ITV

Category: Television

  • 4Kids Entertainment launch HD animated TV series ‘Chaotic’ at Mipcom

    MUMBAI: 4Kids Entertainment, Inc. has set Mipcom 2006 for the global launch of its new high-definition animated action adventure television series Chaotic. As announced by 4Kids Entertainment executive VP International Brian Lacey, the 40 half-hour episode series will be available to international buyers at this year‘s market.


    4Kids has exclusive rights to represent Chaotic worldwide across broadcast, home video, music and merchandise licensing. According to Lacey, the high-definition animated kids television series will premiere on 4Kids TV in the US in late September, informs an official release.


    “Chaotic combines the best entertainment qualities of Pokémon – stories with heart and attitude that feature a collectable appeal for kids and Yu-Gi-Oh! – stories that build upon a compelling trading card game,” Lacey added.



    “Chaotic will bring kids around the globe into a multi-dimensional entertainment world – a dynamic trading card game with a high-velocity web interactive element – that serves the interests of kid viewers and the needs of broadcasters alike. A kid-identifiable cast of characters and fast-paced stories, highlighted with conflict, comedy and lots of warmth give this hi-def series the hallmarks of a kids classic. Quite simply, Chaotic breaks new ground in the kids entertainment business.”

    Chaotic transports the viewers into a world filled with fantastic creatures. Magic, suspense and adventure abound in this exciting action series. This series creatively draws upon a dynamic trading card game that elevates the level of interactivity and engagement with and between kids unequalled in an entertainment property. Each Chaotic card has its own unique code, as the codes allow players and collectors to battle and trade cards in their physical and online worlds, adds the release.

    4Kids selected Bardel Entertainment, a Vancouver-based animation company to execute the animated series in hi-def format. With over 15 years experience in animation, Bardel Entertainment‘s clients include Dreamworks SKG, Warner Brothers, Fox, Nelvana and Disney Interactive among others.


    4Kids Entertainment, over the past decade has produced and launched such mega-hits as Pokémon, Yu-Gi-Oh!, Yu-Gi-Oh! GX and Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles among others.

  • Disney & Adlabs give family entertainment a ‘Movie Magic’ experience














    MUMBAI:  The weekend is fast approaching and the family and kids are all geared up for some fun! What if you could catch a movie, play some games and maybe even watch a magic show, all in just a couple of hours? Well, Disney has given the family entertainment experience a new meaning, as they unveiled the Disney and Adlabs Movie Magic experience.


    Known for their story telling heritage, Disney has now tied up with Adlabs to bring to their audience what they call “experiential engagement.” The Disney Movie Magic experience is primarily based on getting kids to use their “pester power” to drive the whole family into the theatre every weekend. Adlabs across six cities including Mumbai, Pune, Nashik, Mangalore, Meerut and the National Capital Region (NCR), will be dedicated to showing classics from the Disney stable such as The Incredibles, Finding Nemo, The Lion King, Aladdin, Tarzan, Chicken Little, The Princess Diaries, 102 Dalmatians and many more.


    This new initiative was kicked off here in Mumbai with newly launched animated feature Cars. What‘s more, for this special screening about 150 kids from NGO‘s including Make-a-Wish Foundation and St. Katherine were invited. From games, tattoos, face paint to a magic show, all the kids sported various Disney characters on their arms and faces and it seemed like they had a frolicking time. Also, Rand De Basanti star and avid Disney fan, Kunal Kapoor was present to pep up the kids.



    Keeping up this spirit every weekend, kids will be able to avail of special food and beverage offers along with monthly in-cinema contests and a chance to win Disney merchandise. The branding experience is taken a step further with specially designed movie tickets incased in Disney‘s Movie Magic branded envelope, which will contain a token gift related to Disney movies. Adlabs locations will also be decorated in keeping with the fantasy world of Disney.


