ITV

Category: TV Commercial

  • Poonawalla Fincorp goes full throttle: 24/7 digital loans now open for MSMEs

    Poonawalla Fincorp goes full throttle: 24/7 digital loans now open for MSMEs

    MUMBAI: Poonawalla Fincorp is giving Indian MSMEs a serious leg-up with a slick new digital tool in their financial arsenal—‘Business Loan 24/7,’ a fully online, branch-free business loan available any time of day, all days of the week.

    This isn’t just another fintech gimmick. It’s a proper game-changer. Backed by a pioneering digital risk assessment model and designed specifically for micro, small, and medium enterprises, the new loan product promises instant approval, flexible repayment, and a completely paperless ride from start to finish.

    “We believe that with India’s $4 trillion economy, MSMEs will be one of the most robust credit growth segments over the next 10 years, and our assumptions are based on India’s strong financial infrastructure—credit bureau data, GST information, account aggregators, and strong risk analytics. This product, which we will gradually build into the portfolio in a sensible, risk-calibrated manner, will be an industry,” says Poonawalla Fincorp managing director &n chief executive officer Arvind Kapil. 

    PFL’s digital model taps into India’s public digital infrastructure to vet borrowers using data-driven insights, not just legacy credit parameters. That means smarter risk assessment, faster decisioning, and credit that’s tailored—not templated.

    This move follows the successful rollout of PFL’s earlier 24/7 loan product for salaried professionals. With MSMEs now in its sights, the non-banking finance company wants to become the go-to lender for India’s credit-hungry entrepreneurs—especially in tier two and tier  three  towns where access to capital still moves at snail mail speed.

    Part of the Cyrus Poonawalla Group, PFL boasts a ?35,631 crore loan book and a presence in 18 states and two union territories. With this new offering, it’s revving up to drive deeper into India’s growth engine—one digital disbursement at a time.

  • Tania Missad takes the helm as EVP, insights & strategy at Sony Pictures

    Tania Missad takes the helm as EVP, insights & strategy at Sony Pictures

    MUMBAI: Hollywood just got a little more data-savvy, and Sony Pictures Entertainment (SPE) is leading the charge. Tania Missad, an industry veteran with a stellar track record spanning Warner Bros, Mattel, J&J, and P&G, has stepped into her new role at Sony Pictures Entertainment as executive vice president – insights, strategy & analytics.

    Missad now spearheads the TV production insights & audience strategy teams for US & International TV productions, kids, game shows, and unscripted TV divisions. But this isn’t just another promotion—it’s a game-changing integration of Sony’s data solutions team with its TV production division, putting data, machine learning, and business intelligence at the core of decision-making.

    Under Missad’s leadership, her team will leverage advanced analytics, data science, large language models (LLMs), neural networks (NNs), business intelligence visualisation, and data hygiene management. Missad expressed her enthusiasm for the role, stating, “Excited to continue to lead the amazing TV production insights & audience strategy teams for our US & Int’l TV productions, kids, game shows & unscripted TV divisions. This newly expanded remit involves joining our data solutions organisation with our TV Production team, which is a game-changer for audience centricity & data-informed strategy at SPE.”

    Missad’s role isn’t confined to one corner of Sony Pictures. She will collaborate with multiple key divisions, including worldwide TV distribution & home entertainment, The Fandom Network, IT, and MPG/Features. This cross-functional integration will ensure Sony’s storytelling strategy aligns with evolving audience behaviour and cutting-edge analytics.

    With a career spanning top entertainment and consumer brands, Missad has become a leader in audience insights and data-driven strategy. Before joining Sony, she was at Warner Bros. Discovery as global head of corporate research, managing data science and consumer insights for major franchises like Harry Potter and DC. She previously held leadership roles at Mattel, Johnson & Johnson, and P&G, shaping strategies for brands like Barbie and Neutrogena.

    Missad’s strength lies in blending qualitative research, data modelling, and business intelligence. At WarnerMedia, she led insights for HBO Max Kids and Warner Bros. Animation, fusing analytics with storytelling. Now, at Sony, she aims to redefine entertainment through audience-driven, strategic innovation. 

  • Sun TV Q3 profits plunge to Rs. 347 crore-Has the network lost Its signal?

