ITV

Category: Television

  • Disney US signs deal with Nintendo for games

    Disney US signs deal with Nintendo for games

    MUMBAI: US broadcaster Disney and games firm Nintendo have announced a deal.

    Characters from shows The Suite Life of Zack & Cody, Hannah Montana, American Dragon: Jake Long and That’s So Raven are available on Nintendo handheld video game systems.

    Buena Vista Games VP marketing Craig Relyea says, “This fall, kids of all ages can experience the fun of following characters from their favorite Disney Channel shows through a series of great new video games. Whether at home or traveling during the holidays, kids can enjoy these all-new adventures on the Nintendo handheld system of their choice.”

    Based on the TV show American Dragon: Jake Long and developed by WayForward, American Dragon: Attack of the Dark Dragon for the Nintendo DS lets players take control of Jake, who must punch and kick his way through an onslaught of villains to save girlfriend Rose from the Dark Dragon. American Dragon: Attack of the Dark Dragon boasts five distinct worlds with more than 20 levels. When Jake transforms into the America Dragon, players can release dragon fire, perform jump attacks, whip with a tail swipe and take flight in 3D with up to four friends in wireless mode.

    In the game based on the show Disney’s Hannah Montana 13 year-old Miley Stewart lives a double life as girl-next-door and pop sensation in the Disney Channel original show, Hannah Montana. In Disney’s Hannah Montana for the Nintendo DS, developed by DC Studios, someone is threatening to reveal Miley’s secret and it’s up to the player to determine who it is.

    Playing as Miley, gamers must use spy skills and gadgetry to investigate their school, the boardwalk, stadium and beach to uncover hidden clues and solve the mystery. Players can interact with their favorite characters from the show using a branching dialogue system while exploring familiar Hannah Montana environments, and meet hilarious new characters along the way. Mini-games include a wireless two-player skateboard, rollerblade and scooter challenge and a mode that enables players to share clothes in Miley’s secret wardrobe with others via wireless connection.

    The Suite Life of Zack & Cody: Tipton Caper for the Game Boy Advance takes players on a daring adventure with the 12-year-old twins at the Tipton Hotel. The boys are on a mission…crawling, climbing, jumping, racing and wearing disguises to conquer enemy forces, when they discover a plot to steal the crown from a Teen Beauty Pageant being held at the hotel. Players control the twins independently or team up in fun-filled missions to ensure the thief is stopped and the night is a success, all while trying not to get caught.

    Developed by Handheld Games, That’s So Raven: Psychic on the Scene challenges players to solve a hare-brained mystery brought on by one of Raven’s psychic visions. Taking the role of Raven or one of her friends, Chelsea or Eddie, players must gather clues to solve the mystery, fix fashion mishaps, save friends and progress through an array of fun puzzle challenges – all in 3D and for the first time ever on the Nintendo DS.

    Players can mix and match more than 40 different outfits, hairstyles and disguises, create custom clothing styles that can be shared over the wireless connection, sew new garments, and take the driver’s seat in several mini-games.

  • Star World visits Europe’s spookiest destinations

    Star World visits Europe’s spookiest destinations

    MUMBAI: From Friday 10 November Star World will air a show Most Haunted every Friday night at 10 pm.

    The series will take viewers inside haunted locations around Europe.
    A ghost-hunting team as well as top experts from the paranormal field join host Yvette Fielding. Attempting different methods and experiments to try and communicate with the dead, the team is determined to prove the existence of life after death.

    The channel adds that the paranormal series that has captivated viewers across the world, In Most Haunted the production team spends 24 hours in the UK most haunted locations, from castles to manor houses to underground stations, braving morbid atmospheres in chilling venues in an attempt to uncover the truth of ghostly sightings, poltergeists and ethereal voices.

    With a range of scientific tracking equipment and night vision cameras, they capture the most extraordinary paranormal activity ever to be seen on camera. On hand to assist are mediums, psychics and parapsychologists who evaluate the investigations in an attempt to answer the question on everyone lips: do ghosts exist?

