ITV

Category: Movies

  • West Asia cinema market to get growth urge from Saudi Arabia

    West Asia cinema market to get growth urge from Saudi Arabia

    MUMBAI: For movie lovers in the middle east north Africa (Mena) region, this is great news. And for Indian movie producers and distributors it is probably even better news. Analysis by London-based research outfit Omdia has revealed that the Mena cinema market is poised to catapult to new heights with revenue growing from $900 million in 2024 to $1.5 billion by 2029. The main driver of this growth is going to be Saudi Arabia which will account for almost two-thirds of the region’s cinema revenue. 

    West Asia, according to Omdia, has emerged as the fastest cinema building market, adding 1,000 new screens, starting 2019 to reach 2.500 screens by end 2024. Saudi Arabia, which is on aggressive city and entertainment hub building spree is expected to lead the additions, reaching 803 screens by year end 2024. The UAE is expected to be next in the pecking order with 734 screens.

    To top that, OMDIA says that even though west Asia is focusing on local productions, expanding its theatre count, and spreading cinema culture there is still much work to be done to sustain interest in local films and broaden their appeal.

    Beyond cinema, the online video streaming market in Mena is also on a strong growth trajectory, projected to reach $2.7 billion by 2029. This reflects the region’s evolving entertainment landscape, where audiences are embracing both traditional cinema and digital streaming platforms, creating a diverse and dynamic entertainment ecosystem.

    Says Omdia senior  director of media & entertainment  Maria Rua Agute: “With films no longer made solely for cinema; streaming platforms play a major role in financing and offer audiences a great variety of films, including those that might not reach traditional cinemas due to cost or limited availability of screens. In a region with relatively few arthouse cinemas in the region, there is a growing need for more diverse venues and programming to reflect the evolving film culture and cater to different tastes and genres. Expanding the availability of diverse cinema will be key to meeting demand.

    “The growth of cinema in the Mena  region, particularly in Saudi Arabia, signals a major shift in both the regional entertainment landscape and global filmmaking. Investments in infrastructure, local film production, and streaming are helping diversify cinema offerings. As audiences embrace both traditional theater and digital platforms, the region’s film culture has immense potential to flourish and gain international recognition.”
     

  • Cineline India’s revenue from operations saw a 12.7 per cent steep decline

    Cineline India’s revenue from operations saw a 12.7 per cent steep decline

    Mumbai: Remember those carefree days when a weekend meant one thing—heading to the cinema, popcorn in hand, with family or friends by your side? Or the thrill of slipping out of a college lecture, knowing a movie adventure awaited? Those were the golden days of cinema. Yet, post-Covid, the big screen seems to have lost some of its allure, and Cineline India’s recent Q2 FY25 results tell a sobering story. Released today, the report reveals an industry grappling with the harsh realities of a shrinking audience base and mounting financial strain. For the quarter ending 30 September 2024, Cineline’s revenue from operations saw a steep 12.47 per cent drop, falling to Rs 5,583.66 lakhs from last year’s Rs 6,378.72 lakhs. As operational expenses climb and finance costs escalate, the road to profitability is riddled with challenges.

    The numbers reveal a company grappling with mounting expenses and shrinking profits. Total income for the quarter was Rs 5,617.60 lakhs, a decline from the previous year’s Rs 6,455.44 lakhs. Cineline’s movie exhibition cost—a significant operational component—reached Rs 1,583.38 lakhs, compared to Rs 1,931.11 lakhs last year. This reduction in costs was likely an attempt to mitigate the impact of lower revenues; however, it did not prove sufficient to offset other rising expenses. Notably, finance costs surged to Rs 727.95 lakhs, from Rs 716.53 lakhs in Q2 FY24, placing further pressure on profit margins.

    Cineline’s operating loss for continuing operations stood at Rs 607.30 lakhs, a sharp contrast to last year’s profit of Rs 702.36 lakhs. This swing into negative territory highlights Cineline’s current financial strain, driven by a combination of weaker income and heightened expenses. Although depreciation and impairment expenses rose to Rs 550.60 lakhs from Rs 489.09 lakhs, the overall expenses have grown notably, stressing the profitability margins.

    Further complicating Cineline’s financial landscape are discontinued operations associated with R&H Spaces Private Limited, its wholly-owned subsidiary classified as ‘Non-Current Assets held for sale’. This segment reported an after-tax loss of Rs 348.10 lakhs, exacerbating the company’s financial position. This negative outcome contrasts sharply with last year’s profit of Rs 15.51 lakhs, a downturn driven by market fluctuations and an inability to find prospective buyers swiftly enough to offset expenses.

