Category: Over The Top Services

Netflix reinforces focus on post-production, holds virtual Q&A session for editing community

MUMBAI: It's no wonder that streaming giants across the globe are trying to strengthen their business in India as the country has amongst the highest consumption of online video in the world. Streaming giant Netflix had hosted a first-of-a-kind workshop on post-production in Mumbai last October and recently it held a virtual Q&A session for the editing community in India with Emmy Award-winning editor Stuart Bass on 30 April. Netflix CEO Reed Hastings promised Rs 3000 crore for content in India in 2019-20. Hence, the streaming giant is not overlooking the training requirement of the local creative community as well.

Bass, who has worked for iconic shows like The Wonder Years, Arrested Development, The Office, and Pushing Daisies along with his long-time assistant editor Preston Rapp, shared his insights with over 100 participants from India and South East Asia. Primarily editors were part of the session along with assistant editors, post-production supervisors, writers, showrunners and/or directors.

The conversation focused on best practices in editing for complex episodic storytelling, how it differs from editing feature films, editing for different genres and the latest editing technologies. Even with the number of original content flooding the ecosystem, the country has limited experience in editing for series which requires a different approach from a creative, logistical, and management perspective. Hence, skills in editing for series will become increasingly relevant as India produces content at scale.

“We’re seeing a flourishing of stories from India across multiple genres and for every mood and member of the family. As more episodic series are made in India, there is a desire for best practices in long format storytelling. We were thrilled to see the response to the session led by an editor as prolific and experienced as Stuart Bass. We are grateful to the Indian creative community who, despite this difficult time, joined us and made this an incredibly insightful session that ranged from in-depth creative discussions to the technical aspects of editing for series,” Netflix post-production director Vijay Venkataramanan said who also moderated the session.

The streaming service has significantly upped its investment in Indian stories and storytellers. Netflix has announced over 50 productions in India. Its recent releases include Guilty, She, Jamtara- Sabka Number Aayega, Yeh Ballet has gained enough word of mouth. Even Chris Hemsworth-starrer Extraction was released on Netflix with dubs in Hindi, Tamil and Telugu indicating its ambition to engage viewers across the country.

“We've seen a big growth in viewing in India, and have had great success on our local originals there as well. Most recently was She and Guilty and a few others that have really been driving a lot of engagement in local content on our India service, and they also are big fans of our global original content like Lacasa de Papel was a huge hit in India for us, as well as most of our other originals that we have out of the US. So we're growing the business of licensed original international domestic across the board content and content taste,” Netflix chief content officer Ted Sarandos said in an earnings call after q1.

May 2, 2020
Disney+Hotstar’s ‘Hundred’: Flawed in parts, but worth a watch

MUMBAI: The title of the series is 'Hundred. You really don’t know what to expect from it with its poster showing a lady cop, a cheaply gaudily dressed woman and a young man in the centre, looking like a small-town dude.

But as you dive into the Disney+Hotstar special, you get to know it is about two women and their individual journeys, their battles in their lives to be considered, to be dealt with as real people.

One is a cop, Saumya Shukla (played very effectively by Lara Dutta), and the other is a young government census employee Netra Patil (enacted immaculately by Sairat star Rinky Rajguru). Both are stuck and stalled in their respective lives. The former by her male chauvinist commissioner boss Anshuman (Parmeet Sethi) and her ACP husband Pravin (played by Sudhanshu Pandey), both of whom, believe the place of a wife is in the home producing babies and make no bones about expressing their feelings. The latter, by a visit to the doctor, comes to know that she has tumours in the brain which have spread and she has only 100 days to live.

Netra lives in a chawl and has a down-on-his-luck, lazy father, an ungrateful grandfather and a brother who are dependent on her as their provider. And she has a male friend (her boyfriend), another loser, who is constantly dreaming up some lame-duck-quick-buck scheme. But yet she is bubbly and buoyant prior to finding out about her ailment; she dreams of traveling to Switzerland and is movie-mad, imagines her dream lover to be Shah Rukh Khan as he is in romantic films.

And on that note, the two rather naïve women, Saumya and Netra, bump into each other accidentally. Then begins their journey where both work as foils to each other. Saumya is career-focused and determined to be in the thick of the action, solving crime cases, rather than being sent on school assignments. She convinces Netra to live up the remaining days of her life; trying to fulfil all her dreams. As part of this living it up, the latter hits the bottle as though she was made for it.

