ITV

Category: Film Production

  • Balaji Telefilms’ Ekta Kapoor foregoes one-year salary for workers

    Balaji Telefilms’ Ekta Kapoor foregoes one-year salary for workers

    MUMBAI: Balaji Telefilms joint managing director and creative head Ekta Kapoor will give up her one-year salary, Rs 2.5 crore, to ensure that her workers will not suffer due to the ongoing lockdown caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.

    In a social media post she announced that she is doing this so that her "co-workers don't have to take a hit during this period of crisis and complete lockdown".  

    She wrote in the note: "The impact of CORONA crisis is huge, unprecedented and multi-pronged. We all need to do things that will ease the hardship of people around us and of our country at large. It is my first and foremost responsibility to take care of the various freelancers and daily wage workers who work at Balaji and who are going to suffer immense loss due to no shootings in the current scenario and uncertainty over the indefinite period to follow. I would thus forsake my one year’s salary that is Rs 2.5 crore at Balaji Telefilms so that my co-workers don't have to take a hit during this period of crisis and complete lockdown. The only way ahead, is together. Stay safe, stay healthy.”

    It may be recalled that earlier the producer donated to various relief funds in order to fight the adverse effects of the COVID-19 pandemic.

  • TV, digital and film shoots stop in Mumbai from today

    TV, digital and film shoots stop in Mumbai from today

    MUMBAI: Mumbai’s content producers were in for a shock. When they reached the gates of Film City this morning, they found them shut.  Until late last evening, Film City officials were adamant that they would keep the government-owned location open till 19 March, until they received official notice from the authorities. Which they apparently did late last night or early this morning in the wake of the Sars-CoV-2 virus scare.

    The producers’ body – the IFTPC – also got instructions from Maharashtra government officials that its members need to wind up their shoots as soon as possible – that is by tonight.

    However, in different shoot locations in Mumbai,  Bombay Municipal Corporation representatives went around  post lunch demanding that shootings be wound up immediately.  And they were given no option but to comply.

    It may be recalled that the various trade and craft unions had announced that they had agreed to cease all production by 19 March, and until the end of the month.

    Says a producer: “We were all working to shoot over time so that we could meet our deadlines with the broadcasters. Now we don’t know, what we will do. We will have to package  good episodes together using sharp edits.”

    How broadcasters will deal with this sudden turn of events with some episodes possibly being left incomplete, is to be seen. The good news for them is that since many Mumbai-kars are going to be home bound until the tide of the CoViD 2019 bad news recedes, a lot of television is going to be consumed.

    The government, on its part, is taking the extreme steps as it is hardpressed to halt the spread of CoVid-2019, which has attained pandemic status the world over. 

  • One Life Studios acquires 3 crime thriller shows from ZDF

    One Life Studios acquires 3 crime thriller shows from ZDF

    MUMBAI: One Life Studios (OLS), a subsidiary of Swastik Productions, has been on a roll, racking up big series one after the other.  The premium content creation and distribution company has acquired 3 crime thrillers shows from Germany based ZDF Enterprises these include ‘London Kills’(2 Seasons, 5 Episodes), ‘The Team’(1 Season, 8 Episodes), and ‘Team Reloaded’(1 Season, 8 episodes). OLS has acquired all TV rights and digital rights along with subtitling and dubbing for English, Hindi and all Indian languages across the SAARC territories including India.

    What’s more, One Life Studios is also the exclusive distributor of the award-winning American series “Breakers – Saving Harper Ross”, a Deo TV original. This is a 10-episode nail-biting thriller about Jack who is reliving the same day over and over again. A crime series wrapped around mystery and mind-boggling events, Breakers has won numerous awards, including “” Platinum Remi Winner for Best TV Series at the 51st Annual WorldFest-Houston International Film Festival 2018”.

    Speaking on these exciting developments, One Life Studios Producer/Managing Director Rahul Kumar Tewary stated “It has always been our endeavour on enthralling audiences across geographies with engaging content. We will continue to connect people across borders by bringing these stories on their screens. These acquisitions are a testament to this very focus of our organization.”

