ITV

Category: Over The Top Services

  • HBO Max launches in the US with impressive content library

    HBO Max launches in the US with impressive content library

    MUMBAI: Every other week a new streaming service enters the market. But the arrival of HBO Max is more significant. WarnerMedia’s foray into the market creates a buzz because of its big library of TV shows and films from popular brands like HBO and Warner Bros. 

    The new service is available at $14.99 per month which is more expensive than its major competetiors like Netflix and Disney+.  However, the service includes hit TV shows like Friends, The Big Bang Theory. Moreover, the lineup includes movies like Crazy Rich Asians, A Star Is Born, Aquaman,  Joker, Casablanca, The Wizard of Oz, The Matrix, The Goonies, When Harry Met Sally.

    This new direct-to-consumer experience features 10,000 hours of premium content including the entire HBO service; motion picture and TV series from Warner Bros.’ 100-year content collection; highlights from New Line; catalogue titles from DC, CNN, TNT, TBS, truTV, Cartoon Network, Adult Swim, Crunchyroll, Rooster Teeth and Looney Tunes Cartoons; a selection of classic films curated in partnership with TCM; along with a monthly offering of new Max Originals, guaranteeing something for everyone in the household. HBO Max is available starting Thursday priced at $14.99/month from WarnerMedia.

    “Today we are proud to introduce HBO Max – a dream that was created and nurtured by an incredible team of talented executives who dedicated the last year-and-a-half to making it a reality for consumers nationwide,” WarnerMedia Entertainment and direct-to-consumer chairman Bob Greenblatt said . 

    “However, this is just the beginning of our journey. We will continue to innovate and evolve this one-of-a-kind platform that brings together beloved programming from across the WarnerMedia family and around the world, while also paving the way for the creative voices of tomorrow,” he added.

    The service is currently available only in the US.

  • FilmKaravan Originals, makers of ‘Delhi Crime’, releases first feature presentation

    FilmKaravan Originals, makers of ‘Delhi Crime’, releases first feature presentation

    MUMBAI: FilmKaravan Originals, the producers of the Netflix Original Delhi Crime, is in it for the long haul. The much-talked about taut thriller based on the investigation of the 2012 Delhi gang rape case had been widely praised and lauded by critics and audiences alike.  Moving to a completely different turf, FilmKaravan Originals, , now releases its second offering, a full-length feature film titled, What Are The Odds?, exclusively on Netflix worldwide. The film is also backed and co-produced by matinee idol Abhay Deol while reprising a pivotal role of a rock star in the film.

    A consolidated content distribution, marketing and delivery service house, FilmKaravan diversified into production with Delhi Crime and now with the release of What Are The Odds? the company has cemented itself as a bonafide content production house in the digital space.  The company operates from two of the largest entertainment hubs in the world- California and Mumbai. In the past, the company has also produced two short films, titled Leeches and Grant Street Shaving Co. Leeches is currently streaming exclusively on Amazon Prime. The film had won a National Award for its music and premiered across multiple prestigious international film festivals. Grant Street Shaving Co. is live on both Amazon Prime and Mubi. The music for the film was given by Sagar Desai who was also given the music for What Are The Odds?

    Sanjay Bachani stated, “Production had always been on the cards and we were scouting for stories that we would be compelled to back. Our effort will always be directed towards being diversified while working with a wide array for makers and talents. We are currently developing a slate across genres and different formats of story telling which are at various stages of production."

    Set in a whimsical version of Mumbai and peopled with characters and incidences personifying the title, 'What Are The Odds?' is an honest, often hilarious and rapt exploration of growing up in contemporary India devoid of its cultural specifications and celebrating unusual friendships. Directed by Megha Ramaswamy, the film features Karanvir Malhotra (Selection Day, Forgotten Army) and Yashaswini Dayama (Delhi Crime, Dear Zindagi) in lead roles. The film also stars Monica Dogra Priyanka Bose, Jugal Hansraj and Manu Rishi Chadha.

    FilmKaravan boasts of tie-ups with the largest streaming platforms to reach maximum viewers and specialises in release over EST, VOD and SVOD services. The company has more than 1000 films and episodic TV catalog (Indian and international) and has successfully executed worldwide Day and Date digital film releases simultaneous to their theatrical release.

