ITV

Category: Production House

  • Essel to back Jazbaa’s robust release with aggressive promotions

    Essel to back Jazbaa’s robust release with aggressive promotions

    MUMBAI: Gone are the days when an all India release of a movie used to make headlines for robust distribution. Gradually Bollywood has emerged as a global affair not only for the Indian diaspora but also for the vernacular audience. 

     

    Essel Vision is leaving no stone unturned to ensure an enhanced reach for its upcoming Hindi movie Jazbaa. With multilingual audio and simulcast release across the globe, Essel has plans of garnishing the movie in an exquisite manner.  

     

    Speaking to Indiantelevision.com, Essel Vision Productions business head Akash Chawla says, “This is the first time an Indian movie will have a simulcast release in the Middle East with an Arabic dub. We are also looking to have a dubbed release for Spanish and English market alongside Hindi release for the Indian diaspora.”

     

    Digital will spearhead the promotional and marketing strategy for the movie. “The promotional strategies will be backed by Zee all through. Zee has a huge bouquet of channels and we will be promoting the movie across all of them in both international and Indian markets,” he adds.

     

    There will be a mega trailer launch on the sets of Dance India Dance, which will reach out to mass. In the US, the producers plan to launch a promotional tour on 17 September, 2015. A series of activities are also on the cards for the premiere of the movie, which is scheduled on 9 October, 2015.

     

    MSM Motion Pictures’ recently produced Piku showed how brand integration can be a substantial source of revenue for producers. When queried if Jazbaa will also have brands integrated in the movie, Chawla says, “There are a few brands that are subtly placed in the movie but we kept the number as low as possible because we did not want interrupt viewers. I don’t think brand integration is yet a substantial source of revenue when it comes to movies.”

     

    Essel Group took the decision of fully entering into film production with Jazbaa after tasting success with Lunchbox and D-Day as co-producers. The movie, which stars Aishwarya Rai Bachchan and Irrfan Khan, is directed by Sanjay Gupta. The movie tells the story of an advocate who is stuck between professional life and motherhood.

     

    Chawla is optimistic about the movie’s success globally. “We will have as robust release as possible and rest will depend on audience,” he says.

  • Q1-2016: Despite drop in QoQ revenue, B.A.G. Films TV segment operating profit flat

    Q1-2016: Despite drop in QoQ revenue, B.A.G. Films TV segment operating profit flat

    BENGALURU: B.A.G. Films and Media Limited (BAG Films) Television Broadcasting segment (TV segment) reported 20.6 per cent drop in segment revenue to Rs 20.69 crore (79.7 per cent of Total Income from Operations or TIO) in the quarter ended 30 June, 2015 (Q1-2016) as compared to the Rs 26.06 crore (82.8 per cent of TIO) in Q4-2015. The TV segment reported 9.5 per cent drop in revenue in the current quarter as compared to the Rs 22.85 crore (69.9 per cent of TIO) in the corresponding year ago quarter.

     

    Note:(1) 100,00,000 = 100 lakh = 10 million = 1 crore

     

    (2) All numbers in this report are consolidated unless stated otherwise

     

    Despite the drop in operating revenue, BAG Films TV segment reported almost flat operating profit at Rs 8.08 crore in the sequential quarters Q4-2015 and Q1-2016. The segment’s operating profit in Q1-2016 however dropped 5.7 per cent as compared to the Rs 8.57 crore in Q1-2015.

     

    BAG Films TIO in the current quarter at Rs 25.96 crore was 17.5 per cent lower than the Rs 31.46 crore in the immediate preceding quarter and was 20.6 per cent lower than the Rs 32.70 crore in the corresponding year ago quarter.

     

    Let us look at the other numbers reported by BAG Films

     

    BAG Films reported a lower loss of Rs 1 crore in the current quarter as compared to the loss of Rs 11.53 crore in Q4-2015, but the loss in the current quarter was higher than the Rs 0.67 crore in Q1-2015. The company’s simple EBIDTA calculated without including other income in the current quarter at Rs 6.06 crore (23.3 per cent margin) was 1.5 per cent lower than the Rs 6.15 crore (19.6 per cent of TIO) and was 12.2 per cent lower than the Rs 6.91 crore (21.1 per cent margin) in Q1-2015.

