ITV

Category: Production House

  • Culpa Tuya takes over the world, smashing Prime Video records!

    Culpa Tuya takes over the world, smashing Prime Video records!

    MUMBAI: Prime Video is rewriting the record books, and Culpa Tuya is at the centre of this cinematic revolution. This Spanish young-adult blockbuster didn’t just arrive—it took over, becoming the most-watched international original on Prime Video at launch. Who knew that a sequel from Mercedes Ron’s best-selling Culpables trilogy could ignite such a global frenzy?

    Since its release on 27 December 2024, the film has topped charts in over 170 countries, including Spain, France, Italy, Germany, Brazil, and Mexico—even securing a top three spot in the U.S. and U.K.. That’s right—90 per cent of streams came from outside Spain, proving that language barriers are no match for a gripping love story and some serious drama.

    So, what’s the secret? A sizzling narrative, characters you can’t help but root for, and the kind of suspense that keeps you glued to the screen. One thing is clear: Culpa Tuya isn’t just a movie—it’s a global movement.

    Prime Video also unveiled its top 10 most-watched non-English language international originals of 2024, spotlighting a year of record-breaking international hits. Seven different countries landed on the list, reflecting the platform’s commitment to global storytelling.

    Top 10 non-English language international originals on Prime Video in 2024 (Based on performance outside their country of origin in the first 4 weeks of launch):

    1. Culpa Tuya (Movie, Spain)

    2.  Apocalypse Z: The Beginning of the End (Movie, Spain)

    3.  Maxton Hall: The World Between Us (Series, Germany)

    4.  Citadel: Diana (Series, Italy)

    5.  Citadel: Honey Bunny (Series, India)

    6.  Red Queen (Series, Spain)

    7.  Marry My Husband (Series, Korea)

    8.  No Gain No Love (Series, Korea)

    9.  Betty La Fea, The Story Continues (Series, Colombia)

    10.  Like A Dragon: Yakuza (Series, Japan)

    The young-adult genre ruled 2024, with Culpa Tuya and Maxton Hall: The World Between Us leading the charge. Korean dramas also made waves, proving that audiences crave emotionally rich, binge-worthy content. Meanwhile, Spanish-language titles accounted for four out of the Top 10 spots, reinforcing the global appeal of Spanish storytelling.

    “It’s been a landmark year for International Originals on Prime Video, as customers increasingly embrace stories from across the world,” said Prime Video & Amazon MGM Studios VP – international originals, James Farrell. “Our success proves that great storytelling transcends language and geography.”

    Prime Video’s international originals didn’t just travel well—they shattered records in their home countries. Among the biggest hits:

     .  Mirzapur, Season 3 (India) – The most-watched show on Prime Video India at launch

     .  Oshi No Ko (Japan) – The biggest debut for a Japanese Original

     . Who Killed Him? (Mexico) – Mexico’s most-watched title of all time

     . The Park Maniac (Brazil) – The top Brazilian Original ever

     . Nahir (Argentina) – The most-viewed title in Argentina’s history

    Prime Video is doubling down on global storytelling with a lineup of sequels, new seasons, and adaptations of beloved franchises. Fans can look forward to:

     . Culpa Nuestra (Spain) – The next installment in the Culpables trilogy

     . My Fault: London (UK) – A UK-based spin-off of the franchise

      . Maxton Hall: The World Between Us – Season 2 (Germany)

     . Red Queen – Season 2 (Spain)

     . Betty La Fea, The Story Continues – Season 2 (Colombia)

     . Superboys of Malegaon (India) – A highly anticipated new Indian series

    “We’re thrilled to see Culpa Tuya resonate with audiences worldwide, breaking records and setting new benchmarks,” said Prime Video & Amazon MGM Studios head of movies & scripted TV, María Contreras. “The appetite for great international storytelling has never been stronger, and we’re committed to bringing even more compelling stories to our global audience.”