  • John Dickie is BBC’s head of corporate affairs

    John Dickie is BBC’s head of corporate affairs

    MUMBAI: John Dickie has been appointed as UK pubcaster the BBC’s new head of corporate affairs.

    Dickie, currently head of public affairs for the BBC and responsible for the organisation’s relationship with Parliament and politicians, will take on the new, broader role immediately, retaining the public affairs remit.

    The appointment, working to the BBC’s Head of Communications Sally Osman, is part of the wider restructuring of the Marketing, Communications & Audiences division (MC&A). He will also take responsibility for all PR research, events and publications and manage a group of senior PR project managers.

    Dickie has been a key member of the Charter Review team under the BBC’s Director of Strategy, Caroline Thomson, over recent years; and was involved in conveying the BBC’s position on the latest Communications Act.

    A former public policy consultant with Prima and then GPC, Dickie, 41, was also Regulatory Affairs Director of the European Competitive Telecommunications Association.

    Osman said, “We are nearing the end of the Charter Review and Licence Fee settlement process in which John and his team have played an integral role. The focus will soon shift to wider communications priorities through to 2012, strengthening relationships and shifting perceptions. John has great intuition, intelligence and ideas so I’m delighted he and his team are joining the Communications group.”

    Dickie said, “I’m delighted to be have been given the opportunity by Sally to bring together the BBC’s public affairs and public relations teams. Working together, and with colleagues across the BBC, we will be showing how the BBC is delivering its public purposes under the new Charter.”

    The four-strong Public Affairs team, which includes Andrew Scadding, a former BBC producer and ex-head of Broadcasting with the Conservative Party, will also move in to the communications team within the BBC’s MC&A division.

  • Architect Daniel Libeskind to be featured on CNN’s show ‘Revealed’

    Architect Daniel Libeskind to be featured on CNN’s show ‘Revealed’

    MUMBAI: Five years on from the 9/11 events, the man charged with rebuilding Ground Zero is Revealed on CNN this month. Viewers join architect Daniel Libeskind on a fascinating journey from the pit where the towers once stood to the Rocky Mountains and the opening of his first US building. The show airs on 11 November at 6 pm, 12 November at 2 pm and 8 pm and on 13 November at 8 pm

    For Libeskind, a Polish immigrant whose parents survived oppression by both the Nazis and the Soviets, the rewards are poignant. As a child, he had arrived by boat into New York and “looked at that skyline…I could not believe that human beings could build such a thing”. He now finds himself responsible for the city’s rebirth in the aftermath of atrocity.

    In his formative years, Libeskind was an artist, seldom without a pencil in his hand. His mother, however, steered him away from his love of drawing and art, and towards the career which became his life. “She told me, ‘You know you should have profession, something that is responsible. Be an architect because you can always be an artist in architecture but you cannot be an architect in art. And in that sense, you can catch two fish with one hook.’”

    Yet Libeskind was 55 years old before his first building was completed – and an incredible building it turned out to be. The Jewish Museum in Berlin established Libeskind’s outrageous, jagged style, making use of light and dark to stir the emotions of visitors. On the day it opened, two hi-jacked planes crashed into the World Trade Centre and the two events became inextricably linked in his life.

    Libeskind’s involvement with the World Trade Center project, including the tallest building at the site, the Freedom Tower, has made him the focus of global media attention. His name is now spoken in the same breath as other celebrated architects such as Gehry, Foster and Rogers.

    Despite being one of today’s leading contemporary architects, however, his first American building is only now being opened, and it’s not in New York – the honour goes to Denver, a city nestled between the Colorado Desert and the Rocky Mountains. The inspiration for the building came through a glimpse of the mountains gained as he first flew into Denver:

    That unprecedented space became the Denver Art Museum’s breathtaking new building, and REVEALED follows Libeskind during the countdown to its opening. This incredible building sits like an alien craft amid the civic grandeur of the mile-high city’s downtown; docked at an angle on a vacant plot of land, its hull shimmers in the sun, the titanium surface reflecting the colours around it, silver and ochre fading into a brackish brown. The stern of the ship is a jumble of metal boxes, stacked any which way, with its prow looming over the adjoining road.

