ITV

Category: Production House

  • FremantleMedia picks up 25% stake in Simon Andreae’s Naked Entertainment

    FremantleMedia picks up 25% stake in Simon Andreae’s Naked Entertainment

    MUMBAI: FremantleMedia has taken a 25 per cent stake in Simon Andreae’s newly formed production company Naked Entertainment.

     

    Based in London, Naked Entertainment will develop original entertainment, factual, and factual entertainment formats, with series and one-off specials. The deal will further strengthen FremantleMedia’s content pipeline for the UK and global distribution market.

     

    FremantleMedia CEO Cecile Frot-Coutaz said, “We are actively looking for the right companies and talent to expand and strengthen our business. Simon is one of the industry’s preeminent factual entertainment producers with a long history of delivering hits with global appeal. He already has a strong development slate and I’m really pleased to be partnering with him to bring his projects to audiences around the world.”

     

    Andreae added, “I’m excited to be back in the UK and delighted to be partnering with FremantleMedia, whose depth of experience and breadth of reach in entertainment programming is unrivalled. Naked, as the name suggests, aims to be provocative and risk-taking – but also kind of simple and straightforward –  producing content designed to attract, surprise, and I hope delight audiences both in the UK and overseas.”

     

    Andreae was most recently at Fox Broadcasting’s Alternative Entertainment as executive vice president in the US. Here, he oversaw all the network’s unscripted series and specials, including MasterChef, Hell’s Kitchen, So You Think You Can Dance, World’s Funniest Fails, Pitbull’s New Year’s Revolution, and Hilary Swank’s Cause for Paws.

     

    Prior to Fox, he was senior vice president, development and production, for Discovery, where he developed ratings hits Naked and Afraidand Fast N Loud, as well as supervised the multi-award winning Curiosity series hosted by Stephen Hawking, Donald Trump, and Samuel L Jackson, among others.

     

    He was also a founding partner of UK indie Optomen Television, helping grow it into one of the UK’s largest non-scripted prod-cos with a broad mix of programming including Police, Camera, Action!, The Naked Chef, Anatomy of Desire and Gore Vidal’s American Presidency.

  • Prime Focus Technologies secures patent for DAX & Digital Dailies

    Prime Focus Technologies secures patent for DAX & Digital Dailies

    MUMBAI: The United States Patent and Trademark Office has issued a patent expanding upon  Prime Focus Technologies’ (PFT)  existing patents for its DAX and Digital Dailies, part of PFT’s CLEAR Media ERP Suite.

     

    This patent strengthens and broadens PFT’s intellectual property around file based workflows and Digital Dailies.

     

    The new patent is for “a system and method for media content collaboration throughout a media production process,” broadening previous patents issued in 2013 and 2010.

     

    “This patent showcases the evolution, development and leadership that PFT continues to bring to its clients. The 929 patent strengthens our IP and is a reflection of the pioneering efforts of company and people that made it happen. The patent is seen as validation why 80 per cent of network series television uses DAX,” said Prime Focus Technologies president, North America Patrick Macdonald King.

     

    DAX with Digital Dailies allows for the secure exchange, collaboration and distribution of work-in-progress materials throughout the content creation lifecycle. This includes, but is not limited to, accessing who viewed, liked, shared and downloaded content (takes, scenes, cuts), incorporating user comments and timecode stamps for content review and approvals, transcoding, batch watermarking, image management and more.

  • Prime Focus Technologies launches secure screener application for movie studios

    Prime Focus Technologies launches secure screener application for movie studios

    MUMBAI: With awards season around the corner and multiple screeners currently in circulation, Prime Focus Technologies (PFT) will be offering SecureScreener as the industry’s first digital, contemporary and safe screener application.

     

    SecureScreener, a superior substitute to DVD and online channel distribution, is part of Clear, the world’s first and most proven hybrid cloud-enabled Media ERP Suite that virtualises the content supply chain.

     

    SecureScreener provides entertainment companies with a robust alternative to the logistical hassle of shipping DVD screeners, as well as peace of mind that screener content is always secure. The application offers access to content anytime, anywhere, while also providing instant feedback including exactly who has viewed, shared and downloaded watermarked content with the option to further customise with expiration and access settings. Recipients even have the option to view the content offline.

     

    Through Clear’s unbreakable Secure Player, SecureScreener delivers a safe, high-quality viewing experience on a variety of platforms, ensuring a seamless end-to-end experience.The Secure Screener is also available as an iPad app.

     

    The cloud-based application also addresses the financial commitments made by studios by eliminating recurring costs that has no productive use. In fact, it is estimated that for every $20 of direct cost spent on physical screeners, $80 more are lost in indirect costs. SecureScreener provides a solution to this monetary drain, reducing the overall cost of screener distribution.

