Category: iWorld

  • Nippon TV unveils four new standout titles for MIPCOM

    Nippon TV unveils four new standout titles for MIPCOM

    Mumbai: Nippon TV, Japan’s multiplatform entertainment powerhouse, announced today the company will unveil four new formats at this year’s MIPCOM. The program lineup includes two new unscripted formats, Man or Mannequin? (60-120 min. eps.) and Unstoppable (60-120 min. eps.), as well as two new scripted formats Secret Makeover (60 min. eps.) and Going Home (60 min. eps.).

    “Man or Mannequin? and Unstoppable are both ambitious game shows that test the limits and imaginations of contestants through universally appealing formats,” commented  Nippon TV head of formats Tom Miyauchi.   “At Nippon TV, we pride ourselves in creating compelling game shows with a unique twist that are entertaining for global audiences. Man or Mannequin? is a game show format with a strong visual identity, a guessing game scaled to a new height and staged all around the city. Unstoppable is a conceptual game show in which the challengers never stop and always try to keep winning through a succession of simply irresistible games.   We are delighted to be offering these new unscripted formats that are sure to captivate viewers with its fun and innovative concepts.”

    “Secret Makeover and Going Home are scripted formats with stories about female protagonists who gather the courage to change the irrational world and face unsolved mysteries as well as personal burdens from the past,” commented Nippon TV head of scripting Sayako Aoki.   “As we have seen with our mega-hit formats Mother and Rebooting, there is an appetite for scripted formats with strong women at the helm of the story. It is our goal that our new formats will also resonate with audiences around the world while keeping them engaged with a fast-paced story packed with unexpected plot twists.”

  • Akon set to rock World Tennis League Season 3 once again

    Akon set to rock World Tennis League Season 3 once again

    Mumbai: The World Tennis League (WTL) is delighted to announce that the Grammy Award winning-artist Akon will be performing at the third season of the league, scheduled to be held at the iconic Etihad Arena from 19 to 22 December 2024.

    With Akon joining the legendary rock musician Bryan Adams and American pop diva Anastacia in a star-studded line-up of artists, the WTL promises to be bigger and more exciting as it builds on the success of the previous seasons.

    The chart-topping artist, who performed in the last edition, is set to enthral the crowd with his live performances on 21  December, concluding the penultimate day of the WTL 2024 at the Etihad arena in Yas Island.

    Akon, who performed in the previous edition of the World Tennis League, is an influential figure in the music world. His unique blend of R&B, hip-hop and pop music has captivated audiences worldwide for decades and dominated the charts with hits like Smack That, Right Now (Na Na Na), Lonely and I Wanna Love You.

    Building on the success of previous seasons, the WTL has established itself as a premier event that combines elite tennis with electrifying musical performances. With preparations for the ‘Greatest Show on Court’ in full swing, Season 3 is shaping up to be a highlight of the sporting calendar this year.

    Concert ticket holders can upgrade their WTL experience by securing a discounted add-on Tennis ticket for the Tennis matches for the day.

    Tickets will go on sale at etihadarena.ae later this week and stay tuned for one more hitmaker’s announcement, who is set to join Akon to perform on 21 December. 

  • Airtel Digital TV’s new plan offers Amazon Prime benefits to customers

    Airtel Digital TV’s new plan offers Amazon Prime benefits to customers

    Mumbai: Airtel Digital TV has joined hands with Amazon Prime to offer live TV and Prime Lite benefits as part of its new Ultimate and Amazon Prime Lite plan. Subscribers of the plan can enjoy unparalleled entertainment from Prime Video on 2 devices in HD quality, in addition to enjoying linear TV channels. Prime Lite subscription also includes other Prime benefits like free unlimited same-day delivery on over 10 Lakh products and next-day delivery on 40 Lakh products on Amazon, early access to sale events & Lightning Deals and 5 per cent cashback on purchases on Amazon.in with Amazon Pay ICICI Bank Credit Card.

    Bharti Airtel CEO- Airtel Digital TV Siddharth Sharma said, “The growing demand for mobile entertainment has prompted us to expand our TV offerings, providing customers with anytime, anywhere access. Our partnership with Amazon Prime enhances our content lineup, complementing our diverse range of home entertainment services. We are excited to offer customers an unparalleled experience, with prices starting as low as Rs 521 for the Hindi content. We are confident our users will maximise the value of this compelling deal.”

