ITV

Category: Over The Top Services

  • ZEE5 partners with India Alive Short Film Festival

    ZEE5 partners with India Alive Short Film Festival

    MUMBAI: ZEE5, India's fastest growing OTT platform, has partnered with India Alive Short Film Festival 2019 to offer a unique learning opportunity toless fortunate and marginalized children across India. We are proud to provide a platform to these young talented creative minds an internship to hone their skills with the industry best at ZEE5. Consumers can watch these short films exclusively on the ZEE5 app.

    In this first-of-its-kind initiative, ZEE5 and Filmbug have partnered tooffer a platform to children who have a very different view and experience of life, that they have brought alive through this heart-warming initiative. The 2019 edition of the Festival will present interesting films such as Apun Ka Cinema, Zindagi Se Jung, TumhaariAdhurSoch, SacchaSangarsh, Khushi, Nakusha (unwanted), Moklik (Freedom), Main Zinda Hun, Kyun, No Oxygen and Dark & Lovely that aim to open up discussions about issues that are usually hushed up or go unspoken.

    The evening saw presence of noted personalities such as Jackie Shroff, Smita Thackeray, Kabir Bedi, Satish Kaushik,Sudhir Mishra, Kunal Kohli, Ranvijay Singh, Shaan, Siddharth Anand, Sanjay Mishra, Ritesh Shah and Jayati Bhatia among others.

    Yogesh Manwani, Head – News & Stories, ZEE5 India, said, “We are thrilled to associate with India Alive Short Film Festival and showcase all films shown at the festival exclusively on ZEE5. It was a treat to watch all the short films and the hard work that was put in by these gifted children. We are proud to provide a platform to these young talented creative minds an internship to hone their skills with the industry best at ZEE5. As India’s fastest growing OTT platform, we will continue our endevaour to provide best of entertainment for our consumer anytime, anywhere.”

    NameetaPremkumar, Founder& Director, Film Bug, said, “It is very encouraging to see the film fraternity stepping forward to support and motivate the children and appreciate,it drives them to work better and we are happy to see phenomenal result.” Kapil Mattoo, Co-Founder& Director Film Bug, further added, “They need right guidance and avenue to move forward in this field,we are doing our bit and urge industry to join in and let’s give it back to the industry which has given us so much of love and respect.”

    With over 3500 films, 500+ TV shows, 4000+ music videos, 35+ theatre plays and 80+ LIVE TV Channels across 12 languages, ZEE5 truly presents a blend of unrivalled content offering for its viewers across the nation and worldwide. With ZEE5, the global content of Zindagi as a brand, which was widely appreciated across the country, has also been brought back for its loyal viewers.
     

  • The Q India launches on ZEE5

    The Q India launches on ZEE5

    MUMBAI: QYOU Media (TSXV:QYOU; OTCQB: QYOUF) announced it has launched its flagship network The Q India on ZEE5, India’s fastest growing OTT platform.  ZEE5 marks the sixth major platform launch for The Q India and the second distribution agreement in India’s fast-growing OTT marketplace.

    The Q India is among the fastest growing youth focused networks in Asia and its library includes over 5,000 hours of content featuring everything from eSports, fitness, cooking and comedy which will be made available to all the ZEE5 consumers globally. The Q India becomes the latest addition to the list of entertainment channels part of the LIVE TV segment on the ZEE5 platform.

    Aparna Acharekar, Programming Head, ZEE5 India commented, “ZEE5 is quickly becoming the most talked about OTT service in India and with our growing offering of live channels, originals and regional content across 12 languages unlocking the best of Indian entertainment.  The Q India, with its focus on the best digital content for Young India represents exactly the kind of content partnerships we are focused on bringing to our subscribers.  Content that is fresh, unique and speaks to a new and fast-growing audience of OTT consumers.”

    Curt Marvis, CEO and co-founder of QYOU Media and The Q India remarked, “In a short time, ZEE5 has established itself as a company to watch in the growing OTT marketplace.  Their unique approach to content that is relevant and authentic is right in line with our goal of developing a leading global content brand for Young India.  We are thrilled to be a new partner for their service and as we continue to develop our own offering of vernacular leading digital series we expect to experience great success with this new partnership.”

  • Globally Acclaimed Spy-Thriller Series ‘Killing Eve’ to launch on Hotstar Premium

    Globally Acclaimed Spy-Thriller Series ‘Killing Eve’ to launch on Hotstar Premium

    MUMBAI: With a chase that transverses borders, ‘Killing Eve’ is the story of two women – Eve and Villanelle – who are bound by a mutual obsession that is as fascinating as it is psychotic. The series follows the classic good-cop-chases-villain template but leaves behind the typecast of a spy-thriller by placing two strong women in primary roles. Featuring Sandra Oh and Jodie Cormer as the leads, other cast members include Fiona Shaw, David Haig, Kim Bodnia, Darren Boyd and Sean Delaney. Killing Eve has received worldwide acclaim and has won several accolades including the prestigious Golden Globe, BAFTA and Emmy Awards.

