ITV

Category: iWorld

  • Revenant Esports, headlined by NBK, to travel to India for $200,000 Skyesports Championship 2024

    Revenant Esports, headlined by NBK, to travel to India for $200,000 Skyesports Championship 2024

    Mumbai:  Skyesports, a global IP builder for gaming and esports, is thrilled to announce that Revenant Esports’ newly-signed Counter-Strike 2 esports roster from Europe, will be travelling to India for the Skyesports Championship 2024, scheduled to happen from July 23 to 28.

    Revenant Esports’ Counter-Strike 2 esports roster is headlined by Nathan “NBK” Schmitt, a two-time Major winner, and one of the most notable names in the scene. Accompanying the prodigy are Kamil “reiko” Cegielko, Nabil “Nivera” Benrlitom, Laurențiu “lauNX” Țârlea, and Adelin “adeX” Nica.  

    The European team has received a direct invite to the Skyesports Championship 2024. They will be travelling to India to be one of eight teams competing in the tournament, which features the likes of Aurora Gaming, BetBoom Team, Eternal Fire, Furia, and The MongolZ.

    Commenting on the latest invited team to the Skyesports Championship, Skyesports Founder and CEO, Shiva Nandy said, “We are thrilled to welcome the talented roster of Revenant Esports to the Skyesports Championship. It fills us with immense pleasure to see local esports organizations realizing the potential of Counter-Strike 2 esports, fueled by our $1 million 2024 roadmap and numerous on-ground events, and picking up international rosters. Bringing the best esports athletes in the world to compete in India has been a dream for us. We look forward to hosting the Skyesports Championship LAN this July.”

    Skyesports will also be hosting separate qualifiers in Europe and India to determine the last two teams in the Skyesports Championship.

    The Skyesports Championship LAN in India with some of the world’s best esports players will undoubtedly be a major boost to the local Counter-Strike 2 esports community. India’s gaming market has rapidly grown to USD 3.1 billion in FY 2023, per a report by Statista. At a CAGR of 20 per cent, the gaming industry is among the fastest-growing segments in India’s media and entertainment industry and will be worth over USD 7.5 billion by FY 2028.

  • BIG FM launches Season 2 of ‘Sutta Chhod De Na Yaar’ on World No Tobacco Day

    BIG FM launches Season 2 of ‘Sutta Chhod De Na Yaar’ on World No Tobacco Day

    Mumbai: In response to the rising stress and fast-paced lifestyle that has made smoking a common habit for many, BIG FM, one of India’s leading radio networks, brought back the second season of ‘Sutta Chhod De Na Yaar’ on World No Tobacco Day, 31 May. This initiative aimed to raise awareness about the risks and hazards of smoking and tobacco use. Over four weeks, the campaign featured a multifaceted approach encompassing radio broadcasts, celebrity endorsements, expert insights and digital engagement to effectively encourage positive behaviour change. It also featured the quirky reality show called ‘QUITSVILLA’, inspiring participants to quit smoking.

    Tobacco kills over 8 million people annually, with 7 million from direct use and 1.2 million from second-hand smoke. Building on last season’s success, BIG FM launched the second season of ‘Sutta Chhod De Na Yaar’ with new engaging elements. The activities kicked off with a strong drive across radio and digital platforms, effectively reaching a targeted audience and securing 11 committed participants. Led by Mumbai RJs- RJ Vrajesh, RJ Rani, RJ Abhilash and RJ Dilip, the campaign’s first week focused on awareness and registrations. The second week highlighted inspiring stories from listeners and celebrities like Yuvraj Singh, Vikrant Massey and Manoj Bajpayee, adding authenticity and motivation to the initiative. Health experts and quit-smoking specialists provided valuable insights during the third week.

    The last week of the campaign featured live updates from “QUITSVILLA,” a 48-hour immersive monitoring session at Della Resorts in Lonavala. Participants shared their stories while enjoying performances by rapper Akhil Dighe aka Hellac, comedians Vanshika and Jay Verma, yoga sessions by Shruti Kukreti, sound healing by Mariko, habit coaching by Ashdin Doctor, reverse singing by Madhu Lakhotia and Zumba dancing by Micky. Celebrities like Sanvikaa and Saad Bilgrami from Panchayat season 3 added excitement, making the campaign a supportive journey for those determined to quit smoking.

