ITV

Category: Press Release

  • World Wide Open wins the digital mandate for BIG Cinemas

    World Wide Open wins the digital mandate for BIG Cinemas

    MUMBAI: World Wide Open, digital brand partner and strategy consultants have recently bagged the digital duties for BIG Cinemas. The objective of this campaign, developed by WWO, is to increase user engagement for BIG Cinemas, utilizing all mediums of digital marketing and reaching out to the target audience in bulk, as their customers are all online. Along with helping them with designing their website, WWO will also manage and strategies the media planning and buying, social media management, developing mobile applications and the marketing campaigns for their digital audiences.

     

    Commenting on the new account win, Manish Agarwal, CEO, Reliance Entertainment Digital said, “We at WWO (World Wide Open) are extremely excited to work with BIG Cinemas, which is one of the largest chains of cinemas in India. We look forward to help them augment their brand through a delightful consumer experience across all internet connected touch points in a scalable and sustained manner.”

     

    Kushal Sanghvi, Head, World Wide Open commented, “With BIG Cinemas on board, we aim to bridge the gap between the digital and creative aspect of the brand. With some path breaking campaigns designed for them already, the team at WWO is all charged up to serve BIG Cinemas in the best way possible.”

     

    Commenting on the associating with WWO, Shirish Srivastava Sr. VP – Sales & Marketing, BIG Cinemas said, “At BIG Cinemas, we are taking a lot of path breaking initiatives to deliver business value. A robust and dynamic digital presence is critical in this regard, and so we are very happy to have WWO on board.”

     

    World Wide Open is Reliance Group’s new vertical under Reliance Entertainment Digital. Positioned as digital brand partners and digital strategy consultants, WWO aims to fulfill the gap of Digital Brand partner who can help in brand building primarily via digital, by having under one roof, combination of skill sets namely deep consumer insights, strategic brand thinking, conceptualization ability of digital products & services, knowledge of technology to drive innovations and content creativity to engage consumers with contextual and innovative content.

     

    BIG Cinemas, is India’s largest cinema chain with about 516 screens spread across India, US and Malaysia. After pioneering the IMAX experience in India, it recently launched 3D and 6D technology and is the only cinema chain to screen films in all three formats. It is also launching the first megaplexes in the country.

  • MTV breaks taboos and makes every voice count with MTV Unmasked

    MTV breaks taboos and makes every voice count with MTV Unmasked

    MUMBAI: ‘Freedom of expression’ may be the most used and least valued phrase in these times. When the term ‘political correctness’ is thrown around with reckless abandon, MTV helps the youth by giving them a unique platform to make their voice heard with MTV Unmasked, a web exclusive series for the Gen Y. The leading youth entertainment brand has always believed in the power of the youth. Through MTV Unmasked, it aims to encourage the youth to believein their thoughts and be tolerant of varying opinions because every voice counts.

    Launched at a time when freedom of expression is imperative to the people, MTV Unmasked is a 16 part web exclusive series that reflects the opinions of four different and rebellious youngsters who discuss topics that are relevant and pressing for the youth of today, while wearing a mask. The youngsters discussissues that plague them but which are never spoken about openly. The masks givethem the freedom to be unhesitatingly share their opinions without fearing any societal backlash or criticism. Belonging to different professional and social backgrounds, each one of the youngsters gives their unique opinions about issues while withholding their identity.

    Speaking about the series, Ekalavya Bhattacharya, Head – MTV Digitalsays, “India is the biggest democracy in the world and by 2020 it will be the youngest as well. We are 500 crore voices, each one with a unique opinion about current issues. We at MTV believe that these voices have a right to be heard. Through MTV Unmasked, we wish to provide a platform for the youngsters where they can make their voice heard.While we don’t endorse the opinions but the fact remains that some of these issues need public opinion and open discussion.”

    A weekly series, each episode of MTV Unmasked touches upon a different topic relevant to the youth, many of which are considered taboo. The episodes are featured on mtvindia.com/unmasked and the videos are shared across MTV India’s social media assets like Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and YouTube.

    The show is presented by MTV ACT, MTV’s own pro social platform for the youth. Join the debate by logging on to mtvindia.com/unmasked now.

