ITV

Category: iWorld

  • Skyesports and Loco join forces

    Skyesports and Loco join forces

    Mumbai: The Skyesports Masters is thrilled to announce that Loco, the world’s leading independent esports and live streaming platform, is the broadcasting partner for India’s first-ever franchised esports tournament. In an exciting development, Loco has also stepped up as the official sponsor for all eight franchised esports teams participating in the Rs. 2 Crore tournament.

    Fans of competitive gaming can immerse themselves in the heart-pounding CS:GO action of the Skyesports Masters by tuning into the matches streaming live on the Loco website and mobile application. Loco is also set to bring unique experiences for fans leading up to the LAN Playoffs at the Koramangala Indoor Stadium in Bangalore on 26 and 27 Aug. The Playoffs will be open to all for free and feature intense esports action, show-matches, meet-and-greets, brand booths, and a grand music show – becoming a one-stop entertainment extravaganza and setting a benchmark for Indian esports events. Tickets are currently available on Paytm Insider.

    Commenting on Loco’s partnership with the Skyesports Masters, Loco co-founder & vice president- business operations Firasat Durrani said, “Having the prestigious Skyesports Masters CS:GO, a significant gaming event in India, on Loco is a testament of our consistent efforts to bring diverse content to our viewers for legacy esports like Counter Strike. Our enduring partnership with Skyesports, and the exciting support for the 8 teams in this tournament, showcases our commitment to not only support and uplift the tournament but also the individual stories and aspirations that breathe life into Indian esports, particularly within the PC gaming community in India.”

    Additionally, Loco is partnering with the eight franshied esports teams in the Skyesports Masters representing the top esports organizations of the country. Velocity Gaming, Enigma Gaming, Revenant Esports, Reckoning Esports, Medal Esports, Gods Reign, Marcos Gaming, and 7Sea Esports are fighting for the throne in India’s first-ever franchised esports tournament.

    Commenting on the partnership, Skyesports CEO & founder Shiva Nandy said, “The Skyesports Masters is a benchmark-setting event for Indian esports as it prioritizes sustainability for all the eight partnered teams. We are thrilled to have onboarded Loco, the world’s leading independent esports and live game streaming platform, not only as the broadcasting partner but also as a sponsor for the teams competing in the event. As we approach a thrilling end to the League Stage of the Skyesports Masters, fans can catch all the action live on Loco as well.”

  • Adani Group set to buy remaining stake in Quintillion Business Media

    Adani Group set to buy remaining stake in Quintillion Business Media

    Mumbai: Adani Group has said it would buy the remaining 51 per cent stake in Quintillion Business Media, which operates business and financial news digital media platform BQ Prime.

    Quintillion, in which Adani bought a 49 per cent stake for 478.4 million Indian rupees ($5.75 million) in March last year, was his first bet in the Indian news industry before taking a nearly 65 per cent stake in broadcaster NDTV in December.

  • JioCinema to live-stream World Athletics Championships Budapest 23

    JioCinema to live-stream World Athletics Championships Budapest 23

    Mumbai: Viacom18 has announced the acquisition of exclusive digital rights to live-stream World Athletics Championships Budapest 23 on JioCinema. From 19 to 27 August, the world’s best athletes will come together in Budapest aiming for the ultimate glory.

    The Indian contingent will include 28 athletes with Olympic champion and 2022 World Championships silver medallist Neeraj Chopra being the focal point. On the back of winning a silver at the Asian Athletics Championships, long jumper Murali Sreeshankar will also be one to watch out for.

    Out of the 28 athletes, 15 will be competing at the Worlds for the first time ever. At 19, former World U20 Athletics Championships silver medallist Shaili Singh is the youngest member of the contingent.

    “Securing the rights of the World Athletics Championships Budapest 23 is a testament to our commitment to offering top-tier global sporting properties to our viewers on their preferred platform with no barriers to access,” said Viacom18 sports head of strategy, partnerships & acquisitions Hursh Shrivastava. “We are excited to offer fans a compelling presentation that includes exclusive peeks into the journey of India’s best athletes to the Championships alongside the drama and thrill of live action.”

