Category: Press Release

An eclectic set of speakers announced for Goafest 2014

MUMBAI: The Goafest Organizing Committee today released the first list of speakers for Goafest 2014 Knowledge Seminars. Unlike in the previous years where the focus was principally on international speakers, this year the Knowledge Seminars will have a good mix of international speakers, inspirational speakers, spiritual speakers and speakers on innovative aspects. This is based on a survey among the last three years’ Goafest delegates. “Based on the findings of this survey, we have put together a very special list of speakers for Goafest delegates to listen to and interact with”, says Arvind Sharma, President of Advertising Agencies Association of India.

For the Knowledge Seminars, the initial set of names include: Preethi Mariappan- Executive Creative Director at Razorfish, Germany; Melanie Varley- Chief Strategy Officer, Global at MEC; Norm Johnson- Chief Digital Officer at Mindshare; Alicia Souza- illustration designer/artist/ e-commerce entrepreneur; Shravan Kumaran and Sanjay Kumaran, the youngest app developers in India and a group known as AIB(All India Bakchod), Devdutt Pattanaik, Mythologist, Author, Leadership, DK Hema & Hema Hari, Founders, BharathGyan. Some more interesting names are being added for which confirmations are awaited soon.

“We are delighted that we have been able to get some very inspiring speakers on a cross section of subjects which delegates are normally not exposed to,” said Goafest Committee Chairman, Srinivasan Swamy.

Brief profiles of the speakers are given below: Preethi Mariappan- Executive Creative Director at Razorfish Germany: One of Preethi’s notable pieces of work is the Red Tomato Pizza Fridge Magnet, which picked up four Cannes Lions in 2012. Additionally she has received global recognition at One Show, Sabre, Dubai Lynx and Effies. Preethi has an industry wide reputation and award-winning expertise across multiple sectors. Preethi’s last role was with Digital ECD TBWA, heading up the Digital Arts Network by bringing together storytelling, people and products.

Melanie Varley- Chief Strategy Officer, Global at MEC: In her role as Chief Strategy officer, Melanie takes responsibility for designing MEC’s future business model and for the global development and integration of MEC’s product and services. Melanie was previously CEO, Europe, Middle East and Africa. She rolled out MEC Interaction and MEC Access across the region. Prior to moving into the CEO role, Melannie led Global Solutions, MEC’s international client service, across Europe. Melanie also led the development and roll out of MEC Navigator, MEC’s global operating system and was responsible for the introduction of communications planning to the overall global MEC offer.

Norm Johnson- Chief Digital Officer at Mindshare: Norm Johnston has been involved in interactive marketing since graduating from Chicago’s Northwestern University in 1988. While at Accenture, Norm led a team that developed one of the earliest interactive shopping destinations for a large U.S. retail client. Norm is a longtime vocal evangelist of the digital industry and is a frequent speaker at interactive conferences, including various IAB events, the Cannes Advertising Festival, the Festival of Media, and Internet World.

D K Hari- Founder of BharathGyan: Hari along with his wife Hema Hari, conceptualized and founded BharathGyan, a research initiative to collate from traditional as well as modern sources, the knowledgebase and cultural ties of India, through the ages. Prior to this, Hari was involved in his family business of Petroleum and FMCG products. He was head of marketing in a corporate environment for 12 years. Hema is a computer engineer from Bombay University and a PMI certified Project Management Professional. She started her career in Tata Consultancy Services in 1989 and after spending the first 10 years of her career there, moved to what is now CSC India, where she spent the next decade of her career, in a senior management capacity. Hari and Hema Hari have written about 10 books and produced a number of films, which would make India proud of her contribution to the world.

Alicia Souza- Illustrator/ designer/ e-commerce entrepreneur: After working as a banker, Alicia took up a full-fledged career in illustration as a designer for Chumbak, India’s trendiest home-grown souvenir company. A year and a half later, she set out on her own as a freelancer, drawing cute and quirky everyday cartoons for a sizeable and loyal online fan-base, and illustrating for some of India’s oldest institutions – like Tinkle magazine.