    With Prime Video’s International Originals smashing records across continents, 2025 is set to unleash even bigger cinematic waves. Who needs subtitles when a great story speaks every language? One thing is clear: the future of entertainment is borderless.

  • Parinda Singh appointed marketing head Hindi Movie Cluster & Sony Marathi at SPNI

    Parinda Singh appointed marketing head Hindi Movie Cluster & Sony Marathi at SPNI

    MUMBAI: Sony Pictures Networks India (SPNI) has announced the appointment of Parinda Singh as head of marketing for its Hindi movie cluster and Sony Marathi.

    Bringing over 23 years of experience in brand building, consumer insights, and marketing strategy, Singh has worked with India’s top brands, media houses, and Fortune 500 companies. her expertise spans content marketing, digital media, fintech, and over-the-top (OTT ) platforms. She has a proven track record of developing growth strategies, scaling brands, and fostering cross-functional collaboration.

    Prior to this appointment, Singh served as a marketing consultant, advising leading organisations across sectors such as sports, media, and digital platforms. she has previously held senior marketing roles at Zee Entertainment, Star TV network, NDTV Imagine, and Bennett Coleman & Co. Singh has also worked ad agencies on the servicing side such as Lowe Lintas, FCB Ulka and Mudra Communications. She holds  a bachelor’s  degree in commerce and an MBA in marketing from NMIMS, Mumba.

    In her new role, Singh will spearhead marketing strategies, enhance brand engagement, and drive growth for the Hindi movie cluster and Sony Marathi, with a focus on delivering impactful campaigns that resonate with audiences.

  • Keith Le Goy named chairman of Sony Pictures Television

    Keith Le Goy named chairman of Sony Pictures Television

    MUMBAI: Sony Pictures Entertainment (SPE) has announced the promotion of Keith Le Goy to chairman of Sony Pictures Television (SPT). In his expanded role, Le Goy will oversee all domestic and international television production, including the game show division and Game Show Network (GSN). He will continue to report directly to Ravi Ahuja, who was appointed president and CEO of SPE earlier this month.

    Le Goy previously led the studio’s combined television and home entertainment distribution and marketing divisions, in addition to overseeing SPE’s cable networks in Latin America and Europe. His tenure has been marked by notable achievements, such as securing landmark distribution deals for Seinfeld and major film output agreements with Netflix and Disney in the United States.

    Under his leadership, SPE achieved record-breaking global revenue for its digital home entertainment business in 2024, while its anime streaming service Crunchyroll reached 15 million paying subscribers. Le Goy also spearheaded the launch of innovative projects like SPE’s in-car entertainment service, Ridevu, and the Sony Pictures Core app for PS5 and PS4 consoles.

    Commenting on the appointment, Ravi Ahuja said: “Keith has a remarkable track record at SPE, excelling in both distribution and the businesses he has led. He is strategic, growth-focused, and an outstanding colleague. I look forward to collaborating with him in this new role.”

    Le Goy expressed his enthusiasm for the promotion, stating: “It is a privilege to lead the television group at such a transformative time for the industry. With Ravi’s support and our incredible teams, SPT is well positioned to build on its rich legacy in this dynamic marketplace. I am energised by the opportunities ahead.”

    Le Goy joined Sony in 1999 after serving as vice president of sales for Europe at Disney. Throughout his career, he has championed innovative distribution models, emphasised local-language productions in Latin America, and played a key role in expanding SPE’s global footprint.

    Sony Pictures Television is behind some of the world’s most popular programmes, including Wheel of Fortune, Jeopardy!, The Boys, Cobra Kai, The Last of Us, Outlander, Shark Tank, 90-Day Fiancé, and Twisted Metal. The division’s diverse portfolio continues to cement its position as a leader in premium entertainment.
     

  • NBCUniversal restructures leadership to form new television group

    NBCUniversal restructures leadership to form new television group

    MUMBAI: NBCUniversal (NBCU) has announced a significant restructure of its television division, elevating Pearlena Igbokwe and Frances Berwick to lead a newly consolidated television group. This reorganisation integrates NBCU’s television studios, NBC Entertainment, Bravo, and Peacock into a cohesive entity.

