ITV

Category: Press Release

  • DD India broadcasts its game-changing show Main Kuch Bhi Kar Sakti Hoon to over 50 countries

    DD India broadcasts its game-changing show Main Kuch Bhi Kar Sakti Hoon to over 50 countries

    MUMBAI: In a little over two months since the new serial Main Kuch Bhi Kar Sakti Hoon (I, a woman, can achieve anything) has been on air on Doordarshan National, the tremendous response it has received from the viewers has been overwhelming. In view of this response, Doordarshan has started telecasting the serial on DD India, reaching out to over 50 countries across the globe.

     

    Telecast on DD India every Tuesday and Wednesday at 10.30 am (IST), and on DD National every Saturday and Sunday at 7 pm, the success of Main Kuch Bhi Kar Sakti Hoon proves that woman power resonates strongly with India!

     

    Main Kuch Bhi Kar Sakti Hoon, Population Foundation of India’s (PFI) production, focuses on  sex selection, prevention of early marriage, domestic violence, women’s reproductive health and male sensitization. Aimed at bringing about a change in the attitudes and behaviours of the target audience, and especially increasing women’s freedom and self-empowerment, the serial has been endorsed by Sharmila Tagore and Soha Ali Khan.

     

    To further expand the reach of the serial, PFI has also launched the radio series of the show on All India Radio from May 24, 2014 at 10.05 am on FM Gold, 6 pm on FM Rainbow, 3 pm on Vividh Bharati and at 12.05 pm on all local stations.

     

    To fully leverage the potential of the series, PFI in partnership with Gramvaani, has launched an Integrated Voice Response System (IVRS), a call-back number where viewers can share their stories and participate in discussions. Since the series has been on air, 2,00,000 calls have been received and people have discussed their experiences, thoughts and suggestions. These recordings are available on the serial’s website – http://www.mkbksh.com/connect-with-us.html

      

    Poonam Muttreja, Executive Director, PFI, said, “We are delighted to see the response which we have received through various mediums. With an aim to maximize reach, in addition to television and radio, the serial is being disseminated through multiple media, including  the internet and mobile phones. People are appreciating the story of a strong female protagonist in Dr Sneha and discussing the messages we are giving. Immense research has gone into developing the story of Main Kuch Bhi Kar Sakti Hoon and I am very glad that we have been successful in connecting with the audience.”

     

    “I thank Doordarshan for backing our initiative strongly and helping us reach a global audience.” added Ms. Muttreja.

     

    Feroz Abbas Khan, eminent theatre and film director and the creative force behind the serial said, “I have directed this serial with great passion as the cause is close to my heart and it is fantastic to see the serial being viewed by people across the globe. My team has gone all out to ensure that the serial resonates with the people. It motivates all of us immensely when we hear a girl from Kashmir say that she is encouraged by the character of Dr Sneha Mathur, wants to be a police officer, and says ‘main bhi sab kuch kar sakti hoon’!”

     

    The response to the serial is also reflected in the successful TRP it has been receiving. Main Kuch Bhi Kar Sakti Hoon reached the TRP of 2.0 within four weeks of its launch, which made it the forerunner among all new shows on Doordarshan. It also put DD in the third place among all entertainment channels in the given time slot. 

     

    Doordarshan has a rich history of supporting serials that have promoted a cause, such as Hum Log, Jasoos Vijay and more recently Kyunki Jeena Isi ka Naam Hai. These serials addressed social issues, including caste harmony, empowerment of women, HIV/AIDS in an entertaining format and their evaluations have shown a positive impact on individual behaviors. In fact, there is global evidence that entertainment education is one of the most successful ways of bringing about a positive change in the attitudes of people around difficult social norms. The highly popular Soul City in South Africa, which has guided Main Kuch Bhi Kar Sakti Hoon, is a case in point.

     

    Television is also the fastest growing medium and statistics reveal that over the last 15 years the reach of television in India has increased by 13%. This, coupled with the penetration of Doordarshan makes Main Kuch Bhi Kar Sakti Hoon potentially the greatest game changing media show in India at present.

