ITV

Category: Production House

  • DreamWorks Animation taps Jason Reitman to write & direct ‘Beekle’

    DreamWorks Animation taps Jason Reitman to write & direct ‘Beekle’

    MUMBAI: DreamWorks Animation has found a very real director for the story of an imaginary friend, as the Academy Award-nominated Jason Reitman is set to write and direct Beekle, based on the award-winning children’s book, The Adventures of Beekle: The Unimaginary Friend.

     

    Beekle is the first project to be put into development by DreamWorks Animation’s recently appointed co-presidents of feature animation Bonnie Arnold and Mireille Soria. It is the first foray into animation for Reitman, director of films including the Academy Award-nominated Juno, Thank You For Smoking and Up in the Air, amongst others.

     

    Written and illustrated by Dan Santat, The Adventures of Beekle: The Unimaginary Friend, is the 2015 recipient of the Caldecott Medal, awarded annually to the most distinguished American picture book for children.

     

    DreamWorks Animation development executive Damon Ross brought the project to the studio, which he, along with the studio’s head of development Gregg Taylor are overseeing.

     

    “Welcoming Jason onto this project is a true coup, as his incredible ability to tell heartfelt character-driven stories with a signature comedic tone makes him the perfect choice to bring this beloved book to the big screen. We immediately fell in love with the concept of ‘Beekle’ and know that Jason will create something truly special from this fantastic source material,” said Arnold and Soria in a joint statement.

     

    “I was book shopping with my daughter, when a little tooth-shaped character in a paper crown stole our hearts. His name was Beekle and I’m honored to now be adapting Santat’s charming story into a feature film. I’m particularly proud to be working with DreamWorks Animation, makers of Kung Fu Panda, the first film my daughter ever saw on the big screen,” Reitman added.

     

    Beekle is the story of an imaginary friend who is so odd and so unique that no kid could possibly imagine him. So he decides to take matters into his own hands, and sets off on an unimaginable journey to the land of people in search of a best friend.

  • FremantleMedia bags distribution rights to Jude Law’s ‘The Young Pope’

    FremantleMedia bags distribution rights to Jude Law’s ‘The Young Pope’

    MUMBAI: From the Academy Award-winning director, Paolo Sorrentino comes one of the most exciting projects, which was announced at last week’s Cannes Film Festival, The Young Pope.

     

    Starring the two-time Academy Award nominee Jude Law, The Young Pope tells the controversial story of the beginning of PIUS XIII’s Pontificate. With the exclusive international distribution (outside of partner territories) handled by FremantleMedia International (FMI), The Young Pope is set to begin production this summer.

     

    Born Lenny Belardo, PIUS XIII is a complex and conflicted character, so conservative in his choices as to border on obscurantism, yet full of compassion towards the weak and poor. He is a man of great power who is stubbornly resistant to the Vatican courtiers, unconcerned with the implications to his authority. During the series, Belardo will face losing those closest to him and the constant fear of being abandoned, even by his God.

     

    FremantleMedia International CEO Jens Richter said, “The Young Pope combines a fantastic story with a brilliant pedigree of talent in the form of a world-renowned director in Paolo Sorrentino, an outstanding production team in Wildside and an extraordinary lead man in Jude Law. The series has all of the ingredients to become a hallmark drama and FMI is thrilled to have secured the rights for its catalogue.”

     

    The series is a joint production of Sky, HBO and Canal +. All eight episodes will be directed by Sorrentino and written by Sorrentino in collaboration with Tony Grisoni, Umberto Contarello and Stefano Rulli.

     

    The series is being produced by Wildside, and co-produced by Haut et Court TV.

  • BBC One orders new series of BAFTA nominated ‘Count Arthur Strong’

    BBC One orders new series of BAFTA nominated ‘Count Arthur Strong’

    MUMBAI: BBC One has commissioned a third series of comedy Count Arthur Strong.
     
    The BAFTA nominated series launched on BBC Two in 2013. Series two heralded a move to its new home on BBC One where it broadcast at the beginning of this year.
     
    The 7*30 min series is produced by Retort (part of FremantleMedia UK), Komedia Entertainment and Delightful Industries and written by Graham Linehan and the central character’s creator, Steve Delaney.
     
    Executive producers are Jon Rolph for Retort, Richard Daws for Komedia and Gregor Sharp for the BBC, and the series is produced by Richard Boden.
     
    In series three, Arthur still pursues his dreams of stardom no matter how much chaos he causes along the way, with Michael (played by Rory Kinnear) doing his best to limit the damage to the world around them and his own sanity.
     