Shravan & Sanjay Kumaran- India’s Youngest App developers and Founders of Go Dimensions: Two tech savvy brothers Shravan and Sanjay Kumaran, are perhaps the youngest App developers and CEOs from India. Together, they have been successfully running an app developing company called Go Dimensions. Shravan(14 years old) is the Co-Founder and President, while his brother Sanjay(12 years old) is the Co-Founder & CEO of the company. They are the students of Vaels Billabong High international school, Chennai. Floated in 2011, the firm has already made rapid strides. Within two months of its launch, the first product – Catch me Cop, a mobile app was on display at Apple’s App Store. And in the next two weeks, there were some 2,000 downloads! This drew the attention of cnet.com, the popular website that comes out with lists of popular apps. In the past two years the two have developed eleven apps that are available on the Apple App Store and Google’s Android Play Store.

AIB (All India Bakchod): Co-founded by comedians Gursimran Khamba and Tanmay Bhat, along with Rohan Joshi and Ashish Shakya, AIB presents edgy, candid and tongue-in-cheek humor without mincing any words. Gursimran Khamba (also known only as Khamba) is a stand-up comic, political satirist, and a writer from New Delhi, India. Tanmay Bhat, who hails from Mumbai, is a well-known scriptwriter who has also worked for Weirdass Comedy (an Indian comedy company started by Vir Das). AIB crew is the one that actually started the trend of comedy podcast shows in India, which nowadays seems to be making waves. Besides having a cult following in online circuits, AIB is also gradually developing a loyal fan-base for their live comedy shows and their brainchild Royal Turds (a parody on the decadent Bollywood award shows) was an instant hit the year it commenced. AIB tasted instant fame with some video chartering an astounding number of YouTube hits. A few of their videos have also mingled social message with humor. In September 2013, a video “It’s Your Fault” starring actress Kalki Koechlin and VJ Juhi Pandey was released. Within a week, it crossed 1 million views on YouTube, creating massive hysteria.

Dr. Devdutt Pattanaik- Chief Belief Officer of The Future Group: Dr. Devdutt Pattanaik writes and lectures extensively on the relevance of mythology in matters related to leadership, entrepreneurship, branding, management and governance. He serves as Culture Consultant to Reliance Industries, Chief Belief Officer of the Future Group and is storytelling advisor to Star TV and Epic TV. Trained in medicine, he spent 15 years in healthcare and pharmaceutical industries including Apollo Health Street and Sanofi Aventis, before joining Ernst & Young as Business Advisor. Devdutt Patanaik is inspirational speaker at many conferences where he ‘opens the minds’ to a very Indian approach to business.

April 2, 2014
Discovery Channel’s special,Flight 370: The Missing Links, investigates the disappearance of MH370

MUMBAI: Discovery Channel presentsa special one-hour programme- FLIGHT 370: THE MISSING LINKS – which gathers the foremost thinkers in aviation and security to explore key questions surrounding the disappearance of Malaysia Airlines flight MH370.

The mystery of flight MH370 has garnered worldwide attention and generated widespread speculation about how the events unfolded. FLIGHT 370: THE MISSING LINKS looks to industry experts to account for just how it is possible to lose track of an airliner – analysing evidence, deliberating the global frailties of aviation and divulging potential solutions to prevent the disappearance of an aircraft from ever happening again.

In an age when we can use apps to locate handheld devices, the special also looks at how a state-of-the-art airliner and its 239 passengers and crew can simply vanish. Since flight MH370 went off the grid on 8 March 2014, questions about flight safety have once again taken centre stage. In an attempt to answer some of these questions, FLIGHT 370: THE MISSING LINKS addresses seven missing links: airport security, air traffic control, on-board communication systems, mechanical failure, tracking – both radar and satellite, international cooperation and the black box.

FLIGHT 370: THE MISSING LINKS is produced by ITN Productions and will air in more than 220 countries and territories worldwide on Discovery Channel.

The programme will premiere on Monday, 21st April at 9 pm only on Discovery Channel.

Tom Gorham, Executive Producer for Discovery Networks International, comments: “The mystery of flight MH370 serves as a tragic reminder that technology is indeed fallible. With the help of seasoned aviation, tracking and satellite industry experts, FLIGHT 370: THE MISSING LINKS explores the events which have unfolded, focusing on just how this could have happened, and examining the inherent flaws in the eco-system of modern international travel.”

