ITV

Category: iWorld

  • Short videos drive over 47 per cent consumer choices: ShareChat & Moj Report

    Short videos drive over 47 per cent consumer choices: ShareChat & Moj Report

    Mumbai:  As the festive fervour sweeps across India, a notable shift in consumer behaviour is being observed with almost half of (47 per cent) of Indian consumers being influenced by short-form videos while making their purchases, cities “Short Form Big Impact: Festive Blueprint”, a report by social media platforms ShareChat & Moj.

    Short-form videos have become a staple in the daily lives of Indian consumers as 81 per cent consumers actively watch bite-sized form of content. Increasingly influential among consumers aged 25-44, almost 50 per cent of them base their purchase decisions on the content they consume on short video platforms.

    Key Highlights

    ●   Influence of Short videos: The more India watches short-form videos, the more its purchase decisions are influenced by them. 59% of those who watch more than 60 minutes make purchase decisions based on short-form videos.

    ●   Native language supremacy: 86% of India wants content in their regional language, with 84% finding content in their regional languages more relatable and trustworthy. 45% of India makes purchases based on videos from creators in their native language.

    ●   Rise of micro influencers: In Tier 3 cities, purchase decisions are most influenced by creator-led videos. 70 per cent of creators create more content around and during festivals, with 79 per cent of them garnering an increase in user engagement on creator-led content.

    ●   Festive must-haves: The top trending choices for consumers are clothing, home decor and gifts, followed by beauty, food and electronics.

    ●   Brand affinity: Around 34 per cent of shoppers are open to exploring new brands, making this a key moment for brands to shine. In the West, 39 per cent of Indians are ready to experiment with new brands, showing a strong sense of curiosity. On the other hand, the South showcases brand loyalty, with 68% preferring their trusted favourites.

    “We are living in a transformative era where short videos are driving purchase decisions for most of the Indians. As India gears up for the festive season, platforms like ShareChat and Moj offer brands a unique opportunity to engage with consumers in a meaningful way and drive authentic connections. By leveraging the power of short-form content, regional language preferences, and trusted creators, brands can optimise their impact and drive significant sales.”

    “In this new shopping landscape, that has shifted majorly from traditional means to the consumers’ fingertips, we are proud to be acting as a bridge between consumers and brands.  Brands have continued to receive returns through platforms such as ours, with a deep understanding of culture and language, fueled by creativity and strong strategic solutions adapting to evolving needs of today’s consumer.” said ShareChat and Moj chief business officer Gaurav Jain.

    Short videos have become a key factor in shaping consumer behavior in India, evolving from brief moments of scrolling to capturing a significant portion of India’s daily screen time. Nearly 50 per cent of Indians watch short-form videos for more than 30 minutes a day, with 29 per cent spending more than 60 minutes a day, with women for both.  The more time India spends on these videos, the more they shape decisions—showing the unexplored potential of short-form content. Short-form videos are not just a metro or Tier 1 phenomenon—they have a widespread influence across all regions. Moreover, purchase decisions in Tier 3 cities are more influenced by short-form videos, with 49% making decisions based on them, compared to an average of 45.7 per cent in other regions.

    The survey encompassed insights from 6,000 users and 100 creators on ShareChat and Moj platforms, aiming to comprehend their festive activities, language preferences, and relationships with regional creators It encompassed people from diverse backgrounds and  helped pinpoint a significant trend—the profoundness of short-form videos in swaying consumer behaviour. To access the full report, please visit https://ads.sharechat.com/research-and-insights/short-form-big-impact-festive-blueprint

  • Five BBC Player edutainment shows for your watchlist

    Five BBC Player edutainment shows for your watchlist

    Mumbai: As we celebrate Teachers’ Day, it’s the time to celebrate the wonders of learning with an exceptional lineup of shows that blend excitement with education, only on BBC Player on Prime Video Channel. Check out these five standout shows this Teacher’s Day.

    Horrible Histories

    If you think history is boring, think again! Horrible Histories takes you on a wild ride through the most outrageous and hilarious moments of history. Based on the bestselling book series of the same name by Terry Deary, this children’s live-action historical and musical sketch comedy series brings history’s most gruesome, unpleasant, yet hilarious moments to life. From the savage stone age to the groovy Greeks and vile Vikings, it explores the naughty and irreverent sides of history. Through energetic sketches and humour, Horrible Histories provides children a glimpse into the different historical events in an engaging and educational format.

