ITV

Category: Production House

  • Lionsgate extends deal with Emmett-Furla for 10 movies

    Lionsgate extends deal with Emmett-Furla for 10 movies

    MUMBAI: Lionsgate and its Grindstone Entertainment Group have extended their long-term partnership with Emmett/Furla Films for another 10 movies, several of which will be released through the newly-launched Lionsgate Premiere label.

     

    Grindstone’s collaboration with Emmett/Furla has generated a string of successful star-driven event films, including the Bruce Willis, Josh Duhamel and Rosario Dawson action adventure Fire With Fire, the crime thriller Empire State, starring Dwayne ‘The Rock’ Johnson and The Hunger Games franchise’s Liam Hemsworth, and the serial killer thriller Frozen Ground, featuring Nic Cage and John Cusack.

     

    The partnership’s eagerly-anticipated upcoming slate includes the heist film Bus 657, starring Robert DeNiro and Kate Bosworth, the CIA action thriller The Extraction, teaming Bruce Willis, Kellan Lutz and Gina Carano, and the thriller Daughter of God, featuring an all-star cast led by John Wick’s Keanu Reeves and Mira Sorvino. The first film to release through Lionsgate’s new Premiere specialty distribution label will be The Extraction.

     

    “Grindstone is an important contributor to the Lionsgate Motion Picture Group, and they have established one of the industry’s most enviable track records of consistency and profitability as well as a dynamic pipeline of star-driven event films. We’re delighted to extend their productive collaboration with Emmett/Furla for another 10 films that we expect to be distinguished by the high-octane excitement, A-list talent and commercial success that have become their trademarks,” said Lionsgate co-chief operating officer and Motion Picture Group president Steve Beeks.

     

    “Randall Emmett and George Furla are among the most consistently exciting film producers in the world today, and we’re thrilled to extend and expand our partnership for another 10 films. Emmett/Furla is recognized by audiences around the world as a truly global brand synonymous with big stars, box office excitement and outsized commercial results. Our pipeline of films from world-class producers like Randall and George, combined with our access to Lionsgate’s tremendous marketing and distribution infrastructure, is an unbeatable combination,” added Grindstone president Barry Brooker and Grindstone partner Stan Wertlieb.

     

    “We’ve been part of the Lionsgate family since the earliest days of the studio, and our partnership has grown with their success. Lionsgate has emerged as a powerful creative force in the global marketplace, and we’re thrilled to continue our collaboration with Steve Beeks, Barry Brooker and the rest of the Lionsgate team as well as to help launch Lionsgate Premiere, the Company’s newest label,” said Emmett and Furla.

     

    Emmett/Furla partnered with Lionsgate on the theatrical films Rambo, Wonderland, Narc and last year’s Escape Plan, starring Sylvester Stallone and Arnold Schwarzenegger in an action thriller that became a box office blockbuster in China and Russia on its way to grossing nearly $140 million around the world.

  • Greymatter’s ‘The Remix’ makes it to Fresh TV’s ‘Top 25 Formats’

    Greymatter’s ‘The Remix’ makes it to Fresh TV’s ‘Top 25 Formats’

    MUMBAI: Greymatter Entertainment’s new music reality format The Remix is creating waves. The format, which has been produced by the Vietnam based Cattiensa and is aired at VTV3 in Vietnam, has been garnering not just television ratings, but also generating a lot of social media buzz.

     

    The ten episode show, in the first two weeks generated close to 43,000 discussions among viewers. Not only that, the live show has generated a 10 plus rating in Vietnam and close to 5.5 million views per episode on YouTube.

     

    The rising success and the uniqueness of the format has helped it in getting chosen by Fresh TV for the ‘Mip top 25 formats to watch out for.’

     

    “We had created the format two years ago, and Vietnam showed interest in it and thus got it first,” says Greymatter director Rahul Sarangi.

     

    Sarangi is overwhelmed as it is the first time an Asian format has made it to the Fresh TV top 25 format list. Talking about the format he says, “It is a music talent show, wherein the winner gets a million dollars and a chance to shoot with a record label. There are two performers in each team, wherein one sings while the other composes the music. There are four judges, who give a song of their choice to the performers, who then have to remake it and perform.”

