ITV

Category: Over The Top Services

  • Voot guns for 100mn MAU with barrage of Originals, branded content innovation

    Voot guns for 100mn MAU with barrage of Originals, branded content innovation

    MUMBAI: Viacom18’s digital video-on-demand streaming service VOOT is celebrating its third anniversary with 100+ billion minutes of watch time. With a commitment to offer quality and differentiated content in the digital ecosystem backed with technology and insights, VOOT now aims to reach 100 million monthly active users within the fiscal year. 

    As part of its future growth strategy, the platform also announced the further scaling of its current content library with a robust line-up of over 30+ VOOT Originals across genres and languages, to be launched this fiscal. Law and Honour, Naaz, Love All, The Raikar Case, Kaisi Yeh Yaariaan – Season 4, Marzi and Asura are few of the VOOT Originals that will be launched shortly. 

    “India will have an online consumer base of more than million by 2022. Of this, more than 3/4th will be consuming video content. While technological advancements allow us to personalise content consumption, growth for the category will come from our ability to segment our offerings to multiple consumer segments accelerated by the three A’s – accessibility, availability and affordability”, said Viacom18 group CEO and MD Sudhanshu Vats, before adding, “VOOT has crossed the 100 billion watch minutes’ mark in three years and we are now targeting 100 million monthly active users within this financial year. Additionally, we are segmenting the VOOT business into four uniquely focussed propositions – the existing AVOD model and the upcoming freemium offering, VOOT Kids and VOOT International.” 

    Institutionalising the branded content play, VOOT announced the launch of VOOT Studios – a business performance-oriented content tech solution for advertisers looking to connect with digital audiences with branded shows, sponsorships, interactive formats in addition to other bespoke solutions.

    Speaking about the branded content play for VOOT – , Head – AVOD Business Akash Banerji said, “Brands today realise regular ad spot while important is not sufficient to drive resonance with the consumer. Branded content solutioning is hence the way forward given that it allows for bespoke content curation and subtle communication embedded into the narrative of the show. VOOT Studios will allow brands to bring the world of story-telling, data and tech all together to deliver the brand message and the ROI effectively for the business.”

    With the proliferation of digital content and its increasing consumption across mediums, understanding consumer behaviour now plays a critical role. VOOT’s consumer insights product MAVARIC is built to help advertisers identify the right audience thus ensuring high impact via communication. MAVARIC helps advertisers with consumer insights as well as target their messaging beyond simple demographic profiles and instead focuses on enhanced insights around online behaviour, purchase behaviour, affinity and interest and more. 

    Insights clubbed with interactivity solutions will allow brands to provide immersive brand engagements. Reinforcing the importance of interactivity on OTT platforms, VOOT will strengthen its current offering with the addition of five new programmes in the next few months which will fuel further growth and attract users to the platform. 

    Now available on iOS, Android, Web, and Amazon Fire TV, and built on a robust technology backbone, VOOT further strengthens its technology and distribution system by announcing over 20+ new distribution partners across the travel, broadband and mobile ecosystem as well as with OEMs. The OTT platform has partnered with smart TV manufacturer like CloudWalker,  ShareIt , Act Fibrenet and travel network company OLA, amongst the others. 

    Currently driven by an advertising supported video-on-demand model, VOOT will continue to build scale by soon diversifying from one business model of AVOD to four – VOOT AVOD, VOOT Kids, VOOT International and VOOT Freemium.

  • Netflix starts testing Rs 65 mobile-only weekly plan for Indian users

    Netflix starts testing Rs 65 mobile-only weekly plan for Indian users

    MUMBAI: Taking note of mobile’s popularity for digital content consumption, streaming giant Netflix has started testing mobile-only subscription plans in India. According to media reports, the company has started testing a mobile-only weekly plan priced at Rs 65 in the country. However, it has also been confirmed by the OTT platform that it is only a test, not a price cut.

    Although users will get access to the entire catalogue of films and TV shows under this plan, it does not offer HD or Ultra HD content. The mobile-only plan will allow users to access the platform on mobile phone and tablet but only on one screen at a time.

    Last month, it was reported that Netflix is testing a mobile-only monthly plan priced at Rs 250 for users in India. According to reports, the plan will be rolled out to everyone in phases.

    "We are always looking for ways to make Netflix more enjoyable and accessible. We will be testing different options in select countries where members can, for example, watch Netflix on their mobile devices for a lower price and subscribe in shorter increments of time. Not everyone will see these options and we may never roll out these specific plans beyond the tests," the company also said.

