Category: Event Coverage

  • ET NOW Swadesh celebrates third anniversary of ‘Swadesh Samruddhi Summit’

    ET NOW Swadesh celebrates third anniversary of ‘Swadesh Samruddhi Summit’

    Mumbai: ET Now Swadesh has marked its third anniversary. Launched with the mission, ‘Badho Desh Ke Saath’, the channel has firmly established itself as the fastest-growing Hindi business news platform, championing a revolution of financial empowerment and progress for viewers and investors, weaving their growth to India’s success story.  

    Reaffirming its commitment to empowering Indians to ‘Rise with India, the channel commemorates the 3rd anniversary with ‘Swadesh Samruddhi Summit’, a mega initiative scheduled on 4 October 2024 at BSE International Convention Hall, Mumbai. Themed ‘निवेश से खुशहाली’, the Summit’ will feature a series of engaging fireside chats and panel discussions with industry veterans including K.V. Kamath, Chairman, Jio Financial Services, Keki Mistry, Non-Executive Director, Chairman, HDFC Life, Rana Ashutosh Kumar Singh, Managing Director, State Bank of India, Amit Agarwal, Group CFO, Raymond Limited, Rajesh Sharma, MD & CEO, Capri Global Capital Ltd, Navneet Munot, MD & CEO, HDFC AMC, Nilesh Shah, MD, Kotak AMC, Swarup Mohanty, CEO, Mirae Asset Mutual Fund and Sandeep Tandon, CEO, Quant Mutual Fund. The distinguished leaders will emphasize the importance of systematic investment planning (SIP), managing market volatility, achieving financial goals, and exploring the dynamic opportunities presented by New India—highlighting how businesses, industries, and investors can contribute to and benefit from India’s progress.

     

  • Mipcom Cannes unveils lineup for Mip Innovation Lab

    Mipcom Cannes unveils lineup for Mip Innovation Lab

    Mumbai: Mipcom Cannes announced the full details and programme for its newly expanded Mip Innovation Lab, which brings together a high-profile lineup of key players from over 60 international companies for a series of thought-leading talks, summits, networking events and demonstrations at the forthcoming 40th edition of the international co-production & entertainment content market (21-24 October).  

    Covering the area at the intersection of content, technology and changing audience behaviours, and housed in a new dedicated purpose-built space within the Palais des Festivals, The Mip Innovation Lab will host a daily curated programme with dedicated summits on FAST, AI, streaming and connected TV aimed at equipping companies with the latest insights and introductions to potential partners in these rapidly evolving sectors.

    “The fastest developing areas that are shaping the future direction of the television industry are now at the heart of the Palais and of the market.” said Mipcom Cannes and Mip London director Lucy Smith. “We’ve built a destination with a ‘who’s who’ of key players speaking, a host of cutting-edge technology-led companies exhibiting and unrivalled matchmaking opportunities. Everything in the Mip Innovation Lab is geared to helping businesses adapt, identify opportunities, find potential partners and unlock further potential revenue streams. We expect it to be energising, prescient and highly productive.”

    Global Streamer Talks – New for 2024

    A series of interviews by media cartographer Evan Shapiro with leaders from streaming and digital platforms on their strategies, market challenges, and effective collaborations. Speakers include David Eilenberg, head of content, Roku; Claire Basini, deputy general manager, TF1; Olivier Jollet, EVP and international general manager, Pluto TV, Paramount; Cédric Dufour, CEO & president, Rakuten TV; Maxime Carboni, chief business officer, Euronews; and Justin Sampson, chief executive, Barb Audiences. Starting on Tuesday, 22 October at 09:00.

    Connected TV Summit – New for 2024

    This summit covers the influence and innovations in TV operating systems, including user experience dynamics and advertising models. Speakers include key players from All3Media International, Anoki, NEW ID, Numila Advisory, Samsung TV Plus, TVREV, Veed Analytics, VIZIO, Whale TV, and Wurl. Starting on Wednesday, 23 October at 09:00.