    Pearlena Igbokwe, previously president of Universal Studio group, has been appointed chairman of television studios, NBC Entertainment, and Peacock scripted content. In her expanded role, she will oversee all aspects of NBC Entertainment, including scripted, unscripted, and live programming, alongside Peacock’s scripted originals. Igbokwe will also continue leading Universal Studio group, which encompasses Universal Television, UCP, Universal International Studios, and Universal Television Alternative Studio.

    Frances Berwick, formerly chairman of NBCU Entertainment, has been named chairman of Bravo and Peacock. She will manage first-run syndication and unscripted programming for both networks, which includes documentaries and hit franchises like The Traitors and Love Island.

    As part of the restructure, Corie Henson, executive VP of unscripted content for NBCU Entertainment, will leave the company. This decision comes amid a series of changes that follow Comcast’s announcement of its planned spin-off of seven cable channels  into a separate publicly traded company, named SpinCo, which will include networks like MSNBC, USA Network, CNBC, Oxygen, E!, SYFY and Golf Channel, in addition to digital assets Fandango, Rotten Tomatoes, GolfNow and SportsEngine.

    Additional leadership changes include Liz Jenkins, now overseeing content strategy and business operations across the entertainment and studio groups, and Jenny Storms, who has been promoted to chief marketing officer for NBCU Television & Streaming.

    Donna Langley, chairman of NBCU Entertainment & Studios, and Matt Strauss, chairman of NBCU Media Group, expressed confidence in the restructuring, emphasizing the company’s commitment to creativity and innovation in the evolving media landscape.

    Mark Lazarus will transition from his role as chairman of NBCU Media Group to become CEO of SpinCo, which is set to launch later this year

  • Nitin & Nitanshi Khare Gupta’s Neelkamal Creations partners with 200 Not Out Films for television shows

    Nitin & Nitanshi Khare Gupta’s Neelkamal Creations partners with 200 Not Out Films for television shows

    MUMBAI:  Creative producers and directors Nitin Gupta and Nitanshi Khare Gupta  – the two co-founders of  Neelkamal Creations –  have announced a partnership with 200 Not Out Films to produce innovative and impactful television content. With over 31 years of experience between them as creative heads, director, producers, writers  on some of Indian television’s most prominent shows, the Guptas aims to push the boundaries of storytelling in this new venture.

    Nitin and Nitanshi  shared their enthusiasm about the collaboration on Linkedin, highlighting plans to develop, produce, and deliver fresh, engaging narratives that resonate with audiences globally.

    “Our mission is to create exceptional stories that combine creativity and professionalism, setting new benchmarks in television production,” they said.

    200 Not Out Films, known for its dynamic approach to filmmaking, has an impressive portfolio of over 150 TVCs and short films. The company has worked with top brands such as Colgate, ICICI Bank, Royal Challenge, and Chevrolet. Its most notable achievement is Sachin – A Billion Dreams, an acclaimed biopic on cricket legend Sachin Tendulkar, directed by award-winning London-based filmmaker James Erskine.

    This partnership between Neelkamal Creations and 200 Not Out Films promises to bring a new wave of creativity to the television industry. Gupta encouraged fans to “stay tuned” for updates on upcoming projects, signalling exciting developments ahead for the entertainment landscape.

     

  • US SEC closes perusal into Eros Media World with no enforcement action

    US SEC closes perusal into Eros Media World with no enforcement action

    MUMBAI: Eros Media World plc (EMW) can finally breathe a sigh of relief. Following a thorough internal review and multiple investigations by the United States Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), the company has emerged unscathed, with the SEC officially closing its inquiry without recommending any enforcement action.

