ITV

Category: Over The Top Services

  • It’s raining awards for ALTBalaji this 2018!

    It’s raining awards for ALTBalaji this 2018!

    MUMBAI: ALTBalaji which is India’s largest OTT platform for original and exclusive shows across various genres is on a winning splurge these days with awards and recognition in the digital and OTT space. 2018 has started on a high note for the digital platform as it was awarded as one of MUMBAI’S HOT 50 BRANDS at Mumbai Brand Summit 2018. 

    The digital platform was awarded the BEST OTT PLATFORM OF THE YEAR by a leading trade publication. Along with this highly prestigious trade award, the OTT platform was also recognized for it super talented artists like Rajkummar Rao and Ssumier Pasricha. Rajkummar Rao bagged an award in the Best Actor Among any OTT Content category for BOSE: Dead/ALIVE and Ssumier Pasricha was awarded as the Star Entertainer of the Year for Pammi Aunty. 

    Along with these awards, THE MOST ENTERPRISING BRANDS & LEADERS OF ASIA 2018 also felicitated Mr. Nachiket Pantvaidya, Group COO and CEO, ALTBalaji as the Most Enterprising CEO of the Year – Digital Entertainment for his outstanding contribution to the medium and for phenomenal success that ALTBalaji has garnered. 

    Speaking about the recent achievements, ALTBalaji, CMO, Manav Sethi said, “We are elated to be recognized and honored at such various and prestigious award shows and what is more exciting is that we have achieved this within 11 months of our launch. ALTBalaji is the only OTT platform in India to launch about 16 original shows that are LIVE in over 90 countries, and that too with a team of 70 people. This is a testimony to the amazing work our team has done so far and validation to fact that we understand the kind of entertainment audience wants. From here we just want to climb up the ladder as we have some great content in pipeline for our viewers.” 

    With more than 15 million mobile and web users and available in over 90 countries ALTBalaji currently offers 16 original shows in Indian languages across various genres such as romance, mystery, drama, comedy and offers entertaining original shows for kids.

  • Firstpost announces lauch of its web-series ‘9 months’ – season2

    Firstpost announces lauch of its web-series ‘9 months’ – season2

    MUMBAI: Firstpost, India’s largest and premier platform for digital news analysis and opinions, has been the front-runner in developing and curating innovative content for its audience. It is all set to premiere Nine Months on March 14, 2018. Azim Lalani, Business Head, Firstpost said –“Following the success of Season 1 which was a finalist in the Healthcare & Pharmaceutical Sector at the Indian Marketing awards and has been acknowledged as a path breaking show that clocked over 13 million views, we are now launching Season 2.

    In collaboration with Tickled Media’s theindusparent.com, South East Asia’s largest parenting website, presented by Baby Dove, co presented by Huggies, in association with Eureka Forbes & Nerolac, 9 Months will air on  www.firstpost.com and on www.theindusparent.com.

    Commenting on the launch, Network 18, VP, Content and Strategy, Priyanka Sehgal said, This Season has 0-1 years of the baby and parenting for single, adoptive parents. It is very real in addressing key issues related to mental health after childbirth/ separation or divorce. 

    9 Months is a comprehensive guide to parenting and will cover 0-1 years, from breastfeeding to care for the new born. The show will also see guest appearances of actors like Tushar Kapoor, Amrita Raichand along with Aditya Tiwari sharing their personal experiences, prominent doctors- pediatricians, psychologists and dieticians answering everything a parent is curious to know. 

    Please let me know incase you’d require further information on the same.

  • Gaurav Gandhi to head Amazon Prime Video India

    Gaurav Gandhi to head Amazon Prime Video India

    MUMBAI: The man behind building Viacom18’s digital venture Voot into a giant OTT platform in India is all set to head rival international player Amazon Prime Video as its director and country manager, India. A source tells Indiantelevision.com that Gandhi, who was on the top priority list, will be taking up the charge very soon.

    When Nitesh Kripalani quit in mid-2017, the position, which Gandhi will now fill, was empty and Vijay Subramaniam was roped in for the interim period.

    Gandhi was with Viacom18 for eight years in various roles. He joined Viacom18 in 2010 as COO and, within 11 months, he became the head of distribution and international business. After this, he was COO of Sun18 North before moving to IndiaCast Media Distribution (a joint venture between TV18 and Viacom18. Gandhi’s mandate was to monetise all channel and content assets across media, platforms and geographies.