  • Krishna Desai, Joy Bhattacharya and Amber Lall, come together to announce the launch of a creative content powerhouse

    Krishna Desai, Joy Bhattacharya and Amber Lall, come together to announce the launch of a creative content powerhouse

    Mumbai: Former Turner International executive director and head kids vertical for south asia Krishna Desai (KD),  former vice president Endemol Shine India  Joy Bhattacharya, and second unit director for Padmaavat Amber Lall ,recently announced the launch of their newventure, 369 Media & Entertainment is a content powerhouse designed to target the potential of unexplored and compelling storytelling in the burgeoning digital medium.Leveraging their diverse industry expertise, KD, Amber and Joy bring a deep consumer centric content creation ethos coupled with strategic business insights to the venture.

    Speaking about this new venture and its vision, KD said, “During my long stint at across kids and English entertainment brands in various roles, I was fascinated by the nature of massive adoption on-demand video consumption and realised the magnitude of the supply gap of relatable content for a growing number of discerning consumerswho have an ever-increasing choice of content. It all pointed to this time which is a great one to fully explore the potential of newer and better ways of storytelling. I spent the last several months exploring and researching the best way to address the potential that this gap represented and met with many people from the M&E industry. This journey found culmination in an exciting collaboration with Joy and Amber to launch 369 Media & Entertainment which I am confident will deliver unique, compelling and authentic content.’’

    Speaking about this collaboration Joy Bhattacharya said, “We are truly excited to introduce our new venture. It focuses on creating meaningful and relatable content for the fastest-growing consumer segment. We use analytical insights into our development process rather than just a gut feeling and this helps us offer differentiating content. We will also focus on nurturing a content partner ecosystem that would not only understand the gap but also drive the narrative. The creative art of storytelling that can connect and resonate with the viewers is the key ingredient and that is precisely what we aim to offer.’’

    Speaking about this new venture, Amber Lall, a seasoned film industry professional, said “Storytelling really is the exploration of the human mind. The digital revolution has just opened up many new shores to explore, allowing the storyteller an opportunity to think more candidly. 369 is an attempt to give the greatly under-served population honest, engaging and appealing content.’’

    Based on Nicola Tesla’s theory of the mysterious triangle of 3, 6 and 9, that hold the key to unlocking the mysteries of the universe, the 369 Media and Entertainment aims to unlock the entertainment universe and leave its audiences mind blown! 369 Media and Engagement LLP is set to achieve its goals of unlocking powerful content that is enjoyable and relatable to audiences in India and overseas and will be in the delivered in the form of fiction and non-fiction shows, short films, documentaries, feature films, live events, etc.

    For more details, please log on to: www.369-media.com

  • South Asian Film Market (SAFM)commences on 31st August in Singapore

    South Asian Film Market (SAFM)commences on 31st August in Singapore

    Mumbai: South Asian Film Market (SAFM) in Singapore is taking placefrom 31st August to 1st September in Singapore and will be attended by important filmmakers and industry stalwarts.  It is a unique initiative which offers a platform for selected filmmakers to raise funding for their projects from certain high net worth individuals (HNIs). It is the only such platform for South Asian films outside South Asia and had witnessed great success in its inaugural year in 2018.  4 films were funded of which 2 of them are ready for the release and the other 2 is are in their pre-production stages.

    Films in the West are produced by hedge funds and high net worth individuals who plough moneyin them purely as an alternative form of investment.SAFM is the only unique platform to offer this opportunity in South Asia. Singapore is often referred to as the financial capital of the region is the most appropriate place  to host this as the city often acts as a bridge between South Asia and South East Asia. This year, 15 filmmakers will fly down to Singapore and pitch their project to a set of jury panel members which includes Abhay Deol (Actor/Producer), Kilian Kerwin (Ivanhoe Pictures), Saugata Mukherjee (Hotstar), Saurabh Gupta (M! Capital Ventures) and Shariq Patel (Zee Essel).