    Unveiling the new logo and commenting on their efforts to enhance the Disney entertainment experience, The Walt Disney Company (India) managing director Rajat Jain said, “There is no such concept as a children‘s movie, but rather a family viewing experience. The endeavor of the brand will be to build the emotional connect between the content and the consumer and we are working on constant innovations to deliver this.”


    “‘We‘re pleased to provide families with a new weekend entertainment option that engages the whole family together. Disney‘s Movie Magic is a unique wholesome entertainment experience for families, which will be available through leading multiplex chains across India,” adds Jain.


    Disney‘s Movie Magic will be promoted extensively through a comprehensive marketing campaign including television, in-cinema and print advertising bolstered by onground, ATL and online initiatives. Going forward, this initiative will include a loyalty programme, special schemes with schools and more exciting offerings to add the magic of Disney to special festivals and holidays.


    Adlabs Films Limited COO Tushar Dhingra said, “Movie going is a social activity and an emmersive experience and we attempt to create an experiential journey for the family. We should never underestimate the repeat power of this segment of the audience. The before and
    after experience will keep them coming back for more.”


    Commenting on their marketing efforts, Dhingra added, “We have the advantage of an in house inventory, that will produce advertisements to attract the kids segment and apart from the media mix, word of mouth should give it a good start.”


    When queried as to why this offer has strategically omitted other bigger metros Dhingra said that even tier 2 and tier 3 cities have reflected a great demand for such forms of entertainment however, they do plan to roll out similar initiatives in the other metros soon.


    The in-cinema promotions show a bored father and son playing table tennis in an unenthusiastic way, until they find out about the new Disney and Adlabs Movie Magic offer. The next scene catches the whole family enjoying the entertainment and fun. Similar advertisements have been rolled out in the print including the Mumbai Mirror and Bombay Times.


    This offer will be applicable to the morning shows on every weekend between 9 to10 and will be priced at a Rs. 90.

  • Sir Elton John receives Disney Legends award

    MUMBAI: A couple of days ago US media conglomerate Disney honoured legendary songwriter and singer Sir Elton John, as well as 11 additional inductees, with the Disney Legends Award.



    Disney president and CEO Robert Iger says, “This annual ceremony, now in its 19th year, gives all of us at Disney a moment to remember the importance of our past achievements and to recognise those who embody this company‘s constant focus on delivering unparalleled creativity, quality and innovation to our audiences around the world. As we continue the tradition this year, we also mark a special milestone as we welcome our 200th Disney Legend.”


    The other new Disney Legends include ABC News anchor Peter Jennings; Actors Tommy Kirk and Kevin Corcoran (Old Yeller, The Shaggy Dog, Swiss Family Robinson, Mickey Mouse Club); Actors Tim Considine and David Stollery (The Adventures of Spin and Marty);
    Actress Ginny Tyler (Mickey Mouse Club)
    and Disney and Pixar animation story artist Joe Ranft.


    The Disney Legends Award was established in 1987 to honour the men and women who have made significant contributions to the Disney legacy. The first recipient was actor Fred MacMurray (The Shaggy Dog, The Absent-Minded Professor, The Happiest Millionaire), and since that time 203 Disney Legends have been named, including this year‘s recipients.


    Among the past Disney Legends are Julie Andrews, Steve Martin, Dick Van Dyke, Annette Funicello, Dean Jones, Angela Lansbury, Fess Parker, Kurt Russell, Tim Allen, Hayley Mills, Phil Collins, Art Linkletter, Tim Conway, Sir Tim Rice, Howard Ashman and Alan Menken.

  • Nicktoons Network to offer animated TV content on iTunes

    Nicktoons Network to offer animated TV content on iTunes

    MUMBAI: US broadcaster Nickelodeons aninmation network Nicktoons Network has launched a new line-up of content on the iTunes Store

    Programming on offer includes Skyland, the new animated adventure series, which will be available on iTunes prior to its network debut on Saturday, November 18 at 9:00 p.m. (ET), and short-form content from The Nicktoons Network Animation Festival, the world’s only multiplatform animation festival which showcases the diversity of independent cartoon filmmaking by animators from around the globe.

