ITV

Category: Over The Top Services

  • Love yourself more with these Likee features

    Love yourself more with these Likee features

    MUMBAI: Thanks to social media and other online platforms, we are surrounded by a humongous amount of video content. As video creators, users are becoming more conscious of their efforts and special effects to make themselves or their videos memorable and sharable. Here, the pioneering global short-video creating platform Likee comes as a boon for video creators with a plethora of unbelievable effects on tap. Likee was launched in 2017 by Singapore-based BIGO Technology Pte Ltd, and today it has become the world’s second most downloaded app. Indians seem to have a special bond with this short video platform due to various reasons, including its availability in more than 15 Indian languages, quirky campaigns and app challenges, and more. Also, the app is widely accepted for multiple fantastic special effects, some of which are:

    Make-up + Microsurgery: Yes, even we got our eyebrows raised, learning the name of this feature. But, it does what it says! You will be blown away with the meticulous changes it does to your face, of course virtually. This function can read your facial features and provide you with the options to put on make-up or hair colour according to the mood of the video you wish to shoot. It supports 8 modifiable make-up items including lipstick, eyeshadow, contact lenses and more. When making a video with this function, no one can really guess if the user’s make up is real or not. So, go ahead and embrace new looks frequently to surprise your audience with this Likee feature!

    Photo Video: Do you wish to go beyond making entertaining videos and provide an experience to your audience? Likee can help you do that too with Photo Video function. This feature enables you to combine your photo with the perfect music, lyrics and special effects related to the emotion you wish to convey. It also allows you to include text – greetings or quote that goes best with the photo video mood. It has a diverse ‘emotion’ template options from sad, romantic to happy, retro, and more. Using this feature will allow you to connect deeply with your audience who would wish to remain under your spell forever!

    FaceMagic: What does it take to become a part of any iconic movie scene? A photo! Yes, that’s true if you are a Likee creator. FaceMagic function is one remarkable feature which an app could offer to the world. Using this feature, you can morph your face with the face of the actor in the given video and voila! You are now part of your favourite movie scene. You can replace Madhuri Dixit in her dance performance in Devdas or Lucy Liu in Kill Bill. It allows users to experience a dynamic, real-time and quick face-swapping.

    Superme: If you are a Likee creator, chances are you are already in love with the diverse features Superme offers to video creators. As the name suggests, it makes you feel blessed with some “super” capability. Body editing under Superme allows you to look larger than life or small as Tinker Bell. Besides, it has an incredible collection of photo backgrounds such as space, a surreal world, and more themes. You may run out of phone battery while browsing the options but never with the background options of Supermen. Other functionalities such as Age Up, muglife, Face Cut, Morph and more provide users with unlimited fun-filled special effects for making fantastic videos in no-time.

  • Avant Garde Films serves Viacom18 Studio’s Tipping Point’s new logo

    Avant Garde Films serves Viacom18 Studio’s Tipping Point’s new logo

    MUMBAI: Viacom 18 Studios' has over the past 10 days been making waves thanks to its digital production outfit Tipping Point. Its logo and opening montage have been catching everyone's eyes. For those not in the know, it is creative hotshop Mumbai-based Avant Garde Films which is behind the snazzy packaging.  A release issued by Avant Garde says thart the logo is unique, rustic yet vibrant. And it not only breaks the stereotype but also keeps the Indian essence in place and depicts the outfit as a platform that creates bold, engaging and path breaking content for online audiences.

    For the record, Tipping Point  offers a host of digital series, short films and non-traditional formats with unconventional narratives.

    Commenting on the thoughts behind the logo, Sohini Mitra, from Avant Garde Films said, “We adapted a more focussed approach as Tipping Point wanted to target the youth.’’

    "The creative process began with rigorous brain storming when we zeroed in on the concept of giving the logo a rustic look keeping the background vibrant. We have also retained the essence of Mumbai with subtle elements that will catch instant attention of the audience.” said Abhishek De From Avant Garde Films.

  • Disney+ arrives on Hotstar; what next for the rebranded service?

    Disney+ arrives on Hotstar; what next for the rebranded service?

    MUMBAI: Disney+ marks its much-awaited arrival in the crowded over-the-top (OTT) ecosystem. Wednesday morning onwards, a large part of Disney+ content catalogue has been made available on Hotstar which now comes under the umbrella of The Walt Disney Co post acquisition of 21st Century Fox. The black-yellow logo of Hotstar has also been  replaced by blue and white design for Disney+ Hotstar. 

