ITV

Category: News Headline

  • Queen to visit BBC on 80th anniversary of Royal Charter

    Queen to visit BBC on 80th anniversary of Royal Charter

    MUMBAI: Britain’s Queen Elizabeth II will visit BBC Broadcasting House on 20 April to mark the 80th anniversary of the granting of the Corporation’s Royal Charter.

    The Queen will officially re-open the original Broadcasting House in Portland Place, London, which has recently been refurbished as a part of the redevelopment of the site.

    The Queen will be shown a model outlining building project plans for Broadcasting House by Sir Richard MacCormac, architect, and the BBC’s chief operating officer, John Smith, and will view a display of digital radio technology and Broadcasting House artefacts.

    The digital radio technology consists of :-

    >A DAB digital radio featuring an electronic programme guide (EPG)

    >A wi-fi radio, which can pick up, via wireless broadband, internet radio stations around the world including all the BBC’s national stations

    >A plasma TV screen with a Freeview box, displaying the BBC’s 24/7 radio service via digital TV

    >A laptop computer demonstrating listening to radio via the internet on the BBC Radio Player

    >Mobile devices capable of receiving radio services -i.e.- The iPod featuring a selection of the BBC’s podcasts and a new mobile telephone with DAB radio access

    The Broadcasting House artefacts consist of: a ‘royal’ microphone used by King George V for Christmas broadcasts in the 1930s. The ‘King’s Radio’, a specially created version of a high quality radio set made by Murphy, the electronics manufacturer, and presented to King George V. The model was subsequently known to the public as the ‘King’s Radio.’ Also, a cigar box in the form of Broadcasting House presented to Lord Reith on his 10th anniversary as manager/director-general of the British Broadcasting Company/Corporation.

    The Queen will then watch a production for BBC 7’s The Big Toe Radio Show and will meet presenters Kirsten O’Brien and Kevin Duala and young competition winners in the Drama studio.

    The Queen will also view a recording for Radio 4’s Woman’s Hour and meet presenter Jenni Murray, programme engineers and interviewees Dr Sarah Childs from Bristol University and Dr Rosie Campbell from Birkbeck College, London.

  • Sony Pictures Home Entertainment restructures for the digital age

    Sony Pictures Home Entertainment restructures for the digital age

    MUMBAI: Sony Pictures Home Entertainment (SPHE) has announced a reorganisation to meet the challenges and opportunities of the digital era. New appointments and promotions have been made.

    David Bishop will oversee SPHE’s North American business and Matt Brown will oversee SPHE’s European business. Sean Carey will head SPHE’s digital distribution business.

    Explaining the strategy behind the move, SPHE president of Worldwide Home Entertainment, digital distribution and acquisitions Benjamin S. Feingold says, “This month, we started selling movies through digital downloads over the Internet, and next month, we begin to sell Blu-ray Discs for the very first time.

    “With the digital market poised for growth, now is the time for us to organise ourselves to reap the full benefits of this new era, and to maintain and expand our leadership position in the home entertainment market.”

    Sony Pictures Entertainment chairman and CEO Michael Lynton says, “The changes in technology and consumer interests demand that we be innovative and visionary in our approach to home entertainment. The digital market has evolved to the point where it has earned its own place in our home entertainment business. Digital distribution and high definition have evolved from a theoretical concept to a new retail business, and that’s why we’re making the strategic moves necessary to ensure that we aggressively market this business in the months and years ahead.

    “And it all begins with people — putting the right people in the right place at the right time.” Sony Pictures Entertainment Motion Pictures Group chairman Amy Pascal says, “While nothing can replace the theatrical experience, we want people to have the opportunity to see our movies in their homes or wherever they desire. That is true for our new films as well as the tremendous stories and performances that exist in our extensive library.”

    Bishop had been Sony Pictures Entertainment (SPE) president of worldwide brand integration. He will now oversee all aspects of the North American business including sales, marketing, and operations. He will also have an integral role in the international operations of the MGM catalogue.

    Feingold stated, “With the MGM transition nearing completion, I am delighted that David has decided to remain with our company. His strong reputation within the home entertainment industry, as well as his outstanding executive skills, will help to insure the ongoing success and growth of our core business. David’s experience with MGM product will also be a great benefit to the division.”

    Bishop says, “I am thrilled to be at SPHE because this is one of the most exciting and dynamic times in the history of home entertainment. I also look forward to working with Ben and the whole team as we focus on the growth of our core business and explore the new options given to us by the
    digital revolution.”