    Global FAST & AVOD Summit

    An established summit at Mip markets since 2022, focusing on the international growth of FAST and AVOD through talks and round tables. Speakers include representatives from Banijay Rights, BBC Studios, Blue Lucy, Dataxis, FilmRise, Fremantle, Gracenote, Little Dot Studios, OKAST.TV, Roku, Samsung TV Plus, The Local Act, Tubi, Vevo, Warner Bros. Discovery, Whale TV, Xumo, and ZDF Studios. Starting on Tuesday, 22 October at 14:30.

    Applied AI Summit

    A day dedicated to demonstrating the latest applications of AI in production and monetization, as well as ethical and legal challenges. Leading companies include Adventr, Aive, Alix Partners, Banijay Entertainment, BetaSeries, Calliope Networks, DLA Piper, FanTrust, Google, Largo.ai, TF1 Group, Newen Studios, Papercup, Runway, Social Department, and Variety Intelligence Platform. Starting on Monday, 21 October at 10:15.

    Why YouTube Matters: Engaging Audiences & Boosting Revenue

    A session analyzing trends and opportunities in driving viewership and revenue on YouTube, featuring Neil Price, UK film and TV partnerships lead, YouTube, and Wayne Davison, chief revenue officer, Little Dot Studios. On Wednesday, 23 October at 14:00.

    Insights That Matter: Fueling Your Next Strategic Move

    A wrap session featuring three trend reports and takeaways from RTLAdAlliance, 3Vision, and Omdia. On Wednesday, 23 October at 14:45.

    Partners for the Global FAST & AVOD Summit include Xumo, OKAST.TV, Vevo, Gracenote, Blue Lucy, Abema, OTTera and Tevefy; and for the Connected TV Summit, Samsung TV Plus and Wurl. DLA Piper is the conference partner of the Applied AI Summit.

    Companies confirmed to exhibit in the new Mip Innovation Lab include Amagi, aurbit by Adease Media Intelligence, Dubformer, ElevenLabs, FASTHub by MuxIP and Largo.ai; with Bango, Dramatify, Digital Convergence Technologies, Motion Tech and Triforce both exhibiting and demonstrating within the new set up.  

    The mother of all entertainment content markets, Mipcom Cannes was attended by over 11,000 delegates from over 100 countries in 2023. The 40th edition takes place in Cannes 21-24 October 2024.

  • AVIA announces Vietnam in View conference

    AVIA announces Vietnam in View conference

    Mumbai: The Asia Video Industry Association (AVIA) has announced the highly anticipated Vietnam in View conference, will take place on 9 October in Ho Chi Minh City. This event will bring together industry leaders, innovators, and key stakeholders from Vietnam’s burgeoning media and entertainment landscape to explore the dynamic developments shaping the future of the market.

    As Vietnam continues to experience rapid economic growth, its media sector is emerging as  one of the most vibrant in Southeast Asia. Vietnam in View will dive deep into the trends,  challenges, and opportunities that are influencing the evolution of content consumption, broadcasting, OTT platforms, and advertising in the region.

    Key topics and sessions include:

    The rise of OTT and streaming platforms: As streaming continues to gain momentum,  local and international players are competing for market share. This session will explore how  Vietnamese content creators and distribution platforms are adapting to this shift.

    Content creation in a digital era: A deep dive into how local content is shaping national  identity while appealing to global audiences, and how partnerships are paving the way for  more diverse, high-quality productions.

    Regulatory landscape and industry collaboration: An essential look at how the Vietnamese government’s policies are driving growth in the media sector and fostering a  healthy ecosystem for both local and international stakeholders.

    Advertising and audience engagement: With Vietnam’s tech-savvy and increasingly  mobile population, what are the best practices and innovative strategies to reach new  generations of audiences?

