ITV

Category: Technology

  • GRB Media Ranch announces several deals ahead of MipCom

    GRB Media Ranch announces several deals ahead of MipCom

    Mumbai: GRB Media Ranch co-principals, Gary R. Benz and Sophie Ferron announced that several program deals were finalised ahead of the upcoming MipCom market. Deals span the globe from Australia, South Korea, Middle East, and Iberia.

    From Australia, Seven Network acquired three seasons (7,8 and 9) of GRB Media Ranch’s popular true-crime docuseries, On The Case. The long-running series explores intriguing murder mysteries through in-depth interviews with those closest to the case and examines the forensic evidence that helped unravel the mystery. First person accounts from witnesses and suspects reveal the raw emotions left behind from personal tragedies and the motives of the perpetrators.

    MBC took Showdown of the Unbeatables for the Middle East. This game show is where inventors and entrepreneurs pit their unique products and machines against each other and put their reputations to the test in the ultimate head-to-head invention battle.  Learn how the inventions work, meet the engineers who created the products, and see these tools in action. When the dueling competitors meet, the rules are agreed upon, the supporters take their place, and the showdown begins!

    South Korea’s JCG acquired three titles:

    –  Icons Unearthed: Fast & Furious What should have been a one-off popcorn  summer flick followed by a straight-to-video sequel became one of the largest film franchises of all time. Worth billions of dollars in ticket sales, it has spawned merchandise, spin-offs, and theme park attractions, and put a series of increasingly amazing stunts on the world’s movie screens. Despite the loss of a beloved lead actor, the franchise is a masterclass in world-building, raising the stakes, and growing a truly dedicated fan base internationally.

    –  Icons Unearthed: Star Wars: Travel to a time not very far, far away and witness the creation and filming of George Lucas’s two Star Wars trilogies.  Included in the program are  revealing interviews with cast and crew, making it the definitive account of the space saga that changed movies forever.

    –  Icons Unearthed: Marvel The Marvel Cinematic Universe is the most successful franchise of all time, and it has changed the way movies are made. Taking a cue from their comic book source material, these films tell different characters’ stories that all take place in one massive, interwoven universe. Each film would introduce one key protagonist, building toward the release of one giant blockbuster, The Avengers, that would put them all together. If a single one of those films failed at the box office, it could derail what may be the biggest gamble ever taken in the history of cinema. How did Marvel pull it off? Multicanal Iberia also acquired Nacelle title  Icons Unearthed: Marvel

    Benz stated, “GRB Media Ranch is fully operational at both our sales  and acquisitions level, working  at full speed since our launch just 6 weeks ago! These deals are an indicator of the reception we’ve gotten to the great programs we offer. We are booked solid with meetings at MIPCOM with our partners to bring them even more  content with high levels of audience appeal.”

    Ferron added, “We are thrilled with the reaction we’ve gotten to some of our  best programs which are also available for other territories. Gary and I are looking forward to having our entire team together for the first time at MIPCOM and, as our motto says, “…we’ve got stories” – over 5,000 hours of them!”      

  • GoQuest Media signs exclusive distribution deal with Disney Star for Africa

    GoQuest Media signs exclusive distribution deal with Disney Star for Africa

    Mumbai: Global independent content distributor GoQuest Media has signed an exclusive distribution deal with Disney Star. The agreement marked a new chapter in GoQuest Media’s continuing growth as a global independent distributor.

    GoQuest Media will be the sole distributor for Disney Star’s content portfolio across Africa.  This includes content dubbed in both English and Hindi. The deal sees GoQuest Media wield exclusive TV and OTT rights to Disney Star’s linear programming catalogue. This includes some of India’s most popular and successful shows, with consistently high TRP ratings such as Anupamaa, Imlie, Kasauti Zindagii Kay, Yeh Jaadu Hai Jinn Ka, Chandra Nandini, amongst others. The agreement represents a strategic move to bring popular Indian content to a wider African audience.

    Commenting on the deal, Disney Star international business head Sudhir Nagpal said, “We are excited to further extend the reach of our compelling and multi-lingual portfolio to our audiences in Africa, through our collaboration with GoQuest Media. Africa has a strong viewer base for our content, especially for our series across languages. We continuously seek opportunities to connect with our audience and this collaboration with GoQuest Media is another step in that direction.”

