ITV

Category: Television

  • SPTI unveils official film of 2006 Fifa at Mipcom

    SPTI unveils official film of 2006 Fifa at Mipcom

    MUMBAI: Sony Pictures Television International (SPTI) gets Mipcom 2006 off to a lively start with the announcement that it has secured the worldwide excluding Japan, the distribution rights to The Grand Finale, the only officially sanctioned film about the 2006 Fifa World Cup.

    Directed by Michael Apted and narrated by Pierce Brosnan, The Grand Finale exhibits never before seen footage of the excitement and drama of the 2006 Tournament. It provides a film-style overview of the tournament’s most captivating moments. The announcement was made today by SPTI executive VP distribution Keith LeGoy.

    Commenting on the deal, LeGoy said: “The 2006 Fifa World CupTM was a spectacular event viewed by an audience of 30 billion people around the planet. The Grand Finale captures cinematic footage of the tournament that has never before been seen, footage that truly depicts the character, stamina and strength of the world’s best players, the excitement of the games and the passionate support of the fans. The cinematic quality of The Grand Finale along with the huge appeal of football among an ever widening worldwide audience makes this an incredible property for general and sports broadcasters alike.”

    Also commenting, Fifa president Sepp Blatter said: “We are pleased that a Hollywood studio of Sony Pictures’ global relevance has acquired the distribution rights for the Official 2006 Fifa World Cup Film. Through their expertise and market relevance around the world, millions of football aficionados will gain access to a unique and exclusive film production that allows the viewer to feel part of the action and the excitement of the Fifa World Cup. I am sure that the film will rapidly become a collector’s item because of its convincing and creative approach to some of the best the Fifa World Cup Final had to offer”.

    The Grand Finale not only portrays the excitement of the matches played in the World Cup but also uniquely captures the emotions, excitement and tension from the initial knockout stages through to the Final.

    The close-up, intimate style filming of The Grand Finale provides a compelling look at the highs and lows of the players and fans as they face the triumphs and adversities of the most beautiful game. Moreover, the film uniquely goes further than just highlighting the best moments of the tournament – it provides an inside perspective on the feelings of the players, their coaches, the fans and the officials.

    Michael Apted is best known for directing the award-winning Up! series of documentaries, and his feature film credits include Coal Miner’s Daughter, Gorky Park, Gorillas in the Mist, Class Action, Nell and the James Bond film The World Is Not Enough. The Grand Finale is produced by ECN Motion Pictures and runs approximately 100 minutes.

  • Zee Cinema celebrates 100 weeks of ‘Shanivaar Ki Raat Amitabh ke Saath’

    Zee Cinema celebrates 100 weeks of ‘Shanivaar Ki Raat Amitabh ke Saath’

    MUMBAI: Zee Cinema completes a 100 weeks with Amitabh Bachchan on Friday, 21 October. The channel’s popular property Shanivaar Ki Raat Amitabh ke Saath has been running for the past three years and is now into its third edition – Shanivaar Ki Raat Amitabh ke Saath – Relive the Magic.

    Shanivaar Ki Raat Amitabh ke Saath – Relive the Magic takes us down the memory lane, unfolding those nostalgic moments of the legend and his vocation, states an official release from Zee Cinema. The channel will play the best of Amitabh’s scenes, dialogues, songs, snippets etc specially tracked, edited and packaged for this special celebration from 11 October to 21 October as part of the celebrations.

    On 21 October, Zee Cinema will feature a special segment on Amitabh – ‘100 not out’ at 8 pm. This special feature will chronicle Amitabh’s journey from Allahabad to profiling the man behind the Superstar. Viewers will also get a chance to participate in a contest about the Big B and win a biography on Amitabh Bachchan, the release adds.

  • Disney Channel inks pan-European mobile deal with Orange

    MUMBAI: The Disney Channel has announced that it has signed its first pan-European deal to provide content to mobile phones. Through an agreement with Orange, the service will be available to customers in the UK, Belgium, Switzerland, Portugal, Poland, Holland, Romania, Slovakia and, in time, France.