The show brings out very strongly the chauvinism that possibly runs in the police force (how many Kiran Bedi has India created). The politicking that goes on in the police old-boys club, amongst those who we look up to as protectors. They have a single-minded focus: how to pull Saumya down as she successfully solves case after case, despite their opposition. Though she is given harmless assignments like managing security for visiting corrupt foreign dignitaries or attending functions where women cops are felicitated, her boss views her as police eye candy. In her mind’s eye she is that super cop, who is sharp, can solve crimes, is well connected with her network of informers – basically she is a good cop who is not getting her due.

Running over eight episodes, Hundred keeps you engaged as it is pacey – and it gets even pacier in the last four-five episodes – though the script and characters have flaws.

For instance: Saumya is bold enough to hold a press conference to announce how she cracked a case to the consternation of her boss, but has not guts to complain against his misogynist tendencies. Also, the writers seem to skim over some parts. For instance, in one scene Netra is shown to have been cut open by organ thieves; is rescued by Saumya, and is back on her feet in what appears like no time. Surgery takes time to recover from, does it not? What’s going on? And when she is flouting orders, she has hordes of personnel ready to serve her at her every beck and command; I don't know if it would be possible in the real world. There are several other clichés: while Saumya is shown to be this super cop, almost everyone else in the police force – even senior policemen – is relative bumbling fools. Then there are some useless scenes which tend to drag the story: like when Maddy (played by Karan Wahi) – a struggling Haryanvi musician and Saumya’s adulterous love interest – wants to have a music video of his single shot, with the help of Netra who agrees to fund it only if she is in it. It does not take the story forward.

If you ignore this use of creative licence and some of the writing and directorial lapses, both Rinky and Lara have put up strong performances. Though the former could have brought in better histrionics to her drunken act, whenever she has a pint too many. Lara clearly shines in those scenes where she is on the move and brings emotional energy on the screen when she is standing up for herself.

Others who have meaty roles include Karan Wahi (as a Haryanvi struggling musicians and Saumya’s adulterous love interest), and Makarand Deshpande (as the older money launderer and the partner of Netra’s love interest Rajeev Siddhartha).

Would we advise you to watch. Yes.

Director: Ashutosh Shah, Taher Shabbir, Ruchi Narain,

Creator: Ashutosh Shah, Taher Shabbir, Ruchi Narain, Abhishek Dubey

Cast: Lara Dutta, Rinku Rajguru, Karan Wahi, Sudhanshu Pandey, Makrand Deshpande, Rajeev Siddharth, Parmeet Sethi

Producer: Ashutosh Shah, Taher Shabbir, Ruchi Narain, Neelesh Bhatnagar

May 2, 2020
HBO Max streaming service to be available on Google devices at launch

MUMBAI: WarnerMedia, a division of AT&T Inc., has announced that its anticipated streaming platform HBO Max will be available across Google platforms and devices and on Google Play when it launches on 27 May, 2020, adding seamless availability to US customers across Android phones and tablets, Android TV devices, and Chromebooks. HBO Max subscribers will also be able to stream their favourite shows and movies via Google Chromecast and Chromecast built-in devices. At launch, current HBO NOW subscribers on Google Play will be able to log in and access the HBO Max app at no additional charge. New HBO Max customers will be able to subscribe directly in the app.

“The availability of HBO Max across Android, Android TV, Chromebook and Google Chromecast devices and on Google Play adds to our growing list of distribution options that will be offered to customers at launch,” said Rich Warren, president of WarnerMedia Distribution. “We’re pleased to make HBO Max available to the significant base of customers who access content across Google’s platforms and devices.”

HBO Max is WarnerMedia’s direct-to-consumer offering debuting 27 May, 2020 with 10,000 hours of curated content and a programming slate that will offer something for everyone in the home. Anchored by the entire HBO service, the platform will also include an exciting slate of new original series, fan-favourite series and films from across WarnerMedia’s rich library and key third-party licensed programmes and movies.