     

    The company’s total expenditure in the current quarter at Rs 23.67 crore (91.2 per cent of TIO) was 38.3 per cent lower than the Rs 38.38 crore (122 per cent of TIO) in Q4-2015 and was 19.9 per cent lower than the Rs 29.54 crore (90.3 per cent of TIO) in Q1-2015.

     

    Employee Cost in Q1-2016 at Rs 4.74 crore (18.2 per cent of TIO) was 11.8 per cent lower than the Rs 5.37 crore (17.1 per cent of TIO) in Q4-2015 but was 0.4 per cent more than the Rs 4.72 crore (14.4 per cent of TIO) in Q1-2015.

     

    Segment Numbers

     

    The five segments mentioned in the company’s financial results are: Audio-Visual Production (AVP); Movies: Leasing; FM Radio; and Television Broadcasting. While BAG Films Movies segment made no contribution to the company’s revenue or operating results in the current quarter, Q4-2015 or Q1-2015, TV Broadcasting segment numbers have already been mentioned above.

     

    Audio Visual Production segment (AVP segment)

     

    AVP segment reported 9.7 per cent growth in revenue in Q1-2016 at Rs 3.60 crore as compared to the Rs 3.28 crore in Q4-2015 and a growth of 34 per cent as compared to the Rs 2.69 crore in Q1-2015. The segment reported an operating profit of Rs 2.24 crore in Q1-2016 as compared to an operating loss of Rs 1.38 crore in the immediate trailing quarter and 14.4 per cent growth in operating profit in Q1-2016 as compared to the operating profit Rs 1.96 crore in Q1-2015.

     

    Leasing segment

     

    BAG Films Leasing segment reported a little more than one fourth (26.4 per cent) revenue in the current quarter at Rs 0.1 crore as compared to the Rs 0.38 crore in Q4-2015 and less than one seventh (16 per cent) the revenue of Rs 0.62 crore in Q1-2015. The segment reported an operating loss of Rs 0.93 crore in Q1-2016; and operating loss of Rs 3.14 crore in Q4-2015 and an operating loss of Rs 0.41 crore in Q1-2015.

     

    FM Radio segment

     

    BAG Films FM Radio segment reported a 9.5 per cent decline in revenue in Q1-2016 at Rs 1.58 crore as compared to the Rs 1.74 crore in Q4-2015, but a growth of 2.1 per cent as compared to the Rs 1.55 crore in Q1-2015. The company’s FM Radio segment reported an operating loss of Rs 0.24 crore in Q1-2016; an operating loss of Rs 2.05 crore in Q4-2015 and an operating loss of Rs 0.08 crore in Q1-2015.

  • Balaji Telefilms readies two shows for Colors Bengali & Star Jalsa

    Balaji Telefilms readies two shows for Colors Bengali & Star Jalsa

    MUMBAI: Balaji Telefilms, which is eyeing expansion in the regional programming space, is all set to launch two new Bengali shows soon.

     

    While the first one will be a Bengali fiction daily for Colors Bengali, the second will be a non-fiction show for Star Jalsa.

     

    The Colors Bengali show will go on air from the first week of October this year, whereas the non-fiction show for Star Jalsa is slated to go on air in the first week of February 2016.

     

    It may be recalled that in 2014, Balaji Telefilms had entered into a partnership with the Kolkata based production house Chhayabani to form Chhayabani Balaji Entertainment in a move to strengthen its regional offering.

     

    Balaji Telefilms has also licensed the Box Cricket League (BCL) format for regional broadcasting to Zam Media from Punjab.

     

    Under the aegis of Ekta Kapoor, Balaji Telefilms has executed over 15,000 hours of television content in Hindi, Tamil, Telugu, Kannada, Malayalam and Bengali entertainment across genres. What’s more, keeping abreast with technological advancements, the company has now moved towards HD programming to enhance viewing experience. It has also produced a fitness DVD with Sunny Leone for Times Wellness.