    Brown, meanwhile, will be based in London and will oversee all aspects of the European business, including sales, marketing and management. Brown will help create and execute strategic business plans for SPHE’s growth throughout Europe, especially in light of the proliferation of new digital technologies in the region. He earlier was SPHE senior VP worldwide franchise properties.

    Carey will focus on two areas. First, developing and managing the North American distribution of movies and other SPE content via the internet as well to mobile devices such as cell phones and PSPs. In that regard, he will also work closely with Sony Pictures Digital Entertainment, Sony Pictures Television and Sony Pictures Television International. He will also will oversee all business aspects of SPHE’s production and acquisition group, as well as negotiate key acquisition agreements.

    Feingold adds, “We are at the dawn of a new age in home entertainment. Digital technology, combined with the increasing sophistication and mobility of devices on which content can be stored and played, opens up a whole new world for us and for consumers. By reorganizing our home entertainment division now, we are positioning ourselves to deliver entertainment to people wherever, whenever and however they want to enjoy it.”

  • Sony, King World extend association with two new game shows

    Sony, King World extend association with two new game shows

    MUMBAI: King World Productions and Sony Pictures Television, the companies behind two of television’s most successful shows Wheel of Fortune and Jeopardy!, have joined hands once again to create two game shows. The properties will be unveiled during the 2007 fall season.

    Today (17 April), both the companies are set to announce that they will offer two half-hour game shows as a one-hour block in syndication, as according to a Reuters report.

    Wheel of Fortune is in its 23rd season, while Jeopardy! has reached its 22nd season. Both the shows are produced by Sony and sold to stations by King World.

  • B4U acquires overseas movie telecast rights from Sahara for Rs 15 million

    B4U acquires overseas movie telecast rights from Sahara for Rs 15 million

    MUMBAI: B4U Group has acquired overseas TV telecast rights to around 35 movies from Sahara One Media and Entertainment Ltd. for Rs 15 million.

    The movies include Page 3, Sarkar and Hanuman. B4U will also have telecast rights to some of Boney Kapoor’s films. Last year, Sahara had acquired satellite and pay TV broadcast rights worldwide and in perpetuity to the entire library of Kapoor’s films.

    B4U Movies can show these films in all other markets except India. The channel has a presence in more than 100 countries including the US, UK, Europe, Middle East, Africa, Mauritius and Canada.

    “We have taken rights to around 35 films from Sahara for our international channels. These include strong lineups like Sarkar, Hanuman and Page 3, but include some library products as well. The rights are non exclusive,” said a source in B4U.

    B4U’s Indian operations, however, continue to be starved of funds. The company has stopped movie acquisitions in India for almost two years. Though B4U gave carriage fee to cable TV operators for beefing up distribution of its two channels (B4U Movies and B4U Music) across the country, very little investment has been made on content.

  • TiVo and DirecTV extend relationship for three years

    TiVo and DirecTV extend relationship for three years

    MUMBAI: The creator and a leader in television services for digital video recorders (DVR) TiVo Inc., and digital television service provider DirecTV, Inc. announced a three-year extension to the TiVo-DirecTV commercial agreement.

    Existing DirecTV TiVo subscribers will be able to continue to receive the TiVo service, with TiVo providing ongoing maintenance and support. In addition, TiVo and DirecTV agreed not to assert patent rights against the other. The agreement also extends the advertising relationship between the two companies. DirecTV will continue to service existing DirecTV receivers with TiVo service. While specific financial terms of the agreement were not disclosed, the recurring monthly economics of the agreement are similar to the economics for DirecTV receivers with TiVo service activated since 2003.

    “We are pleased to have reached an agreement with DirecTV that will allow us to continue to provide our service to the more than 2 million DirecTV TiVo households. As the pioneer in the DVR market, we have created a service that is highly valued by consumers because of our technology, the wide range of our unique features and the unparalleled ease of our user experience. This agreement reflects TiVo’s popularity among DirecTV subscribers and importantly respects the value of our intellectual property as well,” said TiVo CEO Tom Rogers.

    “By extending our agreement with TiVo, we are ensuring quality support for DirecTV customers who already own a DirecTV TiVo unit. We are pleased to cooperate with TiVo in a way that will best serve DirecTV and our DirecTV TiVo customers,” said DirecTV chief technology officer Romulo Pontual.

  • CNN to air new monthly show ‘Revealed’

    CNN to air new monthly show ‘Revealed’

    MUMBAI: News channel CNN has expanded its programme line up with a new half hour monthly show Revealed This presents an intimate portrayal of those most admired in the worlds of business, the arts, science and sport commencing this April.

