Category: Production House

Big Synergy appoints Simmi Karna to produce fiction series for OTT, TV

MUMBAI: Anil D Ambani-owned Reliance Entertainment's Big Synergy, a content creation and production company, is powering its fiction content team and has appointed Simmi Karna to produce fiction series for OTT and broadcasters.

Karna brings to Big Synergy her vast experience of having developed and produced hundreds of hours of fiction content in Hindi, Marathi, Bengali, Tamil and Telugu languages and will empower the company’s ambition in both national and regional markets. She has over two decades of experience in creating long form (TV, OTT/web series) and short form content (films, documentaries). In the past, she has worked in various capacities as a writer, producer, director, head of programming, business head, chief revenue officer and content head and has been associated with Sakal Media, Reliance Broadcasting, Balaji Telefilms, IMG and more.

Reliance Entertainment Big Synergy CEO Rajiv Bakshi said, “Big Synergy is committed to producing the finest content across both fiction and non-fiction and across all platforms and markets. Today, we are in an ideal position to create fiction content across all genres including thriller, comedy, romcom, crime, family, mystery, women empowerment and more. The team is passionately progressing in developing multiple high-impact series, with some releases planned across platforms in 2019. With her vast experience, Simmi will further augment our strategy and boost the ambition to offer the widest variety of content and creative partnerships to our esteemed clients on both OTT & broadcast platforms."

Big Synergy has amplified its fiction content offering over the past few years and currently produces impactful content in both genres across broadcast and OTT platforms. Some of the popular fiction web-series include Bose: Dead/Alive on ALTBalaji’s, Yo Ke Hua Bro on Voot and the new season of Savdhaan India, Savdhaan India Naya Adhyay on Star Bharat and many more.

She said, “I am excited to join Big Synergy at this amazing time when the industry is treating content as central for growth. Having produced fiction content in over 5 languages over the last many years, I am confident of creating path-breaking, soul-touching, contemporary and entertaining content for viewers across platforms and markets.”

February 20, 2019
Peninsula Pictures eyes new genres for digital foray

MUMBAI: Peninsula Pictures, the production house known for its shows like Vishkanya, Dev Anand, Shree Krishna, Mayavi Maling and Aladdin has decided to foray into the digital world, with the intent of providing quality content. One of the key reasons for entering digital is also to retain show IPs.

Apart from its expertise in genres like mythology and fantasy, the production house has plans to experiment with a romantic thriller, crime, comedy and paranormal genres among others for its new web series. As far as television is concerned, it has plans to produce shows in genres like contemporary love story, thriller, etc.

The production house, led by Nissar Parvej and Alind Srivastava, highlighted that the year 2018 was a bittersweet one. Parvej said that Shree Krishna has done quite well in the industry and has completed 400 episodes. Mayavi Maling was yet another show produced for Star Bharat that didn’t garner much attention from viewers but it didn’t let them down. Aladdin, a period fantasy for Sony Sab, has already made an entry in the space, while Alibaba for Colors and two other shows are in the pipeline to enter the TV space. It also has plans to produce shows for the regional segment.

Talking about the challenges that they have faced, Srivastava said, “Detective shows take time for the audiences to pick up. The other challenge was streamlining our studio which was launched last year. In 2018, there were a lot of shows that were VFX. Now, we will be able to take more VFX-based shows. We also want it to become one of our strengths and this does not mean that we just want to stick to VFX shows.”

Parvej further added that they don’t want to pick up too much work so that they can focus on quality. Srivastava said that there was a wave of shows like Daayan, Chudail that were trendy in 2018. Taarak Mehta Ka Ooltah Chashmah is the show that is still working well with the audience. “One should know that when you are making a show, you are making it for the audience, so whatever relates to them should be made and should follow certain basics like touching the emotional core of it,” he said.

Talking about OTT, Parvej said that the money is definitely more in the OTT space, but according to him, that does not make TV insecure. However, it will take 4-5 years for OTT to settle. He feels that show production cost on TV will go down because of dipping advertising money.