     

    Every week sees an elimination, which comprises 50 per cent points from the judges and 50 per cent votes coming in through SMSes.

     

    “The interesting part of this show, unlike the others like X Factor, Got Talent etc is that it is Live and not deferred even by a second,” informs Sarangi.

     

    Another differentiator, according to Sarangi is that the entire set is a LED Box, which changes with the mood of the song. “The set is customized and sees a changed setting and graphics along with the songs,” he says.

     

    This $2 million property airs two hours of programming per episode. “We are the format owners of the show and have done the set designing, the graphics and the whole packaging of the reality programme, the finale of which will be aired on 12 April,” informs Sarangi.

     

    The format has also been sold to a French production house. “The format has become a big success and we are in talks with production houses from Australia, Philippines, Indonesia and the US who have shown interest in the format,” he adds.

     

    Sarangi opines that it is time that Indian broadcasters too get into airing live reality shows. “We are always working towards global ideas and would like to bring these ideas to India as well,” concludes Sarangi.  

     

  • FremantleMedia UK launches digital label Shotglass Media

    FremantleMedia UK launches digital label Shotglass Media

    MUMBAI: FremantleMedia UK has launched a new digital media company called Shotglass Media.

     

    The new digital entity will sit alongside FremantleMedia UK labels Talkback, Thames, Retort, Boundless, Newman Street and Euston Films and focus on creating innovative digital experiences for fans and brands. Kat Hebden will head up the operation as managing director, reporting to interim FremantleMedia UK CEO Richard Holloway. Hebden was previously head of FremantleMedia UK Interactive.

     

    The investment in Shotglass Media will accelerate the growth of the company’s digital content initiatives in the UK, including the slate of original digital content, which already includes Munchies, a multi-channel food brand co-produced with Vice Media, and football fan channels Full Time Devils, Chelsea Fan Channel and Blue Moon Rising. Hebden and her team will grow the slate of food and sports content, and will also develop and produce in other key verticals like gaming, travel, music, entertainment and automotive.

     

    Shotglass Media will also encompass all digital and social media activity for FremantleMedia UK’s programmes including Britain’s Got Talent, The X Factor, Celebrity Juice, The Apprentice, Take Me Out and more, and will work closely with all FremantleMedia UK labels to create new experiences for fans across the range of programming within the group. 

     

    The new company will be a key partner for brands and advertisers who are looking for creative digital advertising solutions: with the FremantleMedia UK Commercial team, Shotglass Media will offer the full scope of integrations from bespoke funded content to sponsorships and advertising.

     

    Holloway said, “This is a very exciting time for FremantleMedia UK, the media landscape is changing so rapidly and while we’ve already been at the forefront of these changes, we’re now making even more investment in digital media to increase our activity. Kat is an unstoppable force and in her hands, Shotglass will become the benchmark for digital content companies.”

     

    Hebden’s senior team will include head of business development Audrey Lang, executive producer of original programming James Cooper and head of sport Neil Smythe. The team will work in tandem with FremantleMedia and RTL Group digital companies including Divimove, the leading European MCN the company acquired earlier this year, as well as RTL Group’s MCNs StyleHaul and Broadband TV.

     

    Hebden added, “FremantleMedia has become a key player in digital content and I’m delighted to be leading the next push in the UK. Not only do we have a strong team here in the UK, but FremantleMedia as a group has an impressive digital presence and we’ll continue the heritage of producing locally whilst using our global network to share best practices, relationships and where appropriate, cross-border content for fans and brands.”

     

    Shotglass Media joins the growing number of regional digital entities under the FremantleMedia umbrella including Tiny Riot!, the US digital studio launched last year, UFALab, its German transmedia company, and Spring, part of FremantleMedia Australia.

     

  • Technicolor buys Mikros Image; strengthens position in animation market

    Technicolor buys Mikros Image; strengthens position in animation market

     

    MUMBAI: Technicolor has entered into an exclusive agreement with Mediacontech to acquire Mikros Image, a French production and postproduction company, implanted in Paris (France) and Montreal (Canada).