    Netflix has significantly upped its game in India since last year. Along with launching hits like Sacred Games, it has also come up with original movies. But in India, it is competing with a number of homegrown players such as ZEE5, Voot, ALTBalaji along with its international rival Amazon Prime Video.

  • Get to know your roommates better; watch Pyar Ishq Rent on SonyLIV

    Get to know your roommates better; watch Pyar Ishq Rent on SonyLIV

    MUMBAI: Tanya, a young fashionista in Mumbai puts her room on rent for some extra money. From a snobbish NRI to a struggling photographer to a young techie to a new couple, this room eventually turns home to a host of unique individuals each trying to discover themselves in an unknown city. But does Tanya turn friends with her roommates? Or do problems begin here?

    SonyLIV in association with Junip Entertainment brings to you a refreshing story of twisted relationships in Pyar Ishq Rent starting 9th April.  Starring Simran Chaudhary, Paras Tomar and Anuj Sachdeva, Pyar Ishq Rent reflects on the relatable yet complicated equation of contrasting roommates who are forced to live under the same roof.

    Sharing your house with a weirdo is the worst nightmare ever and that’s what dawns upon Tanya everytime she meets her new guests. Just when she seems to settle to this chaos, Kyle enters as the new roommate and turns things around. As different as chalk and cheese, Kyle and Tanya start off on a rough patch and a series of crazy encounters follow through.

    If you have ever shared a home with someone or been with an annoying roommate. SonyLIV has got you covered with Pyar Ishq Rent.

    Catch this power-packed show starting 9th April exclusively on SonyLIV.

  • Shemaroo to launch new celebrity chat show

    Shemaroo to launch new celebrity chat show

    MUMBAI: Shemaroo Entertainment has launched a brand-new celebrity chat show, Movies and More, hosted by TV and Radio host Siddharth Kannan. Movies and More is currently aired on Shemaroo’s Bollywood Premiere channel on key DTH platforms like Tata Sky, Airtel, Dish TV and Videocon D2H on weekdays at 9 pm. A new episode is released every Thursday.

    The chat show will soon be available on Shemaroo’s recently launched video streaming app – ShemarooMe. Enthusiasts can also log on to Shemaroo B-Town’s social media channels, earlier known as Shemaroo Miniplex, to catch the exclusive behind the scenes and all the buzz around new-age Bollywood celebrities.Talented Bollywood celebrities like Vicky Kaushal, Yami Gautam, Anil Kapoor, Tapsee Pannu, Sonam Kapoor and many more for movies like URI, Thackrey, Ek Ladki Ko Dekha toh Aisa laga, Total Dhammal, Badla have graced the couch till now. These celebs indulge in heart-warming and hilarious conversations; give exclusive inside scoops and fascinating anecdotes around their latest movies. 

    Shemaroo Entertainment CEO Hiren Gada said, “Indian audience is always keen to know behind the scenes and interesting stories of their favourite Bollywood celebs and we feel, Movies and More is a perfect platform for the audience to get closer to their favourite movies and celebs. At Shemaroo, we always look at churning out fresh content and giving the best of entertainment to our audience.”

    Movies and More, a fresh and fun celebrity chat show, is filled with engaging conversations with celebs of upcoming movies, who talk about their journey and career milestones, interesting experiences and funny instances while shooting the film. The show connects the audience to their favourite actors and Bollywood movies. Right from the current Bollywood heartthrob Kartik Aaryan sharing some exclusive stories, to the talent-powerhouse Nawazuddin Siddiqui getting chatty about his acting techniques, stars who have graced the show are plenty, passionate and candid.

  • Voot to launch ‘Fuh se Fantasy’ produced by Bodhitree

    Voot to launch ‘Fuh se Fantasy’ produced by Bodhitree

    MUMBAI: Voot is all set to come up with a new original series, Fuh se Fantasy, produced by Bodhitree production house and the show will start streaming from 5 April 2019.

    Fuh se Fantasy is a series about the delight in modern relationships that dare to explore their deepest, quirkiest and most exciting desires. In a world where we are opening our minds and laws up to every kind of relationship, why think twice before we go after what our heart is truly attracted towards? 

    Voot head content Monika Shergill said, “As a platform, we have sharply catered our original content to the millennial audience that is keen to understand the complex definitions around love , relationships and desire in today’s world. Fuh se Fantasy is a delightful look at people in love taking their fantasies head on. The anthology series makes a progressive, edgy and fun statement and will surely entertain with its quirky,  brave and  immersive stories.”