    Based on the novella series Codename Villanelle, Killing Eve is the story of Eve Polastri – an MI6 operative, tasked with capturing psychopathic assassin Villanelle; caught in a cat-and-mouse chase the two develop a mutual obsession with each other as the pursuit progresses.

  • Amazon Prime Video presents Amazon Original docu-series Free Meek produced by Jay Z along with other new, exciting titles

    Amazon Prime Video presents Amazon Original docu-series Free Meek produced by Jay Z along with other new, exciting titles

    MUMBAI: This week, Amazon Prime Video brings for its audience an all-new Amazon Original Free Meek. Produced by and starring Grammy winning artist Jay Z, Free Meek is a mini docuseries that chronicles the life of the Philadelphia based rap artist Meek Mill. The docu-series takes its viewers from the rise of his music to his incarceration and eventual release from prison.

    Prime Members can also stream the final season of the fantasy drama- adventure series, Preacher. As the story inches closer to the finale, God's endgame for the universe begins to click into place. The popular series is created by Sam Catlin, Evan Goldberg and Seth Rogens and stars Dominic Cooper, Joseph Gilgun and Ruth Negga.

    Amazon Prime Video brings its customers another fantasy series, The Rook Season 1 starring Emma Greenwell, Joely Richardson and Jon Fletcher. The series set in London, centers on a young woman pursued by shadowy paranormal adversaries while grappling with extraordinary abilities of her own.

    This week, Amazon Prime Video digitally premieres four new Indian language titles, shortly after their theatrical releases. Marathi comedy, Takatak is directed by Milind Arun Kavde and stars Prathamesh Parab, Ritika Shrotri and Abhijeet Amkar as the lead. Pathinettam Padi is a Malayalam action drama starring Mammootty Prithviraj Sukumaran and Arya. Agent Sai Srinivasa Athreya the Telugu action drama is directed by Swaroop RSJ and stars Suhas, Viswanath and Darbha Appaji Ambarisha. Raatchasi a Tamil film directed by SY Gowthamraj and the drama film stars Jyotika, Hareesh Peradi and Poornima Jayaram are set to stream exclusively on Amazon Prime Video.

  • HOOQ brings the intriguing Spy-thriller – ‘Killing Eve S1 and S2’ to enthral the Indian audience

    HOOQ brings the intriguing Spy-thriller – ‘Killing Eve S1 and S2’ to enthral the Indian audience

    MUMBAI: HOOQ– the largest Video-on-Demand service in Southeast Asia, brings Season 1 and 2 of the gripping spy thriller- ‘Killing Eve’ to India. The platform has bagged the exclusive rights for the series. It will see performances of some of Hollywood’s stalwarts such as Sandra Oh and Jodie Comer. Based on the novel Codename Villanelle, the show takes viewers on a thrilling journey. The series traces the life of Eve, played by Sandra Oh, a bored yet a smart MI5 security officer and Villanelle, played by Jodie Comer, a very talented killer. The chase becomes extremely fierce as Eve goes after Villanelle.

    With its unique storyline, Killing Eve has garnered a lot of accolades from across the globe. The show has managed to retain unbroken weekly growth ratings and has also recorded the largest year-to-year growth of any returning series, in the past three years. Apart from the global popularity, the show has also managed to win awards at multiple prestigious award functions. The strong storyline of Killing Eve is backed by a highly talented cast in Sandra Oh and Jodie Comer who have received numerous global accolades. Sandra Oh is the recipient of Golden Globe Award, Screen Actors Guild Award and has been nominated twice for the Primetime Emmy Awards. While Jodie Corner has won the BAFTA Award for Best Leading Actress. Sandra Oh has also starred in the famous American Drama series – Grey’s Anatomy and has made impactful appearances in notable Hollywood films.

    Talking about acquiring the thriller series, Zulfiqar Khan, Managing Director, India – HOOQ said, “HOOQ has always aimed to provide the best of global content to its audience. Over time we have built a robust library which boats movies and series across genres, giving ample entertainment options to all our viewers. With Killing Eve Season 1 and 2 added to our content portfolio, we look forward to providing a thrilling experience to our unsatiated audience base.”

    The series is based on the Codename Villanelle novellas by Luke Jennings and is executive produced by Sally Woodward Gentle, Lee Morris, Phoebe Waller-Bridge, Gina Mingacci and lead writer Emerald Fennell. Sandra Oh and Francesca Gardiner are co-executive producers. Elinor Day serves as series producer. Damon Thomas returns to direct and is also executive producer, with Lisa Brühlmann and Francesca Gregorini also directing. Killing Eve is produced by Sid Gentle Films Ltd. for BBC AMERICA and sold internationally by Endeavor Content.