    He is credited with growing its franchise overseas, establishing a strong distribution business at IndiaCast and leading the commercial function during the early days of the organisation.

    Before joining Viacom18, Gandhi was with NDTV Imagine as executive VP of business operations and content sales and Star Group as VP commercial and business planning.

    Also Read:

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    Starcom CEO Mallikarjun Das quits

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  • Jon Favreau to write, produce ‘Star Wars’ for Disney’s streaming service

    Jon Favreau to write, produce ‘Star Wars’ for Disney’s streaming service

    MUMBAI: Jon Favreau, the man famous for being involved with the Iron Man (as director) and Avenger films (as executive producer), has agreed to write and act as the executive producer for the Star Wars series for Disney’s upcoming streaming service. In order to expand Disney’s market in OTT services, Star Wars is likely to play a major role.

    “I couldn’t be more excited about Jon coming on board to produce and write for the new direct-to-consumer platform,” said Lucasfilm president Kathleen Kennedy. “Jon brings the perfect mix of producing and writing talent, combined with a fluency in the Star Wars universe. This series will allow Jon the chance to work with a diverse group of writers and directors and give Lucasfilm the opportunity to build a robust talent base.”

    This is not going to be Favreau’s first venture with Disney. He directed the first two Iron Man films for Marvel and 2016’s The Jungle Book, which won an academy award.  Besides, he was also associated with the production of several Avengers films. Currently, he is working on the production of Disney’s live-action remake of The Lion King.

    Favreau can’t wait to start the “exciting adventure”. “If you told me at 11 years old that I would be getting to tell stories in the Star Wars universe, I wouldn’t have believed you,” he told.

    Disney unveiled the plans for the series back in November. The release date of the upcoming series is not confirmed yet.

    Also Read:

    With Star India, Disney emerges as India’s largest M&E firm

    Mahesh Samat gets expanded role in Disney Asia restructure

  • Gaurav Gandhi leaves Viacom18

    Gaurav Gandhi leaves Viacom18

    MUMBAI: After serving the organisation in various roles for eight years, Gaurav Gandhi, the chief operating officer of Viacom18 Digital Ventures, has decided to move on.

    Gandhi joined Viacom18 in 2010. During his tenure, he contributed significantly to Viacom18 in several capacities. Prior to his current role, he did a commendable job in growing the company’s franchise overseas, establishing a strong distribution business at IndiaCast and leading the commercial function during the early days of the organisation.

    Commenting on the development, Viacom18 group CEO Sudhanshu Vats said, “Gaurav has contributed significantly to Viacom18’s growth journey. He has led an extremely capable team to make Voot a brand that is loved by its consumers. Gaurav has been a passionate and driven colleague whose counsel I have always valued. On behalf of all of us at Viacom18, I would like to thank Gaurav for his contribution and wish him the very best for his future endeavours.”

    In a very short period of time, Gandhi has led Voot to become one of the frontrunners in the Indian online video space. Viacom18 is expected to announce his replacement in due course.

    Gandhi couldn’t be reached for a comment.

    As the group COO for IndiaCast Media Distribution (a joint venture between TV 18 and Viacom18), Gandhi’s mandate was to monetise all channels and content assets across media, platforms and geographies. His responsibilities included maximising both revenue and reach for content and services across both domestic and overseas markets.

    Gandhi joined Viacom18 as the chief commercial officer in March 2010. Within 11 months, he became the head of distribution and international business at the company. After plying his for more than two years, Gandhi was elevated as the COO of Sun18 – North, a company formed by Viacom18 and TV18. In May 2012, he was given the role of group COO at IndiaCast Media Distribution, which is a venture between Viacom18 and TV18.

    Before joining Viacom18, Gandhi spent around three years working with NDTV Imagine Ltd as executive VP of business operations and content sales. He also worked with Star India between October 2003 and March 2007 as VP commercial and business planning.

    Also Read:

    Sunil Rupani joins Hathway to head regional ops

    Starcom CEO Mallikarjun Das quits

    Hinduja Ventures appoints Ashok Mansukhani as MD; net profit remains flat

  • Japan’s most popular show Doctor-X is now streaming on ZEE5

    Japan’s most popular show Doctor-X is now streaming on ZEE5

    MUMBAI: ZEE5, India’s largest digital entertainment platform, has released Doctor-X, its first Japanese show dubbed in Hindi. The medical drama follows the story of Daimon Michiko, a charismatic and unorthodox freelance surgeon who works at different university hospitals, where her questionable practices bring her into conflict with the administrators.