    A charming showcase of couples exploring their fun fantasies, the show, starring popular faces such as Karan Wahi, Plabita Borthakur, Naveen Kasturia, Anshuman Malhotra, Gaurav Pandey and Anupriya Goenka, is a 10 episodic series.

  • Netflix India’s Abhishek Nag on streaming challenges, connected TVs and local stories

    Netflix India’s Abhishek Nag on streaming challenges, connected TVs and local stories

    MUMBAI: Internet network speed hasn’t kept pace with the growth of internet adopters in India. Hence, streaming giant Netflix, which sees the potential of its next 100 million subscribers from this country, is heavily investing in compression technology to provide good viewing experience of high quality video even without a fast connection. Along with that, the OTT platform is highly committed to delivering locally relevant stories.

    “There was a time when if you watched a high quality video on Netflix you will be on a 750 kbps connection. Today you can watch extremely high quality video on Netflix at 270kbps. You can do this because we invest significantly on compression technologies,” Netflix India business development director Abhishek Nag said while speaking at The Future Of Video India 2019 summit organised by the Asia Video Industry Association (AVIA).

    Nag also emphasised on the importance of connected TVs as the partner of the OTT platform. Although handheld devices have emerged as the most popular medium to consume digital content, the Netflix executive said that users are gradually watching the streaming platform on large screens. He added that 42 per cent of accounts’ primary viewing in India became connected TVs within six months of activating subscription for the first time. Even broadband partnerships are extremely important for the company to provide a good viewing experience.

    According to him, the dichotomy between OTT and broadcaster is outdated now. He opined that the industry today is bifurcated as content creators and distributors. Rather than the medium and the delivery pipe, consumers ultimately care about content.

    Nag also reiterated the importance of locally relevant stories. Along with Sacred Games’success outside India, he also cited the example of Dark which had a successful run in its home country Germany but garnered more viewership across the globe. According to him, as the company continues to diversify content and personalise the service people will see value in subscribing.

    When it comes to the issue of censorship, which has become the centre of attraction for regulation since last year, OTT players teamed up to create a self-regulation code. Nag is of the view that the code balances creative freedom and expression along with getting consumers' choice to watch what they feel is right.

  • ZEE5 annnounces its latest marquee original – poison

    ZEE5 annnounces its latest marquee original – poison

    MUMBAI: After the success of shows like Rangbaaz, The Final Call,Karenjit Kaur – The Untold Story of Sunny Leone, ZEE5 now announces its latest marquee original – POISON. Starring  Arbaaz Khan,Tanuj Virwani, Freddy Daruwala and Riya Sen in lead roles, the ten episode web seriespremieres on 19th April. Produced by Altus Media, directed by Jatin Wagle and written by Shiraz Ahmed, the show is a dark mystery thriller with multi-layered characters, each having their own hidden agendas.

    Set in Goa, the story kicks off when Ranveer (played by Tanuj Virwani), a man who has just come out of jail after serving a sentence, starts of on a journey of danger, intrigue and secrets with a thirst for revenge. It depicts a man on a mission; so focused that he won’t let anything distract him or get in his way, neither the beautiful beaches of Goa and the life there, nor love.

    Speaking about the show,Jatin Wagle, Director, said, “The web medium has given wings to content that cannot be shown in a two or three-hour format and needs a longer duration format for bringing alive the story. I am glad that I had the backing of a platform like ZEE5 and the cast who had the confidence to present the show the way I had envisioned it.”

    Manish Aggarwal, Business Head, ZEE5 India said, “All our marquee originals have been well received by the audience – both in terms of views and subscriptions. Today, we are the fastest growing OTT platform in the country and are committed to bringing intriguing and gripping stories for our subscribers. Poison is an edge-of-your-seat thriller which will appeal mainly to the male audience across the 18-34 age group. With a strong script and a brilliant cast, we are confident that it will take the subscribers on a thrilling ride this summer.”

    With over 3500 films, 500+ TV shows, 4000+ music videos, 35+ theatre plays and 90+ 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.

  • Netflix amends law to let shareholders nominate board members

    Netflix amends law to let shareholders nominate board members

    MUMBAI: Streaming giant Netflix has amended its bylaws to allow its shareholders with a 3 percent stake to nominate board members. This move is definitely a victory for the stakeholders on a key corporate-governance issue after a year of voting for such proposal known as proxy access.

    The amendment allows a shareholder, or a group of up to 20 stakeholders, owning at least 3 percent of its outstanding shares for at least three years may nominate up to two directors, or can have a representation of up to 20 percent of the company’s board.