     

    Mikros Image is an award-winning French production services company that has long-standing relationships with a large number of French-based customers and encompasses aspects of production and postproduction for feature animation, advertising, feature film and TV. The feature animation division, mainly located in Montreal, has developed a proven and tested pipeline, built a strong team of artists and become a reference in this market. Its feature animation portfolio includesAsterix: le Domaine des Dieux, Mune le gardien de la lune and le Petit Prince.

     

    Mikros Image generated €44 million of revenue in 2014.

     

    The acquisition of Mikros Image would immediately strengthen Technicolor’s position in the animation market, which is identified as a major growth driver for the Group as part of its Drive 2020 strategic plan.

     

    The transaction complements Technicolor’s animation services, which recently grew with the acquisition of Ouido Productions, a French-based production house specializing in animated TV series. With Mikros Image, whose work in advertising includes campaigns for Evian, Dior and Audi, combined with MPC Paris’ advertising activities, Technicolor becomes the leader in France’s advertising market.

     

    Mikros Image would leverage Technicolor’s cutting-edge technologies, access broader resources to scale its offering and benefit from operational synergies. Mikros Image would retain its own brand, management and culture of creativity and would be added to Technicolor’s brands portfolio, that already includes MPC, Mr. X, Ouido and Technicolor. The Group’s strategy is to offer clients empowered and innovative brands that support clients’ service and market needs.

     

    “The acquisition of Mikros Image aligns with our strategic objective to grow in animation and advertising. Their proven expertise in feature animation film and advertising will strengthen our offering,” said Technicolor CEO Frederic Rose.

     

    The transaction is expected to be completed in the second quarter of 2015 subject to the labor law requirements. The transaction is expected to be accretive on a full year basis.

     

  • Prime Focus raises Rs 240 crore; completes RMW transaction

    Prime Focus raises Rs 240 crore; completes RMW transaction

    MUMBAI: Prime Focus has raised Rs 240 crore by way of issue of equity shares worth Rs 120 crore each to Monsoon Studio Private and Reliance MediaWorks (RMW), at Rs 52 per share, on percent basis.

     

    As part of the transaction, the India and overseas operations of RMW’s film and media services business was combined with Prime Focus through a slump sale. The net consideration was paid in the form of fresh equity shares of PFL valued at Rs 52 per share.

     

    With this, Prime Focus has completed the transaction to combine with RMW’s global film and media services business. The transaction was first announced in July 2014 and received approval from the Competition Commission of India (CCI) on 15 December, 2014.

     

    The promoters of PFL and RMW had earlier announced the mandatory open offer in Prime Focus, to the extent of 26 per cent of the fully diluted share capital of PFL, at Rs 52 per share, in compliance with applicable SEBI rules and regulations. The open offer closed on 16 January, 2015.

     

    The tryst with RMW was announced close on the heels of Prime Focus’ Hollywood facing creative services subsidiary Prime Focus World merging its VFX business with acclaimed VFX house Double Negative. The combination of RMW – PFL and Academy Award winning Double Negative creates the world’s largest and the most integrated media services group with over 5500 people present across 20 locations offering visual effects, stereo 3D conversion, animation, and cloud-based digital media solutions that transcend the film, advertising and television industries.

     

    Prime Focus and Double Negative are currently working on a action-packed slate of upcoming movies, including Avengers: Age of Ultron, Terminator: Genisys, Ant-Man, Alice in Wonderland: Through the Looking Glass, Mission Impossible 5, The Hunger Games: Mockingjay Part 2 and Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice. Recently delivered shows include Kingsman: The Secret Service, Ex Machina, Jupiter Ascending, Seventh Son and In The Heart Of The Sea.

     

    “We have completed the last leg of a protracted but path breaking transaction today. From here on our full focus will be to drive the integration process and unlock synergies for the benefit of our customers, employees and stakeholders worldwide. Today we are best positioned to offer outstanding creativity, cutting edge technology, integrated Digital Media Services, never before scale, financial robustness and sustainability,” said Prime Focus founder, executive chairman and global CEO Namit Malhotra. 

