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Category: iWorld

  • IAA to open doors to the Meta office for its YP members

    IAA to open doors to the Meta office for its YP members

    Mumbai: The Indian Chapter of the International Advertising Association (IAA), has announced its next event for its Young Professionals (YP).

    On 16 February, IAA’s Young Professionals will get a chance to visit the Meta office and interact with professionals from the social media giant.

    During this three-hour-long event, Meta professionals will discuss trends that they see in advertising in 2024, the best practices for advertisers using it, and also possible career options with them. Post the presentations, the Meta team will engage with the attendees during high tea.

    IAA India Chapter president Avinash Pandey said, “The IAA Young Professionals membership is a fantastic platform for young professionals to connect, learn, and thrive in this ever-evolving world. Through this event with Meta, we aim to help educate them on how the social media giant functions, how it can be used to build  brands, and also most importantly what it offers for those looking for roles within the company.”  

    Event registration for YP Talks 2.O with META

  • IPRS to empowering new and upcoming artists at Deccan Alternative Music Conference 2024

    IPRS to empowering new and upcoming artists at Deccan Alternative Music Conference 2024

    Mumbai: The Indian Performing Right Society (IPRS) is set to mark its presence at the Deccan Alternative Music Conference, scheduled from 9 to 10 February in Bengaluru. This initiative aims to enlighten and empower musicians from the region, shedding light on crucial aspects of the music business covering copyright, royalties, and the role of music copyright societies in safeguarding creators’ rights.

    In an era where music is not just an art but a thriving industry, understanding music copyright is paramount, IPRS has always endeavoured to make musicians aware of their rights. Music copyright protects the intellectual property of creators, ensuring they receive due recognition and compensation for their work. It encompasses the rights of composers, songwriters, and independent artists, offering them a legal shield in the ever-evolving music landscape.

    Music copyright societies play a pivotal role in safeguarding the interests of creators. Rights management societies, like IPRS, act as custodians of creators’ rights, managing and licensing their music to ensure fair compensation. By joining a copyright society, music creators gain a powerful ally in navigating the complexities of the music industry, ensuring that their music is duly protected and monetized.

    For creators, royalties serve as a consistent source of income. IPRS, as a govt. authorised music copyright society, actively collects and distributes royalties on behalf of its members, turning creative endeavours into a sustainable livelihood. Understanding the nuances of royalties is crucial for artists to maximize their earnings and foster a thriving music-creator economy.

    As part of the Deccan Alternative Music Conference, IPRS is hosting an insightful workshop aimed at demystifying music copyright and licensing, the role IPRS plays in managing creator and publisher rights, and their right to royalties. IPRS will guide participants through the benefits of being represented as a community, ensuring due credits through data registration, and providing valuable insights that will help boost their musical journey.

    In addition to the workshop, IPRS is organizing an exclusive enrolment boot camp during the conference. Independent artists, songwriters, and composers can seize this opportunity for on-the-spot registration. This initiative is designed to empower creators by facilitating seamless access to the benefits of IPRS membership.

    Creators attending the Deccan Alternative Music Conference, are encouraged to participate in the workshop and enrolment boot camp, gaining valuable insights and establishing direct connections with the IPRS team. The conference promises not just a platform for musical expression but also a gateway to unlocking the full potential of a creator’s work.

    IPRS invites all independent artists, bands, songwriters, and composers to be part of this enriching experience. Mark your calendars for the Deccan Alternative Music Conference, and embark on a journey to enhance your understanding of music copyright, royalties, and the transformative role of IPRS in shaping the music industry.

    Commenting on this, singer, composer and IPRS member Bindhu Malini said, “As a member of IPRS, I am aware of how critical it is to understand and protect our rights as a creator in the dynamic music business. The Deccan Alternative Music Conference offers a priceless forum for knowledge, networking, and understanding the nuances of the music business to new and upcoming artists and music creators. Being a member of IPRS means more than just financial returns; it’s about joining a global community of music creators, where IPRS acts as a strong ally, advocating for my cause and safeguarding my rights. Glad to be part of this journey.”