    The entertainment giant has made its debut ahead of its scheduled time. Former CEO of Disney Bob Iger earlier said that they would be launching the service in India through Hotstar on 29 March at the beginning of the Indian Premier League. However, Hotstar did not make any statement on the early launch or give any clarity if its a test launch.

    Under the leadership of Iger, the giant media conglomerate has embarked on the streaming war in the OTT world dominated by the likes of Netflix and Amazon. Iger said that Disney+ would remain focused on providing quality content from its core franchises and brands, not just on the quantity of the library. As the service was also gearing up for international launch, Iger noted that they would leverage the success of Hotstar in India by bundling the two services.

    “Disney+ will be more positioned as a premium offering. It will open up a segment of the market that is not largely consuming international content at this point. It will position Hotstar with those consumers. It will improve Hotstar premium positioning,” Deloitte India partner Jehil Thakkar says. 

    “It will help Hotstar target a segment of the market that is actually paying for content. The 30-40 mn people in this country who are willing to play premium prices for an international as well as premium Indian content, It will help Hotstar position well with those consumers,” he adds. 

    Iger said post Q1 earnings that the new streaming service, Disney+ reached 28.6 million subscribers. After he stepped down from his position as CEO, it was reported that he would continue to spend much of his time focusing on the streaming service into the role of executive chairman. 

    “Disney has a big amount of content library and it is largely kids-focused. In India, there are not too many kids based OTT platforms. Kids' content is a big market. Putting Disney content on Hotstar, making the look crisp, it will have a good impact on the subscriber base,” Elara Capital VP – research analyst (Media) Karan Taurani said. 

    Taurani also added that as India is a very fragmented market, the entry of one more global giant who is serious to stay here will not impact the global giants except the smaller players. However, Thakkar is of a different opinion. According to him, Disney+ will first position itself as an international content provider. Hence, it will increase competition for international players primarily. 

    While Hotstar has already established its position in the advertising-based video-on-demand play surpassing 300 million active users, the Disney+ launch will definitely boost its newly launched subscription service also. The huge combined library of those two giants will challenge other deep-pocket international players who also see India as their next frontier of growth. However, the pricing which has not been revealed yet will also be a deciding factor of the new rebranded service’s fate. 

  • Who became #VMateAsliHolibaaz? Suspense ends as Bhuvan Bam-Ashish Chanchlani starrer film releases

    Who became #VMateAsliHolibaaz? Suspense ends as Bhuvan Bam-Ashish Chanchlani starrer film releases

    MUMBAI: The wait is finally over for the fans of Bhuvan Bam and Ashish Chanchlani, as the special Holi film starring India’s top YouTubers #VMateAsliHolibaaz has been released on trending short video platform VMate. In the run to the release, the first look and the trailer of the film had garnered massive response on various social media platforms. The prospect of watching the two YouTube sensations act together for the first time added to the excitement of the fans.

    Users can log on to VMate and add flavor to their Holi celebrations by watching the movie, which is a laugh riot. To watch the movie, users can log on to the VMate app or browse through http://s.vmate.com/qVvJbbMnEm.

    The film depicts the tryst of Bhuvan and Ashish in their bid to emerge as the ‘Asli Holibaaz’. The fun dose has been doubled with Ashish essaying a double. Bhuvan on his part has also brilliantly carried forward the hue and characteristic of his popular YouTube videos. The viewers must also watch out for Bhuvan playing some of his “popular YouTube friends” such as Sameer.

    In the film, while Ashish is annoyed by his father, Bhuvan is upset over not getting a perfect partner for #VMateAsliHolibaaz contest. Their encounter happens when both walk out of their homes in anger and bump into each other. What follows is a hilarious banter between the two. Some popular VMate creators have also been cast in the movie, who have acted alongside the YouTubers and succeeded in tickling your funny bones.

    VMate has also been simultaneously running a contest wherein fan of the performers can vote for who they consider the #VMateAsliHolibaaz. It witnessed a neck-and-neck competition between the two, but Bhuvan appeared to maintain a brisk lead over Ashish.

    When asked about the experience of working with Ashish, Bhuvan said, “We have had a great on as well as off-screen chemistry. Ashish is my closest friend in the YouTube community and hence working with him was a delight. We are positive about the response to the movie considering that we are performing together for the first time.”

    Ashish, while shared his excitement for the movie, said, “We both mutually agreed for the movie when VMate came to us. The main reason was that the script allowed us to remain in our own comfort and zone. I am sure the fans will receive our latest offering whole heartedly.”