    “The board periodically reviews our corporate governance, and determined that adopting proxy access is appropriate at this time, ” the streaming platform said in a statement. At Netflix’s annual meeting in last June, a non-binding proposal to adopt the proxy access bylaw was approved. Previously, the company opposed the proposal by shareholders.

    “By enacting proxy access, Netflix is finally giving investors a meaningful voice in board elections and they are no longer an outlier holding out on their long-term shareowners,” New York City Comptroller Scott Stringer commented on the move.

  • 5 things to look forward in Tripling season 2

    5 things to look forward in Tripling season 2

    MUMBAI: Yes, the most awaited road trip of the year is finally here. Tripling is making its way back to your hearts and this time, it’s twice the fun. The terrific trio promise a double dose of laughter, entertainment and drama as they embark on a new journey. On way to re- discovering themselves and their bond, Chandan, Chanchal and Chitvan encounter funnier incidents and make for lifelong memories.

    Before the madness begins on 5th April, we list down for you 5 reasons that make Tripling season 2 bigger and better. Here’s why you shouldn’t miss this sibling trio’s second escapade on SonyLIV–

    Ø  Craziest Road Trip

    The world witnessed one of the most entertaining road trips ever with Tripling season 1. This season the journey is funnier. Hitting the road, the siblings yet again thrive to set themselves free. Where they end up and what all they have in store is something you all need to watch out for.

    Ø  Picture-perfect Locations

    After strolling through the historically rich state of Rajasthan in the previous season, Season 2 will take fans straight up to the mountains and leave them mind- blown with the beauty. Such road trips are worth the wait, isn’t it?

    Ø  The Ultimate Trio 

    Siblings – You can’t live with them. You can’t live without them. Sumeet Vyas, Maanvi Gagroo and Amol Parashar’s cracking chemistry soars higher this time. The trio is back and their bond is stronger than ever. If you have never thought of planning a road trip with your siblings, we are sure you will do post watching Tripling Season 2.

    Ø  All That Chaos

    How can our lives not be a little messy? The trio is up for a newer set of unexpected events that challenge them at every step. But how they struggle through it to come out stronger is something which sets this show apart. 

    Ø  Sumeet Vyas – the writer

    Well, he is a versatile man. Sumeet Vyas is back as a writer on this one and ensures a refreshing twist to the tale. Get ready for his comic nuances and emotional turnarounds wonderfully woven together in this crazy roller coaster ride. 

    Don’t forget to binge watch all the episodes on SonyLIV starting 5th April and hit the road the soonest.

  • Eros Now original series – ‘Modi: Journey Of A Common Man’ releases today

    Eros Now original series – ‘Modi: Journey Of A Common Man’ releases today

    MUMBAI: Eros Now, a cutting-edge digital over-the-top (OTT) South Asian entertainment platform owned by Eros International PLC (NYSE:EROS), a leading global company in the Indian film entertainment industry, today (April 3, 2019) announces the release of ‘Modi: Journey Of A Common Man’. The 10 part original series is based on Narendra Modi’s life starting at the age of 12 and traverses through his youth to becoming the Prime Minister of India.

    A common man who went on to become a national leader is looked upon by billions of people and witnessing his journey on the screen promises to be a fascinating experience. ‘Modi: Journey Of A Common Man’ is directed by Bollywood filmmaker Umesh Shukla and written by Mihir Bhuta and Radhika Anand. The different phases of Modi’s life will be depicted by actors Faisal Khan, Ashish Sharma and Mahesh Thakur.

    Each episode of the series ranges between 35 to 40 minutes highlighting the many significant events and incidents that opened unexpected paths for a common man and led him to becoming the man he is today. The Eros Now original series is Produced by Benchmark Pictures led by Umesh Shukla and Ashish Wagh.

    Commenting on the release, Ridhima Lulla, Chief Content Officer, Eros Group said, “It is a privilege for all of us at Eros to release one of the most inspiring and anticipated original series for our global audience. The story of Modi: Journey Of A Common Man is significant and entertaining. Eros has always believed in connecting with the masses and telling them the stories that matter. Our attempt through this biopic is to tell the story of his struggle, ambition, intensity and success and how it not only inspires many but is one of the factors of his mass appeal. We at Eros are all excited and look forward to audiences’ response”.

     When asked Umesh Shukla, he said, “It has been a pleasure making this original series based on Prime Minister Modi who has bought in commendable changes in India. It’s an honour to present many unheard and unseen facets of Narendra Modi’s life to the audience and I am sure they will love and enjoy watching the original series.”