    “At Prime Video, we are constantly looking at ways to strengthen our distribution and take our much-loved movies and series to an even wider audience,” said Prime Video  India director & head – SVOD business Shilangi Mukherji. “The collaboration with Airtel Digital TV makes access to Prime Video’s full selection of content even more seamless while providing other shopping & shipping benefits of Prime Lite, like unlimited free ‘Same-day/Next-Day’ delivery across millions of products, early access to exclusive deals, and much more. The collaboration aims to make premium entertainment even more accessible to customers in India.”

    Plans at glance:

    Price

    Pack Name

    Duration (Days)

    Rs 521

    Hindi Ultimate & Amazon Prime Lite 1M

    30

    Rs 2288

    Hindi Ultimate & Amazon Prime Lite 6M

    180

    With this offer, Airtel also aims to refine home entertainment with unlimited access to 350+ TV channels, along with over-the-top (OTT) content available on Prime Video, to provide a holistic solution to the evolving entertainment needs of consumers.

    Subscribers can enjoy a seamless streaming experience with uninterrupted access to the full selection of Prime Video’s movies and series including highly popular Original series like Mirzapur, Panchayat, The Family Man, Dhootha, Inspector Rishi, blockbuster movies Tiger 3, Kantara, Maja Ma, Bawaal, Teri Baaton Mein Aisa Uljha Jiya, and many more, along with international series and movies like Fallout, Citadel, The Lord of The Rings: The Rings of Power, The Boys, to name a few. 

  • Club FM rewrites on-air history with ‘VOX Office’

    Club FM rewrites on-air history with ‘VOX Office’

    Mumbai: Club FM, Kerala continues to raise the standard with its programming, and this Onam 2024 was no different. In a new and unique move, Club FM introduced ‘VOX Office’, a radio show that brought classic Malayalam cinema to the airwaves, engaging listeners across the state. As part of the Onam celebrations, Club FM re-released films like Manichitrathazhu, In Harihar Nagar, and Kilukkam—edited specifically for radio—to offer a nostalgic yet updated experience. By acquiring one-time audio rights from the movie producers, Club FM adjusted these classics for today’s audience, marking a first for any radio station in Kerala.

    ‘VOX Office’ taps into the trend of classic film re-releases, but with a radio twist, catering to Kerala’s cinema-loving audience. This show formed the core of Club FM’s Onam programming, merging past and present, and creating a listening experience that engaged audiences.

    Beyond ‘VOX Office,’ Club FM delivered a full range of Onam programming for its listeners. Programs like ‘Kalakkan Onam’ (7 AM to 11 AM), featuring pairs like Siju Sunny and Saafboi, Chef Pillai and Pepe, and Omar Lulu and Rehman, offered conversations and entertainment that added to the festive mood. The ‘KL Heroes’ show (11 AM to 2 PM) showcased local figures like Iswar Malpe, KL Bro, and Femina Basheer, recognizing their roles in Kerala’s society.

    The day ended with ‘Powli Talks’ (6 PM to 10 PM), where political figures Hibi Eden, Mohammed Riyaz, and Shailaja Teacher discussed Kerala’s political landscape, giving listeners insights into current events. These shows not only engaged listeners on-air but also reached out through Club FM’s social media platforms, ensuring wider engagement.

    With over 1000 clients involved for this Onam 2024, Club FM once again showed its ability to deliver meaningful content that resonated with both listeners and advertisers. The station’s approach to programming ensured wide audience interaction, making this Onam celebration notable.

    As the final days on 13, 14, and 15 September approaches, Club FM invites everyone to tune in and experience the conclusion of this journey. Promo videos highlight the essence of these final days. This Onam, Club FM has shifted the radio entertainment landscape, thanks to the ongoing support of listeners and advertisers.

  • ChanaJor OTT App : A new content app on the block leveraging the power of strategic partnerships

    ChanaJor OTT App : A new content app on the block leveraging the power of strategic partnerships

    Mumbai: ChanaJor OTT, one of the fastest-growing streaming platforms known for its unique and diverse content, being the only Hindi OTT app in the country understands its target audience and the importance of creating sampling avenues.

    An effort to create more destinations offers to attract sampling by subscribers, ChanaJor has been steadily increasing its partnership umbrella. The bouquet consists of collaboration with leading partners like Coupon Dunia, GrabOn, Plutos One, Abhi Bus, Mobikwik, Paytm and many other platforms.