    GoQuest Media managing director Vivek Lath added, “GoQuest has successfully introduced foreign language titles to Africa over the past ten years.  Our track record, strong partnerships and knowledge of the region and local audiences have positioned us as the ideal team to introduce Disney Star’s Indian collection to this market.  We fully recognise and appreciate the trust placed in GoQuest and are confident that these titles will achieve equal success in Africa as they have in India. Here’s to sharing the magic across borders!”

  • “Continued success fueled by Hallmark brand’s embrace of inspiration, kindness, and hope”: Hallmark’s Francisco J. González

    “Continued success fueled by Hallmark brand’s embrace of inspiration, kindness, and hope”: Hallmark’s Francisco J. González

    Mumbai: Hallmark Media markets and distributes Hallmark’s original signature content to every international market around the world.

    Their networks in the US include Hallmark Channel, their flagship network; Hallmark Movies & Mysteries; the new linear channel Hallmark Drama; and the SVOD platform Hallmark Movies Now. Apart from media, the brand has forayed into many exciting businesses which allow its fans to touch and feel the brand be it merchandise, wine and even themed cruises! With a legacy spanning over a century, Hallmark Media encompasses a wide range of television programs, movies, and other content produced and aired by networks like Hallmark Channel, Hallmark Movies & Mysteries, and Hallmark Drama.

    This platform is synonymous with heartwarming, family-friendly entertainment and is especially known for its seasonal programming, including beloved holiday traditions like Countdown to Christmas. With a vast library of original movies and series, often set in charming small-town settings, Hallmark has cultivated a dedicated fanbase appreciative of its inclusive and emotionally resonant storytelling. As a staple in both holiday and everyday entertainment, Hallmark continues to connect with audiences worldwide.

    Hallmark Media is represented by Brandwith, a premier representative and distribution company in the Asia Pacific Region.

    Indiantelevision.com in conversation with Hallmark Media senior VP- international distribution Francisco J. González on email on the legacy of Hallmark Media, on what sets them apart and much more……

    On Hallmark Media and its mission in the entertainment industry

    Hallmark Media is home to top-rated, widely beloved programming that makes people feel good. Our goal is to provide our viewers with a wholesome, positive, and light-hearted viewing experience across our channels and platforms, and we deliver on that mission. Notably, flagship network Hallmark Channel is a top draw year-round and especially during the holiday season with its highly popular programming franchise Countdown to Christmas, which has earned the network the #1 spot among entertainment cable with Women 18+ during the Fourth Quarter for nine consecutive years.

    On being well-known for its heartwarming and family-friendly content

    Hallmark Media’s brand identity is rooted in the legacy of the iconic Hallmark Card brand, which has been in the business of helping people create meaningful connections that enrich their lives for over 113 years. Our success as an entertainment destination continues to grow in large part due to the guiding principles of the Hallmark brand, which fully embrace stories of inspiration, kindness, and hope.

    On the dedicated audience that looks forward to its holiday-themed content

    Our priority year-round is to develop a diverse mix of content, characters, and storylines that create an environment where everyone is seen and feels welcome. Further, we establish relationships with talent both in front of and behind the camera that reflect the lives and experiences of all our viewers. For example, we’re proud to put forward programming franchises like Loveuary, which celebrates love – from romantic love, to love between siblings, neighbors, friends, and more – during February, the most heartwarming month of the year and a time when many celebrate Valentine’s Day.

    On Hallmark Channel having a unique niche in the market

    Hallmark Channel is a unique success story in the cable landscape, continually ranking as a top-rated entertainment cable network and delivering compelling new content that helps them escape from the troubles of the world for a moment. What makes the network stand out year after year is its commitment to providing content that makes people feel good and inspires hope, love, and the celebration of a happy ending.

    On the content having a positive and wholesome appeal

    We create programming that reflects modern storytelling and allows everyone to share in the Hallmark experience. What’s more, we establish relationships with a wide range of writers, producers, directors and actors to identify and authentically develop stories that reflect the lives of our audiences. What we hear from our viewers is that our efforts allow them to see themselves in our programming in a meaningful way, while spotlighting a broad range of experiences, beliefs, backgrounds, and lifestyles.

