ITV

Category: Media agencies

  • Cape May Studios partners with Amagi to unleash global screams with Panic TV and Pánico TV Español

    Cape May Studios partners with Amagi to unleash global screams with Panic TV and Pánico TV Español

    MUMBAI: In a move that marries scares with scalability, Cape May Studios has partnered with cloud-based TV technology firm Amagi to launch two adrenaline-pumping FAST channels: Panic TV and Pánico TV Español. The next-gen media company, known for tapping into fan-fuelled niche communities, has set its sights on global viewers hungry for high-stakes thrills.

    Panic TV delivers a mix of action, horror, sci-fi, crime, and mystery curated for millennials and gen z, while Pánico TV Español brings the same punch in Spanish. The channels promise content for those who crave recreational fear, from creature features to paranormal thrillers.

    Amagi will handle everything from channel creation and playout to global distribution. The tech firm’s cloud-based FAST solutions will help Cape May Studios break out across north America, latin America, Europe, and beyond, without the weight of traditional broadcast overhead.

    “The convergence of genre storytelling and digital streaming has never been more potent”, said Cape May Studios founder & CEO Sachin Gokhale. “With Amagi’s global infrastructure and proven expertise in FAST, we can now scale our content strategy across continents, languages, and platforms — meeting audiences where they are, with the stories they crave”.

    Amagi co-founder & CRO Srinivasan KA added, “Cape May Studios is entering the FAST space with a sharp brand identity and an eye on global opportunity. We’re excited to help them bring Panic TV and Pánico TV Español to life through our unique solutions in cloud playout, ad insertion, and seamless distribution to top-tier digital platforms around the world”.

    With an imminent rollout on major FAST platforms, Cape May Studios is betting on genre content to become a global mainstay, tapping into both English- and Spanish-speaking markets. As indie studios find new ways to bypass legacy models, the Cape May-Amagi partnership underscores the growing power of cloud-native tech in international broadcasting.

     

  • HT Media’s Slurrp teams up with US giants to spice up global food storytelling

    HT Media’s Slurrp teams up with US giants to spice up global food storytelling

    MUMBAI: When a butter chicken meets a barbecue brisket, you know something flavourful is simmering. That’s exactly the recipe HT Media’s Slurrp is stirring up with its latest content partnership. The Indian digital food platform has joined hands with the US-based Enveritas Group (EVG Media) and Food & Beverage Magazine to dish out culinary stories that travel from Chandni Chowk to Charleston.

    Announced on April 23, the collaboration aims to whip up content that caters to the palates of both Indian readers and North American audiences, including millions of NRIs hungry for a taste of home. The digital buffet will include Indian-origin chef interviews, diaspora-driven dishes, and viral food trends with a desi tadka.

    “Through this partnership, we aim to offer our audience engaging and authentic content that celebrates Indian food culture, innovation, and creativity, while also connecting with the broader diaspora and food enthusiasts across the globe,” said HT Labs co-founder & CEO Avinash Mudaliar.

    Slurrp will lean into the storytelling prowess of Food & Beverage Magazine, the go-to voice in US hospitality circles. The magazine’s founder Michael Politz added, “This initiative aims to engage our readers with genuine and insightful stories that highlight the tradition, innovation, and creativity within Indian culinary arts.”

    Meanwhile, EVG Media-experts in SEO strategy, licensing, and content localisation-will serve as the digital backbone. “Our shared vision of providing high-quality, culturally rich content will enable us to connect with food enthusiasts in more meaningful ways,” said EVG Media CEO Brian Kolb.

    From mouth-watering recipe reels to profiles of Indian-origin foodpreneurs, the series plans to break naan and share culture across continents. Themes will include:

    .  The diversity of Indian cuisine

     .  The rise of Indian dishes in the US

    .  Celebrity and chef features

    .  Viral food trends with an Indian spin

    .  Indian-origin food startup spotlights

    The alliance will cater to the growing global appetite for Indian cuisine and the stories behind it. With Slurrp’s on-ground reach in India and the global lens of its Western partners, the content aims to serve both nostalgia and novelty in equal measure.

     

  • JioStar’s MegaBlast unleashes India’s biggest one-day ad blitz across TV and digital platforms

    JioStar’s MegaBlast unleashes India’s biggest one-day ad blitz across TV and digital platforms

    MUMBAI: In a world where brands fight tooth and nail for two seconds of your attention, JioStar just dropped a marketing mic with the launch of ‘MegaBlast’—a never-before advertising blitzkrieg designed to dominate Indian screens for one single, unforgettable day.