    Each month the show follows a different high profile individual’s every step in the run-up to a crucial event in their professional lives, travelling with them and gaining exclusive behind-the-scenes access. The first episode features British fashion designer, Vivienne Westwood.

    The public personas of high profile personalities are often familiar due to press coverage and TV appearances and although these people are well known, they can also be elusive. The show provides an insight into their lifestyles, passions and inspirations; workspace and motivations.

    Westwood allows the show to spend time with her during the run-up to Paris Fashion Week meeting the people who have shaped her life and venturing into the future, looking at where her work is taking her. The show airs on 15 April at 5 pm, 16 April at 1 pm, 7 pm and on 17 April at 7 pm

    Westwood says, “On the one hand, I’m called avant garde, and on the other hand I know that ideas come from tradition, they come from the technique of tradition, and they come from looking at wonderful things that people did in the past. My opinions are formed from brilliant thinkers. ”

    CNN International senior VP Rena Golden said, “We are delighted to maintain CNN’s tradition of quality programming and expand our feature program line up with Revealed, a show that continues to demonstrate our access to high profile names. Revealed moves away from its traditional presenter-led format and is filmed as a ‘fly on the wall’ documentary, a new style for CNN.”

  • MipTV reports a marginal rise in attendance

    MipTV reports a marginal rise in attendance

    MUMBAI: The recently concluded television event in Cannes, France MipTV featuring Milia had an attendance of 12,249 participants, compared to 12,163 in 2005.

    Company participation rose to 4,201 from 4,138 last year, while the number of acquisition executives in Cannes was 3,565, a five per cent increase on the 2005 level of 3,393.

    Reed Midem’s television division director Paul Johnson says, “MipTV featuring MILIA 2006 saw a significant rise in the number of companies and executives coming from the digital sector, particularly IPTV, mobile and interactive television specialists. Our figures show that we welcomed some 1,800 companies from the Internet and mobile sectors.

    “Our conference programme and a series of new initiatives such as Content 360 and the International Interactive Emmy Awards, reflect the changes taking place in the industry. MipTV featuring MILIA is not just a television market, it’s a content market.”

    The event had 45 sessions and over 170 speakers. For the first time ever, the conference programme welcomed seven keynote speakers, including AOL chairman and CEO Jonathan Miller, reality television producer Mark Burnett, BBC new media head Ashley Highfield, FremantleMedia’s Gary Carter, Takeshi Natsuno of NTT DoCoMo and Erik Huggers of Microsoft.

    Miller at the event announced that AOL had brought programming originally produced for its Internet video channels and was selling the shows to traditional broadcasters.

    A highlight of MipTV was the inaugural International Interactive Emmy Awards, organised by the International Academy of Television Arts and Sciences and Reed Midem. This is the first time that an Emmy Awards ceremony has taken place outside the US. A gala dinner, hosted by Desperate Housewives star Roger Bart.

    Among the other new initiatives launched in 2006, Content 360 set out to commission innovative content and interactive applications for mobile and broadband. Organised in partnership with the BBC, the Korean Broadcasting Commission and the National Film Board of Canada, Content 360 rewarded six company projects and provided €80,000 of development funding to be divided between the winners.

    For the first time in MipTV’s history, the annual Lifetime Achievement Award was attributed not to an industry individual but to a whole company, in the form of Japanese production powerhouse TOEI. TOEI Company chairman Tan Takaiwa and TOEI Animation chairman Tsutomu Tomari accepted the tribute on behalf of the entire TOEI group.

    Now in its ninth year, the two-day Mipdoc documentary and factual programme screenings, which precede MipTV, saw a 14 per cent rise in participation with 438 companies from 57 countries attending. Production and sales companies sent 1,192 programmes to the digital screening library, of which 769 were appearing at a market for the first time.

  • Cox to partner with MTV US on HD channel

    Cox to partner with MTV US on HD channel

    MUMBAI: MTV in the US and Cox Communications have announced a co-branded retail partnership that will promote MHD: Music High-Definition Channel.

    This is MTV’s high-definition music channel. The retail partnership will include in-store and online promotions tied to consumer retail locations around the US. The partnership will also push Cox HD Service, where Cox services are sold

    The retail partnership is designed to not only generate awareness about MHD and Cox HD service, but to also provide a convenient location where customers can learn about the technology, service and programming available.

