ITV

Category: Production House

  • Endemol Shine signs first international deal with Australia, Germany for Lego Masters

    Endemol Shine signs first international deal with Australia, Germany for Lego Masters

    MUMBAI: Content creator, producer and distributor Endemol Shine Group has recently announced that the new entertainment format Lego Masters has landed its first international deals with Endemol Shine Australia and Germany. The production house has been commissioned to produce series with this new format Nine in Australia and RTL in Germany.

    It is originally created by Tuesdays Child. The show launched on Channel 4 in the summer 2017, winning an average audience of two million viewers. The launch episode was the number one programme of the day, exceeding the primetime average by 68 per cent. An extended second series will air on Channel 4 later this year.

    “Lego is a globally renowned and much-loved phenomenon that appeals to people of all ages and Lego Masters most definitely has the same pull. It’s a hugely fun and family-friendly format and we expect it to engage Australian and German viewers and other markets in the way in which it has done in the UK,” says Endemol Shine Group CEO of Creative Networks Lisa Perrin as quoted by Rapid TV News.

    The company is also behind new entertainment formats All Together Now that has been sold to six markets. It has produced content for all platforms including global hits Black Mirror, Big Brother, Deal or No Deal, Humans, Hunted, MasterChef, Peaky Blinders, The Island, The Brain, Tin Star and Your Face Sounds Familiar.

    Last year Endemol Shine Group produced more than 800 productions, in 78 territories airing on more than 275 channels around the world.

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  • Paytm partners with Dharma Productions to launch loyalty card for fans

    Paytm partners with Dharma Productions to launch loyalty card for fans

    MUMBAI: Dharma Productions will be launching an industry-first exclusive loyalty card for its fans. The production house that has given the Indian film industry some of the most iconic films, enjoys an unprecedented fan-following across the globe. 

    The production house has partnered with Paytm which is India’s largest payments company to introduce first-of-its-kind loyalty program will reward their fan family in the country with exciting offers, experiences and tempting discounts. 

    The loyalty card will be exclusively made available through the Paytm app from 3rd July onwards and there is limited availability of the cards.

    Dharma kick-started the year with the blockbuster Raazi along with other movies. Joining the loyalty program will grant fans first access to all Dharma films and they will also be eligible for exclusive Dharma rewards. Fans can buy their loyalty card exclusively on Paytm and get access to various rewards, right from availing a cash-back of upto Rs 1500 cash-back on their films to a trip to movie sets and locations where Dharma movies were shot among other exciting deals.

    Karan Johar said, “We have received unconditional love from our fans over the years and this has indeed been a blessed journey so far. This offering is our way of thanking them.”

    Paytm CFO and SVP Madhur Deora added, “We are excited to grow our relationship with one of the country’s top production houses Dharma Productions as the exclusive Loyalty & Reward Partner for the Dharma Loyalty Card. We have been focused on improving the movie-watching experience with the widest assortment of theatres and novel first-of-its-kind offerings like Cancellation Protect.”

    Paytm Movies is the country’s fastest-growing entertainment ticketing platform. It powers online ticketing for 4800 movie screens in 750+ cities, registering an exponential 500 per cent growth as compared to 2016, the year of launch for Paytm’s movie ticketing and event booking platform. It is aiming to sell over 100 million tickets by end of this year.

  • Viacom18 partners with Anthill Ventures for AR, VR

    Viacom18 partners with Anthill Ventures for AR, VR

    MUMBAI: Anthill Ventures, an investment and scaling platform for early-stage startups, has partnered with Viacom18 for an accelerator program called Anthill Studio.

    With this partnership, the studio will provide additional market access opportunities to the startups of Anthill Ventures.  

    The program will scout for startups building products for the media and entertainment industry using technologies such as AI/ML, AR/VR, IoT, Big Data, Blockchain and others. The areas of focus include filmed entertainment, TV, gaming and digital media industries.

    Anthill Ventures founder and CEO Prasad Vanga said, “Viacom18 has emerged as a prominent entertainment network and is a key enabler of sustained innovation and thought leadership.”

