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Category: News Headline

  • Filmart kicks off, new addition is Hong Kong Music Fair

    Filmart kicks off, new addition is Hong Kong Music Fair

    MUMBAI: The 10 edition of Hong Kong International Film & TV Market (Filmart) kicked off today (20 March). This edition also introduces the launch of The Hong Kong Music Fair, in collaboration with IFPI Hong Kong. Filmart is on till 23 March.

    The Hong Kong Music Fair will offer a dedicated pavilion for music industry professionals and players to explore business opportunities on new media applications, copyright trading, technology transfer and cross-media partnerships.

    Over 60 companies specialising in records production and distribution as well as artist management have taken part in this year’s premier Hong Kong Music Fair launch.
    Filmart offers a wide variety of products and services, spanning from film, animation, digital entertainment, audio-visual equipment, post production and music productions, at the four-day event.

    Over 400 exhibitors from 28 countries and regions presenting their most creative programmes have converged on Hong Kong Filmart, considered Asia’s world entertainment market. The exibihtion is recognised as the cross-media platform for industry players to network, exchange and trade in this part of Asia.

    Over 4,000 buyers have registered on-line to visit the show, informs an official statement. Exhibitor attendance this year includes the first time exhibitors from Turkey, the Bahamas and Iran.

    The Filmart exhibition will also inculde animation and digital entertainment pavilion to showcase their animation,online games and edutainment software as well as their digital post production facilities and services.

    The Hong Kong – Asia Film Financing Forum (HAF) will be held concurrently with Filmart for the third year.

    HAF, co-organised by the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) and Hong Kong & New Territories Motion Picture Industry Association Ltd (MPIA), is aimed at serving as a match making platform for the film industry, helping commercially viable and promising film projects in Hong Kong and Asia locate financial and business support through joint ventures or co-productions.

    Over 160 film screenings and international premieres will be arranged for trade visitors.

  • Trai moots Rs 50 million entry fee for convergence licence

    Trai moots Rs 50 million entry fee for convergence licence

    MUMBAI: Cable TV operators will have much to cheer with this recommendation from the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (Trai). The broadcast and telecom regulator has suggested a much lower levy of Rs 50 million as entry fee for national and international long distance licence (NLD/ILD) in the converged scenario.

    Trai had earlier suggested Rs 1.07 billion, making it expensive for cable operators to move into telephony services. “If the government approves Trai’s recommendation, it will particularly benefit us as we are planning to enter into the triple play area,” says Siticable CEO Jagjit Kohli. Siticable, a leading multi-system operator (MSO), is a wholly owned subsidiary of Zee Telefilms.

    While asking the government to approve its unified licensing recommendations at the earliest, Trai also said in a release today that there should be reduction in the entry fee to reflect the changes made in the entry fee for NLD/ILD licence. “The entry fee should come down to Rs 50 million as against Rs 1.07 billion recommended earlier and this should further reduce to Rs 300,000 after five years as already recommended,” it said.

    In order to promote convergence and competition in broadcasting and telecommunications, the regulator has called for the clearance of the Communications Convergence Bill, 2001, albeit with some modifications. “There should be converged regulatory regime. The starting point for this exercise should be the Communications Convergence Bill, 2001. However, several changes need to be made in this Bill. Content regulation should be kept out of the purview of the converged regulator. The division of powers between the Government, TDSAT and TRAI should also broadly correspond to what is presently the position,” Trai said, releasing the recommendations on convergence.

    “Convergence of technologies is rapidly blurring the boundaries between telecommunications and broadcasting. It is necessary for the legal and regulatory framework to adapt to this convergence and actively promote such convergence. This would also help in facilitating competition,” the regulator said.

  • NBC to make webisodes for sitcom ‘The Office’

    NBC to make webisodes for sitcom ‘The Office’

    MUMBAI: In a move to further leverage the internet US broadcaster NBC has announced that its sitcom The Office goes digital with 10 stand-alone webisodes premiering on NBC.com this summer.

    The serialised arc will star the accounting staff of the Dunder Mifflin paper company in a whodunit.