    For stakeholders, Cineline’s Q2 FY25 results indicate an increasingly challenging environment in cinema exhibition. While the company has undertaken cost-cutting measures, the sharp decline in revenues and heightened financial costs have reduced the scope for quick turnaround. As Cineline aims to divest from non-core assets and consolidate its focus, the current financial constraints reflect a period of adjustment and realignment. However, the path to recovery may hinge on the company’s ability to attract new investment, manage rising operational costs, and secure strategic divestitures for better liquidity.

    Cineline India Q2 FY25 Financial Highlights:

    1.    Revenue Decline: Revenue from operations dropped by 12.47 per cent YoY to Rs 5,583.66 lakhs, down from Rs 6,378.72 lakhs in Q2 FY24.

    2.    Total Income: The total income stood at Rs 5,617.60 lakhs, a decrease from Rs 6,455.44 lakhs last year.

    3.    Operational Loss: Operating loss for continuing operations was Rs 607.30 lakhs, a reversal from last year’s profit of Rs 702.36 lakhs.

    4.    Increased Finance Costs: Finance costs rose to Rs 727.95 lakhs from Rs 716.53 lakhs in Q2 FY24.

    5.    Overall Profit/Loss: Net loss from continuing and discontinued operations was Rs 963.07 lakhs, reflecting the challenging operational environment.

     

  • Elan Group & NY Cinemas host 900 Gurugram cops for Singham Again screening

    Elan Group & NY Cinemas host 900 Gurugram cops for Singham Again screening

    Mumbai: Elan Group and NY Cinemas hosted an exclusive screening of Singham Again for over 900 Gurugram police officers and their families at NY Cinemas in Elan Epic Mall, Sector 70. This event was a gesture of gratitude to the police force for their dedication to maintaining law and order.

    The action-packed film, which embodies courage, justice, and heroism, offered officers and their families a thrilling cinematic experience that reflected the values they uphold in their daily work.

    Elan Group head – business development Sumit Chaudhary said, “At Elan Group, we are deeply grateful for the dedication, service and sacrifice that Gurugram’s police officers embody every day. Hosting this special screening of Singham Again is our way of recognizing their invaluable contributions. We hope this gesture not only provides a moment of enjoyment and relaxation for them and their families but also reflects our utmost respect and appreciation.”

    DCP Headquarters, Gurugram IPS Dr Arpit Jain said, “We are thankful to Elan Group and Mr. Ajay Devgn for this thoughtful gesture, which acknowledges the dedication and hard work of our officers and families. It is an immense honour to be recognized alongside our colleagues and loved ones. The movie Singham Again embodies the values of courage, justice and service that we strive to uphold every day. This experience inspires us to continue serving with pride and commitment.”

    NY Cinemas COO Rajeev Sharma said, “NY Cinemas extends its heartfelt gratitude to the dedicated police officers for their commitment and service. We are honored to have hosted this special screening for the Gurugram police. NY Cinemas is deeply committed to creating meaningful experiences and making every community feel valued in each city we operate in.”

    Elan Group has shown its commitment to community engagement by organising exclusive movie screenings for frontline healthcare workers, educators, and underprivileged children, offering them a chance to relax and enjoy. These events express Elan’s gratitude for their positive impact on society. Through such initiatives, Elan reaffirms its dedication to honoring those who make a difference in others’ lives.

  • Lights, camera, Goa! IFFI 2024 to spotlight young filmmakers

    Lights, camera, Goa! IFFI 2024 to spotlight young filmmakers

    Mumbai: The stage is set for the 55th International Film Festival of India (IFFI) as it prepares to dazzle cinephiles from 20-28 November. Bringing the world of cinema to Goa, IFFI 2024 celebrates young filmmakers and emerging voices, building a vibrant platform to shape the future of storytelling. The festival promises a week of innovative programming, masterclasses with industry icons, and screenings of acclaimed films from around the globe, creating an unmissable cinematic journey for enthusiasts and professionals alike.

    The theme, ‘Young Filmmakers – The Future is Now’, champions India’s emerging talent, aligning with the ministry of information and broadcasting ‘s vision to empower youth as the torchbearers of creativity. Minister of state for information & broadcasting, L. Murugan declared at the curtain-raiser press conference that IFFI is now seen on par with global film festivals like Cannes, evidenced by the record-breaking 1,676 international submissions this year. “IFFI has become a landmark event, not just for India but internationally,” he said, emphasising its increasing global reach and significance.