    For Anthill Studio, Viacom18 will act as a catalyst to create the desired ecosystem for startups by providing easy access to the media and entertainment market.

    In order to nurture Indian startups, the Mukesh Ambani-led media network Viacom18 launched its startup engagement program VsTEP last year.

    With VsTEP, Viacom18 aims to provide startups with business and technology mentorship along with an opportunity to scale up by collaborating with them on contract basis or via other commercial opportunities.

    Positive about the partnership with Anthill, VStEP head and Viacom18 Digital Ventures senior VP Achint Setia aims to bring disruptive innovations to media businesses. “We are looking at tech innovations especially in the areas of AI, ML, automation for our TV, films and digital business,” he said.

    Located at Hyderabad, the studio division of Anthill Ventures is already in partnership with film production and distribution company Suresh Production to accelerate programmes towards helping the technology startups in building solutions for the M&E sector.

    Anthill Ventures is present in nine global hubs across the world, with offices in Singapore, USA and India.

    VStEP is a startup engagement programme that creates an opportunity for start-ups to pilot technology-based solutions to business problems.

  • Banijay Group to launch a new studio in Rome

    Banijay Group to launch a new studio in Rome

    MUMBAI: Banijay Group is soon going to set up Banijay Studios Italy in Rome, hiring Massimo Del Frate, former head of drama at Endemol Shine Italy, to lead the new venture.

    As a new scripted player in the Italian market, Banijay will now develop original IP for local broadcasters, while also looking at opportunities to locally adapt Banijay Group’s global content catalogue. Del Frate will look to generate co-productions with other parts of Banijay Group.

    “As a leading and well-respected talent in the Italian scripted market, Del Frate is the perfect partner to establish and drive Banijay Studios Italy,” said Banijay Group COO Peter Langenberg as quoted by Rapid TV News.

    Del Frate worked in Endemol Shine Italy, as the head of drama and was responsible for growing the scripted division from 2002 to 2018. Previously, he was responsible for scripted operations at Mediaset’s Canal 5.

    The new head feels that Banijay’s mission is to establish Banijay Studios Italy as an independent home and partner for leading Italian drama talent, as well as international authors and directors. Collaborating with the top storytellers in the market, Banijay hopes to generate a healthy scripted slate bursting with brilliant and distinctive drama.

    The company has worked with a range of media companies in Italy, including the producer of local versions of x Factor, MasterChef, DRY and Don’t Repeat Yourself. The move to expand Banijay’s content creation capabilities follows the opening of a studio in Germany earlier this year.

    Banijay Group has already entered the Asian market in partnership with media veteran Deepak Dhar.

    An independent content creation group, Banijay Group produces content for television and multimedia platforms. Spread across entities in seventeen territories, its library includes programmes spanning genres like entertainment, drama, factual entertainment, kids and reality; all licensed internationally by its global distribution arm Banijay Rights. Some notable formats include reality television series Keeping up with the Kardashians, crime drama series Underbelly and ABC’s reality television program Wife Swap.

    Also Read:

    Banijay Group in 50:50 JV with Deepak Dhar for India ops

    Endemol Shine sees scripted shows as new area of growth

  • Contiloe Pictures adds another feather to their cap after becoming the Gold Winner of the best CG Feature Film at the Delhi CG Animation awards for Mahayoddha Rama movie

    Contiloe Pictures adds another feather to their cap after becoming the Gold Winner of the best CG Feature Film at the Delhi CG Animation awards for Mahayoddha Rama movie

    MUMBAI: Being known as a pioneer in the television industry for their shows and committing to continuously offer a distinctive mix of content and originality, Contiloe Pictures has added yet another feather to its cap after becoming the Gold  Winner of the best CG Feature Film at the Delhi Animation awards for Mahayoddha Rama movie on 22nd June 2018

    The DCG animation is a platform for industry and education in media and entertainment sector. Contiloe Pictures won an award for their Mahayoddha Rama movie, which revolves around the epic story of Mahayoddha Rama – The Great Indian Hero versus Ravana, The greatest villain of Indian mythology, portrayed like never before in an animated movie.

