ITV

Category: iWorld

  • OnePlus powers up Gods Reign for battle royale glory at BGMI Pro Series

    OnePlus powers up Gods Reign for battle royale glory at BGMI Pro Series

    MUMBAI: It’s game on as OnePlus teams up with Gods Reign, one of India’s top-tier BGMI (Battlegrounds Mobile India) squads, in a turbo-charged partnership ahead of the BGMI Pro Series (BMPS) 2025, where 96 elite teams are slugging it out for a whopping Rs 2 crore prize pot.

    The tie-up, stitched together by Times One, a unit of Times OOH, blends speed, swagger, and silicon. At the heart of the deal is OnePlus’ mission to cement its gaming credentials by powering Gods Reign’s training grind and match-day performance with its flagship devices—built for buttery frame rates, rapid cooling and marathon battery life.

    Having already clinched Rs 50 lakh as ESL Snapdragon Pro Series Season 6 champs, Gods Reign is no stranger to the winner’s circle. Now, with OnePlus tech fuelling their BGMI charge, the team is ready to frag, flank and fire their way to the top once more.

    But it’s not just about hardware. The deal brings co-branded storytelling, real-world gamer feedback loops for OnePlus’ next-gen devices, and high-impact content that celebrates the grit behind the game. Think tech meets teamwork, with a generous dose of community buzz.

    “This partnership with OnePlus marks a significant milestone for our team. We’re proud to be aligned with a brand that not only understands elite performance but also shares our hunger for innovation and excellence. With Times One’s support, we look forward to creating impactful experiences for our fans and the gaming community,” said Gods Reign CEO & cofounder K R Rohith.

    Added Times One gaming business head Kanishka Singh: “At Times One, we believe in the transformative power of esports as the next big cultural movement. Facilitating this partnership between OnePlus and Gods Reign underscores our mission to bring together premium brands and elite gaming talent. We are thrilled to play a pivotal role in scripting this chapter of India’s gaming evolution.” 

    With Ficci-EY 2025 projecting brand participation in esports to rise from 68 to 75 and player involvement to hit 2.8 million this year, OnePlus’ power play is well-timed. It’s a high-stakes, high-speed partnership that’s already levelling up India’s esports narrative—one kill streak at a time.

  • Nicole Clemens makes the prime time move to Amazon’s streaming empire

    Nicole Clemens makes the prime time move to Amazon’s streaming empire

    MUMBAI: Nicole Clemens has swapped Paramount’s fading star for Amazon’s prime position, landing the plum role of vice-president and head of international originals for Prime Video and Amazon MGM Studios. The appointment, effective 7 July, sees her trading one streaming giant’s troubles for another’s triumphs.

    Fresh from her stint as president of the now-defunct Paramount Television Studios—where she presided over hits like Tom Clancy’s Jack Ryan, Reacher, and Cross that ironically ended up on Prime Video—Clemens will now orchestrate Amazon’s content conquest across more than 20 territories. Rather like poacher turned gamekeeper, but with better streaming numbers.

    Prime Video International, vice-president Kelly Day  clearly couldn’t contain her glee: “Nicole is a highly respected and experienced media executive who will guide our future international originals slate as we invest for the long term.” Translation: she knows how to make shows that people actually watch.

    The timing couldn’t be more fortuitous. Prime Video’s international division has been on a right tear, churning out more than 140 original series and films across two dozen territories last year—their biggest haul yet. With over 200 million Prime members globally, there’s clearly an appetite for content that doesn’t involve subtitles reading “Netflix Original.”

    Clemens brings serious pedigree to the role. During her Paramount tenure, she shepherded everything from the Emmy-nominated Station Eleven to George Clooney’s Catch-22, plus the entire Star Trek universe for Paramount+. Before that, she spent five years as executive vice-president at FX Networks, overseeing crowd-pleasers like Atlanta and Snowfall.

    Her new empire will span teams across Europe, Latin America, and Asia Pacific, with regional heads including Javiera Balmaceda (Latin America, Canada, and Australia), Tara Erer (Northern Europe), and Nicole Morganti (Southern Europe) all reporting directly to her.

    Additionally, Nikhil Madhok, head of international originals for India, will continue reporting to Gaurav Gandhi, VP of Prime Video APAC and Mena, but will remain a part of Clemens’s leadership team. 

    Supporting the division are Marc Hausmaninger, head of content strategy for international originals, and Sam Semon, responsible for international business affairs. This expanded team underscores Prime Video’s commitment to tailoring content across regions, with Clemens at the helm steering the international creative and strategic direction.

