ITV

Category: Press Release

  • The Closest, Deadliest Encounters

    The Closest, Deadliest Encounters

    MUMBAI: Explorer Steve Backshall returns on his mission to find the world’s deadliest animals. In the new series DEADLY 60 ON A MISSION, Steve and his trusty crew go in search of the biggest, fastest, most venomous animals in his deadliest series ever. From lethal beauties to killer beasts, his journey takes him to some of the most hostile and remote places on Earth in order to determine the deadliest top 60.

    Starting April 1st, every night at 9 pm on Animal Planet, DEADLY 60 ON A MISSION is a highly concentrated dose of incredible adventure, high adrenaline and utterly hair raising encounters that are unbeatably deadly.

    Filmed on location around the world from Sri Lanka to Nepal,Peru to Australia, the team hits the ground running – and they’re bringing the viewers along for the ride.Swimming unprotected with wild alligators, paragliding alongside an Egyptian vulture, being lowered by helicopter into a crocodile nest in Australia, a close encounter with the most venomous snake on earth; this is a record breaking series with the planet’s top predators.

    Each episodeof DEADLY 60 ON A MISSIONsees animals deadly enough to warrant a treasured place on Steve’s list.However, the search is never straight forward as the crew does whatever it takes to get the ultimate close encounter, facing some of the harshest territories known to man…or beast. From diving in the fresh water swamps of Florida on the hunt for Alligators to exploringthe remote island of Komodo on a quest for the Komodo Dragon – the world’s largest lizard, capableof killing a buffalo – the series makes viewers feel asthough they’re at the heart of the action, and part of thegang.

    Each animal is assigned three killer facts andrated on the Deadly 60 scale as viewers are immersedin the quest for the world’s most lethal predators. Inaddition, the specials allow viewers to see behindthe scenes and find out just what it takes to be part ofthe Deadly 60 team as they’re on the hunt in the world’swildest places.

    Some of the highlights of the series are:

    In South Africa, the crew looks for one of the most iconic deadly animals – the ferocious great white shark.On this mission Steve also goes in search of the fastest animal on land, uses some of the latest camera technology on a trio of Africa’s deadliest snakes before being charmed by the astonishing snake stomping secretary bird.

    Steve Backshall and his crew travel to Australia and New Zealand in search of more lethal predators. Steve has his most dramatic encounter ever as he dangles beneath a helicopter and is dropped onto the nest of a wild saltwater crocodile. Steve heads out in search of the largest toothed predator on the planet – the mighty sperm whale.

    On a mission to track down some of the largest deadly animals Asia has to offer, Steve and his crew are chased by a group of ravenous, three metre long Komodo dragons, the world’s largest venomous lizard! Steve then heads to Nepal in search of more deadly giants. He enlists the help of an elephant to track down a very grumpy rhinoceros and stalks the forests in search of the largest cat on earth, the highly elusive and endangered Bengal tiger. He also has a chance encounter with a nest of giant honeybees before taking to skies to paraglide with an Egyptian vulture above the foothills of the Himalayas.

    Join Steve Backshall as he continues his search for the planet’s deadliest predators with a visit to Florida in the USA. He dives into the crystal clear waters of the Silver Springs river to swim with a wild alligator before wading into a swamp to try and catch a slippery amphibian, the weird and wonderful amphiuma. Steve then heads to the drier pine woodlands on the trail of America’s largest serpent, the eastern diamondback rattlesnake.

     

  • Keshet UK hires Sammy Nourmand as COO

    Keshet UK hires Sammy Nourmand as COO

    MUMBAI: Keshet UK, part of Keshet International, has appointed Sammy Nourmand to the newly created role of Chief Operating Officer, as it steps up the pace of its UK production business and underlines its commitment to the UK market. Nourmand’s appointment is effective immediately giving him oversight of ITV’s version of Keshet’s interactive talent show RISING STAR and several more projects in the development pipeline with UK broadcasters.

    Based in London, Nourmand will report to Alon Shtruzman, CEO of Keshet International which also has local production offices in Canada, Australia, Keshet/DCP in the US in addition to the company’s distribution arm.

    Sammy brings over 20 years’ experience in the UK’s independent TV sector, having worked on a large number of shows including big budget productions for broadcasters in both the UK and US. He was most recently CEO of DCD Media before leaving in late 2012 to take up various consultancy roles with UK and US-based production companies, includingKeshet.