    Here’s the restructured list in the requested order:

    – BMVN International, special counsel, Huu Tuan Nguyen  

    – CJ HK Entertainment, senior producer, Nguyen Huu Thi Tuong Vi  

    – EssenceMediacom Vietnam, MD, Sudarshan Saha  

    – FPT Play, deputy general director, Tran Thu Trang  

    – HTV-TMS (Ho Chi Minh City Television), deputy head of digital content service department, Le Dinh Phuong Thuy 

    – Institute for Policy Studies and Media Development (IPS), director, Quang Dong Nguyen  

    – INVIDI, director, Milind Sattur  

    – Kantar Media Vietnam, general director, Tran Thi Thanh Mai  

    – Moonbug Entertainment, head of distribution and brand partnerships APAC, Yasmin Zahid  

    – Msky Co., senior advisor, Nguyen Hanh  

    – POPS Worldwide, founder and CEO, Esther Nguyen  

    – PubMatic, senior director, CTV and online video, APAC, Luke Smith  

    – AVIA & US-ASEAN Business Council, consultant and deputy regional MD and representative, Thanh Vu  

    – Vietnam Parliament Television, general director, Quang Minh Le  

    – Viettel TV360, MD, Pham Thanh Phuong  

    – VSTV (K+), CEO, Thomas Jayet  

    – VSTV (K+), content and channel director, Lien Trinh Thi Thuy

    With both local and regional representatives from across the video and media industry, this  event offers unparalleled opportunities for networking and collaboration, to gain key insights  into the rapidly evolving media landscape and learn how to tap into the incredible growth  potential of Vietnam.

    AVIA’s CEO, Louis Boswell commented, “Vietnam is one of the most exciting media markets in Asia right now, with a young, tech-savvy population and a rapidly expanding middle class.  Our Vietnam in View conference is designed to give industry players the insights they need to thrive in this dynamic market. We’re excited to bring together a diverse range of  stakeholders to explore the opportunities in the Vietnamese media space.”

    Vietnam in View is sponsored by the lead sponsor Cultural and Creative Industries Development Agency (CCIDA); silver sponsors A+E Networks Asia, INVIDI, PubMatic and TV5Monde.

  • GoQuest Media addsTelekom Srbija dramas for Mipcom

    GoQuest Media addsTelekom Srbija dramas for Mipcom

    Mumbai: GoQuest Media, a global independent content distributor has acquired distribution rights for three new dramas from Telekom Srbija.

    Produced by Telekom Srbija, Režim and RTS, crime drama “South Wind: On The Edge” (12X50’) previously aired on Superstar TV(Serbia), RTS (Serbia), RTL (Croatia), Pop TV (Slovenia), Voyo (Slovenia and Croatia), BN (Bosnia and Herzegovina); explores the conflict between Belgrade drug lord Petar Maraš, and Red, the influential state curator of the Serbian criminal world. Set against the backdrop of the contentious “South Stream” project—intended to transport Russian natural gas across Europe via Bulgaria to Italy—the story follows Maraš as he uses state blackmail to protect himself and his team but realises he must take greater risks to secure their survival. “South Wind” is one of the most successful drama franchises to emerge from the Balkans in recent years.

    In the gritty crime thriller “Absolute 100” (6X50’) produced by Telekom Srbija and Firefly Productions; a gifted, young, shooting athlete, Sonya, uses her father’s gun to fatally shoot a local criminal, the son of a powerful politician linked to the underworld, to protect her troubled older brother. Pursued by investigators, Sonya faces the dark reality of more violence to protect her family. Anita Ognjanovic’s fierce portrayal of Sonya earned critical acclaim in Serbia, marking one of the most remarkable recent TV performances.

    The TV mini-series “Airbridge” (6X60’) produced by Telekom Srbija, RTS and Contrast

    Studios and aired earlier this year on Superstar TV and RTS (Serbia) is a WWII drama centred

    on the “Halyard Mission”—the largest rescue of downed Allied airmen in aviation history. In

    the summer of 1944, Serbian civilians, led by General Draža Mihailović’s forces, risked their

    lives to rescue 508 Americans and other Allied countries’ airmen involved in bombing

    Romanian oil fields, a key energy resource for Hitler’s army in Europe.