     

  • STX Entertainment, Universal Pictures sign home entertainment deal

    STX Entertainment, Universal Pictures sign home entertainment deal

    MUMBAI: Motion picture and television studio STX Entertainment and Universal Pictures Home Entertainment have entered into a multi-year partnership in which Universal will handle all marketing, sales and distribution services for Blu-ray, DVD, Electronic Sell-Through and TVOD platforms of STX Entertainment’s theatrical titles across North America.

     

    STX Entertainment, which handles its own production, marketing and distribution of its theatrical projects, is ramping up quickly and recently revealed it will release 12-15 major motion pictures a year beginning in 2016.

     

    STX Entertainment Motion Picture Group chairman Adam Fogelson said, “Universal has one of the most aggressive and inventive home entertainment teams in the industry. Their philosophy of being platform agnostic and allowing for growth in new and emerging areas of delivery is very exciting. We could not have more confidence in their ability to represent STX Entertainment’s new catalogue of motion pictures in the home entertainment marketplace.”

     

    Universal Pictures president and chief distribution officer Peter Levinsohn added, “STX will be an excellent complement to Universal’s exceptional portfolio of diverse home entertainment distribution partners. Robert Simonds is one of the most innovative and accomplished professionals in the film business and we are thrilled to join forces with him and his veteran team of talented executives in what we expect will be a long and successful collaboration.”

     

    This Universal agreement marks the second partnership announced by STX Entertainment, who in January of this year closed a multi-year output agreement with Showtime Networks to bring motion pictures distributed theatrically by STX exclusively to Showtime Networks during the premium television window. The deal covers the studio’s theatrical releases through 2019.

     

    STX has been ramping up production on its film slate and recently announced the first four motion pictures it will release theatrically. On 31 July, 2015, the studio will debut The Gift, a contemporary psychological thriller from Jason Blum’s Blumhouse, directed by Joel Edgerton and starring Jason Bateman, Rebecca Hall and Edgerton. Secret in Their Eyes will be released on 23 October, 2015. The thriller is written and directed by Billy Ray and stars Chiwetel Ejiofor, Nicole Kidman and Julia Roberts. On 22 January, 2016, STX will release The Boy, a horror film from director William Brent Bell, written by Stacey Menear and starring Lauren Cohan. And 11 March, 2016, brings the release of the epic action-drama The Free State of Jones, starring Matthew McConaughey, Gugu Mbatha-Raw, Keri Russell and Mahershala Ali from writer-director and four-time Academy Award nominee Gary Ross.

  • BSE seeks clarification from Eros on movie channel launch plan

    BSE seeks clarification from Eros on movie channel launch plan

    MUMBAI: The Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE) has sought clarification from film production and distribution firm Eros International Media with regards to its plans of launching a movie channel and tweaking business verticals.

     

    The notice to Eros reads, “The Exchange has sought clarification from Eros International Media Ltd with respect to news article appearing in Mint on 6 April, 2015 titled ‘Eros plans new movie channel, acquisition of technology startups.’”

    The publication has reported that the film production company is looking at generating more content and acquiring technology startups.

     

    Eros International group CEO and managing director Jyoti Deshpande, in an interview to the publication, has said that the company is entering south India and newer areas of content creation and distribution. With Eros looking at producing 125 movies as compared to the approximately 70 it currently produces, Deshpande, is expecting a steady increase in margins for the current financial year.  

     

    The Exchange has sought a reply from Eros with regards to this news item and the reply is still awaited.

  • Lionsgate launches new specialty distribution label

    Lionsgate launches new specialty distribution label

    MUMBAI: As part of the continued diversification of its portfolio of films, Lionsgate has launched a new specialty film distribution label called Lionsgate Premiere.

     

    Marketing initiatives for the new label will be headed by Lionsgate senior vice president of marketing and research Jean McDowell under the supervision of Lionsgate chief marketing officer Tim Palen. Adam Sorensen, currently manager of western sales at Lionsgate, will oversee Lionsgate Premiere’s distribution operations.

     

    Lionsgate Premiere, which will release films from both the Lionsgate and Summit Entertainment labels, will extend the reach of the company’s motion picture group to new audiences and platforms. It will encompass a diverse slate of up to 15 films annually that will be released in theatres as well as across a broad spectrum of digital platforms.