    Keshet International, CEO, Alon Shtruzman said “As our UK office goes from strength to strength I’m delighted to have Sammy on board to navigate our journey during this significant growth period. The experience he has built over many years in the industry will be a great asset to us.”

    Sammy Nourmand added “The lure of Keshet’s impressive track record in creating successful shows and Alon’s irrepressible enthusiasm were hard to resist. I’m pleased to be joining Keshet at this exciting time.”

    Nourmand began his career at Michael Hurll Television, working on the British Comedy Awards. He joined September Films in 1998 and went on to become CEO in 2005. Under his stewardship, the company enjoyed its longest period of sustained growth and stability, more than trebling its turnover and establishing a US office. It was acquired by DCD Media in August 2007.

    Nourmand served as DCD’s Interim COO in 2009 and became an Executive Director in 2011 before his appointment as CEO in February in 2012. During this timehe played a key role setting up joint ventures with UK production companies Matchlight, Rize Television USA and bringing Sequence Post Production into the Group.

     

  • Joy Das joins FCBUlka Interactive as Media Director

    Joy Das joins FCBUlka Interactive as Media Director

    MUMBAI: FCBUlka Interactive recently appointed Joy Das as Media Director – Digital. With the rapid growth that the FCBUlka Interactive arm has been clocking, it was only imperative to make a hire at this level to handle some of its key accounts.

     

    Joy has tremendous experience in the digital space with over 10 years of focused digital media specialization. Being a well-entrenched digital expert, Joy boasts of an enviable twitter following of over 17,000 tweeters and a unique and inspiring blogger network. He also brings with him deep knowledge of Digital Media Mix Modelling Tools which ensure high efficiency and measurable response.

     

    Prior to his stint at FCBUlka Interactive, Joy has worked on a gamut of brands like eBay, ITC, Tata Docomo, MTV,among many others.

     

    FCBUlka Interactive has a long and impressive client list and works with Amul, TCS, Tata Chemicals, Abbott Healthcare, Wipro, ITC, Bausch & Lomb, Nerolac, ICICI Bank, World Vision, FabIndia,  Tata Housing to name a few. Joy will provide leadership to the digital media duties of several of these accounts and will lead a team of over 10 digital media planning and buying professionals.

     

    Joy, commenting on his appointment said “FCBUlka Interactive has some great accounts and has been doing robust work. In fact, a lot of their campaigns have been awarded at the Indian Digital Media Awards, DMAi 2013 etc. I am delighted to join the digital arm of one of the most respected advertising agency groups in the country. I look forward to contributing to this spree of account and award wins.”

     

    Last year, FCBUlka Interactive had made a senior level hire with the recruitment of SudarshanSudevan aka Sudi as Creative Head -Digital. Sudi had an interesting career start as a cartoonist before venturing into the digital space and going on to become a digital specialist.

     

    Commenting on Joy Das’ appointment,Satish Ramachandran, Senior Vice President, FCBUlka Interactive, said, “We are growing at a scorching pace and digital is well poised to become a key medium for many of our Group’s clients. Our Interactive team’s strength is now over 50 members. We have been consistently investing in talent and technology to ensure we are ahead of the curve. Joy’s experience will be of immense value for us to maintain our growth rate”

  • Reliance MediaWorks completes another collaboration with YRF with ‘Gunday’

    Reliance MediaWorks completes another collaboration with YRF with ‘Gunday’

    MUMBAI: Reliance MediaWorks today announced its successful collaboration with Yash Raj Films for their recently released blockbuster Gunday. The media and techno-creative solutions provider was behind the recreation of the fiery 70’s of Kolkata – in all its glory and has crafted more than 500 VFX shots for the film.

     

    The train chase sequence is one of the most complex and difficult sequences in the film. This sequence alone has 160 VFX shots. The RMW team took extreme close-ups, close-ups of wheels braking, squealing etc. to make the effects look real. This sequence is a crucial one, setting the tone for the film with its thugs, stark landscape and acts of heroism.

     

    Another difficult sequence is the blast in the mines, where the entire hill had to be created through VFX. The Reliance MediaWorks team worked in tandem with the film’s unit and the VFX work progressed simultaneously with the shoot, so the turnaround time was less, efficiency was higher and the consistency in the integration of the VFX was greater.

     

    Ali Abbas Zafar, Director, Gunday said, “Gunday involved the creation of a rustic old world charm set in the bustling city of Kolkata. It thus involved immense creative visualization. It was a good experience working with the VFX team at Reliance MediaWorks.“

     

    Aashish Singh, VP –Production, YRF said, “This project involved complex VFX and creative craftsmanship with a short delivery period. We chose Reliance MediaWorks because it could handle those complexities and still deliver exceptional control and quality.”

     

    Mr. Venkatesh Roddam, CEO Reliance MediaWorks said “At Reliance MediaWorks, we strive constantly to raise the bar and endeavor to provide a realistic experience to the audience.”

     

    Naveen Paul, Creative Head, Reliance MediaWorks said, “The scope of work for Gunday involved the creation of a whole era and provided an opportunity for us to showcase our diverse skills. Working closely with Ali Abbas Zafar ensured delivery of exactly what the Yash Raj Films team was looking for.”

  • Abundantia Entertainment unveils its strategic blueprint

    Abundantia Entertainment unveils its strategic blueprint

    MUMBAI: Abundantia Entertainment Private Limited, India’s first independent motion pictures studio, today unveiled its business blueprint and confirmed its film slate for 2014 and 2015. The company also announced the arrival of new strategic investors to support its growth and expansion plans. Built with the vision of producing and supporting progressive, high-quality entertainment content, Abundantia has made strong strides, especially in its motion pictures business, in a short span of time.

     

    Founded in August 2013, Abundantia was incepted by Vikram Malhotra who, in his earlier avatar as COO of Viacom18 Motion Pictures, built a formidable reputation on delivering successes with new-age, clutter-breaking cinema. Vikram has to his credit some of the biggest and most memorable films of the last 3-4 years and also deep relationships with talent in the film and TV business in India.

     

    Driving the model of creating ‘talent-studio partnerships’, Abundantia has firmed up an impressive line-up for the first two years of operations of its motion pictures business. Combined with a strategic stake acquisition of Crouching Tiger Motion Pictures, promoted by Rajnish Khanuja, the studio announced multiple film deals with production houses led by some of the hottest names in the movies business in India. Top-lining the slate are projects with Neeraj Pandey (A Wednesday, Special 26), Shoojit Sircar (Vicky Donor, Madras Café) and Nikhil Advani(D-Day, Kal Ho Na Ho) as well as up-coming talent like Soumik Sen (Gulaab Gang) and a clutch of first-time directors. The slate of 11 films across the first two years carries a combined value of approx Rs. 250 crores and will see these leading directors not only make their own films but also creatively produce work in their respective production houses. At various stages of production, the slate will witness releases starting as early as mid-2014.

     

    In line with its vision and growth drive, Abundantia also announced the arrival of new strategic investors in the form of RW Media (RWM) – a company with significant interest in the Indian media and luxury space. RWM along with a Singapore-based investment fund have acquired a strategic significant minority stake in Abundantia, which will continue to be held in majority, and independently managed, by Vikram Malhotra.

     

    Sharing more about the company’s plans and announcing the new investors, Vikram Malhotra, Managing Director and CEO of Abundantia Entertainment said, “Abundantia is created with a focus to produce and support innovative and impactful content. Our aim is to build a robust business on the back of strategic partnerships on the creative and distribution fronts with like-minded individuals and organizations. In under a year from inception, we have managed to forge strong relationships resulting in an enviable line-up on the motion pictures front. Now, and with an eye on the future, we are delighted to get on-board RW Media and its partners. I look forward to joining hands with our new investors and building a world-class entertainment company”.

     

    Speaking on the investment and RWM’s perspective on the business, Reena Wadhwa, (Chairperson – RW Media), said: “RW Media is a firm believer in the growth story of India’s entertainment, lifestyle and luxury verticals. In Abundantia Entertainment, we see a company that has a global vision, progressive mindset and an unflinching focus on quality. Combined with Vikram’s track-record of success, understanding of the audience and drive for Abudantia to be the best, we have no doubt that this is the company of the future. We are proud to partner Abundantia as it makes its way to the next level”.