    Four episodes of Nicktoons Network’s upcoming animated adventure series, Skyland are being offered on iTunes for $1.99 each. iTunes will offer a free sneak-peek (available for four weeks) of the premiere episode. 28 compilations of approximately 180 short films from The Nicktoons Network Animation Festival will be available for purchase at launch which includes 13 compilations from the 2004 Animation Festival, eight from 2005, and seven from 2006.

    Nicktoons Network VP, GM Keith Dawkins says, “The launch of Nicktoons Network on iTunes will allow our viewers the chance to watch many of our hit shows whenever they want and wherever they are. We strive to provide our audiences with the opportunity to connect with our content in many different ways, and this launch is another step in Nicktoons Network multiplatform programming strategy.”

    For $1.99 per episode, consumers can download Nicktoons Network series from the iTunes(R) Store and view them on their iPods or computers. Skyland follows a heroic brother, Mahad, and his telekinetic younger sister, Lena, as they search for their parents in a new world order.

    The year is 2251 and the Earth has been shattered into millions of blocks that now drift aimlessly in orbit around the Earth’s core known as Skyland. The Sphere, led by a power-mad ruler with telekinetic powers named Oslo, has installed a dictatorship that controls water distribution, now a precious resource. Skyland’s young heroes along
    with the pirate resistance, try to free their mother from Oslo’s evil grasp and destroy the dreaded Sphere. Skyland Nick says uses the latest in animation techniques and technology such as motion-capture and CGI, to create a unique rich visual style and stunning imagery usually reserved for filmmaking.

    — The Nicktoons Network Animation Festival, which celebrated its third year this summer, showcases the diversity of independent cartoon filmmaking by animators from around the globe. Animators were asked to submit animated shorts no longer than 10 minutes in length that combined a unique look, great character designs and overall appeal and originality.

  • Sir Elton John receives Disney Legends award

    Sir Elton John receives Disney Legends award

    MUMBAI: A couple of days ago US media conglomerate Disney honoured legendary songwriter and singer Sir Elton John, as well as 11 additional inductees, with the Disney Legends Award.

    Disney president and CEO Robert Iger says, “This annual ceremony, now in its 19th year, gives all of us at Disney a moment to remember the importance of our past achievements and to recognise those who embody this company’s constant focus on delivering unparalleled creativity, quality and innovation to our audiences around the world. As we continue the tradition this year, we also mark a special milestone as we welcome our 200th Disney Legend.”

    The other new Disney Legends include ABC News anchor Peter Jennings; Actors Tommy Kirk and Kevin Corcoran (Old Yeller, The Shaggy Dog, Swiss Family Robinson, Mickey Mouse Club); Actors Tim Considine and David Stollery (The Adventures of Spin and Marty); 
    Actress Ginny Tyler (Mickey Mouse Club) 
    and Disney and Pixar animation story artist Joe Ranft.

    The Disney Legends Award was established in 1987 to honour the men and women who have made significant contributions to the Disney legacy. The first recipient was actor Fred MacMurray (The Shaggy Dog, The Absent-Minded Professor, The Happiest Millionaire), and since that time 203 Disney Legends have been named, including this year’s recipients.

    Among the past Disney Legends are Julie Andrews, Steve Martin, Dick Van Dyke, Annette Funicello, Dean Jones, Angela Lansbury, Fess Parker, Kurt Russell, Tim Allen, Hayley Mills, Phil Collins, Art Linkletter, Tim Conway, Sir Tim Rice, Howard Ashman and Alan Menken.

  • CBS to air ‘9/11’ to mark fifth anniversary of attacks

    CBS to air ‘9/11’ to mark fifth anniversary of attacks

    MUMBAI: On the occasion of the fifth anniversary of the 9/11 terror attacks, US broadcaster CBS will re-air the the Multi-Award Winning Program 9/11 on 10 September.

    It will be updated to include new interviews and footage with many of the firefighters featured in the original presentation.