    With new awards and an expanded Creative Minds of Tomorrow initiative, IFFI 2024 is poised to attract 400 young talents from across India. The ministry has organised promotional roadshows in cities like Mumbai and Chennai to boost public engagement, calling on industry leaders and audiences to embrace IFFI as a world-class event and experience the best in cinematic storytelling.

    Ministry of I&B, Secretary, Sanjay Jaju reiterated the significance of the festival: “India is rapidly emerging as the world’s largest filmmaking nation, embracing varied formats and perspectives. The new, emerging voices within our industry will play a pivotal role in shaping the nation.” IFFI 2024 will feature curated sections, special awards, and tributes to cinematic legends, all designed to resonate with today’s storytellers and audiences.

    Festival director Shekhar Kapur stressed the importance of storytelling: “In a rapidly evolving world, preserving the craft of storytelling is more essential than ever.” His message reflects IFFI’s commitment to honouring and elevating cinema as an impactful cultural force.

    IFFI 2024, hosted by the ministry of Information & broadcasting in collaboration with NFDC and the Entertainment Society of Goa, promises a cinematic experience like never before, uniting audiences and artists from around the world to celebrate creativity and cultural heritage.

    Key Highlights of IFFI 2024:

    – Australia as Country of Focus: IFFI will honour Australia, featuring a dedicated film package, MOU signing between Screen Australia & NFDC, and the Asia premiere of *Better Man* by Michael Gracey, showcasing the life of Robbie Williams.

    – Lifetime Achievement Award: The Satyajit Ray Lifetime Achievement Award will be presented to Australian filmmaker Philip Noyce for his contributions to cinema through films like *Patriot Games* and *The Bone Collector*.

    – International Competition and Debut Awards: Fifteen international films will vie for the Golden Peacock, with a new Best Debut Indian Director award celebrating fresh voices in Indian cinema.

    – Restored Classics: NFDC-NFAI will screen classic Indian films like *Awara* and *Hum Dono*, restored under the National Film Heritage Mission.

    – Accessibility First: IFFI 2024 is the first accessible IFFI, with Svayam as Accessibility Partner, ensuring inclusivity for all audiences with features like audio descriptions and sign language interpretation.

    – Masterclasses and Industry Panels: More than 25 sessions featuring global and Indian icons such as AR Rahman, Mani Ratnam, and Shabana Azmi.

    – IFFIesta Entertainment Zone: A new youth-focused cultural zone will blend film, music, art, and food, enhancing the festival’s vibrancy and engagement.

  • Filmmaker Tomas Vengris reveals his cinematic secrets at EUFF 2024

    Filmmaker Tomas Vengris reveals his cinematic secrets at EUFF 2024

    Mumbai: Day two of the 29th European Union Film Festival (EUFF) was a whirlwind of emotions, laughter, and thought-provoking cinema. From the comedy-drama ‘Death is a Problem for the Living’ directed by Teemu Nikki, to the romantic-drama ‘Five and a Half Love Stories In An Apartment In Vilnius, Lithuania’ helmed by Tomas Vengris, the day was a rollercoaster of cinematic experiences.

    After the screening of the film Five and a Half Love Stories in an Apartment in Vilnius, Lithuania, the audience enjoyed an engaging panel discussion featuring film’s director Tomas Vengris, and Yile Yara Vianello, actress from the opening film La Chimera. The session was moderated by Padma’s Lit Club founder Padmapriya Janakiraman an accomplished dancer, and a seasoned actor with over 15 years in Indian cinema, including lead roles in more than 60 films across six languages.

    The panel delved into the theme ‘Longing and Desire: On Screen,’ with each speaker sharing personal stories that explored the complexities of relationships, love, and the tension between personal dreams and societal pressures. Their insights resonated deeply, leaving a lasting impact on the audience.

    During the panel, Tomas Vengris, the director of Five and a Half Love Stories in an Apartment in Vilnius, Lithuania, shared how he was drawn to the complex, often absurd emotions within relationships and aimed to bring these to life through his film.

    He further added that, at some point, he decided to show these stories through the perspective of an apartment, through the POV of a physical building that has been there for centuries and has lived through a million stories, with people who’ve come in and gone out of it. As per him, this somehow allowed him to step back and reflect on things.