Emma Read, Head of Factual and Features, ITN Productions, adds: “The disappearance of flight MH370 challenges everything we know about modern aviation technology. This documentary reveals what every passenger should know and the technology being developed now to protect us in the future.”
FLIGHT 370: THE MISSING LINKSis commissioned by Elizabeth McIntyre for Discovery Networks International, and executive produced by Tom Gorham for Discovery Networks International and Emma Read for ITN Productions.

April 2, 2014
INS launches Spotlight and web show with Rannvijay

MUMBAI: Integrated Network Solutions (INS), a division of Viacom18 Pvt. Ltd, launches its third vertical – SPOTLIGHT, with an idea of creating an ‘INStant Connect’ for brands, celebrities and audiences. With an array of 30 plus celebrities on board; brands will now have an opportunity to leverage the glamour quotient, to seed customized branded content. After launching LIVE Viacom18 and BE Viacom18 last year, INS now completes the circle of offering brands a 3600 multi-dimensional marketing solution with SPOTLIGHT creating endless opportunities for brands to connect with millions of consumers.

SPOTLIGHT has already a strong roaster of more than 30 celebrities (like Raghu Ram, Amrita Rao, Sherlyn Chopra, Diana Hayden, Manoj Bajpayee to name a few)

SPOTLIGHT, in collaboration with Colosceum Media & One Digital Entertainment, has announced an interesting concept in the form of a 16 part web series called ‘JACK&JONES HITCHED’. A first of its kind show, it will give audiences an opportunity to be a part of the celebrations as MTV VJ Rannvijay gears up for his big fat Punjabi wedding.

Commenting on this power-packed concept, Mr. Jaideep Singh, Sr. Vice President and Business Head – INS, Viacom18 Pvt. Ltd. said, “We’re living in a digital era, and to stay relevant to a constantly evolving audience it is essential for brands to innovate how they communicate and reach out to their consumers. Paying attention to this urgent need, the time was right for us to launch SPOTLIGHT. SPOTLIGHT provides that platform for brands to harness the power of the glamour world through celebrity associations and takes their message further to the audience in a much more engaging manner. Our first property under SPOTLIGHT, JACK&JONES HTCHED will set the tone for more such innovations to come in the future.”

Speaking on the association Mr. Vineet Gautam, Country Head JACK&JONES said “JACK&JONES has always positioned itself in youth space and believed in clutter breaking ideas. It is our constant endeavour to find innovative ways of reaching out to them. JACK&JONES HITCHED is the first of its kind online reality show which will be aired on digital platforms only. The youth today, especially men are spending more time on digital mediums and it’s growing as we speak and this association seems to be a great and innovative way to engage and interact with them. Rannvijay is a youth icon who has dared to be different and inspired many. And that is exactly the brand philosophy of JACK&JONES to be daring, innovative and adventurous but in style. At JACK&JONES we always believe in experimenting and hence this association is a perfect sync at both ends.”

Commenting on the strategic partnership, Mr. Gurpreet Singh, COO of OneDigital Entertainment Pvt. Ltd. said “Being the largest MCN for YouTube in India operating in the original content space for more than a year now, we have developed the skills and capability to understand the digital engagement and user needs. We know the pulse of the user to a large extent and also realize that the viewership behavior is shifting and changing fast. Our promise is to create, innovate and engage users and brands and bring value for both the sides. Colosceum is the market leader in creative content and we feel we have struck a great partnership with them and Viacom 18 for this initiative.”

Speaking on the collaboration, Mr. Rajiv Lakshman, Chief Creative Officer – Colosceum Media said “Colosceum Media is a creative powerhouse, having been key contributors in the creation of many successful & long running television franchises. We’re always looking to pioneer new frontiers of creative expression. We consider digital content as the future, and wanted to leverage the intimacy & engagement value of this platform. Colosceum has a long association with Rannvijay, and are proud to partner with him to create this first-of-its’-kind innovation that gives Rannvijay’s multitude of fans an inside peek into his life as he navigates through this transition. As a friend, I find Rannvijay’s life fascinating, and am excited to be part of a team that gives his fans an access into the method & the madness that is his life.”

The webisodes will start airing from Monday, 31st March, 2014, exclusively on Rannvijay’s YouTube channel, which is managed by SPOTLIGHT. So log on to watch heartthrob Rannvijay live the last of his bachelor days as marries the woman of his dreams on a first of its kind show which can be viewed on PC, Tab and Mobile on www.youtube.com/rannvijayofficial , www.zengatv.com/rannvijay and other digital platforms.