  • Brazilian Coach Luiz Felipe Scolari leaps ahead in online popularity;emerges as the most searched coach on Google

    Brazilian Coach Luiz Felipe Scolari leaps ahead in online popularity;emerges as the most searched coach on Google

    MUMBAI: FIFA World Cup is well underway and the host country, Brazil, has notched up their first win, beating Croatia on the opening day of the 2014 FIFA World Cup. Joy, excitement and thrill – the feeling is ubiquitous among the fans during each battle; as their favourite teams and players play in the biggest football tournament in 2014.

     

    Roaming anxiously on the side-lines, formulating and implementing strategy and tactics on a real-time basis and commanding the team, the national coach plays a key role in enabling optimal performance by his team and more importantly ensuring the only thing that matters – a win!

     

    Naturally the media and fans interest and attention on national coaches is almost as much as it is on the players. With the World Cup now well underway, Google search trends reveal some interesting insights on some of the top national coaches in tournament history.

     

    Based on Google search trends for past two weeks, here’s a list of the 10 coaches who are being searched by fans.

     

    Looking to build on the success of last year’s Confederations Cup triumph, Brazilian coach Luiz Felipe Scolari remains the most searched among the coaches of all the teams participating in the 2014 FIFA World Cup on Google. Luiz is serving a second spell as Brazil’s manager after winning the World Cup with them in 2002.

     

    Netherland’s Coach Louis van Gaal is no doubt one of the finest managers in world football. Staging a humiliating defeat in the group match against Spain, he has already impressed football fans both offline and online taking the no. 2 spot on the list.  

     

    Coratian Coach Niko Kovac appointed last October has been successful in getting the right connect with the fans and players. Kovac who stood at third position on search popularity appeared in three World Cups as a player and captained Croatia in 2006.

     

    The US men’s soccer national team may not be among the top 10. However US team’s Jurgan Klinsmann is the fourth most searched coach with his constant attempt to overhaul this USA side. Appointed in 2011 as the Coach of the USA national football team, Klinsmann was a key member of the West Germany side that won the 1990 World Cup.

     

    Following their group stage exit in the 2010 World Cup, Italy has worked a long way under Coach Cesare Prandelli. Ranking fifth on the search populairty chart he recently signed a two-year contract extension that will take him through to Euro 2016 with the team.

     

    Others leading coaches who peaked on the online front with high search popularity included Joachim Low, Coach German Football team followed by Mexico’s national coach Miguel Herrera and Spanish coach Vicente del Bosque.  Colombian Coach Jose Pekerman and English Coach Roy Hodgson.

     

    Interestingly, the coaches largely do not hail from the countries they are coaching. Eighteen of the 32 teams have coaches from their own country. Fourteen teams are in the hands of foreigners.

  • Comedy Central represents India with 13 awards at Promax BDA World in New York

    Comedy Central represents India with 13 awards at Promax BDA World in New York

    MUMBAI: Comedy Central, India’s 24 hour English Entertainment channel has proven its creative mettle on the global front once again by bagging13 awardsacross various categories at the PromaxBDA World Awards 2014, held on June 13, 2014 in New York, USA.

    The PromaxBDA Awards recognize excellence in promotions, marketing & design across the globe andthe channel ensured the county’s creativity was represented on a global platform, in the process bagging 5 Gold, 3 Silver and 5 Bronze across categories like Interactive Promotion, technical Innovation & Comedy Program Campaign amongst others.

    This win is a result of unique, innovative and engaging campaigns created by the brand to engage audiences on television and beyond. One such campaign was for the show ‘Anger Management’. The team put out a 360 degree marketing campaign that used both ATL & BTL marketing vehicles topping out the activity with the digital application called the ‘Destruct-o-matic. A never done before, real time anger venting apparatus to vent your anger at friends from Facebook&Twitter in a fun, healthy way. The Destruct-o-matic bagged three awards for Comedy Central.

    In addition the channel won another ten awards over 8 categories.

     

  • The ‘Powerpuff Girls’ soar again!

    The ‘Powerpuff Girls’ soar again!

    After the successful airing of the re-imagined special in January, Cartoon Network today announced the global return of one of its most beloved franchises, the Emmy®-winning, The Powerpuff Girls. Slated for a 2016 launch, this reboot will include an all-new television series produced by Cartoon Network Studios and a full licensing program that will roll out across all regions. The announcement was made today by Rob Sorcher, to kick off the 2014 Licensing Expo in Las Vegas.