    When the Dunder Mifflin accountants — Angela (Angela Kinsey), Kevin (Brian Baumgartner) and Oscar (Oscar Nunez) — discover that $3000 is missing from the Scranton office, no one is above suspicion, as the crack team of numbers crunchers tries to solve the mystery before turning on each other. Rainn Wilson, Melora Hardin, Phyllis Smith, Kate Flannigan, Leslie David Baker and David Denman also star.

    Earlier NBC had announced a deal with MSN to stream to stream the entire first two episodes of the upcoming drama series Heist on the Internet. NBC will also provide MSN Video with a 16-minute special sneak-peek presentation of the debut episode from 14 March until the 22 March broadcast premiere

    NBC says that since moving to Thursday nights in January The Office has averaged a 4.5 rating, 11 per cent share in adults 18-49 and 8.7 million viewers overall. That represents a 22 per cent increase over the show’s 18-49 average for Tuesday telecasts earlier this season (3.7/9 in 18-49, 7.7 million viewers overall) and an 80 percent increase over The Office’s average for the 2004-05 season (2.5/6 in 18-49, 5.4 million viewers overall), when it also aired on Tuesday nights.

    The Office takes a funny look at the interactions of the desk jockeys at Dunder Mifflin paper-supply company in Scranton, Pennsylvania. Golden Globe winner Steve Carell The 40-Year-Old Virgin, whom E! Online said, “might be the funniest man alive” stars as unctuous regional manager Michael Scott who hosts the documentary crew on a tour of the workplace. Jenna Fischer, John Krasinski, Rainn Wilson and B.J. Novak star as the employees who tolerate Michael’s inappropriate behaviour only because he signs their pay checks.

  • News channels gear up for Clinton

    News channels gear up for Clinton

    It is that time when cameramen will jostle to get a good angle and TV journalists will hanker for a sound byte from the US President, Bill Clinton, and Indian President and Prime Minister. After all, Clinton’s visit to India is big media event.

    And almost all the satellite channels and Doordarshan are trying to find how they can be different from the others. As managing director of TV Eighteen India Ltd, Raghav Bahl, said about the coverage on CNBC India, “It will be hectic time, but we will be focussing more on the business aspect of Clinton;s visit and what it means for the two countries.”

    What’s more, with the Indian government giving permission to almost all the channels to go live, the channel managements are leaving no cameras unturned to bring to their audience round the world the event which is being billed as one of the the biggest media events of 2000.

    CNN which is not only flying down celebrity anchor Riz Khan to do special interviews with the likes of Yashwant Sinha relating to Clinton’s visit, but the channel’s special event team too is coming (with the US president) to see there are no last minute glitches.

    “CNN has planned a special series of stories on the US President’s visit and the countdown has already begun with some stories already on air,” a senior executive Turner International India, the parent company of CNN, said, adding, most of the programmes will be live.

    Zee News, like Star News, will attempt to be different from the likes of CNNs and BBCs. Beginning with a story on presidential aircraft, put out yesterday, Zee News, as a senior executive of Zee pointed out, “will be hoping to do some value additions on the other aspects of Clinton’s visit too, apart from the political and business angles.”

    Since a major portion of Zee News’ audience are Hindi-speaking, the channel is trying to do a voice over in Hindi for important speeches, etc made by the US president.

    There’ll be every day, beginning Monday, a 30-minute programme on Clinton’s visit from 8.30-9 p.m. till Saturday.

    “This apart, we will be following the Clinton family and the President in Hyderabad, Agra, Rajasthan, Mumbai, etc,” a senior executive of Star News said.

    British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC) is planning one of its biggest ever series of live broadcasts from South Asia during the Clinton visit to the region.

    Special television and radio programmes will be aired from Delhi and Islamabad anchored by the BBC’s South Asia correspondent and regional bureau chief Mike Wooldridge.

    “This is a historic visit for the region and a crucial news story for BBC. South Asia is and always has been one of the cornerstones of BBC’s international broadcasting and this tour will showcase our unrivaled expertise and resources in broadcast news,” Wooldridge said.