    Commenting on SAFM, Abhay Deol, Actor / Producer, mentioned “I am very excited to be a part of the Jury at South Asian Film Market 2019 in Singapore. It is a unique format that brings filmmakers and high net worth individuals to a common platform. Investing into films as an alternative investment class is very common in the west and SAFM is bringing that to the content boom in South Asia. One of my films was also at SAFM last year which then got funded and is now up for release soon".
     
    “We aim to bridge the gap between creativity and finance and introduce fresh capital to films. South Asia is witnessing a boom currently in this space and it is the best time for investors to explore such investment”, said Abhayanand Singh, Chairman, SAFM.

    SAFM is also introducing a new section this year wherein publication houses will pitch for the adaptation of their books as films or web series.
     

  • Locomotive Global acquires rights to develop local version of “RAY DONOVAN” for the Indian market

    Locomotive Global acquires rights to develop local version of “RAY DONOVAN” for the Indian market

    MUMBAI: Locomotive Global Inc., an international production company focused on developing, producing, and distributing Indian-themed content for India and the world, has acquired the first scripted remake rights to the critically acclaimed SHOWTIME®drama series RAY DONOVAN from CBS Studios International.  Locomotive will develop a new version of the series to be set in India and featuring an Indian cast. 

    “India is one of the biggest entertainment markets in the world. There is a voracious appetite for high-quality drama series throughout the region,” said Sunder Aaron, co-founder and Principal of Locomotive Global, Inc. “We think RAY DONOVAN, with its complex and gritty storylines and strong anti-hero central character, is in sync with the themes and genres that are resonating with Indian viewers right now. Our adaptation will bring Ray into the Indian milieu with the protagonist now a “fixer” in Bollywood. We look forward to developing this first-rate series for a whole new fanbase.”

    Roxanne Pompa, Vice President, International Formats for CBS Studios International said: “India has become an increasingly important market for scripted drama and we are seeing more and more high-quality content coming from the region,” said CBS. “Locomotive’s idea to adapt the story and iconic central character of RAY DONOVAN in India market is both exciting and timely and we look forward to seeing how Indian viewers will respond.”

    As a "fixer" for Hollywood's elite, Ray Donovan is the go-to guy for celebrities, athletes, and business moguls to make their problems disappear. Though often a messy job, it’s much more lucrative than Ray’s previous work as a ruthless South Boston thug and it’s given him status to run with the truly wealthy and powerful. But no amount of money can completely mask Ray's past, including a troubled family and a father who threatens to destroy everything Ray has been trying to accomplish for himself.

    Starring Liev Schrieber, RAY DONOVAN premiered on Showtime in 2013 and is currently in production on the series’ seventh season.  RAY DONOVAN won the Critics Choice Television Award for “Most Exciting New Series” in 2013 and Liev Schreiber has multiple Emmy and Golden Globe nominations for his performance in the title role.

    Locomotive Global will develop, produce, and film the remake in India, and is currently identifying broadcast and digital distribution partners.

  • Neela Telefilms welcomes Darshan Ashwin Trivedi as COO

    Neela Telefilms welcomes Darshan Ashwin Trivedi as COO

    MUMBAI: Neela Telfilms Pvt Ltd has announced the appointment of Darshan Ashwin Trivedi as the COO of the company. He is responsible for the day-to-day operations and development of new projects.

    He has been in the media and entertainment industry professional for about 20 years. Beginning his career at the age of 10 as an artiste in radio and television, Trivedi has worked with Reliance Broadcast Network Ltd, Zoom Entertainment Networks Ltd, Sony Entertainment Television, Radio Mirchi, Zee Interactive Learning Systems, Triologic Digital Media Ltd, Memesys Cultural Lab Pvt Ltd, The Moving Pixels Company and L J Institute of Media and Communications as a senior resource.

    He has directed feature film, short films, documentary films, has produced and directed thousands of hours of television and radio content. He holds a PhD degree in Sociology and Law from Gujarat National Law University.