  • LGBTQ-focused streaming service EORTV launches website on OTT platform

    LGBTQ-focused streaming service EORTV launches website on OTT platform

    MUMBAI: OTT media service platform EORTV has launched its website www.eortv.com with a differentiated philosophy to focus on the LGBTQ audiences and other communities. The mission of this new OTT platform is to be inclusive and create acceptance for all communities in society by eliminating any kinds of biases based on gender stereotypes and sexual orientation. 

    The logo of EORTV contains the letter “E” which determines the significance of “EQUALITY”. The letter ‘E’ is in GREEN colour to highlight gender equality.  Headquartered in Mumbai, leading the team of EORTV are industry stalwarts with a vision to change the mindsets and prevent discrimination and prejudice against the “hormonally challenged communities” in society with an aim to promote peace, fraternity, equality and brotherhood. 

    EOR TV has appointed Deepak Pandey and Kaushik Izardar as executive directors. Izardar will oversee the overall corporate responsibilities of the company and Pandey will be responsible for the overall creative dimension of the company.

    Renowned industry veteran Deepak Pandey started his career as a cinematographer in the Indian television industry. In his extensive career of 20 years, he has earned many awards for shows like Prithviraj Chauhan, SaraswatiChandra, Mahadev, Ashoka, Veer Shivaji, Bepanaah, Jhasi ki Rani, Shobha Somnath Ki, Humsafars, Qubool Hai,Tanhaiyaan and many more. He has also been the cinematographer for films like Pink Mirror, Yours Emotionally and Baat Ban Gayi. Being an exceptional cinematographer, he has always wanted to tell stories and his first directorial debut was ‘I love US’ which was released on Footlooze Youtube channel. The series gained 150 million views.

    Other series that he directed include a biopic on Indian defence officers, ‘Shaurya’ which aired on Sony LIV, The Bull of Dalal Street, Halala, Paanchali, Singardaan, #Metoo, Dance Bar, Tadap and many more for Ullu channel. He was awarded the best director for the series, Halala. He plays a vital role in establishing the series and is known to experiment in his craft while exploring new technologies in the market. 

    “I’m excited about EORTV as it means more diversity and a uniquely curated selection of global entertainment for our audiences. We strive to bring viewers progressive, inspiring and ground breaking content in the fields of technology, digital media and queer advocacy to start with,” says Pandey.

    Izardar  has worked with media conglomerates including Viacom18 Media, ZEEL, INX Media, Fulford India Limited (subsidiary of Merck; Co, USA). Izardar has a PhD and has completed the thesis under Dr Piyush Sinha (IIM- Ahmedabad). He has a MBA in marketing and has completed his senior strategic management from IIM Kolkata. Studied graduation from Visva Bharati University (Siksha Bhavana- Santiniketan), founded by the renowned poet and nobel prize winner  Rabindranath Tagore.

    “We are excited to announce the launch of EORTV’s website and EORTV app will soon follow to keep expanding our opportunity to touch a broader audience with new offerings. This summer and especially in this period of quarantine, we are planning a distinctly curated selection of entertainment that represents all gender identities, sexual orientations, religions, cultures, ages, languages and walks of life,” said Kaushik Izardar.

    EORTV will provide hundreds of hours of premium, exclusive and original content from leading producers and publishers in domestic and international entertainment that includes award-winning blockbuster films, TV shows, web series, music videos, short videos, cutting-edge series and originals in Hindi and English. 

    EORTV’s viewers can watch content through their smart TV, mobile and other streaming device integrations. The app supports almost 200 TV channels and airs programmes which users can watch at their convenience. Being a global platform, EORTV doesn’t run short of user access in any part of the world. It can be used wherever you are located.

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  • Voot partners with upGrad, expands content play to edutainment

    Voot partners with upGrad, expands content play to edutainment

    MUMBAI: Leading streaming platform Voot has tied up with the largest online higher education company upGrad. This opens a doorway for consumers and working professionals to seamlessly access the best of entertainment and education videos, all under one roof.

