Category: Social Media

  • The evolution of influencer marketing: Trends and strategies for 2024 & beyond

    The evolution of influencer marketing: Trends and strategies for 2024 & beyond

    Mumbai: Influencer marketing has undergone significant transformations over the past decade. From its early days, when brands sought out celebrities to endorse their products, to today’s landscape where niche micro-influencers hold sway, the field continues to evolve rapidly. As we move into 2024 and beyond, understanding these trends and adapting strategies accordingly is essential for brands aiming to leverage influencer marketing effectively.

    1. The Rise of Micro and Nano-Influencers

    Micro-influencers (10,000 to 100,000 followers) and nano-influencers (1,000 to 10,000 followers) are becoming increasingly valuable. Their smaller, highly engaged audiences often trust them more than larger influencers or celebrities. This trend is expected to grow as brands seek authentic connections and higher engagement rates. Strategies should focus on partnering with these influencers to target niche markets and foster genuine customer relationships.

    2. Shift Toward Long-term Partnerships

    One-off campaigns are giving way to long-term partnerships. Brands are recognizing the value of building lasting relationships with influencers to maintain consistency and trust with their audience. This approach not only strengthens brand loyalty but also allows for more in-depth and creative collaborations. In 2024, brands should prioritize ongoing partnerships that evolve over time, creating a more authentic narrative around their products and services.

    3. Emphasis on Video Content

    Video content continues to dominate social media, with platforms like TikTok, Instagram Reels, and YouTube leading the charge. Influencers who excel in creating engaging video content are highly sought after. For brands, this means investing in influencers who can produce high-quality videos that align with their marketing goals. Additionally, short-form video content is particularly effective for capturing attention in a saturated market.

    4. Authenticity and Transparency

    Audiences are increasingly savvy and skeptical of overly polished and promotional content. Authenticity and transparency are crucial for influencer marketing success. Influencers who are genuine and transparent about their collaborations are more likely to maintain their followers’ trust. Brands should encourage influencers to share honest reviews and personal stories that resonate with their audience.

    5. Integration of AI and Data Analytics

    Artificial intelligence (AI) and data analytics are revolutionizing influencer marketing. These technologies enable brands to identify the most suitable influencers, predict campaign outcomes, and measure ROI with greater accuracy. AI tools can analyze engagement rates, audience demographics, and sentiment to optimize influencer selection and campaign strategies. In 2024, leveraging AI and data-driven insights will be key to maximizing the effectiveness of influencer marketing campaigns.

    6. Diversification of Platforms

    While Instagram and YouTube remain dominant, other platforms like TikTok, Twitch, and even LinkedIn are gaining traction in the influencer marketing space. Each platform has its unique audience and content style, offering brands new opportunities to reach different demographics. Brands should diversify their influencer marketing efforts across multiple platforms to maximize reach and engagement.

    7. Social Commerce Integration

    The integration of e-commerce features within social media platforms is a game-changer for influencer marketing. Features like Instagram Shopping, TikTok’s shopping capabilities, and YouTube’s product tagging allow influencers to drive direct sales through their content. Brands should capitalize on social commerce by collaborating with influencers to create shoppable content that seamlessly guides followers from inspiration to purchase.

    8. Focus on Inclusivity and Diversity

    Inclusivity and diversity are not just buzzwords; they are essential components of modern marketing. Consumers expect brands to represent a broad spectrum of identities and experiences. Influencer marketing campaigns that prioritize diversity and inclusivity resonate more deeply with audiences. In 2024, brands should seek out influencers from diverse backgrounds to ensure their marketing efforts reflect the values and realities of their audience.

    Conclusion

    As influencer marketing continues to evolve, staying ahead of the trends and adapting strategies is crucial for success. By embracing the rise of micro and nano-influencers, fostering long-term partnerships, focusing on video content, maintaining authenticity, leveraging AI and data analytics, diversifying platforms, integrating social commerce, and prioritizing inclusivity, brands can navigate the ever-changing landscape of influencer marketing in 2024 and beyond.

  • What role do social media and influencers play in shaping the travel economy and influencing hotel booking decisions in 2024?