    JoJo & Gran Gran

    JoJo & Gran Gran isn’t just a delightful, animated show; it’s a heartwarming glance into family life and cultural heritage. Follow JoJo and her lively grandmother as they explore their London neighbourhood and explore Saint Lucian traditions. The series provides valuable lessons about community, diversity, and the joy of spending time with loved ones. Catch the new season on BBC Player on Prime Video Channels starting 27 September.

    Andy’s Global Adventures

    Get ready to travel the world with Andy’s Global Adventures. Join Andy, Jen, and their AI buddy Scout as they explore every corner of the globe, meeting amazing animals and solving natural history mysteries. From chameleons in Sri Lanka to penguins in Antarctica, this exploration series makes learning about wildlife and conservation an exciting journey. The next set of episodes arrive on BBC Player on Prime Video Channels from 25 October onwards.

    Planet Earth III

    The legendary Sir David Attenborough’s planet journey continues with Planet Earth III showcasing breathtaking visuals and deep dives into the natural world. The much-loved documentary series takes you through diverse habitats and showcases the incredible adaptations of animals. It also addresses current environmental challenges, offering insights into how climate change and human activities impact wildlife. The series helps viewers understand the interconnectedness of ecosystems and the importance of preserving our planet. Available on BBC Player on Prime Video Channels from 13 September.

    Steve and Aneeshwar Go Wild

    Join Steve Backshall and young conservationist Aneeshwar Kunchala on Steve and Aneeshwar Go Wild as they visit zoos and safari parks to meet some of the most fascinating animals. From the world’s biggest land animal to unique underwater creatures, this show highlights how all creatures, big and small, are connected. The show highlights how even the most unusual animals are connected, offering an engaging look at wildlife and the importance of conservation.

    Celebrate Teachers’ Day with these fantastic shows that blend fun and learning seamlessly. BBC Player on Prime Video Channels has the perfect mix of educational content and entertainment to inspire and engage viewers of all ages.

  • Amuz Distribution makes FAST & OTT announcements

    Amuz Distribution makes FAST & OTT announcements

    Mumbai: Amuz Distribution chief revenue & strategy officer Alex Avon announced deals for FAST and OTT channels. Carlos Pacheco who was recently hired is the director of monetisation & OTT and is overseeing the FAST/OTT division. He came from the Just for Laughs (JFL) Group, most of which assets were just acquired by Amuz Distribution. New platforms that will carry JFL programming are Amazon Fire TV, Anoki and Local Now.

    Over the last two years, FAST channels of JFL programming have been in full expansion and by adding these new channels, the programs are now syndicated across 30 plus different platforms/markets (Samsung TV Plus, Roku, Xumo Play, Google TV, Rakuten TV, Sling TV and others). These FAST channels make Amuz Distribution one of the largest independent Canadian media companies with this high reach with FAST channels.

    Avon stated, “Amuz Distribution is thrilled to announce more expansion of our company, especially with the Just For Laughs Group programs, now on many different platforms in several markets. This expansion helps our mission of “Keeping the world feeling good” with the best programming around on all platforms.”

    Pacheco added, “We are excited about our new partnerships with Amazon Fire TV, Anoki and Local Now These new collaborations are going to our brands reach even more people around the world and share the laughs with new audiences.”
     

  • Lotus Herbals unleashes new social media campaign with Anushka Sen

    Lotus Herbals unleashes new social media campaign with Anushka Sen

    Mumbai: Lotus Herbals, unleashes a social media campaign with Actor and mega influencer Anushka Sen for its White Glow 3 in 1 Deep Cleansing Facial Foam. As the face for Lotus White Glow, Anushka will feature in a DVC which will run across social media platforms that include Instagram, Facebook and YouTube. The DVC amplifies the attributes of Lotus White Glow 3 in 1 Deep Cleansing Facial Foam, a face wash crafted with a combination of potent ingredients that include Aloe Vera, Milk Enzymes, and Alpha Arbutin. This unique formulation addresses dark spots, sun tan, and dullness, providing a comprehensive solution for all skin types. This innovative Facial Foam is specially curated to deeply cleanse the skin and protect it from UV rays, making it less vulnerable to sun damage. Its unique formulation blocks melanin production, imparting a radiant glow.