    Linehan said, ”Very happy to hear that Arthur, Michael and the gang will have more adventures. And we’ve got some crackers lined up for this series.”
     
    Delaney added, ”I’m thrilled, delighted and humbled that BBC One have requested another series of Count Arthur Strong. Where do I sign? Quick, before they change their minds!”
     
    BBC controller, comedy commission Shane Allen said, ”How could we resist bringing back this character comedy masterclass, which blends the joyfully daft with skilfully inventive plotting. Series two really hit its stride and the move to BBC One has brought the audience response we were hoping for. It’s a privilege to be working with these writing and performing talents at the top of their game.”
     
    Retort managing director and executive producer Jon Rolph said, ”It’s a joy and a privilege to be irresistibly drawn into Arthur’s world, and we’re delighted that the BBC One audience think so too.”

    Executive producer Richard Daws from Komedia added, ”It appears Count Arthur is edging ever closer to becoming the national treasure he has always imagined he was.”
    Production and transmission of the show will be in 2016.

  • Endemol Beyond expands global presence with first Asian hub

    Endemol Beyond expands global presence with first Asian hub

    MUMBAI: Global content creator, producer and distributor, Endemol Shine Group has expanded its global presence with the launch of Endemol Beyond Asia. 

     

    Mindshare Singapore’s Christopher Smith has been appointed as the head of digital and branded content at Endemol Beyond Asia.

     

    The new regional hub will produce local versions of the company’s global digital formats, premiering with ICON, the lifestyle channel creatively led by digital pioneer Michelle Phan. ICON launched simultaneously in the UK and U.S earlier this year and is the go-to destination for beauty, fashion and wellness.

     

    Endemol Beyond Asia will also create original programming and bespoke branded content for the Asian market, as well as engaging leading digital talent.

     

    The regional hub will be headquartered in Singapore, where Smith will be based, reporting to Endemol Shine Asia MD Fotini Paraskakis and working closely with Endemol Beyond International MD Georg Ramme.

     

    As an experienced creative director and brand strategist, Smith has worked internationally with brands such as Nike, Apple, Quiksilver, Unilever and Disney. At Mindshare Singapore, Smith led the development of Mindshare Discovery, the experiential and branded content business unit working with MCNs across the region.

     

    “Launching Endemol Beyond Asia is a significant move in our growth across the region. The synergy between our core business and this new division will allow us to deliver clients premium content on all platforms. Christopher’s extensive experience in MCNs and brand relationships makes him ideally suited to lead this important new area,” said Paraskakis.

     

    “Endemol Beyond is a creative organization at its core and it’s exciting to leverage the years of experience and success in creatively led storytelling to the Asian market. There is a huge opportunity in Asia for both branded content and original digital programming. I look forward to adding to the success of Endemol Beyond in this region, and to develop our Asia based studios into one of the leading producers of outstanding content for both brands and viewers,” added Smith.

     

    “Endemol Beyond continues to go from strength to strength and establishing this new hub in Asia reinforces our position as a truly global company. Audiences in Asia have a strong appetite for digital content and this region is key to Endemol Beyond’s growth. Christopher’s experience and innovation puts us in a great position to create fantastic programming, attract digital superstars and deliver bespoke content to leading brands,” said Ramme.

  • FY-2015: Despite lower revenue, Balaji Telefilms back in the black; board recommends 30% dividend

    FY-2015: Despite lower revenue, Balaji Telefilms back in the black; board recommends 30% dividend

    BENGALURU:  Balaji Telefilms Limited (Balaji Telefilms) reported 15 per cent decline in consolidated Total Income from Operations (TIO) at Rs 346.49 crore in FY-2015 (year ended 31 March, 2015, current year) as compared to Rs 407.46 crore in the previous year. The company reported a consolidated profit after tax (PAT) of Rs 5.62 crore (1.6 per cent of TIO) as compared to a loss of Rs 17.21 crore in the previous year, (FY-2014 results had included survival benefits of a keyman insurance policy to the extent of Rs 6.73 crore).

     

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

    (2) All numbers are consolidated unless stated otherwise.

     

    Consolidated operating revenue in Q4-2015 declined 8.8 per cent to Rs 76.94 crore as compared to Rs 84.4 crore in Q4-2014, but improved 7.5 per cent from Rs 71.54 crore in Q3-2015.

     

    The company reported a positive consolidated EBIDTA in FY-2015 of Rs 6.06 crore as compared to negative EBIDTA (operating loss) of Rs 21.78 crore in the previous year. Consolidated EBIDTA in Q4-2015 was Rs 8.04 crore as compared to negative EBIDTA (operating loss) of Rs 22.37 crore in Q4-2014 and negative EBIDTA (operating loss) of Rs 6.91 crore in Q3-2015.