    The show is an insider’s account of the World Trade Center attack. The eyewitness story, which has aired twice before on CBS, has new interviews with many of the firefighters who were featured in the original program, discussing how their lives, families and the world have changed in the five years since the tragedy.

    Two-time Oscar winner Robert De Niro returns as host of the programme, taking viewers back to Ground Zero five years later.

    As with the previous airings, the broadcast of 9/11 will include information throughout the programme about how viewers can contribute to the Uniformed Firefighters Association Scholarship Fund to benefit all firefighters’ families. Due to the sensitive content and graphic language that appears in parts of the program, the broadcast also will include both audio and visual warnings to viewers, as well as an introduction by De Niro alerting viewers to the content of the programme.

    On Sept. 11, the Naudets and Hanlon were in lower Manhattan shooting a documentary on the Engine 7, Ladder 1 firefighters when Jules suddenly heard a roar from above and turned his camera upward. In doing so, he captured the only known video of the first plane striking the World Trade Center.

    Camera still rolling, Jules followed the firefighters into the heart of what would soon be known as Ground Zero. Gedeon also rushed to the scene with members of Ladder 1. Over the next several hours, the brothers captured extraordinary video unlike any broadcast since, including 75 minutes of footage from inside the North Tower as the rescue effort was underway and dramatic scenes of escape in the minutes before the building collapsed.

  • Disney & Adlabs give family entertainment a ‘Movie Magic’ experience

    Disney & Adlabs give family entertainment a ‘Movie Magic’ experience

    MUMBAI: The weekend is fast approaching and the family and kids are all geared up for some fun! What if you could catch a movie, play some games and maybe even watch a magic show, all in just a couple of hours? Well, Disney has given the family entertainment experience a new meaning, as they unveiled the Disney and Adlabs Movie Magic experience.

    Known for their story telling heritage, Disney has now tied up with Adlabs to bring to their audience what they call “experiential engagement.” The Disney Movie Magic experience is primarily based on getting kids to use their “pester power” to drive the whole family into the theatre every weekend. Adlabs across six cities including Mumbai, Pune, Nashik, Mangalore, Meerut and the National Capital Region (NCR), will be dedicated to showing classics from the Disney stable such as The Incredibles, Finding Nemo, The Lion King, Aladdin, Tarzan, Chicken Little, The Princess Diaries, 102 Dalmatians and many more.

    This new initiative was kicked off here in Mumbai with newly launched animated feature Cars. What’s more, for this special screening about 150 kids from NGO’s including Make-a-Wish Foundation and St. Katherine were invited. From games, tattoos, face paint to a magic show, all the kids sported various Disney characters on their arms and faces and it seemed like they had a frolicking time. Also, Rand De Basanti star and avid Disney fan, Kunal Kapoor was present to pep up the kids.

    Keeping up this spirit every weekend, kids will be able to avail of special food and beverage offers along with monthly in-cinema contests and a chance to win Disney merchandise. The branding experience is taken a step further with specially designed movie tickets incased in Disney’s Movie Magic branded envelope, which will contain a token gift related to Disney movies. Adlabs locations will also be decorated in keeping with the fantasy world of Disney.

    Unveiling the new logo and commenting on their efforts to enhance the Disney entertainment experience, The Walt Disney Company (India) managing director Rajat Jain said, “There is no such concept as a children’s movie, but rather a family viewing experience. The endeavor of the brand will be to build the emotional connect between the content and the consumer and we are working on constant innovations to deliver this.”

    “‘We’re pleased to provide families with a new weekend entertainment option that engages the whole family together. Disney’s Movie Magic is a unique wholesome entertainment experience for families, which will be available through leading multiplex chains across India,” adds Jain.

    Disney’s Movie Magic will be promoted extensively through a comprehensive marketing campaign including television, in-cinema and print advertising bolstered by onground, ATL and online initiatives. Going forward, this initiative will include a loyalty programme, special schemes with schools and more exciting offerings to add the magic of Disney to special festivals and holidays.