    Call it a media moon landing, or just plain advertising anarchy.

    Unveiled on 21 April 2025, MegaBlast is being touted as India’s largest one-day advertising takeover—smashing together the muscle of traditional TV with the precision of digital to deliver what JioStar calls “impact at lightning speed”. With a reach of 400+ million viewers and a jaw-dropping 4.5 billion ad views in 24 hours, this campaign isn’t just advertising—it’s a national event.

    “MegaBlast is a response to what brands have been asking for—the ability to dominate attention, not just buy media,” said JioStar head of revenue – entertainment & international, Ajit Varghese. “With MegaBlast, we have brought together two of the most powerful platforms, television and digital, to deliver unmatched visibility, reach and efficiency, all in one day.”

    If you’re keeping score, MegaBlast delivers an average of 13 exposures per viewer, across 84 TV channels and JioHotstar, in 10 languages. That’s right—13 brand touchpoints in a single day. It’s the attention economy turned into a Formula One pit stop.

    And it won’t bankrupt your marketing budget either. With costs clocking in at under one paisa per view, MegaBlast is being billed as a high-frequency, high-efficiency beast—a dream for campaign managers and CFOs alike.

    This isn’t your garden-variety ad break. The MegaBlast arsenal includes everything from Brand Bridges and Spotlight Frames to Pause Ads and Mega Spots—each one baked into high-viewership, high-engagement content. Whether it’s launching a new car, promoting a Diwali bonanza, or celebrating 100 years of your brand’s existence, MegaBlast is pitched as a media solution for those who want their brand to be “everywhere, all at once”—minus the multiverse confusion.

    Backed by the reach of JioStar’s sprawling entertainment empire—including heavyweights like Star Plus, Colors, MTV, Nickelodeon and National Geographic—the campaign leverages over 80 television channels and JioHotstar to paint the town…well, branded.

    It’s not a drip.

    It’s not a funnel.

    It’s a full-blown firehose of attention, and it’s all happening in one explosive day.

  • Amagi to showcase AI-powered cloud broadcast innovations at NAB 2025

    Amagi to showcase AI-powered cloud broadcast innovations at NAB 2025

    MUMBAI: Amagi, will showcase its latest cloud broadcast solutions at NAB 2025. From April 6 to 9 at booth [W1721], Amagi will unveil key innovations designed to enhance operational efficiency, monetisation, and AI-driven automation in the media and entertainment industry.

    Amagi’s smart scheduler harnesses AI and machine learning to automate scheduling, minimising manual workload and boosting efficiency. By analysing historical viewing patterns and audience engagement, the system enables Fast channel owners to make data-driven programming decisions and optimise content scheduling.

    To cater to increasing demand for master control operations in the United States, Amagi has expanded its Network Operations Centre (NOC) with a new facility in New Jersey. This addition will provide hands-on support for live sports and news broadcasts, complementing Amagi’s existing NOCs in Bengaluru, London, and New Delhi.

    “Broadcasters and content owners need agile, AI-driven solutions to streamline operations, enhance monetisation, and deliver seamless viewing experiences,” said Amagi co-founder & chief revenue officer Srinivasan KA. “With our expanded NOC in New Jersey and advancements in cloud-based automation, Amagi is empowering customers to optimise workflows, maximise ad revenue, and scale their streaming businesses.”

    Amagi continues to innovate with solutions that enhance content distribution and maximise advertising revenue,

    The upgraded Amagi Dynamic for single live events now features Electronic Programme Guide (EPG) integrations, advanced ad insertion via Amagi Thunderstrom, and comprehensive recording options to ensure seamless audience experiences.

    Amagi Analytics offers deep performance insights, enabling content owners to refine ad strategies and improve viewer engagement, ultimately driving higher returns on investment.

  • Sony Pictures Networks taps Hitesh Sood to spearhead B2B partnerships

    Sony Pictures Networks taps Hitesh Sood to spearhead B2B partnerships

    MUMBAI: Sony Pictures Networks India (SPNI) has made a strategic move by appointing Hitesh Sood as vice president & head of B2B subscription and partnerships (digital business). Effective February 2025, Sood has already rolled up his sleeves to drive global expansion for Sonyliv and forge partnerships that will redefine digital content distribution.