    Voot, home to hours of exciting entertainment content across formats and genres, with this thoughtful partnership, is pioneering the cause for young Indian professionals by providing them quality upskilling content as part of its repertoire. A dedicated upGrad segment on the Voot app will unleash its viewers into a pool of informative content around the new-age domains of data science, blockchain, tech and management, which are carefully curated by upGrad’s in-house content team to help working professionals enhance their employability quotient.

    Additionally, to provide in-depth and accurate knowledge, the playlist will also include new-age anecdotes in the form of snackable videos and sessions hosted by industry leaders and Subject Matter Experts (SMEs). The segment will include upGrad Shotgyaan, Crash course in Data Science and a recently curated interesting list of Work From Home (WFH) tech tips as starters with frequent additions being made to the binge-watch content library.

    Voot AVOD business head  Akash Banerji said, “In these times, with digital assuming a decisive role in a user’s life, our objective with Voot is to deliver a truly enriching and inclusive content slate that elevates the user experience and engagement. Blending our entertainment proposition with learning through this partnership with upGrad, is not only an innovative solution for young minds, but also enables us to widen our reach and user base."

    Announcing the partnership, upgrade corporate development president Gaurav Kumar said, “Young India is hooked on to the OTT platforms for their daily dose of entertainment and therefore, it is exciting to have a special window that seamlessly lands them to a new-age upskilling content playlist, that will add up to their professional growth at large. With our insightful storytelling format and innovative execution, we look forward to shedding the stereotypical emotion attached with education of being serious.”

  • Ayaz Memon Joins 1 Play Sports

    Ayaz Memon Joins 1 Play Sports

    MUMBAI: Sports media narrowcasting startup in the Asia Pacific 1 Play Sports has brought sports journalist Ayaz Memon onboard as consulting editor-in-chief, India from May 2020.

    Memon, a media veteran with over 40 years’ experience, will lead the thrust for 1 Play Sports to deepen its roots and expand its operations in the Indian sports media market. He and his team will develop sports-related content to maximize audience reach and optimise strategic benefit to the company.

    Memon has worked as a sports writer, editor and columnist with several newspapers such as Mid-Day, Bombay Times, DNA, Times of India, Hindustan Times, and Deccan Chronicle. He has also been a TV commentator/analyst at various times with Star Sports and Sony Sports, apart from news channels Times Now, NewsX, and Network18. Memon has reported live ten Cricket World Cups, over 250 test matches and 400 ODIs One Day Internationals, the 1988 and 2012 Olympics, 1998 and 2010 Commonwealth Games, 1990 Asian Games, the 2006 FIFA World Cup, the 1991 and 1993 Wimbledon Championships among several international events.

    He has also authored four books on cricket and co-authored one on independent India's golden jubilee, India 50 – The Making of a Nation.

    1 Play Sports CEO-founder Mohit Lalvani expressed delight at this association with Memon. “Ayaz’s contribution to Indian sports is gigantic, his depth of knowledge is only matched by his breadth of content understanding and I take great pleasure in welcoming him to the 1 Play Sports team. We are confident this will enable us to scale into India as we have done in Southeast Asian countries”, said Lalvani.

    1 Play Sports began its operations in India roping in Neha S Warrier (ex-Discovery Networks Asia-Pacific) as country manager and since then has successfully streamed LIVE national and Asian tournaments expanding its footprint in the region.

    “As we expand our viewer base in India, we are delighted to welcome aboard a veteran like Memon to 1 Play Sports and gain from his vast knowledge and experience”, said Neha Warrier.

    1 Play Sports Pte Ltd, a Singapore-based sports media narrowcasting start-up, was founded in December 2018, that produces and streams community, grassroots level, school, special needs, and private events at national and international levels. Within a year since its inception, 1 Play Sports has streamed more than 2100 hours of sports content from events held in Southeast Asia and India.

    In addition to international events such as World Pencak Silat Championships 2018, Netball Nation’s Cup 2019, Merlion Cup 2019, ASEAN Schools Games 2019, SEA Games 2019, and Dubai Intercontinental Cup 2020, 1 Play Sports has also produced and streamed India-centric events such as Track Asia Cup 2019, National Open Athletics Championship 2019, Weightlifting Championship 2019, Bodog Roots Premier League, National Inter-District Junior Athletics Meet 2019, Mountain Bike Challenge 2019 and many more. 1 Play Sports has over 500,000 followers and operates in Singapore, the Philippines, India, and Africa with further expansion plans in the Asian market in 2020.

