptional performances, the Sushmita Sen starrer biopic-drama on the life of transgender activist, Shreegauri Sawant, has struck a chord with audiences across the nation, within just two weeks of its release. With a staggering 25 million/2.5 crore viewers, Taali reaffirms JioCinema’s position as a clear frontrunner in the digital entertainment landscape.

    Boasting an impressive IMDb rating of 8.6, with a prominent position on the Ormax charts as one of the leading originals in the launch weeks, Taali continues to be hailed by the audience as one of the most loved series, since its launch. The show’s success is a testament to its quality and the positive reception it has received from both critics and viewers. Created by Arjun Singgh Baran and Kartk D Nishandar, directed by National award-winning director Ravi Jadhav, written by Kshitij Patwardhan, and produced by Arjun Singgh Baran, Kartk D Nishandar (GSEAMS Production) and Afeefa Nadiadwala, the empowering biopic-series unfolds over six episodes, showcasing the revolutionary story of Shreegauri Sawant, and her iconic fight for the recognition of the third gender in India.

    With a slew of successful shows under its belt and a growing viewer base, JioCinema continues to demonstrate its prowess in creating content that not only entertains but also leaves a lasting impact on its audience.

  • ShemarooMe OTT joins forces with global telcos for International content reach

    ShemarooMe OTT joins forces with global telcos for International content reach

    Mumbai: Continuing its dynamic expansion in the global telco, ISP (Internet Service Provider), and OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) landscape, Shemaroo Entertainment, one of India’s leading media & entertainment conglomerates, has successfully extended its OTT arm, ShemarooMe, to six additional international telecom operators. The collaboration with STC, Zain and Batelco in Bahrain, Grameenphone in Bangladesh, XL Axiata in Indonesia and Ooredoo in Oman, facilitated through esteemed DCB (direct carrier billing) partners Timwetech, Boost Connect and SLA Digital, signifies yet another noteworthy achievement in Shemaroo’s steadfast dedication to providing seamless and diversified entertainment experiences to global audiences. This partnership will offer customers the option to pay for the subscription of ShemarooMe through their mobile operator’s payment gateway.

    This strategic initiative extends the reach of ShemarooMe OTT to a wider demographic, establishing accessibility through around 15 telecom providers spanning key regions such as Southeast Asia, SAARC, and the MENA region. This expansion aligns perfectly with Shemaroo’s overarching vision of transcending entertainment barriers, delivering premium content across borders, and catering to an assorted range of viewer preferences.

    “Expanding our content’s reach in the global market remains a point of pride for Shemaroo Entertainment, and our latest collaboration with these esteemed international telecom operators marks a significant stride in that direction,” remarked Shemaroo Entertainment Ltd chief operating officer Arghya Chakravarty. “We are dedicated to breaking down barriers and making our diverse content accessible to audiences worldwide. This association underscores our commitment to enhancing the entertainment experience of viewers across different geographies, bringing them closer to the rich tapestry of Indian content through ShemarooMe OTT. We look forward to forging more such partnerships and continuing our journey of global expansion.”

    With the current integration and plans to further integrate ShemarooMe OTT with around 15 more telecom operators within the current financial year, Shemaroo is poised to solidify its standing as a global entertainment leader, embracing technological advancements and delivering captivating content to audiences worldwide.

    ShemarooMe OTT app is available in more than 150 countries globally and offers an enormous library of 7000 hours of content across Bollywood, regional, devotional and kids genres in Hindi, Gujarati, Marathi and Punjabi languages.

  • JioCinema to live-stream the inaugural season of Rajasthan Premier League

    JioCinema to live-stream the inaugural season of Rajasthan Premier League

    Mumbai: JioCinema announced today the exclusive digital rights to the first edition of the Rajasthan Premier League. The action tipped off on 27 August with all matches being streamed live on JioCinema at 3 PM and 7:30 PM.