    Having won the architectural competition to design the building in 2000, REVEALED is with Libeskind at the culmination of six years planning and construction, as he attends a pre-opening party sporting a titanium jacket specially created for the occasion. The following day is the museum’s opening, and a phenomenal 33,000 people line up around the block day and night. Libeskind stands inside, signing autographs, beaming, enthralled by the completion of the project: “It just shows that even with an adventurous building, a building that has unprecedented challenges, that’s what architecture should be, on time and on budget.”

  • StarHub spices up as Fashion TV hits the runway

    StarHub spices up as Fashion TV hits the runway

    MUMBAI: Singaporean pay-TV operator, StarHub will launch Fashion TV – the international channel dedicated to fashion, beauty and style – on StarHub Digital Cable. The channel will make its debut on 13 November 2006.

    The info-communication company had recently launched a slew of new channels on its digital platform, including Star Chinese Channel, Vihay TV, Sky News, Channel [V] International, Foxcrime, Boomerang and National Geographic Wild.

    Fashion TV will be made available on the Digital-only Add-on Tier, and customers with a digital or DVR set-top box will be able to enjoy Fashion TV for a monthly subscription of $8 ($8.40 with GST), which includes the complimentary use of their first digital set-top box.

    StarHub VP cable TV services Patrick Lim says, “The customers we serve have a diverse spectrum of interests, and we aim to meet the needs and desires of all of them by offering a more comprehensive range of channels. This is certainly something local consumers can continue to expect from us.

    “While there are many excellent fashion publications available in Singapore, we believe that a market exists for a global fashion channel that combines music and stunning visuals to offer viewers the ultimate fashion experience. Fashion TV brings the ritz, glamour and excitement of fashion shows ‘live’ to audiences.”

    Fashion TV CEO and president Michel Adam Lisowski says, “As the definitive fashion channel, Fashion TV has been very well received in Asia, and we are confident that the refreshing, uniquely sophisticated content on the channel will not only win over keen fashion buffs, but also the general Singapore audience who appreciates beauty and style.”

    Fashion TV is the fashionista’s ticket to all the hottest fashion events around the globe. From the catwalks of New York, Paris, Milan and London, to glamourous red carpet events – Fashion TV is there on the front lines, poised to present up-to-the-minute news on every aspect of the fashion industry.

    Shows like Fashion Week and Fashion Event deliver the world of international fashion home to viewers, while Midnight Hot – one of the most popular segments on Fashion TV, serves up a visual feast for viewers at midnight, as the world’s top supermodels parade in the season’s trendiest lingerie and bikini outfits.

    Fashion TV also celebrates the personalities who make it all happen in the cutting-edge world of fashion. The designers and photographers featurettes give viewers an in-depth look at the creative process behind the work of designers, stylists and photographers who inspire the latest trends, while “First Face” and “F People” give the low down on the lifestyles of models and celebrities who dictate what’s in and what’s not in the fickle fashion scene.

    Fashion TV also has the latest tips and fashion finds – all that the fashion and beauty fan needs to hit the streets. Viewers will receive expert tips to revamp their wardrobe and makeup via programmes like Hair and Make-up, Now in Stores and Tendances. Hair and Make-up reveals the beauty secrets behind the most dazzling hairstyles and makeup; Now in Stores highlight one’s shopping spree must-haves; while Tendances showcases the season’s most coveted accessories.

    The channel’s Fashion and Film and Fashion and Music programmes take viewers behind-the-scenes of the latest films and music videos, and give them an exclusive glimpse of the elaborate makeup, styling and costume designing that takes place on the set of upcoming movies and music videos.

    This month Fashion TV profiles acclaimed designer, Roberto Cavalli, who started with humble beginnings in the late 60’s when he created his own fashion line inspired by art made from patchwork of different fabrics. He had his first taste of fame in the mid-90’s when his new line of clothing drew a celebrity clientele that included Madonna and Kate Moss. Cavalli was chosen as the favorite menswear label in Florence in 2002, and Cavalli was picked by Fashion Group International as Designer of the Year. Check out Cavalli’s latest inspirations on Fashion TV this November.