    On the belief that sets Hallmark Media apart from other entertainment companies, and your vision for the future of the brand

    One thing that sets us apart from other entertainment companies is our devoted fanbase. They are an anomaly in this industry – passionate, engaged, loyal, and the reason for all that we do. Looking ahead to the future, we will continue to bring them fresh stories and new opportunities to connect with our brand. 

  • UNICEF, Ayushmann Khurrana and public-private-youth partners launch ‘YouthHub’ platform in India

    UNICEF, Ayushmann Khurrana and public-private-youth partners launch ‘YouthHub’ platform in India

    Mumbai:  UNICEF executive director Catherine Russell joined UNICEF India national ambassador Ayushmann Khurrana, government officials, the private sector and young people launched an innovative, digital YouthHub app to connect young people in India to future job opportunities, especially girls and marginalised youth.

    The platform, which functions as a digital ecosystem, was jointly launched by them along with Mr. Shombi Sharp (United Nations Resident Coordinator in India), Smt. Meeta Rajivlochan(Hon’ble Secretary, Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports), Ms. Cynthia McCaffrey (Representative, UNICEF India), Mr. Ashwin Yardi (CEO, Capgemini India), Mr. Ranen Banerjee(Government Sector Leader, PwC India), Ms. Vandana Bahri(Head, Skills and Livelihood, Children’s Investment Fund Foundation – CIFF India), Ms. Dhuwarakha Sriram (Chief of YuWaah, Youth Development, and Partnerships at UNICEF),Mr. Abhishek Gupta (COO, YuWaah at UNICEF) and two young leaders – Ms. Zakira Ganji and Ms. Jagriti Pandey.

    The YouthHub – co-created by YuWaah at UNICEF, PwC India, Capgemini, and CIFF – aims to connect young people to curated jobs, skills, and volunteering opportunities, and enable access especially for girls and youth from marginalised backgrounds. In its first phase, which was launched on Tuesday, the YouthHubapp has become accessible to young individuals via the Google Playstore. Serving as a unified platform, it offers free access to aggregated job opportunities in nine Indian languages, simplifying the job search process for young people.

    Intersecting technology and innovation, the hub is a ‘one-stop’application that integrates diverse platforms, tools, and resources, which aggregates curated economic opportunities for young people. The launch of the YouthHub marks a significant step in convening public, private, and youth partners to foster a generation of informed and skilled young people who can transition well from learning to earning.

    Russell is visiting India this week to meet with government officials, members of the private sector as well as young people, children and some of India’s frontline community workers.

    Russell said, “Investing in children and youth is the best way to deliver on the Sustainable Development Goals and create a brighter future for generations to come. Collaborative initiatives such as this YouthHub are a good way to reduce inequalities and ensure that girls are included and have access to future job opportunities. We can create a lasting impact when young people are involved in decision-making and when their voices are heard.”

    Khurrana said, “Being a UNICEF India National Ambassador has allowed me to peek into the lives, dreams, and hurdles faced by the children and young people of our country. They are our future, and ensuring they have a fair shot at success is not just a choice, it’s our duty. YouthHub app byYuWaah at UNICEF and partners is like a script for success for every young person in India. It’s not just a platform; it’s a dream factory that opens up doors to economic, skilling, and volunteering opportunities. But it’s much more than that. It’s a symbol of hope and the belief that every youngster, no matter their gender or background, deserves a shot at greatness. And we begin with equal opportunities for all. That’s what theYouthHub app will extend to young people.”

  • Astrum’s study explores ‘Technology Reshaping Communicators?’

    Astrum’s study explores ‘Technology Reshaping Communicators?’

    Mumbai: Astrum, India’s first science-based specialist reputation advisory has unveiled a first-of-its-kind study in the Indian public relations industry titled “Technology Reshaping Communicators.” This study combines months of rigorous secondary research and views of a diverse panel of Indian and global thought leaders, representing consulting firms, technology corporations, law firms, media editorial boards, international academics, private equity investors, global CXOs, senior corporate communication leaders, and a multitude of industry experts.

