ITV

Category: English Entertainment

  • Turner to launch HBO HD in April; unveils new look for HBO

    Turner to launch HBO HD in April; unveils new look for HBO

    MUMBAI: Turner International will be re-launching its channel HBO Hits as HBO HD in April this year.

    As was reported earlier by Indiantelevision.com, late last year Turner decided to re-brand HBO Hits as HBO HD, which was subject to regulatory approvals. Additionally, Turner also discontinued its other channel HBO Defined. Both HBO Hits and HBO Defined were launched as a partnership between HBO Asia and Eros International in 2013.

    HBO HD will be available on direct-to-home (DTH) and cable platforms from April. The broadcaster is also looking to launch the HBO mobile app in March.

    What’s more, the company has also unveiled a fresh new-look for HBO on 14 February, which reflects a youthful and aspirational viewer demographic. HBO’s new packaging has been redesigned to present world-class content to a local, but worldly, audience.

    Turner International, South Asia senior vice president and managing director Siddharth Jain said, “Consumers are at the centre of everything we do and these changes directly reflect this. The all-new HBO captures its audience’s imagination – like never before – through the implementation of a new programming and content strategy; and new fan-engagement initiatives. Indian consumers are spoilt for choice when it comes to entertainment options, and HBO is ideally positioned not only to excite but also engage.”

    The big-budget Mad Max: Fury Road on 14 February led the launch of a new program and content strategy, complemented by a social media campaign. This will be followed by four back-to-back Sunday premieres namely American Sniper, Wild Card, San Andreas and A Walk Among the Tombstones.

    The HBO mobile app will gives viewers access to channel details and information – boasting full channel schedules, a reminder feature, TV promos, preview of upcoming premieres and a Hollywood quiz.

  • Turner to launch HBO HD in April; unveils new look for HBO

    Turner to launch HBO HD in April; unveils new look for HBO

    MUMBAI: Turner International will be re-launching its channel HBO Hits as HBO HD in April this year.

    As was reported earlier by Indiantelevision.com, late last year Turner decided to re-brand HBO Hits as HBO HD, which was subject to regulatory approvals. Additionally, Turner also discontinued its other channel HBO Defined. Both HBO Hits and HBO Defined were launched as a partnership between HBO Asia and Eros International in 2013.

    HBO HD will be available on direct-to-home (DTH) and cable platforms from April. The broadcaster is also looking to launch the HBO mobile app in March.

    What’s more, the company has also unveiled a fresh new-look for HBO on 14 February, which reflects a youthful and aspirational viewer demographic. HBO’s new packaging has been redesigned to present world-class content to a local, but worldly, audience.

    Turner International, South Asia senior vice president and managing director Siddharth Jain said, “Consumers are at the centre of everything we do and these changes directly reflect this. The all-new HBO captures its audience’s imagination – like never before – through the implementation of a new programming and content strategy; and new fan-engagement initiatives. Indian consumers are spoilt for choice when it comes to entertainment options, and HBO is ideally positioned not only to excite but also engage.”

    The big-budget Mad Max: Fury Road on 14 February led the launch of a new program and content strategy, complemented by a social media campaign. This will be followed by four back-to-back Sunday premieres namely American Sniper, Wild Card, San Andreas and A Walk Among the Tombstones.

    The HBO mobile app will gives viewers access to channel details and information – boasting full channel schedules, a reminder feature, TV promos, preview of upcoming premieres and a Hollywood quiz.

  • Cupid strikes English entertainment channels this Valentine’s Day

    Cupid strikes English entertainment channels this Valentine’s Day

    MUMBAI: English entertainment channels are cupid struck this Valentine’s Day as they prep to dish out a unique line-up for entertaining the audience on 14 February.

    As the week culminates with Valentine’s Day, channels have been enabling their viewers in expressing and showcasing their love with a special line up of shows.

    Let’s take a look on what various channels are doing this Valentine’s Day.

    9X Media

    9X Media began celebrating love by airing a special Valentine’s ident and multiple shows across all the channels starting 10 February. The Switch Off Karo Sab, Switch On Some Love campaign was conceptualised by 9X Jhakaas head of brand innovation and VP of programming Rohan Rane. The lyric of the track is composed by 9XM and 9X Tashan cluster programming head Baljinder Mahant.