The company recently announced its day one programming slate, which includes six all-new Max Originals – Love Life, On the Record, Legendary, Craftopia, Looney Toons Cartoons and The Not Too Late Show with Elmo – plus an extensive lineup of library and acquired programming including: Friends; The Big Bang Theory; Doctor Who; Rick and Morty; The Boondocks; The Bachelor; Sesame Street; The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air; CW shows such as Batwoman, Nancy Drew, and Katy Keene; the first season of DC’s Doom Patrol; The O.C.; Pretty Little Liars; the CNN catalogue of Anthony Bourdain: Parts Unknown; and much more. Soon after, the platform offering will continue to grow, adding the libraries of South Park, Gossip Girl, The West Wing, and more within the first year of launch In addition to series, specials, and docs, HBO Max will feature a rich library of more than 2,000 feature films within the first year, including such classics as Casablanca, The Wizard of Oz and The Lord of the Rings, every DC film from the last decade, and the revered films from Japan’s legendary Studio Ghibli animation house.

Android, Android TV, Chromebook, Google Chromecast and other marks are trademarks of Google LLC.

Follow Tellychakkar for the consumer facing news & entertainment

April 30, 2020
Tennis Channel launches OTT service

MUMBAI: Pay-TV platform Tennis Channel has launched a subscription-based streaming video service in Germany, Switzerland, and Austria, where tennis has mass followers.

The OTT service, launched on 28 April, offers on-demand and live content. It will be rolled in other markets later. The 24-hour OTT platform has been made available at www.tennischannel.com. It is also available in Android and iOs mobile devices, FireTV, tablets, and some smart TVs for a monthly fee of $2.70.

The OTT platform has been launched prior to the Tennis Point Exhibition Series, a four-day men’s tennis competition between 1 and 4 May. The matches will be shown live and on-demand on Tennis Channel International.

The series, the first live tennis event after the Covid2019 lockdown, will see 32 closed-doors matches in four days.

Apart from archived content, the bouquet of programming includes tennis Channel series, features, documentaries, highlights and select matches on-demand.

“We’re especially excited to launch this groundbreaking service in Germany, Austria and Switzerland, where tennis has a storied past, strong levels of participation and fan interest, and is positioned for growth,” said Andy Reif, SVP, international, Tennis Channel.

Follow Tellychakkar for the consumer facing news & entertainment

April 30, 2020
Shemaroo Entertainment launches Hindi GEC

MUMBAI: India's leading content powerhouse Shemaroo Entertainment is launching a new Hindi GEC: Shemaroo TV. A Free-to-Air channel, Shemaroo TV targets the Hindi-speaking markets with the tagline 'Badalte Aaj Ke Liye.'

Shemaroo TV aims to connect, interact, and reach out to families who are continuously looking to adapt to new changes. The channel will come up with a perfect mix of originals and iconic shows, which will be consumed for the first time by a broad set of free-to-air audiences. Launching on 1 May 2020, the channel will be available to audiences on all major DTH operators and cable networks.

In these trying times, when audiences have limited options to holistic family entertainment, Shemaroo TV aims to bridge the gap by offering comprehensive content of iconic shows such as ‘Devon Ke Dev…Mahadev’, ‘Dil Se Di Dua Saubhagyawati Bhava, ‘Great Indian Laughter Challenge’, and many more. By offering popular shows in the launch phase, Shemaroo TV will be a perfect destination for the audience looking for family entertainment with a contemporary feel.

Shemaroo TV aims to entertain both rural as well as urban audiences. Once the restrictions on shoots are lifted, the channel will have several original shows targeting both sets of viewers. Shemaroo TV will offer content on various genres such as comedy, drama, mythology, thriller, crime, and animated content that will resonate with audiences across all age groups.

Shemaroo Entertainment has been evolving with changing times and entertaining its audience through different avenues. The launch of Shemaroo TV will be one additional step to extend reach and relevance of the brand across the subcontinent. With a vast content library, Shemaroo Entertainment aims at entering the broadcast space and entertaining a large set of Hindi speaking audiences with its thoughtfully curated content. The media and entertainment conglomerate recently launched its Marathi movie channel – 'Shemaroo MarathiBana' that already entered the 100 GRP club in a short time.

Shemaroo Entertainment Limited CEO Hiren Gada said: "We, at Shemaroo Entertainment, are constantly evolving and upscaling with the changing times. The content of Shemaroo is spread across different verticals through which we maintain a healthy relationship with viewers and advertisers equally. While we manage large digital platforms, entering into the broadcasting space will help us with reach and enable us to build a stronger affinity with the audiences. With the launch of our flagship channel, Shemaroo TV, we are excited to strengthen our presence in the industry and deliver our promise of entertaining the Indian audiences."