     

    Balaji Telefilms’ consolidated cost of production of movies and television serials in FY-2015 declined 23 per cent to Rs 296.53 crore as compared to the Rs 395.09 crore reported in FY-2014. Consolidated cost of production of movies and television serials declined 36.1 per cent in Q4-2015 to Rs 59.84 crore as compared to the Rs 93.63 crore in Q4-2014 and declined 13.4 per cent as compared to the Rs 69.14 crore in Q3-015.

     

    Revenue Streams

     

    The following subsidiaries, LLPs’ and revenue streams contribute to Balaji Telefilms consolidated numbers: Balaji Telefilms standalone; wholly owned subsidiaries BMPL and Boll Media Limited; other subsidiaries and LLP – Marinating Films and Event Media LLP.

     

    Balaji Television

     

    On a standalone basis, Balaji Telefilms Total Operating Revenue (TOR) in FY-2015 increased 59 per cent to Rs 205.76 crore as compared to the Rs 129.20 crore in FY-2015. TOR in Q4-2015 at Rs 60.64 crore was 51.4 per cent more than the Rs 40.07 crore in Q4-2014 and 3.6 per cent more than the Rs 58.53 crore in Q3-2015.

     

    Standalone PAT in FY-2015 at Rs 12.27 crore was 22.5 per cent more than the Rs 10.02 crore in FY-2014. Standalone PAT in Q4-2015 was Rs 9.61 crore as compared to PAT of Rs 0.13 crore in Q4-2014 and Rs 3.09 crore in Q3-2015.

     

    Standalone cost of production in FY-2015 at Rs 166.80 crore was 65.8 per cent higher than the Rs 100.6 crore in FY-2014.Standalone cost of production increased by 74 per cent in Q4-2015 to Rs 44.91 crore from Rs 25.82 crore in Q4-2014, but declined 5.7 per cent from Rs 47.61 crore in the previous quarter.

     

    Excluding regional segment and events, on a standalone basis, Balaji Telefilms reported a 49.1 per cent growth in programming hours in the current quarter (Q4-2015) to 258 hours as compared to 177 hours in Q4-2014, but a decline of 6.9 per cent from the 277 hours in the previous quarter (Q3-2015).

     

    The company’s revenue per hour increased by 0.7 per cent to Rs 23.06 lakh in Q4-2015 as compared to the Rs 22.90 lakh in Q4-2014, and increased by 11.7 per cent from the Rs 20.64 lakh in the immediate trailing quarter.

     

    Balaji Telefilms Stock movement

     

    The board of directors of the company has recommended a dividend of Rs 0.60 per equity share having face value of Rs 2 each, or 30 per cent, as compared to the Rs 0.40 per share (20 per cent) in the previous year.

     

    The script closed at Rs 75.10 per equity share on the Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE), up 5.92 percent (up Rs 4.20) from the previous close of Rs 70.90. The share had opened at Rs 73.50 today and saw a volume of 415349 shares. The BSE Sensex witnessed fall of 27.86 points to close at 27809.35 points today.

     

    On the National Stock Exchange (NSE), Balaji Telefilms shares closed at Rs 75.05 each, up 6.23 per cent (Rs 4.40) from the previous close of Rs 70.65 each. The share had opened at Rs 73 today on the NSE and saw a volume of 1627950 shares. NSE’s Nifty closed at 8241 points, down 2.25 points from yesterday.

  • Prime Focus bags iTunes certification for content delivery

    Prime Focus bags iTunes certification for content delivery

    MUMBAI: Prime Focus Technologies (PFT), the technology arm of Prime Focus, has received certification from Apple to deliver movie content and associated assets directly to iTunes.

     

    This recognition comes just after PFT launched ‘Digital Next’ offerings at the 2015 NAB Show, providing cloud-based solutions to help with the immediate challenges faced by the media and entertainment industry to meet the demands of the digital consumer. With this qualification, PFT will assist Apple and its content partners in delivering content on the Apple Store.

     

    “Today’s consumers demand more content, quicker and at their fingertips – a challenge we welcome and combat daily,” said Prime Focus Technologies founder and CEO Ramki Sankaranarayanan.

     

    “Apple is an absolute leader in meeting the demands of digital consumers and providing innovative ways of content delivery. We are honoured to have Apple recognise our commitment to this space and to have earned their trust as a long term partner,” he added.