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  • Applause Entertainment signs multi-show deal with SonyLIV

    Applause Entertainment signs multi-show deal with SonyLIV

    MUMBAI: Applause Entertainment has announced a content licensing deal of four premium drama series with SonyLIV, the popular on-demand video streaming service from Sony Pictures Networks India.

    SonyLIV has started its gradual rollout of its refreshed SonyLIV 2.0. app with a new visual identity and a distinct user interface that promises a world-class viewing experience. Its premium subscription will start on 20 June, and these new shows of Applause Entertainment are a part of its launch line up and will stream on the platform in the coming months.

    In a short span of 12 months, Applause Entertainment successfully released 12 series spanning different genres across multiple platforms. 

    Applause Entertainment CEO Sameer Nair said, "We are glad to partner with SonyLIV and to be able to contribute to their original content strategy. It aligns well with our philosophy of creating premium content and working with our platform partners to entertain and delight their customers. We hope this slate of four shows is only the start of a long and successful relationship with SonyLIV in our pursuit of creative excellence." 

    Sony Entertainment Television, Digital Business and Studio Next business head Danish Khan said, “Sony LIV plans to acquire and retain its premium subscribers through a robust line up of Original Content – content that is cerebral and relevant and brings a sense of authenticity, drama and storytelling. We are collaborating with the best storytellers in the industry. Applause Entertainment is one of the most prolific creators of premium series and we are extremely happy to partner with them. We are confident that these shows will entertain & engage the varied audience segments of SonyLIV.”  

    The four drama series that will have their home at Sony LIV are – Your Honor, Avrodh Undekhi & Scam 1992.

    Adapted from the Israeli series Kvodo, Your Honor, is a dark and morally complex thriller, starring the terrific Jimmy Sheirgill along with an ensemble cast of Mita Vashisht, Varun Badola, Yashpal Sharma, Parul Gulati, Suhasini Mulay, Richa Pallod, Kunj Anand, Pulkit Makol, Mahabir Bhullar. The series is directed by E Niwas and is produced for Applause by Sphere Origins.

    Avrodh is inspired from the September 2016 Uri attacks and is based on a chapter from Shiv Aroor and Rahul Singh’s book India’s Most Fearless. The series features an incredible star cast of Amit Sadh, Neeraj Kabi, Darshan Kumar, Vikram Gokhale, Anant Mahadevan and Madhurima Tuli. The series is directed by Raj Acharya and is produced for Applause by Irada Entertainment.

    A startling urban crime thriller set in the heartland, Undekhi brings together a strong cast of Dibyendu Bhattacharya, Surya Sharma, Harsh Chaya, Abhishek Chauhan, Ayn Zoya, Ankur Rathi, Apeksha Porwal and Aanchal Singh. The series is directed by Ashish R. Shukla and is produced for Applause Entertainment by Edgestorm Productions.

    Helmed by Hansal Mehta and lead by Pratik Gandhi and Shreya Dhanwanthry, Scam 1992, is a financial crime thriller, adapted from Debashis Basu and Sucheta Dalal’s bestselling book The Scam, based on the true-life story of the Big Bull, Harshad Mehta. The show also stars Satish Kaushik, Anant Mahadevan, Rajat Kapoor, Nikhil Dwivedi, KK Raina and Lalit Parimoo amongst others. The series is produced for Applause by Studio Next. 

  • Silly Monks appoints C Ratnakar Rao as non-executive chairman

    Silly Monks appoints C Ratnakar Rao as non-executive chairman

    MUMBAI: Hyderabad-based digital media entertainment company Silly Monks Entertainment Ltd has expanded its board of directors with the appointment of independent director and chairman C Ratnakar Rao.

    C Ratnakar Rao, a graduate in economics (Delhi and Osmania Universities) and management education programme – (IIM-Ahmedabad), brings invaluable experience in the domestic and international markets in the areas of media and advertising spanning over 25 years, having worked with leading Indian and international advertising agency networks (RK Swamy/BBDO and DDB Worldwide) – India, middle east, north Africa and European markets.