February 19, 2019
Balaji Telefilms TV, film biz report stellar growth; ALTBalaji subscriber base at 13.1 mn

BENGALURU: India’s premier television and digital content creation house Balaji Telefilms Ltd reported stellar performance from its television and film making business (TV business, or standalone) for the quarter ended 31 December 2018 (Q3 2019, quarter, period, under review).

The company has three segments – commissioned programs, films and digital.

Balaji’s TV business commissioned programmes – (number of hours of content creation) grew 11 percent year-on-year (y-o-y) during the quarter under review to 199 hours as compared to 179 hours in the corresponding year ago quarter. Net realisation per hour of commissioned programmes went up to Rs 0.4 crore or by about 21 percent y-o-y in Q3 2019 as compared to Rs 0.33 per hour in Q3 2018. However gross margin and gross margin percentage have both gone down in Q3 2019 to Rs 0.11 crore and 27.3 percent respectively as compared to Rs 0.13 crore and 37.9 percent respectively in the year ago quarter.

Overall, Balaji Telefilms TV business (or standalone) operating revenue increased 87.4 percent in the period under review to Rs 111.3 crore as compared to Rs 59.4 crore in Q3 2018. TV business profit after tax grew 29 percent y-o-y to Rs 12 crore from Rs 9.3 crore.

Balaji reported Rs 7.93 crore for Q3 2019 for its film segment as compared to Rs 1.85 crore for Q3 2018. The segment had an operating profit of Rs 1.42 crore during the period under review as compared to operating profit of Rs 0.73 crore in Q3 2018.

However, on a consolidated basis, it is Balaji Telefilms digital segment, its OTT platform ALTBalaji that more than wiped off the profits generated by the other segments. ALTBalaji incurred a loss of Rs 36.4 crore on operating revenue of Rs 8 crore during the quarter under review. Comparatively, in the third quarter of the previous fiscal, Balaji Telefilms had reported revenue of Rs 1.1 crore and a loss of Rs 17.8 crore for ALTBalaji. The good news is that ALTBalaji’s sold subscription base has gone up by more than twenty times – from 0.052 crore in Q3 2018 to 1.05 crore at close of December 2018.

Balaji Telefilms managing director Shobha Kapoor said, “We are pleased to announce another strong performance this quarter, highlighted improving margins that has cemented our place as a leader in the Indian media industry. Our in-house content gives us the ability to create strong franchises, nurture new talent and ultimately give consumers the best possible entertainment choices, hence making it a value proposition for our investors and stakeholders.”

Let us look at the other consolidated numbers reported by Balaji Telefilms

Balaji Telefilms consolidated revenue from operations increased 48.8 percent y-o-y in Q3 2019 to Rs 96.33 crore from Rs 64.73 crore. Consolidated total income for the period under review grew 50.8 percent y-o-y to Rs 105.3 crore from Rs 69.85 crore. The company reported a consolidated loss of Rs 27.31 crore in Q3 2019 as compared to profit after tax of Rs 25.82 crore in Q3 2018. Calculated consolidated simple EBITDA for Q3 2019 was an operating loss of Rs 26.18 crore as compared to a consolidated operating loss of Rs 7.5 crore in Q3 2018.

Total expenditure for the quarter under review was 66.1 percent higher y-o-y at Rs 126.92 crore as compared to Rs 76.4 crore in Q3 2018. Cost of production/ acquisition and telecast fees in the quarter at Rs 95.95 crore was 26.6 percent higher y-o-y as compared to Rs 75.77 crore in Q3 2018. Marketing expenses increased 53.5 percent y-o-y in Q3 2019 to Rs 10.74 crore from Rs 7 crore. Employee benefits expense in Q3 2019 increased to more than double – (increased by 107.2 percent) to Rs 14.25 crore from Rs 6.87 crore. Other expenses in Q3 2019 declined 18.7 percent y-o-y to Rs 9.83 crore from Rs 12.08 crore.

February 13, 2019
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.

February 12, 2019
One Take Media has acquired rights for globally acclaimed Crime Thriller Series ”Undercover ”

“Undercover" is a modern crime TV series having 5 seasons which realistically depicts the reality of the underground world in Bulgaria.