     

    Lionsgate Premiere will focus on customizing innovative multiplatform and other release strategies for its slate of films in order to capitalize on the fast-changing motion picture environment, reach affinity audiences with branded content and targeted marketing and enhance the profitability of individual films.

     

    Lionsgate Premiere’s slate will kick off this fall with the Chinese hit Dragon Blade, whose all-star cast includes Jackie Chan, Adrien Brody and John Cusack. Next up will be the offbeat zom-com and Sundance Film Festival sensation Cooties, starring Rainn Wilson and Elijah Wood and written by Saw franchise co-creator Leigh Whannell. Other Premiere titles will include the comedy Don Verdean, starring Sam Rockwell, Danny McBride and Will Forte; horror/thriller Knock Knock, from Cabin Fever and Hostelwriter/director Eli Roth, starring John Wick’sKeanu Reeves, and the action thriller Extraction, featuring Bruce Willis, Kellen Lutz and MMA fighter-turned-actress Gina Carano.

     

    “Lionsgate Premiere embodies the unique attributes of our motion picture business – our diversity, our focus on audiences in our sweet spot and ability to create release strategies attuned to next generation moviegoers. We’re thrilled to launch our newest label with a wide-ranging slate that features films from horror maestros, star-driven action thrillers as well as a blockbuster that has already conquered the Chinese box office,” said Lionsgate Motion Picture Group co-chairs Rob Friedman and Patrick Wachsberger.

     

    “Our new Lionsgate Premiere brand positions us to further expand our portfolio of releases and capitalize on opportunities to deliver an exciting slate of films to next generation audiences. We have put in place a dynamic marketing and distribution team that will ensure that the Lionsgate Premiere brand is distinguished by provocative and original storytelling, innovative marketing campaigns and forward-looking multiplatform and other release strategies that maintain our leadership at the cutting edge of industry innovation,” said Lionsgate co-chief operating officer and Motion Picture Group president Steve Beeks.

     

    Before his recent promotion, McDowell served as vice president of research for the studio.

  • Endemol & Michelle Phan to launch premium lifestyle network

    Endemol & Michelle Phan to launch premium lifestyle network

    MUMBAI: Endemol Shine Group, the newly launched global content creator, producer and distributor, and its Endemol Beyond Premium Content Network, have teamed with digital pioneer and entrepreneur Michelle Phan for the creation of ICON, the first worldwide Premium Lifestyle Network.

     

    The ICON global vertical network launched in the US and the UK simultaneously on 1 April, with rollouts across Western Europe and Asia to follow in the summer and fall.

     

    Creatively led by Phan, ICON and ICON UK, will now be the online global destination for the empowerment of viewers through inspirational premium content, conversation and community. ICON serves a multi-cultural demographic and features an extensive slate of original programming in beauty, fashion, wellness, DIY, food, human interest stories and travel.

     

    The network features original new series and content from some of the hottest up-and-coming digital influencers and lifestyle experts that collectively come to ICON with more than 2.4 billion views on YouTube alone.

     

    ICON is a global multi-platform network available across a wide variety of outlets, including YouTube, Dailymotion, Roku, Pluto TV, multiple connected TV platforms and major social media services Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Snapchat, Pinterest and Tumblr.

     

    ICON programming is also syndicated to premium digital distributors AOL and Scripps Networks Interactive’s ULIVE Lifestyle Network. The ICON app will feature programming exclusives and is available for iOS and Android devices.

     

    Phan said, “I’m thrilled to be partnering with Endemol Beyond. They are the fastest-growing premium content network in the world, and have demonstrated creative leadership across a wide range of lifestyle categories. I am first a creator, but my ongoing objective is to leverage my personal success, to help mentor new and existing talent, and further help them achieve their goals. Endemol Beyond shares this vision, and together, we will drive the future of original content for generations to come.”

     

    “Last year Endemol Shine successfully developed the world’s first premium content network with Endemol Beyond, which has given us the perfect foundation for the launch of ICON, the first global premium lifestyle network. With the creative vision of Michelle Phan, an extraordinary collection of lifestyle talent and the worldwide reach of Endemol Beyond, ICON is poised to make an immediate impact on the worldwide digital landscape,” said Endemol Shine North America co-chairmen and co-CEOs Charlie Corwin and Cris Abrego.