    Sun TV Q3 profits plunge to Rs. 347 crore-Has the network lost Its signal?

    MUMBAI: Sun TV Network, once the prime-time champion of regional television, is now facing more reruns than fresh hits. The third quarter of FY25 has been less ‘superhit serial’ and more ‘filler episode’—with revenue, EBITDA, and profits all taking dramatic dives. While audiences may still be watching, advertisers have clearly flipped the channel, leaving Sun TV’s earnings on mute.

    Is this a brief ad break before the comeback, or is Sun TV headed for a season finale?

    Standalone Results

    Sun TV’s Q3 FY25 numbers resemble an ageing sitcom—still on air, but struggling for ratings. The company reported total income of Rs 927.66 crore, a decline from Rs 1,014.81 crore in Q3 FY24. The advertisement revenue stood at Rs 332.17 crore, sliding from Rs 355.43 crore last year. Clearly, advertisers are swiping right on digital and left on traditional TV.

    Subscription revenue, however, managed a 2.03 per cent growth, reaching Rs 434.51 crore—a small consolation prize in a sea of red ink. Meanwhile, EBITDA took a nosedive to Rs 432.13 crore, down from Rs 573.76 crore in Q3 FY24, reflecting higher operational costs and the ever-shrinking TV margins.

    Profit before tax (PBT) slipped to Rs 454.61 crore, down from Rs 591.31 crore last year. The real kicker? Profit after tax (PAT) dropped to Rs 347.17 crore, a steep decline from Rs 437.34 crore in Q3 FY24. A 20.6 per cent drop in net profits is enough to make any investor reach for the remote control.

    Consolidated Results

    On a consolidated level, total income stood at Rs 967.56 crore, marking a drop from Rs 1,058.66 crore in Q3 FY24. Revenues from operations were Rs 827.56 crore, a slump compared to Rs 923.15 crore in the corresponding quarter last year.

    The profit before tax on a consolidated basis stood at Rs 473.87 crore, down from Rs 611.85 crore in Q3 FY24. The after-tax profits also followed the downward trend, clocking in at Rs 363.26 crore, compared to Rs 453.09 crore in the previous year’s Q3.

    While cricket franchise revenues from Sunrisers Hyderabad and Sunrisers Eastern Cape offered some cushion, their combined contribution stood at a modest Rs 0.11 crore this quarter, a stark contrast to Rs 8.98 crore in Q3 FY24. The cost of maintaining these franchises remains high at Rs 1.09 crore this quarter, squeezing margins further.

    Sun TV Network’s board has approved an interim dividend of Rs 2.50 per share, a 50 per cent payout on a face value of Rs 5.00 per share—a small consolation prize for investors watching their returns shrink faster than a bad soap opera plot twist. While this cash giveaway might sweeten the deal, will it be enough to distract from the sinking profits?

    Meanwhile, ad revenue has taken a nosedive, as brands shift their budgets towards digital darlings like YouTube and OTT platforms. Is Sun TV stuck in an old-school rerun while the world streams ahead? Or does it have one last prime-time comeback left in its script?

    With advertising dollars migrating to digital, subscription revenues becoming the lifeline, and cricket franchise earnings proving inconsistent, Sun TV has its work cut out. Will it manage to reinvent itself, or are we witnessing the beginning of a long-term fade-out? 

  • Zee5 elevates Shresth Gupta to VP – marketing (SVOD)

    Zee5 elevates Shresth Gupta to VP – marketing (SVOD)

    MUMBAI: In the fast-paced world of digital streaming, standing still is not an option. Just as an outdated gadget or a long-overdue promotion begs for an upgrade, so too does the leadership that steers innovation.

    Zee5, India’s leading homegrown video streaming platform, has announced a major upgrade of its own, elevating Shresth Gupta as VP – marketing (SVOD) for India and global markets. This dynamic move underscores Zee5’s relentless drive to dominate the subscription video-on-demand (SVOD) space, sparking excitement and anticipation as the platform sets its sights on conquering new horizons and captivating audiences worldwide.

    In his new role, Gupta will spearhead the launch and promotion of original series and movies in Hindi, Bengali, and Marathi, aiming to drive subscription growth through impactful campaigns tailored for diverse audiences. Gupta joined Zee5 in August 2020 and has been instrumental in the platform’s success, orchestrating standout campaigns for popular titles such as “Taj: Divided by Blood”, “Sirf Ek Bandaa Kaafi Hai”, and “Gyaarah Gyaarah”.