     

  • Q1-2016: Distribution segment pulls down Animation gains to loss for DQE

    Q1-2016: Distribution segment pulls down Animation gains to loss for DQE

    BENGALURU: The Tapas Chakravarti led DQ Entertainment (International) Limited (DQEIL) reported consolidated loss of Rs 12.65 crore in the quarter ended 30 June, 2015 (Q1-2016) as compared to a loss of Rs 12.06 crore in Q1-2015 and a loss of Rs 26.33 crore in the immediate trailing quarter.

     

    The loss in the current quarter would have been higher but for a foreign exchange (forex) gain of Rs 6.8 crore as compared to a forex loss Rs 0.39 crore in Q1-2015 and a forex gain of Rs 3.95 crore in Q4-2015.

     

    Note: (1) 100,00,000 = 100 Lakhs = 10 million = 1 crore

    (2) All numbers are consolidated unless stated otherwise.

     

    Segment Performance

     

    The company’s distribution segment reported an operating loss of Rs 6.51 crore on operating revenue of Rs 1.80 crore in Q1-2016 as compared to the operating loss of Rs 1.19 crore on operating revenue of Rs 10.71 crore in Q1-2015 and an operating loss of Rs 12.53 crore on operating revenue of Rs 5.94 crore in Q4-2015.

     

    The company’s Animation segment reported an operating profit of Rs 2.08 crore in Q1-2016 from operating revenue of Rs 23.93 crore as compared to the operating loss of Rs 1.07 crore from operating revenue of Rs 9.93 crore in Q1-2015 and an operating profit of Rs 33.88 crore from operating revenue of Rs 69.87 crore in the immediate trailing quarter.

     

    Let us look at the other numbers reported by DQEIL

     

    DQEIL reported 24.6 per cent increase in total income from operations (TIO) in Q1-2016 to Rs 25.73 crore as compared to the Rs 20.64 crore in Q1-2015. TIO in the current quarter was a little more than a third (33.9 per cent) of the TIO of Rs 75.81 crore in Q4-2015.

     

    Total Expenditure in Q1-2016 increased 6.8 per cent to Rs 29.62 crore as compared to the Rs 27.72 crore in Q1-2015, but declined 65.3 per cent as compared to the Rs 85.3 crore in Q4-2015.

     

    The company’s finance expense in Q1-2016 was almost double (increased 93 per cent) at Rs 14.56 crore as compared to the Rs 7.55 crore in Q1-2015 but dropped 13.2 per cent as compared to the Rs 16.78 crore in Q4-2015.

     

    DQEIL Production expense (PE) in Q1-2016 increased 74.4 per cent to Rs 3.75 crore as compared to the Rs 2.15 crore in Q1-2015 and declined 77.6 per cent as compared to the Rs 16.75 crore in Q4-2015.

     

    The company’s Employee Expenses (EBE) in Q1-2016 at Rs 13.30 crore declined 20 per cent as compared to the Rs 16.64 crore in Q1-2015 and was 2.1 per cent lower than the Rs 13.59 crore (in Q4-2015.

     

  • Q1-2016: Balaji Telefilms’ net down 80% at Rs 2.08 crore; revenue down 45%

    Q1-2016: Balaji Telefilms’ net down 80% at Rs 2.08 crore; revenue down 45%

    MUMBAI: Balaji Telefilms Limited (BTL) reported lower consolidated profit after tax (PAT) (less than one-fifth) in the quarter ended 30 June, 2015 (Q1-2016) at Rs 2.09 crore (2.8 per cent margin), which was down 80 per cent as compared to the Rs 10.56 crore (7.8 per cent margin) in Q1-2015 and less than one-fourth the PAT of Rs 9.54 crore (12.3 per cent margin) in the immediate trailing quarter.

     

    BTL reported 44.8 per cent drop in consolidated total income from operations (TIO) in Q1-2016 to Rs 74.64 crore as compared to the Rs 135.34 crore in Q1-2015. The company’s Q1-2016 TIO dropped 2.6 per cent as compared to the Rs 76.94 crore in the immediate trailing quarter.

     

    Note:  (1)100,00,000 = 100 lakh = 10 million = 1 crore

    (2) All numbers are consolidated unless stated otherwise.

