ITV

Category: Press Release

  • Tata Sky appoints Anurag Kumar as chief communications officer

    Tata Sky appoints Anurag Kumar as chief communications officer

    MUMBAI: Tata Sky, India’s leading content distribution platform has announced the appointment of Anurag Kumar as its Chief CommunicationsOfficer. In his new role Anurag will lead Marketing and Communications initiatives for Tata Sky for its products and services across all its platforms. 

    As a part of this portfolio, Anurag will be responsible for developing and monitoring traditional & new age marketing and communication strategies across Tata Sky platforms. 

    Anurag Kumar, Chief Communications Officer, Tata Sky,said:

    “India’s media & entertainment sector offers unrivalled growth opportunities. As an industry leader, Tata Sky is on a journey to connect millions of people across India to the best content on offer. As a new member of this journey, I am excited to be able to leverage the art and science of marketing to talk to our current and future customers in a relevant, distinctive and meaningful way.”

    Prior to Tata Sky, Anurag was Global Brand Vice Presidentwith Unilever in London. At Unilever he ledbrand strategy, innovation and communications globally for Unilever's Laundry businessfor brands such as Surf, Radiant & Skip. Anurag has 20+ years’ experience in both India and overseas.

  • DNEG wins its fifth VFX Oscar – second consecutive win

    DNEG wins its fifth VFX Oscar – second consecutive win

    MUMBAI: DNEG, Prime Focus’ creative services arm, was recognized at the Oscar’s in Los Angeles for the work on First Man with a 5th Academy Award for Best Visual Effects.

    This is DNEG’s second consecutive VFX Oscar, with Paul Lambert winning the award last year as VFX Supervisor on director Dennis Villeneuve’s Blade Runner 2049, and it means DNEG has now received the Best VFX OSCAR for four out of the last five years. DNEG’s Academy Award-winning VFX Supervisor Paul Lambert and DNEG DFX Supervisor Tristan Myles accepted the award for ‘Best Visual Effects’ for their outstanding in-camera FX work on First Man, alongside Miniature Effects Supervisor Ian Hunter, and Special Effects Supervisor J.D. Schwalm.

    DNEG won its first VFX OSCAR in 2011 for work on director Christopher Nolan’s mind-bending thriller Inception.  This was followed by another collaboration with Nolan on the sci-fi blockbuster Interstellar, which won in 2015. In 2016, DNEG accepted the VFX OSCAR for work on Alex Garland’s directorial debut Ex Machina, followed by Blade Runner 2049 last year.

    Speaking about the award, VFX Supervisor Paul Lambert said: “It’s such a great honour to have won this wonderful award. We did things a little bit differently in terms of the visual effects for First Man so being recognised by the Academy is all the more special. It goes without saying that none of this would have been possible without our amazing cast and crew throughout the project – pre-production, the shoot and everybody in post — All of us led by the truly inspirational Damien Chazelle.”

    “Huge thanks to the producers of the movie: Marty Bowen; Wyck Godfrey; Isaac Klausner and Adam Merims; Universal VFX  Heads Jennifer Bell and Bill Tlusty; my VFX Producer Kevin Elam; and a big shout out to Michelle Eisenreich and all my people at DNEG Vancouver. We seem to have done it for the second year running!”

    Meanwhile, DFX Supervisor Tristan Myles, said: “Wow! What an achievement to have won this prestigious award! Special ‘Thank You’ to the talented VFX team back home in Vancouver, without whose fantastic work this would not have been possible.”

    DNEG CEO, Namit Malhotra, said: “It’s a huge honour for the team’s work on First Man to be recognised with an OSCAR. While our primary focus is always on supporting the amazing storytellers we work with through the creation of state-of-the-art effects, it’s fantastic for our global teams to be recognised by the industry for their hard work and dedication.

    “We are massively grateful to the director, Damien Chazelle, for having the confidence in our teams and technology to push the boundaries of visual effects.”

  • AXN celebrates 20-years of entertaining viewers with marketing innovations

    AXN celebrates 20-years of entertaining viewers with marketing innovations

    MUMBAI: For 20 successful years, AXN has entertained its audience with the best in English entertainment. And to celebrate this feat, the channel is gearing up to engage viewers with multiple marketing innovations that will play out through the year. 

