ITV

Category: Video On Demand

  • Amazon partners Green Gold for kids’ entertainment

    Amazon partners Green Gold for kids’ entertainment

    MUMBAI: Amazon has partnered with Green Gold Animation in a multi-year content deal. With this deal, the production houses’s future TV episodes and TV movies like Chhota Bheem, Super Bheem, Mighty Raju, etc will be available on the streaming platform for the first time.

    Prime members in India will have also have access to Green Gold Animation’s vast library of top-rated shows and movies like Krishna Balaram,Chorr Police, Luv Kush, Vikram and Betaal , Krishna, Chhota Bheem Himalayan Adventure, etc.

    “Green Gold Animation is a leading creator of premium kids’ content and Amazon Prime Video is delighted to offer a home to their much-loved content for kids and their families. This partnership will offer Amazon Prime members the very best content for their kids to watch and be delighted by” said Amazon Video India director and country head Nitesh Kripalani. “This is the first step to exclusively bring the best-in-class kids’ entertainment to children in India.”

    Amazon Prime already offers unlimited free one-day and two-day delivery to over 100 cities on eligible items from India’s largest selection of products, 30 minutes early access for members on top deals and more benefits for an unparalleled shopping experience.

    “We are excited that Chhota Bheem, India’s #1 Kids show for last 9 years would now be available on Amazon Prime Video. Indian Kids will now have better Digital experience with our imaginative content as now they can view their favourite show when they want and where they want, added Green Gold Animation founder Rajiv Chilaka.

    The service has also partnered with Johar’s Dharma Productions to own exclusive rights to stream all upcoming and backlog of movies under the banner. Whereas the deal with T-Series is only for upcoming releases such as Tum Bin 2 by Anubhav Sinha, Raabta with Sushant Singh Rajput, Noor starring Sonakshi Sinha, and Simran starring Kangana Ranaut.

    It recently tied up wth acclaimed filmmaker SS Rajamouli, Graphic India and Arka Mediaworks. With this the magnum opus Baahubali under its content library which will be turned into a new multi-episode animated series titled Baahubali: The Lost Legends.

    With an introductory price of Rs 499 for a year after which a prime subscription will cost Rs 999 a year. PrimeVideo will have access to Amazon Original Series, movies and TV shows from India and around the world.

    In the U.S., Amazon Prime offers over 40,000 movies and TV shows, a million songs and 500,000 free ebooks for $99 per year. It has begun talks with Bollywood producers and independent production houses for building video content from India. Amazon CEO Jeff Bezos announced that $300 mn (approx Rs 2,000 cr) will be invested in its India unit.

    With this, Amazon’s total investment commitment in India goes up to $5 bn.

  • NBL signs five-year deal with VEQTA

    NBL signs five-year deal with VEQTA

    MUMBAI: The National Basketball League (NBL) has signed a five-year deal with the Indian digital sports network VEQTA to increase its international footprint.

    VEQTA is a digital platform dedicated to streaming live sport and providing video-on-demand sports content on smartphones. The long-term agreement sees VEQTA gain exclusive rights to stream all NBL games in India up until the 2020-21 season.

    NBL general manager Jeremy Loeliger said, “They are a young ambitious digital company that is taking an innovative approach to digital sports broadcasting. They also have a pedigree of amazing success in this space.”

    “Just like Australia, India is a sports mad country and by partnering with VEQTA we have a fantastic opportunity to take the NBL to yet another one of the biggest sports markets in the world.”

    Loeliger also said that in addition to loving their sport, Indians love their technology. “There are currently in excess of 300 million smartphone users in India and, by 2020, this figure is set to grow a staggering 260 per cent to 800 million users. The opportunity to engage with India’s large, knowledgeable sports loving public is something the NBL is very excited about,” he said.

    VEQTA co-founder and director, Gaurav Gill, is similarly enthusiastic about how digital technologies can foster a better viewing experience and allow sports like the NBL to grow a substantial following in India.

    “Basketball is the number one school sport in tier 1 & 2 cities in India and has a very strong following in the young urban audience. National Basketball League (NBL) is one of the most popular and well known brands in the world of basketball and we are delighted to be partnering with them to bring NBL action to the growing base of basketball fans in India,” he said.

    “Indian sports fans have a growing appetite for high quality global sports content and VEQTA is committed to bringing them the best content from around the world.”