    With a resume that reads like a thriller, Sood brings two decades of experience spanning telecom, media, and digital services. He has honed his expertise across continents, cracking tough negotiations and spearheading revenue-driven partnerships. From launching industry-first telco content bundles to scaling up OTT distribution, his track record is as impressive as a blockbuster’s opening weekend.

    In his new role, Sood will focus on taking Sonyliv beyond borders—literally. He aims to propel its reach to global audiences while working with telcos, banks, and content aggregators to make digital entertainment more engaging. With streaming services in an all-out war for eyeballs, this move signals Sony’s intent to stay ahead of the game.

    Before joining Sony, Sood made his mark at Renna Mobile, Grameenphone, Vodafone Idea, and Globacom, where he led marketing, partnerships, and product strategies. He played a key role in expanding digital content services and optimising customer engagement strategies. At Grameenphone, for instance, he quadrupled monthly active users (MAUs) in just two years—no small feat in a competitive streaming market.

    Sony Pictures Networks is banking on Sood’s knack for innovation to boost its B2B partnerships and subscriptions. With digital entertainment evolving at breakneck speed, Sony’s latest hire suggests the company is gearing up for a bigger, bolder future in the streaming industry.

  • Connekkt Media snaps up Grane & Daly’s Mob Scene in strategic play

    Connekkt Media snaps up Grane & Daly’s Mob Scene in strategic play

    Mumbai: Move over, crossover sequels—this is the corporate blockbuster nobody saw coming. Asia’s fast-growing media-tech powerhouse Connekkt Media has acquired Tom Grane and Brian Daly’s Mob Scene, the Hollywood marketing maestros behind Barbie’s pink frenzy and Dune’s sand-swept hype. The deal, announced on 25 February 2025, pairs Mumbai’s cinematic swagger with Los Angeles’ glitter, blending AI-driven tech with trailers that make audiences weep into their popcorn.  

    Connekkt Media

    Who needs superheroes when you’ve got boardroom drama this juicy? Mob Scene, founded in 2006 by Grane and Daly, boasts a client roster including Netflix, Disney, and Warner Bros., with campaigns for Avatar, Jurassic World, Dune, Barbie, Fast & Furious, Stranger Things, Kung Fu Panda, and The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel cementing its reputation as Tinseltown’s secret weapon. Connekkt, meanwhile, flexes its muscles with Indian megahits like Vrusshabha and an AI-powered content marketplace. 

    Together, they’re plotting global domination-one viral trailer at a time.

    The acquisition positions Connekkt as a rare hybrid: part Hindi cinema hitmaker, part Silicon Valley disruptor. Its studios are already prepping biopics (see: Dhanush as music legend Ilaiyaraaja) and action flicks, while Mob Scene’s team swaps Oscar parties for Mumbai’s dabbawalas. Greg Bedrosian and Mohit Pareek of Drake Star brokered the deal—presumably over chai and green smoothies.

    Grane celebrated the acquisition, saying, “Joining forces with Connekkt Media marks an exciting new chapter for Mob Scene. Their cutting-edge media technology and deep understanding of global entertainment align perfectly with our creative vision. This partnership allows us to push the boundaries of storytelling, expand into dynamic new markets, and continue delivering emotionally compelling campaigns that resonate worldwide.”    

    Connekkt Media co-founder Varun Mathur shared his enthusiasm about the deal, “Mob Scene is the gold standard in Hollywood film marketing, and we are beyond thrilled to bring their creative expertise to partners across the UK, Europe, the middle east, India, and the rest of Asia. As a global media company with origins in India, this acquisition marks a strategic expansion into the US and North America. Combining Mob Scene’s industry-leading creative marketing with our cutting-edge technology will enable us to drive targeted, measurable marketing impact across multiple platforms and regions.”

    But let’s address the elephant in the boardroom: Can a firm rooted in Indian cinema decode Hollywood’s mystique? Connekkt bets yes. With Mob Scene’s storytelling chops and its own data-crunching prowess, the duo aims to turn marketing into a “measured, multi-continent emotion factory”. Translation: More tears, more memes, more money.  

  • Sankranthi boosts box office to Rs 1,013 crore as Telugu films dominate the month

    Sankranthi boosts box office to Rs 1,013 crore as Telugu films dominate the month

    MUMBAI: January 2025 kicked off with a bang for the Indian box office, fuelled by blockbuster Telugu festival releases. According to Ormax Media’s latest report – The India Box Office Report: January 2025, films released this month grossed a staggering Rs 1,013 crore domestically, proving that Sankranthi remains one of the most lucrative periods for cinema. With three major Telugu releases driving the momentum, the industry witnessed a stellar start to the year.