    To begin with, the channel has partnered with fashion & lifestyle brand The Label Life for its on-going shows on the ‘AXN Premiere Club’. This association aims to celebrate the strong, independent, working women of today by curating a special collection of power looks ahead of women’s day. ‘The Power Dressing Edit | AXN exclusive’ is inspired by the most talented, revered and versatile female protagonists on AXN.

    Next up, the channel has teamed up with Anytime Fitness, a popular health and fitness club, to carry out a specially-designed warrior workout, along with a diet, that will challenge and help people get a warrior-like body just like the Vikings! The winner of the 30-day ‘AXN Warrior Workout’ will win exciting merchandise and vouchers for their warrior-like determination.

    AXN has also got on-board specialty coffee brand, Coffee by Di Bella to curate a special menu that celebrates the channel turning 20. The exclusive menu will be available at all 20 outlets of the premium coffee brand across Mumbai and promises to sweep over the patrons with what’s in-store.

    The celebration doesn’t end here! AXN has introduced an HD special line-up ‘AXN HD Masterstroke’ to end weekday boredom. The line-up will recharge and refresh the afternoon viewers by airing the most engaging, thrilling and invigorating shows like Hannibal, Sherlock, 24 and more, every Monday to Friday from 2 to 6PM.

    There are many more surprises in store for the audiences this year so keep watching AXN!

  • Happu Ki Ultan Paltan all set to raid your Television screens!

    Happu Ki Ultan Paltan all set to raid your Television screens!

    MUMBAI: From the oil slicked hair that perfectly twirls on his forehead, to his goofy paan-stained grin that highlights his atypical moustache – the funny potbellied, corrupt Daroga Happu Singh has made viewers laugh like none other over the years. But is the sher of Modern Colony a bheegi billi at home? Answering this very question and introducing a new chapter in comedy,&TV presents Happu ki Ultan Paltan, set to premiere on 4th March 2019 every Monday to Friday at 10:00 pm.  

    With his ‘niyocchavar kar do’ gimmicks set aside, Happu Ki Ultan Paltan will delve into the other life of Happu at home, beyond the purview of his cop duties. His comedy misadventures and ‘gharelu’ funny tragedies will now come into play as the show narrates the escapades of Daroga Happu Singh, his ‘dabang dulhan’ Rajesh, an obstinate mother Katori Amma and his nine notorious kids. He will be caught in the ultimate tug-of-war between his mother, wife and troublesome paltan – his children. Produced by Edit II Productions, the show brings together an ensemble cast of talented artists like Yogesh Tripathi, veteran actress Himani Shivpuri, popular television actor Sharad Vyas, theatre actress Kamna Pathak amongst others.                                  

    Talking about the show, Mr. Vishnu Shankar, Head, &TV said, “With Happu Ki UltanPultan, we are happy to strengthen our weekday programming line-up with a family sitcom designed around a character that enjoys a strong nation-wide following. Happu Singh in BhabhijiGhar Par Hai gained such immense popularity that viewers were curious to know more about his other side, his life at home. We believed this provided an opportunity to present a distinct narrative. You have loved him as the Daroga, now you will see his andaaz as a family man – a husband, a son and a father. The show’s zany plots and characters will give a glimpse of a typical common man’s household routine and his daily troubles. For the viewers, the show promises to be an out an out entertainer and an escape into a laughter riot with Happu and his Paltan."
    Speaking on the show’s concept, Sanjay Kohli from Edit II Production said, “Happu Singh has been a favourite amongst viewers ever since the inception of the character in the hugely popular Bhabiji Ghar Par Hai. This huge fan following for Happu encouraged us to come up with a show revolving around his life at home and it’s sure to entertain the audience. Happu Ki Ultan Paltan will capture the hilarious situations that will take place in Happu’s home with his bindaas wife, nagging mother and his nine pesky kids, with helpless Happu in the centre of all their madness. We are positive that viewers will love this show and laugh along.”