The series revolves around Martin Hristov, just an ordinary boy from the Sofia suburbs who becomes the first bulgarian undercover cop. Forced by his father when he was young to lie and cheat, Martin becomes the perfect liar. That skill, and also the hatred of the 'underworld' makes him the perfect match for a dangerous mission – to infiltrate the crime organisation of a rich and powerful businessman. While infiltrating and living in fear of being uncovered, Martin falls in love with the most inappropriate woman – Djaro's girlfriend, Suni. Just when he gains the trust of the mobsters, it appears that the real enemy is in the police. Martin is alone against all, facing difficult decisions.

“UNDERCOVER” – the most sold TV series in the world – 192 territories & countingis now in India.

After the most sought after acquisition Mr. Anil Khera – Founder & CEO of One Take Media Co (OTMC) said,we are very excited to showcase this mind blowing TV series with heart pumping actions toour audiences. This series has gripped the world with its twist and turns. The series goes beyond languages or regions and has a global appeal.”

February 11, 2019
Shemaroo reports improved numbers for Q3 2019

BENGALURU: Indian media and entertainment content house Shemaroo Entertainment Ltd (Shemaroo) reported 12.3 per cent y-o-y increase in consolidated revenue from operations and 9 per cent y-o-y increase in consolidated profit after tax (PAT) for the quarter ended 31 December 2018 (Q3 2019, quarter or period under review) as compared to the corresponding year ago quarter. Consolidated Total Comprehensive Income (TCI) for the quarter also increased 10 per cent y-o-y as compared to the previous year ago quarter.

Operating revenue for Q3 2019 was Rs 148.95 crore as compared to Rs 132.63 crore in Q3 2018. Total revenue for the period at Rs 149.64 crore was 12.6 per cent higher y-o-y than Rs 132.85 crore. PAT and TCI for Q3-2019 were Rs 19.56 crore and Rs 19.57 crore respectively as compared to Rs 17.95 crore and Rs 17.79 crore respectively for the corresponding year ago quarter. Operating profit (EBITDA) for the quarter at Rs 35.29 crore was almost flat (declined 1.5 per cent) y-o-y as compared to Rs 35.81 crore in Q3 2018.

Let us look at the other numbers reported by Shemaroo

Total Expenditure in Q3 2019 increased 15.6 per cent y-o-y to Rs 121.82 crore as compared to Rs 105.22 crore. Cost of raw materials consumed in the period under review increased 11.5 per cent y-o-y to Rs 90.14 crore from Rs 80.33 crore.

Employee benefit expense for Q3 2019 increased 47.2 per cent y-o-y to Rs 15.09 crore from Rs 10.25 crore. Finance costs for Q3 2019 reduced 8.2 per cent y-o-y to Rs 6.52 crore from Rs 7.1 crore. Other expenses for the quarter under review increased 46.9 per cent y-o-y to Rs 8.43 crore from Rs 5.74 crore.

January 31, 2019
Shemaroo Entertainment brings new movie series ‘Picture Ki Cheer Phaad’

MUMBAI: Content powerhouse Shemaroo Entertainment has begun experimenting with a new format of ‘Roast Cinema’ in association with VKAAO, a joint venture of BookMyShow and PVR Pictures. The new movie series named Picture Ki Cheer Phaad will be released exclusively across PVR theatres in 20 cities in India.

The new series will see standup comedian Gaurav Kapoor roasting Bollywood movies in his unique style during the first phase of the initiative. On 1 February, the first movie is slated to release. The series will be horror thriller Papi Gudia.

“Shemaroo has been a close part of Bollywood’s cinematic evolution. With this new series, we aim to showcase the change through a humorous take on Bollywood movies. The quality of content has been in vast contrast with today’s Indian cinema, and Picture Ki Cheer Phaad will reflect the same with an added sense of humor. Our main aim is to entertain the audience, showcasing yesteryear movies in a comic way without hurting anyone’s sentiments. The industry has matured over the years and we hope this is enjoyed alike by the moviemakers and the audience of today who are always in search of innovative content,” Shemaroo Entertainment Ltd CEO Hiren Gada said.