Shemaroo Entertainment Limited broadcast business COO Sandeep Gupta said, "If we see the current TV space and particularly the Free To Air space, there is large consumption of content but with less variety of shows and genres. Shemaroo TV will be enhancing the entertainment needs of the Indian audiences by its vast offerings of iconic shows, along with original shows across various genres. We have worked extensively to understand the needs of our consumers and have sharpened our insights based on what will appeal to them. Shemaroo TV will have an extensive reach and we aim to become one of the most popular destinations in the Free To Air General entertainment space.”

The launch phase will see a marketing campaign by Shemaroo TV, which will focus on television and digital media. The channel also launched a brand campaign video that emphasizes the changing times and how families are aspiring and adapting to the new era, thus highlighting the tagline 'Badalte Aaj Ke Liye.'

Follow Tellychakkar for the consumer facing news & entertainment

April 29, 2020
Streamed movies eligible for Oscars

MUMBAI: Movies released through OTTs will be eligible for next year’s Oscars in the wake of the closing down of cinemas around the globe due to the Covid2019 pandemic.

A statement from The Academy’s Board of Governing said:

Until further notice, and for the 93rd Awards year only, films that had a previously planned theatrical release but are initially made available on a commercial streaming or VOD service may qualify in the Best Picture, general entry and specialty categories for the 93rd Academy Awards under these provisions:

The film must be made available on the secure Academy Screening Room member-only streaming site within 60 days of the film’s streaming or VoD release; the film must meet all other eligibility requirements.

On a date to be determined by the Academy, and when theatres reopen in accordance with federal, state and local specified guidelines and criteria, this rules exemption will no longer apply. All films released thereafter will be expected to comply with the standard Academy theatrical qualifying requirements.”

“The Academy firmly believes there is no greater way to experience the magic of movies than to see them in a theatre. Our commitment to that is unchanged and unwavering. Nonetheless, the historically tragic Covid-19 pandemic necessitates this temporary exception to our awards eligibility rules. The Academy supports our members and colleagues during this time of uncertainty. We recognise the importance of their work being seen and also celebrated, especially now, when audiences appreciate movies more than ever,” said Academy President David Rubin and CEO Dawn Hudson.

April 29, 2020
Google Cloud to elevate Synamedia’s OTT offerings

MUMBAI: Synamedia, the world’s largest independent video software provider, has partnered with Google Cloud to expand its video network portfolio with new over-the-top (OTT) “as a service” offerings. This partnership enables Synamedia to further address customer needs for high availability, increased scalability and maximized performance for OTT services while simultaneously reducing operational costs and complexity, particularly with live sports events.

To be successful in the new video landscape, service providers require similar viewing experiences between live broadcast and OTT streams at scale. One primary challenge for OTT services is latency, often airing delays up to a minute behind traditional broadcast TV, commonly referred to as the “goal effect.” With this partnership, both OTT streaming services and traditional broadcasters will benefit from Google Cloud’s best-in-class low latency network and Synamedia’s best-in-class low latency solution for live linear video delivery. Synamedia achieves this from content ingest to OTT device delivery in 5 to 7 seconds – equivalent to broadcast capabilities.

A recent report cites a 58 per cent year-over-year increase in streaming video consumption in 2019. As more viewers look to OTT services for video content, OTT service providers can reach enhanced video network stability and maximized channel uptime with Synamedia’s proven high availability deployment options on Google Cloud Platform (GCP).

“As the live TV landscape shifts toward OTT delivery, the industry needs technology that matches what viewers have become accustomed to with premium digital TV services,” said Julien Signes, Senior VP and general manager, video network, Synamedia. “Thanks to our partnership with Google Cloud, we are enabling the Infinite Entertainment viewers expect, without delay and with the highest quality.”

Synamedia will leverage Google Kubernetes Engine (GKE), an enterprise-grade platform for containerized applications, to enable customers to scale as they grow with an end-to-end automation pipeline that can ramp up media processing workflows in minutes and recover from disasters more quickly than ever before. This video network “as-a-service” offering unifies previously siloed workflows on one platform, making operations more seamless and deployment faster.

This partnership will also bring together artificial intelligence and machine learning innovation from both companies to enable customers to create powerful content and better media experiences. Intelligent pattern matching techniques allow deep content awareness in media workflows, providing premium experiences such as live sports with minimal bandwidth requirements.