     

    Television segment

     

    BTL’s television segment reported 57 per cent growth in revenue from operations at Rs 68.46 crore in the current quarter as compared to the Rs 43.50 crore in Q1-2015 and 15 per cent more than the Rs 59.51 crore in Q4-2015.

     

    The segment reported a 62 per cent growth in PAT to Rs 4.51 crore as compared to the Rs 1.96 crore in the corresponding year ago quarter. PAT in Q4-2015 was however more than double at Rs 9.61 crore. Consolidated EBIDTA in the current quarter was Rs 4.97 crore as compared to the Rs 14.71 crore in Q1-2015.

     

    The segment’s cost of production shot up by 54 per cent in the current quarter to Rs 55.21 crore as compared to the Rs 35.77 crore in Q1-2015 and was 23 per cent more than the Rs 44.91 crore in Q4-2015, though the company had shot more commissioned programming hours in Q4-2015 than in the current quarter.

     

    The company’s television segment reported revenue of Rs 52.76 crores from 240.5 hours of commissioned programs as compared to the Rs 42.57 crore for 208 commissioned hours in Q1-2015 and revenue of Rs 59.51 crore for 258 commissioned hours in Q4-2015. The number of commissioned hours does not include Nach Baliye. Revenue per hour for commissioned programs in Q1-2016 increased 7.4 per cent to Rs 21.94 lakh as compared to the Rs 20.42 lakh in Q1-2015, but was 4.9 per cent lower than the Rs 23.06 lakh in the immediate trailing quarter.

     

    UPCOMING TELEVISION SHOWS

     

    BTL is gearing up to launch four new shows across four general entertainment channels (GECs) in 2015. The first show is a finite series of 130 episodes, which will be aired from Monday to Friday on Sony beginning second week of September. The second show is a daily fiction serial to be aired on Star Plus from Monday to Saturday from the second week of September. The newest GEC &TV from the Zee Entertainment Enterprises stable will air a new Balaji fiction daily from Monday to Friday by end September. On the other hand, Colors will air a finite show called Nagin comprising 26 episodes of one hour programming, which will be aired on Saturday and Sunday by end October this year.

     

    Additionally, the company is also in talks with GECs for various non-fiction ideas.

     

    UPCOMING MOVIES

     

    BTL has multiple films namely Grand Masti, XXX, Kya Kool Hai Hum 3 and Udta Punjab on the floor. These are either in the post production stage or are nearing completion. The company is looking at releasing these in Q3 or Q4 of the current financial year if schedules stand. Another biopic Azhar is expected to be released in Q1-2017, while shooting is also in progress for a superhero film Flying Jat.

  • Balaji Telefilms forays into original digital content with ALT

    Balaji Telefilms forays into original digital content with ALT

    MUMBAI: Television and film production company Balaji Telefilms has forayed into the original digital content business segment with the launch of ALT Digital Media Entertainment.

     

    This is move is reflective of the company’s strategic intent to extend its entertainment expertise to creating enjoyable, engaging content for digital audiences globally and monetise the incredible potential of original, premium, on-demand entertainment.

     

    ALT Digital Media will be looking at offering next generation of content which is original, edgy and contemporary. The company will create content for the entire connected ecosystem spanning mobiles, computers, tablets, smart TVs and game stations.

     

    Through this endeavour Balaji Telefilms will go beyond the current themes of television entertainment to set a new benchmark with younger, edgier and smarter contemporary content that merits a different medium. The move comes at a time when 75 per cent of Indian audiences accessing the internet are aged between 19 to 30 years and increasingly seek new entertainment.

     

    The company is assembling a team of professionals and is gearing up to launch in early 2016, presenting all-new original drama series across genres that will be co-created by some prominent names from the Indian entertainment industry. ALT Digital Media will initially develop content in Hindi and English and later in other regional languages, all of which will be available on subscription-based and premium ad-supported models to domestic and global Indian audiences.

     

    In addition to developing its own platform, ALT Digital Media is also in advanced discussions to seek synergistic associations and partnerships with leading technology and video distribution platforms.

