Category: Brands

Imax China and China Media Capital take next steps for $50 Million China film fund

MUMBAI: Imax Corporation and Imax China (HK.1970) today announced the completion of the formative agreements to establish the IMAX China Film Fund with partner China Media Capital (“CMC”). The China Film Fund, which will initially be capitalized with $50 million, will co-finance approximately 15 Mandarin-language tent pole films over three years. The Fund will target productions that can leverage the IMAX® brand, technology, relationships, and release windows.

The China Film Fund will take advantage of favorable trends in the Chinese market, strengthening the IMAX brand and capitalizing on relationships with studio, exhibitor and local distribution partners, as well as content creators. The Fund will enhance an already successful IMAX slate of Chinese DMR films and leverage CMC’s experience within China’s content creation industry.
The Fund will target contributions of between $3 million and $7 million per film, and will operate under an IMAX-CMC greenlight committee. IMAX and CMC may potentially bring in other investors to increase the size of the Fund.

“Our strong relationships with China’s most acclaimed studios and filmmakers mirror those we’ve established in Hollywood, thanks to the support of our valued partner CMC,” said IMAX CEO Richard L. Gelfond. “The Fund will further deepen our ties in the China film industry and allow us to generate the highest-quality Mandarin content for Chinese and international audiences alike. Our commitment to the success of our business in China and its filmmaking community is unwavering. Together, we are excited to launch a new and exciting chapter of filmmaking in China.”

“The appetite for premium Chinese content among the nation’s moviegoers continues to grow. The Fund is an outgrowth of CMC’s privileged capability and extensive connections in the Chinese film industry and IMAX’s beloved brand and differentiated cinematic experience. We hope this will support the creation of more tentpole Mandarin-language films,” said CMC ChairmanRuigang Li. “Together we are thrilled to play a strategic role in shaping the future of filmed entertainment in China.”

“Our early involvement in the Chinese cinema industry has afforded us tremendous brand value and has helped cement IMAX as the go-to format for blockbuster movies,” added Jiande Chen, CEO, IMAX China. “The Fund is a part of our continued growth and evolution within China that coincides with the nation’s growing cinema industry and trend toward locally-produced blockbuster content, which along with CMC we will now help to finance.”

June 22, 2016
Imax China and China Media Capital take next steps for $50 Million China film fund

MUMBAI: Imax Corporation and Imax China (HK.1970) today announced the completion of the formative agreements to establish the IMAX China Film Fund with partner China Media Capital (“CMC”). The China Film Fund, which will initially be capitalized with $50 million, will co-finance approximately 15 Mandarin-language tent pole films over three years. The Fund will target productions that can leverage the IMAX® brand, technology, relationships, and release windows.

The China Film Fund will take advantage of favorable trends in the Chinese market, strengthening the IMAX brand and capitalizing on relationships with studio, exhibitor and local distribution partners, as well as content creators. The Fund will enhance an already successful IMAX slate of Chinese DMR films and leverage CMC’s experience within China’s content creation industry.
The Fund will target contributions of between $3 million and $7 million per film, and will operate under an IMAX-CMC greenlight committee. IMAX and CMC may potentially bring in other investors to increase the size of the Fund.

“Our strong relationships with China’s most acclaimed studios and filmmakers mirror those we’ve established in Hollywood, thanks to the support of our valued partner CMC,” said IMAX CEO Richard L. Gelfond. “The Fund will further deepen our ties in the China film industry and allow us to generate the highest-quality Mandarin content for Chinese and international audiences alike. Our commitment to the success of our business in China and its filmmaking community is unwavering. Together, we are excited to launch a new and exciting chapter of filmmaking in China.”

“The appetite for premium Chinese content among the nation’s moviegoers continues to grow. The Fund is an outgrowth of CMC’s privileged capability and extensive connections in the Chinese film industry and IMAX’s beloved brand and differentiated cinematic experience. We hope this will support the creation of more tentpole Mandarin-language films,” said CMC ChairmanRuigang Li. “Together we are thrilled to play a strategic role in shaping the future of filmed entertainment in China.”

“Our early involvement in the Chinese cinema industry has afforded us tremendous brand value and has helped cement IMAX as the go-to format for blockbuster movies,” added Jiande Chen, CEO, IMAX China. “The Fund is a part of our continued growth and evolution within China that coincides with the nation’s growing cinema industry and trend toward locally-produced blockbuster content, which along with CMC we will now help to finance.”