    Commenting on the deal,  GoQuest Media VP of sales and acquisitions Jimmy George said, “The acquisition of these titles aligns with GoQuest Media’s strategic focus this year on building a premium content library for our clients. Telekom Srbija, a long-term partner, consistently delivers some of the region’s most competitive titles, both in production quality and storytelling. We are excited to bring these exceptional titles to MIPCOM and  remain committed to championing content from the CEE, using our distribution strength to bring them to global audiences.”

    Telekom Srbija director of the multimedia division Aleksandra Martinovic said “Telekom Srbija is pleased to announce the expansion of our collaboration with GoQuest Media, a leading independent distributor of entertainment content. This partnership has already yielded significant success, particularly with the distribution of our series Civil Servant, Debt to the Sea, and Secrets of the Grapevine. The Civil Servant series, in particular, has achieved remarkable international reach, thanks to GoQuest Media’s efforts. Building on this fruitful collaboration and the mutual trust between our two companies, Telekom Srbija has decided to entrust GoQuest Media with the distribution of three more of our esteemed projects: the series Absolute 100, South Wind: On The Edge and Airbridge. We firmly believe these compelling, unique stories have the power to captivate audiences worldwide. This decision marks another step in Telekom Srbija’s ongoing mission to bring our stories to screens across the globe, and we are thrilled to continue this exciting journey with GoQuest Media, our trusted partner.”

  • Jane Turton to deliver keynote at Mipcom Cannes

    Jane Turton to deliver keynote at Mipcom Cannes

    Mumbai: Mipcom Cannes has announced that All3Media CEO Jane Turton will give a keynote interview at the forthcoming 40th edition of the international co-production and entertainment content market in Cannes (21-24 October 2024).

    Staged as a fireside chat in the grand auditorium of the Palais des Festival on Monday, 21 October at 3 pm, the keynote forms part of the ‘C-Suite Conversations’ series being presented across the opening afternoon of the market in partnership with Variety.

    Since becoming CEO in 2015, Turton has led All3Media, now owned by RedBird IMI, from 19 to over 40 production companies and labels. Producing more than 4,000 hours of content annually for linear broadcasters, VOD, social media, and digital platforms, key shows include The Traitors (30 versions), Wild Isles with David Attenborough, Gogglebox, Squid Game: The Challenge, Sort Your Life Out, Brawn: The Impossible F1 Story, Lingo, Fleabag, Call the Midwife, 1917, and Midsomer Murders. All3Media International distributes 35,000 hours of programming to 1,000-plus platforms globally, while Little Dot Studios manages over 700 digital channels with 830 million subscribers across social media.

    “Jane Turton is one of the most insightful and intuitive executives in global television,” said Mipcom Cannes and Mip London director Lucy Smith. “…with a deep experience of each area of the industry, unrivalled commercial acumen and a proven track record of championing talent, creativity and delivering growth at All3Media. There is no one who will be in Cannes who wouldn’t benefit from hearing Jane’s take on the current outlook and how to adapt in transitional times.”

    Originally joining All3Media in 2008 as deputy COO, Turton became COO in 2011 and CEO in 2015. She played a key role on the executive team at ITV where she was director of commercial and business affairs and director of business affairs at ITV Studios and then ITV Network. Jane was also a senior executive at UK broadcasters Granada Television, United Productions, and Meridian Broadcasting.

    The week-long Mipcom Cannes conference program helps define the TV industry year with world premieres of highly anticipated international series, exclusive insight presentations and keynotes from leading global players and thought leaders.

  • The new paradigm of selling sport…

    The new paradigm of selling sport…

    The India Brand Summit 2024 hosted a riveting panel discussion featuring prominent voices in the sports industry. The discussion explored innovative strategies to market sports content effectively and adapt to the evolving demands of advertisers and focused on how sports marketing has evolved, particularly in attracting advertisers by localising sports content.