    She’ll initially set up shop at Amazon MGM Studios’ Culver City headquarters before decamping to Prime Video’s London office—presumably for the superior biscuit selection.

    The appointment signals Amazon’s serious intent to challenge Netflix’s global dominance. With international hits like Germany’s Maxton Hall and Spain’s Red Queen already in the pipeline, Clemens will be tasked with ensuring Prime Video’s international slate remains anything but secondary viewing.

  • Stage gets Clear on PFT’s AI-powered content management solution

    Stage gets Clear on PFT’s AI-powered content management solution

    MUMBAI:  Prime Focus Technologies (PFT), the muscle behind indigenous tech Clear and a global maven in AI-led media solutions, has inked a long-term pact with Stage —the homegrown OTT star championing regional India. The goal? To supercharge Stage’s content operations and serve up smart entertainment with a tech twist.

    With this tie-up, Stage will plug into PFT’s Clear media asset management (Mam) and Clear AI suite. Expect an overhaul of workflows, from AI-assisted post-production to intelligent tagging, slick compliance, natural language search, and turbo-charged team collaboration. In short: more brains, less brawn.

    “As our content library continues to grow, adopting a forward-looking Mam platform became crucial,” said  Stage co-founder Shashank Vaishnav. “With Clear and its integrated AI features, we gain the scalability and intelligence to enhance operational efficiency, improve metadata quality, and ensure quick access to the right content. We’re looking forward to the innovation and impact this partnership will bring.”

    PFT SVP & head of APAC Anupam Sharma added: “We’re thrilled to collaborate with Stage on this transformative journey/This agreement underscores the increasing demand for intelligent Mam systems that go beyond asset management—unlocking insights, accelerating workflows, and driving monetization through AI.”

    This alliance marks another feather in PFT’s APAC cap and underscores its growing grip on the media-tech landscape across borders.

    (Featured in the picture above Stage co-founder Shashank Vaishnav)

  • Dreamwear gets a glow up as Ammarzo hits Myntra in style

    Dreamwear gets a glow up as Ammarzo hits Myntra in style

    When it comes to beauty sleep, Ammarzo believes the dream begins before your eyes shut. The luxury sleepwear label, founded by actor-entrepreneur Chahatt Khanna, has officially launched on Myntra, bringing its signature blend of elegance, comfort, and quiet sensuality to bedrooms across India. Think sculpted silhouettes, wisps of lace, and fabrics that whisper you deserve this.

    The debut collection is anything but sleepy offering standouts like the ethereal Lace Robe, the flirty Babydoll & Shorts Set, and the elegant Slip Dress designed to make women feel divine even on a Tuesday night. With price tags that deliver indulgence without intimidation, Ammarzo hits the sweet spot between self-care and soft power.

    “For me, it was never just about fabric,” said Ammarzo founder & CMD, Chahatt Khanna. “It’s about how a woman feels in that fabric. This launch is about creating pieces that wrap you in confidence and femininity even when no one’s watching.”

    More than fashion, the label is threading a shift in mindset. Ammarzo’s arrival on Myntra underscores a growing appetite for innerwear that isn’t merely functional but empowering, intimate, and in sync with a woman’s evolving sense of self. Each piece captures what the brand calls “cinematic minimalism” sunlight on skin, linen blinds, and a glass of wine that says I’ve earned this.

    With over 50 million active users, Myntra gives Ammarzo the perfect pillow to rest its ambitions on offering national visibility while staying true to its central credo: that softness and strength can absolutely sleep in the same bed.

    So, here’s your sign to ditch that old tee and slip into something more you. Because nightwear, as Ammarzo proves, isn’t just what you wear to bed, it’s how you carry yourself before the dreams begin.

  • IndiGo gets wings and a wink as It jets into Europe

    IndiGo gets wings and a wink as It jets into Europe

    MUMBAI: Forget layovers, Indigo’s new flights to Europe are taking off with sass, speed and a social media splash. On 1 July 2025, Indigo will launch its first-ever non-stop service from Mumbai to Manchester, followed swiftly by a Mumbai–Amsterdam route on 2 July. This bold expansion into Europe isn’t just a milestone for the airline, it’s a full-throttle rebrand as a global player, now powered by Dreamliners and digital dazzle.

    The airline’s entry into long-haul territory marks a pivotal leap from being India’s favourite low-cost carrier to a serious contender in premium international travel. Both routes will operate thrice a week on the Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner, complete with complimentary hot meals and beverages, giving flyers a taste of comfort at 35,000 feet.