    In addition to this, 9XO and 9X Jalwa have lined up special programs on 14 February. Popular animated characters Bade – Chote have joined Tinder and will be providing the singles in town a chance to win free gifts and movie tickets through ‘swipe right and win’ surprise on the popular dating app. Other two special shows include Love-a-thon on 9XO Media and Jalwa Pyaar Ka Panchnama on 9X Jalwa.

    Jalwa Pyaar Ka Panchnama will feature songs depicting different stages of love on 13 and 14 February. Adding to it, the channel will also showcase romantic songs of Yash Chopra on 13 and 14 February at 7 pm, whereas 9XO’s Love-a-thon will play songs expressing various stages of a relationship.

    ZoOm TV

    ZoOm TV, taking the celebration a notch higher, will be playing cupid for its viewers by airing special episodes of Request Kiya Hai, where viewers can send messages to their loved ones through song dedications. The show will be high on the celebrity quotient as well featuring celebrities like Aditya Roy Kapoor, Katrina Kaif and Sonam Kapoor.  

    Adding to it, the channel also aired two other shows namely Cut It and Yaar Mera Superstar to keep viewers entertained. Yaar Mera Superstar featured the cast of Fitoor in conversation with host of the show Garima Kumar. The channel will also play Top 100 romantic songs from 9 to 14 February. On the other hand, the Valentine’s Day special of Planet Bollywood will be aired on 14 February. 

    FX HD

    FX HD will treat its binge watchers by airing season two marathon of Golden Globe winning show The Affair from 10 am on 14 February on FX and FX HD.

    Zee Studio

    The channel is going to enthral its viewers by introducing Valentine Playbook. The line up will showcase romantic titles such as Pretty Woman, Sweet Home Alabama, When In Rome, How To Loose A Guy In 10 Days, Love Is All You Need, A Little Bit Of Heaven and The Bounty Hunter.

    Zee Café

    The channel will premiere a marathon of Red Band Society on 13 and 14 February at 12 pm. It will also engage viewers in a unique way by revealing the fun side of fans with a Dubsmash video on the title track of Pretty Little Liars. The most entertaining Dubsmash video will be featured in Zee Café in March.

    Romedy Now

    For Valentine’s Day, Romedy Now has lined up special movies on 14 February from 9 am to 11 pm. Films like Hitch, Along Came Polly, My Best Friend’s Wedding, Addicted To Love and 50 First Dates are lined up. The line-up also includes the romantic musical comedy Begin Again, which will be aired at 9 pm.

    AXN HD

    The channel will air season 11 of Supernatural comprising 13 episodes on 14 February from 9 am to 9 pm.

    Colors Infinity

    The channel will be airing back to back power packed episodes of Arrow season 4 on 14 February from 9 am onwards.

    Vh1

    Vh1 will celebrate Valentine’s Day with Vh1 Coupling where it will air romantic videos of couples, who dared to celebrate love on screen. The episode will be aired on 14 February at 8 am.

    Comedy Central

    Comedy Central viewers can gear up to binge on back-to-back rib tickling series namely A-Z, Awkward, Whitney, Guys with Kids and Marry Me on 14 February from 11 am onwards.

    SONY PIX

    The channel will air 11 movies on 14 February from 6am to 4am. The Pink Panther 2 will be aired at 6am, Horns will be aired at 12:04pm, The Amazing Spider Man will be aired at 12:54am, Friends With Benefits will be on air at 5:37pm, Freaky Friday will be on air at 3:12 am on 15 February. 

  • Cupid strikes English entertainment channels this Valentine’s Day

    Cupid strikes English entertainment channels this Valentine’s Day

    MUMBAI: English entertainment channels are cupid struck this Valentine’s Day as they prep to dish out a unique line-up for entertaining the audience on 14 February.

    As the week culminates with Valentine’s Day, channels have been enabling their viewers in expressing and showcasing their love with a special line up of shows.

    Let’s take a look on what various channels are doing this Valentine’s Day.