    On the occasion of the movie release, VMate Associate Director Nisha Pokhriyal mentioned that there could not have been a better time than Holi to bring the two YouTubers together. “We were committed to offering something special to our users this Holi and thus evolved the idea of a movie with India’s best YouTubers. The making and production of the film has been a fun ride and we are sure the viewers would get the same pleasure when they watch it.”

    #VMateAsliHolibaaz the movie is a unique content offering by the trending short video platform. The movie follows the release of a special Holi song, featuring dancing sensation Sapna Chaudhary, which has already gone viral on VMate as well as other social media platforms. The whole package has been well received by the audience and provides a framework for many similar projects in the future.

  • #VMateAsliHolibaaz trailer out : Bhuvan Bam takes on Ashish Chanchlani this Holi

    #VMateAsliHolibaaz trailer out : Bhuvan Bam takes on Ashish Chanchlani this Holi

    Trending short video platform VMate has unveiled the trailer of #VMateAsliHolibaaz, the much-awaited short film starring India’s top YouTubers Bhuvan Bam and Ashish Chanchlani together for the first time. Last week, the first look of the film was widely shared on social media platforms and a photograph featuring the two YouTubers had also gone viral on the internet, triggering curiosity for the Holi film. And now, the fun-packed trailer just raises the inquisitiveness of the fans further as they wait with baited breath to see who clinched the title – Ashish or Bhuvan.

    Enthusiasm of fans soared ahead of the trailer release and they took to different social media platforms to express their excitement. While some fans equated the two YouTubers with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his American counterpart Donald Trump, a few mentioned that there could not be a better Holi gift in store. The first look of the film itself triggered a pool of memes on internet, where the creators drew funny parallels using popular Bollywood dialogues and movies such as Sholay.

    The trailer of #VMateAsliHolibaaz highlights the struggle of the two YouTubers in their tryst to become ‘asli Holibaaz’. Ashish Chanchlani is playing a double role in the movie – one of himself and the other of an annoying father. In the trailer, the senior Ashish is seen continuously pestering his son to create a video for #VMateAsliHolibaaz. Annoyed by his father, Ashish junior walks out of his home, only to bump into Bhuvan Bam, who is in the search of a partner for his video. What follows is a hilarious exchange between the two.

    Speaking about their experience to work in the #VMateAsliHolibaaz film, both Ashish and Bhuvan had mentioned that they came together for the project as it allowed them to stay in their own ‘character and zone’. While Bhuvan said that he was “more than happy and excited” to work with Ashish, the latter had referred to the fellow YouTuber as “the best friend in the community”. “When VMate came to us, we both mutually agreed on one condition that we would be ourselves,” Ashish had further said.

    VMate’s Associate Director Nisha Pokhriyal also expressed excitement over the trailer release, saying, “Going by the trailer, one can just imagine what the film will be. Bhuvan Bam and Ashish Chanchlani are set to take the viewers on a fun ride like never before. With both the YouTubers coming together on VMate, the dose of laughter is also set to double this Holi. The wait for our viewers will be over soon.”

    Fans can watch the full trailer on VMate. The #VMateAsliHolibaaz film is slated to be released on the trending short video platform on March 8, 2020.

  • Bhuvan Bam or Ashish Chanchlani? Fans can vote to decide Kaun Hai #VMateAsliHolibaaz

    Bhuvan Bam or Ashish Chanchlani? Fans can vote to decide Kaun Hai #VMateAsliHolibaaz

    MUMBAI: The race to the top has already begun with the commencement of voting for #VMateAsliHolibaaz. The contenders in the race are India’s top YouTube stars Bhuvan Bam and Ashish Chanchlani. As part of the contest organised by trending short video platform VMate, fans of both the brilliant performers are invited to vote and ensure that their favourite comedian walks away with the throne.

    Soon after the voting began, it garnered an overwhelming response, with fans of the two YouTubers converging to the platform in large numbers. By participating in the contest and voting for their favourite performer, the users can also win exciting prizes like car, mobile phones and cash. To cast their votes, users can log on to the VMate app or browse through http://s.vmate.com/qVvJbbMnEm and select who the ‘asli holibaaz’ is according to them.

    The voting, which is still in its initial phase, suggests a neck-and-neck contest between Bhuvan and Ashish. However, Bhuvan seems to have tapped the initial trends better, with a slight edge over Ashish. The need of the hour is that the fans leave no stone unturned in ensuring that their pick surges ahead in the race. Every vote matters here and can make a remarkable difference till the final result is declared.