    What role do social media and influencers play in shaping the travel economy and influencing hotel booking decisions in 2024?

    Mumbai: In 2024, social media and influencers are central to shaping the travel economy and influencing hotel bookings. This trend is accelerating rapidly, with Statista reporting that in 2023, 75% of travelers said social media posts inspired their trips to specific destinations. The impact of these digital platforms on travel choices is clear and continues to grow.

    Social media has changed how people plan and book trips. Platforms like Instagram and Facebook now act as virtual travel agencies, showing off beautiful destinations, unique experiences, and attractive accommodations. These visual platforms let users explore travel spots online, inspiring them and influencing their choices on where to go and stay.

    Influencers play a crucial role in this digital travel ecosystem. These individuals, often with large followings, share their travel experiences, recommendations, and insights. Their posts, stories, and videos offer a personal touch to travel marketing, giving followers a glimpse into real experiences at hotels, restaurants, and attractions worldwide.

    The power of influencer marketing in the travel industry lies in its authenticity and relatability. When an influencer shares their stay at a particular hotel or their experience in a specific destination, followers see it as a genuine recommendation rather than a traditional advertisement. This perception of authenticity can significantly impact booking decisions, with many travelers more likely to choose accommodations or destinations endorsed by influencers they trust and admire.

    Hotels and travel brands recognize the potential of this marketing approach and increasingly partner with influencers to promote their properties and services. These collaborations often involve influencers staying at hotels and sharing their experiences through posts, stories, and videos. The content created through these partnerships can reach millions of potential travelers, showcasing the hotel’s amenities, unique features, and overall experience in a way that resonates with the influencer’s audience.

    The impact of social media and influencers on hotel bookings is particularly pronounced among younger travelers. Millennials and Gen Z, who are more active on social media platforms, are more likely to be influenced by the content they see online when making travel decisions. These generations often prioritize experiences and Instagram-worthy moments, making them particularly receptive to visually appealing content shared by influencers and on social media platforms.

    However, the influence of social media and influencers extends beyond just inspiration. These platforms have become crucial channels for research and decision-making in the travel booking process. Travelers often turn to social media to read reviews, ask for recommendations, and gather information about potential accommodations. This trend has led many hotels to invest heavily in their social media presence, ensuring they have engaging content and responsive customer service on these platforms.

    User-generated content (UGC) on social media has also played a significant role in shaping travel decisions. Travelers often share their own experiences, photos, and reviews on social platforms, providing authentic, unfiltered insights for others planning their trips. Hotels that encourage and showcase positive UGC can benefit from this organic form of marketing, as potential guests often trust the experiences shared by fellow travelers.

    While social media and influencers have become powerful forces in the travel industry, they are part of a broader shift towards online travel planning and booking. According to Statista, in 2023, 72 per cent of travelers preferred to book their trips online, compared to only 12 per cent who preferred using a traditional travel agency. This statistic underscores the growing importance of digital platforms in all aspects of travel planning and booking.

    The impact of social media and influencers on the travel economy and hotel bookings is likely to keep growing. As technology evolves and new platforms emerge, the ways in which travelers discover, plan, and book their trips will continue to change. Hotels and travel brands that can effectively leverage these digital channels and collaborate with influencers will be well-positioned to capture the attention and bookings of modern travelers.

    Social media and influencers play a key role in shaping the travel economy and influencing hotel bookings in 2024. Their ability to inspire and inform travelers makes them essential to modern travel marketing. As digital trends evolve, these platforms and personalities will become even more important, changing how people plan, book, and experience their trips.

  • The role of social media in building brand loyalty for virtual retailers

    The role of social media in building brand loyalty for virtual retailers

    Mumbai: Virtual retailers are exploring the power of social media to build brand loyalty. Social commerce, which allows brands to sell directly through social networks, has transformed online shopping. It is anticipated to touch $1.698 trillion in sales by the end of 2024, as per Statista.  For virtual retailers, social media is building brand loyalty and offering long-term benefits:

    Connecting with Customers Where They Are

    One of the key advantages of social media for virtual retailers is the ability to meet customers in their preferred digital spaces. With over 80% of online users in countries like Thailand, India, and China actively engaging in social shopping, retailers have a unique opportunity to interact with their target audience directly. By establishing a strong presence on platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok, virtual retailers can create seamless shopping experiences that align with consumers’ daily social media habits.