    To enhance the live-viewing experience, JioCinema will present a 360-degree coverage that will include previews, exclusive interviews, analysis & expert opinions on the elite Indian athletes as they go toe-to-toe with the world’s best in Budapest.

  • Painting a reel-istic canvas With a ‘Gadar’ marketing strategy

    Painting a reel-istic canvas With a ‘Gadar’ marketing strategy

    Mumbai: In an ingenious collaboration, Zee Studios and White Rivers Media created a trailblazing promotional campaign for Gadar 2, combining the magic of ‘Reel Wala Trailer’ with the charm of an artistic mural. These two initiatives celebrated the iconic legacy of the film while embracing cutting-edge marketing strategies.

    Reel-ing in audiences: An industry-first trailer launch

    Zee Studios and White Rivers Media, in partnership with Meta, unveiled a #ReelWalaTrailer that pushed the envelope of marketing strategies. It was the first-ever movie trailer launched in an Instagram reel format.

    “We created an experience for our audiences, and I was incredibly happy with it. I was eager to see how our fans would react to this. This collaboration was truly a memorable one,” stated Bollywood super star Sunny Deol, following an Instagram Live interaction at Meta’s Mumbai headquarters.

    “Considering the way young people are creating and consuming Reels, and the way it sparks cultural trends, a movie trailer built for Reels is an exciting proposition. Congrats to Zee Studios for setting this precedent and we’re glad to have partnered with them for it.” added, Paras Sharma, Director and Head of Content and Community Partnerships, Facebook India (Meta).

    Unveiling an iconic character mural

    Concurrently, a captivating mural paying homage to the legendary character ‘Tara Singh’ (played by Sunny Deol) was unveiled near Mumbai’s Andheri East Flyover. Famous artists Siddhesh and Akil collaborated to create this mesmerizing artwork, beautifully capturing Tara Singh’s spirit.

    White Rivers Media CEO & co-founder Shrenik Gandhi remarked, “Art holds the power to convey emotions and stories, and this mural is a prime example of the same! Marketing the sequel of one of the most iconic movies with Zee Studios was an innovative experience.”

    An Everlasting Imprint

    Neeraj Joshi, Marketing Head of Zee Studios, emphasized, “With Meta’s unique offering and our partner White Rivers Media, we tried to craft a unique cinematic journey for our audiences with a pinch of nostalgia. I am overwhelmed to see the love our marketing efforts have received.”

    Gadar 2’s innovative marketing strategies not only pay tribute to its iconic characters but also captivates audiences through creative approaches. The film, starring Sunny Deol, Ameesha Patel, and Utkarsh Sharma, directed by Anil Sharma, has grossed 135+ crores over the weekend, delighting audiences and film critics alike.

  • KBC Play Along returns on Sony LIV with KBC season 15

    KBC Play Along returns on Sony LIV with KBC season 15

    Mumbai: India’s prestigious knowledge-based show, Kaun Banega Crorepati, is set to make a spectacular comeback with its season 15 on Sony LIV. With a legacy spanning over years, the show has captured the hearts of viewers from across geographies and age groups. Scheduled to premiere on 14 August, Kaun Banega Crorepati promises to deliver another riveting season filled with knowledge, entertainment, and life-changing opportunities. The show’s return also heralds the resurgence of a much-celebrated feature – KBC Play Along on Sony LIV. 

    This interactive quiz experience offers an unparalleled level of engagement, seamlessly connecting users to the captivating world of Kaun Banega Crorepati. Since its inception in 2018, KBC Play Along has garnered immense popularity by allowing viewers to actively participate in the challenge while streaming the show in real-time on Sony LIV. 

    The innovation extends beyond mere spectatorship, empowering users with a chance to win exciting weekly and daily prizes. Moreover, select users stand an exclusive chance to win a spot on the coveted hot seat for the Friday specials. As the anticipation builds and excitement soars, Kaun Banega Crorepati Season 15 promises to redefine entertainment, engagement, and empowerment. 

    Don’t miss the chance to be a part of this extraordinary experience, only on Sony LIV.