    Talking about the central character in the show, Yogesh Tripathi who playsHappu Singh said,“Happu Ki Ultan Paltan is a dream come true for me! When I started playing Happu Singh, I never imagined that I would make a special place in the hearts of the audience. Today to have an entire show pegged on Happu Singh’s character seems surreal to me and I can’t be grateful enough for such a great opportunity. I humbly thank the viewers for giving me so much love and wish that they shower more of it on Happu Ki Ultan Paltan. We hope to make them laugh through all the antics of Happu and his family.

    “I urge my fans and viewers to please tune in to Happu Ki Ultan Paltan by subscribing to the Zee bouquet of channels as per the new TRAI mandate. After all, Zee is the No. 1 network for family entertainment, like a one-stop-shop with programmes of interest for every member of the family. So, to continue enjoying our show on &TV, please buy the Zee Family Pack – Hindi SD/HD today by choosing the ZEE HSM Bouquet.” 

    Highlighting her character in the show, Himani Shivpuri said, “I play Happu’s mother, Katori Amma in Happu Ki Ultan Paltan. When this role was brought to me, I knew it was a winner and didn’t think twice before taking it up. It is such a privilege to bring happiness to viewers and make them laugh! And to have such a wonderful team working alongside with you, adds to the fun.  Katori Amma is a matriarch and a dominant personality in the family. While she makes a loving grandmother to all her nine grandchildren, she is caught in a constant banter with her daughter-in-law. The hilarious plots, humorous narrative and playful camaraderie between Katori Amma and all the other characters is sure to entertain the audience. To be a part of our new offering filled with comedy and drama, I request &TV loyalists to subscribe and purchase the Zee Family Pack.”

    Sharing her experience of stepping into the genre of comedy, Kamna Pathak who plays Happu’s wife said,“Comedy has always been a genre that I have wished to explore, and I don’t think there could have been a better show than Happu Ki Ultan Paltan to begin this journey with. Unusual and unique like her name, my character Rajesh is Happu Singh’s dabbang wife who although might appear soft in her approach, is a daring woman who can take on a fight. I believe Rajesh’s character has a personality which will not just entertain audiences but also give every housewife a chance to connect with. I have a great team and hope the audiences shower their love on our show.” 

    Get ready to be entertained with a generous dose of laughter and love with Happu Singh and his Ultan Paltan starting 4th March at 10.00 pm every Monday to Friday on &TV.

  • One Take Media Co launches K-World first time in India on IMCL platform

    One Take Media Co launches K-World first time in India on IMCL platform

    MUMBAI: Leading multi-system operator (MSO) and Headend-in-the-sky (HITS) platform company IndusInd Media & Communications Limited (IMCL) has partnered with One Take Media Co (OTMC) to launch K-World (Korean Language) first time in India. This will be part of their subscription-based services which are available to all InDigitalCATV subscribers across India.

    Korean K-dramas are popular due to the freshness and short length of the dramas. OTMC offers an array of K-dramas and Korean Movies with more than 200 Hours of content dubbed in Hindi.

    Currently, One Take Media isalready running 14 services across IMCL’s InDigital and NXT Digital platforms like Hollywood Movies, Bhojpuri films, Bengali, Marathi, Tamil and Telugu movies, kids nursery rhymes, animated movies , animated series ,Celebrity Chef based cooking shows,  Other unique services also include Hollywood and South Indian movies dubbed in Hindi.

    The Korean entertainment industry is booming right now. The global audience for Korean music and Korean television is exploding across Asia and is even spreading to Europe and North America. The unique K- World service from OTMC includes popular K-dramas like “Rich Man” “My Littlie baby”, “Melting Hearts”, “King in Love” , “ Sweet Revenge “”Bride of the century”  and many more .