    Creating Immersive Brand Experiences

    Social media platforms offer virtual retailers innovative ways to showcase their products and create immersive brand experiences. For instance, augmented reality (AR) features allow customers to virtually try on products or visualize items in their homes before making a purchase. This technology not only enhances the shopping experience but also builds confidence in online purchases, fostering trust and loyalty towards the brand.

    Building Brand Loyalty

    User-generated content (UGC) is a powerful tool for building brand loyalty on social media. By encouraging customers to share their experiences, reviews, and photos of products, virtual retailers can create a sense of community around their brand. This authentic content serves as social proof, influencing purchasing decisions and strengthening the connection between the brand and its customers. The trending hashtag #TikTokMadeMeBuyIt is a prime example of how UGC can drive sales and brand engagement.

    Personalization and Targeted Marketing

    Social media platforms provide virtual retailers with rich data about their customers’ preferences and behaviours. This information enables retailers to create highly personalised marketing campaigns and product recommendations. By delivering relevant content and offers to individual users, retailers can enhance the customer experience and increase the likelihood of repeat purchases, ultimately building long-term loyalty.

    Facilitating Direct Communication

    Social media channels offer virtual retailers direct lines of communication with their customers. Prompt responses to inquiries, addressing concerns, and engaging in conversations help build trust and show that the brand values its customers. This open dialogue can turn potential issues into opportunities to demonstrate excellent customer service, further solidifying brand loyalty.

    Influencer Partnerships

    Collaborating with influencers and creators can significantly boost brand loyalty for virtual retailers. These partnerships allow brands to tap into established communities and benefit from the trust influencers have built with their followers. According to a Forrester survey, 46% of consumers who participated in back-to-school shopping in 2023 bought directly from social media ads, highlighting the potential impact of influencer marketing on purchase decisions.

    Hosting Live Shopping Events

    Live shopping events on platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok offer virtual retailers an exciting way to engage with customers in real-time. These events combine entertainment, product demonstrations, and instant purchasing capabilities, creating a sense of excitement and exclusivity that can drive sales and foster brand loyalty.

    Rewarding Customers with Loyalty Programs

    Virtual retailers can use social media to create and promote loyalty programs that reward customers for their engagement and purchases. These programs can include exclusive discounts, early access to new products, or special content for followers. By integrating these loyalty initiatives with social media platforms, retailers can increase customer retention and encourage repeat business.

    Creating Educational Content

    Virtual retailers can use social media to share educational content about their products, industry trends, and relevant topics. This approach positions the brand as an authority in its field and provides value to customers beyond just selling products. By consistently offering helpful information, retailers can build trust and keep their brand top-of-mind for future purchases.

    Using Data

    Social media platforms provide virtual retailers with valuable insights into customer behaviour and preferences. By closely monitoring engagement metrics, sales data, and customer feedback, retailers can continuously refine their strategies to better meet customer needs and expectations. This data-driven approach allows for agile decision-making and helps maintain relevance in a competitive market.

    Social media is changing the game for virtual retailers. It is not just about selling anymore – it is about building real connections with customers.

  • A.R. Rahman unveils the anticipated soundtrack of his immersive film Le Musk

    A.R. Rahman unveils the anticipated soundtrack of his immersive film Le Musk

    Mumbai: Renowned composer and Oscar-winning music maestro A.R. Rahman has released the highly anticipated soundtrack of his groundbreaking immersive film, Le Musk. The soundtrack with 12 soulful and varied tracks, launched globally today on Believe Music, promises to captivate listeners with a fusion of ethereal compositions that transcend boundaries, much like Rahman’s iconic body of work.