    Organised by the Rajasthan Cricket Association, Rajasthan Premier League will showcase the best domestic cricketing talent in the state across 19 matches. The final will be played on 10 September at Sawai Mansingh Stadium, Jaipur. The league has been grouped into six teams, namely, Jaipur Indians, Jodhpur Sunrisers, Udaipur Lake City Warriors, Jaanbaaz Kota Challengers, Shekhawati Soldiers Sikar, and Bhilwara Bulls.

  • Enjoy exclusive Lionsgate Play content for Raksha Bandhan

    Enjoy exclusive Lionsgate Play content for Raksha Bandhan

    Mumbai: No one loves you like your sibling. When families get together on Raksha Bandhan, homes and hearts are always full. Be it catching up with cousins or eating your favorite mithai, this festival is one of the best occasions for a binge watching marathon. So whether you’re in the mood for a heart-warming comedy or a moving story of sisterly sacrifice, Lionsgate Play has the perfect watch list. So this Raksha Bandhan, grab a box of kaju katli and your siblings for the ultimate Raksha Bandhan sleepover.

    Hiccups & Hookups

    Relationships may fade away but family is forever! Showcasing the true strength of a sibling bond, Lionsgate Play’s Indian original Hiccups & Hookups takes you through the story of a recently divorced mother, Vasudha (Lara Dutta) and her teenage daughter Kay, as they move in with Vasudha’s younger brother Akhil (Prateik Babbar). They carefully navigate dating, relationships and life with each other’s help and support. Clubbed with banter and playful love, this brother- sister duo hits home as Akhil helps Vasudha through her dark days.

    Home Economics

    Share a love-hate relationship with your siblings? Who doesn’t? Home Economics is a modern comedy that takes on the heartwarming yet super uncomfortable and sometimes frustrating relationship between three adult siblings: Tom, the middle-class writer; Connor, the little brother and Sarah, the do-good sister who’s barely getting by. Starring Jimmy Tatro, Caitlin McGee, Karla Souza, and Sasheer Zamata the show touches up how money keeps getting in the way of a family that loves each other to no end.

    The Hunger Games

    When Katniss’ sister is chosen to partake in the 74th Hunger Games, she volunteers in place of her. This small sacrifice unfolds into what is now one of the most coveted franchises in cinematic history. A story of love, honor and subdued politics, The Hunger Games is a cult-classic in every aspect. Starring Jennifer Lawrence, Josh Hutcherson, Liam Hemsworth, Stanley Tucci, Elizabeth Banks, Lenny Kravitz and Donald Southerland, the four films are must-watches in every aspect.

    Wonder

    Ever Wonder-ed about the power of love? When August Pullman aka Auggie, who is born with facial differences that have prevented him from going to a mainstream school, enters the local fifth grade, he ends up an unlikely hero. A story of unending compassion, bravery and unwavering familial support, the film stars Julia Roberts, Owen Wilson, Jacob Tremblay, Mandy Patinkin, Daveed Diggs, and Izabela Vidovic and is sure to end in a puddle of tears.

    Catch these exciting titles on Lionsgate Play this Raksha Bandhan for some heartwarming watches.

  • Customised subscriptions: Tailored experiences for every taste!

    Customised subscriptions: Tailored experiences for every taste!

    Mumbai: aha was launched in 2020, as an Indian video-on-demand streaming service that provides 100% local entertainment.  It started out with a 100% Telugu OTT and witnessed great success across the world with its extensive content slate that includes original programming of web series and movies, with a new release every Friday. aha has launched Tamil in 2021. aha is owned by Arha Media & Broadcasting Pvt Ltd, a joint venture by My Home Group and Allu Aravind (Geetha Arts).

    Rakesh CK is the head of the SVOD business unit and business Strategy for Arha Media and Broadcasting Pvt Ltd, Rakesh has rich experience managing business operations and has been with Arha Media for close to a year now. At present, he is leading the subscription business for both their domestic and international business. In his role, Rakesh is responsible for strategising growth across aha’s Telugu & Tamil language offerings.