Talking about the target audience of the show, Gada said although comedy format works for everyone, roast format has been working more in a younger audience. He also added that the youth audience have not even watched some of the movies from 80s or 90s. According to him, this is a funny way to connect to this audience.

“We have tied up with PRV VKAAO, they have supported us lot with in-theatre trailer placement. Apart from that, we have done marketing on few limited TV channels, digital media. Like I said, this an experiment and I hope this works. At this point, there is a limited release. It’s a national release in 20 cities but we will be releasing it on 40 screens. The marketing is more focused on theatre goer audience in those cities,” Gada commented on the marketing initiative.

January 29, 2019
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”.

January 18, 2019
Banijay Asia joins hands with MS Dhoni

MUMBAI: Banijay Asia, the production house, helmed by Deepak Dhar has partnered with Dhoni Entertainment Pvt Ltd which is led by cricketer— Mahendra Singh Dhoni, with an aim to create engaging and exciting content across various genres.

The vision of this partnership is to create premium content that will be distributed across multiple platforms in Indian and South East Asian markets. Banijay founder and CEO Deepak Dhar said, “In this partnership, I am excited and looking forward to work with Suraj Singh, Mihir Diwakar, and Seemant Lohani to build the collaboration between Dhoni Entertainment Pvt Ltd and Banijay Asia.”

Dhar is bringing a plethora of content across different subjects. Credited with over two decades of expansive experience, he has also contributed greatly in changing the landscape of content across platforms and ruled the world of TRPs with some of the most talked about shows in the history of Indian Television like ‘Bigg Boss’, ‘The Great Indian Laughter Challenge’, ‘Khatron Ke Khiladi’ amongst the others.

Mahendra Singh Dhoni said, “The Bigg Boss, Mr. Deepak Dhar has been introducing disruptive content to the audiences since more than two decades. I am really excited to join hands with Banijay Asia, I am overwhelmed and looking forward to creating exciting content for my audiences. I hope with this partnership I keep up to the expectations of my fans who have been supporting me and looking up to me. In 2019, we promise to create energising, exciting and enthralling content for the audiences across platforms.”

January 7, 2019
Prime Focus Technologies wins TV Technology’s 2018 Product Innovation Award

Los Angeles, CA – December 28, 2018: Prime Focus Technologies (PFT), the technology arm of Prime Focus, has been awarded TV Technology’s 2018 Product Innovation Award for its ground-breaking native media recognition Artificial Intelligence (AI) platform, CLEAR™ Vision Cloud.

A module of PFT’s CLEAR Media ERP Suite, Vision Cloud builds Machine Wisdom from intelligence to transform business operations and unlock new revenue potentials for Media companies. While standalone AI engines can recognize objects, faces, actors, locations, sound and more within individual video frames, Vision Cloud can identify complex sequences (like a specific character in a car chase/fighting on a train), actions (like punching/kissing) and video segments (like credits/promos/recaps). It delivers search results that are far more meaningful and contextual, and can be used to easily extract relevant content for multiple use cases – right from creation and post production to distribution and marketing. Vision Cloud leverages the collective intelligence of the industry's most sophisticated AI solutions, and draws on PFT’s decade long experience of collecting, curating and annotating content (400 million tags till date) to build own Machine Learning (ML) models.

“We’re absolutely thrilled that TV Technology has selected CLEAR Vision Cloud for its Product Innovation Award this year,” said Adrish Bera, Senior Vice President, AI & ML, Prime Focus Technologies “Our objective behind creating Vision Cloud was to make content operations more efficient, cost effective and scalable and create new revenue streams. Validation by an expert jury and winning against stiff global competition is clear testimony to the superior technology innovation and business value that the product brings to the global Media and Entertainment (M&E) industry.”

TV Technology’s Product Innovation Awards recognize excellence in manufacturing of products to serve the TV/pro video and radio/online audio industries. Winners are selected by a panel of professional users and evaluation criteria include innovation of concept and design, creative use of technology, price value, and suitability for use in a broadcast TV/pro video or broadcast/online radio environment.

December 31, 2018