April 2, 2014
Lucy Smith named director of MIPDoc MIPFormats & MIPJunior

MUMBAI: Reed MIDEM today announced that Lucy Smith, director of conferences for Reed MIDEM’s Television Division, is named director of MIPDoc, MIPFormats and MIPJunior.

In her new role, Smith will continue to manage all MIPTV and MIPCOM-related conferences in addition to developing MIPDoc, MIPJunior and MIPFormats.

“Over the past seven years, Lucy has done an outstanding job producing conferences that are at the cutting-edge of the key issues facing the entertainment industry. She has been instrumental in attracting world class speakers and making our MIPTV and MIPCOM conference programmes an integral part of the event experience. She has been a key player in the launch of well-received competitions and screenings and her strategic understanding of the documentary, youth and format sectors makes her the ideal choice to develop MIPDoc, MIPFormats and MIPJunior,” comments Laurine Garaude, Director of Reed MIDEM’s Television Division.

MIPJunior exists since 1993. It is the leading international conference networking and screening showcase for kids and youth programming. MIPJunior provides over 500 buyers with the chance to view more than 1,000 programmes and discover new projects that are seeking funding.The event takes place in October on the weekend prior to MIPCOM.

Launched in 1998, MIPDoc is the world’s leading factual co-production, screenings and conference event held inApril on the weekend before. MIPDoc brings together factual programming producers and distributors with over 400 buyers who access in excess of 1,500 programmes and projects.

MIPFormats is the only international conference, networking and screenings event dedicated to the fast-growing formats community. Launched in 2010, MIPFormats provides unique access to some of the main players in the format business as they discuss success stories and major trends. The screenings showcase the best and newest ideas in the format sector.

April 2, 2014
Asianet Selects Cisco Technology to Deliver Next Generation Broadband

MUMBAI: Asianet today announced that it has selected Cisco to deploy DOCSIS 3.0, a next-generation cable broadband network which is a key component of the Cisco IP NGN architecture. This technology increases upstream and downstream speeds to Asianet broadband customers by offering speeds of up to 300 Mbps per subscriber. DOCSIS 3.0 will help Asianet to achieve ultra-high speeds and will help enable the multi-service operator (MSO) to deliver more content over existing networks. The deployment of DOCSIS 3.0 will also allow Asianet to offer broadband services with bandwidth far superior to that of mobile Internet service providers.

In today’s video-led Internet community, a superior HD video experience on cable TV as well as on broadband has become absolutely imperative. Asianet and Cisco are working together to offer this enhanced video experience to the end consumer. The introduction of DOCSIS 3.0 is also expected to change the business dynamics for Asianet in Kerala, as the state observes Phase III of cable digitalisation. With the deployment of this technology, Asianet will be uniquely positioned to offer an immersive video experience on the same coaxial cable that delivers its high-quality digital video.

DOCSIS 3.0 technology will help enable Asianet to offer fiber-equivalent speeds on its HFC (Hybrid Fiber Coaxial) networks at an economical price. While GPON (Gigabit Passive Optical Network) is capable of providing 100 Mbps to each home, the cost of building and maintaining a GPON-based fiber network is much more expensive and skilled than with an HFC network. DOCSIS technology allows cable operators to reuse their existing cable plants to offer broadband services by upgrading them to two-way networks.

As the largest cable TV and Internet service provider in Kerala, India, Asianet has plans to fast-track the deployment of DOCSIS 3.0 modems to deliver an impressive Internet surfing experience to its 200,000 subscribers. The company is one of the early adopters of DOCSIS 3.0 and is offering its cable TV consumers an unrivalled broadband experience and revolutionary consumer entertainment.

Supporting Quotes: Mr. G. Sankaranarayana, President and Chief Operating Officer, Asianet Satellite Communications Ltd: “Today’s consumers are evolving and demanding more from their cable service providers. We decided to renew our strategies and offerings with a focus on delivering compelling customer services. We are already seeing a lot of appetite for our new offerings in the market and will be the first MSO to offer speeds of up to 50 Mbps per subscriber in the state, in the first phase, followed by 100 Mbps service in phase 2. We needed a technology that could help us deliver superior customer experiences and help us in being a class apart from the competition. And Cisco was our obvious choice, given the depth of understanding it has of the pay-TV and broadband infrastructure business.”