    Adding to this, The Indian Performing Right Society Ltd CEO Rakesh Nigam said; “As we participate in the Deccan Alternative Music Conference, our focus is on empowering creators hailing from the vibrant musical landscapes of the region. A special thanks to the organisers of the Deccan Alternative Music Conference, for crafting this unique space where regional talents can amplify their understanding of the music business. Through strategic collaborations and extensive outreach, our goal is to reach every artist, transcending geographical boundaries, and making sure they are well-versed about the opportunities and protections that await them in the rapidly evolving music industry.”

    The Indian music industry is witnessing unprecedented growth, transcending borders. Independent and non-film music is gaining popularity and winning fans across geographies. But it is alarming that a vast majority of songwriters are unaware of their rights, the clauses outlined by the Copyright Law in favour of music creators, and how to protect their rights and rightful dues. IPRS has been incessantly working towards empowering and educating music makers on matters that shape their careers and help them reap more from their creations. IPRS’s participation at the Deccan Alternative Music Conference, is a step towards that.

  • Amazon miniTV’s Hustlers: Jugaad Ka Khel inspires real-life ‘Hustlers’ to share their success stories

    Amazon miniTV’s Hustlers: Jugaad Ka Khel inspires real-life ‘Hustlers’ to share their success stories

    Mumbai: Amazon miniTV, Amazon’s free video streaming service, has been making great strides in the streaming industry with its robust content library. From spine-tingling thrillers to heartwarming romances, the streaming service has something to suit the liking of everyone. Hustlers: Jugaad Ka Khel, the latest addition to the service, has been reveling in a ton of love and admiration ever since its release on Amazon miniTV. Starring Vishal Vashishtha, Samir Kochhar, Maharshi Dave, Anjali Barot, and Anurag Arora in key roles, Hustlers: Jugaad Ka Khel has created waves of inspiration amongst the nation’s youth. It has also garnered excellent reviews from audiences, earning an impressive rating of 8.2/10 on IMDb.

    Striking the right chord with the viewers, this entrepreneurial drama series captures the journey of Sanjay Sharma, the black sheep of a middle-class family, who is triggered by constant comparison and competition at home. Through his determination, Sanjay, mostly referred to as “Manoj ka chota bhai,” gets through the Indian Institute of Engineering, Bombay (IIE) and becomes a phenomenal start-up disruptor in true Indian “hustler” style. The series has not only inspired the youth of the country but has also encouraged them to share some success stories that have inspired them, with the streaming service. To celebrate these real-life ‘Hustlers’, Amazon miniTV curated special posters as an ode that define their inspiring stories.

    Amazon miniTV’s Post

    Expressing his gratitude towards these hustlers, Amazon miniTV head of content Amogh Dusad shared, “We feel honored to have received such immense love and support from viewers for our latest entrepreneurial drama, Hustlers: Jugaad Ka Khel. We, at Amazon miniTV, always strive to create relatable and entertaining content that resonates with our audience. With Hustlers, we are glad to have made a difference in the lives of as many as possible. We are all hustling in life in our way, and seeing people not giving up on their dreams and keep going at them is commendable. We believe Hustlers: Jugaad Ka Khel is a story of determination, and we are glad it is inspiring people, as it should.”

    Produced by Rainshine Entertainment, Hustlers: Jugaad Ka Khel is streaming exclusively on Amazon miniTV.

  • Alia Bhatt joins as executive producer for Amazon Original crime series ‘Poacher’

    Alia Bhatt joins as executive producer for Amazon Original crime series ‘Poacher’

    Mumbai: Prime Video today announced that actor, producer and entrepreneur, Alia Bhatt has come onboard as executive producer for its upcoming Amazon Original series Poacher, produced by QC Entertainment. An investigative crime series based on true events; Poacher unearths the largest ivory poaching ring in Indian history. A first-of-its-kind project, Poacher brings the world of environmental conservation and entertainment together with the intent of highlighting a key global concern – illegal poaching. Emmy-award-winning filmmaker Richie Mehta has created, written, and directed the series, which boasts of a diverse and talented cast comprising Nimisha Sajayan, Roshan Mathew, and Dibyendu Bhattacharya in pivotal roles. Poacher which unfolds primarily in Malayalam, Hindi and English, is set to premiere exclusively on Prime Video in India and across more than 240 countries and territories worldwide on February 23 in multiple languages. The crime series is the latest addition to the Prime membership. Prime members in India enjoy savings, convenience, and entertainment, all in a single membership, for just Rs 1499/ year.