    An internal investigation by EMW’s audit committee concluded that the company’s accounting practices and internal controls were sound. The review found that:

    1    No revenues for the fiscal year ending 31 March 2020, were improperly recognised.

    2    No impairments existed in intangible assets or goodwill as stated in the company’s Form 6-K dated 31 March 2021.

    3    No material weaknesses were identified in internal controls over financial reporting.

    These findings marked a decisive end to allegations of inflated revenues, misleading financial statements, and improper related-party transactions, which had triggered three separate SEC investigations.

    Eros Media World has faced waves of criticism and short attacks from entities like Hindenburg Research, which itself recently announced its closure. However, the conclusion of these investigations without any adverse action underscores EMW’s commitment to transparency and compliance.

    “We are most pleased to have these issues behind us as we look forward to a new future for the company,” said Eros Media World group founder & ED Kishore Lulla.

    Lulla extended gratitude to the company’s legal team for their exceptional representation throughout this challenging period:

    1    Levine Lee LLP, Kenneth E. Lee led litigation and outside counsel.

    2    Cravath, Swaine & Moore LLP, Rachel G. Skaistis SEC counsel.

    3    Cleary Gottlieb Steen & Hamilton LLP Victor Hou.

    With the investigations closed and the company cleared of allegations, EMW is charting a new course for growth and innovation in the media and entertainment space. The closure of these cases allows the company to refocus on its core mission while reinforcing its commitment to ethical practices and transparency.

  • NeuralGarage finalist at SXSW Pitch 2025 with revolutionary VisualDub tech

    NeuralGarage finalist at SXSW Pitch 2025 with revolutionary VisualDub tech

    MUMBAI: For NeuralGarage, to revolutionise entertainment, the answer lies in VisualDub, its groundbreaking technology addressing the age-old problem of visual dissonance in dubbed content.

    Now, this Bangalore-based Generative AI start-up is set to showcase its innovation on the global stage as a finalist at SXSW Pitch 2025, competing in the ‘Entertainment, Media, Sports & Content’ category.

    VisualDub synchronises the lips and jaw movements of actors with dubbed audio, creating a seamless viewing experience for audiences without compromising the original resolution. Built for films, streaming platforms, broadcast networks, and advertising, this technology transforms how content is localised, enabling brands to produce native, authentic visuals in multiple languages—without skyrocketing production costs.

    “VisualDub is production-ready and meets the exacting standards of the entertainment industry,” said NeuralGarage co-founder & CEO Mandar Natekar. “Generative AI will rapidly change the way content is created, distributed, and consumed. With VisualDub, we are poised to drive this change from the front. We can’t wait to showcase the full spectrum of our technology at SXSW 25 in their pitch event.”

    VisualDub already has a proven track record, having been used by major global brands to adapt ad films into multiple languages seamlessly. This innovation reduces the need for costly re-shoots while delivering content that feels native and immersive to diverse audiences.

    VisualDub is the brainchild of IIT Kanpur alumni Subhabrata Debnath, Subhashish Saha, and Anjan Banerjee, along with media veteran Mandar Natekar. Together, they have built a product that has the potential to reshape the global entertainment and media landscape.

    On 8-9 March 2025, NeuralGarage will pitch VisualDub before a live audience of expert judges, including heavyweights like Esther Dyson of Wellville, Arlan Hamilton of Backstage Capital, and Jessica Robinson of Assembly Ventures. Hosted by Jim Breyer of Breyer Capital, SXSW Pitch promises unparalleled exposure to Hollywood power players and global investors.

    In an age where content localisation is a must for global reach, VisualDub offers a revolutionary way to make dubbed content visually cohesive and engaging. Will it win over the SXSW judges? With its cutting-edge technology and strong use cases, NeuralGarage is ready to take the leap.

  • Tips Music Limited records Rs 6,482.69 lakh revenue in Q3 FY25

    Tips Music Limited records Rs 6,482.69 lakh revenue in Q3 FY25

    MUMBAI: Tips Music Limited, one of India’s leading entertainment companies, has struck a harmonious chord with its Q3 FY25 results. Founded by the entrepreneurial Kumar Taurani, the company grew from humble beginnings to an entertainment powerhouse with an estimated valuation of Rs 2,500 crore. Known for its vast library of over 25,000 songs and its knack for identifying talent, Tips Music has become synonymous with Indian cinema hits and evergreen melodies.