    VHI GM Tom Calderone says, “Working with Cox Communications, the first provider to launch MHD, allows us to bring television viewers a high-definition experience from the best known music brands in the business. Our retail partnership furthers our commitment to offer Cox customers’ in-depth information about high-definition television in a retail setting where they can get answers and take advantage of promotional opportunities.”

    Cox senior VP marketing Joe Rooney says, “Live concerts and music are among the top reasons customers want high-definition service. MHD content especially appeals to a newer, younger HD consumer who is driven by music and gaming. Our retail partnership is a great way to truly demonstrate the high-definition experience to this audience by offering a ‘front row seat’ to some of the most exciting live music events on television. It also gives us a platform to communicate to these consumers why Cox is the best choice for HD service.”

    Cox will offer the channel to over 80 per cent of its subscribers next year. MHD features a high-definition music programming, including MTV Unplugged: Alicia Keys, VH1 Storytellers: Green Day, CMT Crossroads: John Fogerty and Keith Urban as well as original concert series such as Music with Altitude featuring the Goo Goo Dolls.

  • AVM Productions and Spirit Nipuna form JV

    AVM Productions and Spirit Nipuna form JV

    BANGALORE: AVM Productions and Spirit Media (subsidiary of Suresh Productions and Rama Naidu Studios) have announced a Joint Venture (JV) to create an advanced state-of-the-art film processing, Digital Intermediate (DI) and Visual Effects facility in Chennai.

    The new JV will kick off with 50 world-class visual effects professionals and technicians, and will double its numbers by the end of the year 2006. The team would operate out of AVM Studios, which has state-of-the-art infrastructure and will also install top-of-the-line equipment for Visual Effects, DI and Film Processing, informs an official release.

    This JV would also bring in first-of-its-kind the “Kodak-kit chemistry negative processing technology” imported from New Zealand. For the first time in the country, film makers would benefit from the high quality Kodak film and negative processing experience.

    “We are delighted to form a JV with the Spirit-Nipuna team, which will bring immense value to the film making industry. Our joint experience with 50,000 man years in film making will surely boost the technical composition to Digital standards.. This partnership will definitely set new standards film making,” says AVM Productions managing partner MS Guhan.

    “The combined of AVM and Spirit Nipuna corporate expertise will provide film makers and entertainment companies with a well balanced studio facility equipped with a rare mix of the latest imaging technologies, artists, visual effects (VFX) supervisors, and technicians to provide story-driven visual enhancement.” says Suresh Productions MD Suresh Babu.

    “The Spirit-Nipuna success in Hyderabad and now the partnership with AVM Productions will bring in significant opportunities in the domestic and global visual effects segment. The joint team would work on forthcoming films being produced by AVM as well as other producers in Chennai.” says Spirit Media MD Rana Daggubati.

    “We’re proud to be associated with AVM Productions, and are very excited to work on challenging projects. This partnership brings in significant opportunities with the major boom in the global digital effects industry,” says Nipuna COO Deepak Mangla.

    Spirit-Nipuna has successfully completed their first Tamil project AVM’s ‘Tirupati’ an Ajith starrer, which has been released today. Spirit-Nipuna bagged this project against stiff competition from existing post production facilities in India, the release adds.

  • Indians notch up MipTV success

    Indians notch up MipTV success

    MUMBAI: MipTV, the world’s biggest content marketplace, which ended last week in Cannes, proved to be a very successful one for India’s content creators, distributors and aggregators.

    Some 43 production, broadcasting and mobile phone companies jetted their way down to Cannes to keep a tab on content trends in Europe and globally, buy and sell films, series and formats, find co-production partners and schmooze with the world’s most important players in the TV, animation, film and mobile content sweepstakes.
    The change this time around was that TV producers have invested in buying formats as against just broadcasters doing so. “The power has been weighing heavily in the hands of TV channel programming executives who have been behaving in a high handed manner with TV producers ordering them around as if they were serfs and they – the programmers – the fount of all that is creative,” one of the producers was candid enough to say. “Now with us buying formats, we will also be able to have our say. The times have to change. More power has to come to TV producers’ hands.”
    And mobile players from India aggressively scoured the landscape looking to do deals for video. Among these: Reliance Infocomm, Hungama Mobile, and Cellnext Solutions.

    Almost everyone who attended the market from India went back with a smile on their faces. Krishna Durbha Head of Business and Marketing – Reliance Infocomm Ltd., Applications Solutions Group (India), a panelist at a session on Asian markets, received a standing ovation and was spoken of as one of the more eloquent and candid speakers during the conference programme. Says Durbha: “It’s been a major eye opener for us. We are in the content space for the mobile and I got at least half a dozen leads which will lead to positive results.”