June 22, 2016
Itel amongst Africa’s top 100 most admired brands

MUMBAI: In an announcement that emphasises the impact of the brand in the overseas market, itel, the hi-tech innovative brand for the masses, has been ranked 51stin the list of the ‘Most Admired Brands in Africa’ in 2015. The latest rankings by African Business, Africa’s biggest business magazine, saw itel move up 21 positions to be placed above other leading global brands such as Toshiba, Sharp, BlackBerry and Facebook.

Speaking on the announcement, Sudhir Kumar, CEO, itel Mobile India, said, “itel was established to make quality mobile connectivity solutions accessible to the aspiring consumer base across the world. Being named amongst the ‘Most Admired Brands in Africa’ highlights the difference we have made to the continent’s consumers by bridging the technological gap between the urban and rural geographies. We will be looking to build on that success and consolidate our presence in India by delivering best-in-class features at highly cost-effective prices. Our products have already received an impressive response from the country’s consumers, and we are confident that we will be able to drive the cause of Digital India through our state-of-the-art innovations and feature-driven products.”

The latest achievement underlines itel’s impact within the African region as an enabler that aims to empower every individual with value added and best-in-class mobility-based communication solutions. The brand, which has sold more than 70 million handsets worldwide since its inception, was previously ranked 72nd in the 2014 list of ‘Most Admired Brands in Africa’.

June 22, 2016
Itel amongst Africa’s top 100 most admired brands

MUMBAI: In an announcement that emphasises the impact of the brand in the overseas market, itel, the hi-tech innovative brand for the masses, has been ranked 51stin the list of the ‘Most Admired Brands in Africa’ in 2015. The latest rankings by African Business, Africa’s biggest business magazine, saw itel move up 21 positions to be placed above other leading global brands such as Toshiba, Sharp, BlackBerry and Facebook.

Speaking on the announcement, Sudhir Kumar, CEO, itel Mobile India, said, “itel was established to make quality mobile connectivity solutions accessible to the aspiring consumer base across the world. Being named amongst the ‘Most Admired Brands in Africa’ highlights the difference we have made to the continent’s consumers by bridging the technological gap between the urban and rural geographies. We will be looking to build on that success and consolidate our presence in India by delivering best-in-class features at highly cost-effective prices. Our products have already received an impressive response from the country’s consumers, and we are confident that we will be able to drive the cause of Digital India through our state-of-the-art innovations and feature-driven products.”

The latest achievement underlines itel’s impact within the African region as an enabler that aims to empower every individual with value added and best-in-class mobility-based communication solutions. The brand, which has sold more than 70 million handsets worldwide since its inception, was previously ranked 72nd in the 2014 list of ‘Most Admired Brands in Africa’.

June 22, 2016
LeEco’s Le 2 and Le Max2 create new flash sales registration record of 150,000 in first 24 hours

MUMBAI: LeEco’s recently launched second generation Superphones Le 2 and Le Max2 are definitive trend-setters in the industry given their distinctive features, many of which are industry firsts. It is hardly surprising that the new Superphones have received such a tremendous response from users securing a record-breaking number of150,000 registrations for Le 2 and Le Max2,in just 24 hours. It has surpassed the record of 1 lakh registration within 24 hours achieved by the predecessor Le 1s back in January. Given the unmatched value proposition of features and content at an extremely attractive price, both Superphones have stirred up the Indian smartphone market.

In less than 24 hours since the registrations for Le 2 and Le Max2 began on June 20th, the Superphones have received impressive traction on its recently launched marketplace e-commerce website, LeMall.com as well as its e-commerce partner, Flipkart.

With exponentially growing registrations now well underway, the first flash sale for Le 2starts at 12 noon on June 28, registrations for which will close at 11 AM, on the same date. For Le Max2, registrations are open till 28 June 1PM followed by the flash sale at 2 PM just an hour later.

It is logical to surmise that the unprecedented response and demand for both Le 2 and Le Max 2 can be attributed to the distinct features that set them apart from any other smartphone in the industry. Both, Le 2 and Le Max 2 come with USB Type-C audio port featuring CDLA (Continual Digital Lossless Audio) standard, patented by LeEco and a world first. The introduction of CDLA technology is a testimony to the company’s history of setting new trends and pioneering cutting-edge technology, which means the Superphones Le 2 and Le Max 2 are all set to redefine the audio experience for users.

