ITV

Category: English Entertainment

  • Priyanka Chopra bags People’s Choice Award for ‘Quantico’

    Priyanka Chopra bags People’s Choice Award for ‘Quantico’

    MUMBAI: Bollywood actress Priyanka Chopra has bagged the People’s Choice Award for her role in the American TV thriller Quantico in the ‘Favourite Actress in a New TV series’ category.

     

    The actress, who plays the role of an FBI agent named Alex Parish in the show, was competing against actresses like Emma Roberts, Jamie Lee Curtis, Lea Michele and Marcia Gay Harden in the category.

     

    Hollywood actor Vin Diesel presented the award to Chopra at the event, which was held at Los Angeles’ Microsoft Theatre on 6 January. 

     

    Chopra shared the news on social media platform and tweeted: “I am so fortunate! Thank U to everyone who voted for me at the #PCAs! My #PCManiacs-I am nothing without you! Big love.”

  • Zee Studios’ Marathi film ‘Natsamrat’ rakes in Rs 10 crore at box office

    Zee Studios’ Marathi film ‘Natsamrat’ rakes in Rs 10 crore at box office

    MUMBAI: Marathi cinema has added another feather in its cap. The Nana Patekar starrer Natsamrat Asa Nat Hone Nahi, which is presented and distributed by Zee Studios, has raked in Rs 10 crore at the box office in its opening weekend.

     

    The Mahesh Manjrekar directed film opened to packed houses on Friday, 1 January, this New Year.

     

    The movie was released across theatres on more than 400 screens and 1600 daily shows all over the county. The film has dialogues by V. V. Shirwadkar and Kitan Yadnyopavit. It also stars Vikram Gokhale and Medha Manjrekar.

     

    Director Mahesh Manjarekar said, “Marathi cinema has become synonymous with good cinema in recent times. MakingNatsamrat was like a dream come true for me. Our team had put heart and soul to make this dream happen and today I am overwhelmed with the response Natsamrat is getting from audience and film critics.”

     

    Zee Studios CEO Nittin Keni added, “The success of Natsamrat has created history. It is important to us and the Marathi film industry. The Marathi cinema is breaking boundaries yet again. The response of Natsamrat has proved how mature that Marathi audience has become. The viewers and our team are equal shareholders in the success of the film.”

  • FX promises to up its edge this New Year with a New prime time lineup

    FX promises to up its edge this New Year with a New prime time lineup

    MUMBAI: FX, India’s exclusive destination for edgy and fast paced shows across genres is all set to up its game this New Year. The one stop shop for some of the best dramas, thrillers and comical shows will now boast of a more phenomenal line up to appeal to an even wider audience base.

     

    In January, FX is set to change its weekday prime time lineup.

     

    The X-Files – Essential Collection airing from Monday to Friday at 11 PM till January 28, 2016.

     

    The first of the lot is the cult sci-fi series ‘The X-Files – Essential Collection’. Having premiered on January 1st, The X-Files – Essential Collection is a widely talked about and hugely anticipated build up series, to the all-new X-Files mini-series specially curated by the creator of the original series, Chris Carter himself. Carter has personally chosen 20 special episodes along with some never-seen-before footage to give new and long-standing audiences an extra edge before they catch up with the all-new event series.

     

    Scare Tactics every Monday to Friday at 8 PM

     

    The New Year also welcomed the premiere of the bone-chilling show Scare Tactics – a hidden camera, comedy television series that pranks victims by putting them into terrifying situations involving incredible special effects and makeup that recreates horror movie clichés, on FX. The show is meant to scare victims set up by their family and/or friends later revealing the prank with the break-out line – “Are you scared?” An exciting twist of thrill and spine-tingling entertainment, the show proves that there is nothing better than a hidden camera, an unsuspecting victim and the world’s coolest, most terrifying pranks involving movie style special effects.

     

    House Season 1-8, starting 13th Jan every Monday to Friday at 10 PM

     

    Following suit is one of the most popular shows on global television, House M.D. Airing right from Season 1 on January 13, 2016, the doctor that everyone loves to hate will come on Indian television screens every day from Monday to Friday at 10 PM. The show follows the genius but cranky yet charming Dr. House as he leads an elite medical team to solve bizarre illnesses and save lives despite his own constant physical pain. Hugh Laurie who portrayed the legendary character of Doctor House was a favourite among viewers across the globe. Now the show returns to television screens with all seasons being played out one after another.