     

    “The original Powerpuff Girls was a franchise phenomenon for Cartoon Network, paving the way for a new generation of innovative storytellers and enthusiastic fans worldwide,” said Rob Sorcher, chief content officer, Cartoon Network. “We are calling these girls back into action based upon an overwhelming demand for sugar, spice and Chemical X.” 

     

    One of Cartoon Network’s most enduring original series, The Powerpuff Girls has earned two Emmy® Awards along with five nominations, as well as countless animation honors throughout its 78-episode run. The series also inspired a feature film in 2003, a 10th anniversary special, and a re-imagined CG special, The Powerpuff Girls: Dance Pantsed which aired on Cartoon Network in January 2014 and featured Ringo Starr. The Powerpuff Girls is one of the top-grossing Cartoon Network brands of all time, with more than US$2.5 billion in retail sales generated since its debut, and has endured as a global fashion brand with a range of apparel partners and fashion collections around the world.

     

    “This news is three large spoonfuls of excitement for Cartoon Network Enterprises in Asia Pacific,” added Melissa Tinker, Vice President of CNE in Asia Pacific. “We can’t wait to unleash this unique brand of cute and chic into the Australia and New Zealand markets. While in Asia, this will further expand and complement our existing Powerpuff business, a licensing program which already enjoys great success across our markets.”

     

    The Powerpuff Girls, which debuted on Cartoon Network in 1998, was created by Craig McCracken and centres on three sugar-coated superheroes whose mission in life alternates between going to school, fighting crime and winning at hopscotch.

  • 36% Indians Predict Brazil Will Win 2014 FIFA World Cup

    36% Indians Predict Brazil Will Win 2014 FIFA World Cup

    MUMBAI: A plurality of Indians (36%) expect host country Brazil to be victorious in the final game of the 2014 FIFA World Cup, according to a new online study by global research company Ipsos.

     

    While considerably fewer Indians predict football world cup winner will be Germany (10%), Argentina (8%), Spain (7%), Italy (4%), United States and Australia (both 3%), England/ Portugal/ Russia/ Belgium/ France all at 2%, and 1% who chose each of Mexico/ South Korea/ Croatia/ Switzerland/ Colombia and Japan.

     

    As for the runner-up, Indians choose Brazil (13%), Spain (12%), Germany (12%), Argentina (10%), France (6%), Italy (6%), England (4%), Portugal (3%), Australia (3%), United States/ Belgium/ Mexico/ Chile at 2% and Uruguay/ Netherlands/ Colombia/ Japan/ Russia and South Korea all at 1%.
    “Football fever has gripped India with 2014 FIFA World Cup soccer event underway in Brazil. Ipsos study indicates that more than 65 percent Indians have heard the buzz around the global mega sporting event,” said Biswarup Banerjee, Head Marketing Communications, Ipsos India.

     

    A large majority (78%) of global respondents have heard at least something about the upcoming World Cup in Brazil with 46% indicating they’ve heard something ( “a great deal” (22%), “a fair amount” (24%)) compared with 54% who have not heard much or anything (“a little bit” (32%) and “not heard anything at all” (22%)).

     

    Those from Brazil (69%), the host country, are most likely to say they have heard “a great deal,” followed by those from Mexico (53%), Argentina (44%), Indonesia (43%), Belgium (34%), Saudi Arabia (32%), France (30%) and India (29%). One quarter or fewer are aware of the games from these countries: South Africa (26%), South Korea (23%), China (21%), Spain (19%), Poland (17%), Turkey (17%), Italy (15%), Japan (15%), Great Britain (13%), Egypt (12%), Germany (9%), Romania (8%), the United States (7%), Hungary (7%), Australia (6%), Sweden (6%), Canada (6%) and Russia (5%).

     

    The Ipsos poll was conducted in May among 19,032 respondents in 26 countries, including: Argentina, Australia, Belgium, Brazil, Canada, China, Egypt, France, Germany, Great Britain, Hungary, India, Indonesia, Italy, Japan, Mexico, Poland, Romania, Russia, Saudi Arabia, South Africa, South Korea, Spain, Sweden, Turkey and the United States.