    A globally celebrated artist, Alia is also known as a champion of nature and has actively lent her voice towards conservation and sustainability. Her association with Poacher as an executive producer with her production company Eternal Sunshine Productions, underscores her belief in the story and her commitment to bring important and relevant stories alive and be a voice for the voiceless.

    Talking about coming onboard as the executive producer for Poacher, Alia Bhatt shared, “Being part of this incredibly significant project is an honor, for both me and the entire team at Eternal Sunshine Productions. The impact of Poacher was deeply personal, and Richie’s portrayal of the urgent issue of wildlife crime resonated strongly with me and the team. The storytelling genuinely moved me, especially knowing it’s based on true events, that sheds light on brutal crimes occurring in our forests. I am confident that Poacher will serve as an eye-opener, delivering a powerful message to be more compassionate and considerate towards all living beings. It’s a call to embrace coexistence and I am genuinely thrilled to be collaborating with Richie, QC and Prime Video and to contribute to this narrative.”

    “Alia coming on board Poacher is truly a dream come true. In addition to being a world-class actress she has proven to be a selfless philanthropist channeling her well-respected and earned celebrity status for championing positive causes. Her involvement in this series helps raise awareness for the important issues addressed in the show. The most important of which is, we are all one interconnected humanity and planet. It’s crucial that we treat it with the respect and consideration it deserves,” said QC principals Hamm, Mansfield & McKittrick.

    Poacher is executive produced by QC Entertainment’s Edward H. Hamm Jr., Raymond Mansfield and Sean McKittrick, in association with Suitable Pictures, Poor Man’s Productions and Eternal Sunshine Productions. Alan McAlex (Suitable Boy) serves as producer for Suitable Pictures. Also from Delhi Crime are director of photography Johan Aidt, composer Andrew Lockington and editor Beverley Mills.

    Apart from her pursuits in cinema, Alia has passionately helped raise awareness about relevant causes such as environmental sustainability, animal welfare and mitigating human-animal conflict through her platform, Coexist. She also promotes sustainable fashion through her initiative, Mi Wardrobe is Su Wardrobe.

  • Planetcast launches its NexC cloud-first architecture to enable media companies

    Planetcast launches its NexC cloud-first architecture to enable media companies

    Mumbai: Planetcast Media Services, a broadcast technology and media services provider, announced the launch of its NexC architecture to simplify content management, distribution, and monetisation services and technologies. NexC provides a single-window, content supply chain management system, enabling users to beat the complexity challenge of today’s media and entertainment landscape.

    Benefits of NexC include:

    •    Frictionless movement of content assets between most-used services increases efficiency and minimises cost.
    •    NexC’s collaboration tools mean that global teams can work together without leaving NexC
    •    The inclusion of major functionalities in one interface, including content supply chain, playout and distribution, FAST, OTT distribution, and post-production, enables Planetcast customers to effortlessly add services without complex processes or having to deal with multiple vendors.
    •    NexC’s cloud-based infrastructure and content-repurposing features enable users to monetise content quickly and cost-effectively across more formats and geographies than ever before.

    “Media organisations are finding it increasingly cumbersome and expensive to navigate the various stages of post-production, content delivery, and monetisation,” said Planetcast chief executive officer Sanjay Duda. “In addition to seeking to enhance profitability, many media & entertainment companies are expanding geographically, while at the same time targeting new distribution points and functionalities, such as over-the-top (OTT), Free Ad-Supported Streaming TV (FAST), and pop-up channels. This leads to an exponential increase in the requirement for media processing and management, which we call the ‘complexity challenge’. Planetcast’s NexC unified service layer architecture meets this challenge through its flexibility and cloud-first approach, enabling customers to maximize efficiency and cost-effectiveness.”