Mr. Sandeep Arora, Regional Manager, Service Provider, Cisco India & SAARC: “Our engagement with Asianet has the potential to transform the cable and broadband industry in Kerala. Asianet will be delivering a differentiated experience to its subscriber homes by enabling high-speed broadband beyond 100 Mbps on the same cable as digital broadcast channels. Considering the highly competitive and fragmented broadband market, this deal propels Asianet to the pinnacle of the industry in the region. Our IP Next-Generation Network (IP NGN) architecture helps enable convergence of networks and services, providing an immersive experience to cable subscribers. Asianet is getting ready to deliver the connected life to consumers, addressing their immediate needs while laying the foundation for rapid deployment of next-generation services.”

April 2, 2014
Launching Pickapic.in, a platform for truly desi vectors and pictures

MUMBAI: Increased graphic and visual content in this age of digital and social media communications leaves you engaged, entertained and sometimes even frustrated. This is true for most graphic and visual designers who cater primarily to the Indian audiences – their designs aimed at an average Indian. While there are several websites that stock images and illustrations, there are hardly any out there which stock India specific vectors.

International images – with international models and depictions reduces the efficacy of a piece of communication, thereby making a fraction of the desired impact on the audience it was intended for.

www. pickapic.in, launched in January 2014, addresses this inherent need. Spread over 30 categories, the platform has over a million vectors and growing, to address the ever increasing need of an Indian designer. Along with creative visuals there are some very niche categories which resonate with being Indian like Truck Art, Warli Paintings, Holi, Diwali, the Indian flag among others.

Designs are available in editable formats and can be easily edited using Adobe Illustrator.

Speaking about the concept of pickapic.in, the founder Sameer Shinde says, “ Working as Director and Creative Head with Nucleus Integrated Communications, I regularly encountered a lack of quality images, vectors and illustrations with Indian Designs, Indian Reference and relevant to the Indian Audience. That is where the idea of providing a platform with relevant Indian Illustrations and design cropped up”

“We are looking at being the ‘go-to’ platform for all visual content for the Indian context.”

Pickapic has started out by creating their own stock of vectors. This began with deploying a team in-house to create the initial stock of about 50,000 vectors. Speaking on the way forward, Sameer says, “We are looking at inviting contributions from graphic artists, designers and illustrators and host them as Rights Managed Vectors and Illustrations, as we move further”

Usage of images have shown a steady growth of 5-7% worldwide, vector usage has grown by more than 60% but at the same time there is no dedicated platform that addresses the need of styled vectors and illustrations that are suited for Indian designs.

“The market in India for India specific vectors and images is quite unorganised and amounts to more than 1200 cr. We are looking at creating an organised space in this niche and garner about 5-7% Market share in the next 3 years.”

The pricing model of Pickapic.in is flexible. A customer doesn’t need to buy a package when he is interested in buying one single image. www.pickapic.in was officially launched on 1st Jan, 2014. In the first month of operations we have about 350 registrations. The company has plans to diversify into further visual content like Still Images, Animated Characters as well as Video Stocks in some point in time, but they intend to remain an India Specific Platform.

April 2, 2014
Big Magic Bihar & Jharkhand inks DTH deal with Dish TV

MUMBAI: As part of its distribution-strengthening strategy, BIG MAGIC Bihar & Jharkhand the regional entertainment channel from the Reliance Broadcast Network stable, inks distribution deal with Dish TV becoming available on Channel No. 814. Available on the base pack, this move adds 8mn million Dish TV subscribers to BIG MAGIC Bihar & Jharkhand’s reach as it reaches out to a larger Diaspora across India.

Backed with an aggressive distribution plan and an endeavor to reach its rich regionally rooted content, to discerning audiences across the country, Dish TV – India’s premier and largest DTH platform was the most natural choice. This deal marks the beginning of a robust expansion plan as the Channel is close to inking deals with other leading DTH players, in addition to an extremely robust local distribution network already in place.