    According to him, part of working in the comic genre is being able to watch from the side. Drama is when you’re looking directly into the perspective, but comedies allow you to step back a little bit, and that gives you the permission to laugh, and by placing the camera in the perspective of the apartment, gave one the permission to laugh. The camera is therefore in another room—behind a shelf, higher up and lower, at every angle so it doesn’t feel like a human being is watching the scene. Some of the little dream sequences in the film or interludes were also meant to show the feeling of this apartment’s spirit.

    The 29th European Union Film Festival (EUFF) is currently ongoing in New Delhi till 16 November.

  • Film Bazaar 2024 announces official selection for Work-in-Progress Lab

    Film Bazaar 2024 announces official selection for Work-in-Progress Lab

    Mumbai: The official selection of films for the Work-in-Progress Lab at Film Bazaar 2024 has been announced. This year, the lab will feature both online and offline sessions, allowing filmmakers and mentors to collaborate in real time on achieving post-production support.

    The selection includes six notable fiction films, with five being debut features from emerging filmmakers. These films present diverse narratives and cultural perspectives, showcasing IFFI’s commitment to focusing on young filmmakers and their innovative storytelling.

    The majority of the works in progress (WIP) projects are led by debut filmmakers, emphasizing the initiative’s support for new talent in the industry. This effort not only nurtures creativity but also invites audiences to connect with stories reflecting contemporary life through a new generation of artists. Film Bazaar is at the forefront of celebrating these emerging voices.

    The selected films are:

    .   Shape of Momos by Tribeny Rai (Nepali)

    .   Gaangshalik (Gaangshalik – River Bird) by Shakteedhar Bir (Bengali)

    .    Yerra Mandaram (The Red Hibiscus) by Mohan Kumar Valasala (Telugu)

    .   Kaatti Ri Raatti (Hunters Moon) by Ridham Janve (Gaddi, Nepali)

    .    Umal by Siddharth Badi (Marathi)

     .   The Good The Bad The Hungry by Vivek Kumar (Hindi)

    The Work-in-Progress Lab focuses on fiction features intended for theatrical release, selecting a maximum of six films each year. Directors and editors of the selected films will present their rough cuts to a panel of esteemed mentors for valuable feedback. Recognized editors will guide the filmmakers through editing sessions, enhancing their craft. The diverse mentors include film festival directors, critics, producers, and experienced editors committed to helping filmmakers achieve a polished final cut.

    Since its inception in 2008, the Work-in-Progress Lab has significantly shaped films that have premiered at prestigious international film festivals. Notable past projects include Putul Nacher Itikatha (WIP Lab 2023), Shivamma (WIP Lab 2021, Busan 2022 winner), Ek Jagah Apni (WIP Lab 2021), Powai (WIP Lab 2020), Paka (River of Blood) (WIP Lab 2020), and Fire in the Mountains (WIP Lab 2019).

    The anticipation is high for the creativity and passion of this year’s selected filmmakers as they work toward completing their feature film projects.

  • La Chimera to open the 29th European Union Film Festival

    La Chimera to open the 29th European Union Film Festival

    Mumbai: The 29th European Union Film Festival (EUFF) will open with La Chimera, screening on 7 November 2024 in New Delhi. Written and directed by Alice Rohrwacher, the film follows an Englishman exploring Italy’s historical treasures with an eccentric group. La Chimera touches on themes of lost love, relationships, life, and death. Yile Yara Vianello, the film’s lead actress, will attend the opening night in India.

    Writer-director Alice Rohrwacher said, “The proximity of sacred and profane, of death and life, that characterised the years in which I was growing up has always fascinated me and given a measure to my way of seeing. This is why I decided at last to make a film that tells this layered story, this relationship between two worlds, the last part in a triptych about a local area whose attention is focused on one central question: what should it do with its past? As some grave-robbers say, down our way it’s the dead that give life.”

    The European Union Film Festival (EUFF) will run in New Delhi from 7 to 16 November 2024, showcasing 26 European films in 31 languages, providing insights into European society, culture, and people. Organised by the European Union in partnership with EU Member States and regional partners, the festival strengthens EU-India cultural ties and fosters cross-cultural understanding.

     

     

    The festival will take place at three venues in New Delhi: India Habitat Centre, Instituto Cervantes, and Goethe-Institut / Max Mueller Bhavan. It features films exploring diverse themes, including relationships, gender identity, sisterhood, and self-discovery. The lineup includes several India premieres, such as What A Feeling, Because I Love Bad Weather, Stairway To Heaven, Death is a Problem for the Living, Jim’s Story, Without Air, Black Velvet, The Last Ashes, Blood on the Crown, Baan, Horia, and The Man Without Guilt.