    BBC had covered the last presidential visit to the region by Jimmy Carter when many of the news organisations around today did not even exist, according to Wooldridge.

    The BBC’s deputy bureau chief Satish Jacob, who covered the Carter visit to India for the BBC in 1978, will also be part of the commentary team. India correspondent Daniel Lak who is traveling the country with the Clinton entourage and BBC’s Washington correspondent Richard Lister as part of the White House Press Corp to give the inside information from the Clinton camp.

    The live coverage on BBC World television and BBC World Service radio will start from March 20 evening.

  • Endemol inks two-year deal with Channel 4 for ‘Deal or No Deal’

    Endemol inks two-year deal with Channel 4 for ‘Deal or No Deal’

    MUMBAI: Endemol has inked a two year deal with Channel 4 in the UK for the game show format Deal or No Deal.

    The deal runs from January 2006 to December 2007.

    Channel 4 has been broadcasting Deal or No Deal in the afternoon slot since October 2005 and has been winning audiences of up to 4.8 million and has a 38 per cent share.

    It has consistently been the most watched programme in its slot across all UK channels and won the Royal Television Society Award for Best Daytime Programme last week.

    The show has also just achieved an audience of up to five million viewers and a 23.6 per cent share in an additional peak time Saturday night slot on Channel 4. This was also the highest number of viewers across all channels at that time.

    Endemol International has now sold the Deal or No Deal format to 45 countries worldwide including the USA where it is a prime time hit for NBC. In India, the show airs on Sony and is hosted by Mandira Bedi.

  • Dentsu survey estimates economic impact in Japan from Fifa World Cup

    Dentsu survey estimates economic impact in Japan from Fifa World Cup

    MUMBAI: Just how huge soccer is in Japan can be gauged from this piece of news! Dentsu president Tateo Mataki has announced the results of an independent quantitative survey conducted by its Center For Consumer Studies (CCS) regarding the impact of the 2006 Fifa World Cup Germany to be held from 9 June to – 9 July, 2006 on Japan’s domestic consumer economy.

    In addition to further stimulating already buoyant sales of DVD recorders and thin-screen televisions, which are making deep inroads into the household market, the event is strongly expected to provide a broad-based economic impact in Japan across many areas of the economy including manufacture of parts and components, distribution and service industries.

    According to the survey estimates, the event will directly bolster household consumer expenditures in Japan by ¥ 224.1 billion ($ 1.95 billion), including ¥ 93.1 billion spent on such digital consumer appliances and services as thin-screen televisions, DVD recorders, personal computers, and subscription-based BS/CS broadcasting services. The impact on expenditures for food and beverage is estimated at ¥ 41.4 billion, while spending on related goods is expected to increase by ¥ 42.7 billion.

    If the Japanese national team were to make it through to the semi-finals or final, the excitement induced across the entire country would further magnify the economic impact. In such a case, the total economic impact would grow to ¥ 546.1 billion, or ¥ 70.2 billion more than otherwise.

    Although a direct comparison with this year’s tournament and other sporting events is not possible owing to the different host countries involved and changes in calculation methodology, Dentsu and Institutes For Social Engineering jointly produced estimates of the economic impact from the 2002 Fifa World Cup which was held in Korea and Japan.

    According to those estimates, domestic consumption was bolstered by ¥ 848 billion including ¥ 705 billion in household consumer expenditures. The total economic impact induced by tournament-related consumption was estimated at ¥ 1,864.0 billion in 2002.

  • ‘The Apprentice’ fans in the US to receive text messages

    ‘The Apprentice’ fans in the US to receive text messages

    MUMBAI: US broadcaster NBC has announced that fans of its business based reality show The Apprentice will be able to sign up for exclusive text message alerts to be sent directly to their cell phones from the candidates themselves during the show.

    This initiative kicks off from today 20 March. NBC.com will offer weekly Apprentice alerts to subscribers, giving viewers the inside track to the unfolding onscreen action. Subscribers will receive up to five text messages from different candidates synchronised with the broadcast itself.