    Come December, Fashion TV will present the latest spring/summer 2007 fashion looks ‘live’ from shows in all the fashion capitals around the world. Book a spot next to the catwalk by tuning in to Fashion TV!

    Viewers can refer to the On-screen TV Guide or StarHub’s Online Programme Guide at www.starhub.com/cabletv for the schedule of the programmes on Fashion TV, and customers can call 1630 or 1633 to subscribe to the channel from 13 November 2006 onwards.

  • Zone Reality gives viewers a slice of undercover life in ‘Spy’

    Zone Reality gives viewers a slice of undercover life in ‘Spy’

    MUMBAI: Zone Reality, the 24 hour channel dedicated to real life programming premieres a thrilling investigative series Spy which will be premiering today 8 November.

    This programme is an account of the psychological and physical experiences encountered by common men who receive a crash course in espionage by professional spies and proceed on to a final mission where their skills are put to test.

    This series unravels the actual procedures that are entailed in the work of professional undercover agents. Spy is a ten episode series which features the entire sequence starting from the selection of the spies, their preparation psychological travails and challenges faced by them while undergoing the process of transformation, tricks that they acquire and the final stages of elimination and triumph.

    Tvery episode is a natural progression of the art of spying. The first episode shows the selection of potential spies through and is a interesting portrayal of how these ordinary men and women are sent to an unknown location where they are put on to a real life investigative mission, to gauge their suitability as professional spies. The second episode shows how the selected recruits are taught the core tricks of the trade by former MI6 officers.

    The third, fourth, fifth and sixth episodes show how different missions require these spies to implement their core skill, i.e. of effortlessly blending into an environment. The seventh and eight episodes show how recruits learn the art of cultivating an agent – the core work of an intelligence officer, and the values of teamwork and collaboration. The ninth episode is about loyalty to their organisation and the final episode is about being able to complete their mission without being detected by authorities.

    The channel adds that an interesting feature of this series is that it gives viewers a thorough insight not only into the intricacies of investigative procedures but also acquaints them with various psychological aspects of human beings.

    Some more programming to look forward to this month includes˜One Shot and ˜Tuckerville. One Shotâ p remiering on 22 November 2006 is about the life of a celebrity event photographer. Tuckerville which starts on 27 November 2006 showcases the life of Tanya Tucker the celebrated bad girl of country music. It is a true reiteration of the fact that stardom comes with its own price.

  • Financial site CNNMoney.com launches online video platform

    Financial site CNNMoney.com launches online video platform

    MUMBAI: US broadcaster CNN and publication Fortune have announced that its business and finance web site CNNMoney.com has launched a new online video platform.

    This will offer users a unique library of streaming video content covering the world of business and finance. The initiative will utilize the high quality video production of CNN, which will co-produce each segment. As part of the launch, a prominent video module with eight featured and newsworthy video segments will be posted on the site’s home page at all times.

    The segments produced for the site will derive from key stories from each of the four magazines housed on the site – Fortune, Fortune Small Business, Money and Business 2.0 – as well as stories by the dedicated editorial staff of CNNMoney.com. In addition, business news from CNN’s broadcast networks will be available directly through the newly-launched CNNMoney.com video player.

    The Time business and finance network president digital publishing Vivek Shah says, “Video is a vital component of the Web experience. The access and insight of our magazines combined with CNN’s video production capabilities will translate into a Web video experience unlike any in our category.”

    The site features nearly 50 video segments which build off of some of the ’ frmagazinesanchise issues including Fortune’s Fastest Growing Companies, Money’s Best Places To Live, Business 2.0’s The Next Disruptors and Fortune Small Business’ Best Bosses 2006. Video coverage also includes some of the magazines’ events and conferences.

  • Horlicks Wiz Kids ’06 grand finale to kick off on 11 November

    Horlicks Wiz Kids ’06 grand finale to kick off on 11 November

    MUMBAI: The grand finale of the Horlicks Wiz Kids 2006 is set to kick off on 11 November in Bangalore, to form the Horlicks Wiz Team. This will follow from the National Finals to be held on 8 November.