    Referring to the contest, VMate Associate Director Nisha Pokhriyal said, “The initial response to the voting represents the high excitement level of fans. We are confident that the fans of both Bhuvan and Ashish will ensure an edge-of-the-seat battle as the contest reaches its definitive stage. Going by the response till now, we have no qualms is saying that the special Holi movie starring the two YouTubers will also receive a warm welcome from the fans.”

    As part of the #VMateAsliHolibaaz contest, the special Holi film featuring the two YouTube sensations will be released on VMate on March 8, 2020. The film would take the viewers through a hilarious take on the efforts Bhuvan and Ashish made in their bid to be crowned the ‘asli Holibaaz’. It is for the first time that these A-list YouTubers would jointly create content for any platform. The movie can be watched exclusively on VMate app.

  • Decoding Viacom18’s SVOD blueprint for Voot Select

    Decoding Viacom18’s SVOD blueprint for Voot Select

    MUMBAI: Unlike other international markets, the Indian streaming revolution was started by major broadcasters and Viacom18’s Voot has been at the forefront of the OTT boom in the country. While it has already built up a robust 100 million monthly active user base, the platform now starts its journey into the subscription game. Voot Select enters the market at a time when SVOD has already started its uptick. As the platform aims to strike a balance between quality and quantity, it looks at a window of three-four years to turn the business profitable.

    Viacom18 Digital Ventures COO Gourav Rakshit says that this next decade is going to be about subscription and depth of content consumption while the previous decade was about online video and most of it free. He adds that consumers that are now habituated to online video consumption are going to start to become more and more comfortable with online payments providing impetus to the category.

    "We are very clear that we are not playing for quantity. We as a whole network are very clear that we will focus on great stories. And we have been great storytellers, by virtue of everything that you have seen of us over the last 12 to 15 years and creating content at any scale, in any language is second nature to us. That is exactly why we're so proud of the originals that we have. Each original is gripping, keeps you hooked right to the last episode, and you will not want to move till it's over- that is the strength of a story. The primary focus is the script, then everything else,” Voot Select and Viacom18 youth, music and English entertainment head Ferzad Palia comments on content strategy.

    “The nature and width of offering that we have is unlike anyone else. Now it comes down to the quality of stories and we are confident of our stories being great stories,” he adds.

    “We will do telco and other partnerships with all of the people that either have reached to the consumer, or in billing relationships with the consumer. Both such models makes sense to us and will help us in delivering valuable content to the frontline. Hence, anybody who has a billing pipe to a consumer is valuable to us. These are the partners that we would find a natural fit with and seek to engage,” Rakshit comments on the distribution.

    The first step of the campaign will be to target existing AVOD subscribers. "We do have the significant advantage of scale of some of our other businesses, which will allow us to communicate our message and make our offering to them first,” Palia comments.

    Voot Select has 30 originals planned in the coming financial year. The currently planned library of these 30 originals will consist of long-format content but the platform is evaluating some interesting digital movies too. The premium service has been priced at Rs 99 per month or at Rs 999 per year with an exclusive offer price of Rs 499 per year.

    “The AVOD gives us wings to be able to run this SVOD business. Hence, we will continue to invest in the business and what we are really good at is doubling down on interactivity, moving the 300 million number to a billion and creating an AVOD world as a place where fandom can exist. The SVoD business is going to be all about storytelling. Select is made for stories, and so the best stories in the world are going to be curated for you. And that is kind of how I see the distinct role played by these two businesses,” Rakshit adds on the overall approach going forward. 

  • Viacom18 expands SVoD service with Voot Select

    Viacom18 expands SVoD service with Voot Select

    MUMBAI: Viacom18 today announced the expansion of its digital portfolio by launching Voot Select – the company’s newest foray into the subscription VoD services. Now available across platforms, Voot Select will house some of the most edgy and disruptive stories crafted by new age and imaginative storytellers. In a first in the Indian industry, Voot Select will bring the best of content from Viacom18’s extensive portfolio of channels on the digital platform 24 hours before the episodes debut on TV.

    To bring alive its vision for how digital India views content, Voot Select will house 30+ path-breaking Originals, global content through partnerships with some of the biggest International studios, 1500+ cult blockbuster movies and stream over 35+ live TV channels. To experience Voot Select, download the Voot app.  One can select this new premium service on VOOT, available for Android, iOS and web users for Rs per month or Rs 999 for an annual subscription. A limited period introductory offer of Rs 499 for the annual subscription, was also announced. 