    The NexC architecture consists of the following elements, all accessed through Planetcast’s unified customer user interface (UI) and dashboard:

    •    Contido content supply chain and management solution
    •    Content Preparation & Localisation Services, a full suite of core technical post-production services from quality control and compliance to subtitling & dubbing, etc.
    •    Scheduling, Playout and distribution through the CloudX hybrid cloud playout and Recaster digital delivery
    •    Planetcast OTT, a white-labelled OTT solution for non-linear content distribution

    In addition, the NexC platform offers partner-integrated value-added services such as:

    •    FAST Playout with partner-driven Server-Side Ad-insertion, Ad-Demand Management and Platform partner management.
    •    Cloud-based Creative Post Production which includes the full suite of creative services such as Editing, Colour Grading, VFX, etc. on Cloud.

    “Planetcast’s success has been built upon the ability to adapt to changing distribution and monetisation trends over the last two decades while successfully handling some of the world’s most valuable sports and entertainment properties,” said Planetcast’s chief operating officer, digital, Venugopal Iyengar. “Our strength lies in having organically built end-to-end distribution value chains using our in-house software development capability, mostly built with our own IP, served by a 200+ software team. We believe that the ‘complexity challenge’ is the greatest issue facing media companies today. To meet this challenge, we have designed the NexC architecture from the ground up to provide all the power and functionality media companies need, combined with the simplicity of a single sign-on collaborative user interface.”

    Further, to ensure sustained value enhancement in this rapidly developing industry, NexC will offer API integration support for any Generative AI solutions that serve to enhance the workflows and functionality of the Platform.

    Planetcast has developed one of the industry’s most comprehensive cloud-driven media services offerings and is trusted by many of the world’s most demanding global media companies, including Amazon Prime Video, Discovery, Disney, Indian Premier League (IPL), Star TV, Sony, Viacom, and Doordarshan, India’s premier public broadcaster. These unique solutions are right now being integrated into the NexC unified service layer architecture.

  • TOI presents the sixth edition of the Times of India Sports Awards

    TOI presents the sixth edition of the Times of India Sports Awards

    Mumbai: Recognising the unwavering commitment and outstanding achievements of Indian athletes, The Times of India announces the return of the sixth edition of its prestigious event, the TOI Sports Awards (TOISA). Set against the regal backdrop of Lucknow, the City of Nawabs, the awards ceremony will take place on 23 February 2024, in the presence of esteemed personalities from the realms of Indian sports.

    In collaboration with the Uttar Pradesh government, TOI unveiled this edition, reinforcing its dedication to honouring sporting excellence. Themed #MoreSweatMoreGlory for the second consecutive year, TOISA pays homage to the relentless spirit of athletes and para-athletes who illuminated the sports landscape in 2023. Beyond recognising the standout figures of Indian sports, TOISA remains committed to nurturing the future generation of athletes, inspiring countless youngsters to pursue their dreams.

    Speaking about the significance of TOISA 2023, Prasad Sanyal, Business Head, Times Internet, stated, “Since its inception, TOISA has been steadfast in acknowledging the remarkable talent of both emerging and seasoned athletes. This year, we are excited to present another edition of the awards, featuring diverse categories and an esteemed jury panel. Our aim is to celebrate the pinnacle of Indian sports and para-sports at this year’s TOISA.”

    With over 20 award categories, last year’s nominees included a mix of rising and established stars in Indian and para-sports. A distinguished jury of legendary Indian sports personalities decided the winners, including Paralympic champion and Padma Awardee Deepa Malik, Olympic-winning weightlifter Karnam Malleswari, and hockey star Zafar Iqbal. They were joined by prominent figures such as long jump star and vice-president of the Athletics Federation of India, Anju Bobby George, badminton coach and two-time Padma Awardee Pullela Gopichand, Olympic-winning wrestler Yogeshwar Dutt, and vice-president of the IOA & Olympic-winning shooter Gagan Narang. The jury was chaired by Adille Sumariwalla president of the Athletics Federation of India and vice-president of the IAAF.

    The jury meeting, held in Delhi last week, marked a rigorous selection process considering various parameters to determine the winners. The awards will be presented during a grand ceremony scheduled later this month in Lucknow, promising an evening that celebrates the zenith of sporting achievements.