  • TLC presents food series ‘Heston’s Fantastical Food’

    TLC presents food series ‘Heston’s Fantastical Food’

    MUMBAI: Join the imaginary world of culinary alchemist Heston as he will create amazing supersized versions of meals and treats, bringing back the wonder and excitement of childhood food in Heston’s Fantastical Food. The spell-binding series will rekindle the love for the most important meal of the day, by making the most amazing Breakfast Britain has ever seen.

     

    Premiering on June 2, Heston’s Fantastical Food will air Monday to Friday at 7 PM only on TLC.

     

    In each episode of Heston’s Fantastical Food, Heston will tackle the meal mum’s told us never to miss – Breakfast. Heston will create the world’s largest boiled egg and cereal on a massive scale. He will then construct the biggest ‘99 ice cream and flake the world has ever seen and large enough to feed a whole town.

     

    Tea break will be celebrated with an enormous pyramid tea bag creating a gigantic pot of tea; not forgetting the supersized packet of Heston’s extra special dunking biscuits. Heston will turn Willy Wonka and celebrate all things ‘sweets’ – from the world’s biggest packet of Rolos to lickable paintings. These are some of the creations Heston will produce and awe the viewers in Heston’s Fantastical Food

     

    Rahul Johri, Executive Vice President and General Manager- South Asia and Head of Revenue, Pan- Regional Ad Sales & Southeast Asia, Discovery Networks Asia – Pacific said, “TLC continues to deliver extraordinary lifestyle entertainment with its eclectic programming mix. The magical series Heston’s Fantastical Food will wow, entertain and enthral the Indian audience.”  

     

    Everything is grand and created on a larger-than-life scale. The fun continues when Heston takes on great British institution by creating an entire pub inside a giant pie, an edible pool table and fruit machines dispensing snacks enough food to feed an entire village.

     

    Heston will challenge himself by showcasing massive feats of food engineering. It’s certainly not easy cooking but Heston’s skill and scientific knowhow will be put to the test. TLC will awaken the kid in every viewer through Heston’s Fantastical Food.

  • Discovery Channel to telecast ‘Everest Avalanche Tragedy’

    Discovery Channel to telecast ‘Everest Avalanche Tragedy’

    MUMBAI: Discovery Channel will broadcast a 90-minute programme titled Everest Avalanche Tragedy on 29 May 2014 at 8 pm. The programme will include unprecedented access and eyewitness accounts from the rescue and recovery efforts that took place after the avalanche struck the Khumbu Icefall, the area just above Mount Everest base camp, during the morning of Friday, April 18 this year, killing 13 and leaving three missing.

     

    “This programme is in honour of all the Sherpas who lost their lives”, said Rahul Johri, Executive Vice President & General Manager, South Asia and Head of Revenue, Pan-Regional Ad Sales and Southeast Asia, Discovery Networks Asia-Pacific.

     

    Everest Avalanche Tragedy, produced by NBC News’ Peacock Productions, will document the weeks leading up to the climb through the moment the avalanche struck the Khumbu Icefall, one of the most treacherous parts of the mountain, and its aftermath. Cameras rolled immediately following, as blocks of ice plummeted down the mountain, making it the deadliest single-day avalanche in history on Mount Everest.

     

    The programme will feature highly emotional and real time footage, capturing the mobilization efforts of Sherpas and rescuers as they rushed to search for survivors. Through eyewitness accounts, viewers will hear from those who experienced this horrible tragedy and aftermath including sit down interviews with Joby Ogwyn; Expedition Leader Garrett Madison, who played a critical role in the recovery; Todd Burleson, President of Alpine Ascents International who lost five Sherpas and other key members of the expedition and production teams.

     

    The programme will serve as a tribute to all the Sherpas and their families affected by the tragedy. Discovery will be contributing to the American Himalayan Foundation Sherpa Family Fund, which gives 100% of all donations to help families of the deceased. To make a donation, visit http://himalayan-foundation.org/blog/119010.