    Viacom18  Group CEO & MD Sudhanshu Vats said, “In a short span, VOOT has already emerged as one of India’s largest OTT platforms with 100 milliom MAUs and 100 billion watch minutes. It is India’s most engaged platform with an average TSV of 50 mins. With projections of aggressive growth in Fibre to Home, Viacom18 is ready to go Digital First. VOOT Select is our premium SVoD offering developed to cater to this growing connected TV audience.” He further added, “We’ve put together a very compelling proposition and even pushed the envelope with publishing content 24 hours before TV, clutter-breaking originals and international content. The launch of VOOT Select marks a key milestone in our journey to become a future-ready, pipe-agnostic storyteller.”

    Voot Select will house exclusive global content from some of the world’s biggest studios, through partnerships with CBS, CBS All Access, Showtime, Fremantle, Endemol Shine, Chelsea TV, Arsenal TV, Real Madrid TV, BBC and Sony Pictures, among others.

    Viacom18 Digital Ventures COO Gourav Rakshit said, “Voot is the outcome of Viacom18’s vison to create a future ready digital business catering to the evolving digital entertainment needs of every Indian. It is with this focus and a content first approach that we have built Voot Select as a premium platform providing an enhanced viewing experience for our users. Voot Select is “made for stories” that are differentiated and compelling and with them we are determined to be the most sought-after content destination for every Indian.”

    In addition to Voot Select Originals and Viacom18 network’s leading shows 24 hours before TV, Voot Select subscribers will also have access to a vast selection of international content including some of the biggest shows from all over the world, global premieres, LIVE events, exclusive daily talk shows, fashion, sports and lifestyle shows and 1500+ Bollywood & Regional language movies. 

    Speaking about the unique proposition of Voot Select,  Viacom18 Voot Select, youth, music and English entertainment head Ferzad Palia said, “Voot Select has been carefully crafted and designed for today’s ‘on-demand’ generation. We’re proud to give to India a destination that has the country’s largest showcase of stories ranging from Hindi & regional Originals, LIVE television channels from across the world, the widest variety of top-drawer international content to ‘24 hour-before-TV’ premieres of our TV network content. Ad free, multi-screen access and a solid recommendation engine will further add to a great entertainment experience for our subscribers.” 

    Highlighting the massive content suite of Voot Select:

    The best of network content 24 hours before TV

    Delivering on its digital first strategy, all the network fiction content on Voot Select will be aired 24 hours before airing on television. All the non-fiction content can be accessed on the platform, 15 – 30 minutes before its television airing.

    Voot Select Originals – Stories that must be shared

    Voot Select will captivate its audiences with a diverse array of 30+ Select Originals in multiple local languages. Compelling stories brought to life by some of the country’s best and most loved actors like Arshad Warsi, Rajeev Khandelwal, Barun Sobti, Ahana Kumra, Atul Kulkarni, Saqib Salem, Piyush Mishra, Shriya Pilgaonkar;  directors and storytellers like  Vikram Bhatt, Apoorva Lakhia, Oni Sen, amongst others,  will entertain, engage and capture the imagination of India. Some of the initial interesting VOOT Select Originals will include 

    Asur:  Asur is a unique crime thriller that pits 2 opposing worlds against each other. The less explored, intricate world of forensic science and the deep mysticism of Indian Mythology.  Asur will shine light on everyone’s dark side.

    Marzi: Two different stories, some blurred memories, altered culminations and contrasting perspectives of the same incident will take the viewers on a jarring ride of emotions in this intriguing drama Marzi. Would you believe the distressed woman on the quest to prove the truth or the victimized man? Who is lying in this game of lies?

    Raikar: In a country where our families are at the heart of our social fabric and the foundation of our lives, ‘The Raikar Case’ is an engaging new series, about family, love, deceit, and the secrets that wrench us apart. Because sometimes the most dangerous people come disguised as family!

    Illegal: Two high profile cases, a battery of high-power legal eagles & top law firm of the country. A first of its kind intense, racy legal drama that questions whether lawyers can resist the lure of greed, ambition and power; and fight to win defining judgements that hold the bar of justice high and restore faith in humanity.

    Crackdown: A high-octane action drama that keeps you at the edge of your seat with constant twists and turns leading to a larger threat to national security. What do you do when one among you is on the other side?

    Diverse Suite of International Content

    Voot Select to offer a wide array of global content experiences through  exclusive and marquee content partnerships with global content studios like CBS, CBS All Access, Showtime, Sony Pictures, Fremantle, BBC, Endemol Shine and more.