    The service will consist of 65 to 120 minute programming loops featuring some Disney Channel‘s most popular content, including full 22-minute episodes of live-action programming franchises That‘s So Raven and The Suite Life of Zack & Cody and animated hits like Kim Possible and Disney‘s Recess. In addition, consumers will be able to watch clips from Hannah Montana and a selection of Disney Channel Original Movies, informs an official release.


    Disney Channels, EMEA executive vice president and managing director John Hardie said, “This is a break-through deal which we expect to be a huge hit with kids all over Europe. With parents‘ consent and knowledge, it allows kids to watch their favourite Disney Channel programmes on the way home or wherever they are. It‘s how today‘s kids are growing up to watch TV – at a time and in a place they choose and it‘s important that content providers are able to deliver that.”
     
     
    In other agreements announced by the two companies, Buena Vista International Television (BVITV), Disney‘s international TV distribution division, and France Telecom-Orange will extend their existing broadband VOD movie licensing agreement in France across other markets in Europe. With these agreements, Orange VOD subscribers in Spain and TPSA VOD subscribers in Poland will be the first to enjoy movies from Walt Disney Pictures, Touchstone Pictures and Miramax Films.


    Titles include global box office hit Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man‘s Chest, The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, The Witch and the Wardrobe and the forthcoming sequel The Chronicles of Narnia: Prince Caspian are also included in the agreements.



    Orange currently boasts of more than 2.9 million mobile broadband customers. France Telecom Executive Vice President Patricia Langrand said, “The agreement for the mobile services illustrates our desire to develop dedicated formats and programs specifically adapted for our mobile services with prestigious partners. Our agreement with Disney for VOD will enrich the content offer for our on demand services across multiple territories and platforms.”

  • Cartoon Network to explore Indian talent for ‘Snaptoons’

    MUMBAI: Kid‘s channel Cartoon Network has announced a pan Asian initiative titled Snaptoons – Short New Asia Pacific Cartoons, by scouting for emerging talent across its key markets in Asia, is slated to kick off on 18 October.


    The network is looking to invest in funding, backing and developing new and original ideas that lend itself to animation, is targeted at kids and must either have a universal or regional appeal. Thus, Cartoon Network is looking for poets, artists, amateurs, professionals, students, individual animators, animation studios, to send in their pitches and see their creations come to life.


    This programme will identify scripts and shortlist 30-40 entries for what they call a ‘bible synopsis‘ by the end of this year. From these pitches, ten will be green lit and each will be developed into full pilot episodes of 7-10 minutes each. The commissioned ten will have their world premiere on Cartoon Network across the Asia Pacific feeds. Depending on the response, these will be created into a feature film or full series episodes.


    Turner Entertainment Networks Asia, Inc (TENA) creative director Arnab Chaudhuri threw light on the concept of a ‘bible synopsis‘ with reference to a half hour animated series Class of 3000. This will be launched next year wherein Outkast‘s Andre Benjamin is the central character. Chaudhuri will be heading operations for Snaptoons in India.


    Forseeing potential in the animation industry and expecting it to soar up to Rs 950 million by 2009, Turner Entertainment Networks Asia, Inc (TENA) senior vice president and general manager Ian Diamond said, “Being the vanguards of original production, both live action and animation, it is our duty to raise the bar and create a platform for local animated productions.”
     
     
     
     
     
    Diamond added, “It is our responsibility to provide a platform for Indian talent to rightfully take a place on the global animation stage. Snaptoons is a serious, ongoing initiative designed to connect, discover and nurture creative brilliance that exists throughout Asia and will showcase the enormous potential that abounds in the region. This initiative will forge a relationship between that talent and Cartoon Network‘s extensive global production infrastructure to help develop the next generation of ground breaking animation.”


    A similar project was conducted in the US titled ‘World Premiere Toons‘ which identified the creators of the Power Puff Girls, Johhny Bravo and Dexter. “This approach has been extremely successful at a global level; toon icons such as The Powerpuff Girls, Courage The Cowardly Dog and many more, were born out of a similar campaign, and today, they are firmly entrenched in the animation hall of fame. This unique opportunity is an ongoing partnership between Cartoon Network and the local talent and I look forward to creating the next global Cartoon Network hit from this country,” says Diamond.