With an eclectic content mix that encompasses a wide slate ranging fiction, crime, reality, music, devotion, movies and mythology, tailored to offer a wholesome family viewing experience, the Channel is primed to get a huge loyal audience base instantly. Viewers can now savour television shows coated with the regional flavor ranging Police Files, Hindustan ka Big Star, Bhojpuri Films, Big Memsaab and upcoming reality shows Big Folk Star and Big Bahuria.

The Channel said in a statement, “We are a leading player in the regional market and have delivered excellent performance. We see a huge opportunity in catering to a larger Diaspora and our endeavor is to reach our content mix to the discerning audiences spread across the length and breadth of India. Dish TV is a perfect partner to begin the exercise with, from here-on we will increase footprint through strengthened distribution across platforms.”

BIG Magic Bihar and Jharkhand is currently available on Hathway, Incable, Manthan, Digicable, GTPL, Siti Cable, Maurya, DEN and other all independent operators.

April 2, 2014
Aamir Khan – The National Icon of ECI for 2014 General Elections

MUMBAI: The Election Commission of India has nominated Actor, Aamir Khan as the National Icon of Election Commission of India in connection with the upcoming National Elections in 2014.

The National Broadcaster’s of India – Doordarshan is entrusted with the job of making this campaign and in this regard a shoot was organized to record Actor, Aamir Khan’s message at Doordarshan’s Mumbai Kendra on 27th April 2014, under the guidance of Shri Mukesh Sharma – Addl. Director General Programming, West Zone.

This campaign makes voters aware to realize value of their invaluable vote for strengthening democracy.It highlights, The Right to vote and the exercise of this franchise by eligible citizens which is the pulse of every democracy.

It is focused on bringing a positive change in our country by voting the right person and makes an appeal not to mortgage your interest nor to sell your vote.It potrays a sense of pride to be a citizen of India, the largest democracy of the world,which holds this right as the most precious attribute of the Indian Parliamentary democracy.

April 2, 2014
Endemol acquires International Drama producer Artists Studio

MUMBAI: Endemol, a world leader in multiplatform entertainment, today announced it has acquired international drama production company Artists Studio.

Artists Studio produces critically acclaimed hits such as The Fall, starring Gillian Anderson (‘The X-Files’, ‘The Last King of Scotland’) and Jamie Dornan (‘Fifty Shades of Grey’, ‘Once Upon a Time’). Created and written by Alan Cubitt, this remains BBC Two’s most successful drama to date, averaging more than 4 million viewers per episode across its first season in 2013.

Previous Artists Studio credits include Combat Hospital for ABC and Thorne for Sky UK.

Endemol will globally distribute Artists Studio productions including the second season of The Fall, which has been commissioned for production in 2014 (6 x 1 hours for BBC Two); as well as numerous projects commissioned and in development for UK and US broadcasters. Further announcements will be made in due course.

Emmy award-winning producer, Gub Neal (‘Prime Suspect’; ‘Cracker’; ‘Queer as Folk’) co-founded Artists Studio in February 2009, alongside Justin Thomson-Glover and Patrick Irwin, all three of whom formerly ran drama producer Box TV.

Based in South Wales and with offices in London, Artists Studio also incorporates sister company Far Moor Media, which provides executive production services including pre-sales, deal structuring, rights management and casting, for an extensive portfolio of international drama producers. Far Moor’s most recent project is Jonathan Strange & Mr Norrell (BBC1, BBC America, Space), currently filming for delivery in late 2014.

Artists Studio becomes part of Endemol UK, which has drama credits including Peaky Blinders (Tiger Aspect and Caryn Mandabach for BBC Two), Ripper Street (Tiger Aspect for BBC One and Amazon Studios), Black Mirror (Zeppotron for Channel 4), Prisoners’ Wives (Tiger Aspect for BBC One) and The Mill (DSP for Channel 4).

Lucas Church, CEO of Endemol UK comments: “Artists Studio is led by outstanding talent and has a slate that includes one of the BBC’s biggest ever dramas and a world-class line up of new series for the international market. This acquisition underpins Endemol UK’s position as a company with some of the most successful drama in the business.”