    The Wiz Team consisting of four students will be awarded an opportunity to visit Philippines on an educational-cultural exchange.

    In its third year, the Horlicks Wiz Team ’06 will be selected by a panel of judges at the grand finale. In Phillipines, the winners will interact with students of ‘Community of Learners’ and ‘Center for Positive Futures’ institute. They will visit the urban poor community and garbage dumpsite in Payatas, Quezon City and participate in cultural programmes with other students. The trip will also include sight-seeing to learn about the culture and historical places of Phillipines.

    Preceeding the grand finale, during the National Finals students will go through a host of activities that are designed to assess them on their social and mental ability and overall personality. At Pegasus – an outbound learning institute and at the Ancient School of Wisdom, the students will undergo training activities, talent rounds, project presentations, psychometric tests and many other fun, learnig and recreationnal activities, informs an official release.

    Horlicks Wiz Kids 2006 at the city level is said to have reached out to four million students, with a participation of 170,000 students from 1141 school across India.

  • Imaginasian TV to premiere ‘Comedy Zen II’ on 10 November

    Imaginasian TV to premiere ‘Comedy Zen II’ on 10 November

    MUMBAI: ImaginAsian TV has announced that it will premiere the second season of its original comedy series, Comedy Zen on 10 November 2006 at 9 pm.

    Comedy Zen’s second season-taped at David Henry Hwang Theater-will consist of six new half-hour episodes and a dynamic lineup of Asian America’s wittiest comics, asserts an official release.

    Headed by returning host, Joey Guila (P-Diddy’s Bad Boys of Comedy, Takeout Comedy Tour 2004), Comedy Zen II showcases two comedians in each episode and highlights their unique styles ranging from playful irony to irreverent life observations.

    ImaginAsian TV SVP programming and production David Chu said, “The first season of Comedy Zen received a positive response from our many viewers, especially from those who have long clamored to see talented Asian American comedians brought to the limelight. We’re very excited to air this second season, which we think is even hipper, funnier, and more sharp-witted than our first season.”

    Airing weekly, the second season features many new as well as returning comedians. This season’s lineup of stand-up comics includes Nigel Lawrence (Comedy now, Vancouver comedy festival), Kevin Shea (Kims of comedy), Mark Saldana (NBC’s last comic standing), and Bobby Miyamoto (Comedy central’s premium blend), added the release.

  • Sony Pictures to distribute Peace Arch’s TV show ‘The Tudors’ globally

    Sony Pictures to distribute Peace Arch’s TV show ‘The Tudors’ globally

    MUMBAI: Canadian firm Peace Arch Entertainment has announced that Sony Pictures Entertainment has acquired the distribution rights outside the US for DVD, television, mobile and new media for the 10-part television series The Tudors.

    Showtime Networks holds the US distribution rights to The Tudors scheduled to premiere in the US next year.

    The Canadian Broadcasting Corporation will broadcast the show in Canada, where Peace Arch Home Entertainment will distribute on DVD.

    The show tells the tale of the young, powerful, seductive King Henry VIII, focusing on the tumultuous early years of the ambitious King’s nearly 40-year reign of England. Bold and passionate about his country and his women, Henry’s obsession with ensuring his legacy led to beheadings of friend and foe, waging war, and challenging the almighty Catholic Church of England, forever changing the soul of the British Empire.

    The Tudors stars Golden Globewinning actor Jonathan Rhys Meyers Match Point, Bend It Like Beckham as the young, sexy and ruthless King Henry VIII; Sam Neill Jurassic Park plays Cardinal Thomas Wolsey – a minister who possessed great power until he failed his King; Henry Czerny Mission Impossible plays The Duke of Norfolk who learned that the only thing that mattered was winning and keeping the favor of the King.

    Jeremy Northam Gosford Park plays Sir Thomas More – a man whose principles sent him to the chopping block; Gabrielle Anwar Things To Do In Denver When You’re Dead plays Princess Margaret, Henry’s spoiled sister who was married off to become Queen of Scotland.