    Commenting on the study’s release, Astrum Reputation Advisory chairman Sunil Lulla chairman said, “In today’s digital era, communicators are continually navigating the dynamic intersection of technology and communications. This groundbreaking study delves deep into key questions that communicators are grappling with due to the rapid and recent advancements in technology. The study seeks to equip professionals with the knowledge and insights, necessary to thrive in this transformative environment.”

    Founding managing partner Ashwani Singla said, “Technology has reshaped our world for over two centuries from the advent of the printed word to the internet. What sets this digital era apart is the unprecedented pace and scale of advancements. It’s a landscape where machines can attain superhuman intelligence and harnessed for a greater good, yet capable of dismantling established brands within hours.” He adds, “In navigating this new paradigm of reputation management, a combination of technology and human ingenuity layered with an understanding of the science of reputation™ can enable communicators to completely transform their game.”

    Co-founder and author of the study Sharada Sharma said, “We are seeing that the impact on communications is threefold: one, in revolutionizing data assimilation for deeper insights into audience behaviour; two, transforming content creation distribution and consumption and, three, an investment in crisis preparedness/risk mitigation to secure corporate or brand reputation – each needs a holistic approach with sponsorship from the C-suite.”

    The study’s findings were unveiled at the tenth edition of PRAXIS10 – Reputation Management – The Big Picture, the largest annual gathering of communication professionals. The unveiling took place at “The Astrum Breakfast” (#TAB), an exclusive invitee only event that brought together leaders in corporate communication. An executive summary of the report was made available to all participants via a QR code, ensuring widespread access to the insights presented in the study.

  • Onsitego & Hardik Pandya partner to expand device protection category in India

    Onsitego & Hardik Pandya partner to expand device protection category in India

    Mumbai: Onsitego, India’s leading device care company, has announced its partnership with Hardik Pandya, India’s cricketing sensation. Hardik Pandya will be the new face of the brand and will help Onsitego expand the device protection category in India.

    Onsitego has been the flag bearer of the device protection category for over a decade in India. The company has covered more than 1.5 crore devices through its extended warranty & damage protection plans. As per Onsitego, penetration of device protection plans is in low single digits in India v/s above 25 per cent in developed markets. This under-penetration shows a clear lack of consumer awareness and presents a huge opportunity for the category to grow.

    By joining hands with Hardik Pandya, Onsitego aims to improve consumer awareness about the benefits of device protection plans. The combined impact of Onsitego’s presence across over 10,000 retail stores & Hardik’s influence amongst consumers will fuel the next stage of growth in the device protection market.

    Commenting on the strategic partnership, Onsitego Founder & CEO Kunal Mahipal said, “We are thrilled to welcome Hardik Pandya to the Onsitego family. Just as Hardik exemplifies leadership & excellence in cricket, Onsitego embodies leadership & excellence in the device care category. With Hardik on board, we look forward to expanding the device care category and continuing to offer the best in class service experience to consumers across the country.”

    Hardik Pandya, vice captain of India’s white ball cricket team, said, “As a consumer, I understand the pain whenever a device does not work properly & we all need a reliable partner like Onsitego to take care of them.”

    “I look forward to being a part of this exciting journey & contributing towards Onsitego’s mission of delivering WOW experience to all customers.” added Hardik, who is exclusively managed by RISE Worldwide.

  • VDO.AI reinvents brand engagement with Dexter

    VDO.AI reinvents brand engagement with Dexter

    Mumbai: VDO.AI, a leader in the advertising technology industry, unveils Dexter, a game-changing creative feature poised to redefine brand engagement by harnessing the power of innovative Gen AI algorithms. In today’s fast-paced digital arena, brand engagement isn’t just crucial; it’s the lifeblood of success. Recognising the ever-evolving landscape of consumer expectations, VDO.AI introduces Dexter, a groundbreaking tool that will revolutionise how brands connect with their audiences.

