ITV

Category: Post Production

  • Yash Raj Films offers to sponsor vaccines for 30,000 FWICE workers

    Yash Raj Films offers to sponsor vaccines for 30,000 FWICE workers

    NEW DELHI: As the Covid2019 crisis worsens, Yash Raj Films (YRF) has offered to sponsor vaccines for all members of the Federation of Western India Cine Employees (FWICE) through its charitable arm, the Yash Raj Foundation. According to a letter the YRF wrote to the president of FWICE, the foundation has already petitioned Maharashtra chief minister Uddhav Thackeray to help it procure vaccines to inoculate the 30,000-odd members of the cine workers’ body.

    The foundation, named after legendary director Yash Chopra, has assured that the cost of the vaccines and all related expenses will be borne by it.

    “We have sent a request to the honourable chief minister of Maharashtra to allocate and allow us to purchase Covid2019 vaccines for 30,000 registered workers, who are members of the film industry’s federation in Mumbai at the earliest. The Yash Chopra Foundation will bear all other costs too associated with vaccinating the workers such as raising awareness, transportation of workers and setting up of all the required infrastructure for the immunisation programme,” wrote YRF in its letter to FWICE.

    The request comes amid a record rise in Covid cases in Mumbai. Given the surging caseloads across Maharashtra, the Shiv Sena-led ruling dispensation had imposed a statewide halt on film production activities.

    YRF further said that during these dire times, there is an urgent need to restart filming in the state so that thousands of workers have a steady stream of income to support their families.

    Following this letter from YRF, FWICE has also penned a missive to CM Thackeray, urging the government to provide 60,000 doses of the Covid2019 vaccines for 30,000 members of the film industry’s federation, according to a report by India Today. In the letter, which has been signed by all the designation holders of FWICE, it is mentioned that once vaccination is complete, members can resume their work without any fear.

  • Covid surge: Kerala government orders suspension of movie, TV filming

    Covid surge: Kerala government orders suspension of movie, TV filming

    KERALA: Earlier this month, the Maharashtra government enforced a state-wide halt on film and TV shooting, and given the second wave of Covid is spreading like wildfire in the nation, it was only a matter of time before other states followed suit. Now, the Kerala government has issued guidelines to suspend filming in the state. 

    Kerala chief minister Pinarayi Vijayan, during his routine press conference at 5.30pm, informed media outlets that directions have been given to stop serial and film shooting in the state until further notice. Earlier, TV serial and film shoots in Ernakulam were suspended following the rise in Covid cases, and now the government has decided to suspend it in the entire state. 

    Last year, in March, LDF-led dispensation had shut down film and serial shooting in the state, and the industry was silent for more than two months. Later, in May, the government allowed resumption of shooting under strict Covid restrictions. 

    Due to the suspension of filming TV series, several top Malayalam channels including Asianet, Surya TV, Flowers, Zee Malayalam, and Mazhavil Manorama had tided over the content crunch by re-telecasting old shows and already-aired episodes of television serials. 

    On 29 April, Kerala’s Covid graph hit another high with 38,607 cases. The average test positivity rate in the state is 24.5 per cent as of Thursday. 

    Meanwhile, the Kerala Government Medical Officers Association (KGMOA) has urged the government to lock down the state. However, Pinarayi Vijayan stated that a complete lockdown is not possible, but stricter restrictions will be put in place. He also advised the public to go into “self-lockdown”, underscoring the gravity of the situation and appealing to citizens to help contain the surge in caseloads.

  • American Psycho TV series in the works at Lionsgate

    American Psycho TV series in the works at Lionsgate

    NEW DELHI: It was in 2000 that the Christian Bale-starrer cult classic American Psycho hit theatres worldwide. The film based on Bret Easton Ellis’s 1991 novel of the same name received positive responses from audiences, and it’s popularity endures to this day among movie enthusiasts. And now, Lionsgate has confirmed that a television adaptation of the film is currently in development. 

    Lionsgate TV chairman Kevin Beggs confirmed the news in a recent interview given to Deadline.