  • India, South Korea to ink audio-visual co-production agreement

    India, South Korea to ink audio-visual co-production agreement

    NEW DELHI: India and South Korea will be inking an audio-visual co-production agreement, which was accorded by the Union Cabinet. The agreement will include cooperation between the film industries of the two countries to promote export of Indian films and act as a catalyst towards creating awareness about India and its culture.

     

    This will help in increasing bilateral trade between both countries. 

     

    The Union Cabinet chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, approved completion of internal ratification procedure, to enable the agreement to come into force.

     

    The Agreement will be signed during the forthcoming visit of the Prime Minister to South Korea. 

     

    The agreement will mean that producers from both countries would get an opportunity to pool their creative, artistic, technical, financial and marketing resources to co-produce films. 

     

    This will lead to exchange of art and culture between the two countries, and co-productions would provide an opportunity to create and showcase the ‘soft power’ of India. 

     

    The deal is also likely to generate employment among artistic, technical as well as non-technical personnel engaged in the arena of film production including post-production and marketing, thus adding to the country’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP).

     

    The utilization of Indian locales for shooting raises the visibility / prospects of India as a preferred film shooting destination across the globe would be promoted and this will lead to inflow of foreign exchange into the country. 

     

    This will also lead to transparent funding of film production. 

     

    An audiovisual co-production agreement between India and South Korea is expected to open doors for wide ranging collaboration and lead to strengthening of India’s cultural presence in an important part of the world as well as open up new frontiers for the film industries of both countries.

  • Disney, Globe Telecom ink multi-year content sharing deal

    Disney, Globe Telecom ink multi-year content sharing deal

    MUMBAI: Philippines’ mobile brand Globe Telecom has entered into a multi-year collaboration with The Walt Disney Company Southeast Asia.

     

    This collaboration will give Filipino customers access to video-on-demand (VOD), interactive content, promotions and other related services across multiple devices and affirms the relationship of Globe with Disney whose brands include Disney, Pixar, Marvel, Star Wars and global leader in short-form video, Maker Studios.

     

    Globe customers will now have access to an array of Disney content offerings including long- and short-form programming, interactive content and games, theatrical releases and retail promotions.

     

    These include Disney Movies On Demand (DMOD); Disney On Demand (DOD) and Maker On Demand. Additionally, the Maker Globe will also team to create custom branded entertainment featuring top digital influencers—supporting the Globe service.

     

    Some of the other content includes Watch Disney Channel apps providing access to Disney Channel, Disney Junior and Disney XD; Disney Interactive; and promotions, merchandising, and retail activations that bring Disney’s latest theatrical releases closer to Filipinos.

     

    “We are very happy to enter into a relationship with such an iconic brand. Everyone loves Disney – that’s why we are excited to bring the brand closer to Filipinos and give the best content experience on their devices anytime, anywhere. We know that our customers are equally excited to get into the wide portfolio of Disney content such as movies, TV shows, games, merchandising, theatrical releases, and interactive videos available across our mobile and broadband services,” says Globe senior advisor for consumer business Dan Horan.

     

    “We are thrilled to bring the Disney brand of storytelling closer to more Filipinos through this collaboration with Globe. With this unique collaboration, Disney fans in the Philippines will now be able to take their favorite stories and beloved characters everywhere they go across their choice of devices,” adds The Walt Disney Company Southeast Asia managing director Rob Gilby.

     

    This collaboration is the latest in Globe’s global partnerships with companies like Facebook, Google, Viber, Spotify, NBA, Hooq and recently WhatsApp.

  • Warner Bros, DC Ent & Mattel to launch Super Hero Girls

    Warner Bros, DC Ent & Mattel to launch Super Hero Girls

    MUMBAI: Beginning in Fall 2015, DC Entertainment, Warner Bros. Animation, Warner Bros. Consumer Products and Mattel will join forces to launch DC Super Hero Girls, a new universe of Super Heroic storytelling that helps build character and confidence, and empowers girls to discover their true potential.

     

    Featuring DC Comics’ diverse line-up of female characters as relatable teens, DC Super Hero Girls will play out across multiple entertainment content platforms and product categories to create an immersive world.

     

    Developed for girls aged 6-12, DC Super Hero Girls centers on the female Super Heroes and Super-Villains of the DC Comics universe during their formative years – prior to discovering their full super power potential. Featuring a completely new artistic style and aesthetic, DC Comics’ icons such as Wonder Woman, Supergirl, Batgirl, Harley Quinn, Bumble Bee, Poison Ivy, Katana and many more make their unprecedented teenaged introduction. Each character has her own storyline that explores what teen life is like as a Super Hero, including discovering her unique abilities, nurturing her remarkable powers and mastering the fundamentals of being a hero.