“We’re excited to partner with Synamedia to help advance the future of streaming video and entertainment,” said Anil Jain, managing director, media & entertainment industry solutions at Google Cloud. “By delivering Synamedia’s portfolio of OTT solutions, running as a service on Google Cloud, we can deliver high-uptime, low-latency, and scalable video services to businesses around the world.”

Synamedia’s video network portfolio includes award-winning services and solutions that enable secure distribution, processing and delivery of media.

Follow Tellychakkar for the consumer facing news & entertainment

April 29, 2020
Rainshine Entertainment offers power-packed line-up of original shows

MUMBAI: Rainshine Entertainment, a leading entertainment company that creates, nurtures and develops content for global audiences, has conceptualized and produced some of the most inspiring, heart-warming, and thrilling content that has caught the imagination of Indians currently.

The slate includes Vir Das’ critically acclaimed, dark comedy, Hasmukh, streaming exclusively on Netflix. The show has had a dream run since its launch, picking up the No-1 spot on India Top 10 in just a day from its launch on the platform. Hasmukh, a Weirdass Comedy concept, has been Directed by Nikhil Gonsalves and co-created by Vir Das & Nikkhil Advani.

Joining this power list is the Spotify Original Podcast, Special Mission, Rainshine Entertainment’s heartfelt tribute to the Indian Armed Forces narrated by Gul Panag and created and story curated by Saishree Ashwin. Covering unheard stories around diverse topics like international rescue missions, stories of regimental legends, of love, of honor and even the animals that serve in the forces, the podcast features real-life stories of the Indian Armed Forces that go beyond valour, traversing the extraordinary, behind-the-scene lives of these heroes and their families. With two episodes already out, the show has been lauded for its depth, character, and ability to tug at the heartstrings of all those who listen in. The show has been produced by Rainshine Entertainment and ATS Studio.

Last but not least are three Audible Suno original podcasts – Masters of Business, where some of India’s most prominent corporate leaders and entrepreneurs like Harsh Mariwala, Ronnie Screwvala, Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw, Umang Bedi, Deep Kalra, among others, hold audio masterclasses. It has been produced by CM Studios and co-created by Russell Pinto, Upasna Mann and Nudrat Khan. Agla Station Investigation, a light-hearted, humorous account of the Indian Petty Crimes Branch (IPCB), an obscure branch within the police dedicated to solving only the silliest of crimes, and Swami Hasyadev Maharaj, the story of a fictional self-styled Godman who believes he was sent to earth to spread laughter, have both been created and produced by Weirdass Comedy.

Rainshine Entertainment chairman-CEO Neeraj Bhargava says: “We are amidst an extraordinary situation that calls for the utmost levels of patience and strength. During these trying times, art, in its diverse forms, is known to be a welcome distraction and comforter for so many people across the world. With everybody at home, content consumption as a whole has increased manifold because all of us are turning to stories to feel better.”

“At Rainshine Entertainment, we are ensuring that we continue to offer high quality, engaging content, across formats and genres. Through these releases, we’ve curated compelling narratives which are resonating with our audiences and we are delighted with the feedback. There’s something for everyone and I hope these stories will help our audiences get through this long phase of social isolation,” Neeraj Bhargava says.

The owned and partner studios of Rainshine Entertainment are behind the creation, conceptualization, and production of these shows.

SHOW DETAILS

Hasmukh:

Created by and starring Vir Das, Hasmukh is a dark comedy that follows the journey of a timid, young man from Saharanpur who sets out to be the greatest comedian in the world. However, while he is a great writer, he lacks comic timing. Determined to do anything to achieve his dream, his untamed ambition sets him on a murky path when he realizes committing murder is the only way to keep his onstage mojo. The series can be viewed here.

Cast: Vir Das, Ranvir Shorey, Ravi Kishan, Manoj Pahwa, Raza Murad, Amrita Bagchi, Suhail Nayyar, and Inaamulhaq

Writers: Vir Das, Nikhil Gonsalves, Suparn Verma, Amogh Ranadive and Neeraj Pandey

Director: Nikhil Gonsalves

Produced by: Emmay Entertainment and Applause Entertainment

Concept by: Weirdass Comedy (A Rainshine Entertainment partner company)

Special Mission:

Produced by Rainshine Entertainment and ATS Studio, the Spotify Original Podcast, Special Mission, is a heart-warming podcast series on the Indian Armed Forces. It is a collection of twelve real-life stories that go beyond the bravery and courage these soldiers are known for. Each tale speaks of love, of legends, of adventure, and of extraordinary lives that are unimaginable. But, more than anything else, these are human stories of emotions that touch lives in many ways. Covering a diverse range of topics like international rescue missions, stories of regimental legends, music and even the animals that serve in the forces, the series is currently streaming exclusively on Spotify. The first two episodes, ‘Two Men and a Boat’ and ‘Of Love and Longing’ can be accessed here.