     

    Original and exclusive content is the primary lever to attract digital subscribers, and this will be the key operating differentiator for ALT Digital Media, which is being supported by Big Data Analytics and will be led by ‘predictive data’ that draws on analytics driven insights for accurate content development, viewer monitoring and better customer segmentation.

     

    Balaji Telefilms joint managing director Ekta Kapoor said, “As one of India’s most pioneering media houses Balaji Telefilms has always focussed on content innovation. Our passion for entertainment continues to drive us to create exciting entertainment formats – spanning films, television and now for young digital audiences. Our foray into the digital space is aligned to our strategic intent to tap into the growing digital video phenomenon, where we bring our unique story telling strengths to create compelling content and deliver it directly to audiences who are always connected and seek quality, original entertainment in new formats.”

     

    Balaji Telefilms group CEO Sameer Nair added, “With greater use of handheld electronic devices, and growing, 3G, 4G & WI-fi penetration, a spectacular mobile video and e-commerce revolution is underway, dramatically changing consumers and consumption behaviour. For Balaji Telefilms, with its distinct strengths as an innovative entertainment powerhouse, it is the logical next step – to create the next generation of original, exciting fiction content. This foray enables Balaji to not only create and own content IP but to also build its own consumer base of audiences who seek original content and in the process, build a strong and valuable B2C brand. We are confident that ALT Digital Media will soon carve its own identity as a leading digital entertainment content creator and distributor in India for worldwide audiences.”

  • FremantleMedia acquires distribution rights to BBC Two’s ‘Simply Nigella’

    FremantleMedia acquires distribution rights to BBC Two’s ‘Simply Nigella’

    MUMBAI: FremantleMedia International (FMI) is set to satisfy the appetites of international audiences with its latest deal with BBC Productions for the global distribution rights (excluding the UK and EIRE) of Simply Nigella (6×30).

     

    Starring the internationally renowned food writer and TV cook Nigella Lawson, Simply Nigella will make its debut to TV buyers at the upcoming MIPCOM and air on the UK’s BBC 2 later this year.

     

    Inspiring and uplifting, Simply Nigella introduces viewers to a new-pared down approach to cooking and eating by demonstrating easy to prepare recipes that are designed to nourish the soul. The series delivers a true sense of balance between lightness and lushness with a mix of tasty everyday meals, crowd pleasing feasts and indulgent sweet treats.

     

    Creating a handful of dishes per episode, Lawson showcases her talents in the kitchen, using each recipe to connect with the audience like never before. She shares the story behind each meal and focuses on specific ingredients revealing what makes them her favourites as well as divulging her culinary tips to ensure cooking is as stress free as possible. Lawson also ventures beyond the kitchen visiting local suppliers and independent food stores to source fresh quality produce to include within her recipes. From healthy breakfasts and gluten free goodies, to decadent desserts; Simply Nigella promises food that’s not only reassuringly simple but will appeal to every palette and make us feel more alive.

     

    Lawson said, “Making Simply Nigella has been a joy, and it gives me such pleasure to be able to share these new recipes in a fresh and relaxed format with home cooks far and wide.”

     

    FMI director of non scripted, UK, EMEA and Asia Pacific Angela Neillis added, “Simply Nigellas trips away the fuss of cooking to concentrate on the meals that make our lives happier, stress free and even more delicious. FMI is beyond thrilled to be working with the BBC and the gorgeously talented Nigella Lawson on this fresh new show which reveals her at her very best.”

     

    Simply Nigella executive producer Jennifer Fazey said, “As Nigella says herself, Simply Nigella isn’t just about food that will make you feel good as you eat it – but as you cook it too. The real treat however is finding out how some of her new dishes came into being, as we watch Nigella tell us the stories of the eclectic people and places that have inspired her since she was last on our screens. The result is a mouth-watering menu bursting with flavour that will make you feel happy as you cook and eat. Who doesn’t want that at the end of a busy day?!”

     

    Directed by Dominic Cyriax and executively produced by Jennifer Fazey, Simply Nigella will feature six episodes plus a one-hour Christmas special filmed in Kansas. The episode will see Lawson create a broad range of festive dishes and features her guide to stress-free cooking and entertaining over the holidays.