    Chaudhuri added, “For the network and the brand the ‘Characters are King‘ and now we are looking for the next generation of creators.”


    The broad parameters that creators could keep in mind while developing the concept would be to ensure that their concept is kid related, is character driven with a good dose of comic action. Additionally, in terms of design and creative vision it should be fun, funny, fearless and importantly, should have the potential to be commissioned as full series and/ or a feature film.


    The two channels from the Turner stable (Cartoon Network and Pogo) according to Diamond have clocked a 22 per cent growth in ad sales revenue and currently Cartoon Network secures a 30 per cent market share in the kids genre, while Pogo marked 23 per cent. Diamond sees India as having immense potential and it optimistic about India‘s contribution to this new initiate.


    For more information on the programme, the participants can visit the Snaptoons website on www.SNAPTOONS.org. The deadline for enteries is 31 December 2006

  • Chandrasekhar acquires Asianet; network to expand into Kannada, Tamil

    Chandrasekhar acquires Asianet; network to expand into Kannada, Tamil

    MUMBAI: Former BPL head honcho Rajiv Chandrasekhar has acquired a 51 per cent stake in Asianet Communications to become the chairman of the leading Malayalam television channel.

    Chandrasekhar’s acquisition, made through group company Jupiter Entertainment Ventures (JEV), is part of its expansion plans, which include new satellite channels in Tamil and Kannada, a press release issued in Thiruvananthapuram states.

    JEV also has plans to launch FM radio stations (under the Indigo brand name), the release says.
    The Kannada channel is expected to be launched early next year, and work is on in full force, the release adds.

    Once the statutory approvals are through, the remaining stake will be held between Raji Menon, the original promoter of the network, and Asianet managing director K Madhavan, with Zee Group holding a small 3% holding.

    Though Menon will no more have any direct operational role in the network, he will reportedly retain a 26 per cent stake in the network. Madhavan will, however, continue as MD overseeing the current management team.

    Asianet Communications operates three channels — Asianet, Asianet News and Asianet Plus for youth.

    Chandrasekhar, who unlocked over Rs 12 billion by selling the telecom business he had built up to Hutchison Essar, has more than adequate cash reserves to make current southern media kingpin Kalanidhi Maran sit up and take note.

  • Malaysia’s RTM to associate with CCTV: Report

    Malaysia’s RTM to associate with CCTV: Report

    MUMBAI: The Malaysian national broadcaster Radio Television Malaysia is expected to ink a tie-up with China Central Television (CCTV), Xinhua News reports quoting a company executive.

    The deal will have CCTV and RTM exchanging economic, cultural and tourism-related programs, Information minister Zainuddin bin Maidin has been quoted as saying in the report. CCTV will be keeping a safe distance from political programmes.

    According to Zainuddin, China Radio International (CRI) is also keen on joining hands with RTM to strengthen its Malay language service in China.

    It can be noted that, Subhash Chandra’s Zee Network in September signed an agreement with CCTV for entering China. As per the deal, CCTV has licensed to Zee Network, the use of news and other programs from CCTV International (CCTV-9). It has also authorised Zee to pick up their signals and transmit it over the Zee Network. Zee Network in turn will license to CCTV the use of its news and programs. Both the networks will exchange news programmes, documentaries and feature programs introducing each other’s culture, history, geography and economy for telecast.

  • Disney Channel inks pan-European mobile deal with Orange

    Disney Channel inks pan-European mobile deal with Orange

    MUMBAI: The Disney Channel has announced that it has signed its first pan-European deal to provide content to mobile phones. Through an agreement with Orange, the service will be available to customers in the UK, Belgium, Switzerland, Portugal, Poland, Holland, Romania, Slovakia and, in time, France.

    The service will consist of 65 to 120 minute programming loops featuring some Disney Channel’s most popular content, including full 22-minute episodes of live-action programming franchises That’s So Raven and The Suite Life of Zack & Cody and animated hits like Kim Possible and Disney’s Recess. In addition, consumers will be able to watch clips from Hannah Montana and a selection of Disney Channel Original Movies, informs an official release.