    The new DVC is a delightful film that targets a youthful GenZ audience and its communication is fresh in terms of style and messaging. The film is dynamic, with the frame shifting between Anushka Sen in her bedroom, lounging in a swimming pool and at a formal event in a snazzy dress. Anushka addresses three major skin problems, dark spots, sun tan and how to get that perfect glow. She asks, if there is a solution that addresses all three issues simultaneously. She empathically answers, Yes and introduces the Lotus White Glow 3 in 1 Deep Cleansing Face Wash as the solution. Looking radiant and beautiful, Anushka speaks directly to the consumer and highlights the powerful ingredients which include Aloe Vera, Milk Enzymes, and Alpha Arbutin, known for their skin benefits. She emphasizes that the face wash with the power of 3x promises clear glowing skin. The film closes by focusing on the White Glow 3 in 1 Deep Cleansing facewash along with all the variants of the White Glow face wash range.

    Commenting on the new campaign, Lotus Herbals chairman & managing director Nilin Passi says, “We are excited about our new campaign with Anushka Sen who resonates with digitally savvy GenZ consumers, thanks to her popularity and large fan base. The White Glow deep cleansing face wash is a perfect blend of nature and science, which offers an effective cleansing experience without compromising the skin’s natural moisture balance. Lotus White Glow 3 in 1 Face Wash is your perfect ally for maintaining a clear, glowing complexion, every day.”

    Anushka Sen further added, “I’m thrilled to be associated with Lotus Herbals White Glow and their amazing 3 in 1 Facial Foam. This face wash is a total game-changer as it helps reduce dark spots and tan, deeply cleanses, and gives your skin that amazing glow without drying it out. Make it a part of your skin care regime and see the magic.”

    The Lotus Herbals White Glow campaign with the stunning Actor and mega influencer Anushka Sen will play out on her social media channels to attract maximum visibility. Through this glamorous campaign, the 22year old Global Youth Icon will reach out to her audience of over 45 million followers. To create maximum buzz for this hi-decibel campaign, Lotus Herbals will also engage over a thousand nano and micro influencers to spread the word on the White Glow 3in 1 facial foam. The campaign will also play out on the brand’s social media channels such as Facebook, Instagram and YouTube. In addition, Lotus Herbals will promote the campaign through In-store branding and POP which will include banners, danglers, table-tops and posters across Retail channels.

  • Netflix updates IC 814’s opening disclaimer responding to MIB concerns

    Netflix updates IC 814’s opening disclaimer responding to MIB concerns

    Mumbai: Well, it did turn out to be a storm in a teacup – the huge controversy over IC814: The Kandahar Hijack, the original series on streamer Netflix.  

    Netflix India content head Monika Shergill met the with information & broadcasting secretary Sanjay Jaju for about 40 minutes who informed her about the sentiments expressed by a large section of the society about the Hindu code names that were ascribed to two of the Pakistani terrorists who hijacked an Indian Airlines plane from Delhi and flew it to Kandahar from where they negotiated the release of three Pakistani prisoners in exchange for freedom  for  the plane’s passengers. He also apprised her of the need for platforms to be sensitive while handling such topics.

    Armed with research and factual documents, Shergill pointed out that the intent of the  platform and the film maker was to be as factually accurate in the dramatized version as possible. And the series was based on a book Flight Into Fear by the pilot Devi Sharan (and Srinjoy Chowdhury) of the hijacked plane which also pointed out that two of the hijackers had actually referred to themselves as Bhola and Shankar as long as the plane was under their control. She pointed out to  a home ministry note released around that time which also acknowledged the same. She also assured the secretary that Netflix  will ensure that the content of its future projects will take into account the sentiments of the Indian public.

    Later in the evening Shergill, came out with a statement saying that Netflix  had updated the opening disclaimer of the series.

    “For the benefit of audiences unfamiliar with the 1999 hijacking of Indian Airlines Flight 814, the opening disclaimer has been updated to include the real and code names of the hijackers,” she said through a spokesperson.  “The code names in the series reflect those used during the actual event. India has a rich culture of storytelling — and we are committed to showcasing these stories and their authentic representation.”
     