    “We’ve just wrapped up Dear White People which was a really good experience, Blindspotting is coming up, American Psycho is in development. We’re always exploring what we can do in television with something like the Saw franchise, so that’s a conversation,” said Beggs. 

    American Psycho follows the story of Patrick Bateman, who is a Wall Street trader by day and moonlights as a serial killer at night. The major highlight of American Psycho was Christian Bale’s performance as Patrick Bateman. As a television adaptation of this movie has been announced, audiences are eagerly waiting to know about the actor who will portray the role of Bateman once again on screen. 

    An American Psycho TV series had been reported as far back as 2013, and at that time, several media outlets reported that the series will narrate the story of Bateman who is currently in his 50s, but still continues to pursue his killing spree. 

    In the meantime, Lionsgate is expanding the universe of John Wick with a TV show named The Continental. The cast and crew of The Continental are expected to be announced in the coming weeks. 

  • Manzar Studios ropes in Surya Balkrishnan to direct upcoming Tamil film

    Manzar Studios ropes in Surya Balkrishnan to direct upcoming Tamil film

    MUMBAI: Manzar Studios has signed filmmaker Surya Balkrishnan and writer Rajiv Rajaram for its upcoming project. A light-hearted comedy-drama, the film showcases the story of a single woman in her late 30s who after walking out of a long-term relationship brazenly decides to do whatever it takes to have a baby and become a single parent.

    With a remarkable journey in commercials and short films, Surya Balkrishnan has been brought on board to direct the movie helmed by Manzar Studio. Balkrishnan also leads an advertising production house and has worked on significant projects in her career. Her documentary Right Forward, based on 12 young girls voyaging on a journey to San Francisco from Dharavi, Mumbai to show their prowess in a soccer camp won much appreciation from the critics while Train Station, a collaborative feature film directed by 40 directors from different parts of the world, premiered at the Berlin International Film Festival.

    Notable Madurai playwright and writer, Rajiv Rajaram will be seen writing the yet-to-be-titled project. Rajiv Rajaram has in the past worked on films such as Aaha Kalyanam – Yash Raj Film’s first Tamil movie and a remake of Band Baaja Baraat, and Moone Moonu Varthai (Just Three Words) produced by SPB Charan. Rajiv was also the founder of popular digital media brands like Put Chutney and Rascalas.

    Manzar Studios director Sunil Doshi said, “We are excited to announce our next project and are particularly looking forward to working with some of the most promising creative talents in the industry such as Surya Balkrishnan and Rajiv Rajaram. The goal of Manzar Studios is to change the storytelling process by focusing on comfort viewing experiences while making culturally and contextually resonating movies for Indian audiences.”

    Manzar Studios content executive Annapoorna Virdi shared, “At Manzar, we are committed to telling stories which are universal, heartfelt and reflect the times that we are in. This story and this character, in particular, is a product of our current times, and will prod us to initiate discussions with our loved ones about topics which are important and yet more often than not brushed under the carpet.”

    Filmmaker Surya Balkrishnan said, "It’s been such a joy creating this character on paper. We can’t wait to get down to actual filming and crafting her for real. Beginning this journey with Manzar Studios is an honour and I am looking forward to telling this real, heart-warming yet fun story."

    Writer Rajiv Rajaram added, “One of the most fascinating things about this movie that interested me was its take on growing up or adulting as the millennial generation calls it. The sheer universality of the idea is something that makes it ripe for the ever-inquisitive Tamil audience to savour and enjoy. Collaborating with Manzar Studios on this spectacular project is a great opportunity to showcase this amazing story."

    The film is inspired by the Argentine movie El Padre De Mis Hijos (Father of my Child) and will be trans-created in Tamil.

  • Disney executives Anastasia Ali and Jan Coleman promoted

    Disney executives Anastasia Ali and Jan Coleman promoted

    MUMBAI: In yet another rejig in the Walt Disney Company’s management, Anastasia Ali has been promoted to Disney Studios content marketing vice president, Deadline reported. Another executive, Jan Coleman, has been elevated to vice president of global marketing partnerships, promotions & multicultural.