     

    Everest Avalanche Tragedy will be followed by a 30-min special Bear Grylls: Everest Avalanche Tragedy at 9:30 pm. Trailing the tragic avalanche that occurred on Mt. Everest April 18, 2014, ear Grylls: Everest Avalanche Tragedy dissects the dangers and disasters of the mountain, through an insider perspective from Bear himself.  In this programme, Bear draws on his own experience as an Everest summiteer to share with viewers the danger and the allure of the world’s highest mountain, which was filmed following the disaster.

  • Global Exhibitors to Launch Latest Products at CommunicAsia2014 and EnterpriseIT2014

    Global Exhibitors to Launch Latest Products at CommunicAsia2014 and EnterpriseIT2014

    MUMBAI: An extensive line-up of product launches and showcases will elevate the excitement quotient at CommunicAsia2014 and EnterpriseIT2014. The shows will return to Marina Bay Sands Singapore from 17 – 20 June 2014 with a strong emphasis on mobility and connectivity, featuring cutting-edge technology updates and latest products from leading global industry players and thought-leaders.

     

    Preferred Platform for Product Launches and Showcases

    The CommunicAsia2014 and EnterpriseIT2014 media briefing kicked off today with Sennheiser Electronic Asia and Panasonic Tough Book giving live demonstrations of their game-changing products that will serve as key enablers for businesses in an increasingly mobile world. Other launches to look forward to:

    ·BioSenze Life Science / Shopster: To be launched for the first time worldwide, BioSenze’s self-administered diagnostic kits provide accurate readings for common health tests utilising the patient’s blood, urine or saliva samples. These metered readings are transmitted to cloud servers via the patient’s smartphone and the patient’s health dashboard is reflected in the mobile application that is available on multiple platforms. This reduces the cost and time required for conducting these diagnostic tests and at the same time, improves the efficiency in doctor-patient consultation.

    ·Huawei: The Huawei Ascend P7 Android smartphone will be launched, for the first time in Asia, at CommunicAsia2014. The smartphone, a combination of technology, design and performance, features an 8 MP camera and is set to open doors to a more connected world

    ·NEC: NEC is proud to launch the SmartDECT handset G966 for the first time in Asia. The sophisticated handset provides enterprise-grade capabilities and proven DECT voice quality to contribute to the effectiveness of staff in various industries

    New Additions to CommunicAsia2014 and EnterpriseIT2014

    Some of the world’s leading companies in their respective areas of expertise have joined CommunicAsia2014 and Enterprise2014 for the first time,  such as Aglient Technologies, BIMAR, Ericsson, KTsat, NEC, Sennheiser, Siemens and Toshiba.

    Preferred Platform for Networking and Knowledge Sharing

    The refreshed CommunicAsia2014 Summit will unveil 14 keynotes as well as seven new tracks that highlight current trends and challenges related to BYOD/CYOD, Big Data and Internet of Things, Mobile Banking, Payments and wallets and more, featuring over 200 well-respected industry thought-leaders and C-level speakers from industry giants such as EMC Corporation, Google Enterprise, Huawei Technologies, Infocomm Development Authority of Singapore (IDA), KORE Wireless, Mastercard, MediaCorp, Robert Bosch, SES, SingTel, StarHub and Twitter.

  • LeT behind Herat consulate attack: President Hamid Karzai to Headlines Today

    LeT behind Herat consulate attack: President Hamid Karzai to Headlines Today

    MUMBAI: Banned terrorist group Lashkar-e-Taiba is behind the attack on the Indian Consulate at Herat, Afghanistan’s President Hamid Karzai said today. In an explosive and exclusive interview to Headlines Today Karzai did not mince words saying it is in Pakistan’s interest to uproot the sanctuaries and safe havens terrorists have on their territory.

     

    “According to information given to us by a western intelligence agency, the perpetrators of the Herat attack belonged to the LeT. This was mentioned in writing in the report shared with us,” he said. President Karzai who is in India to participate in Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s swearing in ceremony complimented the Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) personnel and the Afghan National Security Forces for their prompt response in neutralizing the LeT terrorists.

     

    “Herat was very clearly a terrorist strike on Indian and Afghan interests. Luckily the Indian and Afghan security forces were alert and they prevented major damage to life and property,” he said. In response to a specific query on India and Afghanistan both being victims of Pakistan sponsored terror, President Karzai said: “Both Afghanistan and India hope that relevant authorities in Pakistan will react and uproot the source and sanctuary of terror in Pakistan.”