    This session was moderated by Indian Television Dot Com group’s founder, chairman and editor-in-chief Anil NM Wanvari, GroupM India, managing director of content, entertainment & sports, Vinit Karnik, Polycab’s lead of category marketing B2C, Amit Sethiya, CricViz India’s Director of Sales, Subhayu Roy and Dentsu X India, senior partner for client leadership, Prabhat Naik.

    Vinit Karnik highlighted the significant growth of non-cricket sports like Pro Kabaddi League (PKL) and volleyball. He emphasised that these sports, which started as niche activities, have managed to sustain themselves for over eight years, marking a shift in the sports marketing landscape. “Things have changed dramatically in sports marketing,” Karnik stated. “The fact that many people are playing and watching these sports—whether on the ground or streaming platforms—indicates a growing interest that attracts advertisers. The market size has grown exponentially, from ₹1,500 crore to ₹20,000 crore in less than two decades.” Karnik’s insight underscores how sports beyond cricket are becoming valuable advertising platforms due to increased viewership, signalling the industry’s wider acceptance of sports as integral to pop culture.

    Amit Sethiya explained how sports marketing has moved beyond simple inventory buying. He pointed out that in earlier days, cricket was the go-to platform for brands. However, with leagues like PKL and Indian Super League (ISL) gaining traction, marketers now leverage rich data to make informed decisions. “Today, it’s no longer about just buying inventory,” Sethiya noted. “The focus is on how brands can utilise the data accumulated over years of these properties. Broadcasters and organisers are helping brands see the potential of connecting with audiences in Tier 2 cities, even with limited budgets.”

    This shift has democratised sports marketing, allowing smaller brands to associate with emerging sports without needing deep pockets. The ability to analyse data and understand audience demographics allows advertisers to invest strategically in sports marketing.

    Subhayu Roy emphasised the role of data in driving value for advertisers. He explained how CricViz collects up to 60 data points during events, offering insights that enhance viewer engagement and inform advertisers. “For example, when Virat Kohli is at the crease, data suggests that Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) have never lost a match in the second innings,” Roy shared. “This type of analysis helps retain viewership by keeping fans engaged, thus preventing them from switching channels.” Roy also discussed how data is used to create new monetization streams for advertisers. “From selling ad slots to monetizing player stats, the ability to quantify performance data opens up various revenue avenues for broadcasters and brands alike. This approach allows advertisers to make calculated investments, ensuring their marketing spend delivers the maximum impact.”

    Prabhat Naik highlighted the shift from traditional media to digital platforms, attributing it to the growing trend of on-demand content consumption. “Victory lies in the flexibility that digital platforms offer,” Naik said. “While television demands appointment viewing, digital content is always accessible, anytime, anywhere,” Naik stressed that while television still holds its ground, the future of sports marketing lies in adapting to a more digital-first approach. This flexibility is driving advertisers to focus more on digital, making it an essential part of their marketing mix.

    The discussion at the India Brand Summit demonstrated that sports marketing is rapidly evolving. With new sports gaining popularity, rich data driving advertiser decisions, and digital platforms offering unmatched flexibility, the industry is embracing innovative ways to engage audiences and deliver value to advertisers. As Vinit Karnik summarised, “Sports is no longer just entertainment; it’s a cultural phenomenon. The way we sell and market sports has changed, and it will continue to grow as an essential platform for brands.”

  • Building brands for the gen z mindset – advertising in the digital era

    Building brands for the gen z mindset – advertising in the digital era

    Mumbai: The India Brand Summit featured a riveting panel discussion on “Building Brands for the Gen Z Mindset – Advertising in the Digital Era,” showcasing insights from industry stalwarts across diverse sectors. The panel discussion focused on the evolving landscape of advertising and brand building in the digital era, particularly emphasizing how brands connected with the Gen Z audience. The conversation revolved around topics such as content, personalization, e-commerce, and technology, exploring how brands effectively communicated with their end consumers using digital platforms.

    The session was chaired by Ernst & Young LLP, partner and head of marketing advisory, Amiya Swarup, Taco Bell’s general manager of business development, Vishal Suvas Telkar, The Belgian Waffle Co., general manager of marketing Vrushali Parab, Gamitronics CEO Rajat Ojha, Galderma, head of e-commerce & digital strategy, Sunil Nat, Birla Opus, head of digital, Surbhi Gupta and Interactive Avenues senior creative director, Eshwari Pandit.