     

    This global distribution deal sees Lawson join FMI’s ever expanding catalogue of culinary stars, which includes Jamie Oliver, Jimmy Doherty, The Hairy Bikers, Lorraine Pascal, Martha Stewart, Anthony Bourdain, Silvia Colloca, Anabel Langbein and Haylie Duff.

  • Q1-2016: Eros International revenue doubles at Rs 480.6 crore, PAT up 49%

    Q1-2016: Eros International revenue doubles at Rs 480.6 crore, PAT up 49%

    MUMBAI: Eros International Media Limited’s revenue for the quarter ended 30 June, 2015 almost doubled at Rs 480.6 crore, which was 96.5 per cent more than Rs 244.6 crore in Q1 FY15.

     

    The company’s profit after tax (PAT) was up 48.9 per cent at Rs 53.40 crore in Q1 2016 as against Rs 35.8 crore in the same quarter previous year. The EBIT at Rs 96.3 crore went up by 60.70 per cent. 

     

    The company released a total of 16 films during the quarter as compared to nine in Q1-2015.

     

    Eros International Media executive vice chairman and managing director Sunil Lulla said, “We have had an excellent start to fiscal 2016 with the resounding success of Tanu Weds Manu Returns and our other major new releases, Uttama Villian, Masss, Dil Dhadakne Do (overseas) and Gabbar (overseas), doing well. The portfolio performance reinforces our strategy of investing in content-driven films, which are prudently budgeted and then extensively monetized across traditional and emerging platforms.”

     

    “As a strategy, we continue to diversify our presence across different film genres, budgets and languages. Further, strong pre-sales for our films remains one of the cornerstones of our strategy,” he added.  

     

    “The start to the second quarter has been exceptional with multiple-record breaker Bajrangi Bhaijaan delivering a worldwide gross of over Rs 5 billion. Last week’s Telugu release, the Mahesh Babu starrer Srimanthudu has opened to record breaking box office numbers. In addition, we have a compelling line-up for the remainder of the year featuring high-profile and promising movies such as Bajirao Mastani, Welcome Back, Hero, Gabbar Singh 2, 24 amongst a host of other Hindi and regional movies,” he said.

     

    “Our leadership position in the nascent Indian Media and Entertainment industry, which is witnessing positive structural trends, backed by an expansive library of movies should enable us to create significant value for all our stake holders going forward,” informed Lulla. 

     

    • Diversified revenue mix
      • Theatrical Revenues contributed – 51.5 per cent, Overseas Revenues – 27 per cent and Television & Others – 21.5 per cent as a percentage of Total Income.

     

    • Top 2 Hindi Box Office movies in CY2015 are Eros Films
      • Bajrangi Bhaijaan released in Q2 FY16 crossed the coveted Rs 300 crore net box office in India and the worldwide gross is over Rs 500 crore, smashing multiple records.
        • Fastest Rs 100 crore, Rs 150 crore, Rs 200 crore and Rs 250 crore movie in Bollywood history
        • Highest single day collection of Rs 38.75 crore for any film in India
        • Highest Monday figures of Rs 27.05 crore in India
      • The medium budget movie – Tanu Weds Manu Returns released in Q1 FY16 was the first film of CY2015 to cross the Rs 100 crore mark, and has set new ROI benchmarks in the industry.
  • Prime Focus Technologies secures SoC2 certification

    Prime Focus Technologies secures SoC2 certification

    MUMBAI: Prime Focus Technologies (PFT), the technology arm of Prime Focus, has secured a Service Organization Control (SOC) 2 certification and expanded upon its ISO/IEC 27001:2013 certification for Information Security Management Systems (ISMS).

     

    These certifications assure clients that PFT meets some of the highest standards for security, availability, confidentiality and processing integrity controls in the Media and Entertainment (M&E) industry.

     

    PFT is the first M&E industry-focused cloud-based provider to receive a SOC 2 certification. The SOC 2 certification process is based on standards set forth by the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA), which recently updated the Trust Service Principles and Criteria (TSP) used in granting a SOC 2 certification to better align with current security concerns worldwide. To secure a SOC 2 certification, PFT underwent a meticulous audit to measure and report on the design and operating effectiveness of its controls.