Again, the concept of content ecosystem and membership model in smartphones in India, is unique to LeEco Superphones. With impressive additions to its Supertainment Membership Program the Le 2 and Le Max2come bundled with one year LeEco Membership worth Rs 4900.Through LeEco Membership program, users can get access to a collection of 2000+ movies. LeEco has the largest collection of blockbuster and award winning movies from across the world including top Regional Cinema from India – across Hindi, Tamil, Telugu, Marathi & Bengali films. Meanwhile, the membership program provides 3000+ hours of curated shows, 150+ live TV channels and 3.5 million songs for users’ choices. LeEco also takes the lead in offering 1.9 million songs and online international live concerts with lossless audio, bringing the users’ CDLA audio experience to a brand new height.
During the flash sale of Le 2 and Le Max 2 on June 28, users can look forward to some amazing offers –

1. 10% SBI cashback (Applicable only on Flipkart. Users can avail a discount of maximum Rs.1200 per card. The 10% cashback, valid on 28 June, is also applicable on EMI transaction on SBI Credit Cards)

2. Free CDLA Earphones worth Rs.1990 (Introductory offer, applicable only in the first flash sale)

3. Both Superphones include a one-year LeEco membership worth Rs 4900

A quick look at the blazingly fast processor & camera of Le 2 and Le Max2-

Le Max2, the 4GB+32GB model is priced at an attractiveRs 22,999 while the Le 2, the 3GB RAM and 32GB ROM combination Superphone, comes at a compelling price of Rs 11,999. Following are the portals for potential users to embark on a journey to fully experiencethe disruptive technology and a connected ecosystem world.

June 21, 2016
LeEco’s Le 2 and Le Max2 create new flash sales registration record of 150,000 in first 24 hours

MUMBAI: LeEco’s recently launched second generation Superphones Le 2 and Le Max2 are definitive trend-setters in the industry given their distinctive features, many of which are industry firsts. It is hardly surprising that the new Superphones have received such a tremendous response from users securing a record-breaking number of150,000 registrations for Le 2 and Le Max2,in just 24 hours. It has surpassed the record of 1 lakh registration within 24 hours achieved by the predecessor Le 1s back in January. Given the unmatched value proposition of features and content at an extremely attractive price, both Superphones have stirred up the Indian smartphone market.

In less than 24 hours since the registrations for Le 2 and Le Max2 began on June 20th, the Superphones have received impressive traction on its recently launched marketplace e-commerce website, LeMall.com as well as its e-commerce partner, Flipkart.

With exponentially growing registrations now well underway, the first flash sale for Le 2starts at 12 noon on June 28, registrations for which will close at 11 AM, on the same date. For Le Max2, registrations are open till 28 June 1PM followed by the flash sale at 2 PM just an hour later.

It is logical to surmise that the unprecedented response and demand for both Le 2 and Le Max 2 can be attributed to the distinct features that set them apart from any other smartphone in the industry. Both, Le 2 and Le Max 2 come with USB Type-C audio port featuring CDLA (Continual Digital Lossless Audio) standard, patented by LeEco and a world first. The introduction of CDLA technology is a testimony to the company’s history of setting new trends and pioneering cutting-edge technology, which means the Superphones Le 2 and Le Max 2 are all set to redefine the audio experience for users.

Again, the concept of content ecosystem and membership model in smartphones in India, is unique to LeEco Superphones. With impressive additions to its Supertainment Membership Program the Le 2 and Le Max2come bundled with one year LeEco Membership worth Rs 4900.Through LeEco Membership program, users can get access to a collection of 2000+ movies. LeEco has the largest collection of blockbuster and award winning movies from across the world including top Regional Cinema from India – across Hindi, Tamil, Telugu, Marathi & Bengali films. Meanwhile, the membership program provides 3000+ hours of curated shows, 150+ live TV channels and 3.5 million songs for users’ choices. LeEco also takes the lead in offering 1.9 million songs and online international live concerts with lossless audio, bringing the users’ CDLA audio experience to a brand new height.
During the flash sale of Le 2 and Le Max 2 on June 28, users can look forward to some amazing offers –

1. 10% SBI cashback (Applicable only on Flipkart. Users can avail a discount of maximum Rs.1200 per card. The 10% cashback, valid on 28 June, is also applicable on EMI transaction on SBI Credit Cards)

2. Free CDLA Earphones worth Rs.1990 (Introductory offer, applicable only in the first flash sale)

3. Both Superphones include a one-year LeEco membership worth Rs 4900

A quick look at the blazingly fast processor & camera of Le 2 and Le Max2-

Le Max2, the 4GB+32GB model is priced at an attractiveRs 22,999 while the Le 2, the 3GB RAM and 32GB ROM combination Superphone, comes at a compelling price of Rs 11,999. Following are the portals for potential users to embark on a journey to fully experiencethe disruptive technology and a connected ecosystem world.