    Killing Eve Season 1 and 2 will go live from August 9, 2019, exclusively on HOOQ. This attention-grabbing thriller is sure to get you HOOQ’ed.

  • ALTBalaji partners with AMAZON PAY

    ALTBalaji partners with AMAZON PAY

    MUMBAI: India’s leading homegrown OTT platform, ALTBalaji announces its association via Amazon Pay. Through this partnership, customers can now experience a one-click purchase using Amazon Pay and avail a flat 50% cashback up to Rs. 150/- on paying for their ALTBalaji subscription.

    With over 40 Originals in its content offering, ALTBalaji has built a legacy of creating iconic shows, like ‘Apharan,’ ‘Kehne Ko Humsafar Hain,’ ‘Home,’ ‘Gandii Baat’, ‘The Test Case’, ‘Bose: Dead or Alive’ among others, which have been lauded by audiences. ‘Broken but Beautiful’ strikes the right chords with audiences for its soul-stirring music and coming of age concept. Gandii Baat franchise has created quite a stir with its unabashed and sultry narratives of relationships and human tendencies; whereas on the other hand shows like TGIDF and Bose Dead/Alive has garnered rave reviews across demographics and age groups. Along with showcasing progressive and path-breaking content, the platform is also associated with a very wide talent pool of top-notch actors, writers and directors, who are expanding the boundaries of entertainment as we have known it so far.

    Amazon Pay is one of the most trusted and convenient payment experiences for customers, sellers and merchants across India. Using Amazon Pay, customers can safely go cashless and enjoy quick and easy checkouts, faster refunds coupled with a secure shopping experience. 

    “This partnership helps us cater to audiences who prefer the Amazon ecosystem and payment options which is considered as the most trusted gateways for digital audiences across the country. Through this partnership, ALTBalaji’s library of homegrown, original premium content will now be even more accessible to a wider and newer set of audiences. The association will further help us extend our reach, while allowing Amazon Pay to offer their customers the entire catalogue of ALTBalaji’s premium content at an extremely competitive price point,” ALTBalaji CEO and Balaji Telefilms Group COO Nachiket Pantvaidya said. 

    “Integration of Amazon Pay on ALT Balaji gives consumers a safe and seamless payment choice. I am certain that this partnership will enhance the overall consumer experience on the platform and will encourage more subscribers to enjoy a friction free checkout,” Amazon Pay India  Experience and Merchant Acceptance director Manesh Mahatme said.

    With no additional authentications required, customers get the benefit of ‘one-click’ payments with a faster and vastly smoother check out process. Additionally, through Amazon Pay, customers can receive refunds faster than refunds to their bank accounts or credit cards and also view the details of balance transactions using an online statement.

  • Facebook approaches broadcasters & streaming services for new TV chat device: Reports

    Facebook approaches broadcasters & streaming services for new TV chat device: Reports

    MUMBAI: Facebook has approached broadcasters and streaming services like Netflix, Disney, Hulu and HBO for a new TV chat device for making video calls from TVs. The platform is also planning to launch its own TV streaming service.

    According to a report in ‘The Information’, the Facebook TV chat device will use the same technology currently available in the company's video-calling 'Portal' devices. The platform is planning to launch an updated version of its video chat device 'Portal' later this year.

    Facebook's Augmented Reality (AR) and Virtual Reality (VR) vice president Andrew Bosworth has confirmed that the company has a lot more to unveil later this year related to Portal.

    The report also informed that the new device, code-named Catalina, will also come with a physical remote and a streaming video service similar to other television boxes like Apple TV.

    Portal was launched in November 2018. While the smaller device was priced at $199, the larger "Portal Plus" was made available for $349 with a 10-inch display and 15-inch display, respectively.

    The smart camera-enabled device is also powered by Amazon's voice assistant Alexa and comes with front cameras. Facebook Portal has a 10-inch display, while there is a 15-inch display on the Portal+. The devices offer hands-free voice control and allow users to start a video call simply by saying "Hey Portal". It uses Artificial Intelligence (AI) to recognise people in the frame and follow them as they move throughout a room.

  • Watch the digital premiere of Salman Khan starrer Bharat on Amazon Prime Video

    Watch the digital premiere of Salman Khan starrer Bharat on Amazon Prime Video

    MUMBAI: Amazon Prime Video announced the digital premiere of superstar Salman Khan-starrer Bharat. Starting August 3, Prime members across 200 countries and territories can catch the 2019 blockbuster period-drama after its theatrical release. Directed by Ali Abbas Zafar, the film stars viewer’s most favourite Salman Khan as the titular character, whose life runs parallel to India’s journey since its independence. Bharat features Katrina Kaif as the bold and beautiful Kumud Raina, a government officer and later, a news anchor. The film marks the return of Salman Khan and Katrina Kaif’s on-screen re-union, which was last seen in the 2017 blockbuster Tiger Zinda Hai (also available on Prime Video).