     

    “As studios continue to grapple with the challenges of security in the digital age, SecureScreener stands alone as the safe, cloud-based solution to piracy threats, providing peace of mind that content is secure. In addition to the threat of piracy, there’s a large financial commitment made each year to screeners, both direct and indirect. SecureScreener reduces costs, while also providing studios with more control over their content than ever before,” said Prime Focus Technologies founder and CEO Ramki Sankaranarayanan. 

     

    SecureScreener is one of five Clear modules addressing specific business challenges to help broadcasters, studios, brands, sports and digital businesses drive creative enablement, enhance ecosystem efficiencies and sustainability, reduce cost and realise new monetisation opportunities. SecureScreener is available as a standalone business solution or bundled together as a Cloud Media ERP Suite with: Cloud MAM, Operations Cloud, Broadcast Cloud and Production Cloud.

  • Saaibaba Telefilms launches talent management company

    Saaibaba Telefilms launches talent management company

    MUMBAI: The Gajendra Singh helmed Saaibaba Telefilms has launched a new talent management vertical called Artist4Forty, which aims to provide a platform to budding musical talent by imparting training and mentorship.

     

    Speaking to Indiantelevision.com, Saaibaba Telefilms chairman and managing director Gajendra Singh said, “There is a talent pool beyond film musicians, who create their own music, versions and compositions. I have been in the industry for twenty years now. I know this country very well in terms of music and the idea behind creating this was to bring in new talent. Originality and purity are the key words that define Artist4Forty.”

     

    The idea behind launching Artist4Forty was to provide a grooming platform for budding talent. Saaibaba Telefilms has been known for giving new talent to the music industry for years now. Through the Artist4Forty platform, artists can now release their unheard original compositions.

     

    The company has implemented a robust training structure that will not only improve artists’ vocal skills but also elevate them with a specially designed personality development program, while building their career path.

     

    Artist4Forty has adopted various artists including Rituraj Mohanty, Mohit Gaur, Mansheel Gujral, Pardeep Singh Sran, Dipti Sharma, Suraj Biswas and Mohan Rathore to mentor and train them into becoming the next generation stars of the Indian music industry.

     

    Elaborating the purpose and working of Artist4Forty, Singh said, “We are looking for artists, who can come up with their own music and composition. The company is relentlessly engaged in identifying and grooming raw talent from across India. Our team is travelling in all the cities and towns, auditioning and shortlisting talent. We are trying to give very different music that can connect with people and which could define India.”

     

    Additionally, Saaibaba Telefilms is also looking at venturing into film production sometime next year. Talking about the same, Singh said, “Saaibaba Telefilms has always been a content driven company and we don’t want to end up doing anything ineffective. We have shortlisted a couple of things for next year. It’s too early to say anything but in early 2016, we will have one of our films going on floors.”  

     

    The company has produced many music reality shows including Music Ka Maha Muqqabla, which first aired on 19 December, 2009 on Star Plus. It aimed to bring a new format to music reality shows in India, which is based on teams rather than individuals and Singh is keen to bring back the format on Indian television albeit on a bigger scale. “I think it was a fantastic show unlike any other reality shows. It wasn’t restricted to contestants only but was more like open platform where singers came and connected with the audience. Music Ka Maha Muqqabla is one show, which I would like to bring back on a much bigger scale and better than before. We might even tweak the format,” he informed.

  • Fremantle’s Ludia to invest $30 million for expansion plans

    Fremantle’s Ludia to invest $30 million for expansion plans

    MUMBAI: On the heels of the global success of its latest title, Jurassic World: The Game, FremantleMedia’s mobile and online game developer Ludia is planning to invest a sum of $30 million to support the expansion of the Montreal studio and team.

     

    Additionally, the company will also be creating 100 new positions as it begins work on four new franchises, expanding its portfolio. The expansion of the Montreal studio will allow the 100 new hires to join the 300 employees already assigned to different projects.

     

    “We are thrilled with today’s news as it clearly demonstrates the tremendous growth and achievements Ludia has experienced. Such an investment in resources, infrastructure and renowned intellectual properties is a testament to the quality of Ludia’s work and the growth of the mobile and online games industry,” said Ludia Inc president and CEO Alex Thabet.

     

    These new licenses will allow Ludia to take on more projects with a broader consumer appeal and reach a larger and more varied fan base in the range of casual to mid-core games.

     

    One of its most recent successes, Jurassic World: The Game, launched on 30 April, 2015, and generated close to $25 million in gross revenue in the month following the movie release. This makes Jurassic World: The Game Ludia’s biggest launch in the studio’s history. 

     

    “Montreal is a major player in the gaming industry, and as online and mobile platforms become more popular, our talent pool and infrastructure is increasingly attractive to world-class studios. Ludia is clearly a leader in the online and mobile space. Montreal is fortunate to play host to an innovative, growing industry leader,” said Montreal International president and CEO Dominique Anglade.