    9X Media

    9X Media began celebrating love by airing a special Valentine’s ident and multiple shows across all the channels starting 10 February. The Switch Off Karo Sab, Switch On Some Love campaign was conceptualised by 9X Jhakaas head of brand innovation and VP of programming Rohan Rane. The lyric of the track is composed by 9XM and 9X Tashan cluster programming head Baljinder Mahant.

    In addition to this, 9XO and 9X Jalwa have lined up special programs on 14 February. Popular animated characters Bade – Chote have joined Tinder and will be providing the singles in town a chance to win free gifts and movie tickets through ‘swipe right and win’ surprise on the popular dating app. Other two special shows include Love-a-thon on 9XO Media and Jalwa Pyaar Ka Panchnama on 9X Jalwa.

    Jalwa Pyaar Ka Panchnama will feature songs depicting different stages of love on 13 and 14 February. Adding to it, the channel will also showcase romantic songs of Yash Chopra on 13 and 14 February at 7 pm, whereas 9XO’s Love-a-thon will play songs expressing various stages of a relationship.

    ZoOm TV

    ZoOm TV, taking the celebration a notch higher, will be playing cupid for its viewers by airing special episodes of Request Kiya Hai, where viewers can send messages to their loved ones through song dedications. The show will be high on the celebrity quotient as well featuring celebrities like Aditya Roy Kapoor, Katrina Kaif and Sonam Kapoor.  

    Adding to it, the channel also aired two other shows namely Cut It and Yaar Mera Superstar to keep viewers entertained. Yaar Mera Superstar featured the cast of Fitoor in conversation with host of the show Garima Kumar. The channel will also play Top 100 romantic songs from 9 to 14 February. On the other hand, the Valentine’s Day special of Planet Bollywood will be aired on 14 February. 

    FX HD

    FX HD will treat its binge watchers by airing season two marathon of Golden Globe winning show The Affair from 10 am on 14 February on FX and FX HD.

    Zee Studio

    The channel is going to enthral its viewers by introducing Valentine Playbook. The line up will showcase romantic titles such as Pretty Woman, Sweet Home Alabama, When In Rome, How To Loose A Guy In 10 Days, Love Is All You Need, A Little Bit Of Heaven and The Bounty Hunter.

    Zee Café

    The channel will premiere a marathon of Red Band Society on 13 and 14 February at 12 pm. It will also engage viewers in a unique way by revealing the fun side of fans with a Dubsmash video on the title track of Pretty Little Liars. The most entertaining Dubsmash video will be featured in Zee Café in March.

    Romedy Now

    For Valentine’s Day, Romedy Now has lined up special movies on 14 February from 9 am to 11 pm. Films like Hitch, Along Came Polly, My Best Friend’s Wedding, Addicted To Love and 50 First Dates are lined up. The line-up also includes the romantic musical comedy Begin Again, which will be aired at 9 pm.

    AXN HD

    The channel will air season 11 of Supernatural comprising 13 episodes on 14 February from 9 am to 9 pm.

    Colors Infinity

    The channel will be airing back to back power packed episodes of Arrow season 4 on 14 February from 9 am onwards.

    Vh1

    Vh1 will celebrate Valentine’s Day with Vh1 Coupling where it will air romantic videos of couples, who dared to celebrate love on screen. The episode will be aired on 14 February at 8 am.

    Comedy Central

    Comedy Central viewers can gear up to binge on back-to-back rib tickling series namely A-Z, Awkward, Whitney, Guys with Kids and Marry Me on 14 February from 11 am onwards.

    SONY PIX

    The channel will air 11 movies on 14 February from 6am to 4am. The Pink Panther 2 will be aired at 6am, Horns will be aired at 12:04pm, The Amazing Spider Man will be aired at 12:54am, Friends With Benefits will be on air at 5:37pm, Freaky Friday will be on air at 3:12 am on 15 February. 

  • BBC Four acquires Swedish thriller from FremantleMedia

    BBC Four acquires Swedish thriller from FremantleMedia

    MUMBAI: BBC Four has acquired the 8×60’ Swedish international drama series Modus from FremantleMedia International (FMI).

     

    BBC Four editor Cassian Harrison said, “BBC Four continues to bring the very best international drama to its audience and I’m delighted that we will be showing Modus, from a terrifically talented, award-winning team. With a gripping story-line and rich, complex characters this is a clever, entertaining Saturday night treat.”