    Sharing his thoughts, BIG FM, COO Sunil Kumaran said, “Despite health hazards, smoking is prevalent amidst people due to cultural acceptance. With its normalization, the increased health risks highlight the need for change. The first season of ‘Sutta Chhod De Na Yaar’ successfully educated the masses and ensured the message resonated with them. Building on BIG FM’s commitment to promoting impactful initiatives, this year we aimed to elevate the awareness wave. Through our engaging activities and focused communication, we have effectively inspired our listeners to embrace a healthier, smoke-free future. “

    Sutta Chhod De Na Yaar Season 2 was sponsored by the Life Insurance Corporation of India and Zuno General Insurance Limited. The campaign successfully achieved its goals by not only raising awareness but also starting discussion about tobacco-related illnesses and fatalities, encouraging a shift towards healthier lifestyle choices and highlighting the urgent need for change.

  • Amuz Distribution appoints Carlos Pacheco as director of monetisation & OTT

    Amuz Distribution appoints Carlos Pacheco as director of monetisation & OTT

    Mumbai: Amuz Distribution’s chief revenue officer Alex Avon announced that, through its parent company of ComediHa!, the company acquired the entire catalog from the Just For Laughs Group and hired Carlos Pacheco as director of monetisation & OTT. The Just For Laugh Group assets increase the Amuz Distribution catalog by over 1,000 hours of comedy programming with brands: Juste pour rire, Just For Laughs, the Gags, and their audio-visual catalogue.

    Carlos Pacheco comes to Amuz Distribution with over 18 years of international entertainment media experience in content production, distribution, media buying and strategy. He came directly from his role as director of OTT / FAST channel strategy and operations for Just For Laughs where he led the development and execution of the company’s OTT and FAST channel strategy, overseeing content programming, distribution, and partnerships. From 2013 to 2018, Pacheco was director of partnerships for Temple Street’s then-recently launched Boat Rocker Studios. He played a pivotal role in the launch of both their online rights management system and launched several successful YouTube channels, including The Next Step and Oh Yum, among others.

    Avon stated: “Amuz Distribution is thrilled to expand our catalog with the globally popular Just For Laughs Group programs and we are fortunate to bring on Carlos Pacheco to head up our OTT and Monetization efforts. His experience in the global marketplace and especially as a leader in the OTT space will help us reach the company’s next level. We are looking forward to “keeping the world feeling good” with even more premium programming.”

    Pacheco added: “Amuz Distribution has been actively growing its international reach, on a path towards great success and I am excited to be part of the team to help them in this new expansion. From its award-winning programs like About Antoine and Larry, to its feel-good programming mandate, the company is gaining influence and visibility around the world.”

  • DCGpac expands global footprint with entry into the UAE market

    DCGpac expands global footprint with entry into the UAE market

    Mumbai: – DCGpac, India’s B2B e-commerce platform specializing in packaging solutions, has announced its expansion into the United Arab Emirates (UAE) market. This move signifies a significant step in DCGpac’s global expansion strategy and its commitment to serving businesses worldwide.

    DCGpac’s decision to enter the UAE market is driven by the growing demand for high-quality packaging solutions in the region. Leveraging its expertise and commitment to excellence, DCGpac aims to provide businesses in the UAE with innovative packaging solutions that meet their diverse needs.

    DCGpac has recently set up an innovation center and QC lab with ISO 9001:2015 certification in its India office and is now committed to the same in the UAE. This accreditation demonstrates DCGpac’s commitment to upholding the highest quality and dependability in its goods and services.

    Looking ahead, DCGpac is actively planning expansion initiatives in key markets such as the United States and Europe. By extending its reach into these regions, DCGpac seeks to further strengthen its position as a global leader in the packaging industry and better serve the needs of its customers worldwide.

    “We are thrilled to embark on our journey into the UAE market and beyond,” exclaimed DCGpac founder & CEO Suresh Bansal. “As we set sail towards new horizons, we eagerly anticipate delivering our cutting-edge products and services to esteemed customers in the UAE, further propelling our trajectory of global expansion.”