    Ali had joined Disney as an intern in 2013 and has since worked on promotional campaigns for Marvel’s Black Panther, Disney’s live-action Aladdin, and Pixar’s Soul. Now Ali closely works with all aspects of the marketing group to develop and lead strategic marketing objectives for select theatrical films, as well as select films and series for Disney+.

    She co-founded Disney’s Black Employee Resource Group, The Bond, and along with Coleman co-founded rePRESENT, focused on scaling multicultural marketing competencies and developing diverse talent. Prior to joining Disney, Ali produced content for a global audience on digital and cable platforms including BET.com’s groundbreaking web series Buppies and TV One’s first scripted show Love That Girl!

    Coleman also worked on the marketing team for Soul and will continue to oversee and manage brand partnerships between the major Disney umbrellas such as Pixar, Walt Disney Animation Studios, Lucasfilm, and more. Along with that, she will look into co-branded marketing campaigns and activations, placement integrations, global licensing and sponsorships of large-scale events. During her stint at Disney, she launched and managed partnerships with brands such as Porsche, Bose, Sonos, MAC Cosmetics, P&G’s My Black is Beautiful, HP, Vizio, Whirlpool, Ancestry and Blue Apron.

    Disney Studios content president of marketing Asad Ayaz said: “I am so grateful for the hard work, passion, and creativity that Jan and Anastasia have put into so many of our campaigns, and especially their dedication to authentically reaching our multicultural consumers. They are excellent leaders and I couldn’t be more excited for our road ahead as we embark on campaigns for an incredible slate of theatrical and streaming projects.”

  • IFTPC urges Maharashtra govt to allow TV, film post-production

    IFTPC urges Maharashtra govt to allow TV, film post-production

    MUMBAI: Days after the Maharashtra government shut down all film and television shoots in the state to combat the spread of Covid2019 infections, the Indian Film and Television Producers Council (IFTPC) has beseeched the Shiv Sena-led ruling dispensation to at least permit post-production work in the studios to help the industry get back on its feet.

    In a letter addressed to chief minister Uddhav Thackeray, the IFTPC implored the government to consider other possible options that could allow the film and television industry to function while following the strict guidelines. It has formed a coordination committee comprising all the craft unions, broadcasters, and producer bodies to meet with Thackeray next week and discuss possible options of shooting.

    “We were immensely touched by the pain and anguish experienced by you while addressing the citizens of Maharashtra state. It was very clear to us that you were perturbed by the measures you were announcing and we share your deepest feelings. We hereby express our wholehearted support to Break the Chain-2 guidelines and fondly hope that your initiative will be successful," the letter read, highlighting that all the stakeholders in the industry have agreed to follow the guidelines in true spirit and ensure that the spread of the deadly virus is restricted totally. 

    The association urged the government to allow post-production work for TV and movies which is done in a studio facility in a closed environment so that the already shot portions of content can be edited and completed for final broadcasting. "The telecast of fresh episodes is essential to keep the people who are forced indoors due to the lockdown entertained with fresh content," it stated.

    The association also raised concerns over the mounting losses that producers would have to face when the sets that are being built will become unserviceable due to the halt on shootings. “To avoid the same, setting work may be allowed to continue just as you have allowed construction workers, only if the workers are allowed to stay at the set with all precautions. This will also help the workers who are largely migrant workers to get a safe abode and wages in these difficult times," they wrote.

    Requests have also been made to include the workers, technicians, and actors in the M&E industry, most of which are daily wage earners as beneficiaries of the government's financial package. If required, the body is ready to share the list of such workers and actors with full details, said the IFTPC. Among other suggestions, it sought setting up vaccination centers at the Film City and in Mira-Bhayander region specially catering to film & TV workers.

    “We believe the fight with the dreaded Coronavirus will be a long drawn one. Hence, we already have started working on the same and will submit a detailed operational plan for the industry in the coming days," said the association, seeking a meeting with the CM to chalk out a plan in case the government decides to extend the present lockdown after 1 May.

    Maharashtra: Worst affected by Covid2019 second wave.

    Maharashtra has been swamped by the second wave of the Covid2019 pandemic, with hospitals running short of essential medical supplies, oxygen cylinders, and beds. On Saturday, the state recorded as many as 67,000 cases of positive infections – the highest single-day spike and lost 419 lives to the novel Coronavirus. The number of daily infections rose to 8,834 cases and deaths to 58 in Mumbai – the financial and entertainment capital of the country.