    Trivedi is also a founder of Gujarati Film Fraternity, an initiative to support Gujarati Cinema.

  • Prime Focus joins hands with Pritam and Kwan to create JAM8

    Prime Focus joins hands with Pritam and Kwan to create JAM8

    MUMBAI: Integrated media services company Prime Focus Ltd has announced its collaboration with Jam8, a musical platform founded by Indian music composer/director Pritam, and KWAN, a talent management company to serve as a 360-degree creative solution provider for the M&E industry.

    The move has been made by Prime Focus with an aim to branch out, expand and establish its foothold in the music business. The company in association with Jam8 and Kwan plan to deliver the best in terms of high-quality infrastructure and technology that caters to all kinds of sonic requirement. Having the likes of Pritam and Jam8, his dream project as able partners, this venture will serve as a one-stop platform that will offer solutions to music across all segments covering movies, advertisements and the OTT space, providing the best of quality music output.

    Founder of Jam8 and music composer/director Pritam Chakraborty said, “Jam8 is my baby and helping me nurture it are Kwan and Prime Focus and Kwan. After successfully launching composers who are active in films, television, and advertising…now finally our state of art studio is ready. I am really excited. "

    Prime Focus non-executive chairman Namit Malhotra said, “It’s a great opportunity for us to partner with JAM8. Music is something that I hold very close to my heart. Through this collaboration, we would look to enable new talent to bring about a diversified mix of music for all the audiences. Jam8 is a platform under the leadership of someone like Pritam that can bring the best of talent and produce music that will be enjoyed for years to come and we are thrilled to be partnering in that.”

    Kwan CEO Vijay Subramanium said, "Pritam da has had the vision of jam8 for years and when he discussed it with us, we truly believed that his vision was transformational. The idea and the platform are unique and will create opportunities for musicians across the country to live their dream. It’s been an absolute pleasure to see this dream take shape."

    Prime Focus Business Head Niraj Sanghai said, “Our aim through this venture is to support the abundance of upcoming talent we have in our country. We would like to present these budding youngsters a platform and provide all the best amenities and opportunities to encourage and nurture them. We are proud to associate with Jam8 and we very excited to be part of this initiative”.

  • The makers of ZERO launch a fan engagement initiative – Bauua Ki Toli

    The makers of ZERO launch a fan engagement initiative – Bauua Ki Toli

    Mumbai, 30th  November 2018:  The makers of ZERO have today announced the launch of a unique engagement program, called Bauua Ki Toli, where Bauua Singh’s fans get a chance to become his Khaasam Khaas by earning points.

    This is a one-of-a kind marketing innovation where fans can win ZERO merchandise, personalised autographed posters, and a lot more cool stuff. Other exciting gifts include personalised posters autographed by Shah Rukh Khan, movie ticket cashbacks from Paytm and exciting Bauua merchandise.

    All one has to do, is create a profile on the website Bauua Ki Toli, connect their Facebook and/or Twitter profiles, and interact on the Red Chillies Entertainment pages daily to earn more points. With each activity that fans complete, they get closer to Bauua Singh and stand a chance to meet the star cast of ZERO.  

    Speaking about the initiative of Bauua Ki Toli, Binda Dey, Marketing Head, Red Chillies Entertainment said, “The love and warmth that ZERO  has received from fans makes us immensely grateful. With Bauua Ki Toli, we want to give our fans another fun way to connect with the much loved character of Bauaa”

    Live now, fans on the website will start with being Bauua’s Khaas, and have to earn points in order to become Bauua Ke Bahut Khaas and Bauua Ke Khaasam Khaas. Launched ahead of ZERO’s release, the program aims at bringing the fans of Shah Rukh Khan, Bauua Singh and ZERO together.