  • NRK chooses Appear to optimise its mezzanine encoding for DVB and OTT distribution

    NRK chooses Appear to optimise its mezzanine encoding for DVB and OTT distribution

    Mumbai: Appear, the global leader in media processing and delivery technology, has been chosen by Norway’s leading public broadcaster NRK, to expand and modernise its media delivery platform and to enable NRK to take advantage of future advances in encoding and video transport technologies. Appear is delivering a comprehensive service to NRK, building and running a robust compression platform capable of delivering high-quality encoding streams for transcoding by various content distributors across Norway as well as for NRK’s OTT and DVB systems.

    As part of the managed service, Appear is expanding the deployment of its X and XC platforms while taking on operation and management of the solution. Its award-winning X Platform provides NRK with mezzanine encoding expansion in DVB and OTT and managing live contribution of NRK’s premium live TV channels. Appear’s XC Platform brings NRK’s programmatic and events-based radio channels to NRK customers nationwide. Both platforms are based on modular and customisable chassis, allowing modules to interconnect to create a flexible system with the highest grade of performance and capability. The modular nature of the chassis means that Appear can efficiently provide NRK with new functionality and scale to meet future growth.

    “As the demand for premium live content continues to skyrocket, the need for rock-solid live linear delivery is essential”, said NRK head of media management and publishing Henrik Slåen. “We were already using Appear’s X and XC Platforms because they fulfilled many of our requirements, and when we needed to expand our platform to enable us to take our media distribution into the future, they were a natural choice. However, with the increased importance of the upgraded platform, Appear needed to step up as a managed service partner.  This means we can rely on having efficient compression hardware in our production chain as well as support and assistance – including software updates, system monitoring, and proactive service checks. We also expect Appear to provide its expertise to advise us on how best to make operational improvements, enabling us to concentrate on providing our customers with exciting new media services and functionality. Our hope is that this will ensure uninterrupted operation, reduced risk and cost, and increased life expectancy. Appear also guarantees the availability of spare parts through its sourcing department and production partners, while providing equipment at NRK’s facility for testing and staging.”

    Appear CEO Thomas Bostrøm Jørgensen said, “Our X and XC Platforms for primary distribution and contribution encoding deliver low delays, high data rates and high quality – combined with greater rack density and less power consumption per channel. We’re confident that our X and XC Platforms meet NRK’s needs with a modular and customisable design, high performance, and extensive capabilities. These solutions deliver unmatched real-time performance and power efficiency, and Appear taking on full operation and maintenance of the solution brings a simple and reliable service to NRK. By combining hardware reliability with software flexibility, we have a compelling offering that meets NRK’s encoding needs, both now and in the future.”

    Appear’s equipment provided to NRK is upgradable to the latest industry standards, including SMPTE 2110, HEVC, UHD and HDR. The efficient hardware design ensures lower operational costs and reduced space requirements, aligning with NRK’s goal of achieving a greener footprint while maintaining high-quality.

  • Singer Ameya Dabli presents unique Bollywood musical ‘Vardi Ke Veer’

    Singer Ameya Dabli presents unique Bollywood musical ‘Vardi Ke Veer’

    Mumbai: A former banker turned celebrity singer, Ameya Dabli, hosted the very first Bollywood musical live concert, his latest masterpiece, “Vardi Ke Veer” based on extraordinary stories from a soldier’s life. Music aficionados were treated to an enthralling fusion of visuals and sounds that transported them into the higher realms of valor and sacrifice.

    Ameya Dabli’s unwavering commitment to the “Vardi Ke Veer” concert resonated in every note, as his heartfelt tribute to our dedicated defence forces took center stage. His dedication shone through, igniting a genuine passion to honor and appreciate the unyielding sacrifices made by the courageous soldiers. The meticulously crafted musical event was designed to immerse the audience in the challenges faced by our soldiers, offering a poignant glimpse into their daily lives. “Vardi Ke Veer” brilliantly showcased their sacrifices and hardships, with the aim of nurturing a profound sense of understanding and gratitude for their extraordinary journey. This visionary initiative emerged as a powerful platform to celebrate their heroism, inviting civilians to step into their shoes and feel the pulse of these Bravehearts.

    The event was graced by the presence of distinguished dignitaries from defence forces which included Lieutenant General HS Kahlon, AVSM, SM, GOC, Maharashtra Gujarat & Goa Area, Air Vice Marshal Rajat Mohan, Vayu Sena Medal (VM), HQ Maritime Air Operations and Rear Admiral R Vinod Kumar, Indian Navy. The concert also witnessed the presence of Hindustan Unilever Ltd former chairman & MD Sanjiv Mehta and Mahindra Finance vice chairman & MD Ramesh Iyer.