    Le Musk, an innovative sensory cinematic experience directed by A.R. Rahman himself, merges music, fragrance, and visual storytelling to immerse audiences in a new kind of film and narrative. The soundtrack, created to complement the immersive experience, features Rahman’s signature style — a blend of Jazz, Orchestra and eclectic elements combined with soulful melodies.

    Speaking about the soundtrack launch, award-winning composer A.R. Rahman said, “Music is the heartbeat of Le Musk. It carries the soul of the film, guiding the audience through an emotional and sensory journey. The film is a labour of a lot of hard work and love, where we tried to push the boundaries of how we use technology to create something truly immersive and I am thrilled to finally share this soundtrack with the world and offer a glimpse into the world we’ve created.”

    The Le Musk soundtrack takes listeners on an evocative journey, blending Jazz, orchestral, and world music influences to create an atmospheric soundscape. With tracks that echo the film’s story of love, memory, and sensory exploration, this album promises to be a one-of-a-kind listening experience for both long-time Rahman fans and newcomers.

    Collaborating on the 12 varied tracks with notable names, including Nora Arnezeder, Sana Moussa, Linda Lind, Mayssa Karaa, Hiral Viradia, Simona Gilbert, The Firdaus orchestra and the Budapest Orchestra, the soundtrack of Le Musk also marks the association with the award-winning music engineer Greg penny.

    Global Impact and Collaboration

    The album’s global release on Believe Music underscores Rahman’s vision to bring his innovative works to an international audience. Le Musk not only marks Rahman’s directorial debut but also sets a new standard for immersive storytelling. Speaking about showcasing the film to a larger world audience Rahman said “We are in the process of setting up immersive experience studios across the world to bring Le Musk to audiences the world over. The film would not have been possible if not for my team who worked tirelessly to push the boundary of what was known to be possible.”

    The Le Musk soundtrack is now available on all major streaming platforms via Believe Music.

  • Dune: Prophecy set to stream exclusively in India on JioCinema

    Dune: Prophecy set to stream exclusively in India on JioCinema

    Mumbai: The highly anticipated character of Indian superstar Tabu from the upcoming series, Dune: Prophecy, has been unveiled. Set 10,000 years before the ascension of Paul Atreides, Dune: Prophecy follows two Harkonnen sisters as they combat forces that threaten the future of humankind and establish the fabled sect that will become known as the Bene Gesserit. The series will stream exclusively in India on JioCinema Premium.

    Starring in the recurring role of Sister Francesca, Tabu is all set to surprise global audiences with her impeccable portrayal once again. A captivating and influential figure in Dune: Prophecy, Sister Francesca is strong, intelligent, and alluring, leaving a lasting impression wherever she goes. Once the great love of the Emperor, her return to the palace disrupts the delicate balance of power in the capital.

    Speaking about her character, Tabu said, “It has been an extraordinary experience playing Sister Francesca in Dune: Prophecy right from the moment I was approached for it, and I said yes without batting an eyelid. It’s an actor’s delight to be trusted by the creators with a character that is so interesting, intriguing, intelligent and emotionally powerful. Needless to say, it was such an immersive process diving into the depths of her complexity. I’m so excited to bring her story to the Indian and global audience through JioCinema. Stay tuned as you’ll see me a little later in the season, but the Dune Universe is so rich in its history and intrigue, I can’t wait for audiences around the world to explore it!”

    Along with Tabu, the cast for Dune: Prophecy includes Emily Watson, Olivia Williams, Travis Fimmel, Johdi May, Mark Strong, Sarah-Sofie Boussnina, Josh Heuston, Chloe Lea, Jade Anouka, Faoileann Cunningham, Edward Davis, Aoife Hinds, Chris Mason, and Shalom Brune-Franklin.

  • Goan talent to shine at Sunburn Goa 2024

    Goan talent to shine at Sunburn Goa 2024

    Mumbai: Sunburn Goa 2024, Asia’s premier electronic dance music (EDM) festival, draws music lovers from across the globe. But like every year, it’s not just about the beats—it’s also about community, culture and a chance for Goans to take centre stage. The festival offers an opportunity for Goans to be more than spectators.