     

    Endemol Beyond president Will Keenan added, “There is no one better with whom to partner on the world’s first online premium lifestyle network than Michelle Phan, who’s not only a successful entrepreneur and a creative visionary, but also an extraordinary human being. With Michelle, Jamie Greenberg, Sonya Esman, Kassie Isabella, Jessica Standley and all of the other great talent starring in ICON’s new shows, we couldn’t ask for a stronger group of influencers and lifestyle experts to launch this pioneering new network. Just like Michelle herself, ICON is for dreamers and its possibilities are limitless.”

     

    “By collaborating with Michelle Phan and some of the hottest new YouTube stars from both sides of the Atlantic, ICON is set to become a go-to destination for millennials across the full spectrum of beauty, lifestyle and fashion. This is the latest example of Endemol Beyond partnering with international talent to create a global entertainment brand that can be adapted in any market and on any platform,” added Endemol Beyond International managing director Georg Ramme.

     

    In addition to Phan, other influential lifestyle talent premiering news series on the ICON network include YouTube stars Ann Le (AnneorShine), Cassey Ho (Blogilates), Promise Phan (Dope2111), beauty chameleon Charis Lincoln (CharismaStarTV), Anisa Noor and popular beauty vlogger Rae from The Raeviewer.

     

    New ICON network talent includes Russian/Canadian digital superstar Sonya Esman (Classisinternal and thatsophiakid), Kassie Isabelle (Cloudy Apples), JkissaMakeup, and celebrity make-up artist Jamie Greenberg (JamieMakeupGreenberg), whose client list includes Kirsten Dunst, Lizzy Caplan, Kaley Cuoco and Rashida Jones.

     

    Other featured talent in ICON’s U.S. and UK initial slate of premium content include dancer, model and Instagram sensation Danielle Peazer, beauty star Kaushal Beauty, whose recent makeup tutorial went viral with over 4.3 million views (and counting) and SunbeamsJess, whose unique personal style and stunning cinematography has attracted a loyal fanbase of super fans on the lookout for the latest trend news.

     

    Original new series set to debut on ICON include: Pretty Little Pranksters, Trash to Fab, Fascinating Women, The FAQs, She’s Gotta Have It, Skinside Out, Everyday LUXE and Decade Beauty.

     

    Phan is a digital pioneer, who trail-blazed her way in the world of fashion and beauty on YouTube. With a growing global community of over 7.5 million, her videos have been viewed more than one billion times, making her one of the most watched talents in the digital space.

     

    On 7 May, Endemol Beyond will unveil additional ICON US and UK star talent and original content at the upcoming Digital Content Upfronts.

  • Sony Pictures Television acquires Netherlands’ Film 1 channels

    Sony Pictures Television acquires Netherlands’ Film 1 channels

    NEW DELHI: Sony Pictures Television Networks (SPT) has acquired the Film1 group in the Netherlands from Liberty Global.

     

    Under the deal, SPT will fully own and operate the five premium pay-TV channels under the Film1 umbrella along with its Film1 Go service, pending regulatory approval.

     

    The five Film1 channels include Film1 Premiere, Film1 Action, Film1 Comedy & Kids, Film1 Spotlight and Film1 Sundance, as well as the Film1 Go OTT service.

     

    All five Film1 channels will continue to be carried on Liberty Global’s Ziggo and UPC cable tv platforms in the Netherlands.

     

    “The acquisition of Film1 marks a key move  into the Dutch market and underlines our continued commitment to grow our highly successful and diverse suite of channels across Europe. Film1 complements and expands our successful Networks portfolio and we are looking forward to working with all our partners to continue to build on the success of the Film1 proposition,” said SPT executive vice president, Networks, Western Europe Kate Marsh.

     

    “When approaching the sale of Film1 as part of the group’s acquisition of Ziggo, we wanted to ensure the new owner would be focused on building on a strong portfolio of channels. We are pleased that Film1 will be in good hands under Sony’s ownership,” added Liberty Global media investments group president Niall Curran.