    Adlabs Films Limited COO Tushar Dhingra said, “Movie going is a social activity and an emmersive experience and we attempt to create an experiential journey for the family. We should never underestimate the repeat power of this segment of the audience. The before and
    after experience will keep them coming back for more.”

    Commenting on their marketing efforts, Dhingra added, “We have the advantage of an in house inventory, that will produce advertisements to attract the kids segment and apart from the media mix, word of mouth should give it a good start.”

    When queried as to why this offer has strategically omitted other bigger metros Dhingra said that even tier 2 and tier 3 cities have reflected a great demand for such forms of entertainment however, they do plan to roll out similar initiatives in the other metros soon.

    The in-cinema promotions show a bored father and son playing table tennis in an unenthusiastic way, until they find out about the new Disney and Adlabs Movie Magic offer. The next scene catches the whole family enjoying the entertainment and fun. Similar advertisements have been rolled out in the print including the Mumbai Mirror and Bombay Times.

    This offer will be applicable to the morning shows on every weekend between 9 to10 and will be priced at a Rs. 90.

  • BBC sinks its teeth into Dracula

    BBC sinks its teeth into Dracula

    MUMBAI: UK pubcaster BBC has announced a new version of the classic Bram Stoker 1897 novel, Dracula. Filming begins this month on location in and around the West Country for transmission later in the year on BBC One.

    Marc Warren plays the title role. David Suchet who is best known for the television series Poirot plays vampire scholar and Dracula’s nemesis, Van Helsing.

    Returning to the original novel for his inspiration, Stewart Harcourt’s script draws both on elements of Bram Stoker’s own life and Victorian society to give this version of the vampire classic a new, modern sensibility.

    Executive producer Julie Gardner said, “Stewart Harcourt’s adaptation is a visceral, sexy and bold re-telling of Bram Stoker’s classic chiller which will blow the cobwebs off traditional period drama. And we’ve brought together a cast of thrilling young talent to bring it to life.”

  • Discovery US launches a consumer mobile site

    Discovery US launches a consumer mobile site

    MUMBAI: US media firm Discovery Communications has launched its US direct-to-consumer mobile website.

    This allows consumers to download wallpapers, ring tones, podcasts and other special features directly to their cell phones through the mobile URL at www.discoverymobile.com.

    Discovery’s fans can now personalise their cell phones with a wide assortment of ring tones including nearly 30 different animal sounds and Animal Planet’s Crocodile Hunter, Steve Irwin saying “G’Day Mate.” Additionally, consumers can choose from wallpapers ranging from over a dozen kinds of sharks to tattoos from TLC’s hit series Miami Ink.

    Highlighting both current hit shows as well as programming genres that viewers have come to know and love from Discovery such as nature, science, exploration and animals, the mobile website also offers previews, scheduling information and short-form video clips.

    Discovery executive VP strategy and development Don Baer says, “Our new mobile portal is the latest example of our strategy to expand the Discovery universe and provide consumers with informative and entertaining content and useful features when and where it fits their lifestyles”.

    Designed to complement its television networks by strengthening viewers’ loyalty as well as attracting new audiences to Discovery’s brands, the mobile portal offers programming extensions that consumers can use while on-the-go. The features range from recipes and corresponding grocery lists from TLC’s new series Take Home Chef to fashion tips from the hosts of What Not To Wear. Pregnancy calendars, health tips and smoking cessation guides related to Discovery Health will also be added in the near future.

    Discovery senior VP, new media Clint Stinchcomb, says, “Whether it’s a busy parent trying to feed the kids or a teenager looking to put a personal touch on their cell phone, our mobile portal is a way for consumers to simplify, enhance and enjoy their lives with Discovery features at their fingertips.”

    Features on Discovery’s new mobile portal also include:

    • Downloadable ring tones, wallpaper and podcasts from Discovery favorites such as Discovery Channel’s Shark Week, TLC’s Miami Ink and Animal Planet’s The Crocodile Hunter, as well as over two dozen animal sounds and a variety of breathtaking nature scenes from around the globe, among others. The cost per download is $1.99.