  • NBL signs five-year deal with VEQTA

    NBL signs five-year deal with VEQTA

    MUMBAI: The National Basketball League (NBL) has signed a five-year deal with the Indian digital sports network VEQTA to increase its international footprint.

    VEQTA is a digital platform dedicated to streaming live sport and providing video-on-demand sports content on smartphones. The long-term agreement sees VEQTA gain exclusive rights to stream all NBL games in India up until the 2020-21 season.

    NBL general manager Jeremy Loeliger said, “They are a young ambitious digital company that is taking an innovative approach to digital sports broadcasting. They also have a pedigree of amazing success in this space.”

    “Just like Australia, India is a sports mad country and by partnering with VEQTA we have a fantastic opportunity to take the NBL to yet another one of the biggest sports markets in the world.”

    Loeliger also said that in addition to loving their sport, Indians love their technology. “There are currently in excess of 300 million smartphone users in India and, by 2020, this figure is set to grow a staggering 260 per cent to 800 million users. The opportunity to engage with India’s large, knowledgeable sports loving public is something the NBL is very excited about,” he said.

    VEQTA co-founder and director, Gaurav Gill, is similarly enthusiastic about how digital technologies can foster a better viewing experience and allow sports like the NBL to grow a substantial following in India.

    “Basketball is the number one school sport in tier 1 & 2 cities in India and has a very strong following in the young urban audience. National Basketball League (NBL) is one of the most popular and well known brands in the world of basketball and we are delighted to be partnering with them to bring NBL action to the growing base of basketball fans in India,” he said.

    “Indian sports fans have a growing appetite for high quality global sports content and VEQTA is committed to bringing them the best content from around the world.”

  • Netflix-iPic Entertainment tie up; to release original films

    Netflix-iPic Entertainment tie up; to release original films

    MUMBAI: The subscription led video-on-demand (SVOD) streaming service Netflix has partnered with iPic Entertainment theater chain to release selective original films. These movies will shown simultaneously on the streaming service and at iPic theaters across the US.

    With this deal, several reports have surfaced mentioning the red light on rival theater owners.

    The partnership is set to launch from Friday with Netflix’s war thriller The Siege of Jadotville, opening at iPic theaters in Los Angeles the same day it’s released on the streaming service.

    “Consumer choice is a pillar of our philosophy and the unparalleled level of comfort and hospitality offered at iPic made this a natural partnership,” said Netflix chief content officer Ted Sarandos in a statement.

    The movie chain operates 15 theaters with 113 screens nationwide, including in New York, Miami Beach, Houston and Scottsdale, Ariz.

    iPic Entertainment president and CEO Hamid Hashemi added, “ This is a significant game changer for consumers and fans, paving way for a new frontier in shared experience viewing of Netflix entertainment.”

    Netflix has previously released its original films in theaters, like 2015’s Beast of No Nations, bypassing the exclusive theatrical window viewed as vital to many movie chains.

    “Movie theaters are worried. Netflix is already their biggest competitor right now,” voiced Exhibitor Relations analyst Jeff Bock to USA Today. “This represents a direct hit to their business that shakes them to the core.”

    The president and CEO of the National Association of Theater Owners John Fithian has also opined his unhappiness with this practice. “Simultaneous release, in practice, has reduced both theatrical and home revenues when it has been tried. The theatrical window is a longstanding industry practice that has benefited studios, theaters and moviegoers. We all should tread lightly and be mindful that over the years, the film industry’s success is a direct result of a highly successful collaboration between filmmakers, distributors and exhibitors,” said Fithian in a statement.

  • Netflix-iPic Entertainment tie up; to release original films

    Netflix-iPic Entertainment tie up; to release original films

    MUMBAI: The subscription led video-on-demand (SVOD) streaming service Netflix has partnered with iPic Entertainment theater chain to release selective original films. These movies will shown simultaneously on the streaming service and at iPic theaters across the US.

    With this deal, several reports have surfaced mentioning the red light on rival theater owners.

    The partnership is set to launch from Friday with Netflix’s war thriller The Siege of Jadotville, opening at iPic theaters in Los Angeles the same day it’s released on the streaming service.

    “Consumer choice is a pillar of our philosophy and the unparalleled level of comfort and hospitality offered at iPic made this a natural partnership,” said Netflix chief content officer Ted Sarandos in a statement.