  • ‘Everyone’s Talking Prime’, everywhere, all at once with PivotRoots’ hyperlocal campaign for Prime Video

    ‘Everyone’s Talking Prime’, everywhere, all at once with PivotRoots’ hyperlocal campaign for Prime Video

    Mumbai: Prime Video, India’s most popular video streaming service, and its long-term agency partner PivotRoots – a Havas company collaborated to shine a spotlight on the OTT platform’s impressive content gallery by creating more than 500 hyperlocal promos using Google’s Ads Creative Studio (previously, Director Mix) for contextual user experiences.

    [Director Mix Juhu]

    PivotRoots amplified the reach of the campaign through Google’s comprehensive advertising tool that was deployed to conceptualize and produce over 500 custom promos across YouTube and Meta. These hyperlocal promos were tailored to the user’s location by incorporating, among other parameters, references to famous local landmarks like Juhu, Bandstand and Carter Road in Mumbai, Jal Mahal in Jaipur, Taj Mahal in Agra, Japanese Garden and Sabarmati Riverfront in Ahmedabad and Sion City in Kolkata, to add a personalised touch. For instance, a user targeted in Mumbai’s Bandra would receive a creative referencing ‘Carter Road’ to make it contextually relevant to that user.

    The objective was to encourage users to indulge in the captivating world of movies and web shows that everyone is talking about. Elaborating on the relevance of hyperlocal campaigning in the current digital landscape, PivotRoots director – media Jinit Shah said, “Audiences are increasingly seeking personalised experiences. We delivered this with hyperlocal ads to every user who had seen the brand film, hence tying back to the theme of the campaign (Everyone’s Talking Prime), leaving users intrigued and with a sense of delight. “

    [Director Mix Bandstand]

    PivotRoots chief creative officer Hetal Khalsa emphasized the significance of maintaining a personal connection with the audience, stating, “Often with larger-than-life brand campaigns, the message tends to get lost as it trickles down to a wider audience, making the reach suffer. There was an innate need for a solution that delivered the brand message with utmost recall. The intent was to go as hyperlocal as we can with our custom brand messaging, targeting cities and towns across all 3 tiers and delivering it with a personal touch to elevate the impact.”

    [Director Mix Japanese Garden]

    Banner Ads

    To augment the campaign’s reach, dynamic banner ads were strategically placed across multiple sites. These ads were tailored to the time of day and adapted to the specific day of the week, ensuring a customised brand communication approach across various channels.

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    Prime Video’s ‘Everyone’s Talking Prime’ campaign marks a milestone in the streaming industry, setting new standards for engaging and hyperlocal brand communication. With its innovative use of technology and strategic partnerships with PivotRoots, Prime Video continues to solidify its position as the go-to platform for premium entertainment.

  • Shemaroo Entertainment expands DCB Services for ShemarooMe with four new telecom operators

    Shemaroo Entertainment expands DCB Services for ShemarooMe with four new telecom operators

    Mumbai: Shemaroo Entertainment, one of India’s leading media & entertainment conglomerates, takes a significant leap in its expansion in the global telco, ISP (Internet Service Provider), and OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) landscape by collaborating with four international telecom operators to extend its OTT platform, ShemarooMe. In this strategic move, partnerships with Zain, STC, and Mobily in Saudi Arabia, along with Vodafone in Qatar, facilitated by DCB (direct carrier billing) partners, 3A net and one97 communications, showcase Shemaroo’s commitment to delivering diverse entertainment experiences worldwide.

    This collaboration not only broadens ShemarooMe’s presence but also introduces a convenient payment option for telecom operators’ customers through its direct carrier billing (DCB) partners. Users will have the flexibility to subscribe to ShemarooMe through their mobile operator’s payment gateway.

    The expansion, reaching around 29 telecom providers across Southeast Asia, SAARC, and the MENA region, perfectly aligns with Shemaroo’s vision of transcending entertainment barriers, providing high-quality content across borders while meeting a diverse range of viewer preferences.

    Shemaroo Entertainment Ltd chief operating officer – digital business Saurabh Srivastava said, “Shemaroo Entertainment takes immense pride in advancing our content’s global reach. Our venture into new territories through partnerships with four international telecom operators is a noteworthy step in this endeavour. This strategic move not only broadens our reach but marks a significant milestone in our mission to bring diverse and quality entertainment to audiences worldwide. We anticipate further collaborations as we persist in our global expansion journey.”