     

  • Eikona dribbles through FIFA 2006

    Eikona dribbles through FIFA 2006

    MUMBAI: The period of roughly a week before the launch of any product, film, program, or event is extremely crucial. The pre-buzz prior to the launch created with multiple touch  points  across  editorial,  advertising,  teasers  /  promos  not  only  build  up curiosity but also pulls the target audience to sample it, at least ones. More so, for a massive global sporting events like FIFA, the communication has to get through boundaries  of Age, Gender  and SEC (Socio Economical  Classification),  Geography etc.

     

    Effectively, FIFA is not a very new phenomenon to India. The roaring success in FIFA 2006 has played a key role in repositioning Soccer as one of the most preferred sporting events among the Indian TV audiences. What made FIFA 2006 bridge with the Indian TV audiences? Amongst many, buzz creation was one of cornerstones towards making FIFA 2006 a success story. Within the construct of FIFA 2006 buzz, PR played a key role in influencing and pushing Indian audiences to take interest, watch and re-watch FIFA telecast.

     

    Click here to read the full report

  • Europe’s Largest South Asian Film Event is Back!

    Europe’s Largest South Asian Film Event is Back!

    MUMBAI: Executive produced by actor Emma Thompson, Sold will be the red carpet European Premiere opening night film of the Fifth annual London INDIAN Film Festival (July 10-17). This film is a powerful, survival against the odds tale about a young Nepali girl who is trafficked to Kolkata, India. Gillian Anderson stars with a great Indian and Nepali ensemble cast including Seema Biswas (Bandit Queen). Central highlights of the festival will be the UK Premiere of the true story Million Dollar Arm, from The Walt Disney Company, starring Jon Hamm (Mad Men) and Suraj Sharma (Life of Pi). Bollywood’s hottest actor Farhan Akhtar and South Indian cinematography supremo Santosh Sivan will be giving rare screen talks at the BFI Southbank. Closing the festival will be the World Premiere of Hemalkasa, an homage to the revolutionary human rights leader Prakash Baba Amte, starring Bollywood hero Nana Patekar. Many other special guests are expected to a packed week of UK first screenings.

    Now Europe’s largest platform for Indian cinema, the London Indian Film Festival returns to the Capital, in association with Pure Heaven, the British Film Institute, and official Hotel Partner Grange Hotels, celebrating the exploding movement of Indian Independent cinema and bringing to UK audiences a rare selection of cutting-edge films from some of the Indian subcontinent’s hottest independent talents. Going way beyond Bollywood, the festival presents a kaleidoscope of new films that challenge, shock, generate debate and present a more realistic view of India and the subcontinent today, in all its diversity. The festival will stretch citywide, opening in the West End at the historic Cineworld Haymarket, and continuing at BFI Southbank, Cineworld cinemas Wembley, Wood Green, Wandsworth and O2 in Royal Greenwich and ICA near the Pall Mall, so there is a screening near you.

    The first weekend of this high-impact festival launches with Sold, on 10th July which explores the controversial theme of child trafficking; one school girl’s battle against the odds and the dangerous journey to liberate her from the Kolkata mafia; expect a glamorous line up of celebs to follow X Files and The Fall actress Gillian Anderson down the red carpet.

    On 12th July Rotterdam Film Festival headliner Qissa: Tale of a Lonely Ghost, has its UK Premiere, Irrfan Khan (Slumdog Millionaire, Life of Pi) plays a rural Punjabi father hell bent on having a son and heir, no matter what the consequences. Apur Panchali, based on a true-life story, is an emotionally charged homage to Satyajit Ray’s impoverished child character Apu and the real-life person who played one of the most famous child roles in world cinema. It screens on 13th July. By contrast Slamdance audience winner Hank and Asha explores a new generation of trans-global online romance, at ICA and Cineworlds across London. The festival’s Central Gala is the inspirational true story Million Dollar Arm that follows the uplifting journey of two Indian boys whose lives are transformed by a national TV contest and against the odds end up going to the US to train to become major sports stars.