    The movie chain operates 15 theaters with 113 screens nationwide, including in New York, Miami Beach, Houston and Scottsdale, Ariz.

    iPic Entertainment president and CEO Hamid Hashemi added, “ This is a significant game changer for consumers and fans, paving way for a new frontier in shared experience viewing of Netflix entertainment.”

    Netflix has previously released its original films in theaters, like 2015’s Beast of No Nations, bypassing the exclusive theatrical window viewed as vital to many movie chains.

    “Movie theaters are worried. Netflix is already their biggest competitor right now,” voiced Exhibitor Relations analyst Jeff Bock to USA Today. “This represents a direct hit to their business that shakes them to the core.”

    The president and CEO of the National Association of Theater Owners John Fithian has also opined his unhappiness with this practice. “Simultaneous release, in practice, has reduced both theatrical and home revenues when it has been tried. The theatrical window is a longstanding industry practice that has benefited studios, theaters and moviegoers. We all should tread lightly and be mindful that over the years, the film industry’s success is a direct result of a highly successful collaboration between filmmakers, distributors and exhibitors,” said Fithian in a statement.

  • Voot launches show on 2016 urban marriages

    Voot launches show on 2016 urban marriages

    MUMBAI: Voot, Viacom18’s digital VOD platform, has added one more feather to its original shows’ hat. It has announced the launch of their new web-series, It’s Not That Simple. Slated to go online from 6 October, the six-part show is a first of its kind relationship drama that explores the complexities of urban marriages.

    Written by Charudutt Acharya and directed by Danish Aslam, the story is about a school reunion, which along with fond memories also brings back a little part of Meera that was lost in the process of just being a wife. Tempting her to go on a journey to find her lost self again, is an unfinished love triangle from days bygone. The story further develops based on the decisions the lead protagonist takes.

    “The one box that digital content needs to check is being relatable to the viewer. And relationships & marriage in India are going through a dynamic change from the classic interpretation we are used to. We really wanted to take a closer look at urban marriages in 2016 with all their pressures and challenges… because at the end of it, marriage is the one choice that is life altering, good or bad, it’s really not that simple,” said VOOT head programming Monika Shergill.

    The starcast of the show includes Swara Bhaskar as Meera, along with Vivan Bhatena as Rajeev, Akshay Oberoi as Sameer and Karanveer Mehra as Jayesh.

  • Voot launches show on 2016 urban marriages

    Voot launches show on 2016 urban marriages

    MUMBAI: Voot, Viacom18’s digital VOD platform, has added one more feather to its original shows’ hat. It has announced the launch of their new web-series, It’s Not That Simple. Slated to go online from 6 October, the six-part show is a first of its kind relationship drama that explores the complexities of urban marriages.

    Written by Charudutt Acharya and directed by Danish Aslam, the story is about a school reunion, which along with fond memories also brings back a little part of Meera that was lost in the process of just being a wife. Tempting her to go on a journey to find her lost self again, is an unfinished love triangle from days bygone. The story further develops based on the decisions the lead protagonist takes.

    “The one box that digital content needs to check is being relatable to the viewer. And relationships & marriage in India are going through a dynamic change from the classic interpretation we are used to. We really wanted to take a closer look at urban marriages in 2016 with all their pressures and challenges… because at the end of it, marriage is the one choice that is life altering, good or bad, it’s really not that simple,” said VOOT head programming Monika Shergill.

    The starcast of the show includes Swara Bhaskar as Meera, along with Vivan Bhatena as Rajeev, Akshay Oberoi as Sameer and Karanveer Mehra as Jayesh.

  • Spuul expands Punjabi content library

    Spuul expands Punjabi content library

    MUMBAI: Video-on-demand platform Spuul has expanded its Punjabi content library with a collection of over 100 movies. It has added movies from leading Punjabi content producers and distributors such as Lokdhun, Unisys, Daddy Mohan Records, Speed Records, Kumar Films, Yellow Music, etc.

    As one of its firsts, the platform will be showcasing the exclusive premiere of Atishbaazi Ishq starring Mahie Gill and Roshan Prince within a week of its theatrical release early next month.

    “We enjoy the patronage of a large number of Punjabi users across the globe. Adding Punjabi language content to our already vast Hindi catalogue is a natural progression. Considering the huge improvement in the quality of Punjabi films being produced today, they are appealling to a much wider audience. We are excited to provide to our 18 million viewers across India, Pakistan, Canada, Australia & NZ, UK, US and Middle East with better, newer and fresher Punjabi content,” said Spuul India CEO Rajiv Vaidya.