    As competition heats up, Tips Music faces stiff challenges from heavyweights like T-Series and Saregama, which dominate the Indian music industry with their extensive catalogues of film, devotional, and indie music. But Tips isn’t just playing second fiddle—it’s expanding aggressively into the digital space, forging partnerships with streaming giants and exploring new verticals like live events and licensing. The acquisition of regional music rights and a foray into independent artist promotions show that Tips is striking all the right notes.

    But as with any chart-topper, the journey comes with its share of high notes and challenges. Will Tips Music hit a crescendo, or will it need to retune to keep up with the industry tempo?

    In Q3 FY25, Tips Music achieved total income of Rs 6,825.79 lakh, up from Rs 6,466.33 lakh in the previous quarter. Other income contributed Rs 344.70 lakh, adding depth to the financial performance. Expenses, however, surged to Rs 5,911.24 lakh, with content costs hitting Rs 2,271.01 lakh and employee benefits reaching Rs 344.70 lakh.

    Despite these expenses, the company played a strong financial tune. The Profit Before Tax (PBT) stood at Rs 914.55 lakh, showcasing operational efficiency amidst rising costs. The Profit After Tax (PAT) for the quarter stood at Rs 422.65 lakh, reflecting solid profitability in a competitive entertainment industry. Notably, the EBITDA for the quarter came in at Rs 1,455.15 lakh, demonstrating the company’s ability to manage operations effectively.

    When it comes to shareholder rewards, Tips Music hit all the right notes with its consistent dividend strategy. The company declared a third interim dividend for the financial year 2024-2025 at Rs. 3/- per equity share (a staggering 300% on the fully paid-up shares of Re. 1/- each). Now, isn’t that the kind of tune investors love to groove to?

    For the nine months ended 31 December 2024, Tips Music posted total revenues of Rs 23,219.78 lakh, a significant rise from the previous year’s Rs 17,832.57 lakh. PAT for this period reached Rs 1,359.02 lakh, reinforcing the company’s ability to balance growth and profitability. With EBITDA for the nine months clocking in at Rs 4,107.34 lakh, the company has shown resilience and operational finesse despite a challenging landscape.

    The company’s continued focus on content creation and digital distribution has paid off, with streaming platforms driving revenue growth. The entertainment industry, buoyed by growing digital consumption, provides a ripe environment for the company to expand its presence.

    As the entertainment landscape evolves, competition intensifies. Will Tips Music continue to hit the high notes, or will the cacophony of new entrants drown out its melody? Can their vast library of over 25,000 songs keep listeners grooving, or will shifting consumer preferences force them to remix their strategy?

    But let’s face it—staying on top of the charts takes more than just one hit single. It requires a finely tuned orchestra of innovation, agility, and maybe even a few encores.

     

  • BBC Studios considers shuttering Indian operations: Economic Times report

    BBC Studios considers shuttering Indian operations: Economic Times report

    MUMBAI: Is BBC Studios set to exit India?

    If a report in The Economic Times is to be believed it is strongly considering the possibility. Recently, its general manager Sameer Gogate quit the content production arm. 

    It is also considering other options like zooming in on a strategic investor who will share some of the challenges that have emerged in the severely  tested media and entertainment industry. Another option being toyed with is doing co-productions with Indian producers – something which has not been a huge hit in the Indian scenario as yet. 

    Sources indicate that consolidation and shrinking budgets from television broadcasters and OTT platforms have intensified competition for limited projects, significantly squeezing producers’ profit margins.

    Known for popular shows like Criminal Justice, The Office, Out of Love, and Nach Baliye BBC Studios, produces approximately 2,000 hours of content annually and operates in over 20 countries. It  also maintains a robust content licensing business in India, licensing British formats such as Dancing with the Stars* and Luther.