  • ABP LIVE achieves 200 mn users across platforms on 2024 election results day

    ABP LIVE achieves 200 mn users across platforms on 2024 election results day

    Mumbai: ABP LIVE, a leading digital news platform, set a new benchmark for digital news engagement on vote counting day on 4 June. It achieved a staggering threefold increase from its previous highest concurrent user count, reaching a record-breaking 50 lakh concurrent users across ABP LIVE platforms.

    ABP Network reached a remarkable 200 million users across its websites, apps, connected TV, YouTube, and Social Media channels on the 2024 election results day. This figure represents unduplicated users, showcasing the platform’s extensive reach.

    Speaking on this achievement, ABP Network CEO Avinash Pandey said: “ABP LIVE’s exceptional performance on election day underscores its position as a leading force in Indian digital news. Our commitment to in-depth coverage, innovative formats, and a strong regional presence has resonated with a massive audience, making ABP LIVE the go-to destination for election news in India.”

    ABP LIVE also secured the top spot on various social media and video streaming platforms. The network emerged victorious on Facebook, securing the number one position in both Marathi and Bengali platforms in terms of user interactions on 4 June (Source: Crowdtangle). Additionally, ABP Network’s regional channels dominated the YouTube leaderboard across Marathi, Bengali, and Gujarati on 4 June, achieving the number one position in live concurrent views for each respective language (Source: Data Beings).

    Furthermore, the ABP LIVE official app secured a coveted spot among the top recommended apps on the Google Play Store (news genre) during the crucial exit poll and counting day period (Source: Google Play Store | 1-4 June 2024).

    ABP LIVE’s innovative approach was also evident with its “ABP Election Centre Metaverse”. This virtual experience centre recorded a remarkable 50 lakh interactions on the counting day, showcasing the audience’s enthusiasm for this novel election coverage format. (Source: Google Analytics, AWS Servers).

    ABP LIVE’s latest launch – Car Play App – also observed over 100,000 seconds of LIVE TV & Podcast plays during the final stage of exit poll and results day combined, ensuring no one misses out on any updates even while driving.

    This monumental achievement on the counting day marks a significant milestone for ABP LIVE, solidifying its status as a trailblazer in digital news, especially when it comes to election coverage. With unparalleled engagement and a record-breaking user base, ABP LIVE has demonstrated its unwavering commitment to delivering comprehensive, innovative, and regionally relevant coverage. As it continues to set new standards in the digital news landscape, ABP LIVE remains dedicated to providing its vast audience with reliable and engaging news content. This landmark success is a testament to the platform’s excellence and its pivotal role in shaping the future of news consumption in India.

  • Amazon miniTV commences the shoot for the second season of its sports drama Sixer

    Amazon miniTV commences the shoot for the second season of its sports drama Sixer

    Mumbai: Amazon miniTV has officially kicked off the shooting for the highly anticipated second season of its popular sports drama series, Sixer. Created by TVF, the series garnered widespread acclaim for its gripping narrative and stellar performances in the debut season. It followed a ragtag group of cricketers and cricket enthusiasts who, despite facing personal challenges, unite to support one another and strive for victory in the local tennis ball cricket tournament. Returning to reprise their roles are Shivankit Singh Parihar, Gaurav Singh, Karishma Singh, Brij Bhushan Shukla, Badri Chavan, and Anandeshwar Dwivedi, among others.

    The streaming service recently shared an exciting post, sparking anticipation among fans eagerly awaiting the second installment to the captivating storyline they have grown to love. The new season will delve deeper into the life of Nikku, as he navigates through personal growth, newfound responsibilities, and complex relationships, all while fostering a newfound friendship with his former rival, Shanu.

    Sharing his thoughts, Amazon miniTV head of content Amogh Dusad said, “We are excited as the second season of Sixer begins its shoot, following the overwhelming love and support season one received. As we gear up for the second innings of his story, the new season will once again capture the magic of cricket and Indore and bring it to the screen with unmatched drama and thrill.”