    Bright Outdoor Media Pvt Ltd chief managing director Dr. Yogesh Lakhani participated as the outdoor event partner, and Pradeep Bhavnani, a dedicated philanthropist, joined the movement. Individuals with a similar spirit can contribute to the cause through www.ekamsattfoundation.org, an organisation that organizes such events in collaboration with AD Ventures Production.

    While addressing the concert, Ameya Dabli, who is also the founder of AD Ventures Production and curator of “Vardi Ke Veer,” shared his exhilaration and insight into the concert, stating, “This project holds a special place in my heart. ‘Vardi Ke Veer’ is a heartfelt endeavor to bridge the gap between the civilian and military worlds, weaving their stories into the fabric of our nation’s identity. Through music and spectacle, we sought to encapsulate the essence of their sacrifices and inspire a deeper connection with our defenders.”

    While defining the good citizen, General HS Kahlon, AVSM, said, “I believe every person who leads a life of discipline, obeys the rules and regulations and respects others as well as the country is a good citizen.”

    Air Vice Marshal Rajat Mohan suggested, “In contemporary society, individuals are leading increasingly solitary lives. However, I am of the opinion that people should venture out and engage with others through simple gestures like a smile and a handshake. This could significantly enhance the quality of our society.”

    Rear Admiral R Vinod Kumar, Indian Navy said, “Typically, on Navy Day, ships are opened to visitors. I am of the belief that individuals should take the opportunity to visit these ships and experience life on board while sailing. Our ship is a microcosm of India, encompassing people from diverse religions and castes, where we celebrate the full spectrum of Indian festivals. I wish to convey a message that there should not be any differentiation on the basis of religion and caste.”

    Celebrity singer Shaan, who graced the event with his presence and performance, shared his sentiments, stating, “Being a part of ‘Vardi Ke Veer’ was a moving experience. The seamless blend of music and narratives painted a vivid picture of the soldier’s journey. Ameya Dabli’s dedication to this cause is truly commendable, and I’m honored to have been a part of this musical tribute.”

    He also spoke of brain drain and requested the youngsters to stay in India and work for the betterment & progress of the country. 

    Dance maestro and choreographer, Shiamak Davar spoke about the sacrifices made by the armed forces and said, “It’s only because of their sacrifice, we are able to do what we are doing and can sleep in peace.”  

    The incredible trio of Ameya Dabli, Shaan, and Shiamak Davar delivered captivating performances on a medley of songs, including “Teri Mitti Main Mil Jawa,” “Ae Watan Watan Mere Aabad Rahe Tu,” “Desh Mera Rangila,” “Yaaro Dosti Badi Hi Haseen Hai,” “All Is Well,” and “Ye Dosti Hum Nahi Todenge.” Through their powerful performances, they artfully conveyed the tales of our genuine heroes – showcasing their bravery and unwavering sacrifices.

    “Vardi Ke Veer” stood as a testament to the power of music and storytelling, weaving together threads of valor, sacrifice, and patriotism. As the final notes echoed through the auditorium, attendees departed with a renewed sense of appreciation for the unsung heroes who safeguard our nation’s honor. This event marked not only a musical triumph but also a heartfelt salute to those who wear the uniform with pride.

     

  • Planet Marathi Group & Vistas Media launch ‘Planet Bharat’

    Planet Marathi Group & Vistas Media launch ‘Planet Bharat’

    Mumbai: Planet Marathi Group, a pioneering force in the entertainment sector, join hands with Vistas Media to launch an innovative OTT platform called ‘Planet Bharat’. This new OTT will showcase high-quality local language content across a diverse range of formats, languages, dialects and genres. Befitting its name, Planet Bharat is being announced this Independence Day and will be launched in November, 2023.