    But what really took off faster than a takeoff roll? Indigo’s viral tweet:
    “We’ll be in Manchester on 1st July. Anyone wants anything?”

    That off-the-cuff one-liner triggered a runway-wide brand fest. Over 25 top Indian brands joined the banter Durex asked for “a safe trip”, India Gate Foods wanted tulips, Taco Bell craved “Manchester masala”, and Blinkit cheekily offered to deliver in 10 minutes. From masalas to masala marketing, the tweet thread became a masterclass in brand engagement, reaching millions online.

    The new routes are now open for booking on the GoIndigo site, app, and through authorised travel partners. And while the Dreamliner promises a smooth ride, it’s IndiGo’s social media chops that are landing the biggest applause.

    With over 400 aircraft in its fleet and more than 2,200 daily flights, IndiGo continues to dominate Indian skies. Now, with a growing footprint that connects over 90 domestic and 40 international destinations, including two of Europe’s iconic cities, the airline is ready to go intercontinental without losing its irreverent edge.

    As IndiGo’s slogan suggests, it’s not just India by IndiGo anymore, it’s the world.

  • Criminal Justice scores a killer debut with record OTT opening

    Criminal Justice scores a killer debut with record OTT opening

    MUMBAI: It’s official, Criminal Justice: A Family Matter has taken the law into its own hands… and the top spot on India’s OTT charts. According to audience estimates for the week of May 26 to June 1, 2025, the gripping legal drama clocked an explosive 8.4 million viewers, making it the biggest OTT original opening of the year across pay and freemium platforms.

    The numbers don’t just hold court, they rule. This marks the best opening for any original on JioStar (previously Disney+ Hotstar and JioCinema) since January 2023, making it a rare case of a sequel delivering more punch than its predecessors.

    Backed by a tight script, returning fan-favourite characters, and a family-centric twist on its signature justice narrative, the show has managed to strike the perfect balance between suspense and sentiment. And clearly, audiences across India are here for it.

    In a landscape brimming with crime thrillers and family dramas, Criminal Justice: A Family Matter has carved out its niche by fusing both genres with legal intrigue and numbers suggest the strategy is working. With 8.4 million Indians tuning in to at least one episode, it’s not just a courtroom drama; it’s a cultural phenomenon in the making.

    Gavel down, this verdict is unanimous: Criminal Justice is 2025’s hottest trial yet.

  • Netflix taps Toaster to hype global launch of its all-new TV interface in cinematic flair

    Netflix taps Toaster to hype global launch of its all-new TV interface in cinematic flair

    MUMBAI: If scrolling through endless titles has left your thumb sore and your brain fogged, Netflix just hit play on your salvation. The streaming giant has overhauled its TV interface and tapped creative agency Toaster to give the global launch the same drama and delight as its top-rated series.

    Instead of a by-the-numbers product explainer, Toaster served up a 60-second cinematic teaser channeling the emotion of binge-worthy storytelling. The spot, which is being shared across media and social platforms, walks viewers through the revamped experience that boasts simpler navigation, smarter recommendations, and an AI engine that reads you better than your best friend.

    Netflix’s refreshed interface, now rolling out globally, features persistent shortcuts for search, shows, movies, games, and a personalised “My Netflix” hub. As users browse, real-time recommendation rows update on the go, tailored to their habits. Title cards now highlight not just the synopsis and run time, but whether it’s award-winning, trending in the top 10, or helmed by a notable director.

    Toaster’s campaign leans into the streamer’s brand essence—making viewers feel something—and applies it to its own platform refresh. According to the agency, the goal was to invoke the same anticipation and emotion people feel when a new series drops.

    “Collaborating with Netflix on the launch of their new TV experience was an absolute privilege. This was a momentous milestone for their product, and we were honoured to support the campaign from the ground up. We’re incredibly proud to have played a part in bringing this to life”, said Toaster US MD Susannah Bard.

    Netflix’s product marketing manager Paul Lee added, “We thank Toaster tremendously for all the work in getting us here. We couldn’t have done it without the team’s support”.

    The new TV interface, already rolling out since early May, represents Netflix’s answer to content overload—designing a smarter, faster, and more intuitive content discovery journey.

  • Sachin Salian takes the marketing hot seat at Aurionpro

    Sachin Salian takes the marketing hot seat at Aurionpro

    MUMBAI: Advanced technical solutions provider Aurionpro has just made a power move in the marketing game—roping in Sachin Salian as its new chief marketing officer. With more than 22 years of globe-trotting experience in growth marketing, brand leadership, and digital transformation, Salian isn’t just bringing muscle—he’s bringing marketing mojo.