     

    President Karzai is to meet prime minister Narendra Modi at the Hyderabad House Tuesday morning and is expected to discuss issues confronting both India and Afghanistan. Kabul has in the past also handed over a weapons wish list to India. Responding to a question President karzai said: “India has been a great friend of Afghanistan and has stood by the people of Afghanistan in the past 12 years. We have given a weapons wish list to the government of India, some have been accepted and delivered and we are confident prime minister (Narendra) Modi will consider it favourably.”

     

    The Afghan army has fought Pakistan based and sponsored terrorists and Taliban bravely without ceding ground and President Karzai said he says the 2014 drawdown not as a threat but an opportunity. “2014 for us is an opportunity and a great one to build on our strengths and show to the world that the nation is now self-reliant of course with the help, support and guidance of friends like Indi,” he said.

     

    He discounted fears that post the drawdown Pakistan could once again install a puppet Taliban government in Kabul for strategic depth. “That fear is completely unfounded but all powers in the region need to come together and repel and defeat the forces of terror,” he added.

  • Frost & Sullivan: Growth Opportunity for Broadcast, Cable and DTH Companies is in Multiscreen

    Frost & Sullivan: Growth Opportunity for Broadcast, Cable and DTH Companies is in Multiscreen

    MUMBAI: Frost & Sullivan is all set to host the third edition of its ‘Digital Media India Summit’ on June 24, 2014 at Le Meridien, Delhi. The summit aimed towards participants from broadcasters, pay TV operators, digital media service providers, digital equipment manufacturers, and production houses, will seek to address trends such as collaborative workflows, asset management, multiscreen video acquisition, and distribution.

     

    Digitization has changed the way in which video is consumed, and presently video content is available to viewers over multiple media and devices. This ubiquitous demand for video has made it a ‘screen-less’ enigma for media businesses. On one hand, media companies have to enhance linear TV content and services to make it attractive as a pay TV offering; on the other, they have to make their content available over multiple devices via multiple platforms to satisfy consumer demands and keep a check on the competition. With 160 million cable and satellite households in the country, and many more viewers internationally for Indian content, the country presents an enviable opportunity for the media industry worldwide. Yet, broadcasters and service providers along with advertisers are grappling with the innumerable complexities of both technology advancements as well as next generation business models. In this regard, the Digital Media India Summit aims to seek solutions and a way forward for the Indian digital media industry.

     

    Vidya S. Nath, Director, Digital Media, Frost & Sullivan says, “An otherwise vibrant growth market, India’s challenge lies in its legacy of older technologies, regulations, and policies. The growth of the industry will depend on how the various stakeholders work to innovate with technology adoption for new business models, supported by a fresh look at regulation for the video business in India.”

     

    The key areas of discussion at the summit will include next generation business models for TV everywhere, cloud based solutions for media and entertainment, digital asset management, collaborative workflows and digital rights management, along with challenges in the regulatory environment in India for the broadcast and service provider industry. These topics will be analyzed and discussed by various speakers from across the breadth of the industry, such as:

     

    ·        Vynsley Fernandes, Director, Castle Media

    ·        Satya Gupta, Advisor, FICCI, SAAM Corp Advisors, ex-TRAI

    ·        Ujwal Nirgudkar, Chairman, SMPTE-India Section

    ·        George Kuruvilla, Director (O&M), BECIL

    ·        Subhashish Mazumdar, Sr. Vice President, IndusInd Media & Communications Ltd.

    ·        Sameer Kanse, Business Head – Tata Communications Media Services

    ·        Roop Sharma, President, Cable Operators Federation of India, and many others

     

    In addition, we will also have senior international analysts and thought leaders from Frost & Sullivan including:

    ·        Joe Fristensky, Partner and Global Head, ICT Practice 

    ·        Mukul Krishna, Sr. Director, Digital Media (Global)

    ·        Vidya S. Nath, Director, Digital Media

    ·        Avni Rambhia, Principal Analyst, Digital Media

     

    The summit will also witness one-of-its-kind Growth and Strategy Workshop hosted by Frost & Sullivan for the CXOs that will help senior executives leverage in-depth market analysis to identify opportunities and formulate business strategies. These will include analyst presentations and group discussions, and use diagnostic tools and techniques to translate market, technical, and economic implications into specific growth opportunities. These sessions have proven to improve productivity and foster growth for our clientele worldwide.