    Starring Japanese actress and former model Ryoko Yonekura as Daimon Michiko (also known as Doctor-X), the eight-episode first season that is streaming on ZEE5 has been produced by Seiko Uchiyama and directed by Miho Nakazono. Veteran actors Ito Shiro and Ittoku Kishibe are also part of the cast. The show first aired from October 18 to December 13, 2012, on TV Asahi in Japan, and was one of the top ranked dramas on private television in its time slot.  Ryoko Yonekura was awarded best actress at the 21st Hashida Awards for her performance as Doctor-X.

    Viewers in India will love the fearless Doctor-X, who is willing to take on the most difficult surgeries turned down by other surgeons because she does not believe in failure. Her success in treating high-risk patients is a result of her always putting patients first, prioritising their health above performing medical firsts or innovative techniques. This practice often brings her in conflict with other doctors.

    “We are thrilled to bring Japan’s most popular show Doctor-X in Hindi to our viewers in India, said Archana Anand, EVP & Head of Digital- ZEE5 India Business. “We are proud to be the only digital platform in India that is transcending the language barrier at such a scale to entertain viewers. Other than Japan, we are also curating top rated international TV shows from USA, United Kingdom, Korea, Turkey, China, Ukraine and Spain and dubbing them in Hindi to bring the best of international content to our viewers”.

    Viewers can watch Doctor-X by subscribing to ZEE5 at a special launch offer of Rs 99. As India’s largest, most comprehensive digital entertainment platform for language content, ZEE5 offers its viewers the best of Originals, Indian and international movies and TV shows, music, Live TV, and health and lifestyle content in 12 languages.

  • Jio Pioneers yet another revolution launches india’s first interactive sports experience on jiotv

    Jio Pioneers yet another revolution launches india’s first interactive sports experience on jiotv

    MUMBAI: India’s popular Live TV App JioTV announced today that it has introduced India’s FIRST interactive sports experience for consumers watching the ongoing tri-nation Nidahas trophy which is being shown exclusively on JioTV in India. With this, JioTV consumers can interact with the game while watching it – A revolution in the Live TV space.

    Customers who watch the tri-series can:

    1.     Customize their viewing experience by selecting from 5 different camera angles

    2.     Experience audio from stump mic & stadium ambience, giving an immersive feel

    3.     Choose commentary in a language of their choice – Hindi, English, Tamil, Telugu and Kannada

    4.     Get access to leading cricket experts and commentators including Zaheer Khan, Ashish Nehra and Gaurav Kapoor

    5.     View score and other details on demand, on a single click

    6.     Watch catch-up (past content) in case they have missed a ball or a six

    Once again, Jio has put the power of technology in the hands of the consumers, enabling them to challenge status quo. Till date, viewers are fed a single feed with broadcaster controlled video, commentary and score-boarding. With this innovation of digital interactivity, the game-viewing experience will get redefined.

    “Interactivity in sports will transform the way sports is consumed in India. Jio continues to deliver the best and most premium content exclusively to its users through the Jio apps. Additionally, we have challenged status quo and redefined the existing user experience, with the help of technology. Jio will continue to bring a superlative consumer experience in the areas of sports, AR, VR, Immersive viewing and more in the coming days,” said Mr. Akash Ambani, Director, Jio.

    JioTV users need to update to the latest version of the app from relevant app store to get this feature. JioTV, which recently won the prestigious Global Mobile (GLOMO) Award 2018 for the “Best Mobile Video Content”, has acquired the exclusive India digital rights for the T20 cricket series Nidahas Trophy – a tri-nation T20 competition being played at Colombo from March 6 to 18, 2018 between host Sri Lanka, Bangladesh and India. JioTV will provide comprehensive coverage of the triangular series, enabling millions in India to access live and catch-up content on their mobile devices. The event coverage on JioTV will commence on match days at 6:25 pm.  It will include live and repeat telecast and highlight packages.

  • Obama may make showbiz debut with Netflix

    Obama may make showbiz debut with Netflix

    MUMBAI: The admirers of Barack Obama could watch their favourite leader on screen regularly soon. According to media reports in the US, the former American president is in advanced negotiations with Netflix to produce a series of high-profile shows.

    Till now, it remains unconfirmed whether he will appear on camera or stay off-camera as a producer. Netflix would pay Obama and his wife, the famous former first lady Michelle Obama, for exclusive content that would be available only on the streaming service.