    Telugu cinema stole the show, contributing Rs 480 crore to the month’s total. Sankranthiki Vasthunam emerged as the undisputed box office king, grossing over Rs 200 crore, cementing its place as January’s highest-grossing film. The festive fever didn’t stop there—Game Changer and Daaku Maharaaj also capitalised on the Sankranthi rush, ensuring Telugu cinema’s 44 per cent language share.

    Top performers of January 2025

    Despite its dominance, Telugu cinema wasn’t alone in the limelight. The Hindi film Sky Force, the only significant Hindi cinema release of the month, crossed the Rs 100 crore mark, though it wasn’t enough to push Hindi’s overall share past 30 per cent. Tamil cinema also made its presence felt with Madha Gaja Raja, which managed to cross Rs 50 crore, securing its spot among the top earners.

    Here’s how the top five films fared:

    1.   Sankranthiki Vasthunam – Rs 200 crore+

    2.   Sky Force – Rs 100 crore+

    3.  Game Changer – Rs 100 crore+

    4.   Daaku Maharaaj – Rs 100 crore+

    5.   Madha Gaja Raja – Rs 50 crore+

    Box Office Report

    While Hindi cinema had a relatively muted start to 2025, the industry is expected to rebound with upcoming big-ticket releases. With only Sky Force in contention, Hindi films struggled to maintain their traditional dominance. However, with several high-profile movies slated for February and beyond, the playing field may soon level out.

    Ormax tracks gross box office (GBO) for consistency across industries. Films releasing in multiple languages have their collections assigned accordingly. Figures are credited to the month of release, even if business spills into subsequent months. For instance, Kalki 2898 AD (released 27 June 2024) saw significant earnings in July but was reported under June’s total.

    Some films remain in theatres at the time of reporting. Their projected collections are included, with final numbers updated in subsequent editions.

    As February approaches, industry watchers are keenly observing how upcoming films will shape the box office landscape. With Sankranthi delivering fireworks, all eyes are now on Hindi cinema’s next move. Will Hindi cinema reclaim its dominance, or will Telugu films continue their reign?

     

  • Ormax Media introduces Ormax Mpact to revolutionise brand lift measurement

    Ormax Media introduces Ormax Mpact to revolutionise brand lift measurement

    MUMBAI: Ads are now sneakier than ever—slipping into your favourite reality show, casually making an appearance in blockbuster films, and popping up in places you least expect. But do they actually work? Ormax Mpact is here to find out. This state-of-the-art Brand Lift Measurement tool helps marketers navigate the ad clutter and determine what’s making waves and what’s just white noise.

    With India’s advertising space bursting at the seams, Ormax Media has launched this data-driven tool to evaluate and optimise brand partnerships, sponsorships, and advertising innovations. According to Ormax Media’s estimates, more than 8,000 major brand collaborations take place every year across various platforms, including sports sponsorships, reality show integrations, digital brand tie-ups, in-content product placements, and more. Ormax Mpact aims to quantify their effectiveness and ensure brands get the best bang for their buck.

    Ormax Mpact employs two sophisticated approaches to measure brand impact:

    . Audience vs. non-audience approach: This method compares individuals exposed to a specific media platform (such as a TV channel or digital platform) against those who aren’t, to measure its influence on key brand metrics.

    . Exposed vs. control approach: This model evaluates the impact of a particular creative—be it a TV ad, print campaign, or digital ad—by comparing those who have seen it with those who haven’t.

    By leveraging Ormax Media’s extensive 16 years of research & analytics and its robust online research panel of 300,000+ media consumers across 1,500+ towns in India, Ormax Mpact delivers rapid, cost-efficient campaign evaluations with quick turnaround times.

    Ormax Media founder & CEO Shailesh Kapoor highlighted the evolving nature of advertising, “We live in a time when ads aren’t just TV commercials anymore. Sponsorships, influencer tie-ups, and branded content are the new norm, and they come at a premium cost. With Ormax Mpact, we offer brands and media platforms a structured, data-backed approach to measure and refine their strategies, ensuring every rupee spent translates into real impact.”

    Echoing this sentiment, Ormax Media head – business development (TV, streaming & brands), Keerat Grewal added, “From an IPL sponsorship to a Shark Tank collaboration or a film integration like Pushpa 2, Ormax Mpact helps brands quantify their media investments. It also enables platforms—TV channels, AVOD services, print publications, social media—to build case studies that improve the effectiveness of their ad sales strategies.”