    OTMCDirector ShamolyKhera said, “K- world is catching world like a fever .This surge of Korean popularity has been called "Hallyu.–Korean wave” and refers to the way Korean entertainment is spreading around the world”

     

     

     

    NK Rouse, COO, IndusInd Media & Communications Ltd. added, “IMCL continues to be the driver in digital innovation and building up our VAS offerings across both our platformsremains an integral partof that evolution. With One Take Media Co, a company with decades of experience in providing VAS solutions – we’re certain that our customers will enjoy this engaging and innovative offering of K-World”
     

  • Insider.in leads India’s first foray into ‘Digital Events’ with Hit or Miss on ‘Play it live’

    Insider.in leads India’s first foray into ‘Digital Events’ with Hit or Miss on ‘Play it live’

    MUMBAI: India-wide release: A few years ago, the idea of thousands of people watching a stand-up comic or an indie musician performing live was unthinkable, and now it’s routine. Insider.in has always been at the forefront of this change, curating and ticketing thousands of comedy events since its inception in 2014, and has now announced their latest innovation on the Insider.in platform – ‘Digital events’.

    Nestled under the ‘Play it live’ feature on the Insider.in app, this is the company’s first step towards building a platform for digital events via an integrated, interactive live stream on the Insider.in app. 

    “Digital events is an interactive video format where organisers can create new formats that can combine real-time audience reactions, adaptive content, sponsor messaging, commerce and rewards. These events can offer a similar transformational experience as physical events, by allowing fans to engage with each other and the artists, all from the comforts of their living rooms,” explains Shreyas Srinivasan, Founder and CEO, Insider.in. “We are reimagining what mobile video entertainment could be, with weekly app-based shows, beginning with “Hit or Miss” -a live open mic show with real participation from the viewers, followed by a movies based game show and a poll based fake news busting quiz,” he adds.

    Insider.in is also plans to build the ability to integrate commerce (both tickets and tipping). It currently offers an integrated rewards systems that allow organisers to reward participants with merchandise and tickets or Insider.in credit; also merging relevant sponsor content natively via in-video and engagement features for deepening the organiser-fan connect.

  • hoichoi is now available on Android TV globally and Roku in the US

    hoichoi is now available on Android TV globally and Roku in the US

    MUMBAI: hoichoi, the world’s largest digital content platform exclusively for Bengali’s announced they are now available across Android TV and Roku with seamless streaming of their content.  

    Recently, hoichoi celebrated their one-year completion on 19th September 2018 where they committed to uplift Bengali Digital entertainment by putting forward plans like adding an additional 100+ hours of Originals with 30 web series and 12 digital only films, which will increase the library to 2,800 hours of content, along with adding more films to the movie catalogue taking the number from 500 to 800+ movies. They have lived up to their promise of giving two Originals per month along with acquired movies, either old classics or new ones via World Digital Premiere (Durga Puja 2018 blockbusters Byomkesh Gowtro and Ek Je Chhilo Raja each got a World Digital Premiere this month).  

    Last year, hoichoi reached out to users who wanted to stream content on their TV by launching the Amazon Fire TV App and the Apple TV App and it already had enabled Chromecast. This year hoichoi looks to expand its audience base by introducing the hoichoi Android TV and the hoichoi Roku App. 

    Android TV is a version of the Android operating system where OTT platforms can stream their exclusive and shared content on their television like Sony among others, with voice-enabled search and more features. hoichoi’s Android TV App is available on the Google Play Store. Users can open the Google Play Store from their TV and download it. 

    Roku, is another streaming device which allows users to stream content on their TV and is very popular in the US Market. hoichoi launched its Roku App to target its ever-growing US Subscription Audience base. Among international markets, US has always been one of the top markets for the Bengali OTT platform. hoichoi will offer all its movies and original series in its Roku App. Users who have the Roku device can download the hoichoi App from it and can even purchase a hoichoi subscription within the App. 

    Vishnu Mohta, Co-Founder of hoichoi, commented: “This partnership with Android TV and Roku will enable our national and global audience to enjoy content from any medium as it marks a seamless integration of over-the-top content, digital video formats and connected TVs. Audience will consume content irrespective of whether it is on web, mobile, TV or OTT as long as it’s on a device of their choice.” 