    These offers, available on the mentioned platforms, provides discounts and offerings making it easier than ever for users to explore ChanaJor OTT’s wide range of content, including comedy, drama, romance, and horror, all while saving on their first subscription.

    Being an SVOD platform with a monthly price point of Rs. 59, this limited-time offers allows users to sample and enjoy the content and experience without the hassle of paying a full price. They can renew their subscription then at the ongoing price points.  With genres that appeal to every audience, from Gen Z rom-coms to thrilling horror-comedies, ChanaJor OTT ensures there’s something for everyone.

    When contacted, Mr. Pratap Jain, CEO of ChanaJor mentioned  “India is a price sensitive market and everyone likes trying before buying. This partnerships allows us to create sampling environment. There is a steady growth in people engaging with the platform and the most watched series are the dubbed KDrams, our latest show “Corporate Majboori”, romantic shows are also liked and watched with the average watch time being 13mins which is a remarkable milestone for snackable content platform. We see more people relating to the content from Tier 2 Tier 3 markets. Our approach is going to be to add more newer shows and relatable stories.” 
     

  • AA Gaming launches AA Play: India’s ultimate all-in-one gaming platform

    AA Gaming launches AA Play: India’s ultimate all-in-one gaming platform

    Mumbai: AA Gaming launches AA Play, a revolutionary gaming and esports platform designed for gamers across India. The app brings together esports tournaments, community building, and digital commerce, all in one place, offering a comprehensive solution to the growing needs of the gaming ecosystem.  

    Developed by industry veterans, AA Play is crafted to cater to hardcore and mid-core skill-based gamers. The app will offer exciting competitions, foster connections among players, and eventually support an in-app marketplace, reshaping how gamers in India engage with each other and with games.  

    At launch, the app focuses on two core areas:  

    1. Tournaments: AA Play will provide free esports tournaments, giving players a chance to compete and win big. Aspiring esports athletes can now find regular competitions across various titles, helping them hone their skills and potentially go pro.  

    2. Community Building: Players can form or join communities, connecting with like-minded individuals for collaboration, meetups, and shared experiences.  

    A digital marketplace is planned for future updates, where gamers can purchase gaming merchandise and in-game items through a secure, user-friendly digital wallet, further enhancing the seamless gaming experience.  

    AA Gaming, founder and CEO, Akash Dhangar expressed his enthusiasm: “With AA Play, we are gearing up to revolutionize the gaming experience, bringing everything a gamer needs—competing, connecting, and shopping – into one exciting platform! As India’s gaming industry explodes, we’re thrilled to be at the forefront, offering a one-stop solution that puts the power in players’ hands. In the past, we focused on third-party and white-label B2B services, but this app marks a bold turning point. We’re making a giant leap towards a direct-to-consumer model, opening up incredible opportunities for innovation and new revenue streams. This is our vision for a super app that unites all things gaming in one place.”

    India’s gaming industry is rapidly growing, with projections estimating it will reach a value of $1.4 billion by 2028. By then, India is expected to surpass China in the number of gamers, with a total of 730.7 million players. AA Play launches at a pivotal time to engage both new and returning gamers, contributing to the booming Indian gaming ecosystem.  

  • Viacom18 revolutionises employee care with fun, inclusive perks program

    Viacom18 revolutionises employee care with fun, inclusive perks program

    Mumbai: Viacom18 is redefining workplace excellence by introducing Perks Against Mundanity, an innovative, game-inspired benefits program. Focused on creating an engaging and empowering environment, Viacom18 sets new benchmarks in employee care with over 40 perks spanning health, wellness, and diversity & inclusion (D&I). The company’s people-first approach ensures its workforce remains happy, motivated, and ready to thrive in the fast-paced media & entertainment world.  

    In this industry-leading move, Viacom18’s Perks Against Mundanity transforms traditional workplace perks into a fun and interactive experience. Employees can explore their benefits through a card game, designed specifically for the predominantly Gen-Z and Millennial workforce. Themed cards represent different offerings, making the process of discovering perks both engaging and reflective of the company’s vibrant culture.  

    Viacom18, chief human resources officer and people head, Smita Puranesh shared her excitement, “At Viacom18, we believe in creating a workplace that mirrors the same energy and creativity we bring to our content and technology. Our benefits are thoughtfully curated to reflect the needs of our diverse workforce, and we’ve made the experience of discovering these perks engaging and fun. By blending creativity with care, we ensure that our employees feel seen, valued, and most importantly, excited to be a part of our journey. An engaged employee naturally becomes a brand ambassador of the organisation, and that’s why our culture goes beyond just work—it’s about thriving together.”