    Faced with a more selective landscape of OTT platforms and broadcasters, the pressure to maximize output under reduced budgets is prompting a re-evaluation of BBC Studios’ production strategy in India. A company spokesperson confirmed to The Economic Times that the management in the UK  is currently reviewing its  production operating model to enhance efficiency.

    The Indian M&E sector has experienced significant consolidation, with recent major mergers like the Star India and Viacom18 deal and discussions involving the acquisition of Tata Play by Bharti Airtel’s DTH arm, Airtel DTH.

    Experts suggest that BBC Studios’ production arm could be among the first casualties of this trend as margin pressures continue to mount.

    This potential shift comes as the BBC Group maintains its presence in India through various digital news platforms and joint ventures, including Sony BBC Earth and the recently launched BBC Player and BBC Kids on Prime Video.

    Additionally, BBC itself in the UK is under pressure. An audit report of the BBC  by the National Audit Office  expressed  this in no less words when it said: In 2023-24, BBC Studios’ income fell by £253 million (12 per cent) to £1,837 million and profits fell by £50 million (20 per cent ) to £202 million. This was partly due to challenging market conditions, including a reduction in spend by commissioners, including the BBC and global streamers, on the production of programmes and the ending of some high-value contracts which generated significant income in 2022-23. In addition its profits were reduced by higher costs as BBC Studios invested in its digital services such as BBC.com and BritBox International to support its future growth

    The audit report was also critical of BBC Studios and its inability to generate too many new IPs and for being dependent on BBC’s catalogue of shows before the production arm was set up in 2016. The report said: “In our 2020 report, we identified that BBC Studios had been less successful than planned in winning new commissions and generating IP.
    Since then, although generation of new IP has grown, BBC Studios has not met its targets in this area and remains reliant on the IP from BBC programmes created before it was first established in 2016. In 2023-24, of the 10 titles from its production business which provided the most profit to the BBC, only one was from new IP
    generated by BBC Studios.”

    Additionally, the Beeb is  on track to lay off close to 500 staff by March 2026 and generate savings of 200 million pounds sterling, according to reports.

  • Postudio secures $1 Million in pre-seed funding, eyes US expansion

    Postudio secures $1 Million in pre-seed funding, eyes US expansion

    MUMBAI: Cloud-based post-production software company Postudio has announced the successful raising of $1 million in a pre-seed funding round, led by media-tech venture capital firm Audacity Venture Capital. The company has also achieved a significant milestone, surpassing $1 million in annual recurring revenue (ARR) within just two years of its launch.

    Postudio co-founders Dhawal Gusain and Harish Prabhu aim to leverage the new capital for rapid scaling, product development, and team expansion. With a focus on affordability and data security, Postudio plans to double its revenues in 2025, driven by the increasing demand for remote collaboration tools.

    In a statement, Dhawal Gusain noted, “We’ve scaled quickly in the Indian enterprise segment in a very capital-efficient manner. In 2025, we plan to sustain this momentum and expand into the US market in the second half of the year.”

    Harish Prabhu added, “Our goal has always been to empower creative teams with tools that simplify and enhance their post-production workflows. We’re excited to integrate cutting-edge AI and Gen AI workflows to redefine post-production, including an AI-driven content localization tool currently in beta testing.”

    Postudio’s platform is rapidly gaining traction among media enterprises and independent production houses in India, providing unparalleled flexibility and scalability. The company is well-positioned to capitalise on the global post-production market, valued at $30 billion and projected to exceed $50 billion by 2030.

    Audacity Venture Capital founder Kabir Kochhar expressed confidence in Postudio’s potential: “The company has found its product-market fit and is scaling rapidly. With growing demand for scalable, AI-enabled, cloud-based solutions, we believe Postudio is poised for success.”

    Postudio differentiates itself with a comprehensive, on-demand platform that streamlines all post-production workflows and offers significant cost savings for media enterprises transitioning from traditional on-premise solutions.