Narrator: Gul Panag

Show creator and story curation: Saishree Ashwin

Music: Madhav Ayachit

Writer: Vishal Dayama

Co-Producers: Gaurav Vaz & Ikroop Chamba

Produced by: Rainshine Entertainment & ATS Studio ( A Rainshine Entertainment partner company)

Masters of Business:

Produced by CM Studios, one of the content production arms of Rainshine Entertainment, Masters of Business is a 21 episode series on Audible Suno that provides a free masterclass with India's most successful entrepreneurs and corporate leaders. Amidst the current scenario sweeping the world, Masters of Business serves as a high-profile online classroom with insightful and engaging lessons from industry greats like Harsh Mariwala, Ronnie Screwvala, Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw, Umang Bedi, Deep Kalra, among others. Whether it’s learning how to create a business plan, launching your own company, expanding your team, or scaling your profit and growth, each episode is carefully curated with valuable lessons to help develop and strengthen business acumen. All the episodes are out on Audible Suno and can be accessed from here.

Created by: Russell Pinto, Upasna Mann and Nudrat Khan

Produced by: CM Studios (A Rainshine Entertainment owned studio)

Agla Station Investigation:

Agla Station Investigation is a light-hearted, humorous account of the Indian Petty Crimes Branch (IPCB), an obscure branch within the Mumbai police dedicated to solving only the silliest of crimes. Produced by Vir Das’ Weirdass Comedy, the foremost comedy content studio and consultancy in India, the series follows the unusual characters as they solve crime after crime. Whether it's a case of mysteriously beheaded Barbies or even a bodybuilding champ's missing protein shake, no job is too small for them and no theory too wild. All episodes are streaming on Audible Suno.

Cast: Ratnakar Nadkarni, Mansi Singh, Ajay Shanker & Kavita Pais

Director: Kavi Shastri & Amogh Ranadive

Writer: Anisha Raisurana, Neil Balthazar & Weirdass Comedy

Produced by: Weirdass Comedy (A Rainshine Entertainment partner company)

Swami Hasyadev Maharaj:

Swami Hasyadev Maharaj, also from the Weirdass Comedy stable, is a 15-part satire fiction series featuring Suresh Menon. It tells the story of a godman who claims to be the inventor of every popular joke we now take for granted, from 'Haathi-Cheeti' to 'Door Se Dekha Toh..'. With the help of his 3 lifelong disciples, he travels across the world to bring a smile on people’s faces. While some say he's a fraud, others revere him and his gospel of jokes (known as Hasyaveds). The show can be accessed on Audible Suno.

Cast: Suresh Menon, Avantika Shetty, Omkar Kulkarni, Devender Chauhan

Director: Keith Gomes

Writer: Sriraam Padmanabhan, Navin Noronha, Rajnish Kumar & Weirdass Comedy

Produced by: Weirdass Comedy (A Rainshine Entertainment partner company)

April 28, 2020

ZEUX Innovation partners with Discovery India to deliver country’s first aggregated real-life entertainment app

MUMBAI: ZEUX Innovation, outcome-driven UX design firm, has partnered with Discovery India to design the Discovery+ app. The app was launched on 18 March 2020 and continues to garner rave reviews across major app stores for its content and user experience.

Discovery India business head Issac John said: “As a product, our team was very conscious of solving barriers for user adoption in a cluttered OTT market like India. The various researches and design workshops that ZEUX led for us, placed user motivations at the heart for solving these barriers. The iterative work, completed over several months, has paid rich dividends for us as expressed by the umpteen user reviews that have highlighted the rich yet simple to navigate UI & UX of Discovery Plus”.

ZEUX designed the Discovery+ app with an end objective to deliver a best-in-class and differentiated OTT experience.