  • NCPA & Soho Theatre collab to co-present ‘The Gentlemen’s Club’

    NCPA & Soho Theatre collab to co-present ‘The Gentlemen’s Club’

    Mumbai: The National Centre for the Performing Arts (NCPA) and London’s Soho Theatre are collaborating to co-present Patchwork Ensemble’s reprised version of their show, The Gentlemen’s Club, to audiences across two continents. This partnership underscores the exchange between two leading art centers from India and the UK. The Gentlemen’s Club, first presented at the NCPA in 2015 during the Centrestage Festival, will have its second run on 27 and 28 September at the Experimental Theatre. After its India run, the production will debut internationally at Soho Theatre in London.

    The show takes audiences into Mumbai’s underground club scene, following the lives of the city’s drag kings, led by Rocky, also known as Shammsher. Rocky’s act pays tribute to Shammi Kapoor and the golden era of Hindi cinema. Alongside Rocky, a diverse group of women performers embraces drag, delivering a cabaret-style performance that explores masculinity through dance, music, and projection.

    Speaking about the collaboration between the NCPA and Soho Theatre to co-present Patchwork Ensemble’s production – The Gentlemen’s Club, NCPA’s head, theatre & films, Bruce Guthrie commented, “The collaboration represents a unique opportunity for the NCPA to expand its international reach and for Soho Theatre to engage with the growing thespian community in India. Through this partnership, we aim to elevate the local theatrical experiences and celebrate the mutual love for arts between the two thriving cities of Mumbai and London. The Gentlemen’s Club is a playful, yet powerful presentation and we are certain that the audience will receive it very well. We are excited to bring it back to the NCPA yet again and expose it to the audience globally.”

    Soho Theatre creative associate Pooja Sivaraman shared her excitement about the show, “Soho Theatre has been working with Indian artists for over a decade and bringing their work to audiences around the UK. Last year we achieved historic milestones by presenting Zakir Khan at the Royal Albert Hall and supporting Urooj Ashfaq’s win of ‘Best Newcomer’ at the Edinburgh Fringe. We are now carving out a similar space for Indian theatre makers and their development of new writing.

    This collaboration marks what we hope is the first of many co-presentations of theatre with the NCPA to platform stories by bold Indian voices. The Gentlemen’s Club is a joyous exploration of Indian masculinity, and we are certain it will be a hit with our audiences on Dean Street. We are so proud to facilitate the exchange of contemporary work by South Asian artists.”

  • Talwar Bhai teases his upcoming project ‘Dreams Never Lies’

    Talwar Bhai teases his upcoming project ‘Dreams Never Lies’

    Mumbai: Rajasthan’s hip-hop scene is growing, with Talwar Bhai at the forefront. Known for his significant impact as a rapper, he is driven by a clear vision and strong aspirations. His upcoming project, Dreams Never Lies, represents the culmination of a long-held dream pursued with determination and courage.

    Talwar Bhai’s music career reflects his relentless drive. He is committed to making his dreams a reality, pushing the boundaries of his art. Dreams Never Lies embodies this ambition and is set to be a major project in his career, featuring a range of tracks that highlight his rap skills and include collaborations with other artists.

    The project ‘Dreams Never Lies’ is produced by Talwar Bhai himself in partnership with DNDL Productions, a collaboration that promises to bring out the best.

    Talwar Bhai is working to make Dreams Never Lies a major milestone in his career and in the history of commercial rap. While fans are eagerly awaiting the release, the date has not yet been announced. Instead, Talwar Bhai has been teasing the project with a few posters.

    In a world where dreams often get lost in reality, Talwar Bhai is showing that with passion and perseverance, dreams can become reality.

  • JioCinema Premium announces line-Up for The Penguin, Khalbali Records and Bigg Boss Kannada

    JioCinema Premium announces line-Up for The Penguin, Khalbali Records and Bigg Boss Kannada

    Mumbai: This September, JioCinema Premium brings the best in International, national and regional content to ensure the viewers kickstart the festive season. The September line-up features a diverse array of content across multiple genres which includes popular international movies, original series, and engaging kids’ entertainment.