June 21, 2016
Startup OYO features in LinkedIn’s Top Attractors List

MUMBAI: India’s branded network of hotels OYO has become the youngest Indian startup to be included in the LinkedIn Top Attractors list for India in 2016. Ranked at number 16 overall and 6th in the rank of home-grown Indian companies, OYO is the only hospitality company among the 25 companies featured. The list also features biggies such as Amazon, Google and Flipkart.

Speaking about the achievement, OYO CEO and founder Ritesh Agarwal, CEO said, “We are ecstatic at being recognized as a top attractor by LinkedIn. People and technology form the crux of our operations and this survey along with its methodology represents the best convergence of the two. OYO is a preferred employer on account of being an agent of transformation. In the very short time since our launch, we have driven positive impact in the hospitality sector as well as the experience of lakhs of Indian travellers. The OYO DNA is all about being innovative, agile and responsive. This recognition further validates our belief in our vision of becoming the most-loved hotel brand in the world.”

The Top Attractors list is the first ranking of its kind to be based entirely on actions of LinkedIn users. According to LinkedIn, the 25 companies featured on the list are the best in India at attracting and keeping top talent. OYO pipped eCommerce companies such as MakeMyTrip and Zomato, and veterans such as Cisco, Reliance and Accenture, that are also featured in the same list.

Globally, the list featured companies such as Apple, Facebook and Uber. LinkedIn partnered with Censuswide Research to carry out an online survey of 6,266 workers between 18 May and 23 May 2016. The countries surveyed were Australia, Brazil, France, India, UK and USA.

The list comprises companies where people most eagerly want to land jobs, and stay in them, as determined by 12 metrics that measure online actions taken by LinkedIn’s members. Among those metrics are the number of views and applications per job posting on LinkedIn and other career sites, the number of views of a company’s career page, and employee retention statistics as measured through profile updates.

In just three years since its inception, OYO says that it has managed to expand its network to include 70,000 rooms in 180 Indian cities, with 2.3 million room-nights booked in the first quarter of 2016. CB Insights has cited OYO as one of the top 50 startups most likely to next reach unicorn status.

OYO’s vision is to become the world’s most preferred and trusted hotel brand. It is backed by the world’s leading investors including the SoftBank Group, Greenoaks Capital, Sequoia Capital and Lightspeed India.

OYO has partnered with IRCTC, Airtel, Samsung, Lenovo, Biotique, Cleartrip, Itzcash, FreeCharge, Mobikwik, Peppertap and Grofers to deliver a seamless and standardized experience to guests.

June 20, 2016
Startup OYO features in LinkedIn’s Top Attractors List

MUMBAI: India’s branded network of hotels OYO has become the youngest Indian startup to be included in the LinkedIn Top Attractors list for India in 2016. Ranked at number 16 overall and 6th in the rank of home-grown Indian companies, OYO is the only hospitality company among the 25 companies featured. The list also features biggies such as Amazon, Google and Flipkart.

Speaking about the achievement, OYO CEO and founder Ritesh Agarwal, CEO said, “We are ecstatic at being recognized as a top attractor by LinkedIn. People and technology form the crux of our operations and this survey along with its methodology represents the best convergence of the two. OYO is a preferred employer on account of being an agent of transformation. In the very short time since our launch, we have driven positive impact in the hospitality sector as well as the experience of lakhs of Indian travellers. The OYO DNA is all about being innovative, agile and responsive. This recognition further validates our belief in our vision of becoming the most-loved hotel brand in the world.”

The Top Attractors list is the first ranking of its kind to be based entirely on actions of LinkedIn users. According to LinkedIn, the 25 companies featured on the list are the best in India at attracting and keeping top talent. OYO pipped eCommerce companies such as MakeMyTrip and Zomato, and veterans such as Cisco, Reliance and Accenture, that are also featured in the same list.