    All films will have English subtitles and are available on a first-come, first-serve basis. Some films are rated 18-plus; please check ratings before attending.

    EUFF 2024 film line-up by country:

    ●    Austria: What a Feeling 
    ●    Belgium: Employee of the Month (L’employée Du Mois) 
    ●    Bulgaria: Because I Love Bad Weather (Защото обичам лошото време) 
    ●    Cyprus: Embryo Larva Butterfly 
    ●    Czech Republic: Restore Point (Bod Obnovy) 
    ●    Denmark: Sons (Vogter) 
    ●    Estonia: Stairway To Heaven (Taevatrepp) 
    ●    Finland: Death is a Problem for the Living (Peluri- Kuolema on Elävien Ongelma) 
    ●    France: Jim’s Story (Le roman de Jim) 
    ●    Germany: Afire (Roter Himmel) 
    ●    Greece: Animal 
    ●    Hungary: Without Air 
    ●    Ireland: An Irish Goodbye 
    ●    Italy: La Chimera 
    ●    Latvia: Black Velvet (Melnais Samts) 
    ●    Lithuania: Five And A Half Love Stories In An Apartment In Vilnius (Penkios su puse meilės istorijos, nutikusios viename Vilniaus bute) 
    ●    Luxembourg: The Last Ashes (Läif a Séil) 
    ●    Malta: Blood on the Crown 
    ●    Netherlands: Como el Viento 
    ●    Poland: Dangerous Men (Niebezpieczni dżentelmeni) 
    ●    Portugal: Baan 
    ●    Romania: Horia 
    ●    Slovenia: The Man Without Guilt (L’uomo senza colpa) 
    ●    Spain: The Teacher Who Promised The Sea (El maestro que prometió el mar) 
    ●    Sweden: UFO Sweden 
    ●    Ukraine: How is Katia? (Yak Tam Katia?)

  • UFO Moviez reports Q2&H1FY25 results

    UFO Moviez reports Q2&H1FY25 results

    Mumbai, October 29, 2024: UFO Moviez announced its financial results for the quarter and half year ended 30 September 2024.              

    Financial Highlights:

    Quarter ended 30 September 2024

    Q2FY25 saw an 11 per cent YoY increase in total revenue, driven by growth in theatrical and exhibitor revenue. However, advertising revenue remained subdued due to the mixed performance of film releases during the quarter.

    ·       Consolidated Revenues grew by 11 per cent from Rs 871 mn in Q2FY24 to ₹ 968 mn in Q2FY25,  

    ·       EBITDA for the quarter stood at Rs 102 mn, compared to ₹ 177 mn in Q2FY24,

    ·       Reported a pre-tax loss of Rs six mn in Q2FY25, compared to the profit of ₹ 55 mn in Q2FY24,

    ·       Reported Net loss of Rs 9 mn in Q2FY25, compared to a Net profit of ₹ 33 mn in Q2FY24.

    Half Year September 30, 2024

    ·       Consolidated Revenues grew by 11 per cent from Rs 1,913 mn versus Rs 1,725 mn in H1FY24,

    ·       EBITDA stood at Rs 168 mn versus ₹ 340 mn in H1FY24,

    ·       Reported loss of ₹ 49 mn at PBT level versus the profit of ₹ 90 mn in H1FY24,

    ·       Reported Net loss of Rs 50 mn, compared to the Net profit of ₹ 58 mn in H1FY24.

    “Q2FY25 highlighted the impact of quality content and underscored the need for consistency in successful releases across languages,” said executive director & group CEO Rajesh Mishra. “While some releases performed well, the underperformance of a few titles, along with a lack of successful Hindi films in September, contributed to muted advertising revenue. However, growth in theatrical and exhibitor revenue supported the overall performance, reaffirming the resilience of in-cinema entertainment. Looking ahead, with a strong lineup of upcoming releases such as Singham Again, Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3, Pushpa 2 etc, we are optimistic about building momentum in the upcoming quarters.” 

  • Aditya Rikhari’s ‘Jaana Samjho Na’ joins Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3 tracklist

    Aditya Rikhari’s ‘Jaana Samjho Na’ joins Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3 tracklist

    Mumbai: In a significant development for music and film enthusiasts, Aditya Rikhari’s track ‘Jaana Samjho Na’ has been reimagined for the upcoming Bollywood blockbuster Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3. Starring Kartik Aaryan, Vidya Balan, and Tripti Dimri, this project marks Aditya’s debut in Bollywood.