    Vishal Suvas Telkar highlighted the importance of pricing strategies in attracting the Gen Z audience. He spoke about Taco Bell’s successful campaign which emphasised competitive pricing, especially with their Rs 99 menu, which has shown significant growth over the last three quarters. Telkar remarked, “We’ve done a lot on digital platforms. We are seeing results, but there’s more to be done. Our new advertisement shows a consumer choosing a taco over a burger, emphasising how our product is more filling and satisfying.” Telkar’s insights reflected a deep understanding of the value-driven Gen Z consumer who not only seeks affordability but also engages with brands through digital platforms and social media, where Taco Bell has found significant success.

    Vrushali Parab provided a powerful example of leveraging consumer insights to build brand narratives. She discussed how their digital-first approach, combined with data-driven efforts, has allowed them to track key performance indicators like reach and engagement. Parab shared the success of their National Waffle Day campaign, a brand-created property, which resulted in over 100 million digital impressions. “We didn’t need to remind people about National Waffle Day—our audience was already engaged. Our #EveryoneKnows campaign took this insight and ran with it, achieving 6 million views and 4 lakh comments within 24 hours. It’s the power of the right narrative, stitched together with the right partners,” she explained.

    Rajat Ojha took the conversation into the realm of the metaverse and gaming, emphasising how brands can engage Gen Z through immersive, social experiences. “In the gaming world, socialising happens naturally. Platforms like Roblox and Discord are popular because they bring people together,” Ojha noted. Ojha illustrated how Gamitronics helped brands like Dodge by creating a collaborative, virtual car-building experience for kids. The experience wasn’t just about interacting with a brand—it was about co-creating and socialising, elements that resonate deeply with Gen Z’s need for inclusivity and interactivity.

    Sunil Nat underscored the importance of transparency and personalisation in today’s digital age. He emphasised that Gen Z values inclusivity and authenticity. “We choose influencers carefully to ensure our messaging is neutral to gender and representative of all our consumers,” Nat explained. His comments reflected how brands must focus on crafting communications that align with Gen Z’s demand for authenticity while being inclusive in all their campaigns.

    Surbhi Gupta, shed light on how technology, particularly generative AI, is transforming the customer experience. She spoke about Birla Opus’ investment in visualisers that allow customers to visualise their home’s interiors with different paint colours in real time, showcasing how integrating technology can enhance consumer engagement. “Technology is not just about convenience; it’s about making the experience engaging. We are using AI to personalise experiences based on consumer behaviour, allowing us to provide a frictionless and immersive experience,” Gupta noted.

    Eshwari Pandit emphasised the importance of maintaining authenticity and transparency in brand messaging. “Gen Z and future generations will demand even more accountability because of the consequences they have witnessed. Staying true to your brand’s values is the only way forward,” Pandit affirmed.

  • Amuz Distribution announces fall slate for MIPCOM

    Amuz Distribution announces fall slate for MIPCOM

    Mumbai: Amuz Distribution, chief revenue and strategy officer Alex Avon announced the company’s latest acquisitions which they will take to MIPCOM, numbering in over 1,300 hours of programming in multiple genres: dramedy, comedy, animation, docs, etc., including hundreds of hours from the newly acquired Just for Laughs Group. Visit Amuz Distribution at MIPCOM in stand number R8.E 1 in the Telefilm Canada Pavilion.

    These are the newly acquired shows:

    1995: Follow filmmaker Ricardo Trogi’s remarkable journey during his first movie-making year, at age 24, after winning a Radio-Canada grant to create inspiring short films. (Movie, 1×119 min.; Produced by Sphere Media)

     

     

    Marco: Marco Lachance’s life may not resemble his former rockstar dreams, but his legendary optimism leads him to reconnect with his passion! (Dramedy, S1-2: 12×30 min.; produced by ComediHa!)