    He was a faculty at Institute of Management Technology (Ghaziabad’s Hyderabad campus) and has served as a member of the academic council in Osmania University’s department of communication and journalism. He also served as president of The Advertising Club of Hyderabad for four terms at different stages.

    Silly Monks MD Sanjay Reddy said: “He is highly regarded in his respective fields and I look forward to deriving the maximum out of his vast experience to help Silly Monks catapult to the next level.”

    “COVID-19 times have helped us learn a lot, with increased revenues during the adversities we look forward to a leaner and a smarter organisation while praying for an early cure for this pandemic.”

    Ratnakar Rao added, “The future of media and entertainment is perhaps one of the most fascinating stories unfolding in the world today. I cannot be more excited than being part of an industry that is driven by passionate innovation and creativity. Silly Monks has been occupying a vital position in this space and I’m quite delighted by the opportunity to be associated with an energetic and promising organization like Silly Monks. It’s a great honour and I look forward to seeing the organization making remarkable progress as we take ambitious strides.”

    Ratnakar has been associated with marketing communication activities of major international brands including Sony, Almarai Dairy, Clorox Corporation, Henkel Germany, General Motors Corporation and Landmark Retail Group. He was also associated with the advertising of many leading brands not limiting to Hyderabad Industries, Coromandel Fertilisers, Vizag Steel, Margadarsi Group, Continental Coffee, Furniture World Group, Birla Shakti Cement, Apollo Hospitals, Care Hospitals, Ratnadeep Retail and many more.

  • DocuBay now available on Roku streaming devices in the US, Europe

    DocuBay now available on Roku streaming devices in the US, Europe

    MUMBAI: DocuBay, the global premium membership streaming service by IN10 Media Network, is now available on Roku streaming devices in the United States, United Kingdom, Ireland and France. The DocuBay channel is now available from the Roku Channel store on Roku devices, expanding DocuBay’s availability to millions of consumers. Roku users now have access to DocuBay’s premium documentary film library that includes HD and 4K titles across a variety of genres or “Bays” such as PoliticsBay, TravelBay, SportsBay, ScienceBay, and CrimeBay, as well as the latest TechBay, in partnership with US-based Big Media as previously announced.

    DocuBay vice president, strategy, Girish Dwibhashyam stated: “With DocuBay’s launch on Roku streaming devices, we’re continuing our efforts to expand across the world. We look forward to new viewers discovering the DocuBay app and premium content library that features truly unique stories and global perspectives. Being accessible to documentary film fans no matter which platform or device they happen to be using remains a top priority for us.”

    DocuBay is available in 180+ countries across devices and platforms such as the App Store, Google Play, Roku streaming players, Roku TV models, Amazon Fire TV, and Apple TV, among others.

  • SonyLIV 2.0 embarks on a journey with brand new identity, original premium content

    SonyLIV 2.0 embarks on a journey with brand new identity, original premium content

    MUMBAI: One of the early movers in the Indian over-the-top (OTT) ecosystem set out on its quest to reimagine the business in the latter part of 2019. Starting with a rejig in leadership last year, SonyLIV has now brought one of the most noticeable changes to its look: content strategy.

    Sony Pictures Network India (SPN) on Tuesday revealed a brand new look of its digital arm.

    A video on its social media gives glimpses of the redesigned logo which will replace its yellow background logo with a vibrant colourful one. The new logo emphasises the ‘liv’ part in a bright yellow colour in contrast to a colourful background with streaks of purple, blue, orange. Compared to the earlier one, it looks thinner and more refined reflecting warmth.

    Although being one of the oldest contenders, the platform has not been able to create much buzz lately. The ecosystem has not only grown but also the competition from both homegrown and international players. Netflix and Amazon Prime Video have started upping their investment in local content aggressively. Another giant player Disney+ also made its much-awaited entry into the market in March. Other broadcast-led players like ZEE5 and VOOT have also brought premium content to woo users, the former going deeper into the vernacular market.  Amidst all these ambitious players, a reimagining was required to make a mark and stand out.