    Speaking about the digital premiere of Bharat, Salman Khan said, “Bharat is a special film that traces the story of India through the main character. The film is very close to my heart and I had a great time being a part of it. I am happy for the love the film has received through its theatrical release and look forward to all my fans across the globe reliving the experience on Amazon Prime Video.”

    Bharat has been inspired from a Korean film An Ode to My Father, a wartime drama where a man longs to see his father and sister, who have been separated from him at the time of the Korean War. Rewritten in the political context of India, Bharat, is a life saga of an eight-year-old boy named Bharat (Salman Khan), who makes a promise to his Father that he will keep his family together in all circumstances. The boy keeps this promise over the next 60 years of his life, despite each decade throwing a new set of challenges at him – some humorous, some thrilling, some romantic, and some life-threatening. His resilience, loyalty and a never dying spirit mirror the fundamental qualities of our nation Bharat. Directed by Ali Abbas Zafar the film also features a stellar star cast such as Disha Patani, Tabu, Jackie Shroff, Sunil Grover among others, making the movie a delightful watch.

    Amazon Prime Video has the largest selection of latest & exclusive movies and TV shows, stand-up comedy, biggest Indian and Hollywood films, US TV series, most popular Indian & international kids’ shows, and award-winning Amazon Originals, all available, ad-free, with a world class customer experience. The service includes titles available in Hindi, Marathi, Tamil, Telugu, Kannada, Malayalam, Punjabi, Gujarati and Bengali.

    To watch Bharat and newest releases in Hollywood & Bollywood, the latest US TV shows, kids’ favorite toons and Amazon Originals, please visit www.PrimeVideo.com or download the Amazon Prime Video app today and sign-up for a Prime membership only at ₹999 annually or ₹129 monthly.

  • 13 reasons why returns on Netflix with season 3

    13 reasons why returns on Netflix with season 3

    MUMBAI: Eight months after preventing Tyler from committing an unthinkable act at Spring Fling, Clay, Tony, Jessica, Alex, Justin, and Zach find ways to shoulder the burden of the cover-up together while helping Tyler move toward recovery. But when the aftermath of a tumultuous Homecoming game culminates in the disappearance of a football player, and Clay finds himself under police scrutiny, it’s up to a shrewd outsider to steer the group through an investigation that threatens to lay bare everyone’s deepest secrets. The stakes are raised in this riveting third season of 13 Reasons Why, as the consequences of even the most well-intended actions can alter a life forever.

    Season 3 Cast: Dylan Minnette as Clay Jensen, Brandon Flynn as Justin Foley, Justin Prentice as Bryce Walker, Alisha Boe as Jessica Davis, Christian Navarro as Tony Padilla, Miles Heizer as Alex Standall, Devin Druid as Tyler Down, Ross Butler as Zach Dempsey, Timothy Granaderos as Montgomery de la Cruz, Anne Winters as Chloe, Steven Weber as Principle Bowen, Brenda Strong as Mrs. Walker, Amy Hargreaves as Mrs. Jensen and introducing Grace Saif as Ani. 

  • Disney to take charge of Hulu’s scripted originals team

    Disney to take charge of Hulu’s scripted originals team

    MUMBAI: Following the Disney – 21st Century Fox merger, Walt Disney Television is taking charge of the streaming service Hulu’s scripted originals team. Hulu scripted originals senior vice president Craig Erwich will now report to Disney Television Studios and ABC Entertainment head Dana Walden.

    Erwich and his team will not relocate to Disney’s headquarters in Burbank but will remain based out of Hulu's Santa Monica headquarters. But the streamer's unscripted original programming, original film and licensed content teams will continue to report to Hulu CEO Randy Freer.

    "As Hulu drives toward its ambitious subscriber and engagement goals, it is important that we take full advantage of the creative resources and production capabilities of Disney Television Studios, which are among the best in the world," Freer said.

    "Hulu Originals have been widely recognised for their originality, boldness and high level of quality," Walden said. "They are a meaningful part of what has driven the platform’s impressive growth over the past few years. Craig and his team have done excellent work. I am excited to work with Randy in this next phase of Hulu. This new structure will enable Hulu to have access to many of the best creators in the world and programming from all of the content engines inside of Walt Disney Television," the executive added.

    Renowned Hulu originals such as The Handmaid’s Tale, The Act, Catch-22, Castle Rock, The Looming Tower and Pen15 have been launched under Erwich’s leadership who joined the organisation in 2014.