     

    A nail-biting, contemporary thriller with a well-woven tapestry of compelling characters and shocking crimes, Modus is a tale of love and hate, and of deadly, holy wrath. Modus is one of many international dramas coming up on BBC Four including; Trapped, Follow the Money and seasons two of The Code and Hinterland.

     

    BBC head of programme acquisition Sue Deeks added, “Modus is a tense and atmospheric crime thriller with a chilling core – it will make a riveting addition to BBC Four’s Saturday nights.”

     

    FMI EVP – sales and distribution, EMEA Jamie Lynn said, “BBC Four is recognised by the international broadcast community for its quality foreign drama and has landed and launched some of the industry’s biggest Scandi titles in its Saturday night slot, all which have gone on to receive worldwide acclaim. This prestigious slot has become a beacon, and when searching for the next big non-English language hit, the international world looks here. We are delighted BBC4 has selected Modus to air in this slot.”

     

    Modus stars Melinda Kinnaman, Henrik Norlén, Marek Oravec and Krister Henriksson.

     

    Modus is written by the three-time Emmy Award winning screenwriting duo, Mai Brostr?m and Peter Thorsboe and is loosely based Anne Holt’s bestselling novels featuring Inger Johanne Vik.

     

    The series is directed by award-winning The Bridge director Lisa Siwe, and Arne Dahl director Mani Maserrat, and produced by Sandra Harms, Miso Film Sweden.

  • BBC Four acquires Swedish thriller from FremantleMedia

    BBC Four acquires Swedish thriller from FremantleMedia

    MUMBAI: BBC Four has acquired the 8×60’ Swedish international drama series Modus from FremantleMedia International (FMI).

     

    BBC Four editor Cassian Harrison said, “BBC Four continues to bring the very best international drama to its audience and I’m delighted that we will be showing Modus, from a terrifically talented, award-winning team. With a gripping story-line and rich, complex characters this is a clever, entertaining Saturday night treat.”

     

    A nail-biting, contemporary thriller with a well-woven tapestry of compelling characters and shocking crimes, Modus is a tale of love and hate, and of deadly, holy wrath. Modus is one of many international dramas coming up on BBC Four including; Trapped, Follow the Money and seasons two of The Code and Hinterland.

     

    BBC head of programme acquisition Sue Deeks added, “Modus is a tense and atmospheric crime thriller with a chilling core – it will make a riveting addition to BBC Four’s Saturday nights.”

     

    FMI EVP – sales and distribution, EMEA Jamie Lynn said, “BBC Four is recognised by the international broadcast community for its quality foreign drama and has landed and launched some of the industry’s biggest Scandi titles in its Saturday night slot, all which have gone on to receive worldwide acclaim. This prestigious slot has become a beacon, and when searching for the next big non-English language hit, the international world looks here. We are delighted BBC4 has selected Modus to air in this slot.”

     

    Modus stars Melinda Kinnaman, Henrik Norlén, Marek Oravec and Krister Henriksson.

     

    Modus is written by the three-time Emmy Award winning screenwriting duo, Mai Brostr?m and Peter Thorsboe and is loosely based Anne Holt’s bestselling novels featuring Inger Johanne Vik.

     

    The series is directed by award-winning The Bridge director Lisa Siwe, and Arne Dahl director Mani Maserrat, and produced by Sandra Harms, Miso Film Sweden.

  • Zee Café to premiere ‘House of Cards’ season 4 on 12-13 March

    Zee Café to premiere ‘House of Cards’ season 4 on 12-13 March

    MUMBAI: Zee Café will premiere the entire fourth season of the Netflix original show House Of Cards on 12 and 13 March, 2016 from 5 pm onwards.

     

    The channel will be bringing the new season of the Kevin Spacey starrer in India just a week after its international release.

     

    Last year, Zee Café premiered the complete third season of House Of Cards over one weekend, which also marked the beginning of a new trend of marathon or binge viewing.

     

    “Bringing our viewers the best in English entertainment is especially true with a high-impact show such as House Of Cards. That is why we consider it particularly important to give the audience a chance to watch the entire fourth season just one week after its international release, while the world is abuzz with talk of House Of Cards. Moreover, the audience’s desire for marathon viewing has grown significantly lately. Hence, we encourage fans of the show to #StayImpatient and experience it all together on Zee Café,” says Zee English cluster business head Ali Zaidi.