    Marco – Trailer (sub eng)

    Babyatrice: Babyatrice is the precocious, self-proclaimed queen of the castle where she reigns supreme with her frank-speaking observations and never ceases to impress with her imagination. (Animated comedy, S1-6: 25×30 min.; produced by C’est même pas drôle)

    Babyatrice – Trailer (eng)

    Like Father, Like Daughter: Follows the adventures of Daphnée and her vibrant father, Pierre, as they transform their everyday life into epic, humorous quests in Rosemont–Petite-Patrie. (Comedy, S1-2: 8×20 min.; produced by Passez Go)

    Like Father, Like Daughter – Trailer (sub eng)

    Abroad: Unique sketch show blending humor, culture, unexpected adventures and unforgettable moments showcasing Filipino comedians in Canada. (Variety/sketch, S1-3: 26×30 min.; produced by Longhope Media)

    ABROAD – Trailer (S1)

    JFL -Gags: There’s no sound but plenty of laughs when a crazy Quebec-based troupe uses the city as its stage and its inhabitants, or victims, as characters! (Variety/sketch, S1-25: 375 x 30 min.; produced by Just For Laughs)

     

     

    Amuz Distribution is also bringing their current award-winning series to MIPCOM, with various territories available:

    Antoine: This multi-award-winning series is an uplifting story of love and family triumphing over limitations. With authenticity, sensitivity and humor, explores life with a poly-handicapped child. Inspired by true events. (Dramedy, S1-2: 20×30 min.; produced by ComediHa!)

    Larry: Larry, a former undercover police officer with a tarnished reputation, is now a security guard with an injured wife. He tries to improve his situation. (Dramedy, 10×60 min.; produced by Avenue Productions)

    The Clan: The series follows Yannick Moreau, a repentant criminal who lives hidden under a new identity in witness protection. (Dramedy, S1-2: 12×60 min.; produced by Productions Casablanca)

    The Clan – Trailer

    Writer’s Block: Two TV showrunners experience creative failure for season one of their crime series but must create season two. They try to acquire genuine criminal experiences, leading to trouble. (Comedy, 22×60 min.; produced by Productions Casablanca)

    LOL ; ) : Unique comedy series of non-verbal sketches where versatile characters evolve in different scenarios: incompetent nuclear engineers, remorseless ambulance drivers, impatient chefs. Outlandish situations deliver unexpected payoffs. (Comedy, 154×30 min; produced by ComediHa!)

    Avon stated: “Amuz Distribution is thrilled to have added so many great hours of new programming to our catalog — hundreds of hours from Just For Laughs including 200 hours of Gags, along with the addition of filmmaker Ricardo Trogi’s renowned autobiographical film series; dramedy series Like Father, Like Daughter and Marco and more. We look forward to meeting with our distribution partners at MIPCOM very soon to share all these wonderful new shows and promoting our mission of Keeping the World Feeling Good.”

    Amuz Distribution strategic content manager, Zoé Crabtree added: “We are very happy that top award-winning producers such as Sphere Media, Passez Go Media and Longhope Media and others have entrusted us to represent their premium programs in the global marketplace. Amuz Distribution has worked hard to gather the best partners for our special programs.”

  • Route Amplify 2.0: Route Mobile & CNBC-TV18 spotlight digital communication and identity

    Route Amplify 2.0: Route Mobile & CNBC-TV18 spotlight digital communication and identity

    Mumbai: Route Amplify, a conclave presented by Route Mobile Ltd, a CPaaS provider for enterprises, OTT players, and mobile network operators in association with CNBC-TV18, showcased conversational solutions, customer experience breakthroughs, and digital trust strategies on 27 September in Mumbai. Designed to advance cloud communications and digital identity, Route Amplify 2.0 brought together thought leaders, industry experts, and key stakeholders from around the world, fostering discussions to shape the country’s largest CPaaS-focused conclave.