     

    As well as films in the Hindi, Punjabi, Tamil, Kannada and Malayalam languages, and UK/Pakistani film Anima State, in Urdu, the festival previews its first Bangladesh based film Shongram (Struggle) directed by Munsur Ali. In terms of special talks, India’s most celebrated cinematographer and acclaimed director Santosh Sivan gives a unique Masterclass at BFI Southbank, 11th July. The multi-talented singer, actor and director Farhan Akhtar rocks into town on 15th July and offers an insight on his high-octane career so far, including his iconic recent role as muscle rippling athletics hero Milkha Singh in Bhaag Milkha Bhaag. Expect lots of female fans! Bollywood icon Nana Patekar stars in the festival’s uplifting closing World Premiere of Hemalkasa. Directed by Samruddhi Porey it’s guaranteed to make you cry and smile at the same time.

    London Indian Film Festival also includes industry events at BAFTA, exploring UK and Indian subcontinent co-productions. The winner of the annual Satyajit Ray Short Film Competition will be announced at the end of the festival, with short-listed contenders battling it out at the ICA on 15th July. We are delighted to announce that our Major Sponsors this year will include Queen’s Award for Enterprise International Trade winner Sunmark Ltd, producers of Pure Heaven brand and founding sponsor Grange Hotels. The festival is also grant funded for by the BFI Film Festival Fund.

    Emma Thompson comments: “It is wonderful to have our film premiered at London Indian Film Festival, to raise awareness of child-trafficking, which is an issue close to my heart and is shockingly on the increase world-wide. We hope that this film will make people think and highlight the support for key charities such as The Helen Bamber Foundation and others working in this difficult area in India, Nepal and elsewhere”.
    Says Farhan Akhtar: “At its heart, Cinema is about sharing ones culture with the world. Be it on screen or in representation of ones work. I look forward to sharing my experiences, memories and motivations.”

    Cary Rajinder Sawhney, Festival Director comments: “We are delighted that the festival is now firmly established on the London and international scene after five amazing years. If you want to find out more about South Asian cinema, come to London and soak yourself in a week of magnificent, world class cinema”.

  • Jabong.com Ties Up Exclusivly with Blue Saint, British Menswear

    Jabong.com Ties Up Exclusivly with Blue Saint, British Menswear

    MUMBAI: Blue Saint, a hip, British menswear brand has entered India through an exclusive tie up with Jabong.com- India’s leading online fashion destination. Breaking the stereotype of West and East Fashion, Blue Saint will launch its collection for the youth of India-the fifty one chinos. The brand’s designers, who have travelled the world to meet youngsters of different genres, have come up with this exclusive collection that is inspired by the synergy between fashion, music and travel. Blue Saint’s launch collection includes fine fitted Chinos available in more than 51 shades, providing young street casual wear for the younger men, in the age group of 16 – 24 yrs.

    Bringing a colorful revolution to your closet, Blue Saint, will have shades of blue, browns, khakis in addition to yellows and red. From over 51 shades to choose from, Blue Saint on Jabong will transform the way you style. If you are thinkingto what to pair your colored chinos with, Jabong, will offer a solution to that as well. Style and guiding tips are an added point with the launch of this acclaimed brand. Get set to nail your complete look, and revamp your wardrobe, that too, without burning holes in your pocket!

    The brandtook cues from grunge, punk, and indie styles; hence, by the choice of colours, prints and even fabrics, they captured the spirit of youth in its collection.The stylish casual wear is apt for any outing, whether it’sclubbing, hanging out with friends or any evening step out, Blue Saint’s clothing will make sure that you stand out in the crowd.

    Talking about the collaboration, Arun Chandra Mohan, Founder and CEO, Jabong.com said, “We are really excited as we continue to bring international fashion for our customers through Jabong.com. We feel that the young Indian men are now really discerning in their choice of clothes, hence, they are on a constant look out for the latest trend and styles. At Jabong, Fashion means accessible to all, restricted to none! With this mind-set, weintend to widen our portfolio with more and more global brands, and offer a lot of variety to our shoppers.

    Speaking on Blue Saint’s debut in India, Akshat Kedia, Blue Saint, said, “Weknow the young Indian male is really fashion conscious. To continue our determination to reach global consumers, Blue Saint, has been expanding rapidly over the last few months. India, as one of the fastest growing economies of the world, has been on our radar for some time, and now with our successful venture with Jabong, we have the right partner to address the fashion needs of Indian consumers. Jabong’sinsight into the Indian men’s fashion market combined with the appeal of Blue Saint will enable us to build a strong business in India.”