    The movie producer, Abhimanyu Singh’s stronghold and plethora of experience has truly pushed him to turn his passion in the mythological genre into a successful venture and film.

    Contiloe Pictures, CEO,  =Abhimanyu Singh said, “Our first 3D animated movie, magnum opus, ‘Mahayoddha Rama’ bagged Gold under CG Feature Film (Professional Category) at Delhi CG Animation Award 2018. Thank you so much to entire team and our fans. Mahayoddha Rama is unique in its storytelling style. Our humble effort to depict Shri Rama in a new light. The entire story is from Ravana’s point of view with his 10 heads talking to each other.” Our aim as a company is to constantly evolve and grow.We are always trying to diversify our content, take our technology a notch higher. Winning in the best animation category only makes us feel proud and we’d like to thank Delhi CG Animation for this recognition.”

  • What next with Fox-Disney-Comcast ?

    What next with Fox-Disney-Comcast ?

    MUMBAI: Part poker, part chess. That’s exactly how the Disney-Comcast bidding war for Rupert Murdoch’s entertainment conglomerate – 21 Century Fox – is being played out. The intense, see-saw battle for the media empire, which includes Hollywood studios, cable networks and streaming businesses, isn’t nearing its end just yet. Nine days out of 10, $70 billion will get you whatever your want in life. But when you’re up against Comcast, the tenth day is the one that matters and even $70 billion might not be enough.

    According to analysts and industry insiders, Comcast is set to return to the negotiating table with a new and improved offer in the  low-to-mid $40s a share range. This could effectively take the bidding to $80 billion, 10 more than Disney’s cash and stock offer.

    Disney’s new bid on Tuesday, was 35 per cent higher than its earlier offer and close to $6 billion more than Comcast’s. But as things stand, they could end up paying more than they’d anticipated.

    Why? Because Comcast isn’t likely to budge given the pressure on its pay-TV business. Hence in its attempt to diversify and attain scale, the Fox bid is an important play for the company’s strategy going forward.

    However, the Disney executives know that the six-month head start they enjoy over Comcast in terms of regulatory review, could end up swinging this deal in their favour. Irrespective of what the winning bid is, a Disney-Fox deal, will get past the regulators far quicker than a Comcast-Fox deal is big boss Bob Iger’s belief. 

    And Murdoch understands this. He also understands how eager Bob Iger and Brian Roberts are to shake his hand in order to land some of the world’s hottest properties – 20th Century Fox film studio, the FX and National Geographic cable channels, almost two dozen regional sports networks, a stake in Sky and Star India.

    A handful of investment analysts are watching with their faces grimacing in pain. They worry that the debt both the mouse house and Comcast will take on in their hunger to swallow up Fox could topple them over. But both Iger and Roberts are not perturbed by the carping. 

    We now await the next instalment of this blockbuster. Disney’s made its move, Comcast is on the verge of making one. Call it the chess board or the poker table, Murdoch owns them both.

  • Disney makes $70.3 billion counterbid for Twenty-First Century Fox

    Disney makes $70.3 billion counterbid for Twenty-First Century Fox

    MUMBAI: 21st Century Fox has announced that it has entered into an amended and restated merger agreement with The Walt Disney Company pursuant to which Disney has agreed to acquire for a price of $38 per 21CF share the same businesses. Disney agreed to acquire under the previously announced merger agreement between 21CF and Disney. 

    This price represents a significant increase over the purchase price of approximately $28 per share included in the Disney Merger Agreement when it was announced in December 2017.  The amended and restated Disney Merger Agreement offers a package of consideration, flexibility and deal certainty enhancements that is superior to the proposal made by the Comcast Corporation on June 13, 2018.