    As a groundbreaking development in Indian entertainment, Planet Bharat will address the need for hyperlocal content across multiple languages. Planet Bharat is a hybrid model of SVOD, TVOD, and AVOD, powered by proprietary technology. The super app, aims to produce, license and deliver meaningful content and promote content as the ‘hero’, setting it apart from other OTTs in the market. There exists a need to fill the gap in the industry, where certain types of content have been neglected or underserved, while costs remain unjustifiably high. By focusing on creating and licensing, a highly localized and relevant content, Planet Bharat will offer a refreshing, cost effective and value-driven entertainment experience for its viewers. Planet Bharat aims to bring forward exceptional multilingual content slates from various Indian languages, instilling a sense of pride in its viewers. The name Planet Bharat symbolizes the local and global character of our nation, highlighting the honor of being truly Indian in a globalised world.

    The super app will also be a social entertainment platform with feature films, series, music, infotainment, non-fiction, social gaming, wallets and use various advanced technologies like AI powered personalization, voice commands, among other advanced tech features.

    National award winner Planet Marathi Group founder and CEO Akshay Bardapurkar expressed his thoughts on the launch, stating, “It is essential that we elevate the standards of creating and consuming Indian content. Our country is home to numerous languages, each possessing its own unique power and potential that remains largely untapped. There is a significant void in exceptional content from India across languages, and Planet Bharat aims to bridge that gap. With the launch of Planet Bharat, we strive to create a unified one stop destination, where audiences across the globe can enjoy and embrace the diverse cultural heritage that India has to offer.”

    Planet Marathi Group has already achieved great success with the world’s first and only exclusive Marathi OTT platform, Planet Marathi OTT. They have delivered cutting-edge and exceptional content like “Raanbaazaar”, the nationally acclaimed “June,” and record-breaking successful movies like “Chandramukhi.”

    Planet Marathi OTT platform-partner, Vistas Media has also produced high quality content across formats, languages and genres in India such as Bhonsle, JL-50, Albert Pinto Ko Gussa Kyon Aata Hai, Nakkash in Hindi, along with writer and J-Baby in Tamil, and AB Aani CD in Marathi. Further the group has produced / co-produced films in Hollywood such as The Extraordinary Journey of the Fakir, Son and The Featherweight (in co-production with Hollywood’s Appian Way Films).

    With the introduction of Planet Bharat, the group aims to strengthen its position across key languages in India. By tirelessly working to enhance the output of truly Indian content, Planet Marathi Group has demonstrated an unwavering commitment to horizontal and vertical growth, establishing itself as an unstoppable force in the Indian entertainment landscape.

    Vistas Media CEO Abhayanand Singh said, “Our country is made up of various languages, cultures and dialects and often, many of them get neglected for various reasons. Planet Bharat aims to bring the whole nation together, wherein we will celebrate the diversity of our culture with a significant representation across segments.”

  • Network Participants bring unmissable Independence Day 2023 promotions on ONDC Network

    Network Participants bring unmissable Independence Day 2023 promotions on ONDC Network

    Mumbai:  As the nation approaches another year of celebrating its freedom, Open Network for Digital Commerce (ONDC), an initiative of the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT), Ministry of Commerce and Industry, Government of India, is all set to commemorate this Independence Day with its Network Participants bringing a wide range of special deals on multiple brands in many categories. Consumers will be able to access these special deals in categories including Food & Beverages, Beauty & Personal care, Electronics, Social Sector among others, from 12 to 15 August.

    Building on many such initiatives in the past, Network Participants are curating an exciting array of promotions for the consumers including offers not only from major brands but also from various MSMEs (Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises).

    Enjoy special offers on popular food chains and outlets like La Pino’z Pizza, Tossin Pizza, Biryani by Kilo, Pizza Express, Meat and Eat, Flying Kombucha, Chowman and more. Indulge in self-care with renowned Beauty & Personal Care  brands including Bombay Shaving Company, Ajmal & Sons, The Natural Wash, WOW Skincare and Giva, among others.

    Upgrade your electronics with top-tier brands like Boult Audio and unlock exclusive deals from grocery participants like Spar, P&G, ITC and UShop. Furthermore, delve into a myriad of indigenous brands from the social sector like Katori Fresh, Shwet India, Central Cottage Industries Emporium, Anubhuti – An Experience, Very Much Indian, Kalpnil Naturals, Ek Katha and Mrignayani MP Emporium.