    150 pieces from the latest collection are already up for grabs and are priced at Rs1499/- onwards

  • Zee Cinema clean sweeps at the Global PromaxBDA Awards

    Zee Cinema clean sweeps at the Global PromaxBDA Awards

    MUMBAI: Zee Cinema, the ultimate entertainment destination for movie enthusiasts has once again surpassed all expectations and shines high at the Global PromaxBDA Awards. The channel that is known for promoting its campaign in innovative and engaging ways has won agold, silver and a bronze for their campaign – South Ka Super Punch. Zee Cinema also won a bronze award for its campaign -Dopahar Zee Cinema at the Global PromaxBDA Awards.With this addition Zee Cinema has now bagged11 Promax awards this year – 3 at PromaxBDA Asia, 4 at PromaxBDAIndia and now 4 at the Global PromaxBDA!!!

    The Global PromaxBDA Awards recognizes excellence in on-air promotion, branding as well as advertising in the field of media across the globe. Zee Cinema, the channel that has won the hearts of millions of Indian viewers has also won the hearts of many across the globe. The awards function saw the participation and presence of some prominent personalities from the media industry across the globe. While it was a tough call, Zee Cinema’s vigor and pioneering campaigns scooped up 4 awards, 3 out of which were for the South Ka Super Punch campaign!

    Commenting on the glorious win, Mr. Ruchir Tiwari,Vice President – Head of Programming, ZEEL – Hindi Movie Channels stated, “After clean sweeping Promax awards at the India and Asia level, it’s a moment of immense pride for us for having bagged 4 honourable awards on a global platform. It is clearly an indication that we are on the right path, creating and working on some path-breaking campaigns.Our promos team is one of the best in the industry, always striving for excellence and this excellence is manifested through all the awards that we have won!”

    Zee Cinema, the channel that is a part of the Hindi movie channel cluster of ZEEL (Zee Entertainment Enterprises Ltd.) stood out with magnificent wins at the Global PromaxBDA Awards.

    Standing true to its promise Zee Cinema delivers the best of ‘Movies.Masti.Magic’ across the world

  • Taj A Flavor of Darjeeling – Taj’s richest flavor

    Taj A Flavor of Darjeeling – Taj’s richest flavor

    MUMBAI: Brooke Bond Taj Mahal has been a forerunner in setting the standard of fine tea in India. Over the years it has pioneered  innovations and provided superlative connoisseur experiences. Enhancing its brand commitment towards master-craftsmanship, , Taj Mahal has launched its richest and most premium blend – Taj A Flavor of Darjeeling. Taj Mahal continues its connection with well-known personalities of Indian classical music by associating with Sitarist Niladri Kumar for its new premium variant.The young maestro has also composed “Raag Darjeeling” – a fitting tribute to Taj A Flavor of Darjeeling.

     

    The brand has always been personified by icons who symbolize perfection, passion and unmatched finesse. To capture the essence of the new variant, Taj A Flavor of Darjeeling was unveiled during an enthralling evening of Indian classical music. The music programme was beautifully crafted by young maestro Sitarist Niladri Kumar. Madhuri Dixit Nene the current brand ambassador, also attended the event and added further splendour to the evening. 

     

    On the eve of the launch, Krishnan Sundaram, General Manager, Tea, Hindustan Unilever Limited. said, “Taj Mahal tea has been India’s most loved premium tea brand and it has been our consistent endeavour to improve our offering. Taj A Flavor of Darjeeling,is definitely our most premium offering and we are confident that we will improve the tea drinking experience for our growing consumer base. This launch is also special as it sees us continuing our collaboration with Indian classical music with Niladri Kumar, Rahul Sharma and Ayaan Ali Khan personifing our brand commitment.”

     

    As the face of the brand, Niladri Kumar said, “I have been a Taj Mahal tea loyalist, and it is indeed my pleasure to be associated with it. Taj A Flavor of Darjeeling is also special. I have composed the Raag Darjeeling, in honour of the superlative flavour and experience related with Taj Mahal’s newest offering.”

     

    Enriched with long leaves of pure Darjeeling tea and carefully sourced finest tea leaves from choicest tea gardens in India, Taj A Flavor of Darjeeling promises to make your tea drinking experience extra  special as it is created with a great amount of precision and passion. Every sip promises to reflect great craftsmanship of our master blenders and truly become a connoisseur’s delight.