  • Zee Café to premiere ‘House of Cards’ season 4 on 12-13 March

    Zee Café to premiere ‘House of Cards’ season 4 on 12-13 March

    MUMBAI: Zee Café will premiere the entire fourth season of the Netflix original show House Of Cards on 12 and 13 March, 2016 from 5 pm onwards.

     

    The channel will be bringing the new season of the Kevin Spacey starrer in India just a week after its international release.

     

    Last year, Zee Café premiered the complete third season of House Of Cards over one weekend, which also marked the beginning of a new trend of marathon or binge viewing.

     

    “Bringing our viewers the best in English entertainment is especially true with a high-impact show such as House Of Cards. That is why we consider it particularly important to give the audience a chance to watch the entire fourth season just one week after its international release, while the world is abuzz with talk of House Of Cards. Moreover, the audience’s desire for marathon viewing has grown significantly lately. Hence, we encourage fans of the show to #StayImpatient and experience it all together on Zee Café,” says Zee English cluster business head Ali Zaidi.

  • Q1-2016: Viacom revenue down 6%

    Q1-2016: Viacom revenue down 6%

    BENGALURU: Viacom Inc reported 5.7 per cent year-on year (YoY) drop (reduced by $190 million) in revenue for the quarter ended 31 December, 2015 (Q1-2016, current quarter) at $3,154 million as compared to $3,344 million in Q1-2015. The company’s Media Networks segment declined 3.4 per cent YoY in the current quarter to $2,565 million from $2654 in the corresponding year ago quarter. Filmed Entertainment segment revenue declined 15 per cent YoY to $612 million from $670 million in Q1-2015. 

    Operating Income in Q1-2016 declined 10.3 per cent to $839 million as compared to $935 million in Q1-2015. Net earnings attributable to Viacom declined 10.2 per cent in the current quarter to $449 million from $500 million in the corresponding year ago quarter.

    Viacom executive chairman, president and CEO Philippe Dauman said, “As the media industry continues to evolve quickly, Viacom is generating sustainable opportunities using great new content, innovative technology, marketing and data applications, along with the benefits of our substantial footprint in key international growth markets. Our investments in new content have led to higher ratings at most of our networks, including VH1, Spike, BET, TV Land, CMT and Nick at Nite, as well as Nickelodeon, which recaptured its lead as the top network for kids 2 to 11. In addition, we saw significant sequential improvement in domestic advertising sales, due to the success of our new programming and our highly-desirable new advertising products. Paramount is off to a strong start in 2016, with a promising and diverse film lineup throughout the year, and our Paramount Television unit is also thriving.”
    “2015 was a challenging year operationally as we redesigned ourselves and adapted to significant industry disruption. Our first fiscal quarter of 2016 reflected these challenges. However, our revitalized organization and our investments in content, technology and strategic innovation are now beginning to bear fruit. Although our industry continues to face headwinds, we expect our positive momentum to continue and build throughout the year,” added Dauman.

    Media Networks

    Media Networks segment revenue has been mentioned above.

    The company says that absent an unfavourable one per cent impact of foreign exchange, Media Networks revenues decreased two per cent. Domestic advertising revenues declined four per cent, as pricing increases were more than offset by a decline in traditional ratings at some of our networks. Worldwide advertising revenues decreased three per cent, reflecting an unfavourable one per cent impact of foreign exchange. International advertising revenues declined two per cent, driven by an eight per cent adverse effect of foreign exchange. Absent the impact of foreign exchange, international advertising revenues increased six per cent, driven principally by growth in Europe. Domestic affiliate revenues were substantially flat due to the impact from the timing of product available under certain distribution agreements. International affiliate revenues decreased six per cent, driven by a nine per cent unfavourable impact of foreign exchange. Absent the impact of foreign exchange, international affiliate revenues increased three per cent.

    Filmed Entertainment

    Filmed Entertainment segment revenue has been mentioned above.