    With no slowdown in sight, the government had announced strict restrictions and directed all malls, theatres, cinema halls, gyms, sports complexes to shut till 1 May. It also stopped all film and TV shoots from 14 April onwards.

    Meanwhile, television producers have begun to shift their production set up to other states to continue shooting for the shows which are on air. Neighbouring Goa, Silvassa, and Daman have become the hotspots for most of these TV shoots. Hyderabad, Surat, Rajasthan, and Delhi are other places where shoot locations are being shifted. The production base of TV producer Ekta Kapoor’s Kundali Bhagya and Kumkum Bhagya have been shifted out of Maharashtra to Goa for a month, the cast and crew of Shaadi Mubarak and Barrister Babu are making arrangements to go to Rajasthan’s Bikaner.

  • Zee Entertainment inks content production deal with Japan’s TBS

    Zee Entertainment inks content production deal with Japan’s TBS

    NEW DELHI: Indian media conglomerate Zee Entertainment has inked a deal with Japan's Tokyo Broadcasting System Television (TBS) that will see the two companies jointly produce diverse content not only for India and Japan but also for the global market. 

    The first joint effort between Zee Entertainment and TBS will be The Spiceman Trails: Asia, a unique culinary travelogue that delves into spice roots and spice routes of the east. 

    "Its picturesque imagery, vivid landscapes, and brilliant hues take the audience across the continent in search of a wide array of spices, deep-rooted history, multifarious cuisine, and rich culture and traditions in a most entertaining way," the companies said in a joint statement. 

    TBS is one of Japan's largest media groups which celebrates its 70th anniversary this year. In Japan, the company has operations in various areas of entertainment that include, free-to-air TV and radio, satellite TV, digital streaming and film, stage and event production. 

    On the other hand, Zee Entertainment is one of the largest media houses in India with 47 domestic channels across 11 native languages under its belt. 

    "We are thrilled to partner with an accomplished broadcaster like TBS on The Spiceman Trails: Asia. We look forward to curating and collaborating on other concepts across other entertainment genres," said Zee chief business officer Sunita Uchil. 

    TBS general manager of the international business center Takahiro Kawata revealed that his company is very excited to collaborate and work with Zee Entertainment. Kawata also added that he is looking forward to work with vibrant and creative people in India. 

  • BBC Studios taps Phil Hardman as SVP & general manager – Asia

    BBC Studios taps Phil Hardman as SVP & general manager – Asia

    NEW DELHI: BBC Studios will align the key markets of India, southeast Asia, Japan and Korea in a group to be led by Phil Hardman as the new SVP & general manager – Asia, BBC Studios. The appointment was announced today by BBC Studios EVP – APAC Jon Penn, as he outlined a simpler, more agile APAC structure to help drive future growth in the region.

    In this new role, Hardman will lead the global distribution teams working in Singapore, Mumbai and Seoul, as well as hold responsibility for developing the Asia growth strategy across the region, in territories including India, Japan, South Korea, Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand, Indonesia, Philippines and Vietnam.

    Until recently, Hardman was the SVP commercial strategy for Asia, and last year he also took on the acting lead role of SVP & GM greater China, while recruitment was underway. This organisational change streamlines the BBC Studios APAC business structure, headed by Phil Hardman as SVP & GM Asia, Ding Ke as SVP & GM greater China and Fiona Lang, as GM Australia & New Zealand, who will all report in to Jon Penn. A new strategy manager for Asia will also be appointed to support the region and report into Penn.

    Leading the region’s new content direction as it explores new partnerships and platforms, Ryan Shiotani will move from his current role as SVP & general manager of south and southeast Asia into a key new role as SVP content, Asia & greater China. He will be the regional editorial lead across existing and new branded services, as well as advising on brand and content strategy in Asia and greater China.