Cathy Payne CEO of Endemol Worldwide Distribution adds: “Artists Studio is one of the most exciting producers of quality drama in the marketplace today. Their productions combine exceptional writing and performances with gripping storytelling that can captivate audiences all over the world. Having them in the Endemol family will be a further boost to the Group’s global scripted output and to our worldwide distribution business. “

Gub Neal, Creative Director of Artists Studio comments: “Artists Studio’s international activity has grown rapidly over the last 12 months, creating huge opportunities, which is why it now makes total sense to join forces with a truly global player. Endemol have the status, scale and reach to help us grow the business outside the UK, but equally the creative hubris and sensitivity to allow us to continue our work with UK talent in the bespoke manner that defines our brand.”

Joint Managing Director of Far Moor Media, Justin Thomson-Glover adds: “We are delighted that Endemol understand the unique potential of Far Moor’s services. As consultant executive producers we will continue to offer production companies and talent, significant added value in the sphere of bespoke co-production deals and pre-sales for event television in the international market.”

Endemol’s scripted programming business has grown internationally by 75% in the last five years and today represents a quarter of the company’s worldwide business.

Other Endemol drama productions around the world include Hell on Wheels, which is now in its fourth season on AMC in the USA; as well as major forthcoming series such as Gallipoli (Endemol Australia for Nine Network and TV3 New Zealand) and Fortitude (Tiger Aspect/Fifty Fathoms for Sky Atlantic), starring Michael Gambon, Stanley Tucci, Christopher Eccleston and Sofie Grabol.

Endemol also globally distributes a growing portfolio of more than 10,000 hours of scripted programming. This includes major series such as The Crimson Field (BBC Drama for BBC One), Death Comes to Pemberley (Origin Pictures for BBC One, produced in association with Far Moor), The Thirteenth Tale (HeyDay Films for BBC One), Hot in Cleveland (TV Land USA), and Jonathan Strange and Mr Norrell (Cuba Pictures /Feel Films / Far Moor for BBC One).

April 1, 2014
Brandscope India launches new communication for Embassy Group

MUMBAI: Brandscope India – the outdoor arm of the Posterscope Group again hits another nail of innovation in the outdoor space in Bangalore for the launch of Embassy Group’s luxury property – Embassy Pristine, Bangalore one of the leading property developers of India. The objective of the campaign is to introduce the new property in an impactful and unique manner stating its USPs for a sustainable lifestyle.

Given the stated objective the Embassy’s creative agency Oysters Advertising devised this innovation to create a visual impact through a 3D effect of the elements highlighting the features of the property on the billboard. Brandscope then implemented this effectively. Four such innovations underlining 24 x 7 water supply by putting live buckets, solar energy by putting solar panels, rain water harvesting by sintex tanks, pollution free transportation by cycling to work elevated the connect with the target group.

Speaking about the campaign, Reeza Sebastian, Head – Residential Marketing, Embassy Group, said, “OOH has been a large part of our media mix and we have found the traditional Outdoor medium to be far more effective in communicating our message around residential projects. We wanted to particularly highlight the sustainability initiatives at our lake front project, Embassy Pristine in Bangalore and keeping this in mind, our agency Oysters Advertising has conceived a very innovative and clutter breaking campaign that has resonated well with new customers”.

Explaining the concept behind the campaign, Arun Kumar, Creative Director, Oysters Advertising, said,” “The idea was to start a conversation and develop a social campaign that engaged our core audience While we have always endeavoured at Oysters to deliver out of the box solutions for Embassy, we sought to challenge the OOH box with the Embassy Pristine campaign. The objective of communicating the green initiatives and its real everyday benefits came to be distilled in the line “Green living gets real at Embassy Pristine” . The innovative concept developed by our team along with the strong support from Embassy Group and the flawless execution by Brandscope went a long way in making the campaign a huge success.”

Addressing the innovation, Haresh Nayak, Managing Director, Posterscope Group commented, “While we are increasingly being surrounded by new age digital opportunities, this campaign suggests that innovative campaigns can be intelligently delivered on traditional outdoor properties when combined with the right operational expertise.”

Fabian Cowan, Vice President, Brandscope India added, “The essence of a good concept lies in its effective implementation. The client’s belief in our abilities to carry out this well thought out innovation was the key to this successful campaign and we consider it a privilege to be associated with Embassy Group.”

The Embassy Pristine Outdoor Innovation Campaign was recently awarded ‘Silver’ at the 4th exchange4media OOH Advertising Awards 2014, in the category ‘Best Creative in others’.

April 1, 2014