    With over 15 years of experience in strategic planning and brand building, Gupta has held leadership positions at Sun TV Network, Zee Entertainment Enterprises, and Reliance Broadcast Network. He successfully launched impactful initiatives, including introducing Sun Bangla to eastern markets and overseeing the launch of premium channels like Zindagi and &Prive HD.

    Recognised for his expertise in digital marketing, storytelling, and consumer insights, Gupta has consistently delivered campaigns that resonate deeply with audiences.

    His educational credentials include a post graduate diploma in communications from MICA and a bachelor’s degree in engineering from Rajasthan University.

    This move underscores Zee5’s commitment to innovation in marketing and delivering exceptional value to its growing SVOD subscriber base.

  • Jigsaw Pictures crafts exceptional content across various formats

    Jigsaw Pictures crafts exceptional content across various formats

    Mumbai: Over the past 19 years, Jigsaw Pictures has crafted some exceptional content across various formats, consistently pushing creative boundaries. With nearly two decades of experience, their passion for storytelling & quality production shines through in every project be it any long-format content or shorter content TVCs or Digital films.

    Having produced/shot over 500 TVCs, short films, digital films, corporate films, and music videos worldwide, Jigsaw Pictures embraced long-format storytelling about a decade ago with their first feature film along with Reliance Entertainment. Now, Jigsaw Pictures, in collaboration with Viacom18 Studios, recently had the release of their latest web series, “Murder in Mahim,” streaming on Jio Cinema.

    In today’s fast-paced world, where most lengthy content often goes unnoticed, Jigsaw Pictures aligns itself with unique, relevant and engaging content like Murder in Mahim. The show was among the top 5 most viewed content last week. Given the show’s theme of LGBTQ issues and human relationships in today’s environment, it will be interesting to integrate the show’s message into relevant panel discussions, offering an interactive platform for viewers to engage with the content and foster meaningful dialogue. Hence if popular but relevant social media handles and digital platforms of media outlets help spread these messages it could resonate with the viewers.

    From their debut web series “Thinkistan (a show on the Indian advertising industry) – S1 & S2” partnering with MX Player, and collaboration with Reliance Entertainment on the feature film “Sooper se Ooper,” the production house has offered the audiences with innovative narratives. Currently, after the production of an 8-episode thriller web series with Viacom 18 Studios and a docu-reality show for a leading OTT platform also with the same studio, Jigsaw Pictures continues to elevate storytelling, blending innovation with an unwavering commitment to excellence with their other long-format shows. As they continue to work on TVCs & Digital films for various brands along with creative agencies.

    Jigsaw Pictures founder & producer Rajnish Lal expresses excitement not only for the release of “Murder in Mahim” but also for the ongoing success of Jigsaw Pictures and their upcoming projects. He states, “We are thrilled to be a part of the team that has taken ‘Murder in Mahim’ to audiences worldwide. Collaborating with our esteemed partners Viacom18 Studios and Jio Cinema, known for their creative excellence and expansive reach, has been a fantastic journey. This thrilling tale – with layered characters & screenplay has been unveiled & is drawing very positive responses. But we’re equally excited about the future endeavours of Jigsaw Pictures.

  • Geophil’s Robin looks to build co-production slate

    Geophil’s Robin looks to build co-production slate

    Mumbai: There have been many who’ve tried and failed. But this is not deterring young television executive Robin Philip from doing so once again. The managing director of Geophil is quite gung-ho about building a strong co-production portfolio between Indian and international studios and between international ones.

    In a conversation with Indian Television founder, CEO & editor-in-chief Anil Wanvari, Philip revealed that “Geophil started as book publishing and distribution house based out of Mumbai. They had ambitions to grow in the media space beyond the print format and that’s where I joined about a year back after my stint with the Indian broadcaster – Zee. I had the honour in working with them in multiple geographies including in Asia Pacific and middle east and then with the OTT platform name Viu which is owned by a Hong Kong-based PCCW.”

    He further went on to say about what exactly Goephil does and how it bridges the gap between co-producers, “At Geophil, our vision is to actually take the entire bandwidth of co-producing content to a different level. We know that over the last year or so we have a lot of players who are trying to come together, join forces and co-produce. However, there isn’t a very organised way of doing it. So the vision is that, with the advent of OTT and the fact that people today, anywhere in the world are interested in watching content beyond their languages. We want players to look beyond licensing as a means of feeding their consumers with foreign content and only using the originals or the production platform for creating content locally. The only reason why I say an Australian platform will not produce content in Turkey is because they are unaware of how to work with the producer in Turkey or they don’t want to take care of 100% of the course. So that’s where we come in, we make sure that we come with the local experience in the market anywhere in the world where we give you the comfort that we get you the story. We will make sure that you know the timelines and the budgets in which the production is going to happen. The good thing is we will bring other co-producers who have similar interests in very different part of the world to join hands with you such that the producers together co-own the IP, get to air it in their own region and at the same time, monetise from markets, that are a lot of interest to them such that in a happy scenario, you are the content owner, you have a good ROI on your investment plus you created content which is an original which is going to not stay with you for two years or five years which happens with a licensing deal, but for life. This in a nutshell, is what we do. So we call ourselves the bridge between producers, platforms, investors, anybody who wants to kind of be part of the ecosystem of co-production.”

    To listen to the entire conversation, watch the video:

  • Red Bangle expands and repositions to cater to diverse Indian brand needs

    Red Bangle expands and repositions to cater to diverse Indian brand needs

    Mumbai: Red Bangle, a fast-growing technology-enabled video production agency, offering film and video solutions worldwide, has announced its transformation to a brand content production agency in India. Co-founded by Lakshmi Rebecca and Sunil Patrapati in 2017, a global video agency, in its new avatar, the company offers bold and meaningful strategy, campaign, and content services to brands in India. It aims to be a strategic partner to businesses seeking to drive ambitious brand growth and drive deeper engagement with their consumers.

    Gearing up for the next phase of growth, Red Bangle is preparing to onboard a new NCD and CFO soon, reinforcing its commitment to excellence and register its presence in Delhi soon by opening a new office in the city. With plans for 1.6 times growth this year and an ambitious target of doubling (2 times) its growth in the coming year, the company is poised to solidify its position as a leader in the creative content and digital marketing industry.

    Sharing the context for this transformation, Red Bangle co-founder and CEO Lakshmi Rebecca said, “From day zero, we had a larger vision and we’ve stayed true to that and we’ve been building for the future. When we started out, we made a conscious choice to fill a specific gap in the global video market, and we have had a lot of success on this path. Today, the time feels right to expand our horizons with holistic services that address a large need in the India market today. We’ve always been thinking and solving problems for our clients, and now we can move from being a service provider to a strategic partner for them. And we want to achieve this with some of the best talent in the industry.”

    Red Bangle’s expanded offerings leverage its credibility in this market and are in-line with global industry trends. The Indian content marketing industry is poised to grow at 17.3 per cent per annum and will triple its worth in the next seven years to US $144 billion in 2030 as per Research Dive report.

    Commenting on the transformation, Red Bangle co-founder and CTO Sunil Patrapati added, “Over the last six years we’ve built a lot of trust in the film and video production market, and our clients have always asked for more from us. The opportunity is ripe for our expansion. And India is a very exciting market to pursue this in.”

    With its expanded range of services, reach and capabilities – Red Bangle will cater to the diverse needs of the Indian market. Its three new core services – THINK, CREATE and PLAY – are each designed to meet the unique requirements of businesses. The details of these new offerings are given below:

    1   THINK: Red Bangle’s THINK service focuses on creating strategy-led brand content solutions that not only move the revenue needle but also touch the hearts of the audience. This service takes the client from research, strategy and creative development to production and media in one seamless journey.

    2   CREATE: The CREATE service is focused on delivering creative campaigns and engagement driven by insightful ideas. Red Bangle’s team of creative professionals craft fresh campaigns that resonate with the target audience and leave a lasting impact – helping the client go from insights to creative and, from production to media in one seamless journey.

    3   PLAY: Red Bangle’s PLAY service offers premium end-to-end solutions for content production across formats and scale. Whether it’s a regional project or a national campaign, PLAY ensures top-notch film and video production that aligns with clients’ goals.

    As part of its expansion, the company recently appointed Vivek Chandra Shenoy as the vice president of strategy and marketing, and Ankur Bora as the senior vice president of business development & client servicing. Reflecting its growing influence and dedication to lasting partnerships, the company onboarded over 30 new clients this year.

    Since its inception, Red Bangle has been investing in technology for better creative project management, collaboration, and creative asset organisation. Going further, it has now readied teams to leverage the power of generative AI to increase efficiency and push the boundaries of creativity. Today, as a brand content production agency, the company will be a one-stop shop helping brands leverage communications and content to drive growth.

  • Applause Entertainment partners with Zindagi for South Asian content

    Applause Entertainment partners with Zindagi for South Asian content

    Mumbai: In a groundbreaking move, Applause Entertainment and Zindagi have joined forces to energise investment in South Asian content creation. Sameer Nair and Shailja Kejriwal, are well-known for their significant contribution to television, with shows like Kaun Banega Crorepati, Star Bestsellers, and the Saas Bahu dramas. This partnership marks their reunion after more than a decade.

    This alliance is a game-changer in the rapidly evolving global entertainment landscape, marking a significant shift in the ever-changing entertainment industry, aiming to produce a wide range of South Asian narratives across genres that connect with today’s diverse global audience.

    Sameer Nair, a stalwart in the media and entertainment industry and managing director of Applause Entertainment, renowned for acclaimed series like Criminal Justice, City of Dreams, and the Scam franchise stated: “Working with Shailja Kejriwal is like revisiting a cherished chapter of our creative journey. Our shared vision and passion for storytelling have always been the driving force of our partnership. Now, with the world as our canvas and the OTT stage as our platform, we’re thrilled to collaborate once more, bringing the rich tapestry of South Asian content to a global audience.”

    Shailja Kejriwal, a well-known name in television and content curation, chief creative officer of special projects at Zee Entertainment Enterprises Ltd recognised for introducing stars like Fawad Khan, Mahira Khan to India with iconic dramas Zindagi Gulzar Hai, Humsafar and subsequently creating originals like Churails, Dhoop Ki Deewar, Qatil Haseenaon Ke Naam said, “Reuniting with Sameer after a decade is like homecoming for me and I’m thrilled to team up with him in this new era of content creation. Zindagi’s commitment to pushing the boundaries of South Asian storytelling backed by Punit Goenka’s vision & continued support has remained unwavering. With Sameer’s pioneering spirit and the legacy of iconic shows, coupled with Applause Entertainment’s innovative zest, we’re poised to create content that not only resonates across borders but sets new benchmarks in South Asian storytelling.”

    The collaboration of Applause Entertainment and Zindagi marks the beginning of an era of innovative global projects. Sameer and Shailja’s previously remarkable collaboration at Star Plus and Imagine stands as a testament to their creative brilliance.

  • Tracktical Concerts and Paytm Insider announce ticket sales for 50 Cent’s Mumbai Concert

    Tracktical Concerts and Paytm Insider announce ticket sales for 50 Cent’s Mumbai Concert

    Mumbai: Tracktical Concerts and Paytm Insider have officially announced the commencement of ticket sales for the highly anticipated hip-hop event of the year, 50 Cent’s India tour. Tracktical Concerts is bringing the GRAMMY and EMMY award-winning artist “50 Cent” a.k.a. Curtis James Jackson to India as part of his ongoing “The Final Lap Tour 2023” on 25 November. Paytm Insider has secured the rights to be the exclusive ticketing partner for this mega event. The much-awaited concert will commemorate the 20th anniversary of his pioneering album ‘Get Rich or Die Tryin’ and is slated to take place at the DY Patil Stadium in Mumbai.

    Ever since the iconic rapper dropped the news on a social media platform, there has been unprecedented hype around this most-anticipated show of the year and there have been record-breaking numbers for registrations. Last week, the initial announcement about the event caused enthusiastic fans to eagerly rush towards the pre-sale registration link to secure access to early bird tickets. On 20 July, the early bird ticket sales commenced exclusively for those who had registered in advance. General tickets for this ultimate music event went live on 21 July with Paytm Insider.  

    Presented by Tracktical Concerts, a leading entertainment company known for its involvement in live entertainment, movie production and artist associations, the tour is expected to showcase the best of 50 Cent’s illustrious and momentous career, including a lineup of fan-favourite hits and eagerly-awaited tracks. Celebrated for his lyrical prowess, 50 Cent first cemented his place in historical musicology with the groundbreaking success of ‘Get Rich or Die Tryin’, which propelled him to global stardom. Chart Toppers from this album, namely “In Da Club,” “P.I.M.P.,” and “Candy Shop” have dominated charts and airwaves to date, and the album still continues to reign as a cultural phenomenon, captivating audiences with its gritty storytelling and infectious beats. The artist has also leveraged his star power to achieve unparalleled success as an entrepreneur, actor, and producer, earning a Star on The Hollywood Walk of Fame.

    Excited for his India show, 50 Cent added, “It’s been a minute—16 years to be exact – since I came to India. Ever since my last visit in 2007, India has always showered me with warmth and love and I can’t wait to return. As part of my Final Lap Tour, I’m returning to India in November!”

    Tracktical Concerts founder & director Vamseedharan Gowthamarajan mentioned, “We are thrilled to bring the legendary rapper to India for an epic hip-hop invasion like no other, as part of his final global tour. Ever since the announcement of the concert, there has been a tremendous response from his fans from across the country and the pre-registration numbers are phenomenal. The hype, the excitement, the energy is already so palpable, it’s going to be an electrifying night of hip-hop like never before!”

    Paytm Insider business head Varun Khare said, “We’re happy to be partnering with Tracktical Concerts to exclusively ticket the show. Post 50 Cent’s announcement earlier this month, we’ve seen an amazing reaction from fans eager to get more details and buy tickets, our focus now is to ensure the entire fan journey from a ticketing perspective is seamless.”

    The Final Lap Tour promises to be an unforgettable experience for Curtis’ fans across the country. Tickets are now live on www.insider.in / http://www.50centindia.com.

  • All3Media International and BBC Studios India collaborate to create premium dramas

    All3Media International and BBC Studios India collaborate to create premium dramas

    Mumbai: BBC Studios India Production and All3Media International has announced that BBC Studios will produce two popular All3Media scripted dramas – Company Pictures’ Shameless and Two Brothers Pictures’ Strangers (aka White Dragon) – for the Indian audience.

    BBC Studios India Production has produced some of the most popular quality dramas in India’s streaming market today and will bring to life the comedy drama Shameless, created originally by Paul Abbot and Company Pictures for Channel 4 and Two Brothers Pictures crime drama Strangers (aka White Dragon) originally created for ITV in the UK and written by Mark Denton, Jonny Stockwood, Marston Bloom, Harry & Jack Williams. As part of the agreement, BBC Studios India Production will adapt and develop these two titles for the Indian market and source a commission for the two dramas in India. This collaboration allows both entities to scale greater heights and reach wider audiences in India through the adaptation of these premium British formats for the local market.

    All3Media International executive vice president – APAC Sabrina Duguet said, “We are thrilled to announce our partnership with BBC Studios which will further establish our footprint in India. BBC Studios India Production shares our production values and our love for top quality drama and we know they will adapt these two dramas brilliantly for the Indian market. Our business has been going from strength to strength, with seven scripted formats already commissioned in India. We are very proud to see the tense, closed series thriller Strangers (aka White Dragon) become the third title from Two Brothers Pictures to be adapted in the region following the success of Marzi (Liar) and Mithya (Cheat). Additionally Company Pictures’ Shameless arrives in India having attained legendary status for its long award-winning run in the UK and via it’s acclaimed adaption in the USA – we are sure that India’s own Gallagher family antics will enthrall local audiences.”

    All3Media International VP APAC Jaenani Netra added, “The focus and importance that All3Media International is placing in India is significantly enhanced with this strategic collaboration with BBC Studios in the scripted content space. We are truly excited to see this formulation come to life with the Indian adaptation of Strangers and Shameless.”

    BBC Studios India Production general manager Sameer Gogate commented, “We are excited to partner with All3Media International o bring the popular Shameless and Strangers to Indian audiences. They are two brilliant dramas, very different in tone but both equally suited to the local market who enjoy clever, captivating storylines. With viewers’ preferences evolving and their desire for compelling content growing, we are confident that these unique shows will be a hit with Indian audiences.”