    With its touching lyrics and melody, ‘Jaana Samjho Na’ has already gained attention as part of the Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3 tracklist. The song received praise at the recent album launch, with lead actress Tripti Dimri calling it her favorite. Kartik Aaryan also expressed his admiration for Aditya’s voice, noting that his personal love for the track led to its inclusion in the film.

    Directed by Anees Bazmee, Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3 is the latest installment in the popular horror-comedy franchise. Aditya’s track is expected to enhance the film’s musical appeal and storytelling.

    Aditya stated: “Being part of Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3 is beyond anything I imagined when I started writing music. ‘Jaana Samjho Na’ is close to my heart, and having it featured in such a major film feels surreal. This is my first Bollywood break, and to do it alongside such iconic actors is a significant milestone for me.”

    This collaboration marks a pivotal moment in Aditya Rikhari’s career, showcasing his talent for creating music that resonates across different platforms. As he enters Bollywood, Aditya is set to leave a lasting impact, and fans eagerly anticipate his future work.

  • NBA releases short film ‘The Heist II’ ahead of Emirates NBA Cup

    NBA releases short film ‘The Heist II’ ahead of Emirates NBA Cup

    Mumbai: The National Basketball Association (NBA) has announced the global premiere of ‘The Heist II,’ now available on all NBA social and digital platforms. The film celebrates the 2024 Emirates NBA Cup, which begins group play on Tuesday, 12 Nov, featuring a doubleheader on TNT: the New York Knicks at the Philadelphia 76ers at 7:30 pm ET, followed by the Golden State Warriors hosting the Dallas Mavericks at 10 pm ET.

    Set in Las Vegas, ‘The Heist II’ continues last season’s campaign. The film opens with reigning NBA Cup Champion Anthony Davis of the Los Angeles Lakers guarding the team’s prized NBA Cup trophy. Still celebrating last season’s win, Davis orders champagne to his penthouse suite, unaware that five other NBA All-Stars—Stephen Curry (Golden State Warriors), Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (Oklahoma City Thunder), Tyrese Haliburton (Indiana Pacers), Jrue Holiday (Boston Celtics), and Jamal Murray (Denver Nuggets)—are plotting to steal the trophy. Emmy-award-winning actor Michael Imperioli reprises his role as the mastermind of the operation, joined by award-winning actress Rosario Dawson.

    Despite the players’ stealthy efforts, including decoys and disguises, Dawson and Imperioli stay two steps ahead, ultimately forcing the players to compete for the trophy again.

    ‘Building off the energy of last year’s successful campaign, THE Heist II continues the fun, exciting story about vying for a new championship for both NBA players and fans alike,’ said NBA CMO Tammy Henault. ‘We expect the familiar story arc of a theatrical heist to resonate with a broad audience and further cement that the Emirates NBA Cup brings a new level of excitement to the early part of the season.’

    The full cast of The Heist II includes:

    – Michael Imperioli (‘Goodfellas,’ ‘The Sopranos,’ ‘The White Lotus,’ ‘The Heist’ and more)

    – Rosario Dawson (‘He Got Game,’ ‘Rent,’ ‘Ahsoka’)

    – Stephen Curry (Golden State Warriors)

    – Anthony Davis (Los Angeles Lakers)

    – Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (Oklahoma City Thunder)

    – Tyrese Haliburton (Indiana Pacers)

    – Jrue Holiday (Boston Celtics)

    – Jamal Murray (Denver Nuggets)

    Complimentary spots will debut ahead of the Knockout Rounds and Semifinals and Championship featuring Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Famer Grant Hill alongside Imperioli and Dawson discussing the final race to the NBA Cup.

    Created in conjunction with creative agency Translation, the spot was directed by Paul Hunter and produced by PRETTYBIRD. Additional: 30, 15 and 10-second versions will also air, supported across channels, including linear and connected TV, with complementary creative in out-of-home, digital, social, audio, and print assets.

    All 30 teams have been randomly drawn into groups of five within their conference based on win-loss records from the 2023-24 regular season. Beginning Tuesday, 12 Nov, and continuing through Tuesday, 3 Dec, each team will play four designated group play games on ‘Cup Nights’ on Tuesdays and Fridays. Broadcast partners ESPN and TNT will air 14 games during group play.

    Eight teams will advance to the knockout rounds, consisting of single-elimination games in the Quarterfinals, played in NBA team markets on Tuesday, 10 Dec, and Wednesday, 11 Dec. This will culminate with single-elimination Semifinals on Saturday, 14 Dec, and the Championship on Tuesday, 17 Dec, at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas.