ITV

Category: Press Release

  • Sunny Saha to step down from Turner International Asia Pacific

    Sunny Saha to step down from Turner International Asia Pacific

    MUMBAI: Sunny Saha today announced that he will step down as Senior Vice President and Managing Director of Entertainment Networks, Turner Broadcasting System Asia Pacific, Inc. with effect from the end of February.

     
    Gerhard Zeiler, President of Turner Broadcasting System International, said: “Turner owes Sunny a great debt of gratitude. With passion and great professionalism, Sunny has safely guided Turner’s Southeast Asia Pacific business and its kids networks in Asia Pacific through a period of rapid change as a thoughtful business leader and strategic mind.”
     

    Sunny Saha said: “Turner is set for new growth. At the same time, I am looking for new challenges. Leaving on a high note ensures that the transition will be handled smoothly for all our employees and business partners. I am grateful for the time I have had at Turner, and for the support I’ve always received from so many great colleagues.”
     

    Since joining Turner in September 2000, Sunny Saha has led, in turn, advertising sales and research for India & South Asia; the Asia Pacific regional ad sales, promotional licensing, marketing, interactive and research teams; all kids and entertainment networks across Asia Pacific; and most recently the company’s business for Southeast Asia Pacific. He has also continued to have strategic oversight of Turner’s kids businesses across the Asia Pacific region. He has launched several TV channels, built five kids brands in the Asia Pacific region, and expanded Turner’s portfolio by developing general entertainment brands in India, Japan, Korea and Southeast Asia. In an increasingly competitive environment, he has managed culturally diverse teams, orchestrated strategic partnerships and accelerated new sources of licensing and digital revenues. Sunny Saha currently acts as Senior Vice President and Managing Director of Turner’s Southeast Asia Pacific business, and General Manager of its kids networks throughout Asia Pacific.

    Turner Broadcasting System Asia Pacific Inc. is a Time Warner company which creates and programmes branded news, entertainment, animation and young adult media environments on television and other platforms for consumers around Asia Pacific.

  • Razorfish Germany bolsters creative muscle with ECD from TBWA

    Razorfish Germany bolsters creative muscle with ECD from TBWA

    MUMBAI: Razorfish Germany has appointed Preethi Mariappan as executive creative director. Her appointment further strengthens the creative department of 50 people across two offices located in Frankfurt and Berlin. One of Preethi’s most 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’s appointment is effective immediately. She brings to the role an industry wide reputation and award-winning expertise across multiple sectors. Preethi will partner with all Razorfish clients helping navigate the unknown, drive change and enabling business transformation.

     

    Sascha Martini, CEO Razorfish Germany commented: “To be able to attract such amazing talent demonstrates the stellar industry reputation held by Razorfish. We are thrilled to have Preethi onboard, confident that she brings a complimentary set of skills and experience to the team.”

     

    Preethi Mariappan said: “With a focus on driving creative solutions that go beyond campaigns and deliver real business value, Razorfish has created one of the most exciting spaces to work in digital today. I look forward to joining the team and taking this vision further.”

     

    Daniel Bonner, Global Chief Creative Officer, added: “Our company is in the talent business as much as we are in the advertising and marketing business and Preethi’s appointment in Germany is one more significant step forward towards our goal – a world class talent pool across the entire Razorfish network. This announcement follows a number of key hires we made of award winning Executive Creative Directors in the US, UK and Asia/Pac in the last 12 months.”

     

    Preethi’s last role was with Digital ECD TBWA, heading up the Digital Arts Network by bringing together storytelling, people and products. Her tenure at TBWA commenced in 2010 when she joined as Head of Digital, working on clients including GE, Nissan, Standard Chartered Bank and GSK.

     

    She is founder of Adwomen Middle East, an advertising community for women.

  • Anitha Krishnan to join JWT as Executive Business Director

    Anitha Krishnan to join JWT as Executive Business Director

    MUMBAI: Anitha  Krishnan will  be joining  JWT Mumbai  as an Executive Business Director effective January 13, 2014. Prior to joining JWT, Anitha was leading Contract’s Bengaluru office.

     

    In her new role, Anitha will be handling Godrej Corporate, Godrej Appliances, Godrej Security, J& J, Monsanto, LIC, UTI and other businesses.

     

    On her joining, Anitha  Krishnan says, “JWT is a much  larger playing field  and I am looking forward to the challenges and opportunities  that come with that kind of scale. What makes this move exciting is the diversity that JWT offers, be it the kind of brands, the people, platforms and the opportunity to present a truly integrated business solution.”

     

    Having spent close to a decade with Contract in Mumbai and Bengaluru, Anitha brings with her a wealth of experience of having handled brands across categories from FMCG to Retail and Financial services. With an overall work experience of 16 years,  Anitha understands the luxury and the youth segment with exposure to premium brands over the course of her career.

     

    While at Contract, Anitha was spearheading relationships with clients that include Louis Philippe, Platinum, HSBC Premier, Shoppers Stop, Royale from  Asian Paints and young brands such as Vladivar, White Mischief and Jockey.

  • SONY SIX bags the exclusive rights to the New Zealand – India cricket Series

    SONY SIX bags the exclusive rights to the New Zealand – India cricket Series

    MUMBAI: SONY SIX, India’s premier sports and entertainment channel has acquired the exclusive broadcast rights to the New Zealand vs India cricket series. The series will be held in New Zealand and is scheduled from the 19th January 2014 to the 18th February 2014. The 30 day tour starts with five ODIs followed by two Test Matches.

     

     

    Commenting on this acquisition, Mr. N.P Singh, CEO, MSM said, “We are delighted to partner New Zealand Cricket as the official broadcaster to this series. With this acquisition we are staying true to our objective of delivering high octane sporting events. Sony SIX viewers can now look forward to some of the best cricketing action from two of the most stellar cricket teams in the world.”

     

     

    Mr. Prasana Krishnan, Business Head, SONY SIX, said, “We are delighted to have this series come our way early into the New Year. Through this acquisition we will give our viewers direct action to one of the most awaited cricket series in 2014. Both New Zealand and India play exciting brand of cricket and we are thrilled to be the exclusive partner to this promising series.”
     

    Mr. David White, CEO, New Zealand Cricket, said, “We are delighted to partner with Sony SIX for the series. India is home to the most passionate and dedicated cricket fans, and with Sony SIX as partners for the series, we are assured to reach out to the fans in the best manner.”
     

     

    The India tour of New Zealand 2014 bilateral series is a part of the Future Cricket Tour Program (FTP) prepared by International Cricket Council (ICC). This is the first series for the Indian team in the 2014 calendar. The two teams last met in New Zealand five years back in 2009 where India were able to register a series win in New Zealand after 41 years.
     

    Sony SIX, India’s Premier Sports Entertainment Channel is owned and operated by MSM India. The company is well known to exclusively broadcast some of the world’s largest as well as renowned international sporting properties like The Pepsi IPL, UEFA EURO 2016, Qualifiers for UEFA EURO 2016 and the European Qualifiers for FIFA World Cup 2018, The Australian Open, TNA, The NBA and The Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC). Since its inception, the channel has successfully managed to target the youth of India through a mix of sports and entertainment.

  • International fashion brand vinegar launches in hyderabad

    International fashion brand vinegar launches in hyderabad

    MUMBAI: Vinegar, the Spanish Apparel and Accessories Brand known for its quirky take on fashion and style marks its entry in Hyderabad. A collection of imaginative and well designed apparel for women is available at this exclusive outlet which was launched by stunning Bollywood Diva Kangana Ranaut at Jubilee Hills on December 2013. The 2000 sq ft Vinegar store is a destination that offers a wide range of uber-chic western clothes and accessories.

     

    Ms Varsha Bhawnani, Owner and Managing Director- Vinegar, is the brain behind the brand. This true story continues to inspire many young entrepreneurs foraying into different industries with little experience and tons of passion to pursue what they dream of. Vinegar currently has 2 flagship stores in Mumbai and now in Hyderabad.  It will soon open stores in Delhi, Chandigarh and later into the tier 2 cities in the next few years by way of company owned franchising model. Vinegar is a concept based store and only partners with those who understand the brand ethics and have the passion to sell. Not just in terms of collection, it is unique in terms of design aesthetics and overall International appeal of the brand and therefore an expensive venture. Vinegar has opted for the model with strict criteria by associating with Dolly Lakhani.

     

    The stand alone stores offer both the pr?t and couture line. The collection mainly comprises of dresses, jumpsuits, shorts, maxi dresses and office wear like trousers and skirts. Vinegar is known for its unique silhouettes, embellishments, colours and cut which is highly modern yet wearable. Following the latest international trends, Vinegar’s design is fun and flirty that enhances the look of every body type.

     

    When Varsha was asked why she selected Hyderabad for Vinegar’s expansion, she said, “Hyderabad has emerged as the most promising city in recent times-from luxury brands to high street, all major brands have opened gates in the city only to establish the fact that the city has potential for being one of the greatest retail destination. People here are fashion conscious and have a flare for all things nice. We had to be present in this city and here we are to offer the best in hi street fashion.”

     

    Vinegar experience, store décor and feel remain universal. Clean and unique display of the collection in the enormous 2000 sq ft store, spread across two floors allows the buyer to easily browse through the collection. The store décor includes multiple black and white striped mannequins striking attractive poses suspended in a formation amidst a crowd of closely hung light bulbs. With absolute white pristine walls and décor, the store spells elegance and style.

     

    On Vinegar’s International priority list are markets like Singapore, Dubai and other Middle-Eastern countries such as Saudi Arabia and Kuwait. Also Vinegar has already set shops in Europe and is now retailed in countries like Israel, Spain, Portugal, Finland and Russia. By 2014 it aims to have an international presence in countries like United States and Australia.

  • NDTV Good Times gears up for ‘Band Baajaa Bride with Sabyasachi – Season 4’

    NDTV Good Times gears up for ‘Band Baajaa Bride with Sabyasachi – Season 4’

    MUMBAI: Marriages might be made in heaven, but dream weddings will come alive only on the new season of Band Baajaa Bride, with ace-designer Sabysasachi Mukherjee on NDTV Good Times. Fairytale romances deserve fairytale weddings,and the brand new season is packed with such fairy talelove stories; from childhood sweethearts, college romance, to even internet love stories.

    Marking the new year, the show will take you through personal journeys and head-to-toe makeovers of 13 lucky brides with the stunning Ambika Anand, gorgeous Juhi Pande, charming Bharat Arora and celebrated fashion designer Sabyasachi Mukherjee. Watch them transform the lucky brides into divas, right from conceptualizing their looks to understanding their style. This season, the focus of the show is on unique love stories and romances of gen-next couples.  

    Talking about the success of the show Arati Singh, Channel Head, NDTV Good Times said, “Band Baajaa Bride has always enjoyed tremendous response from our audiences, and in light of our recent brand refresh, this season focuses on the experience of falling in love. We were overwhelmed with the sheer volume of nominations we received, right from fiancées, family members to best friends. We are confident that this season will be loved and enjoyed by audiences all across the world.”

    Talking about the new season Sabyasachi Mukherjee says,“I have always had a wonderful experience working with NDTV Good Times on Band Baajaa Bride. I am very excited about the new season of BBB, which is all about celebrating love. Whether it’s teenage crush turning into a lifetime of bliss or a digital date translating into a true love story – I  loved the enthusiasm displayed by both the brides and grooms.”

    Watch the 13 lucky brides celebrate their love stories through fairytale weddings.

    Band Baajaa Bride with Sabyasachi Season 4 starts from January 10th,  Every Friday at 10 PM exclusively on NDTV Good Times

     

  • Carnival cinemas has big expansion plans in South

    Carnival cinemas has big expansion plans in South

    MUMBAI: After introducing Angamaly in Kerala to the multiplex culture, Carnival Cinemas opened its five- screen multiplex in Dindigul (nearly 50 km away from Madurai) on Thursday kick- starting its multiplex business in Tamil Nadu.

    Carnival Cinemas, a part of a Mumbai-based business group claims to lead south Indian cinema exhibition by 2014, with a holding of 87 screens. Considering the number of film releases in Malayalam, Telugu and Tamil Carnival Cinemas is focused to spread its roots in the smaller cities in south.
    Talking about the expansion plans Carnival Group chairman Shrikant Bhasi said, “We have signed 50 screens in 11 districts of Kerala. By end of 2014 Carnival Cinemas will become the largest holder of screens in Kerala.”

    Apart from this it has also signed 20 screens which would be operational in TN in the next six months and about 17 screens in Karnataka with further expansion plans in Andhra Pradesh bringing world class movie experience to most of the towns in the southern states.

    Further, about 50 screens are slated to be opened in Madhya Pradesh. Carnival Cinemas plans to become a holder of 300 screens across India by 2018 and be a big player in the multiplex business segment in the country. It has adopted both organic and inorganic mode of expansion to speed up the growth.
    Currently, its multiplex in Angamaly is the hottest entertainment destination for people from all walks of life, across a wide age group and user profile. It features regional, national and international movies.

    “Carnival Cinemas tapped the secondary market and the tier 2 and tier 3 cities in south at the time when no one dared to explore these markets or to provide metropolitan cinema experience to the audiences there,” said Bhasi adding that they had also pioneered in playing National Anthem Jana Gana Mana in its theatres in Kerala and the idea was later adopted by several others.

    With a planned tie- up with a firm from Hollywood in Los Angeles, Carnival Cinemas would bring updated technology available in the world.

     “Our aim is to provide quality movie watching experience to the movie goers of smaller cities and town in the country. Carnival group with its own chain of food court and recreation facilities is aiming at wholesome family entertainment zones in most of the places where it sets up multiplexes,” added Bhasi who is confident about ruling the secondary market in the southern states.

     

  • Ashutosh moves on from IBN-7, Vinay Tewari takes charge as Managing Editor

    Ashutosh moves on from IBN-7, Vinay Tewari takes charge as Managing Editor

    NEW DELHI: Ashutosh has decided to move on from his role as Managing Editor of IBN7, the Network18 Group’s National Hindi News Service. He is passing on the mantle to Vinay Tewari, Managing Editor, CNN-IBN who will now also lead IBN7 editorial operations in the same capacity. In this expanded role, Tewari will also drive network synergies at CNN-IBN and IBN7.

     

    Speaking on this development, B.Sai Kumar, Group CEO, Network18 said “Ashutosh has played a key role in IBN7’s emergence as one of the most credible brands in Hindi news. We thank him for his immense contribution and commitment to the Network. Vinay has led CNN-IBN admirably and in this expanded mandate, we’re confident that he will not only take IBN7 to new heights editorially but also strengthen our general news network further”

     

    Commenting on this, Rajdeep Sardesai, Editor-In-Chief, IBN News Network added “Ashu has been a driving force behind IBN7 and his passion and leadership has been instrumental in making it into a fearless and independent voice in Hindi journalism. We thank him for his stellar effort and wish him the very best. Vinay has been an integral part of the general news network from the very beginning and I’m confident that he will bring his unique perspective and rich news experience to bear at IBN7 and the network ”

     

    Ashutosh added “Building IBN7 into what it is today has been one of the most satisfying experiences of my professional journey. I would like to thank all my colleagues for their support and look forward to newer challenges”

     

    Vinay Tewari commented “IBN7 today stands for the best in hard-hitting and inclusive journalism and it’s a privilege for me to lead it further. I look forward to working closely with the talented and passionate team to ensure we honor the trust of our viewers in IBN7 and ensure that both CNN-IBN and IBN7 benefit and capitalize from the general news network in equal measure”

     

    Tewari has over two decades of experience in journalism across reportage, desk, news production and special events coverage. Prior to Network18, he has had stints with the TV Today Network, Times of India and The Pioneer. 

  • ZEE confirmed as Title Sponsor for 2014 Jaipur Literature Festival

    ZEE confirmed as Title Sponsor for 2014 Jaipur Literature Festival

    MUMBAI: The Jaipur Literature Festival has announced ZEE Entertainment as the new title sponsor for the 2014 Festival, taking place next week between 17 – 21 January 2014. The Festival will now be known as the ‘ZEE Jaipur Literature Festival’.

     

    Launched in 1992, ZEE is one of the largest media organisations in the world, entertaining over 700 million viewers across the globe weekly. Their sponsorship of the Festival furthers their commitment to quality entertainment in Indian languages, at home and abroad.

     

    The Festival, which is now in its seventh edition, will welcome a wealth of world-class literary talent next week, including Jonathan Franzen, Jumpha Lahiri, Amartya Sen, Harold Varmus, Tash Aw, Samantha Shannon and Reza Aslan.

     

    Inspired with this thought, “Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam” – (The World is my Family), ZEE has partnered with the Jaipur Literature Festival to extend its commitment to the Arts and culture, by bringing Festival audience and visitors the best literary minds from across India and the world.

     

    Mr. Subhash Chandra, Chairman, Zee Entertainment Enterprises Limited, said, “Literature, as they rightly say, preserves our cultural ideals, customs and morals. ZEE has been the cultural ambassador of our nation to the rest of the world for over two decades. Our traditions and rich culture, weaved into our content, reaches over 700+ million viewers across the globe. Our brand positioning – Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam, resonates this effort of ours, to unify the diverse cultures and traditions across the world into one Family. Celebrating this legacy further, we are extremely proud to associate with Jaipur Literature Festival.”

     

    Mr. Punit Goenka, MD & CEO, Zee Entertainment Enterprises Limited, commented “ZEE has redefined itself from being a broadcaster to a content company. We at ZEE, believe that one has to constantly innovate and offer creative content solutions to audiences to enhance their engagement. The ZEE Jaipur Literature Festival association further strengthens our endeavour in creating compelling and engaging story telling for our viewers.”

     

    Sanjoy K. Roy, Producer of the ZEE Jaipur Literature Festival, said: “We are thrilled to welcome ZEE Entertainment as title sponsor to the Jaipur Literature Festival, the world’s largest free literary festival. Their support will allow us to keep the Festival open to all, whilst bringing a wealth of world class talent to Jaipur each year. We look forward to a strong partnership as the ZEE Jaipur Literature Festival.”

  • Anil Kapoor and Priyanka Chopra along with the IIFA management to kick start IIFA Tampa 2014

    Anil Kapoor and Priyanka Chopra along with the IIFA management to kick start IIFA Tampa 2014

    MUMBAI: Superstars of Indian Cinema – Anil Kapoor and Priyanka Chopra will join the International Indian Film Awards (IIFA) on a 3 city tour of America as they announce celebrations ahead of the 15th year of the film industry’s most awaited awards ceremony and weekend extravaganza. Fans of Indian Cinema, particularly those residing in Los Angeles, Tampa Bay and New York will have the opportunity to catch two of the most prolific stars of Indian Cinema on American soil.

     
    Priyanka Chopra said “Year after year, IIFA brings the best of Indian cinema to a new geography in different parts of the world, providing a taste of the best that we have to offer. We are very excited to bring IIFA to Tampa Bay.  With the support of representatives of Visit Tampa, we have been able to conceptualize and actualize an incredible event.  There will be music, dance and a whole lot of spice!  We’re looking forward to giving our fans and new audiences the experience of a lifetime.

     

    Earlier this year, the International Indian Film Academy (IIFA) announced that fans of Indian Cinema could expect the 15th Annual IIFA celebrations to make its American premiere in Tampa Bay, Florida. The institution has now announced the much awaited official dates for the mega-weekend that is all set to take place from the 24th – 26th of April.

     
    Speaking about the tour, Anil Kapoor said “With the promise of bringing the best and biggest events to the fans of Indian Cinematic Diaspora in a manner that’s unique and entertaining, the IIFA Weekend and Awards is an iconic platform with fans globally. As a friend of IIFA, I am delighted as IIFA makes its debut in the USA through Tampa Bay.  It has been my pleasure to be associated with IIFA for over a decade and once again on behalf of IIFA and the Indian film fraternity we commit to give our audience an opportunity to witness one of the finest celebrations of culture and cinema.”

    Having played a large hand to bring the IIFA ceremony to Tampa Bay; cardiologist, philanthropist, community leader and strong supporter of IIFA, Dr. Kiran Patel said, “I am glad to lend my support in whatever way possible to IIFA and the Indian film fraternity at large. The excitement is building up and we look forward to some extremely entertaining and memorable events. With the goodwill of our community we look forward to the grandest Indian cinema spectacle that the US has ever seen.”

    Santiago Corrada, President and Chief Executive Officer of Visit Tampa Bay said, “We are extremely excited to join Wizcraft/IIFA in announcing the official dates, venues and the launch of ticket sales. Our teams have worked together diligently over the past six months to ensure a successful production in Tampa Bay.  This tour is just the beginning of a very exciting journey. Our entire region is enthusiastically preparing to welcome tens of thousands of visitors to our destination, and we look forward to serving as great hosts to the biggest and best International Indian Film Academy awards in history.”

    Having travelled to some phenomenal destinations across the globe over the last 14 years, IIFA has graced the shores of the UK, Europe, Middle East, Southeast Asia, South Africa, Sri Lanka and Canada. Fans and enthusiasts of Indian Cinema from around the world can expect to see their favorite stars descend into Tampa Bay during the weekend and witness Indian Cinema’s most glorious event unfold in the city. With world-class infrastructure and facilities and having hosted a myriad of international concerts, events and the Super Bowl four times, Tampa Bay is the ideal choice for the 15th IIFA Weekend & Awards.

     

    Mr. Andre Timmins, Director, Wizcraft International said, “We are looking forward to organizing the IIFA Weekend & Awards in the USA and exploring the wonderful new opportunities in this new territory for IIFA. With a focus to showcase the best of Indian cinema to the world, we are preparing for another spectacular edition this year including many exciting and entertaining events leading up to and including the IIFA Weekend. Anil Kapoor & Priyanka Chopra have been associated with IIFA for many years and it is a great pleasure to have them tour America with us as we officially announce details for IIFA 2014 in Tampa Bay.”

     

    IIFA is a global platform that gives the Indian film fraternity an opportunity to reach audiences in international territories.  The alliances made via the platform of IIFA provide huge benefits and gain not only to India the host country as well. The aim is to establish a system of mutual benefit to both India as well as the host destinations by boosting tourism, economic development, trade, culture, cross-border investments and film co-productions.