The ZEUX Edge: 5 key UX design pillars for Discovery+

One-stop-shop	As a first step, ZEUX conducted foundational research with target users across India to ascertain Discovery’s app consolidated strategy. Other insights gathered regarding content preferences, subscription models, pricing, etc. also helped establish a clear app strategy and laid down a solid foundation for the design effort.
Discoverability	ZEUX completely re-imagined the content categorisation approach for Discovery+ and created several innovative content buckets and micro-genres (such as: time of day, emotion, content length, life stage, brag value, etc.). This not only ensured that the overall information architecture of the app matches the target users’ mental models but also enhanced content findability.
Stickiness	The unique ”Shorts” feature was an innovation crafted specifically to enhance engagement for the new-age generation. Never seen before on any OTT platform, Shorts brought snackable non-fiction content & infinite scrolling to offer a unique engagement strategy for Discovery+
Shareability	ZEUX built a hyper-simple sharing experience by seamlessly integrating user’s most preferred sharing channel (WhatsApp) into the app interface. This innovation has proven to be a key factor in enhancing content share-ability resulting in higher organic user acquisitions for Discovery+
Intelligence	Circular content toggles at the top of key pages were created by ZEUX to ensure that the home & landing pages for core content categories showcase Discovery’s vast content breadth and depth. Click-data from the toggles also fortified the app’s intelligence gathering mechanism and fuelled its content personalisation & recommendation engines.

Saurabh Gupta, co-founder, ZEUX Innovation, said: “We are proud to be the UX design partner for Discovery+. We leveraged the science of human performance & persuasion design to craft an OTT experience that is a perfect balance between delivering specific business outcomes, addressing diverse user needs and effectively managing technology considerations”.

Adding to the perspective, Hemal Gathani, co-founder, ZEUX Innovation, said: “Client support was the key factor in transforming our thoughts into reality. The fact that the Discovery team supported our thought process and empowered us to think laterally, led to a seamless delivery from our end”.

Follow Tellychakkar for the consumer facing news & entertainment

April 28, 2020

ZEE5 and Cosmos-Maya sign multi-project deal

MUMBAI: Leading India and Singapore-based animation studio Cosmos-Maya and India’s entertainment super-app ZEE5 have entered into a far-reaching multi-project partnership which will see 250+ episodes of Cosmos-Maya’s content air on the OTT App’s new offering ZEE5 Kids.

The deal will see the exclusive digital premiere of three of Cosmos-Maya’s properties: Guddu (Season 2), Bapu, and Gadget Guru Ganesha. This new agreement brings a total of 500+ episodes of Cosmos-Maya’s content broadcasting on ZEE5 platforms following a previous agreement for 250+ episodes for three other Cosmos-Maya’s series: ViR: The Robot Boy, Eena Meena Deeka and Chacha Bhatija, which have been airing on ZEE5 as part of its library.

With around 11.4 million Daily Active Users as of Dec 2019, the Zee Enterprises’ owned ZEE5 is India’s Entertainment super-app. With ZEE5 Kids, they aim to provide a bespoke amalgamation of entertainment and education content for kids in a safe and secure environment. ZEE5 Kids will also educate parents on the content slate, features, and safety precautions through blogs, stories, challenges, and tutorials.

ZEE5 India programming head Aparna Acharekar said: “Responsible and entertaining homegrown content for kids is the need of the hour and ZEE5 Kids is launching to meet that. It is great working with a partner like Cosmos-Maya, which has captured the imagination of children and has been successful through the years in bringing kids’ content to the masses. With our new offering, we want kids and parents at large to have #NonStopBACHFUN anytime, anywhere.”

Cosmos-Maya CEO Anish Mehta added: “We are delighted to be working with ZEE5. They have been successful in reaching all parts of the country in a very short span of time, and this deal means six of our shows overall will be made available to ZEE5’s viewers in an array of regional languages. All of these are in line with ZEE5’s vision of democratization of content and our USP of ‘Novelty with Relatability’, and we are glad that this move will provide engaging entertainment to children nationwide during this challenging time.”

Guddu chronicles the exploits of the circus lion Guddu, a spin-off character from the Motu Patlu franchise. Bapu is a first of its kind IP inspired by the teachings of Mahatma Gandhi. Gadget Guru Ganesha is a slice of life buddy comedy set on a quintessential Indian family and beautifully encapsulates the nuances of Indian culture in an entertaining format.

Cosmos-Maya is Asia’s leading kids’ animation studio with 18 series on air globally and a 60% market share of the Indian kids’ content market including two of the country’s most popular children’s shows Motu Patlu and Selfie with Bajrangi.

Follow Tellychakkar for the consumer facing news & entertainment

April 28, 2020