    Under the amended and restated Disney Merger Agreement, Disney would acquire those businesses on substantially the same terms, except that, among other things, Disney’s offer allows 21CF stockholders to elect to receive their consideration, on a value equalized basis, in the form of cash or stock, subject to 50/50 proration. The collar on the stock consideration will ensure that 21st Century Fox shareholders will receive a number of Disney shares equal to $38 in value if the average Disney stock price at closing is between $93.53 and $114.32. 

    “We are extremely proud of the businesses we have built at 21st Century Fox, and firmly believe that this combination with Disney will unlock even more value for shareholders as the new Disney continues to set the pace at a dynamic time for our industry,” said Rupert Murdoch, Executive Chairman of 21st Century Fox. “We remain convinced that the combination of 21CF’s iconic assets, brands and franchises with Disney’s will create one of the greatest, most innovative companies in the world.”

    In light of the revised terms contained in the amended and restated Disney Merger Agreement, 21CF’s board, after consultation with its outside legal counsel and financial advisors, has not concluded that the unsolicited proposal it received on June 13, 2018 from Comcast could reasonably be expected to result in a “Company Superior Proposal” under the Disney Merger Agreement. 

    However, the amended and restated Disney Merger Agreement contains no changes to the provisions relating to the Company’s directors’ ability to evaluate a competing proposal.

    As announced on May 30, 2018, 21CF has established a record date of May 29, 2018 and a meeting date of July 10, 2018, for a special meeting of its stockholders to, among other things, consider and vote on a proposal to adopt the Disney Merger Agreement.  21CF has determined to postpone its special meeting of stockholders to a future date in order to provide stockholders the opportunity to evaluate the terms of Disney’s revised proposal and other developments to date. Once 21CF determines the new date for 21CF’s special meeting of stockholders, the date will be communicated to 21CF stockholders.

  • Disney appoints new creative officers for animation division

    Disney appoints new creative officers for animation division

    MUMBAI: Jennifer Lee and Pete Docter have been named as new chief creative officers (CCOs) for Disney’s animation division. While Docter will handle the Pixar Animation Studios, Lee will head the Walt Disney Animation Studios. 

    The appointments come after John Lasseter stepped down from his role last month as the CCO of Pixar and Disney Animation Studios. He resigned after admitting in 2017 that he had committed unspecified missteps that had left some employees feeling disrespectful and uncomfortable. However, he will continue to have a consulting role with the company until December 31.

    Announcing his resignation, Lasseter issued a statement, saying, “The last six months have provided an opportunity to reflect on my life, career and personal priorities. While I remain dedicated to the art of animation and inspired by the creative talent at Pixar and Disney, I have decided the end of this year is the right time to begin focusing on new creative challenges. I am extremely proud of what two of the most important and prolific animation studios have achieved under my leadership and I’m grateful for all the opportunities to follow my creative passion at Disney.”

    Disney announced on Tuesday that Docter and Lee will have creative oversight of all films and associated projects of their respective studios reporting directly to Walt Disney Studios chairman Alan Horn.

    In announcing their appointments, Horn said, “Jennifer Lee and Pete Docter are two of the most gifted filmmakers and storytellers I’ve ever had the pleasure to work with. Pete, the genius creative force behind Up, Inside Out and Monsters, Inc., has been an integral part of Pixar almost since the beginning and is a huge part of its industry-leading success. Jenn, in bringing her bold vision to the boundary-breaking Frozen, has helped infuse Disney Animation with a new and exciting perspective. Each of them embodies the unique spirit, culture and values of these renowned animation studios, and I couldn’t be more thrilled to have them to lead us into the future.”

    While Lee and Docter will look into the creative affairs, Pixar Animation Studios president Jim Morris and Walt Disney Animation Studios president Andrew Millstein will continue in their roles. They will be responsible for the business side and report toDisney and Pixar Animation Studios president Ed Catmul.

  • Endemol Shine hires banks for a possible sale

    Endemol Shine hires banks for a possible sale

    MUMBAI: Netherlands-based TV production company, Endemol Shine Group, has hired Deutsche Bank and Liontree to explore a potential sale that could be valued between $2- $4 billion including debt.  