    Sahara Motion Pictures, which took a stand for the first time, was so delighted with the response that it has evinced interest in exhibiting in MipCom as well. “MipTV proved a great platform for us for creating business opportunities,” says Sandeep Bhargava, Chief. Operating Officer, Sahara One Motion Pictures. “We get to meet the who’s who of content in the world in one place and get results.”

    Sony Entertainment Television India, which took a stand, too had a rewarding market. Led by Kaushal Modi on the sales and syndication side, and by programming head Anupama Mandloi on acquisition, the content owner had a very busy market.

    WEG India, Eros and Suman – three other companies that have been attending and exhibiting at MipTV and MipCom for several years now – too had a good market. “Both MipCom and MipTV to be honest are great ways for us to meet, greet and service all our clients at one place,” says Vimal Gupta of the UK based distributor Suman Film.

    Zee TV, which was represented by Deblina Chakrabarty, Parul Chatruvedi and digital head Abhijit Saxena, too, made its mark. While Chakrabarty was sizing up opportunites for content acquisition – though she had a fall from the stairs in the Palais des Festivals and was even taken to hospital – Chatturvedi was exploring how India’s largest network could up its syndication revenues. Saxena – like a lone ranger – moved around in the shadows meeting all and sundry trying to further milk the potential of the 60,000 hours or so of the Zee TV content library, which is currently being digitized by IBM. Watch out for action in this space from Saxena as Zee TV chairman Subhash Chandra is himself driving the digital initiative with Saxena as his lieutenant.

    Star India, which used to have a separate stand until a year and a half ago when it was brought under the umbrella of Hong Kong based centralized syndication arm Fortune Star, too had a sizeable presence. Viren Popley, Ravi Menon and Manju Nair were at the forefront of the Star TV charge. Syndication experts however point out that it would be better if Star India’s Hindi content were not subsumed by the larger interests of Fortune Star’s huge Chinese library. A separate stand with a separate identity for Star India would help it further exploit its syndication potential.

    Other broadcasters who made their way to the market included NDTV (represented by KVL Narayan Rao and I.P. “Baj” Bajpai) and Aaj Tak (CEO G Krishnan).

    The buzz this year from the Indian delegation was centered around the production companies. Optimystix, Contiloe, Miditech, Maverick, Clapstem, AIM Television, UTV, ESP Films were amongst those who made waves. ESP is on the verge of signing a huge deal with a European producer for co-producing a new documentary.

    Sorely missed at MipTV were the two other big players Balaji Telefilms and BAG Films, who, are missing out on several opportunities in the global content marketplace. “Agreed they are more than busy in the domestic marketplace,” says a Cannes veteran. “But not being present internationally means that not many people in the world know you at a time when boundaries between nations are dissolving and cultures are beginning to merge. That is a huge opportunity loss.”

    The animation presence at MipTV came in the shape of Maya, Crest, Toonz Animation, Graphiti Multimedia which continued with their efforts to make themselves better understood by the world at large. And in the process snap up some co-production, original IP deals.

    Indian presence at MipTV:

    Aim Television Pvt. Ltd.
    Broadcast Worldwide Limited
    Cellnext Solutions Limited
    Clapstem Productions
    Color Chips India Limited
    Contiloe Films Pvt Ltd.
    Dawsen Infotech Private Limited
    Dessin Works
    Digikore Studios Limited
    Digimate Productions
    DQ Entertainment Ltd
    Escotoonz Entertainment Pvt Ltd (Subsidiary Of Escosoft Tech)
    ESP Films
    Fortune Star
    Fusion Films Inc. (Part Of Giriraj Group)
    Graphiti Multimedia Pvt Ltd
    HTMT
    I Stylus
    Maverick Productions Pvt. Ltd.
    Maya Entertainment Ltd.
    Miditech Pvt. Ltd.
    New Delhi Television Limited
    Optimystix Entertainment India Pvt. Ltd.
    Oxigen Infovision Pvt. Ltd
    Percept Picture Company Pvt Ltd
    React Media Pvt Ltd
    Sahara One Media And Entertainment Limited
    Sony Entertainment Television India (P) Ltd
    Super Cassettes Industries Limited Aka-T-Series
    Toonz Animation India Pvt. Ltd
    TV Today Network Ltd
    UTV / Hungama TV
    Video Movie International
    Weg India Pictures Pvt Ltd
    Zee Telefilms Limited