    People familiar with discussions about the programming have claimed that Obama does not intend to use the shows to respond to Donald Trump or conservative critics. Rather, they will opt for inspirational stories.

    “Throughout their lives, they have lifted up stories of people whose efforts to make a difference are quietly changing the world for the better. As they consider their future personal plans, they continue to explore new ways to help others tell and share their stories,” Eric Schultz, a senior adviser to the former president, was quoted by The New York Times.

     The number of episodes and the formats for the shows are to be decided.

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  • YuppTV ventures into fitness and wellbeing, partners with Brilliant Living TV

    YuppTV ventures into fitness and wellbeing, partners with Brilliant Living TV

    MUMBAI: YuppTV, the world’s leading OTT player for South-Asian content announced its plans of venturing into fitness and wellness space. The OTT leader will be partnering with Brilliant Living TV to spread the wave of fitness and wellbeing to millions of Indians living outside the country. Brilliant Wellness is India’s Largest content provider in the Fitness /Wellness genre.

    The brand’s foray into fitness space with BLT will allow YuppTV viewers and fitness enthusiasts to get up close and personal with the celebrity fitness trainers and gain significant insights on fitness and nutrition. Coaching people to best achieve their fitness and wellbeing goals at any convenient time and place, these fitness trainers hail from diverse fields of Yoga, Meditation, Fitness, and Nutrition, and have, in the past, coached Bollywood celebrities like Katrina Kaif, Kareena Kapoor, Aamir Khan, and the likes.

    Commenting on the latest endeavour, YuppTV, Founder and CEO, Uday Reddy said, “The sedentary lifestyles we have come to live these days are posing serious health hazards. People stand at the risk of being obese, suffer from fatigue, stress-related health disorders and others. To the same end, we decided to make fitness and wellness content available on our network channels, providing our users with an easy access to world-class health and fitness related content. We are further glad to partner with Brilliant Living TV and together provide high quality content to our viewers.”

    On their association, BLT, CEO, Adarsh Gupta said “It has been our constant endeavour to bring everyday users closer to the best fitness and well-being practices that they can follow. To the same effect, we are glad to partner with YuppTV and make our stellar collection of fitness and nutrition coaching content available to YuppTV’s burgeoning global users. With the association, we intend to encourage users to practice healthy living, right in the comforts or their homes and hope that users will respond warmly to the latest offering.”

    With this partnership, Users will be able to access high-quality fitness, nutrition, and well-being content right at the comforts of their homes on YuppTV’s TBO, KBO, BBO, MBO Channels. YuppTV will now have something to offer to all the fitness enthusiasts, right from yoga, calisthenics, weight-training, meditation, nutrition, and more.

  • Viu announces the launch of its latest Original, ‘Love, Lust and Confusion’

    Viu announces the launch of its latest Original, ‘Love, Lust and Confusion’

    MUMBAI: Strengthening its Originals content offering in India, Viu announces the launch of its upcoming digital series, Love, Lust and Confusion. With a concept that should resonate well with today’s youth, the series is about couples and the ongoing confusion in their love lives. Featuring the Udaan famed actor Rajat Barmecha and the supremely talented Tara Alisha Berry in the lead, the series is slated to premiere on Viu, both app and web, on 17 March 2018. 

    Revolving around the life of a young girl, Poroma Sarkar, Love, Lust and Confusion will depict the age of indecisiveness, physical exploration and confusion. The series also explores polyamory and the perspective of youngsters on the topic. Actors 

    ​​Meiyang Chang, Gaurav Chopra, Samir Kochhar will play pivotal roles in the series. 

    Speaking on the launch of its new show, Viu India, Country Head, Vishal Maheshwari said, “At Viu our endeavor is to bring content that resonates with the youth, and we are expanding our catalogue of intriguing yet relatable content with ‘Love, Lust and Confusion’.”

    About the concept of the show, Director & Writer – Victor Mukherjee said, “Ask any millennial today, and the biggest confusion in their personal lives is between love and lust. This is an unforgettable journey of a girl, who is on a path to fulfill her wishes and is totally unapologetic about it. The idea was to capture the realistic essence of a phase that comes at least once in everyone’s life. I think every millennial will relate to the story.”

    The 13-episode series will engage its audience every Saturday. The light-hearted, realistic romantic dramedy is directed by Victor Mukherjee and produced by Mango People Media.

    Watch the confusion between Love and Lust starting 17th March on www.viu.com and on the Viu App.