    Disney Channels, EMEA executive vice president and managing director John Hardie said, “This is a break-through deal which we expect to be a huge hit with kids all over Europe. With parents’ consent and knowledge, it allows kids to watch their favourite Disney Channel programmes on the way home or wherever they are. It’s how today’s kids are growing up to watch TV – at a time and in a place they choose and it’s important that content providers are able to deliver that.”

    In other agreements announced by the two companies, Buena Vista International Television (BVITV), Disney’s international TV distribution division, and France Telecom-Orange will extend their existing broadband VOD movie licensing agreement in France across other markets in Europe. With these agreements, Orange VOD subscribers in Spain and TPSA VOD subscribers in Poland will be the first to enjoy movies from Walt Disney Pictures, Touchstone Pictures and Miramax Films. 

    Titles include global box office hit Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man’s Chest, The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, The Witch and the Wardrobe and the forthcoming sequel The Chronicles of Narnia: Prince Caspian are also included in the agreements. 

    Orange currently boasts of more than 2.9 million mobile broadband customers. France Telecom Executive Vice President Patricia Langrand said, “The agreement for the mobile services illustrates our desire to develop dedicated formats and programs specifically adapted for our mobile services with prestigious partners. Our agreement with Disney for VOD will enrich the content offer for our on demand services across multiple territories and platforms.

  • Casbaa convention 2006 adds bandwidth to pay-TV

    Casbaa convention 2006 adds bandwidth to pay-TV

    News Flash: Saugato Bhowmik to head Viacom 18 Integrated Network Solutions, Jaideep Singh moves onMUMBAI: Tagged “From Bandwidth to Brandwidth”, the Casbaa Convention 2006, to be held from 24 to 27 October, is poised to shed light on using advancements in digital technologies to maximise the value of newly-available communications bandwidth for sophisticated brand development, innovative marketing and premium content.

    “Broadband and the multimedia revolution present immense opportunities for pay-TV platform operators, content providers and telcos of all types in Asia,” remarked Marcel Fenez, chairman of the Cable and Satellite Broadcasting Association of Asia (Casbaa).

    As Asia’s foremost broadcast industry event of the year, the Convention opens on 24 October with the Casbaa Technology Showcase 2006, focussing on the products and technical solutions revolutionising the world of pay-TV. This day-long session will feature presentations from the developers of global wireless, high definition, broadband and interactive technologies, states an official release.

    On the opening day of the convention, 25 October, the Casbaa Pay-TV Piracy Survey 2006 will be unveiled. This fourth annual study conducted by Standard Chartered Bank in collaboration with Casbaa and its member organisations, reveals pay-TV piracy estimates for 2006-2007. John Medeiros, the Casbaa VP for Government Relations and Regulatory Affairs, will look at the value of cooperation between government and the pay-TV industry and review government efforts to address the worsening problem of pay-TV piracy, the release adds.

    With regulation a crucial element for the broadcast industry, Kip Meek, Senior Partner for Competition & Content, OFCOM (UK) and Chairman of the European Regulators Group, will consider the need for regulatory supervision and effective governance and cast light on the relevance of a converged regulatory model to Asia. Meek will explore challenges and opportunities arising from the emergence of new media, technological innovations and the increasingly blurred distinction between carriers and content providers.

    The following day, 26 October, Charlie Ergen, Co-founder & CEO, EchoStar Communications (US), will present delegates with the realities of operating one of the world’s most advanced Direct-to-Home satellite TV services and look at market opportunities in Asia Pacific, including how industry players can focus on ‘brandwidth’ rather than ‘bandwidth’ in their business operations today.

    On the final day of the convention, 27 October, Irwin Gotlieb, Global CEO of WPP’s Group M in New York, will discuss the future of advertising and of media in the changing landscape, providing insights into effective strategies and tactics for pay-TV operators.

    “This year’s programme will offer delegates fresh perspectives on branding and the opportunities it provides in this new paradigm of abundant bandwidth and technological advancements. To make immediate and enormous strides towards becoming a digital leader, domestic markets should operate in sync with the rest of the world and gain the full benefit of a global marketplace,” said Simon Twiston Davies, CEO of Casbaa. “Regulators will see the benefits of loosening restraints on industry growth, while industry players will gain insights into the latest business and technology trends as well as the hot issues of today.”