    With plans to integrate ShemarooMe OTT with more telecom operators, Shemaroo is solidifying its position as a global entertainment leader, embracing technological advancements to deliver captivating content to audiences worldwide.

    The ShemarooMe OTT app, available in over 150 countries, offers a vast library of 7000 plus hours of content across Bollywood, regional, devotional, and kids genres, presented in Hindi, Gujarati, Marathi, and Punjabi languages.

  • ZEE5 Global launches ‘Refer And Earn’ program

    ZEE5 Global launches ‘Refer And Earn’ program

    Mumbai: Get ready to elevate your entertainment game as streaming platform ZEE5 Global launches a unique ‘Refer and Earn’ program, an unmissable opportunity for consumers in India and the US.

    All you have to do is refer your friends and family in the United States to sign up for ZEE5 Global. When they successfully subscribe to ZEE5 Global, both of you not only dive into an expansive library of premium content featuring unmissable blockbusters such as Sam Bahadur, Tejas, Ghoomer, Gadar 2, Koose Munisamy Veerappan and ZEE5 Originals like Kadak Singh, Mrs. Undercover, Duranga 2, Tarla, Abar Proloy, etc. but you also bag some amazing gifts!

    While your friend in the US gets a 50 per cent discount on the monthly subscription fee, you get a gift voucher worth Rs 500! It’s a win-win situation where every referral unlocks a treasure trove of entertainment and rewards you generously.

    ZEE5 Global chief business officer Archana Anand said, “The Refer and Earn program is more than a simple referral initiative; it represents a unique opportunity to explore, connect, and share the richness of South Asian entertainment through our unparalleled content library on ZEE5 Global. What sets this program apart is its dual benefit as both the referrer and the referral gain from joining. This unique initiative makes it even easier for subscribers across India to share their favourite content with their family and friends in the US and get rewarded for it. The participation we’re already seeing underscores the exceptional value of the program, and we’re looking forward to its enormous success.”

    Participation is a breeze:

    •    Go to ZEE5.com/Referral or simply click on the dedicated ‘Refer and Earn’ tab on the ZEE5.com homepage.
    •    Generate a unique referral link to share with friends and family in the United States, inviting them to join the ZEE5 Global community.
    •    Sit back and wait for your free Rs. 500 voucher!
  • Varun Dhawan starrer Baby John is set to release on 31 May 2024!

    Varun Dhawan starrer Baby John is set to release on 31 May 2024!

    Mumbai: Atlee, Jio Studios, A for Apple Studios & Cine1 Studios introduce Varun Dhawan in and as Baby John and the title announcement will leave you intrigued, wanting to know more about this action entertainer.

    The palpable excitement for Varun Dhawan starrer #VD18 is about to reach its next level as Jio Studios, A for Apple Studios and Cine1 Studios, announce the title, first glimpse and the big release date of the film. The thrilling title announcement reveals an intriguing peek into the film, now titled ‘Baby John’ directed by A. Kaleeswaran, which is all set to release worldwide on 31st May 2024, which is sure to pique curiosity among audiences. A collaboration between some of the most creative forces in the Indian film industry, ‘Baby John’ promises audiences an extravagant cinematic experience. The action entertainer is set to captivate cine-goers with its gripping storyline, powerful performances, and high-octane action sequences.

     

     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     

    A post shared by BabyJohn (@varundvn)

     

    The film marks the Hindi film debut of Keerthy Suresh and also features Wamiqa Gabbi, who is making her silver screen debut. The electrifying starcast also includes Jacky Shroff and Rajpal Yadav in the action entertainer. ‘Baby John’ is an S Thaman musical. Jio Studios Presents, ‘Baby John’ in association with Atlee and Cine1 Studios. A for Apple Studios and Cine1 Studios Production, the film is produced by Murad Khetani, Priya Atlee and Jyoti Deshpande. Directed by A.Kaleeswaran, ‘Baby John’ is set to theatrically release on 31 May 2024.