     

    “DC Entertainment is home to the most iconic and well-known Super Heroes including Wonder Woman, Supergirl and Batgirl. DC Super Hero Girls represents the embodiment of our long-term strategy to harness the power of our diverse female characters. I am so pleased that we are able to offer relatable and strong role models in a unique way, just for girls,” said DC Entertainment president Diane Nelson.

     

    The initial launch of DC Super Hero Girls in Fall 2015 will include an immersive digital experience, original digital content and digital publishing – providing opportunities for girls to interact with characters, learn about the storylines, and engage in customizable play. TV specials, made-for-videos, toys, apparel, books and other product categories will begin to rollout in 2016.

     

    “Developing a Super Hero franchise exclusively for girls that includes all of the key components of a comprehensive entertainment experience – from content to consumer products – is something we are excited to be doing in conjunction with our great partners. It’s really an honor to be part of this cultural moment and to be delivering a concept so rooted in a relatable and empowered theme that the characters of DC Comics are uniquely able to present,” added Warner Bros. Consumer Products president Brad Globe.

     

    As master toy licensee, Mattel is collaborating with DC Entertainment, Warner Bros. Animation and Warner Bros. Consumer Products on DC Super Hero Girls’ narrative creation, interactive digital activations and ultimately a toy line launching in 2016. Mattel category-leading firsts include a line of characters for the action figure category, an area of the industry that has been primarily developed with boys in mind, and fashion dolls featuring strong, athletic bodies that stand on their own in heroic poses.

     

    “Partnering with the best and being the best partner is of paramount importance. Together with Warner Bros. and DC Entertainment, the DC Super Hero Girls franchise will further expand our already powerful girls portfolio. We know Super Hero is a culturally relevant theme and the DC Super Hero Girls franchise will engage and inspire girls, providing cues to explore heroic acts through play and into real life,” said Mattel president and COO Richard Dickson.

     

    The Random House Books for Young Readers imprint of Random House Children’s Books has been appointed the master publishing partner for the franchise and will be creating a portfolio of books that will bring the DC Super Hero Girls world to life, beginning in Spring 2016. Random House’s publishing program will be complemented by a series of original graphic novels from DC Entertainment. The Lego Group will also be key to building the DC Super Hero Girls franchise, leveraging their experience and success engaging girls in creative construction play to bolster this universe through an array of Lego building sets designed to inspire girls’ imaginations.

     

    Additionally, consumer products partners around the world will be engaged in creating a merchandise line dedicated to DC Super Hero Girls across all key categories.

  • Barco & Fox ink deal to release films in panoramic movie format

    Barco & Fox ink deal to release films in panoramic movie format

    MUMBAI: Digital cinema company Barco and 20th Century Fox have inked a five year, multi-title per year agreement to release movies in Barco’s multi-screen, fully immersive movie format Barco Escape.

     

    Fox will be working with its filmmakers to produce new projects for the format beginning with the September release of Maze Runner: The Scorch Trials.

     

    As part of the deal, a Barco Escape setup will be installed in a theater on the 20th Century Fox studio lot. 

     

    Fox was an early endorser of the Barco Escape technology, working hand in hand with Barco throughout the last year to further develop the format and showcase new theatrical content to audiences. Director Wes Ball’s The Maze Runner was the first film to release in Barco Escape, featuring approximately 10 minutes of footage in the format. It debuted at five Barco Escape Cinemark theaters in the US and two Barco Escape Kinepolis theaters in Belgium. For The Scorch Trials,Barco is targeting 25 locations, and Fox is targeting approximately 20 minutes of the film to be converted into the format.

     

    “The audience reaction from the Barco Escape footage on The Maze Runner was overwhelmingly positive. We started working with Barco on this technology because we believe immersive experiences are the future of cinema. Now that Barco has upgraded its Barco Escape systems to be fully DCI compliant, we are further interested in finding tent pole movies for the format that will inspire audiences to leave their homes and go to the theater to share in this unique experience,” says 20th Century Fox president of domestic distribution Chris Aronson.

     

    “Twentieth Century Fox has been an incredible partner for Barco Escape from the very beginning. The common theme from audiences that saw The Maze Runner with select scenes in Barco Escape was ‘we want more!’ We are thrilled to extend our relationship with the studio and its filmmakers to continue pushing the envelope and creating these new cinema experiences you can’t get anywhere else,” added Barco VP of global entertainment Todd Hoddick.

     

    Barco Escape’s next project, a special performance event with Tony Bennett and Lady Gaga filmed natively for the format, will be released later this year.