     

    Ashok Wadhwa of the Ambit Group, who was instrumental in forging this relationship, added, ”Globally, the media & entertainment business is witnessing a transformation. In India this industry is set to double over the next five years. I see a clear inflection point and organizations that can raise their game are poised to unlock and deliver significant value. In Abundantia and Vikram there exists a premier organization and credible leadership that has the capability to rise to the top. I am delighted that RW Media and a reputed investment fund from Singapore have recognized this potential and have decided to join hands in what promises to be an exciting journey for the company”.

     

  • Star Movies Action – Biggest Blockbusters of 2013

    Star Movies Action – Biggest Blockbusters of 2013

    MUMBAI: The current movie premiere calendar for Star Movies Action is marked with the biggest action blockbusters vying for your patronage. With the winter receding,  the entertainment lineup for action is just getting warmed up on Star Movies Action, the first English action movie channel in India. Star Movies Action treats its audiences to some of the biggest action blockbusters with a TV premiere scheduled every month. For 2014, the channel has planned the a thrilling lineup ensuring that its viewers can watch the best content from the latest releases to classic action hits.

     

    The premieres celebrate the timelessness of action movies and the channel has announced a grand showcase of  two of the biggest action sequels.  The television premiere of Tom Yum Goong 2 will take place on March 23rd at 1 PM & 8PM. The second big premiere lined up for April this year is 12 Rounds 2: Reloaded to be aired on April 20th at 1pm & 8pm.

     

    Tom Yum Goong 2 is a martial art thriller that picks up where the first part left where a young fighter named Kham had to travel to Australia to retrieve his stolen elephant. With the help of a Thai-born Australian detective, Kham took on all comers, including a gang led by an evil villainess. In the much anticipated sequel, Kham’s elephant is abducted once again and he has a single minded purpose of fighting against all odds to find him. The movie is headlined by Tony Jaa whose his unique fight sequences and strong bond with his elephant moves the audiences. Not to be missed, Tony Jaa and his original team re-create martial arts magic on your television screens this month.

    12 Rounds 2: Reloaded is the sequel to the highly successful 12 Rounds. A commanding performance by WWE Wrestler Randy Orton who portrays Nick Malloy, an EMT who finds himself caught in a fatal 12-round game of hide and seek with a vigilante tied to his past. With little time to spare and his wife’s life hanging in the balance, he has to successfully complete 12 challenges in order to secure her safe release. The movie boasts of some amazingly choreographed action sequences spurred on by Randy’s huge physical presence and charisma.

    High octane action sequences spawn these epic movie premieres with large doses of action and stunning creativity as Star Movies Action brings to you a host of unforgettable action movie moments. 

  • Tata Technologies Motorsports sponsors a team in T1 Prima Truck Racing Championship

    Tata Technologies Motorsports sponsors a team in T1 Prima Truck Racing Championship

    NEW DELHI: Tata Technologies, a leading global provider of engineering services and manufacturing enterprise IT, today announced its participation in the country’s first ever T1 Prima Truck Racing Championship as a team sponsor. Tata Motors will host this pioneering racing event on 23rd. March, 2014 at the acclaimed Buddh International Circuit in Greater Noida under the aegis of Federation Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA) and Federation of Motor Sports Clubs of India (FMSCI).

    The Tata Technologies Motorsports team of two Prima trucks will be steered by David Jenkins (2011, BTRA Division 1 champion) and Brain Burt (2013, BTRA Division 2 second place).The championship will feature 12 Tata Prima trucks in a pack of six teams and will see participation from experienced international drivers drawn from the British Truck Racing Association (BTRA), UK and European Truck Racing Championship grids.

    Commenting on this historic development, Patrick McGoldrick, MD&CEO, Tata Technologies said; “Tata Motors trucks have seen extensive involvement from Tata Technologies over the years and it will be a matter of pride for all of us to see the Prima trucks perform on track.” He also added; “We are honored to support this exciting new development in the Indian motorsport arena. We welcome this opportunity to demonstrate Tata Technologies’ advanced automotive engineering & design capabilities and reinforce our long-standing commitment to superior product development for the commercial vehicles industry.”

    “Tata Motors values Tata Technologies’ commitment and the unique strengths that it’s engineers bring to our global product development programs,” said Ravi Pisharody, Executive Director, Commercial Vehicles, Tata Motors Limited. “Tata Technologies has consistently served Tata Motors as the preferred partner for automotive engineering and IT and contributed significantly to all commercial vehicle platforms including the Prima range.”