    Perks Against Mundanity offers a wide range of benefits, including:  

    – Wellness on the House: In-house doctors, nutritionists, annual health checkups, and gym memberships.  

    – Be You Be Proud: Gender-affirming surgery assistance to support inclusivity.  

    – Parenting Perks: IVF insurance, adoption assistance, and “Baby Bootcamp” for new parents.  

    – Express Yourself (Permanently): A tattoo allowance to encourage individuality and self-expression.  

    – Breakup Brightener: Uplifting perks for colleagues going through tough times, showing empathy in action.  

    Other creative benefits include Tailwag Fund for pet care, Bad Day, Better Vibes with chocolate gifts and team-building activities, and special offers for plant enthusiasts through the Lord of The Urban Jungle initiative.  

    Viacom18’s Perks Against Mundanity blends creativity with care, turning every workday into an exciting and supportive experience. By pushing the boundaries of employee engagement, Viacom18 continues to create a workspace where both people and ideas can truly thrive.

  • ZEE and Birla Opus Paints unveil content integration across diverse markets

    ZEE and Birla Opus Paints unveil content integration across diverse markets

    Mumbai: ZEE Entertainment has announced a partnership with Birla Opus Paints, marking a key deal in the Indian media and advertising space. Birla Opus Paints, a new player in the paints industry, is focused on building a strong brand presence across various markets. ZEE Network, with its wide reach in India and globally, offers the brand a platform to connect with its target audience.

    Birla Opus Paints has come on board as the co-title sponsor for ZEE’s flagship singing reality show, Sa Re Ga Ma Pa across Hindi, Telugu and as a co-powered sponsor in Tamil – further expanding its footprint across multiple regions. The collaboration goes beyond traditional sponsorships, as ZEE’s sales and brand integration teams have devised a unique and creative set of brand placements within Sa Re Ga Ma Pa. In line with the Opus brand’s creative ethos, ZEE has executed a unique network-wide innovation that cuts across both GECs and movie channels, ensuring that the brand’s presence is impactful and widely recognised.

    ZEEL chief growth officer – digital & broadcast revenue, Ashish Sehgal shared his excitement about the partnership: “Partnering with Birla Opus Paints, one of the most anticipated new entrants in the market, has been an incredible opportunity. With Birla Opus Paints joining us as the co-title sponsor on Sa Re Ga Ma Pa across Hindi and regional markets, we are amplifying their brand visibility with our initiatives. We’ve pushed the boundaries of creativity with a unique innovation, integrating their mascot into our content across multiple languages, ensuring that the brand’s presence is not only visible, but unforgettable. We look forward to collaborating with them in the future as well and hope the brand rises and shines.”

    ZEE CMO Kartik Mahadev emphasised the power of content in driving brand narratives: “At ZEE, we believe that content has the ability to create meaningful connections between brands and their consumers. Our partnership with Birla Opus Paints is a testament to this belief. Sa Re Ga Ma Pa connects cultures through the power of music with its presence across 8 language markets. By seamlessly incorporating engaging touchpoints on our iconic singing reality show, we’ve crafted a richer brand experience for Birla Opus across markets. We’re excited to collaborate with a brand that shares our vision for innovation and storytelling.”

    Birla Opus Paints CMO Inderpreet Singh spoke on the strategic importance of this partnership: “Birla Opus Paints wants to add beauty & colour to life of every Indian. ZEE Network, with its unmatched reach and content innovation, is a perfect partner to create meaningful connections with our consumers.”

    Speaking on the collaboration, Wavemaker India chief client officer & office head – West, North & East, Shekhar Banerjee said, “At Wavemaker, our commitment is to forge distinctive brand experiences for Birla Opus Paints and we’ve crafted something truly special in partnership with Zee Network. We thank Zee Network for breaking some well-established norms of television to create a partnership that delivers beyond standard sponsorship and also leverages their diverse portfolio of channels. This collaboration is the result of dynamic creative synergy, meticulously designed to be impactful and resonate deeply with our audience, ensuring Birla Opus achieves the visibility and impact.”

  • Zupee partners with ONDC

    Zupee partners with ONDC

    Mumbai: In its bid to promote Indian board games, Zupee, an Indian skill-based Ludo platform, has entered into an agreement with the government-backed e-commerce platform, ONDC (Open Network for Digital Commerce) to make skill-based games from Zupee more accessible to the masses.