    Dexter is a testament to the fusion of creativity and technology. It leverages the capabilities of Gen AI algorithms to empower brands with the ability to craft deeply personalised, contextually relevant, and visually stunning content. By understanding individual user preferences, Dexter ensures that brands can deliver messages that resonate deeply, fostering authentic connections. Moreover, this avant-garde technology streamlines content creation, enabling brands to deliver the right message at precisely the right moment.

    Key Features of Dexter:

    •    Personalisation perfected: Dexter analyses user data to create bespoke content that speaks directly to individual preferences, thereby boosting user engagement and retention.
    •    Contextual brilliance: Understanding the context of user interactions, Dexter ensures that brands provide timely and relatable content, forging more profound connections.
    •    Visual mastery: Dexter elevates visual elements, creating attention-grabbing and memorable content that lingers in the minds of the audience.
    •    User-friendly integration: Dexter effortlessly integrates into existing marketing strategies, making it accessible and adaptable for brands of all sizes.

    The launch of Dexter represents a significant milestone in VDO.AI’s relentless pursuit of innovation in the digital advertising arena. Brands that embrace Dexter can anticipate heightened user engagement, increased conversion rates, and strengthened brand loyalty.

    VDO.AI CEO and founder Amitt Sharma shared his excitement about Dexter: “We find ourselves on the verge of a groundbreaking era in brand-consumer interaction. Dexter empowers us to establish dynamic connections with our audiences, converting passive observers into engaged participants. This achievement signifies a pivotal milestone in amplifying customer engagement and loyalty, as it allows us to harness the interactive potential that AI offers—a facet that brands have yet to fully explore.”

    “We are thrilled to introduce Dexter to the market. In a landscape where user engagement is king, Dexter empowers brands to create authentic, impactful connections. This innovation is set to reshape the very foundations of digital advertising.” added VDO.AI co-founder Arjit Sachdeva.

    Dexter is now available, offering forward-thinking brands an opportunity to elevate their brand engagement strategies. It unlocks endless avenues for brands to explore novel approaches, fostering innovation that resonates on multiple levels of engagement.

  • Ajay Devgn’s NY VFXWAALA has been honoured with the ‘Collaboration Excellence’ Award by Autodesk

    Ajay Devgn’s NY VFXWAALA has been honoured with the ‘Collaboration Excellence’ Award by Autodesk

    Mumbai: Ajay Devgn’s VFX company, NY VFXWAALA, has made a significant impact on enriching the cinematic experience with state-of-the-art technologies. They have been part of several blockbuster projects such as Ponniyan Selvan 1 and 2, Bholaa, Jawaan, Drishyam2, Sooryavanshi, Tu Jhooti Mai Makkar, Tanhaji:The Unsung Warrior, Sardaar Udham , Gangubai Kathiawadi, Runway34, Vaarisu, Waltair Variyya among others, which have earned immense appreciation for their scale.

    In recognition of their consistent efforts to enhance visual experiences, Autodesk, the world-renowned software company, has awarded NY VFXWAALA the prestigious ‘Collaboration Excellence’ award at the Autodesk Imagine Awards 2023. This accolade underscores the outstanding synergy between Autodesk’s innovative software solutions and NY VFXWAALA’s visionary approach to visual effects.

    This recognition highlights the power of collaboration, demonstrating that when technology and artistry unite, extraordinary results are achieved. It celebrates Autodesk and NY VFXWAALA’s joint contribution to shaping the creative future.

     

  • Lightstorm announces strategic partnership with Global GTS Tech

    Lightstorm announces strategic partnership with Global GTS Tech

    Mumbai: Lightstorm, a leading digital infrastructure player with innovative network connectivity solutions, is excited to announce a strategic partnership with Global GTS Tech, a renowned managed service provider with a key focus on global connectivity, data center, cloud, IoT and analytics to deliver exceptional value and unparalleled connectivity to customers worldwide.

    Through this collaboration, Lightstorm and Global GTS Tech aim to leverage their industry expertise to revolutionise the way businesses connect to the cloud, leveraging their industry insights to bring Polarin by Lightstorm to the market for businesses who require seamless, flexible and scalable networking capabilities to meet the demands of the digital age.