    Endemol Shine Group is known for its popular programs like Black Mirror, Big brother and MasterChef. 

    Endemol is co-owned by 21st Century Fox and Apollo Global Management in a 50:50 partnership. Both parties agreed to sell their stake if a suitable buyer is found.

    In a  multi-billion dollar media deal ($52 billion) last year, Fox sold 50 per cent stake in Endemol to Disney. That deal is now being challenged by Comcast. 

    Although Fox is supportive of the business, it does not want to acquire Endemol given its deal with Disney. 

    The cash from this sale is likely to go to Comcast or Disney, depending on who ends up with Fox’s assets, according to a report by CNBC. 

    It was earlier reported that United Kingdom based media company, ITV, wanted to consider buying the Endemol Group, should a formal process for sale begin. Whether the company will buy it or give it a pass will be something worth looking into.

  • With Fox Deal, Comcast and Disney Wish Upon a Star in India

    With Fox Deal, Comcast and Disney Wish Upon a Star in India

    MUMBAI:  As Walt Disney Company and Comcast Corporation gear up for a possible bidding war over a big chunk of 21st Century Fox, both companies are interested in Fox’s Hollywood franchises The Simpsons, Avatar and X-Men.

    But it is learnt that among the most desired asset is Indian media conglomerate Star India, which is fully owned by Fox.

    While neither Comcast or Disney have a big presence in India, each view Star India as an important piece in their plans to challenge Netflix and tap growth in emerging markets. 

    Star India reaches 700 million customers a month in India, with 60 channels in nine different languages and owns rights to broadcast popular cricket tournaments along with a stake in a production company that makes Bollywood movies. Perhaps its biggest selling point now is Hotstar that has around 150 million active monthly users.

    Star India CEO Uday Shankar thinks that with this, Hotstar is setting the agenda for the future.

    Wall Street research firm MoffettNathanson estimated Star will make EBITDA of $826 million by 2020, which will be a 91per cent jump from this fiscal year. Fox, which had $7.17 billion in adjusted operating income on $28.5 billion in revenue in its most recent fiscal year, has said it believes Star will earn $1 billion in EBITDA by 2020.

    Cable giant Comcast said last month that it is in the advanced stages of preparing a rival, all-cash bid.

    The assets for sale include the 20th Century Fox film and television studio, various cable networks and Fox’s stake in the streaming service Hulu. But among the most compelling assets—especially for Comcast—are the international ones, Star India and Fox’s interest in European pay-TV operator.

    Buying Star would come with some risks. Sports rights deals, if they follow the course of the U.S. and Europe, could become much more expensive upon renewal. And there could be new competition from the telecom companies driving India’s wireless data boom, including Jio, as they start offering their users content.

    Edelweiss Capital Ltd. senior vice president of research at Mumbai-based Abneesh Roy said that while user cancellations of cable and satellite TV service are plaguing the U.S. pay-TV industry, “in India, cord-cutting is absolutely a nonissue” and pay-TV is still expanding, he added.

    Over the past 10 years, Shankar has expanded Star’s distribution. It now reaches nine out of 10 Indian homes. Star’s programming includes everything from prime-time soaps to dance competitions and highlights of international sports events. It has worked to add content in languages other than Hindi and English. As the economy grew, people who spoke regional dialects had more purchasing power and more appeal for advertisers. “Not plugging into that change would have been a loss of opportunity,” Shankar said.

    It agreed last year to acquire the global TV and digital rights to India’s wildly popular annual cricket competition, the Indian Premier League, in a deal valued at $2.42 billion at current conversion rates. Star fended off a bid by Facebook Inc. for the digital rights.

    Last month, 160 million people watched the final on Star TV networks and 51 million watched it on Hotstar, up from 121 million on TV and 21.6 million on Hotstar a year before.

    Hotstar is geared to run on mobile devices, targeting the many people who rely on cellphones for entertainment.  “In this country, for many people, their first experience of screen is with a mobile screen,” Shankar said.

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