    The Casbaa Convention 2006 will be held at the Hong Kong Academy for Performing Arts from 24 to 27 October, and is presented by InvestHK, with Star TV and now TV as the official partners.

  • ‘Vh1 Hip Hop Hustle’ may see D12, Mobb Deep or Obie Trice

    ‘Vh1 Hip Hop Hustle’ may see D12, Mobb Deep or Obie Trice

    MUMBAI:Vh1, the international music and lifestyle channel, brings in the hip hop invasion with Vh1 Hip Hop Hustle for the second year. And this time, it’s hardcore.

    Having spent 14 years in the hip hop business and recently signed to 50 Cent’s label G-Unit, the finale act is one of the following:a) D12, b) Mobb Deep and c) Obie Trice.

    The chosen act – to be announced later – will rock the house on 2 November at Enigma and on 4 November at Elevate, Noida.

    Vh1 Hip Hop Hustle Schedule
    Date
    City
    Venue
    International Acts
    19 Oct    Mumbai    Enigma    DJ Whoo Kid (US)
    20 Oct    Delhi    Elevate Noida    DJ Whoo Kid (US)
    26 Oct    Mumbai    Enigma    Scratch (UK)
    28 Oct    Delhi    Elevate Noida    Scratch (UK)
    2 Nov    Mumbai    Enigma    D12/Mobb Deep/ Obie Trice
    4 Nov    Delhi    Elevate Noida    D12/Mobb Deep/ Obie Trice

    Says Vh1 India VP and GM Keertan Adyanthaya, “Whether it’s in tune with the new appetite for bling, or increased spending, or just a trend that’s invading the world, hip hop is coming into its own in the country. 

    “Our show of the same name Vh1 Hip Hop Hustle which airs at Saturday 10 pm also has had great response and this way viewers can get the hip hop experience both on air and on ground.”

    Speaking on the previous year’s experience, “Last year’s Vh1 Hip Hop Hustle act Flipsyde was fairly new on the scene and their visit to India was successful enough for them to make a repeat visit this year. Now, we feel that India’s hip hop scene is ready for the hardcore of hip hop. So it’s going to be either D12, Mobb Deep or Obie Trice. We’re not telling yet!”

    Leading the way for the D12 / Mobb Deep / Obie Trice performances is DJ Whoo Kid, Best Hip Hop Mixtape DJ 2004 and the official tour DJ for 50 Cent and his label G-Unit. He will perform in Mumbai on 19th October and in Delhi on 20th October.

    Then a week later, make way for UK’s Scratch who will perform at Enigma in Mumbai on 26 October and in Delhi on 28 October. Scratch is resident DJ of UK’s biggest and 10 year old hip hop night. He has opened for Eminem, Black Eyed Peas, Prince, Macy Gray, Outkast & Cypress Hill amongst many others.

    Passes for each event will be available at the respective venues – Enigma in Mumbai and Elevate in Noida.

  • Sony Pictures gets ready for a new sensation

    Sony Pictures gets ready for a new sensation

    MUMBAI: “40 per cent for you, 60 per cent for me. While others promise the world we deliver the earth. Your support has been great and we look forward top continuing this relationship”.

    These words were spoken by Sony Pictures Releasing of India MD Uday Singh at a trade gathering with film exhibitors and distributors. SPR unveiled its lineup till October 2007 and the message to the trade fraternity was clear – “Get Ready For a new sensation”.

    After all with competition in the market it is important for the firm to reinvent itself. The tagline has been influenced by an INXS song. The Sony lineup culminates with the release of Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s Saavariya next Diwali. This marks Sony’s first co-production effort in India. Singh says that while the company is exploring other possibilities but nothing else has been firmed up as of now.

    Singh says that Sony Pictures is looking at a 70 per cent revenue growth. This marks a strong comeback for the company after 2005 which he concedes was a weak year. Compared to 2004 when Sony had Spiderman 2 this year’s revenues are expected to be at least 20 per cent more. This year in each quarter Sony has had at least one big film. It started with The Chronicles of Narnia.