    Shivankit Singh Parihar, who not only essays the role of Nikku in the series but is also the writer of the show ‘Sixer’, shared, “At TVF, we strive to bring raw and relatable stories to life. The overwhelming love from our viewers for the first season of ‘Sixer’ has inspired us to delve deeper in Season 2. This season explores Nikku’s personal evolution, his deepening friendship with Shanu, and the emotional intricacies within their group. Our collaboration with Amazon MiniTV allows us to present this compelling story to an even wider audience.”

    As cameras roll and the magic unfolds behind the scenes, stay tuned for more updates on Sixer S2 on Amazon miniTV.

     

     

  • Disney+ Hotstar is the first in India to stream live sports in Dolby Vision

    Disney+ Hotstar is the first in India to stream live sports in Dolby Vision

    Mumbai: Disney+ Hotstar becomes the first streaming platform to stream live sports in Dolby Vision in India and for cricket in the world. This ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024, all India matches, Super 8s, semi-finals and finals will be streamed live in Dolby Vision on Disney+ Hotstar.

    Disney+ Hotstar’s premium-only subscribers can get the best seats in the house when they experience the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024 in Dolby Vision. Cricket fans can experience every heart stopping, nail-biting moment of the game in the lifelike colors, sharp contrast, and rich details of Dolby Vision.

    Sharing the excitement about this milestone, Disney+ Hotstar head of engineering Mukund Acharya said, “India is a country that lives and breathes cricket; and it is our endeavour to consistently make their viewing experiences more immersive. We are delighted to introduce Dolby Vision for our Premium-only users to experience the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024 on their screens like never before. Our collaboration with Dolby marks a significant step for sports streaming in India; and sets a new precedence towards our efforts in offering the best in entertainment and technology.”

    Entertainment in Dolby Vision comes alive with sharper contrast and richer colors, revealing surprising new details. This advancement will be a unique selling proposition (USP) for Disney+ Hotstar’s Premium-only subscription, offering users an unmatched viewing experience that makes every moment of the game come alive.

    Dolby Laboratories senior director – commercial partnerships IMEA – Karan Grover expressed his enthusiasm for the collaboration, saying, “We are excited to collaborate with Disney+ Hotstar to bring Dolby Vision to live sport streaming for the first time in India. This ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024, Disney+ Hotstar subscribers can experience how the game comes alive in Dolby Vision, pulling you deeper into the action. This collaboration marks a significant achievement in delivering the future of cricket viewing to audiences.”

    Only select 4K-enabled smart TVs that support Dolby Vision will be able to stream these matches, ensuring that viewers with compatible technology get the best possible experience. Disney+ Hotstar continues to innovate and lead the way in providing exceptional entertainment experiences, and the introduction of Dolby Vision for live cricket streaming is a testament to this commitment.

  • ZEE5 Global add-ons unveils exciting new releases

    ZEE5 Global add-ons unveils exciting new releases

    Mumbai: ZEE5 Global, a streaming platform for South Asian content, has recently added exciting new titles for audiences in the US through add-ons channels Chaupal and Epic-On. The latest releases span various genres, including food competition, comedy, drama, and action, ensuring there’s something for everyone. Here’s a look at the latest releases you should not miss out on:

    Family Table

    Headlined by celebrity chef Ranveer Brar, this one is a family food game show wherein two families compete against each other by preparing their legacy dish. This is followed by celebrity guests presenting their own legacy dish challenging both the families to recreate the dish. The family which makes the best version wins an opportunity to dine with the celebrity guest, and Ranveer Brar. Bringing families and food together, this heartwarming and competitive Hindi show is a must-watch for food enthusiasts and fans of culinary challenges.

    Plot 1 by 2

    A light-hearted story of five young, quirky but bickering cousins of old Delhi’s Srivastava family, whose worlds turn upside down when a government notice dubs their house as illegal and gives them 30 days to vacate. The crazy, dysfunctional family must come together to save the family. Starring Nishant Malkhani, Krunal Pandit, and Shivya Pathania, this Hindi web series’ humour and unexpected twists make it a must-watch for comedy lovers.

    Blackia 2

    Blackia 2 is the story of the leader of the black business, whose rule does not know any border. Meet Gamma, aka Blackia, portrayed by Dev Kharoud, and the Black Kingdom. Picking up from where the original Blackia movie left off, this sequel continues to follow Blackia’s rise through the ranks of the underworld. With intense action sequences and a gripping plot, this Punjabi movie keeps viewers on the edge of their seats.