    • Discovery News text reports offering information in the areas of science, nature, health, travel, all things about planet earth and current affairs. Updated daily, Discovery News offers perspective and commentary from multiple sources including the company’s in-house development and editorial team and Associated Press Television News.

    • Fan sites where consumers can view exclusive video clips, learn more about on-air personalities and access program schedules.

    • Short-form spotlights of shows from Discovery’s entire family of U.S. networks offering program descriptions and scheduling information.

    Discovery’s mobile portal can be accessed from any US network through the mobile URL at discoverymobile.com. The company will also introduce Discovery Mobile, a dedicated, 24-hour mobile programming network designed specifically for portable platforms available through mobile carriers this quarter. Updated weekly, Discovery Mobile will push content to consumers such as original made-for-mobile series, abbreviated versions of Discovery’s most popular programs, never before seen footage, one-of-a-kind extras and user-generated content.

    The launch of the US mobile portal builds on Discovery’s strong foundation of success in the international mobile marketplace where it has already launched a direct-to-consumer mobile portal in the UK. Discovery Mobile is available in nine countries. The company also has a global partnership with Nokia, which carries customized Discovery content on its newest and most sophisticated devices.

    This announcement follows a series of new media initiatives Discovery has recently unveiled. Discovery has been launching new services and working with strategic partners to bring its high-quality, informative and entertaining content to consumers wherever they are and whenever they want it.

    Discovery says that it is the first media company to provide its world-class video content on Google Earth, the revolutionary satellite imagery-based mapping product, and the first nonfiction programmer to offer video content through the iTunes music store. Discovery also launched the first of its U.S. broadband channels: Discovery Channel Beyond, TLC Beyond, Travel Channel Beyond and Animal Planet Beyond, as well as the new TURBO broadband channel.

  • eBay India community annnounces the Bollywood Barometer

    eBay India community annnounces the Bollywood Barometer

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    eBay India community annnounces the Bollywood Barometer
     

    MUMBAI : eBay India, India’s leading online marketplace,announces a unique eBay Bollywood Barometer.The eBay Bollywood Barometer gauges Bollywood star popularity based on the number of products up for saleon eBay India (www.eBay.in).

    eBay Bollywood Barometer: Actors

    Ranking
    Actors
    No. of Live Listings*
    1 John Abraham 497
    2 Shahrukh Khan 266
    3 Hrithik Roshan 164
    4 Amitabh Bachchan 142
    5 Akshay Kumar 100
    6 Salman Khan 91
    7 Sanjay Dutt 62
    8 Abhishek Bachchan 58
    9 Saif Ali Khan 57
    10 Aamir Khan 31

    eBay Bollywood Barometer: Actresses

    Ranking Actresses No. of Live Listings*
    1 Rani Mukherjee 134
    2 Aishwarya Rai 122
    3 Preity Zinta 93
    4 Madhuri Dixit 66
    5 Kareena Kapoor 61
    6 Bipasha Basu 41
    7 Priyanka Chopra 36
    8 Rekha 36
    9 Sushmita Sen 34
    10 Vidya Balan 16

    Interestingly, eBay India sellers have listed products in keeping with buyer demand and hence the popular choices all figure in the Barometer with a few surprise entries. The eBay Bollywood Barometer has ranked both the Top 10 Actors and the Top 10 Actresses. The range of products vary from Movie Memorabilia like Film Magazine Covers, Posters, Movies & Books and you can log onto www.ebay.in <http://www.ebay.in> to bid or buy the exciting products on offer.

    Key Highlights

    Rani, Aishwarya & Preity are the Top 3 Actresses on the Barometer.

    Madhuri’s comeback announcement seems right on time as she is No. 4 on the Barometer.

    The eternal Rekha actually ties with Priyanka Chopra at 36 listings
    each.

    John, Shahrukh & Hrithik are Top 3 Actors on the Barometer.

    The thinking man’s actor Aamir is actually ranked at No. 10.