    From mystery to drama and foot-tapping music – The Khalbali Records will take the viewers into the pulsating world of indie music where raw talent meets fierce ambition. Directed by Devanshu Singh, Khalbali Records features the talented cast of Ram Kapoor, Skand Thakur, Saloni Batra and popular Punjabi rapper Prabh Deep. The soundtrack is composed by the immensely talented Amit Trivedi & Azadi records! The show will start streaming on 12 September.

    Inspired from the 80’s show with the same name, The Fall Guy, by action director David Leitch of the ‘Fast & Furious Presents: Hobbs & Shaw’ fame, brings together Oscar® nominee Ryan Gosling and Golden Globe winner Emily Blunt. Watch the exciting mystery unfold with some truly unbelievable action and unmissable laughs in the language of your choice from 3 September.

    The Penguin series showcases the escapes of Oz Cobb, a.k.a. the Penguin. He engages in a high-stakes power battle with the daughter of his late employer, Carmine Falcone, as he starts to make his mark in Gotham City’s criminal underground network. Suspense and intrigue are guaranteed as fight to control family’s crime empire intensifies. The series will stream from 20 September. Adding to the excitement of the month, Tusshar Kapoor and Priyanka Chahar Chaudhary’s Dus June ki Raat season 2 will also be launched.

    Fardeen Khan’s upcoming movie Visfot, premiering on 6th September, is an exhilarating Bollywood action-thriller that guarantees a captivating cinematic experience. Directed by Kookie Gulati and featuring Fardeen Khan and Riteish Deshmukh in prominent roles, this film is a remake of the Venezuelan blockbuster ‘Rock Paper Scissors’.

    Honeymoon Photographer follows lead actress Asha Negi as Ambika Nath, who transitions from documenting honeymoons to becoming entangled in the mysterious death of Adhir Irani. The series features an impressive cast, including Zoya Irani, Rajeev Siddhartha, Jason Tham, Sahil Salathia, and Ritika Murthy. This thrilling mystery series will stream from 27 September.

    For the kids, there’s a special line-up starting with Rudra on 6th September and Bhoot Bandhus in Bhoot World from 14th September. The platform will also stream the Anubandha Awards starting 20 September, where prominent stars, technicians, and writers of the Kannada television industry are felicitated for their achievements and contributions.

    And finally, to end the month with a big bang, Bigg Boss Kannada is all set to screen with nonstop drama and thrilling twists. The start to the upcoming festivities with daily episodes at 9 PM. 

  • JioCinema Premium unveils Khalbali Records

    JioCinema Premium unveils Khalbali Records

    Mumbai: JioCinema Premium has unveiled the intense trailer for its upcoming original Khalbali Records, a musical drama that explores the evolving dynamics between indie and commercial music, set against a father-son rivalry. Premiering on 12 September, Khalbali Records boasts of a stellar ensemble cast, that includes power-house performers such as Ram Kapoor, Skand Thakur, Saloni Batra, Salonie Patel, and Punjabi rapper Prabh Deep in pivotal roles, along with appearances from renowned names including EPR, Kumar Varun, and more from across the music world. Directed by Devanshu Singh, the series brings alive its core theme of music through soulful soundtracks produced by the ace composer Amit Trivedi along with unique indie hip-hop tracks by Azadi Records.

    Khalbali Records follows the journey of Raghav, a talented music producer working at his father’s prestigious record label, Galaxy Records. After a tragic event shakes his world to its core, Raghav becomes increasingly disillusioned with the way his father’s company operates and its lack of genuine support for artists. Determined to create a new record label that truly values and nurtures its artists, Raghav makes the bold decision to leave Galaxy Records and start anew. However, his journey is fraught with significant challenges, including fierce competition from his own family, especially his ruthless father, who is unwilling to let go of his control and power within the music industry. Raghav’s struggle to build a label that stands for artistic integrity and innovation becomes a profound and personal battle, testing his resolve and resilience at every turn.

    https://www.instagram.com/reel/C_Z6GHYvNke/?igsh=em5pM2s2NmVvYW83

    Speaking about his experience, lead actor Ram Kapoor says, “Khalbali Records offers a fresh perspective on the music industry, highlighting the power struggle between indie artists and commercial labels, and capturing the essence of the rising indie wave! As a self-confessed music -lover, I immensely enjoyed being a part of a series where music isn’t simply an add-on, but infact a central character taking the narrative forward. I was instantly drawn to the complex father-son relationship of my character, which allowed me to explore multiple layers of emotion and portray a figure who is ambitious, successful, and deeply flawed.”