    From crafting campaigns for the likes of American Express and P&G to transforming banking brands at Intellect Design Arena, Salian’s track record reads like a digital playbook for success. At Intellect, he snagged multiple chairman’s excellence awards for market expansions and cutting-edge platform launches—making him the marketer’s equivalent of a hat-trick hero.

    An IIM Lucknow grad, Salian has worked the full B2B spectrum—from digital ads and SEO to product launches and partnerships. Now, he’s set to lead Aurionpro’s global marketing and brand strategy, with one mission: to build a future-ready, digital-first enterprise brand that turns heads and wins markets.

    “We’re excited to have Sachin lead our global marketing efforts as we take a bold step toward building a future-ready, digital-first enterprise brand,” the company said in a statement. “Sachin will spearhead our global marketing & brand strategy—to accelerate growth across key markets.”

    With stints at Infosys, Cognizant, and Netcore under his belt, Salian’s no stranger to the tech hustle. As Aurionpro ramps up its transformation drive, the CMO’s chair has just been handed to someone who knows how to turn data into demand—and strategy into sizzle

  • Smoke signals of sorrow light up Policybazaar’s anti-tobacco film

    Smoke signals of sorrow light up Policybazaar’s anti-tobacco film

    MUMBAI: What if the regrets of smokers could speak? Policybazaar’s new campaign gives them a voice and a chilling one at that. For World No Tobacco Day, Policybazaar teamed up with creative agency Social Panga to launch a powerful short film that chooses impact over instruction and emotion over scare tactics. Instead of telling smokers to quit, it poses a stark question, what if you don’t?

    The 90-second film, presented in an unvarnished, documentary-style format, opens with a deceptively simple prompt about life regrets. Young people, seemingly everyday smokers, step in to answer. Their stories start familiarly enough peer pressure, stress, casual puffs that escalated. But the film soon tightens its grip. These aren’t just smokers. They’re victims. And their regrets? Not warnings, but farewells.

    “There was no room for melodrama here,” said Social Panga co-founder Gaurav Arora. “We deliberately stripped back the creative gloss. The idea was to sit you down face-to-face with someone who no longer has the luxury of time, choice, or second chances.”

    Unlike traditional anti-smoking PSAs that showcase diseased lungs or coughing fits, Policybazaar’s film flips the lens to focus on what smoking takes away family moments, future plans, and the quiet joys of just being alive. It’s raw, real, and designed to make even the most casual smoker uncomfortable in their comfort zone.

    Distributed via social media and creator-led platforms, the campaign aims to reach millions of young Indians teetering on the edge of habitual smoking those who may not respond to scientific stats, but might just pause for a shared story.

  • India’s music royalties hit the high notes with Rs 700 crore windfall

    India’s music royalties hit the high notes with Rs 700 crore windfall

    MUMBAI: India’s  music scene is singing a very different tune these days—one that sounds suspiciously like cash registers ringing. Music royalty collections in India have struck a crescendo at Rs 700 crore in 2024, surging 42 per cent year-on-year and quadrupling over five years in a performance that would make even Indian cinema proud.

    The star of this financial symphony? Streaming platforms, which have transformed from industry pariahs into the golden goose laying digital eggs. India’s global ranking for creators’ collections has leapt from a modest thirty seventh position in 2019 to twenty third in 2023, according to the International Confederation of Societies of Authors and Composers (CISAC) in its latest annual report.
    Royalty collectionsBut before the champagne corks start popping in recording studios across the subcontinent, there’s a sobering reality check. Despite the impressive crescendo, India’s royalty collections remain woefully below potential for a market of this magnitude—a case of having the orchestra but missing half the instruments.

    The culprit? Indians’ stubborn reluctance to pay for premium music streaming services. While platforms like Spotify, JioSaavn and Gaana are desperately trying to wean users off their freebie addiction with subscription models—backed by music labels like Saregama—the conversion rate remains sluggish.

    Adding to creators’ woes is the dismal performance of non-digital revenue streams, which continue to hit bum notes. CISAC has been working overtime with the Indian Performing Rights Society (IPRS) to bring global standards to governance, licensing and royalty distribution—essentially teaching old dogs new digital tricks.

    The organisations have crafted a fresh action plan for FY25, designed to explore untapped market potential and identify business opportunities. The blueprint targets improved collections from local digital services whilst diversifying revenue streams beyond the usual suspects.

    With India’s creative economy finally finding its rhythm, the question isn’t whether the music will stop—it’s how loud the next movement will be.