    Ormax Mpact is priced between Rs 2.5 lakh and Rs 6.5 lakh, depending on the research sample size. Having already built case studies across multiple industries, Ormax Media is targeting a broad spectrum of brands, media agencies, and platforms as potential users.

    In an advertising jungle where brands are battling for consumer eyeballs, Ormax Mpact is the ultimate survival tool-helping brands ensure their ad spend doesn’t just fade into the abyss. Because, let’s face it, if your ad spends flops, your brand’s just another tree falling in the forest with no one around to hear it.

  • MediaCom to look after Zound Industries’ integrated media mandate in India

    MediaCom to look after Zound Industries’ integrated media mandate in India

    Mumbai: GroupM’s MediaCom has won the integrated media mandate for Zound Industries International AB’s media operations in India. The account will be handled out of the agency’s Mumbai office.

    Founded in 2008, Zound Industries designs and develops speakers and headphones under the brand names adidas, Marshall, and Urbanears. With a strong focus on innovative technology and user-centred design, Zound has launched a wide range of iconic, award-winning products. The brand currently has around 270 employees, with offices in Stockholm, New York, London, Paris, Shenzhen, and Hong Kong. 

    Zound Industries has come into an agreement with MediaCom recently this year, assigning them to be responsible for the media strategy, planning, buying and implementation in the India market. Using its core expertise and global network, MediaCom will aim to maximise Zound’s marketing efforts, catering to the brands’ target audiences.

    Commenting on the partnership, MediaCom South Asia CEO Navin Khemka said, “Zound Industries International AB has been doing some great work since their inception which makes this an interesting mandate. MediaCom understands the dynamics of cult niche brands like Marshall and Urbanears. Over the next few years, MediaCom will help Zound Industries build on its ambitious growth plans. This is going to be an exciting growth journey and we look forward to it.”

  • Social Panga joins LS Digital

    Social Panga joins LS Digital

    Mumbai: Social Panga joins LS Digital (erstwhile Logicserve Digital) to form India’s biggest Independent group for the global market. This move will enable the group to further strengthen its solution-driven digital marketing transformation offerings, unlocking value for marketers looking for creativity and operational efficiencies in their growth path.

    “Social Panga will give the group an extra edge to our robust digital marketing transformation services. We share a common vision of building this group for the globe with Indian roots. This further enhances our capabilities post Langoor Digital & F1Studioz joined the group last year. I extend a warm welcome to the Social Panga team and I am very excited about the next phase of growth with them,” said LS Digital CEO & founder Prasad Shejale.

    Speaking about the development, Social Panga co-founder Himanshu Arora said, “We are charged up for this partnership, as it’s the first time in Indian advertising industry juggernauts and experts in their specific areas have come together to rewrite the norms to form a lethal force not just for India but for the globe. Our vision of building an Indian group with all specialised offerings are coming to life, allowing us to serve our customers with the best of class, unified solutions.”

    Added by Social Panga co-founder Gaurav Arora said, “Built on creativity, our group empowers us. AI propels our innovative thinking, while the media magnifies it. For the first time in India, significant agencies are uniting, setting us apart. With experienced founders and specialized teams, we’re crafting India’s largest integrated marketing platform. From India to the World, our specialized approach tackles business challenges head-on. We stand strong, a specialized team, poised to be a force from India, one country at a time.”

    The integrated creative agency will become part of LS Digital’s 6-pillar framework, which comprises Media, UI/UX, Creative & Communication, CX (MarTech), Data & Insights, and Tech Innovations. It marks a significant step towards realising the goal of creating an end-to-end suite of services in India for the world.

    Social Panga has a presence in Bengaluru, Mumbai, and Delhi, with 150+ clientele and a team of 350+ ‘marketing mafias’ providing a solution-driven approach. It also has an in-house video production wing ‘The Yellow Shutter’ that has shot over 100+ advertising films and onboarded 65+ brands in the last 12 months.

    LS Digital strives to empower its clients to be future-ready by constantly ‘Challenging the Now’ with innovation and disruptions in digital marketing and transformation. The company is a proud innovator, unafraid to break the mould to provide bespoke solutions to its customers who want to grow their business and provide a positive customer experience. The addition of Social Panga will enable LS Digital to achieve its goal in providing a complete bouquet of services needed for digital marketing transformation under one roof.