    The esteemed speakers at the event included Edelweiss Group chairman Rashesh Shah; Route Mobile MD and Group CEO Rajdip Gupta; former World No. 1 badminton player Saina Nehwal; HDFC Bank chief digital officer Anjani Rathor; Restaurants Brand Asia group chief technology officer Kiran Komatla; PwC India managing director – customer transformation Vivek Srivastava; Google head of strategic partnerships Abhinav Jha; Deloitte partner – customer strategy & design Vivette D’cruz; Landmark Group customer & loyalty product leader (Middle East) Emily Ong; Godrej Consumer Products Ltd head of business transformation & digital Vijay Kannan; and Amazon Web Services head of customer solutions – CIO advisory (India & South Asia) Dr Bishwajit Mohapatra.

    Building on the success of the first season, Route Amplify Season 2 focused on the themes of ‘Conversations & Trust,’ exploring trends, innovations, and insights across industries, with special emphasis on Generative AI’s role in customer experience.

    India, the second-largest market for OTT consumption after China, lacked a CPaaS-focused event. Route Mobile, a global CPaaS player, initiated this platform to shape the future of digital communications.

    The event also offered a platform for networking and knowledge sharing, highlighting the impact of cloud communications on businesses globally.

    Route Mobile MD & Group CEO Rajdipkumar Gupta said, “With Route Amplify Edition 2.0, we aim to build on the momentum of last year’s success and enthusiasm, creating an even more enriching platform for industry leaders to unite and drive innovation to shape the future of digital communications. Our primary goal is to foster discussions that will lead to real-world developments and solutions in these vital areas.”

  • IBS 2024: The future of marketing in a technology driven world

    IBS 2024: The future of marketing in a technology driven world

    Mumbai: The second edition of the Indian Brand Summit 2024, held in Mumbai, witnessed insightful discussions on how addressable advertising is transforming personalised marketing, the role of data in driving success, and the evolving landscape of OTT platforms and sports marketing. The event also explored the complexities of CTV and highlighted the rise of local brands to national prominence.

    The session titled “The future of marketing in a technology driven world” delved into how marketing is evolving to become more dynamic, personalised, and data-centric. As technology advances, marketers are rethinking their strategies and tools to better connect with consumers. Chaired by Publicis Groupe India’s CEO of digital technology business, Amaresh Godbole, the panel featured HDFC Bank’s SVP – growth marketing & martech, Deepak Oram; Pharmeasy’s Sr VP – growth, Akash Valia; Aditya Birla Capital’s brand head, Mahadev Srivatsa; and MIQ’s head of growth & revenue, Varun Mohan.

    Srivatsa emphasised the real-time capabilities of AI and its disruptive nature, stating, “The effectiveness of AI has shifted from mere delivery to creation, allowing us to better target consumers based on their evolving needs.” He highlighted the increasing availability of AI tools that streamline both the creation and delivery of marketing content, thus enhancing the consumer experience.

    Oram pointed out the critical importance of bridging gaps in customer service through technology. He noted that “consumers today research online before visiting retail stores,” underlining how digital footprints have transformed consumer behavior and marketing strategies. This shift, he explained, requires a more integrated approach, where customer behavior can inform service delivery in real time.

    Valia added a regulatory perspective, acknowledging the balance between technological advancements and compliance in healthcare. He noted that while AI can streamline processes, “the consumer experience must remain efficient,” stressing the importance of adhering to regulations while leveraging technology to enhance service delivery. He elaborated on Pharmeasy’s commitment to improving operational efficiencies, emphasizing the role of technology in expediting the prescription process.

    Mohan discussed the complexities of interpreting data across diverse consumer markets, saying, “Understanding user behavior is critical for effective campaign execution.” He highlighted MIQ’s approach to leveraging data for pre-campaign insights and continuous optimisation during campaign flights, illustrating the need for a data-driven mindset in marketing.

    The session illustrated that as technology continues to evolve, so must the strategies marketers employ to engage consumers effectively. Each panellist highlighted the necessity of adapting to changing consumer behaviors and leveraging innovative solutions to enhance the overall marketing experience.