    A couple of weeks ago Sunburn Goa extended an open invitation to locals to participate, receiving an overwhelming response with over 1000 registrations. This remarkable enthusiasm reflects the vibrant support from the people of Goa and local businesses, eager to be part of this iconic event. Goan artists, musicians, photographers and entrepreneurs have stepped forward to participate and contribute. Over the years, during Sunburn Goa, the locals have involved themselves and benefited in numerous ways through visibility, better scope and increased business opportunities.

    Talent takes centre stage as several Goan musicians, DJs and sound technicians get an opportunity to share an international platform with renowned music artists. DJ CurlyM recalls her incredible experience at last year’s festival. “Being on stage at Sunburn is not just a dream for artists, but also for the audience. It unites people from various cities and cultures, fostering a unique connection. When I performed at Sunburn, I realised that I am not just performing for one city or country but for multiple countries and diverse cities all at once. This exact feeling hits differently.”

    DJ Allan D’Souza from Skeletron Academy mentions, “The festival provided a huge platform for my music, helping to highlight Goan talent. The crowd was amazing, and it felt great to see everyone enjoying the music and supporting our Goan artists. I can’t wait to be back this year.”

    Food stalls set up by Goans offer a varied choice of Goan delicacies, allowing locals to benefit from increased sales during the festival, with brand visibility that spills across the rest of the year, which sees an influx of over 75,000 tourists.

    Given the grandeur of Sunburn Goa with its vibrant themes, the music festival is a haven for photographers and videographers who have also been called upon to be part of Sunburn Goa 2024, providing a deserving platform to let their talent run wild. Additionally, there have been registrations for roles in stage production and venue production, which are crucial to the festival’s success. Local experts in these fields are encouraged to participate, building their experience at par with international standards on local soil and creating an edge for future projects.

    The involvement of local businesses and vendors in the festival is also expected to provide a substantial boost to Goa’s local economy. As Sunburn Goa welcomes audiences from across the globe, it offers a unique platform for local enterprises to showcase their products and services to a diverse and international crowd. This fusion of global exposure and local talent not only enhances the festival experience but also promotes economic growth within the region.

    Expressing his excitement about the initiative, Sunburn CEO Karan Singh said, “We are humbled with the strong response from the local community. The participation of Goan youth and local talent has always been a cornerstone of our success and we are glad to see that for the 18th edition. The festival thrives on the collective efforts of those working behind the scenes and the registrations this year are a testament to the collaborative spirit we cherish.”

    Scheduled from 28 to 30 December  2024, Sunburn Goa 2024 is set to be a grand celebration of music, fashion, food and culture, significantly supported by local talent and vendors. The festival is witnessing enthusiastic participation from F&B partners, artists, production technicians and other local talents, underscoring its commitment to community involvement and regional growth.

  • “We are journalists and storytellers; Our mandate is to uncover, showcase, and celebrate cinema:”

    “We are journalists and storytellers; Our mandate is to uncover, showcase, and celebrate cinema:”

    Mumbai: The visionary behind Film Companion, founder Anupama Chopra is back with a new venture: Film Companion Studios.

    Film Companion Studios is a speciality division for long-form storytelling, to create, develop and produce documentaries on all things film and entertainment. Film Companion Studios tells stories of storytellers and artists responsible for making cinema an experience. Through various endeavours, including impact-driven programmes to fund emerging filmmakers, FC Studios aims to take Film Companion’s legacy of discerning and nurturing love for cinema ahead.

    Indiantelevision’s Suman Baidh in conversation with  Film Companion Studios founder Anupama Chopra

    Edited excerpt

    On the inspiration for the creation of Film Companion Studios

    The creation of Film Companion Studios came from our desire to document Indian cinema – the artists, the movies, the high points, and the low points.  We started with Modern Masters, a documentary on SS Rajamouli.  And through making that we decided that we wanted to do long-form storytelling around Indian cinema and pop culture.

    On the planning to maintain the essence of Film Companion’s original mission while expanding into the more niche space of documentary filmmaking

    The essence of Film Companion was always to be the missing Companion.  FC Studios will also fulfil that role by bridging the gap between movies and movie lovers.  We want to create an archive of incredible stories from the world of movies.