    As the drama intensifies on screen – and boardroom battles rage – candidates will send out messages detailing their thoughts, strategies and decisions as the episode develops.

    In India the show airs on Star World. Viewers can register at www.NBC.com/apprentice or text the word “APP” to the shortcode “62288” (NBCTV). On this week’s episode teams are given their fourth task – to design billboards launching the new face of Post Grape Nuts Trail Mix Crunch Cereal.

    The winning team – determined by Post executives who judge the teams based on originality, brand image and overall campaigns – cooks alongside world-renowned chef Jean-George at his signature restaurant in the Trump International.

  • CBS’ reality show ‘Rock Star’ returns by looking for a singer for Supernova

    CBS’ reality show ‘Rock Star’ returns by looking for a singer for Supernova

    MUMBAI: US broadcaster CBS and reality TV guru Mark Burnett have announced that musicians from some of the biggest American rock bands have joined forces to form a new band, Supernova.

    They will use CBS’ reality show Rock Star as the competition to determine the new lead singer.

    Supernova will feature drummer Tommy Lee (Motley Crüe), Jason Newsted (Metallica) and Gilby Clarke (Guns N’ Roses). The second edition of Rock Star kicks off later this year. Rock group INXS found their new lead singer in Canadian heartthrob J.D. Fortune.

    Since the show, INXS has taken to the studio and the road, releasing their hit single Pretty Vegas and selling out every concert in their North American tour. Their new CD Switch debuted in the Billboard Top 20, and is currently going gold and platinum in countries around the world.

    Burnett says, “Millions dream of becoming a rock star…our show actually makes that happen. The winner of CBS’ Rock Star will not only play in huge stadiums before sold out crowds, they will do it alongside legendary musicians from three of America’s biggest, all-time rock bands who have sold a combined total of a quarter of a billion albums: Motley Crüe, Guns N’ Roses and Metallica. Fronting Supernova is the ultimate rock ‘n’ roll dream and it’s about to come true.”

    After the winning singer is selected Supernova will record an original album that will be released in the fall before the band embarks on a world tour starting in early 2007. Lee says, “I have toured with both

    Gilby and Jason. They’re incredible musicians and I’ve always wanted to play with them. Starting a new band with old friends on worldwide television is going to be a blast, and we’re going to pull out all the stops to find the most charismatic and musically talented lead singer to front Supernova. I love breaking the rules.”

    Bassist Jason Newsted said, “This is a fantastic opportunity for me to play with guys I’ve respected for a long time. It gives us a chance to be innovators. This is a new thing. It’s never been done before. We’re going to break new ground musically and on television. The anticipation is building in me every day. This is a supergroup in the truest sense.”

    Lead guitarist and co-writer Gilby Clarke proclaimed, “Rock n’ Roll is so alive and I’m so excited to be a part of CBS’ Rock Star. This is television history. Where else can you raid three historic bands to form
    one great band? I can’t wait for the summer to begin.”

    Butch Walker will join the project as co-writer and producer of the new album. Dave Navarro and Brooke Burke will return as hosts, with Burke returning to the stage for introductions and Navarro returning to the judges’ couch for input and evaluations. He says, “Last year, doing Rock Star: INXS was the greatest summer job of my life. This year, I’m on the couch with my friends Tommy Lee, Gilby Clarke and Jason Newstead as they choose Supernova’s lead singer.”

    The second edition of the show will also feature some format twists with a different music celebrity or rock legend each week. Navarro adds, “Friends of mine, like Slash, Macy Gray, Moby and Rob Zombie, will join us and throw in their two cents about who should stay and who should go.”

    In India the first season of Rock Star had aired on Star World.

  • IAMAI appoints Anupam Mittal as chairman, Subho Ray as president

    IAMAI appoints Anupam Mittal as chairman, Subho Ray as president

    MUMBAI: The Governing Council of the Internet & Mobile Association of India (IAMAI) has announced a change of guard at the association with effect from 1 April, 2006.