    Tata Communications is the Event Partner for the Summit, meanwhile, the Media Partners are – Broadcast & CableSat, Cablequest, Convergence Plus, Digital Studio, Indian Television, and Light Reading India.

  • Discovery Science presents ‘Tech Toys 360’

    Discovery Science presents ‘Tech Toys 360’

    NEW DELHI: Discovery Science, India’s only 24 hours channel dedicated to science presents the most progressive and inspiring innovations from across the globe in its all new season of Tech Toys 360. Comprehensive and far-ranging, this pioneering series will provide viewers with a unique insight into the world’s coolest and unmatched products.

     

    Premiering on 2 June, Tech Toys 360 will air daily at 9 pm on Discovery Science. Tech Toys 360 will offer viewers VIP access to the most innovative technologies of the 21st century. The cutting edge series will explore the most up-to-date high-tech gadgets, distinct designs and revolutionary vehicles – from ground breaking supercars, glass pool tables, and high-speed motorcycles to a remote robot that doubles for you.

     

    Rahul Johri, EVP and general manager – South Asia and Head of Revenue, Pan-Regional Ad Sales and Southeast Asia, Discovery Networks Asia-Pacific said, “Discovery Science is the viewers preferred destination to explore latest innovations and gadgets. Tech Toys 360 is a unique series that presents the coolest technologies in the most unimaginable form that will inspire and entertain the viewers.”

     

    Experience the latest ultra-fashionable must-haves such as the automobile that drives underwater; the first all-electric, emission free, affordable car; the music player that enables swimmers to hear tunes while underwater; the technological marvel that uses its infrared laser system to clean homes at the touch of a button; and even a water-propelled jetpack. Explore the creations and meet the innovators as they amaze you with the marvelous technologies in Tech Toys 360.

  • TLC launches new series ‘Madhur Jaffery’s Curry Nation’

    TLC launches new series ‘Madhur Jaffery’s Curry Nation’

    MUMBAI: TLC celebrates Indian curries with the culinary maestro Madhur Jaffery in Madhur Jaffery’s Curry Nation. The 10-part series follows Madhur as she travels across Britain, visiting local Indian and South Asian communities and reveals how it’s possible to sample the whole of Indian cuisine without leaving the British Isles.

    Madhur Jaffery’s Curry Nation will premiere on 2 June and will air every Monday to Friday at 8PM only on TLC.

    From London to Birmingham and Glasgow to Leicester, Madhur Jaffery’s Curry Nation sees Madhur creating her very own food map, witnessing first-hand how Indian food has been integrated into the national way of life and discovering why it’s constantly voted as one of the nation’s favourite foods.

    In Madhur Jaffery’s Curry Nation, Madhur showcases her favourite recipes with influences from all over the subcontinent: Punjabi, Goan, Parsi and Bengali amongst others. Madhur’s recipes reflect the vitality of the vibrant Indian culture, but stays true to her mantra that Indian food doesn’t need to be complicated.

    Rahul Johri, Executive Vice President and General Manager-South Asia and Head of Revenue, Pan- Regional Ad Sales & Southeast Asia, Discovery Networks Asia-Pacific said, “TLC continues to present the best and premium range of cuisine programmes from across the globe. This June, we have culinary legend Madhur Jaffrey in her new series Madhur Jaffery’s Curry Nation celebrating the British love affair with Indian cuisine.”

    In each episode, Madhur demonstrates how to cook incredible curry step-by-step and takes viewers through an array of amazing recipes. Madhur’s style of cooking is always innovative and contemporary – she gives some traditional recipes a twist like pairing Aloo Gobi with a British roast lamb.

    She also visits restaurants that create exciting new dishes, places of worship where traditional curries are served daily, and the homes of British South Asians, where she uncovers their different and varied culinary cultures.   Madhur discovers that although traditional recipes are to be found everywhere, new British versions of classic dishes are emerging too. Whether it’s the spicy, lentil-based specialties of Rajasthan, kebabs and kormas from Delhi, or coconut-infused curries from Kerala, viewers will get a chance to accompany Madhur on her very personal tour of the modern-day Curry Nation.