    Consumers can explore all special deals on the ONDC Network via all Buyer Apps including Mystore, Paytm, and Pincode. This Independence Day, mark the patriotic season with big savings and soak in the patriotic spirit with ONDC Network.

    As the promotions go live on the Network, ONDC MD & CEO T Koshy said, “Our pride lies in connecting sellers of all kinds – startups, local gems, and established brands directly with consumers throughout the country. As we embrace the ethos of Unity in Diversity, ONDC Protocol emerges as a pivotal unifier, bringing various brands, apps and platforms onto one Open Network, ultimately benefiting every stakeholder by surpassing many traditional ecommerce silos.”

  • Eyes On The Moon: #countdowntohistory with National Geographic on a LIVE telecast of Chandrayaan – 3

    Eyes On The Moon: #countdowntohistory with National Geographic on a LIVE telecast of Chandrayaan – 3

    Mumbai: Harnessing the power of storytelling and exploration, National Geographic, with its rich legacy of over 130 years, has been on a mission to go deeper, further, and push the boundaries of how we see the world. Building upon the national pride witnessed during Chandrayaan 2’s mission in 2019, National Geographic India is all set to capture the nation’s attention once again for Chandrayaan 3’s planned landing. The live simulcast of Chandrayaan – 3 #countdowntohistory across National Geographic Channel and Disney+ Hotstar will begin at 4 PM on August 23, 2023, i.e., hours before Vikram’s descent on the lunar surface, which is expected to begin around 5:45 PM IST.  Hosted by Gaurav Kapoor and leading space experts, the show will take viewers on a captivating journey through time and space, capturing the countdown to the final moments as India creates history.

    While the live show will provide exclusive insights from eminent personalities such as astronauts Sunita Williams, and Rakesh Sharma, and S. Somanath, chairman of ISRO about the mission’s significance for India and the future of space exploration. Joining live, Srijan Pal Singh, CEO and co-founder of Dr A.P.J. Abdul Kalam Centre; Chris Hadfield, former commander of The International Space Station and Ann Druyan, creative director of NASA’s Voyager Interstellar message and Emmy-winning Writer, will count down to the final moments as India creates history while shedding light on the journey to the moon. With futuristic AR VR graphics and interesting facts and trivia, the show will decode the basics of the rocket science and tech behind this mission. It will also feature informative short films on Vikram Sarabhai and his discovery of Thumba, Satish Dhawan as a visionary leader of ISRO, and an inspiring AV on Dr. Kalam.

    Chandrayaan 2’s live telecast on National Geographic in 2019 drew millions to the landmark event, bringing the nation together with the hope of witnessing India become the 4th country in the world to carry out a successful landing on the moon. Now, 15 years after the first Chandrayaan mission, India is again gearing up for a gripping landing on the south pole of the lunar surface with Chandrayaan 3. The live simulcast across National Geographic Channel and Disney + Hotstar will reach a larger, attentive audience cheering for India to make a successful landing. Additionally, National Geographic has released a special anthem to wish Chandrayaan 3 a successful soft landing and salute the ingenious minds at ISRO.

    “At National Geographic, we pride ourselves on presenting authentic and trustworthy narratives, which establishes us as a pioneer in the realm of science and exploration. With our rich legacy of spectacular storytelling, we are committed to bringing best-in-class immersive experiences that will inspire our viewers and foster a greater understanding and appreciation for the world around them. With futuristic 3D graphics, uncharted access to the voices of experts from India and abroad, and short informative films, we want to unite Indians across the globe and take them on a memorable journey to #countdowntohistory together,” said Disney+ Hotstar & HSM Entertainment Network, Disney Star Head Content Gaurav Banerjee.

    “In the last 40 years, despite limited resources, ISRO has had a spectacular journey, the programs we have conducted over the years have surprised the world. Space explorations do have their ups and downs, but we’ve remained focused in our approach, and knowing the way ISRO functions I can proudly say that Chandrayaan 3 will have a safe landing. I look forward to a successful Moon landing on 23rd August” said Rakesh Sharma, First Indian in Space.

    ‘Chandrayaan – 3 #countdowntohistory’ will be telecast live on August 23, 2023, at 4 PM on National Geographic Channel and Disney+ Hotstar in India.