    Better late than never. Along with re-designing, its content strategy is also set for an overhaul. Earlier, the new faces of SonyLIV spoke about the plan of focusing on originals. As the video reveals, the platform is going to bring original stories from the well-known storytellers in the country including Ashwini Iyer Tiwari, Ajay Monga, E Niwas, Hansal Mehta, Samar Khan, Nikkhil Advani, Nitesh Tiwari, Saumya Joshi, Tigmanshu Dhulia, Sachin Pathak, and Vir Das. It will also premiere international series including For Life, The Tudors. However, it promises to stay committed to the core strength, and sports content, too.

    The platform has struck a deal with Applause Entertainment announcing a content licensing deal of four premium drama series: Your Honor, Avrodh,  Undekhi and Scam 1992.  It has started its gradual rollout of its refreshed SonyLIV 2.0. app with the new visual identity and a distinct user interface.

    SPNI rejigged its digital team last year, with old-time SPNI executive Danish Khan leading it, with added responsibilities as business head of its leading GEC Sony Entertainment Television. Khan roped in his A Team who worked with him at SET, Ashish Golwalkar and Aman Srivastava, to also help him out to revitalise SonyLIV. The new faces revealed the wish for a rekindled focus on subscription-based service which just took off last year.

    Before this overhaul in brand identity, SonyLIV went through a change in 2016, after three years of its launch. The latest change comes at a time when all the OTT platforms have seen a huge surge in the viewership due to ongoing lockdown.

    At the time of publication of this story, the platform was reached for more details, but denied response.

  • Bengali OTT platform Addatimes launches in Bangladesh

    Bengali OTT platform Addatimes launches in Bangladesh

    MUMBAI: Addatimes, Bengali entertainment OTT platform and web channel with music, original web shows and short films, has launched in Bangladesh to coincide with the Eid-Ul-Fitr celebrations. Addatimes is targeting five million subscribers within the first years of its launch. The yearly subscription plan for Bangladesh market is 299 Taka.

    The partnership between Addatimes and LBC Media Entertainment Company, a concern of Agrani Holdings Group, and Allianz FMCG Holdings Ltd was announced recently. As a distribution partner, Agrani Holdings Group will expand Addatimes' reach and business by entrusting the online streaming platform to OEMs, telecom companies and internet service providers, among others. They will also promote the brand in Bangladesh through marketing projects.

     Addatimes founder and promoter Rajiv Mehra said, “Bengali is the eighth-most popularly spoken language in the world and Bangladesh is a country where the Bengali language is all-encompassing. Since Dr Sakib has such an in-depth understanding of the Bangladeshi market, this partnership was a real no-brainer. We at Addatimes feel, that this was the right time to expand our reach and so we have moved forward with this decision. We have all the ingredients to serve the Bangladeshi audience the real feast of entertainment.’

    Addatimes director and co-promoter Nispal Singh Raney said “We at Addatimes are incredibly happy with this new association. We have faith in the abilities of our friends at Agrani and we hope that this is just the beginning of a very fruitful partnership.”

    Agrani CEO Sakib M Rahman commented on the partnership, "Our group has over the years earned the reputation of rapidly developing strategic business environments with a strong understanding of the local culture."

    "Addatimes is one of the most popular Indian-Bengali online streaming giants, offering a wide variety of content. Our distribution network will focus on providing the video-on-demand service across the country. The execution of the OTT platform will be carried out by the group's sister concern companies, Agrani Trading Company Limited and LBC Media Entertainment Company, in Bangladesh," he added.

     LBC also has a strategic association with Insomnia Media and Content Services LLP for curating, developing and producing content for LBC across genres and formats. “We are excited about Addatimes launch in the Bangladesh Market. Insomnia is here to tell compelling Untold stories, with global production values for the evolving audience,” Insomnia co-founder Juhi Parekh Mehta said.

    The Addatimes Prime Bengali web series include the premium web series The Senapatis, and  Oh Mother!, Feluda, Khyapa, One Night Stand and Sufiyana among others. Viewers can watch the first web-episodes of all these shows for free only on Addatimes. The platform has varied content slate including periodic drama to contemporary romance.