    Filmed Entertainment revenues decreased as an increase in license fees was more than offset by declines in theatrical and home entertainment revenues. Excluding foreign exchange, which had a three per cent unfavourable impact, worldwide revenues declined 12 per cent. Worldwide theatrical revenues decreased $75 million in the quarter, as carryover revenues decreased $46 million, principally due to an unfavourable comparison with the strong performance of Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles in the first fiscal quarter of 2015. Worldwide home entertainment revenues decreased $77 million in the quarter, primarily reflecting a comparison with carryover revenues from Transformers: Age of Extinction in the first quarter of 2015. License fees increased 25 per cent, to $237 million in the quarter, primarily driven by the licensing of certain titles for subscription video-on-demand services and television.

  • Q1-2016: Viacom revenue down 6%

    Q1-2016: Viacom revenue down 6%

    BENGALURU: Viacom Inc reported 5.7 per cent year-on year (YoY) drop (reduced by $190 million) in revenue for the quarter ended 31 December, 2015 (Q1-2016, current quarter) at $3,154 million as compared to $3,344 million in Q1-2015. The company’s Media Networks segment declined 3.4 per cent YoY in the current quarter to $2,565 million from $2654 in the corresponding year ago quarter. Filmed Entertainment segment revenue declined 15 per cent YoY to $612 million from $670 million in Q1-2015. 

    Operating Income in Q1-2016 declined 10.3 per cent to $839 million as compared to $935 million in Q1-2015. Net earnings attributable to Viacom declined 10.2 per cent in the current quarter to $449 million from $500 million in the corresponding year ago quarter.

    Viacom executive chairman, president and CEO Philippe Dauman said, “As the media industry continues to evolve quickly, Viacom is generating sustainable opportunities using great new content, innovative technology, marketing and data applications, along with the benefits of our substantial footprint in key international growth markets. Our investments in new content have led to higher ratings at most of our networks, including VH1, Spike, BET, TV Land, CMT and Nick at Nite, as well as Nickelodeon, which recaptured its lead as the top network for kids 2 to 11. In addition, we saw significant sequential improvement in domestic advertising sales, due to the success of our new programming and our highly-desirable new advertising products. Paramount is off to a strong start in 2016, with a promising and diverse film lineup throughout the year, and our Paramount Television unit is also thriving.”
    “2015 was a challenging year operationally as we redesigned ourselves and adapted to significant industry disruption. Our first fiscal quarter of 2016 reflected these challenges. However, our revitalized organization and our investments in content, technology and strategic innovation are now beginning to bear fruit. Although our industry continues to face headwinds, we expect our positive momentum to continue and build throughout the year,” added Dauman.

    Media Networks

    Media Networks segment revenue has been mentioned above.

    The company says that absent an unfavourable one per cent impact of foreign exchange, Media Networks revenues decreased two per cent. Domestic advertising revenues declined four per cent, as pricing increases were more than offset by a decline in traditional ratings at some of our networks. Worldwide advertising revenues decreased three per cent, reflecting an unfavourable one per cent impact of foreign exchange. International advertising revenues declined two per cent, driven by an eight per cent adverse effect of foreign exchange. Absent the impact of foreign exchange, international advertising revenues increased six per cent, driven principally by growth in Europe. Domestic affiliate revenues were substantially flat due to the impact from the timing of product available under certain distribution agreements. International affiliate revenues decreased six per cent, driven by a nine per cent unfavourable impact of foreign exchange. Absent the impact of foreign exchange, international affiliate revenues increased three per cent.

    Filmed Entertainment

    Filmed Entertainment segment revenue has been mentioned above.

    Filmed Entertainment revenues decreased as an increase in license fees was more than offset by declines in theatrical and home entertainment revenues. Excluding foreign exchange, which had a three per cent unfavourable impact, worldwide revenues declined 12 per cent. Worldwide theatrical revenues decreased $75 million in the quarter, as carryover revenues decreased $46 million, principally due to an unfavourable comparison with the strong performance of Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles in the first fiscal quarter of 2015. Worldwide home entertainment revenues decreased $77 million in the quarter, primarily reflecting a comparison with carryover revenues from Transformers: Age of Extinction in the first quarter of 2015. License fees increased 25 per cent, to $237 million in the quarter, primarily driven by the licensing of certain titles for subscription video-on-demand services and television.