    On focusing on long-form storytelling the criteria used to select the subjects for your documentaries

    We want to tell stories that are engaging, informative and always, entertaining.  That is the criteria we use to select subjects.

    As the lines between journalism and content creation continue to blur, On Film Companion and Film Companion Studios shaping the future of entertainment journalism

    We are journalists and storytellers.  Our mandate is to uncover, showcase, and celebrate cinema.  I don’t really worry about being a content creator.  I hope the work that we do helps to propel entertainment journalism in the right direction.

    On anticipating the shift from Film Companion to Film Companion Studios, potential resonance with the existing audience and challenges in retaining their loyalty are considered.

    I think we have to continue to do our work with passion and integrity.  As Rancho said in 3 Idiots – chase excellence and success will follow.  I hope the same is true for our audience.

    On the recent release of  Modern Masters

    Modern Masters was originally conceived by my erstwhile colleagues Baradwaj Rangan and Avinash Prakash.  We took the idea to Applause Entertainment.  Sameer Nair was excited by it and partnered with us in making the documentary.  It’s been a thrilling journey to create the documentary and have it release on Netflix.

  • The role of stock photography in building brand consistency across social media channels

    The role of stock photography in building brand consistency across social media channels

    Mumbai: In today’s fast changing digital marketplace, maintaining brand consistency across social media channels is essential. Stock photography is one of the most effective techniques for reaching this goal. Companies can build a unified visual identity that resonates with their target audience by carefully picking stock photographs that complement their colours, style, and messaging.

    Aligning With The Brand Colors And Style

    The harmonious combination of colours and styles serves as the cornerstone of brand consistency. Companies should prioritise photographs that complement their brand’s colour scheme when choosing stock photos. This can be accomplished by selecting photos with complementary colours or ensuring that the hues in the images match the brand’s primary colours. Incorporating tints and tones of these key hues into stock photographs can also assist create a consistent visual identity while keeping content engaging.

    For example, a corporation with a largely blue and white colour scheme might look for stock images that feature these colours strongly. This approach ensures that the visual material is consistent and easily identifiable, regardless of the platform on which it is delivered.

    Sustaining Consistency Throughout Platforms

    An unrelenting dedication to consistency in visual representation helps to reinforce a brand’s identity in the minds of its audience. Companies can ensure that their visual image is consistent across several digital platforms by using stock photographs that comply with the brand’s colour and style criteria. This consistency not only maintains the brand’s identity, but it also fosters trust and familiarity among the audience.

    Furthermore, high-quality stock images are both affordable and widely available, making them an invaluable resource for creating visually appealing social media content. Stock photography’s inexpensive cost enables marketers to maintain a consistent stream of high-quality photographs without breaking the bank. This enables them to maintain their visual identity over time.

    Strengthening Brand Messaging And Identity

    The intentional incorporation of stock photographs into a brand’s social media strategy can greatly improve its messaging, values, and overall identity. Companies can develop content that appears attractive and sends an important message via images that reflect the brand’s basic values and resonate with the target audience.

    A brand that focuses on sustainability, for example, may select stock photographs of nature, eco-friendly practices, and renewable energy. This alignment of visual content and brand values strengthens the brand’s credibility and facilitates a closer connection with the audience.

    Representing A Wide Spectrum of Scenarios And Demographics

    The capacity to depict a wide range of situations, locales, and demographics is a special benefit of stock photography. This adaptability lets brands communicate with more people while keeping their visual identity consistent. Brands can establish a more relevant and inclusive image by utilising a range of stock photographs that depict many facets of the target audience’s lifestyle and experiences.

    For example, a multinational company might highlight its global reach by using stock photos from various locations, or an inclusive company can display photos of people from a range of ethnic backgrounds. Stock photography is strategically utilised to create social media content that is both audience- and brand-resonant.