    Oye Bhole Oye

    Bhola’s quest for work in the city leads him to Aveera, a rich woman drawn to his simple life. However, when Bhola gets involved in a fight to defend his town, their beautiful romance takes an unexpected turn. Starring Jagjeet Sandhu, this Punjabi film not only entertains audiences but also delivers an inspirational and prominent message.

    Users can download the ZEE5 Global app from Google Play Store / iOS App Store. It is available on Roku devices, Apple TVs, Android TVs, Amazon Fire TV and Samsung Smart TVs. Users can also access ZEE5 Global on www.ZEE5.com

  • KFC India unveils ‘Zingerverse’ AR filter nationwide on Instagram

    KFC India unveils ‘Zingerverse’ AR filter nationwide on Instagram

    Mumbai: KFC India has unveiled the ‘Zingerverse’ an AR filter for an immersive experience that brings the new Zingers and its global avatars to life for fans across India. KFC India announced the launch of their new Zingers last month, the filter aims to elevate the overall Zinger experience for KFC fans.

    The KFC International Burger Fest features not one, not two but five distinct Zinger Burgers, starting at Rs 179/-. From spicy, to classic to tandoori and so much more – KFC’s variety of Zinger burgers features global flavours to satisfy any and every craving.

    Step into the Zingerverse

    The Zingerverse AR filter is designed to level up how fans interact with KFC’s famous Zinger. By merging physical and digital spaces, this innovative filter offers a unique interaction that is both fun and easy to use.

    Experience the Zingerverse anywhere, anytime

    •    Immersive interaction: Users can access the Zingerverse from any location by accessing it through Instagram.
    •    Nationwide accessibility: The filter can be activated by scanning QR codes displayed on kiosks across KFC outlets in India, making it easily accessible to everyone.
    •    In-store engagement: Tables in select KFC outlets feature stickers that invite customers to explore the Zingerverse, enhancing their dining experience with an interactive twist.
    •    Restaurant engagement: The filter will also create restaurant engagement by encouraging diners to interact with the AR experience during their visit, making their time at KFC even more enjoyable.

    Simple access to the Zingerverse:

    The Zingerverse AR filter is now available on Instagram. To join the fun, users can visit KFC’s official Instagram profile (@kfcindia_official) and tap on the filter icon or here: instagram.com/ar/1422206098429313 
     

  • “If Shah Rukh Khan plays my love interest in my biopic, I’ll do it myself,” reveals Sania Mirza on Netflix’s The Great Indian Kapil Show

    “If Shah Rukh Khan plays my love interest in my biopic, I’ll do it myself,” reveals Sania Mirza on Netflix’s The Great Indian Kapil Show

    Mumbai: After watching the reel sports Jodi – Mr & Mrs. Mahi hit it out of the park in the last episode, this week on Netflix’s The Great Indian Kapil Show, the audience can look forward to some real shots served by the proud medalists of our country – Mary Kom, Saina Nehwal, Sift Kaur Samra, and Sania Mirza. The 11th episode of the season promises to be filled with absolute candidness and some well-served hilarious moments from the guests. Being as witty as she is, Sania Mirza spills the beans on her biopic, revealing who she thinks could portray the role of her love interest and her.

    Asking Sania about her choice, Kapil Sharma questioned, “In the biopic on Mary Kom, Priyanka Chopra portrayed her role. Parineeti Chopra portrayed Saina’s role in her biopic. Sania, if someone makes your biopic, who do you think can do justice to your role?”

    Being in her natural element, Mirza replied, “Do they have any other sister? I think we have many good actresses in our country. Anyone is fine. Or shall I do it on my own?”

    Sharing an old incident, Sharma reacted, “Shall I tell you something? I am sure you know about it. In an interview, Mr. Shah Rukh Khan said if a biopic on Sania Mirza is made, I would like to play her love interest. Will you allow any other actress to play it or will you take up the role?”

    Jumping on the occasion, Mirza said, “Now, I have to find a love interest first. But if Mr. Shah Rukh Khan plays the role, I will take it up, and if Akshay Kumar plays the role, I will not miss it.”