    Then the controversy around The DaVinci Code ensured that perople watched the film some of whom wanted to see what the fuss what all about. Then thanks to its distribution deal with Disney in India Sony reaped the benefits of Cars and the second Pirates of The Carribean film. Now the big one for thia quarter is Bond. Daniel Craig dons the mantle of the superspy in Casino Royale which opens in India next month. The trailer which drew the anticipation of the industry gathering sees Bond as cool and yet ruthless. Next year Sony Pictures has three huge tentpole properties. These are Spiderman 3, Pirates of The Carribean 3 and The Chronicles of Narnia 2. Spiderman 3’s trailer shows that perhaps the superhero is being corrupted by the evil that he fights.

    There are also other big films lined up for next year including Déjà Vu. This has the potentially explosive teaming of producer Jerry Bruckheimer, director Tony Scott and actor Denzel Washington. There is also National Treasure 2 with Nicholas Cage returning.

    Before that though Cage stars in another big film Ghost Riders which Sony hopes will do well in the first quarter of next year. One film it is hoping will get the families into cinema halls is The Pursuit of Happyness with the ever dependable Will Smith. Heer Smith plays a A struggling salesman who takes custody of his son (played by his son in real life Jaden Smith) as he’s poised to begin a life-changing professional endeavor.

    The animation segment is also looking strong. This year Sony releases Open Season and Monster House. Open Season features Boog, a domesticated Grizzly bear who finds himself stranded in the woods three days before Open Season. Forced to rely on Elliot, a fast-talking mule deer, the two form an unlikely friendship and must quickly rally other forest animals if they are to form a rag-tag army against the hunters.

    Next year Sony releases Ratatouille which has been directed by Brad Bird who made The Incredibles. Ratatouille is all about a rat who dreams of eating gourmet French food. It is not just about blockbusters though. Singh takes pains to point out that Sony Pictures looks at itself as a full media services firm. This means that it shows a wide ranjge from blockbuster action films to animated films to serious films. It is to push serious films better that it started a new unit a few months ago.

    The first two films that will be pushed are All The Kings Men and Marie Antoinette. All the Kings Men has a top notch cast including Sean Penn, Jude Law, Kate Winslet and Sir Anthony Hopkins. It is a remake of an Oscar winning film from 1949. The other film comes from Oscar winner Sofia Coppola and stars Kirsten Dunst who readers might remember plays Spiderman’s love interest. In this film Dunst plays the famous French queen. Through this unit Sony Pictures is also looking to push niche films of other firms that might otherwise fall beneath the radar. The target is the crème de la crème viewer. It is also looking at the possibility of bringing in foreign language films for distribution into the country.

    While it is a challenge to convince exhibitors to show these kinds of films Sony is counting on the strong relationships that have been built over the years to help its cause. Singh adds that 10 years ago India was 72 out of 76 global markets for the parent firm on the film front. Today India is close to being a top 10 market. In total by the end of this year Sony would have released around 36 films. 20 would have come from the Sony stable, 10 from Disney and the rest are from other firms.

    Another area where Sony has picked up the pace has been in the home entertainment arena. This division was launched a year back. Now it has 200 DVD titles and 225 VCD titles. It released The Da Vinci Code last evening. Other new titles include Click with Adam Sandler as a man who with a remoter control can fast forward his life and Friends With Money with Jennifer Aniston and is about how wealth affects friendship between women. The firm points out that older titles like Mackennas Gold still sell and sometimes do better than the new releases.

    Sony also has released the Hindi versions of 80 titles including the Jim Carrey comedy Fun With Dick And Jane. It will release Lawrence of Arabia in Hindi. It also has 20 Tamil dubbed titles. It is looking to expand into the Telugu and Bengali languages with dubbed versions. One key area for Sony here are the direct to video releases. These include sequels that were not released in theatres like Stuart Little 3 and I Always Know What You Did Last Summer. Then it has deals with action stars like Steven Seagal and Wesley Snipes. They make films that go straight to video. Sony has its own manufacturing plant for this.