    Hard Hitting and critically acclaimed documentaries/docu series like Murder in the Bayou, 48 Hours, Crimes Of The Century, Whistleblower, Enemies: FBI vs The President; brand new exclusive global premieres like Why Women Kill, The Twilight Zone, Interrogation, BH 90210, Nancy Drew & critically acclaimed shows like Dexter, Californication, Elementary, Madam Secretary, Nurse Jackie will provide the regular dose of drama and entertainment.  VOOT select will also be the premier destination for reality with Masterchef USA, Master Chef Junior, Shark Tank, America’s Got Talent, X Factor, Project Runway, Fear Factor, My Kitchen Rules and more. Housing award winning series by Celebrity Chefs like Martha Stewart, Nigella Lawson and the late Anthony Bourdain, Voot Select will allow users access to some of the best gourmet content from all over the world. 

    In a coup of sorts, Voot Select will exclusively showcase almost all the biggest daily talk shows such as The Late Show with Stephen Colbert, The Daily Show With Trevor Noah, The Late Late Show with James Corden, Entertainment Tonight, Dr. Phil, Daily Mail TV, The Graham Norton Show and more.

    Through a partnership with major international channels such as Fashion One, Clubbing TV and Real Madrid TV, the platform will showcase 24 hour Live Streams with access to the biggest fashion events, music festivals and exclusive football content. Fans of Arsenal and Chelsea will also have dedicated, exclusive content through the week. Adding to the diversity the world’s largest 24/7 LGBTQ channel, Revry TV will make its debut in India on Voot Select. The gaming community will also have tons to look forward to, with tournaments from World Poker Tour now available on the service. 

  • SonyLIV to enter Originals race, get fresh look by next year

    SonyLIV to enter Originals race, get fresh look by next year

    MUMBAI: The over-the-top media game is just heating up and Sony Pictures Networks is all set to revamp its digital platform SonyLIV by next year. It will roll out a few new originals in another six-eight months in both Hindi and regional languages.

    SonyLIV is an ad-based video-on-demand platform in the OTT space and majorly runs the content that is being broadcasted on its network television channels across genres.

    SonyLIV’s head – original content Saugata Mukherjee, during an exclusive chat with indiantelevision.com, says: “By next year or so, there is a plan to re-launch SonyLIV. Our focus is to bring some of the real variety on the platform and to get to work with really interesting filmmakers and storytellers.”

    He adds: “We have on board some filmmakers and some of our originals are already in production. And hopefully, we shall have enough slate to talk about by the end of this year.”

    The OTT space has received an overwhelming response from the individual audience for the extraordinary and out-of-the-box content that is being produced and shown on the digital platforms. US-based Netflix and Amazon being leaders in the market, dominate the space.

    Mukherjee, highlighting the content strategy of the platform, says: “We are going to invest a lot on Hindi original content and step two would be to invest in Southern language content such as Tamil and Telugu. However, right now the focus is on the Hindi content and then the regional.”

    “Data gives us a lot of numbers and drives us towards the south,” says the SonyLIV head. “If there’s a big skew in the south, we need to cater to that. And thankfully, we have real-time data, which clearly points out that we have a great piece of an audience in the southern part of the country.”

    Out of four broadcaster-led OTT platforms, Zee Enterprises’ ZEE5 and Star India’s Hotstar have already entered the game of originals along with the content they broadcast on television. However, the other two – Network18’s Voot and Sony Pictures’ SonyLIV – are yet to embark on their original content journey.

    Voot, however, is all set to begin the journey in another a month’s time, as confirmed by the platform’s head Gourav Rakshit during an exclusive chat with indiantelevision.com. “We are set to launch at least four new originals in Hindi within the next 30-45 days,” he said. The platform earlier in January has turned itself to subscription video-on-demand from ad-based video-on-demand.

    According to Mukherjee, it’s been two years since the proliferation of OTT has happened and it’s just a start. He believes there’s enough space for everyone just like there’s space on television for Sony, Zee, and Star. They have their own set of audience and running a successful business for so many years now, he explains.

    “Unlike other OTT platforms, the good part of the broadcaster-led OTTs is that they are already sitting on a huge amount of content they have produced and realised the importance of IPs created by them,” he says.

    “The good thing about SonyLIV is that we have some marquee sports properties this year such as Tokyo Olympics, Euro Cup, and we plan to monetise them really well. Since we have a strong cohort and ardent subscribers here, we need to take care of them by making original content,” Mukherjee concludes.