    Sign up today and join Bauua ki Toli to become his Khaasam Khaas: https://bauuakitoli.com

  • Eros numbers up in second quarter

    Eros numbers up in second quarter

    BENGALURU: The Sunil Lulla-led Indian film and media company Eros International Media Ltd (Eros) reported a 9.2 per cent jump in operating revenue for the quarter ended 30 September 2018 (Q2 2019, period or quarter under review) as compared to the corresponding year ago quarter (y-o-y comparison). Profit after tax (PAT) and total comprehensive income (TCI) for the period under review jumped 34.4 per cent and 109.3 per cent (more than doubled) respectively y-o-y. Total income increased 17 per cent y-o-y in Q2 2019.

    Eros reported operating revenue of Rs 292.88 crore for Q2 2019 as compared to Rs 268.26 crore. Total revenue during the quarter under review was Rs 320.56 crore as compared to Rs 273.93 crore in Q2 2018. PAT in Q2 2019 was Rs 77.31 crore as compared to Rs 57.51 crore in Q2 2018. TCI in Q 2019 was Rs 131.33 crore as compared to Rs 62.76 crore in the corresponding year ago quarter.

    The company released 17 films and one digital series in Q2 2019 as compared to 14 films in the previous quarter (Q1 2019). Contribution by overseas revenue to operating revenue almost doubled to 23.7 per cent during the period under review as compared to 12.6 per cent of operating revenues in Q2 2018. Theatrical revenues contributed 28.1 per cent to overall revenues in Q2 2019 as compared to 30.7 per cent in Q2 2018. Contribution to total revenue from television and others in Q 2019 was 48.2 per cent as compared to 56.7 per cent in the corresponding year ago quarter.

    Eros reported 10.9 per cent y-o-y increase in total expenditure in Q2 2019 at Rs 7231.36 crore from Rs 208.54 crore in Q2 2018. Films rights costs including amortisation costs increased 25.2 per cet y-o-y to Rs 148.87 crore from Rs 118.95 crore in the corresponding quarter of the previous fiscal. Employee benefits expense in Q2 2019 declined 12.4 per cent y-o-y to Rs 13.18 crore from Rs 15.04 crore in Q2 2018.

    Finance costs reduced 17.8 per cent y-o-y in Q2 2019 to Rs 21.36 crore from Rs 54.22 crore in the previous year. Other expenses increase 1 per cent y-o-y in Q2 2019 to Rs 51.22 crore from Rs 50.71 crore in Q2 2018.

    Company speak

    Eros executive chairman and managing director Lulla said, “We are happy to report a strong performance during the Q2 and H1 FY2019 which has been a result of our continuous focus on building a portfolio of content driven films that appeal to a wide cross-section of audiences, produced at optimum costs and marketed around the world across diverse entertainment platforms. During Q2

    FY2019, we released a total of 17 films & 1 Digital series, comprising of the hit franchise Happy Phirr Bhag Jayegi, the critically acclaimed Manmarziyan, Vishal Bharadwaj directed Patakhaa, Saakshyam (Telugu), Tc.Gn – Take Care Good Night (Marathi) amongst others. Overseas releases of Batti Gul Meter Chalu (Hindi) and Nawabzaade (Hindi) further supported performance during the quarter.”

    “With our strategy of being a leading producer in digital content, we released an ErosNow1 8-episode original series directed by Rohan Sippy, Side Hero which was received very well by the global audiences. Going forward, we have a refreshing slate of high-potential ErosNow originals with crime drama Smoke releasing today. We believe with the roll-out of our original series we will be able to capture the attention of the fast growing millennial and post-millennial audiences,” said Lulla.

    “H2 FY19 has begun well for us with the successful release of Boyz 2 (Marathi), Tummbad as well as Andhadhun (overseas), Helicopter Eela (overseas) and Namaste England (overseas) at the box office. Further, we have a growing and compelling line-up for the remainder of FY 2019 and FY2020. As we look forward, our proven content acquisition and co-production model, our strong partnerships with Colour Yellow Production, Reliance Industries and the latest partnership V. Vijayendra Prasad as well as our Indo-China collaborations will be the key differentiator in the forthcoming quarters”