Globally, the list featured companies such as Apple, Facebook and Uber. LinkedIn partnered with Censuswide Research to carry out an online survey of 6,266 workers between 18 May and 23 May 2016. The countries surveyed were Australia, Brazil, France, India, UK and USA.

The list comprises companies where people most eagerly want to land jobs, and stay in them, as determined by 12 metrics that measure online actions taken by LinkedIn’s members. Among those metrics are the number of views and applications per job posting on LinkedIn and other career sites, the number of views of a company’s career page, and employee retention statistics as measured through profile updates.

In just three years since its inception, OYO says that it has managed to expand its network to include 70,000 rooms in 180 Indian cities, with 2.3 million room-nights booked in the first quarter of 2016. CB Insights has cited OYO as one of the top 50 startups most likely to next reach unicorn status.

OYO’s vision is to become the world’s most preferred and trusted hotel brand. It is backed by the world’s leading investors including the SoftBank Group, Greenoaks Capital, Sequoia Capital and Lightspeed India.

OYO has partnered with IRCTC, Airtel, Samsung, Lenovo, Biotique, Cleartrip, Itzcash, FreeCharge, Mobikwik, Peppertap and Grofers to deliver a seamless and standardized experience to guests.

June 20, 2016
Kratos, the mobile adtech company launches Kuberplay,

MUMBAI : Kuberplay, an SDK-based service, offers a solution for app developers to monetize their applications, retain users and enhance consumer experience by empowering mobile users who choose to watch videos, subscribe to services, install applications and participate in other types of advertisements.

India with around 300,000 app developers is the second largest Android developer community in the world and with the average mobile app usage in India growing by at least 131%, India has outpaced the global growth rate in app development. The app development has created about 75,000 direct jobs in India, and has the potential to reach 600,000 over a period of time. However, monetisation of app development remains a challenge. Over 70% of app developers close shop because of inability to monetize their apps.

Kuberplay will help app developers monetize their app, especially the customers who access only the free component of the app, desire the complete app but are unable to buy the app because they are expensive. The global purchase of in-app purchase is only 2%; through Kuberplay this can increase up to 10% helping them towards financially viable business models. By integrating Kuberplay into their app the revenue of an App Developer in consumer premium space can increase by 25 to 30%.

Says Upal Pradhan, Founder and CEO, Kratos “Kuberplay, will change the game for app developers, and this will be the impetus for an evolution in mobile app development. The mobile has become a part of individual’s life management, and there is considerable development happening and possible through creation of new apps. We are happy to contribute towards this, as it will unleash the creativity and innovation, that earlier faced the challenge of monetisation. As a company, we have always been innovative in using our competencies in technology and our deep understanding of the mobile ecosystem to create platforms that provide a win- win scenario for all. We are hoping for this to be a complete game changer for the mobile app ecosystem.”

June 20, 2016
Kratos, the mobile adtech company launches Kuberplay,

MUMBAI : Kuberplay, an SDK-based service, offers a solution for app developers to monetize their applications, retain users and enhance consumer experience by empowering mobile users who choose to watch videos, subscribe to services, install applications and participate in other types of advertisements.

India with around 300,000 app developers is the second largest Android developer community in the world and with the average mobile app usage in India growing by at least 131%, India has outpaced the global growth rate in app development. The app development has created about 75,000 direct jobs in India, and has the potential to reach 600,000 over a period of time. However, monetisation of app development remains a challenge. Over 70% of app developers close shop because of inability to monetize their apps.

Kuberplay will help app developers monetize their app, especially the customers who access only the free component of the app, desire the complete app but are unable to buy the app because they are expensive. The global purchase of in-app purchase is only 2%; through Kuberplay this can increase up to 10% helping them towards financially viable business models. By integrating Kuberplay into their app the revenue of an App Developer in consumer premium space can increase by 25 to 30%.

Says Upal Pradhan, Founder and CEO, Kratos “Kuberplay, will change the game for app developers, and this will be the impetus for an evolution in mobile app development. The mobile has become a part of individual’s life management, and there is considerable development happening and possible through creation of new apps. We are happy to contribute towards this, as it will unleash the creativity and innovation, that earlier faced the challenge of monetisation. As a company, we have always been innovative in using our competencies in technology and our deep understanding of the mobile ecosystem to create platforms that provide a win- win scenario for all. We are hoping for this to be a complete game changer for the mobile app ecosystem.”

June 20, 2016