  • Ola and Cadbury Dairy Milk Silk join hands with Vertoz for a memorable Valentine’s Day

    Ola and Cadbury Dairy Milk Silk join hands with Vertoz for a memorable Valentine’s Day

    MUMBAI: Every year, Valentine’s Day brings an opportunity for brands to break out their creative sides and create special moments for their customers. With every brand out there trying to outdo each other with special offers, discounts and events, what often is missing is the creation of an experience to celebrate the actual emotion behind the day – Love. Cadbury Dairy Milk Silk (With WAVEMAKER ), Ola and Vertoz, keeping in mind the busy lifestyles their customers lead, have spent this Valentine’s Day creating a romantic experience for lucky couples across the city by taking away the hassle of late bookings and reservations.

    Although a cliché, sometimes there is nothing better than the simplicity of an event filled with chocolates, movie and a long drive. Ola and Cadbury Dairy Milk Silk made sure that select couples get to experience just that and have the most stress-free and easy date. Vertoz, India’s leading programmatic advertising company, came on board for this unique campaign to help reach the couples of Mumbai for a special contest held by Cadbury Dairy Milk Silk before Valentine’s Day. Vertoz being Ola’s preferred advertising partner, planned and coordinated the date along with Dairy Milk Silk and Ola. Lucky couples won a romantic date worthy of the special day. With a personalised car and personal driver arranged by Ola, the couples were taken for a movie with a gift hamper specially curated by Cadbury Dairy Milk Silk. 

    Aided by Vertoz’s programmatic expertise, Cadbury Dairy Milk Silk was able to reach out to people across the digital space giving them visibility with ads on Ola’s advertising platform. The campaign was targeted towards young millennial couples looking to spend the special day with their partners and create memories. The campaign was advertised on the Ola app and Ola Cabs. Vertoz successfully reached multiple couples who entered the contest and tried their luck at winning a beautiful evening.

    Talking about the association Ashish Shah, Founder & CEO, Vertoz says, “Valentine’s Day is a busy time for advertisers with campaigns being run by brands across sectors. What makes a campaign stand out is its uniqueness and Vertoz, Ola & Cadbury Dairy Milk Silk together have managed to create something simple yet memorable which is essential in the digital advertising space. We are proud to be on board with them and be able to offer such a unique experience for each of the winning couples.”

    “Silk has been activating Valentine’s Day for 6 years now, and while Indians have started celebrating the occasion, there is still a majority of people who find it difficult to express their feelings. In that spirit, we wanted to give consumers a way of expressing their true feelings and make their Valentine’s Day celebration truly memorable and special.  What we have managed to do with Ola and Vertoz is to create a very special experience for the day which helps them celebrate their love and have a great time with their partners” says the spokesperson of Cadbury Dairy Milk Silk

  • Serum Institute of India launches the biggest immunisation awareness drive – ‘Swasth Immunised India’ in association with Network18

    Serum Institute of India launches the biggest immunisation awareness drive – ‘Swasth Immunised India’ in association with Network18

    MUMBAI: Serum Institute of India (SII), one of the world's largest vaccine manufacturers today launched a nation-wide vaccination and immunisation campaign called ‘Swasth Immunised India’ in association with Network18, India's most diversified media conglomerate. Endorsed by popular and eminent actor, Kareena Kapoor Khan, the campaign aims to spread awareness on the importance and benefits of immunisation among the general populace. The campaign in addition to building awareness will work towards dispelling myths and misconceptions pertaining to the administration of vaccines. 

    Commenting on the initiative, Adar Poonawalla, CEO, Serum Institute of India, said, “Vaccination is an integral part of public health system. It has proved to be instrumental in combating and curbing fatal contagious diseases. A majority of people in India still refrain from vaccination due to lack of knowledge and misconceptions around vaccines. We believe this reluctance needs to be addressed as it is a major contributing factor to the growing infant and child fatality rate. Swasth Immunised India is a step forward to tackle these issues eliminate the cause by focusing on its effects and benefits. We will ensure that Swasth Immunised India representatives follow a door-to-door approach in spreading awareness among the marginalized and unaware sections of the society.” 