     

    In addition, PFT expanded up its ISO 27001 certification, one of the most widely recognized, internationally accepted, independent security standards. This certification applies to all PFT locations and solutions including its hybrid cloud technology, content processes and data centers serving its CLEAR Media ERP Suite and Cloud-enabled Media Services. As one of the first media and entertainment industry-focused cloud technology solutions providers to achieve this certification back in 2014, PFT has focused on continually improving its security credentials, resulting in an expanded certification globally in 2015.

     

    Deloitte Haskins & Sells LLP independently conducted PFT’s SOC 2 examination for the period of 1 May, 2014 through 31 January, 2015. The ISO 27001 Certification is issued by the British Standards Institution (BSI), the national standards body of the UK and one of the premier accreditation firms in the world. 

     

    “With more than 1.2 million hours of content under management on cloud, the security and integrity of our systems is incredibly important. Compliance with the SOC 2 standards requires strict internal policies related to our software development, storing and accessing data and security across systems. Our clients know and rely on our security and compliance measures to ensure their content is secure at all times,” said Prime Focus Technologies founder and CEO Ramki Sankaranarayanan.

     

    PFT’s SOC 2 and ISO 27001 accreditations are reassurance of its capabilities in managing  the business of content for global clients spanning broadcast, studios, brands, sports and digital businesses. In addition to these certifications, PFT is also MPAA audited.

  • Balaji Telefilms eyes regional expansion; seeks local partners

    Balaji Telefilms eyes regional expansion; seeks local partners

    MUMBAI: Even as the promoters have upped their stake in the company in the light of Star selling its 26 per cent stake, Balaji Telefilms Limited (BTL) has set sight on the regional television programming space for expansion.

     

    The production house, which recently wrapped up the seventh season of Nach Baliye on Star Plus, plans to launch as many as 10 shows in Bengali and southern languages. Moreover, in order to break into the regional space, BTL is also eying tie-ups with local partners.

     

    “Our plan is to have three – five shows each in Bengali and Southern languages by the end of FY2016,” the company said in its annual report.

     

    This apart, BTL is also mulling launching a few of its Hindi shows in regional languages. The first of these would be the telecast of the Zee TV show Kumkum Bhagya, on Zee Bangla. At the same time, the production powerhouse is also eyeing tie-ups in the south, which will yield three to four shows.

     

    It may be recalled that in December 2014, BTL had entered into an alliance with the Kolkata-based Chhayabani to form Chhayabani Balaji Entertainment and create distinctive, contemporary and clutter breaking television content for Zee Bangla.

     

    Also under consideration is the plan to launch its celebrity sports reality show Box Cricket League in the regional space. At the same time, BTL has set a target to launch six new shows in the Hindi general entertainment channels (GEC) space this fiscal. While plans are underway to launch a comedy show on the lines of the Great Indian Laughter Challenge, BTL is also readying a high concept fiction show for Star Plus.

     

    With audiences patronizing the Balaji brand, the company’s key focus is to improve its bottom line during FY2016.

     

    “We aim to be more process-driven, rather than personality-driven. With changing dynamics of the industry, we are aiming to capitalise our capabilities in making high-concept fiction and non-fiction shows. To begin with, we are coming up with a high concept, high fiction show for Star TV. We are confident of the ratings of our new shows, especially reality based shows,” the company said.

     

    On the movies front, BTL has a strong pipeline of movies lined up for FY16 and FY17.  With aspirations to become the number two entertainment studio going forward, the production house has in its kitty 8 – 10 films like Azhar, A Flying Jatt, Suspect X, Naatak, and Bhool Se Naam Na Lo Pyaar Ka, among others.

     

    Not ignoring the fast-developing digital space, BTL is also in the process of creating its own IP and genuine B2C content to tap the burgeoning platform.

     

    That said, BTL seems poised to spread its wings and fly even more so now with BTL group CEO Sameer Nair, armed with his business acumen, adding extra stars to the creative prowess of Ekta Kapoor.