    His forte includes keen planning and implementation with expertise in devising plans for improving business performance, tapping new markets, driving high-value revenue and profit plans, building strategic alliances, and improving organisational productivity and performance.

    His varied background has enabled him to view business from various vantage points and have a holistic view of business opportunities that have helped organisations he has worked with develop and upscale their reach and meet business objectives efficiently.

    In an email interaction with Indiantelevision.com, Arha Media and Broadcasting Pvt Ltd head SVOD business unit and business strategy Rakesh CK, spoke at length about the platform’s content and the reason for revising subscription rates…..

    Edited Excerpts:

    On interpreting this phenomenon of the growth of OTT in regional content gaining immense popularity and regional content managing to capture attention even amidst Hindi content dominance

    The growth of OTT platforms has expanded the canvas for India’s innovative content. Regional content’s popularity surge can be attributed to its authenticity, cultural resonance, and ability to deeply connect with audiences. While Hindi content continues to be influential, regional content’s rise showcases the power of local narratives. This resonates with audiences seeking relatable stories that reflect their culture and language.

    On aha achieving a reach of 32 million app downloads and an active user base of 2.3 million in a short span of three years and its YoY growth

    Achieving 32 million app downloads and an active user base of 2.3 million in just three years is indeed a journey we are extremely proud of. Despite industry challenges last year, our unwavering commitment to match up to our customers’ expectations allowed us to surpass milestones from previous years. Tamil launch gave us an added impetus and we exceeded our previous years’ numbers handsomely, showcasing our resilience and the value we offer to our customers. This year has commenced with strong growth momentum, propelling us toward further success.

    On the content strategy when it comes to greenlighting shows

    Our content strategy revolves around accessibility and value creation. We’re investing in a diverse array of content to cater to Telugu and Tamil families. This includes acquisitions like ‘Krack, Baby,’ ‘Samajavaragamana,’ ‘Malli Pelli,’ and ‘Intinti Ramayanam.’ We’re also dedicated to producing fiction originals such as ‘Newsense’ and ‘Sathi Gani Rendu Ekuralu,’ along with engaging non-fiction content like ‘Family Dhamaaka’ and ‘Telugu Indian Idol 2.’ This diverse approach ensures we deliver wholesome entertainment to Telugu and Tamil families alike.

    On the strategy behind going for a rate revision in your subscription packages

    Our strategy for revising subscription packages aims to offer tailored options that cater to a diverse audience. Ranging from mobile-focused plans to premium experiences like aha Gold, our goal is to provide a variety of choices aligned with varying preferences. For example, we are enhancing our Gold proposition to value beyond the platform and create experiences for Gold customers. This approach enhances accessibility while maximising the value we provide to our subscribers.

    On the southern market’s consumer preference, SVOD or AVOD

    Similar to the national context, the South market demonstrates diverse consumer preferences between SVOD (Subscription Video on Demand) and AVOD (Ad-Supported Video on Demand) models. Preferences vary among viewers, with some opting for ad-free experiences while others find comfort in ad-supported content.

    On aha maintaining its position in the Telugu and Tamil markets and its USP to stay ahead and wow the audience as there is competition in this market from the other plates

    aha’s success in the Telugu and Tamil markets is rooted in our commitment to authenticity and innovative storytelling. Our unique selling proposition lies in delivering content that resonates with the local audience. Combined with our user-friendly interface and experience, this sets us apart and fortifies our position amidst competition. Staying true to our roots and consistently wowing the audience drives our continued success.

    Where do you see yourself in the next three years

    In the next three years, we envision aha growing toward profitability while maintaining a strong presence in Telugu and Tamil households. We’ll continue providing compelling content experiences that cater to evolving viewer preferences.

    On the plan to expand to other languages

    While our primary focus remains on growing and sustaining success in Telugu, we continue to invest and build our Tamil proposition to a similar scale. Entry to other languages continues to be an exciting proposition, but entry is defined by multiple factors. Recognising India’s linguistic diversity is key to our success and delivering quality content to a broader audience while maintaining authenticity and excellence is core to aha’s continued success.