    It also exclusively showcased Jimmy Shergill’s Vaisakhi List for the first 2 months of its digital release.

    The other popular & highest grossing titles in the Spuul catalogue are Jatt & Juliet 1&2, animated blockbuster Chaar Sahibzaade.

  • Spuul expands Punjabi content library

    Spuul expands Punjabi content library

    MUMBAI: Video-on-demand platform Spuul has expanded its Punjabi content library with a collection of over 100 movies. It has added movies from leading Punjabi content producers and distributors such as Lokdhun, Unisys, Daddy Mohan Records, Speed Records, Kumar Films, Yellow Music, etc.

    As one of its firsts, the platform will be showcasing the exclusive premiere of Atishbaazi Ishq starring Mahie Gill and Roshan Prince within a week of its theatrical release early next month.

    “We enjoy the patronage of a large number of Punjabi users across the globe. Adding Punjabi language content to our already vast Hindi catalogue is a natural progression. Considering the huge improvement in the quality of Punjabi films being produced today, they are appealling to a much wider audience. We are excited to provide to our 18 million viewers across India, Pakistan, Canada, Australia & NZ, UK, US and Middle East with better, newer and fresher Punjabi content,” said Spuul India CEO Rajiv Vaidya.

    It also exclusively showcased Jimmy Shergill’s Vaisakhi List for the first 2 months of its digital release.

    The other popular & highest grossing titles in the Spuul catalogue are Jatt & Juliet 1&2, animated blockbuster Chaar Sahibzaade.

  • Amazon Prime to air ‘Baahubali’ animation series

    Amazon Prime to air ‘Baahubali’ animation series

    NEW DELHI: The magnum opus ‘Baahubali’, a film that earned over Rs 6000 million in worldwide box office collections, is now being turned into a new multi-episode animated series titled – “Baahubali: The Lost Legends”.

    This was announced by Amazon Prime Video which has tied up wth acclaimed filmmaker SS Rajamouli, Graphic India and Arka Mediaworks.

    “S.S. Rajamouli is one of the most visionary movie minds in current times and we are thrilled to have him launch this exclusive series, Baahubali: The Lost Legends,” said Amazon Prime Video India Director and Country Head Nitesh Kripalani in a statement, adding, “The animation series will allow our customers to discover hidden stories and legends from the Baahubali world. And now for the first time, customers can watch the exclusive trailer first on www.Amazon.in”

    “What we managed to showcase in the film was just the tip of the iceberg,” said director Rajamouli. “From the minute I started working on this story, I knew the world of ‘Baahubali’ cannot be encompassed into a film or two, simply because there is so much more to tell and animation is another way to do that.”

    Graphic India Co-Founder & CEO Sharad Devarajan feels that filled with political intrigue, betrayal, war, action and adventure, the animated series will take audiences on new adventures beyond the film.

    As a part of festive celebrations, customers can watch the exclusive teaser trailer of `Baahubali: The Lost Legends’, the animated series, exclusively on www.Amazon.in only on 1 and 2 October 2016.

    The animated series was conceived by S S Rajamouli, Sharad Devarajan and Arka Mediaworks, who will all be producers along with Jeevan J. Kang, Graphic’s EVP Creative and the lead character designer for the new animated series. Graphic’s senior animation writer, Ashwin Pande, will also be a producer.

    According to Arka Mediaworks CEO Shobu Yarlagadda, “Having created so many iconic stories and characters, there is no one more equipped than Graphic India, to take the story of Baahubali forward. We are very excited for what’s to come.”

    Baahubali: The Lost Legends is set before the Kalakeya invasion depicted in the movie, when Baahubali and Bhallaladeva are still both young princes of Mahishmati. Two brothers competing to rule the greatest kingdom of its age and the epic adventures they must endure to prove they are worthy to one day wear the crown. Under the watchful eye of Sivagami, and the warrior Katappa, one shall rise to be King of the throne, while the other shall become King of the people.

    The animated series will feature new, never before revealed stories about the characters from the film including Prince Baahubali, Bhallaladeva, Kattapa and Sivagami as well as dozens of new characters that will expand the world of Baahubali and reveal hidden secrets for millions of fans, an official statement stated.