    Vaccination has been accredited to be one of the most affordable and feasible method to prevent life-threatening diseases. India's long-standing tryst to attain full immunisation has awarded it with successful eradication of deadly diseases such as Polio and Small Pox. Continued efforts implemented by leading global institutions and organizations has put India in the forefront to tackle the impending problem of full immunisation coverage. Despite of the government and other bodies’ proactive approach, India is still home to the highest number of unvaccinated (56%) and incompletely vaccinated children (32%). 

    “A strong personality, with great conviction and stature, there could not have been a better face for the campaign than Kareena Kapoor Khan. Her role as an influencer and as a mother will help in taking our message far as well as garner more acceptance towards the initiative. As a responsible and generous corporate, Serum Institute of India will also provide free vaccines across various locations in India. We will also look to base vaccination camps at strategic and convenient points that will provide all the required information to mothers and families regarding the health and development of a child”, added Adar. 

    Speaking on the association, Priyanka Kaul, President – Marketing & Special Projects, Network18, said, “Network18 has been at the forefront of leading social change in the nation. In the past we have supported campaigns for road safety, pollution- free air, cleanliness drive under ‘Swachch Bharat’ and similar issues that are paramount for building a responsible and healthy society. Healthcare, education and mentoring have been the cornerstones of our social responsibility as the largest news network in the country. We are extremely delighted to have associated with Serum Institute of India for the Swasth Immunised India campaign. We hope that our widespread network that covers the length and breadth of the country will aid in spreading the message across the entire nation. Working along with the government, Swasth Immunised India will reinforce the aim of full immunisation coverage via continuous interpersonal education and awareness.”

    On the association, Adar Poonawalla, said, “Network18 has a large base of loyal audience spread across the country. We are glad to have partnered with the media conglomerate for Swasth Immunised India. Reaching the remotest areas via Network18’s vast regional news network will help in raising awareness and achieving the goal of the campaign.”

    Speaking about the campaign, Kareena Kapoor Khan, said, “Swasth Immunised India is a great initiative to promote and educate families on the importance of vaccination and providing a healthy life to children. This cause is extremely close to my heart as being a mother, I value the importance of immunizing my child from dangerous diseases. Due to lack of accessibility and affordability our country still witnesses the largest number of infant deaths. It is high time that we come together and take it upon us to be the changemakers. I am really excited and feel honoured to be a part of this journey with Adar and Natasha Poonawalla's Serum Institute and Network18. I hope that through this campaign we are able to educate and influence every parent leading to a healthier India.”

  • DSPORT to telecast UK’s biggest wrestling series – WOS Wrestling in India

    DSPORT to telecast UK’s biggest wrestling series – WOS Wrestling in India

    MUMBAI: DSPORT, a premium sports TV channel by Discovery Communications India, will broadcast British Professional Wrestling TV series – WOS (World of Sport) Wrestling in India starting 26th February 2019. The weekly show would be telecast every Tuesday 9PM onwards.

    With the entry of WOS Wrestling, UK into the programming, DSPORT is now the undisputed leader in the airing the most famous combat sports shows from across the world. The current roster of wrestling shows apart from the about to start WOS Wrestling, UK, DSPORT also airs – Lucha Underground of Mexico, New Japan Pro Wrestling League from Japan, Bellator MMA, Cage Wariors and Ring of Honour from USA.

    WOS Wrestling is a British Professional wrestling TV series which was relaunched on New Years Eve 2016 as a television series promoting the popular wrestling segments of the World of Sport programme which ran on ITV between 2nd January 1965 – 28 September 1985.  The WOS Wrestling archived fights would be telecast in India by DSPORT every Tuesday starting 26th February, 9 PM onwards.

    WOS Wrestling has both male and female fighters and in their relaunch season, Justin Sysum emerged as the WOS Champion, while Grado and British Bulldog Jr. were the WOS Tag Team Champions. Katy Lee Ray was the WOS Women’s Champion. What's interesting is that British Bull Dog Jr. originally known as Davey Boy Smith Jr. has been a standout performer in the New Japan Pro Wrestling League and also a star performer in WWE. 

    Former WWE performer Stu Bennett, who competed with two ring names viz Wade Barrett & Bad News Barrett is the WOS Wrestling Executive overlooking all aspects for the series.