    Amit Trivedi, the music producer of the show said, “Khalbali Records is not just a series; it’s a musical journey with each note carefully chosen to reflect the myriads of emotions captured in the narrative. It’s not often that we find a show that places music at the very heart of its storytelling.  It inspired me to create a soundtrack in collaboration with Azadi Records that reflects the intensity of the emotions experienced by the protagonists. It took us weeks to ensure that each note and melody was the best we could do and matched the emotions in the script.”

    Prabh Deep  is making his acting debut with Khalbali Records. Commenting on the project, he shared, “I was deeply impressed by the script and storyline. As an artist, I immediately resonated with the show’s portrayal of the industry’s upheaval, with emerging genres and formats challenging traditional norms. I’m thrilled to be part of a series that puts quality music at its heart, though I’m a bit nervous about the audience’s reaction—it reminds me of the excitement I felt when I released my first song, a moment I cherish deeply.”
     

  • Film Bazaar India 2024 opens submissions for features and web series

    Film Bazaar India 2024 opens submissions for features and web series

    Mumbai: The 18th edition of the NFDC Film Bazaar has announced an exciting new development: the inclusion of a series in its co-production market and Screenwriters’ Lab. This year, both Feature Films and web series will have the opportunity to shine.

    NFDC Film Bazaar is a premier networking hub for South Asian and international filmmakers, producers, sales agents, and festival programmers; fostering creative and financial collaborations. Spanning five days, the event is dedicated to discovering and promoting South Asian talent and content across filmmaking, production, and distribution through various channels. These include the co-production market (CPM), Screenwriters’ Lab, Work-in-Progress (WIP) Lab, Viewing Room (VR), Market Screening, Producer’s Workshop, and a series of informative sessions in the Knowledge Series.

    The projects selected in the previous editions of Film Bazaar have done exceedingly well on the global stage. Their participation in the Bazaar has facilitated funding and co-production opportunities, sales and marketing support.

    Introduction of Web-Series in CPM and Screenwriters’ Lab

    The co-production Market offers a unique platform for filmmakers worldwide to connect with potential national and international co-producers who can provide financial support, location resources, or post-production facilities. The submissions for the Feature Film section for the co-production Market are currently open. Given the popularity of series as a medium, the co-production market has also opened its doors to filmmakers with ideas for a web series. Filmmakers with fiction web-series ideas in the early stages of development are encouraged to apply.

    Additionally, the Screenwriters’ Lab has also expanded to include web series. While the Screenwriters’ Lab for Feature Films has already announced its selected projects for the current year, the Screenwriters’ Lab for web series has extended its call for submissions until 10 September 2024. Writers interested in applying must submit either a registered Pilot Episode Screenplay/Script or a detailed Pilot Episode Synopsis.

    Opportunities for Global Collaboration

    Each year, Film Bazaar has witnessed large submissions from different countries in multiple languages. The Co-Production Market model has been set up to bring together film professionals from across the globe to enhance opportunities for international co-productions and to contribute actively to the dynamism of the South Asian film industry. On the other hand, the shortlisted projects for Screenwriters’ Lab offer screenwriters the opportunity to experiment with and explore their screenplays under the mentorship of acclaimed international script and industry experts.

    The curated projects for Co-Production Market, Screenwriters’ Lab and Film Bazaar Recommends get a chance to pitch their projects in front of national and international producers, financiers, festival programmers, distributors and sales agents. The pitch, followed by a short Q&A session, lays the groundwork for further one-to-one meetings and explores potential future collaborations.

    A Legacy of Notable Projects

    Over the years, Film Bazaar has birthed several notable projects that were a part of one or more verticals. Some of the successful projects from the past editions of Film Bazaar include The Lunchbox, Titli, Dum Lagake Haisha, Thithi, Newton, Bombay Rose, The Storyteller, Bahadur, Schirkoa: In Lies We Trust, Sultana’s Dream, In The Belly of a Tiger, Girls Will Be Girls.

    With less than three months to go, Film Bazaar eagerly prepares to unveil another array of captivating stories in the serene setting of Goa from November 20-24, 2024. This edition promises to deliver fresh and extraordinary films and web series that could make a global impact.