    Polarin is a software-defined NaaS network, built on a stable, agile & efficient network, trusted by hyperscalers. It enables businesses to transform their capabilities by providing them with scalable interconnectivity across hybrid and multi-cloud infrastructure, internet exchanges, Content Delivery Networks (CDNs) and various SaaS applications such as Microsoft 365. Polarin houses a pre-connected network to all major cloud players and 55+ data centers and enables point-and-click network provisioning within minutes instead of months taken in a traditional network. Polarin offers unparalleled control and visibility over network design and deployment. With its flexible billing options such as pay-as-you-go, customers can avail lock-in-free services; you pay only for what you use.

    Commenting on the partnership, Polarin by Lightstorm general manager & head of business Prasanna C expressed enthusiasm for the partnership, saying, “We are thrilled to partner with Global GTS Tech. Their reputation as a top-notch managed service provider aligns seamlessly with our commitment to providing cutting-edge networking solutions. Together, we are well-positioned to help businesses adapt, grow, and succeed in the digital era. We look forward to a fruitful association.”

    Global GTS Tech managing director Sibi Rajan shared, “We are excited to announce our partnership with Lightstorm, a global entity backed by I-Squared Capital. This partnership marks a significant milestone in disrupting digital technology with an innovative and future-ready NaaS platform, Polarin.

    The Lightstorm-GTS synergy will enable us to tap the Global network-as-a-service market, which is projected to grow from $11.64 billion in 2022 to $80.73 billion in 2029 at a CAGR of 31.9 per cent during the 2022-2029 period. Factors such as increased adoption of cloud technology from BFSI and IT & telecommunication along with an increasing portfolio of services will boost the growth of the market during the forecasted period. Additionally, increased adoption of technology by SMEs and large-scale organizations will increase the footprint of the market.”

    Polarin by Lightstorm displays a range of pre-configured and tested service offerings on a consumption-based subscription model designed to drive network consumption infrastructure on demand, such a unique offering has hit the market for the first time in India which by itself, is a game changer.

  • Wynk Studio wins music distribution rights to Kay Kay Menon’s starrer “Love All”

    Wynk Studio wins music distribution rights to Kay Kay Menon’s starrer “Love All”

    Mumbai: Wynk Music, India’s number one music streaming app by downloads and daily active users, has announced that Wynk Studio, India’s largest music distribution ecosystem, has won the distribution rights to Kay Kay Menon’s starrer “Love All”, a movie based on the life of badminton superstar, P Gopichand.

    “Love All” is produced by Mahesh Bhatt and P Gopichand along with Anand Pandit. It will be released by M Ramesh’s Laxmi Ganpathy Film Studios on 1 September. Directed by Sudhanshu Sharma, the movie also features Swastika Mukherjee, Robin Das, Shrishwara, Atul Srivastava and Raja Bundela. The movie has five memorable tracks, which are already available on Wynk.

    1. Baton Baton Mein, Singer – Jubin Nautiyal

    2. Gilli Si Subah, Singer – Papon

    3. Chal Uth Jhat Path, Singer – Sonu Nigam

    4. Love All Bol De, Singer – Kay Kay Menon  

    5. Sahas Do Sahas, Singer – Anjali Gayakwad

    Speaking about the distribution arrangement, Airtel digital CEO and Airtel chief product officer Adarsh Nair said, “Wynk Studio was established with the vision of offering independent artists a creative outlet which would also help them with any monetisation and discovery issues they might face. We have had great success with independent artists and have 1000 artists on our roster at present. This distribution partnership will open new vistas for producers looking to explore digital distribution and wanting to capitalise on Airtel’s inherent strengths of reach and connectivity.”

    Wynk Studio has gone from strength to strength since it was established. It has recently distributed independent singles such as “Love Token” from Manj Music and Anusha Dandekar, “Billo” from Vishal Dadlani and Nikhita Gandhi’s single “Pyaar mein Pagal”, a simultaneously romantic and groovy number, about a girl madly in love.

    Wynk offers music in 15 Indian languages and regional songs now account for over 30 per cent of the overall streams on the app. Songs in Oriya, Gujarati, Assamese, Marathi, Telugu and Bhojpuri have seen a growth of over 150 per cent and are popular outside their home states as well.