     

    “In 10 years, Montréal’s video game industry has experienced an annual average growth of 22 per cent from 1,200 to 8,900 jobs. Companies like Ludia, at the forefront of innovation and creativity, have supported the creation of these high-value jobs, in a promising sector of our economy. Their many successes highlight Montréalers’ expertise around the world and help position the city as a world capital of digital entertainment,” said Mayor of Montréal and Montréal Metropolitan Community president Denis Coderre.

     

    Ludia is also known for its online and mobile games based on franchises like Dragons: Rise of Berk and Family Feud.

  • Bomanbridge Media to bring Korean dramas to Mongolia

    Bomanbridge Media to bring Korean dramas to Mongolia

    MUMBAI:Singapore-based production/distribution agency, Bomanbridge Media has acquired  several popular Korean dramas to bring into Mongolia. The production house has closed deals with major Korean broadcasters like KBS and SBS to get broadcast rights of dramas like The Producers, Unkind Ladies, The Mask and The Gang Doctor, among others.

    “Bomanbridge is strategically moving into developing Asian countries and we strongly believe in the growth of the Mongolian television landscape.  Korean broadcasters such as KBS and SBS are well recognized brands, and increasingly around the globe, as top Korean producers of drama. As Mongolians have an increasing appetite for well-produced content, we are happy to deliver the best,” said Bomanbridge Media CEO Sonia Fleck.

    KBS sold the Mongolian rights to dramas The Producers starring Soo Hyun Kim, IU and Gong Yo Jin, Unkind Ladies: a drama series about four women of three generations trying to live their lives together, The Man in the Mask : a Korean version of The Legend of Zorro; and Who Are You – School 2015: A realistic teen drama.

    SBS sold rights for four of its popular shows including Heard It Through the Grapevine, A Girl Who Can See Smell, The Mask, and The Gang Doctor.

  • FremantleMedia acquires 51% stake in Fontaram

    FremantleMedia acquires 51% stake in Fontaram

    MUMBAI: FremantleMedia has acquired a majority stake in Fontaram, the newly formed French scripted company from well known French producer-writer partners François Aramburu and Pascal Fontanille.

     

    FremantleMedia will have a 51 per cent holding with the opportunity to buy the remaining shareholding in the future.

     

    The acquisition is part of FremantleMedia’s drive to expand its scripted presence globally and follows its recent purchase of Wildside, an Italian TV and feature film company. The deal was brokered by FremantleMedia France CEO Monica Galer, who will have a seat on the board of the new company. 

     

    Galer said, “François and Pascale are incredibly talented drama producers with a wealth of experience and long standing relationships with all of the major French broadcasters. This is an important deal for FremantleMedia as we establish our scripted presence in France and I look forward to a successful creative partnership with the duo.”

     

    Aramburu and Fontanille added, “In creating Fontaram and partnering with FremantleMedia, we are giving our new production company the best possible foundation to grow while also fulfilling our creative ambition. Joining an international group to produce French drama and international co-production both broadens our opportunities and allows us to develop new content, within an environment that is constantly changing.”

     

    Prior to forming Fontaram, Aramburu and Fontanille founded Merlin Productions in 2000. The producers are best known for popular drama such as Clem (TF1) with Victoria Abril and Lucie Lucas, the most successful drama in France in 2010. Other recent successes include On se retrouvera (TF1), Meurtres au Pays Basque and Meurtres ? Guérande (France 3).

  • Prime Focus Technologies equips Europe for Digital Next realities at IBC 2015

    Prime Focus Technologies equips Europe for Digital Next realities at IBC 2015

    MUMBAI: Prime Focus Technologies (PFT) is addressing the challenges faced by the media and entertainment industry to meet the demands of the digital consumer at IBC 2015. 

     

    Focusing on ‘Digital Next’ realities, PFT is offering solutions for broadcasters, studios, production houses and networks that will help virtualise the content supply chain and build a connected enterprise. 

     

    Clear Media ERP Suite: Enterprise software for virtualising the content supply chain: Building a connected and digital ecosystem is key to managing the business of content. With cycle times being reduced from 30 days to 30 minutes, and higher speed and content volume demands, businesses need to be agile in the digital era. To do this, margin-pressed film studios and broadcasters need to shift focus towards flexible, modular, cost effective and collaborative enterprise software to improve operational efficiencies. 

     

    PFT’s Clear Media ERP Suite, on display at IBC 2015, brings content to the center of the business and has helped content enterprises cut 30 per cent of operational costs and gain 40 per cent more efficiencies. The CLEAR Media ERP Suite is rich in applications that allow for workflow orchestration across enterprise, supply chain and partner ecosystems. In virtualising these processes, PFT has helped content providers drive creative enablement, enhance efficiencies, lower the total cost of ownership and discover new monetization opportunities. 