    Tata Technologies with its deep domain experience in vehicle program management, end-to-end platform conceptualisation, design and engineering and manufacturing IT capabilities is an established global player in automotive product development and as such has contributed significantly towards the development of commercial vehicles including MHCVs and farm & construction equipment. 

  • Hakuhodo Percept gets Bhaskar Ghosh on board as National Client Services Director

    Hakuhodo Percept gets Bhaskar Ghosh on board as National Client Services Director

    MUMBAI: Bhaskar Ghosh joins the senior leadership team at the Delhi headquartered Hakuhodo Percept, as National Client Services Director.  The former Branch Head of Rediffusion- Delhi, brings with him a wealth of experience gained over 20 years, creating new conversations for brands such as Domino’s Pizza, Coca Cola, Spice Jet, Nokia, Dabur and Sony, to name a few.

     

    He takes on a national role, with key focus areas being to strengthen Hakuhodo Percept’s client relationships, put in place best practises in account management, and create opportunities for new businesses and growth across branches in India.

     

    Speaking about this development, Elvis Sequeira – Executive Director, Hakuhodo Percept said: “ It’s been a long, long courtship, and am happy that we’ve got Bhaskar on the team. We’ve been slowly re-engineering ourselves over the last couple of years, getting fabulous talent on board to head Planning and Creative, so really this was the final missing piece in our plan. Bhaskar is a wonderful mentor for young talent and an inspirational leader who loves to roll up his sleeves and get things done. I believe that clients, brands and people have a lot to gain from Bhaskar’s talent, involvement and style of functioning.”

     

    Bhaskar Ghosh’s previous stints have been with Contract, Grey, Bates, Leo Burnett and TBWA. He is a Commerce Honours Graduate from Delhi University and has an MBA from the University of Bedfordshire, UK.

  • SES reaches 291 million TV homes worldwide, 151 million in Europe

    SES reaches 291 million TV homes worldwide, 151 million in Europe

    MUMBAI: SES has increased its reach in 2013 worldwide to 291 million and in Europe to 151 million TV homes. This represents an increase of 5 per cent both worldwide and in Europe, compared to the previous year, strongly driven by the development in Africa, Middle East and, especially, India (+ 18 percent) and in Asia-Pacific (+ 7 percent). The household reach in Latin America grew by 5 percent, in North America by 3 percent. These are the results of SES’ annual market research, including the detailed Satellite Monitor studies in Europe.

    The direct reach from the SES fleet to satellite homes grew from 99 million in 2012 to 106 million satellite TV homes in 2013. The indirect reach through the feed of cable networks from SES satellites grew slightly, from 152 to 153 million homes; the number of IPTV homes fed from SES satellites increased by 27 percent to 31 million. The strongest relative growth of the direct reach came from the Asia-Pacific region (+ 21 percent) and Africa, Middle East and India (+ 18 percent). These figures confirm satellite’s continuous increase in reach and its leading role as a broadcasting infrastructure in general and as digital and High Definition (HD) broadcasting infrastructure in particular.

    The SES Satellite Monitor results also emphasize again the important role of SES in Europe.  SES satellites service almost all cable and IPTV homes in Europe (95 percent) and a large majority of the European satellite HD homes (81 percent). The largest single DTH market for SES in Europe remains Germany, with 18 million ASTRA homes receiving their TV signal directly from the SES fleet.  SES transmits more than 6,200 TV channels, 1,800 of them in HD.

    “The results of this year’s SES Satellite Monitor and market research confirm again the strong role that SES is playing as a high performing video and TV broadcasting infrastructure”, said Ferdinand Kayser, Chief Commercial Officer (CCO) of SES. “Our strong growth is a direct result of our significant investments in new satellites especially in the highly important and dynamic emerging markets. We could also further take advantage of our strong infrastructure and service offerings in mature markets and realise further gains, on a high level, in Europe and North America.  As a leader in video broadcasting, DTH, digital transmission and HD, SES plays a critical role in the provision of communications infrastructure globally and is well positioned to further drive digitalisation and the deployment of high performing video neighbourhoods in mature as well as demanding emerging markets.”