    People Group chairman and managing director Anupam Mittal has been appointed as the chairman and CII ex-director IT and telecom Dr. Subho Ray as the president of IAMAI.

    While Mittal takes over from Neville Taraporewalla, Dr. Ray takes over the mandate from Preeti Desai.

    The association also announced the appointments of ebay India CEO Avnish Bajaj as vice chairman and Times Internet CFO Ravi Ramu as its treasurer.

    Commenting on the new role as the chairman of IAMAI, Mittal said, “Under the able guidance of Neville and Preeti, IAMAI has played a significant role in organising and bringing together the internet and the mobile industry towards a common vision and agenda. IAMAI now enters its third year as an association and it is important to recognise how much has been achieved in the last two years. The association has gone from an idea to the most credible authority on the Internet and Mobile VAS industries in this country. The foundations have been laid to collectively build one of the leading digital and networked economies of the world.”

    Mittal outlined the three areas that IAMAI will work towards in the coming months:

    Play the role of a thought leader (research, events, networking) to further spur Internet usage and ecommerce growth in India
    Generate awareness amongst consumers and government of the economic as well as social benefits of broad based Internet usage
    Proactively address challenges and hurdles that can hamper the growth of what is perhaps one of the most transformational opportunities of our time
    “I am honored to be nominated for this position and am looking forward to working with and learning from pioneers such as Dr. Subho Ray, Ravi Ramu and Avnish Bajaj,” he added.

    Dr. Ray added, “Ecommerce and MCommerce and mobile content are some of the most exciting sectors today in India. Proliferation of Internet and Internet access through mobile communications has the potential to bring a wide range of financial transactions to an entirely new customer base. IAMAI will play a crucial role in channelising the digital economy’s effort and communicate its true potential for social and economic development. We will continue our concerted efforts of bringing 100 million Indians online by 2007 and empower society and businesses to benefit from the time and cost savings offered by the Internet.”

  • Tim Bowen is Sony BMG Music Entertainment COO

    Tim Bowen is Sony BMG Music Entertainment COO

    MUMBAI: Tim Bowen has been named chief operating officer of Sony BMG Music Entertainment. The announcement was made by the company’s CEO Rolf Schmidt-Holtz. Bowen will be based in New York and will report to Schmidt-Holtz.

    Bowen will work closely with Schmidt-Holtz in overseeing all aspects of the global music company’s operations. This will include direct responsibility for Sony BMG’s international operations, as well as the company’s global digital business, strategic marketing, legacy,

    masterworks and sales enterprise divisions. Bowen will also direct the company’s expanding audio-visual and TV interests on a worldwide basis and oversee human resources.

    “Tim brings to this role a deep understanding of both the creative and
    business aspects of the music industry. He has extensive experience with both of the companies that came together to form Sony BMG, and the dedication, passion and vision that are necessary to lead the joint venture into the future. He is clearly the right choice for this key post, and it is a true pleasure to announce his appointment,” said Schmidt-Holtz.

    “I’m delighted to have been given this opportunity. With a dynamic roster of current artists, a catalogue that includes an incredible number of legendary recordings, and impressive capabilities in the areas of marketing, distribution and digital initiatives, we have everything we need to establish Sony BMG as the clear leader in the global marketplace. I look forward to continuing my close working relationship with Rolf, as well as with managing directors from around the world and the entire Sony BMG team, as we realise the full potential of the joint venture,” added Bowen.

    Most recently Bowen served as chairman, UK, Canada, Australia, New Zealand and South Africa, for Sony BMG Music Entertainment International, a post he had held since February of 2004. He joined BMG in 2002 when he was appointed COO, BMG Europe by Schmidt-Holtz and carried out a number of international assignments before he was appointed chairman, BMG UK and Ireland in 2003. In the role of chairman he handled the operations of BMG and Zomba in the UK and Ireland and SYCO, Sony’s TV production company with Simon Cowell.

    Prior to joining BMG, Bowen worked for Universal Music International as senior vice president of marketing and business affairs and following the merger of Polygram and Universal Music he became executive vice president of Universal Music International.