     

    Clear Operations Cloud, also on display at IBC 2015, is industry’s first ever end-to-end content operations on cloud for multi-platform distribution. With 800 million iTunes users, 60 million subscribers on Netflix, six billion hours of video watched per month on YouTube, and with 19 per cent of US millennials using Amazon Prime, content providers are in a mad race to get content to digital platforms faster and cheaper. They need to do that with not only the lowest total cost of delivery but enable it to be more discoverable for the consumers quickly. PFT’s Clear Operations Cloud helps do just that – not just store and transcode, but perform end-to-end content operations on the cloud.  Powered by transcoders including Elemental, Rhozet, AmberFin, Digital Rapids and more, PFT’s Operations Cloud is a unique infrastructure that offers content enterprises the ability to choose the transcoder that suit them best, while utilising PFT’s custom workflow orchestration to package and deliver.

     

    PFT’s Clear Operations Cloud also provides 4K support, including a 4K up-conversion module, by leveraging the Academy Award winning Lowry image processing libraries. This is supported by GPU Cloud Computing infrastructure.

     

    “Media and Entertainment companies cannot have islands of automation anymore. If they need to battle low margins and build operational efficiencies, they need to digitally transform to build a connected enterprise. They need to become hyper digital to cater to the hyper digital consumer. That’s the digital next reality,” said Prime Focus Technologies founder and CEO Ramki Sankaranarayanan. 

  • GRB Entertainment sells factual titles across globe

    GRB Entertainment sells factual titles across globe

    MUMBAI: LA-based distribution and production indie GRB Entertainment has inked several deals of factual titles to UK, Ireland, India, Poland, France, French speaking territories, Benelux and Canada.

     

    The series include docusoap The Agency, travelogue Super Swank, and Discovery’s Auction Kings.

     

    While TVN Poland and Game TV (English speaking Canada) picked up The Agency, a behind-the-scenes look at the high fashion modeling world, Discovery Asia Pacific took Super Swank,offering an exclusive peek at a high luxury lifestyle including yachts, spas, resorts, homes and more.

     

    On the other hand, Discovery Europe (France, French speaking Territories, Benelux) acquired two seasons of the auction house series Auction Kings, whereas National Geographic (UK, Ireland) renewed the timely title Inside American Hate – an in-depth investigation into racism and hatred in the US.

     

    “GRB is known around the world for insightful and entertaining factual shows and we are pleased to bring some of our best to our global broadcast partners, programs their audiences will embrace. These deals represent a small portion of what we will be announcing shortly – we are looking ahead to our best Fall season yet,” said GRB Entertainment SVP, international distribution Mike Lolato.

  • FremantleMedia acquires majority stake in Wildside

    FremantleMedia acquires majority stake in Wildside

    MUMBAI: FremantleMedia has acquired Italian television and feature film producer Wildside. Under the deal, FremantleMedia will have a 62.5 per cent holding with the opportunity to acquire the remaining shareholding in the future. 

     

    Wildside is currently producing The Young Pope, a joint Sky, HBO and Canal + production, directed by Academy Award winner Paolo Sorrentino, and starring two time Academy Award nominee Jude Law and Academy Award winner Diane Keaton. FremantleMedia International is distributing the title in the non-partner territories. 

     

    Founded in 2009, Wildside established itself as one of the most prominent high end drama producers for the Italian and international markets. Recent successes include the Italian version of In Treatment Season 1 and 2 (Sky) and 1992 (Sky), which premiered to critical acclaim at the Berlin Film Festival this year. On the big screen, Wildside Cinema’s successes include award-winning Hungry Hearts, directed by Saverio Costanzo and starring up and coming talent Adam Driver (recently cast in Star Wars: Episode VII The Force Awakens), the EFA Best Comedy 2014 winner The Mafia Kills Only in Summer directed by Pif, the award winning Me and You directed by Bernardo Bertolucci and The Solitude of Prime Numberswhich was nominated for the Golden Lion at the prestigious Venice International Film Festival in 2010. 

     

    FremantleMedia CEO Cecile Frot-Coutaz said, “This is a key strategic acquisition for FremantleMedia as we continue to strengthen our prime-time scripted presence. Wildside is fast becoming one of Europe’s most sought after drama producers and will complement our existing prime-time drama businesses in the US, Germany, Scandinavia, The Netherlands, Australia and the UK. The team have an impressive track record of attracting world class creative talent and delivering award winning drama so I’m really excited that they are joining our family of production companies.” 

     

    Based in Rome, the company was founded in 2009 by producers Lorenzo Mieli and Mario Gianani, script writers and directors Marco Martani, Fausto Brizzi and Saverio Costanzo following the merger of Wilder and Offside production companies.