  • Movies Now gears for an action extravaganza with the biggest Hollywood blockbusters

    Movies Now gears for an action extravaganza with the biggest Hollywood blockbusters

    MUMBAI: India’s first high definition channel, MOVIES NOW, is all set to spice up the entertainment quotient with the biggest and the best of Hollywood blockbusters this June. From Indian television premieres to power packed action performances, watch it all only on MOVIES NOW.

    In a war between kings, even a pawn can change the game. Watch Paranoia, a heart pumping thriller set in the executive suites of the tech industry wherein Adam Cassidy (Liam Hemsworth), an ambitious techie, finds himself caught in the middle of a lifelong dispute between the two tycoons Nic Wyatt (Gary Oldman) and Jock Goddard (Harrison Ford). Watch this young techie struggle to escape this ugly battle between two head honchos shady business practices. This American blockbuster, Paranoia will be aired for the first time on Indian Television on 21st June, Saturday @ 9 PM, only on MOVIES NOW.

    Mixed Martial Arts blockbuster Fists of Legend comes straight to Indian Television, exclusively on MOVIES NOW. The epic movie airs on MOVIES NOW on 14th June, Saturday @ 9 PM. Three old friends from high school reunite for the chance to win $200,000, competing in a reality show, called ‘the greatest fight show on earth’. Catch the action unfold as the eager amateurs step into the ring to claim their glory.

    “You either die a hero or you live long enough to see yourself become the villain”. The battle for Gotham intensifies as Batman takes on his arch rival The Joker in MOVIES NOW’s Super Movie – The Dark Night on 28th June, Saturday @ 9 PM. The movie features the Oscar-winning performance of Heath Ledger as the Joker as well as fan favorite characters Batman (Christian Bale), Harvey Dent (Aaron Eckhart), Jim Gordan (Gary Oldman), Alfred (Michael Caine) and Lucius Fox (Morgan Freeman). Christopher Nolan’s take on the iconic superhero franchise comes to life in stunning pictures in 1080i and awesome 5.1 digital surround sound exclusively on MOVIES NOW.

    That’s not all! MOVIES NOW pays tribute to King of Pop this June! Michael Jackson’s This Is It documents the legend’s rehearsals and preparation for the concert series of the same name that was canceled due to his tragic death eighteen days prior. MOVIES NOW pays tribute to the legendary, Michael Jackson on his 5th death anniversary – 25th June 2014 at 11 PM with ‘This Is it’.   

    As we gear up for FIFA World Cup 2014 this June, it’s time to reminiscence the spectacular action that took place during the 2006 FIFA World Cup – the greatest World Cup of last decade. The Pierce Brosnan-narrated special features the best highlights from the tournament, with a strong focus on the nail-biting final between Italy and France. Don’t miss FIFA Special – 2006 World Cup Finale Film on 12th June 2014 at 9 PM, before the kickoff of the 2014 World Cup.

    The greatest stories need more than just one movie. Watch some of Hollywood’s biggest franchises and their sequels back-to-back on Triple Play this June on MOVIES NOW.  Staring 2nd June, Monday to Wednesday at 9 PM, MOVIES NOW airs Alien, Aliens and Alien 3, Final Destination 1,3 & 5, Blade, Blade II and Blade Trinity, Lethal Weapon 1, 2 and 3, Harry Potter part 1, 2 and 3, – Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone, Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets and Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban, Oceans Eleven, Oceans Twelve and Oceans Thirteen.

    Rounding out the action is the biggest fantasy series of all time – The Lord of the Rings. Catch the complete adventure of the ordinary Frodo Baggins going up against the mighty Sauron in the battle for Middle Earth. Travel to Tolkien’s magical world, brought to life by the visionary Peter Jackson, in The Lord of the Rings Trilogy, starting 6th June, Fridays at 6 PM only on MOVIES NOW.

    Get glued to MOVIES NOW this June as it brings you best of thrill, action and drama in Hollywood’s biggest blockbusters!