    Conclusion

    In summary, stock photos are a crucial resource for preserving brand coherence on social media platforms. Companies can create visually consistent and impactful material that reinforces their identity and values by carefully picking photos that match their brand’s colours, style, and messaging. High-quality stock images are an invaluable resource for any organisation looking to establish a unified, powerful online presence due to their affordability and ease of use. Brands can accomplish a consistent and effective communication of their message by strategically using stock photos to strengthen their visual identity and connect with a diverse and broad audience.
     

  • AE Live partners with International Institute of Information Technology Hyderabad

    AE Live partners with International Institute of Information Technology Hyderabad

    Mumbai: AE Live, a global provider of data and broadcast solutions, has announced a partnership with the International Institute of Information Technology Hyderabad (IIITH).

    The partnership brings together one of India’s leading institutes, the largest group in AI and ML in India and recognised as having a strong pedigree and being the largest group in AI and ML in India, and AE Live, globally recognised as one of the principal providers of specialist graphics and data services for some of the world’s leading governing bodies, broadcasters and production companies, in order to foster a wider range of innovation, research and development activities.  

    The partnership will see an innovation lab built on campus in Hyderabad, with AE Live’s engineers being embedded within a free-thinking and unfettered environment, to allow them the space to truly innovate, but with the guidance of experts in their field. International Institute of Information Technology Hyderabad (IIITH) is an autonomous university, founded as a not-for-profit public private partnership (N-PPP) in 1998, and is the first IIIT in India under this model. Over the years, the institute has evolved strong research programmes in various areas, with an emphasis on technology and applied research for industry and society.

    AE Live’s CTO, Dave Gill, said, “I’m excited about the partnership we are building with IIITH. It’s a real win-win, as we get access to some world-class talent to help drive innovation in such an exciting space, whilst IIITH gets to work on real-world problems and see their ideas and technologies potentially deployed across the globe on some of the biggest sporting events in the world.”

    Commenting on the partnership, IIITH professor of practice, head of product lab & TTO, Yalla Veera Prakash said, “It has been a long-cherished dream to have a sports innovation lab on campus. With the AE Live partnership, a market leader and innovator in this domain, we hope to see our research in sports analytics lead to impactful solutions for broadcast industry.”

    Prof Vineet Gandhi who was instrumental in the AE Live and IIITH partnership said, “IIITH research labs have shown consistent ability to develop and deploy ideas from inception to final implementation. The collaboration between our team and AE Live began with the creation of live player tracking technology for cricket, developed in partnership with Disney Star Sports. AE Live served as our graphics partner, and the technology was successfully implemented in several international tournaments, including the last two editions of the Asia Cup and the India Tour of South Africa. This successful collaboration inspired the idea of setting up an innovation lab on IIITH campus. We believe this initiative will foster significant advancements in AI and ML based solutions for sports.”

    AE Live has worked with a number of Indian clients over its 30-year history, most recently with Disney Star’s coverage of the ICC CWC 2024. Before that the Indian broadcaster has utilised AE Live’s expertise in broadcast graphics for over 10 years, having worked together on Star’s marquee productions like ICC events, IPL, Asia Cup, Pro Kabaddi League, and also Indian Super League, BCCI International Cricket, Pro Badminton League, when Star had rights for these events. Other key Indian clients include BCCI, Viacom18, RISE, Sportsworkz and Mashal.

    AE Live’s impressive global portfolio also includes (amongst many others) Premier League Productions, World Rugby, BBC, ITV, Sky Sports, WTA Tennis and Fox Sports. In July 2023, AE Live announced the acquisition of Silver Spoon, the industry experts in innovative, real time virtual production content on Unreal Engine, joining Ignite, AE Live’s in-house creative design agency, in the AE Live Group.

  • Indiantelevision.com launches whatsapp channel for readers

    Indiantelevision.com launches whatsapp channel for readers

    Mumbai: WhatsApp channels are all the rage. Almost every news website worth its salt has given access to its followers on this mobile-first communication tool.

    The 25-year-old Mumbai -hqed Indiantelevision.com is also joining this party and has launched its whatsapp channel so that readers can have the latest news from their fave website at their fingertips.

    To stay updated with the latest industry news and insights, follow Indiantelevision.com’s WhatsApp channel here: Indiantelevision.com WhatsApp Channel.