    Jon Penn said: “Phil has demonstrated through his contribution over recent years that he is a strategic thinker and leader who will help turbo-charge our growth in the region. Along with Fiona and Ding Ke, I have three formidable commercial leaders in APAC who will help us identify and build on the opportunities in this rapidly evolving market. The key to our success lies in our premium offering and I am pleased that Ryan, who is a consummate content expert, will be our editorial lead, working across our services and brands in Asia and Greater China.”

  • MS Dhoni gets an animated avatar as ‘Captain 7’

    MS Dhoni gets an animated avatar as ‘Captain 7’

    MUMBAI: Cricketer MS Dhoni and wife Sakshi’s production house Dhoni Entertainment has teamed up with Black White Orange Brands (BWO) to create a secret-agent animated universe. The first edition in the universe will be based on the iconic cricketer himself.

    Captain 7 – an animation fiction show based on MS Dhoni, is slated to launch in 2022 and is being co-produced by Sakshi Singh Dhoni and BWO. The series is currently under pre-production.

    A brand-consulting company, this marks BWO’s first foray into content. The vision of this partnership is to create a premium animation show, followed by a new season in the franchise every year. The content will be distributed across multiple platforms worldwide.

     

    MS Dhoni in a statement said, “The concept and story is great. It will bring to life my other passions along with cricket.”

     

    Dhoni Entertainment MD Sakshi Singh Dhoni added, “When BWO came to us with the concept of an animation fiction show based on Mahi, we were on board. A whole lot of adventure awaits you with Captain 7.”

    BWO founder & CEO Bhavik Vora mentioned, “Creating aspirational Indian brands was one of the core thoughts when we started BWO. While our focus has been licensing, we’ve always explored clutter-breaking new avenues. This is our first foray into original content and what better way than to take MSD’s legacy forward. Sports is close to our hearts and we are huge Dhoni fans – the perfect formula to create Captain 7.”

    This isn’t the first time that Dhoni has dabbled in the entertainment space – in 2019, the former Team India captain starred in with docu-drama web series Roar of the Lion. Moreover, reports are doing the rounds that his media firm will back a mythological sci-fi series, based on an unpublished ebook by a debutant creator.

  • The Entertainment Factory merges with Sai Mehar Media

    The Entertainment Factory merges with Sai Mehar Media

    MUMBAI: Large format event producer The Entertainment Foundation (TEF) has announced a merger with Dada Saheb Phalke Film Foundation awardee and Sai Mehar Media founder Rajiee M Shinde.

    TEF has various intellectual properties in the live entertainment and special events space, with a special focus on creating live stand-up comedy and music concepts. The company has produced and managed several large format events, live concerts, live stand-up comedy and mega productions.

    Shinde holds an extensive experience of more than 20 years within the entertainment spectrum and has served as ex-CEO of Showbox, co-founder of PTC Network and business head ETC Punjabi of Zee Group. Over the last two decades, she has been instrumental in launching new channels, designing new IPs like Punjabi music awards, Punjabi film awards, reality shows, talent hunts, live events within India and abroad. She has also produced two chart-busting Punjabi films –Disco Singh and Zorawar featuring Diljit Dosanjh and Yo Yo Honey Singh.

    Presently, her company Sai Meher Media is into releasing and distributing Hindi, Punjabi and Haryanvi songs, managing artists, providing celebrity shout outs and endorsements and syndicating content for OTT platforms and satellite channels.

    TEF, along with Shinde, plans to introduce new IPs and multi-starrer events like music awards (Hindi, Punjabi and other Indian languages), Indian comedy awards (Hindi & Punjabi), music festivals, and theme based properties in the coming months.

    The Entertainment Factory founder Mubin Tisekar said, “It is an honour to be working with someone of Rajiee’s stature and credit. Her experience and brilliance are sure to bring us success in our endeavour together. We plan to create more opportunities for the upcoming talent and show appreciation towards those that have shown trust in TEF and grown with us.”

    “It is always a pleasure to work with professionals who are passionate about their work. I love the industry I hail from, and meeting fresh talent while giving them a platform has been my passion and goal,” stated Sai Mehar Media CEO Rajiee M Shinde. “With TEF, I hope we can reach out to more artists and provide them more opportunities with interestingly curated events and properties that can  add value to the ever-blooming entertainment industry.”