    Under the agreement, Zupee is registered as a seller application on the platform, with the pioneering gaming company offering its popular game of Ludo, through ONDC.

    Speaking about the partnership, Zupee founder & CEO Dilsher Singh Malhi said, “We are delighted to partner with ONDC and be listed on the platform. This collaboration strengthens our efforts to bring the joy of playing culturally relevant Indian games, responsibly, to a larger audience. We are excited to test the potential of the partnership for both Zupee and ONDC users.”

    The partnership will also help the leading game developer to build trust around online gaming amidst existing and future gamers.

    ONDC MD & CEO T Koshy said, “ONDC has been committed to delivering a range of products and services through a democratized digital commerce and a neutral ecosystem for sellers.  The integration of Zupee, one of the largest skill-based online gaming companies in India, on ONDC Network will be a critical step to strengthen the open and diverse digital marketplace. Zupee’s integration on ONDC Network will not only facilitate offering of value entertainment to larger users in India but also allow them to access a wider range of products and services at a right price from a single, unified platform.”

    In conclusion, this partnership will empower ONDC and Zupee to expand their reach, accelerate customer acquisition, and provide even greater value to their growing user base.

  • Call Me Bae’s ‘Yaara Tere Bin’ music video is here to steal hearts!

    Call Me Bae’s ‘Yaara Tere Bin’ music video is here to steal hearts!

    Mumbai: The success of Call Me Bae, starring Ananya Panday, has dominated social media, with fans praising the series and the track ‘Yaara Tere Bin’. After high demand for the music video, it has finally been released. The song’s deep emotion and unplugged style resonated with listeners, and the visuals bring the raw emotions to life.

    Composed and sung by RUUH, JOH, and Lisa Mishra, with lyrics by RUUH and Smriti Bhoker, ‘Yaara Tere Bin’ is an acoustic ballad about the void left by lost love. Its visuals and melody capture the emptiness and longing that follows.

    Lisa Mishra, who brings her signature soulful touch to the track, added, “When I first sang ‘Yaara Tere Bin,’ it felt like my voice was carrying the weight of every unspoken emotion I’ve ever felt. I think we all have those memories of people who leave an imprint on our hearts. The song taps into that universal experience of missing someone and those emotions while letting them flow through the music. I am glad the music video is finally out now on popular demand and I hope fans will love it.”

    RUUH, who not only composed but also lent his voice to the song, reflected on his connection to the song’s emotional depth, “I feel overwhelmed with the response and love that we are receiving for this track. This track is close to my heart as we’ve all experienced this kind of love that stays with you even when it’s gone. ‘Yaara Tere Bin’ is like a conversation with those memories that you can’t quite shake and I wanted the music to mirror that feeling, simple, bare, but powerful. I hope it resonates with anyone who’s experienced that aching emptiness.”

    “To see how Yaara Tere Bin has connected to the listeners is a dream come true. Creating the track was a deeply personal journey. This song was meant to capture those quiet, intense moments of love and loss, and I’m beyond thrilled that it’s resonated so deeply. YI hope the music video adds another dimension to the story we’re telling,” added composer JOH.

    Lyricist Smriti Bhoker shared, “‘Yaara Tere Bin’ is a reflection of my own emotional journey. The overwhelming response to the song has been incredibly touching, and it’s truly amazing to see how the audience has connected to the emotions behind the words.”

    Call Me Bae is a Dharmatic Entertainment production, with Karan Johar, Apoorva Mehta, and Somen Mishra as executive producers. The series is created by Ishita Moitra, who has co-written it alongside Samina Motlekar, and Rohit Nair. Directed by Collin D’Cunha, Call me Bae is the story of Bae, who upon being downsized from heiress to hustler, discovers that her most valuable assets aren’t her diamonds, but her street smarts and style. Broke but refusing to be broken, she navigates the newsrooms of Mumbai, finding beaus, behens, and her better self.  This eight-part series stars Ananya Panday in the lead role, and features an ensemble cast including Vir Das, Gurfateh Pirzada, Varun Sood, Vihaan Samat, Muskkaan Jaferi, Niharika Lyra Dutt, Lisa Mishra, and Mini Mathur. The series premiered exclusively on Prime Video on 6 Sept in India and 240 countries and territories worldwide.