     

    The channel will also include renowned American comedy-drama television series Louie and critically-acclaimed cult sci-fi series Doctor Who as part of its programming line-up. While Season 1 of Louie commenced on January 1st, Doctor Who’s Season 8 will also begin with the airing of its very first episode on January 12th.

     

    While all these popular shows are airing on FX and FX HD in January 2016 alone, FX has a bag full of treats and surprises for its audiences throughout the year with some famous dramas and all-new shows already lined-up! So stay happy, stay entertained, stay thrilled and stay tuned-in to FX and FX HD all year long!

  • Zee Studio launches new property ‘Double Impact;’ lines up premieres for Jan

    Zee Studio launches new property ‘Double Impact;’ lines up premieres for Jan

    MUMBAI: This January 2016, Zee Studio has lined up a series of power-packed properties for viewers under its new property called ‘Double Impact.’

     

    The channel will kick-start the New Year with a double dose of Hollywood’s biggest blockbusters and showcase movies like Goal 1&2, Kung Fu Panda 1&2, Toy Story 1&2, Mission Impossible 2&4, Karate Kid 1&3 and others.

     

    The ‘Double Impact’ band goes on air from 8 January and will the movies will be aired every Friday at 7 pm and 9 pm.

     

    Additionally, from 17 January at 9 pm, Zee Studio will premiere Eden on ‘Studio Xclusive.’ The film showcases the drama and thrill of a US soccer team, which gets stranded on a deserted island after a plane crash.

     

    Celebrating Indian Republic Day, the channel has lined up a special marathon of movies like Iron Man 3, Thor 2, Transformers 3, Gi: Joe 2, Shooter, Minority Report and The Peace Maker on 26 January from 8 am to 11 pm.

     

    Apart from this, on 31 January the channel will also be premiering ‘The One’ movie of the month Expendables 2 on at 9 pm.

     

    Some of the other movies lined up in January on Zee Studio includes premieres on ‘Super Studio’ like The Incredibles on 10 January and Pain & Gain on 24 January at 9 pm.

  • NBC stations renew ‘The Ellen DeGeneres Show’ through 2020

    NBC stations renew ‘The Ellen DeGeneres Show’ through 2020

    MUMBAI: Multiple Emmy Award-winning daytime talk show The Ellen DeGeneres Show has been renewed by the NBC Owned Television Stations in a deal with Warner Bros. Domestic Television Distribution through summer 2020 (the 2019-20 television season).

     

    The series, from Telepictures Productions, will continue to air on 10 of the NBC-owned stations, including WNBC (New York), KNBC (Los Angeles), WMAQ (Chicago), WCAU (Philadelphia), KXAS (Dallas-Fort Worth), KNTV (San Francisco Bay Area), WRC (Washington, D.C.), WTVJ (Miami-Fort Lauderdale), KNSD (San Diego) and WVIT (Connecticut).

     

    NBCUniversal Owned Television Stations president Valari Staab said, “For more than a decade, Ellen has anchored the daytime lineups of the NBC-owned stations, offering our viewers a great afternoon show, delivering a strong lead in for our early evening newscasts and helping to launch new hits. We’re proud of our partnership with Ellen, her fabulous team and our friends at Warner Bros., and we are thrilled to extend our relationship with them.”

     

    Warner Bros. Domestic Television Distribution president Ken Werner added, “There’s a very simple explanation as to why Ellen is number one. Day in and day out Ellen delivers the best show on television. Ellen and her team produce a completely unique and exciting hour, which is appointment television for viewers everywhere.  We are thrilled to continue our 13-year partnership with the NBC Stations, which delivers to their communities the entertainment and inspiration of Ellen.”

     

    The Ellen DeGeneres Show continues to be the daytime destination for laughter, generosity and fun, highlighting Ellen’s one-of-a-kind humor, warmth and generosity, and featuring the biggest stars from television, film, music and more. The show has now earned an impressive total of 55 Daytime Emmy Awards. The Ellen DeGeneres Show premiered on 8 September, 2003 and was the highest-rated freshman syndicated show of the 2003-2004 season.

     

    Originating from Warner Bros. Studios in Burbank, The Ellen DeGeneres Show is produced by A Very Good Production and WAD Productions, Inc. in association with Telepictures, an industry-leading and Emmy Award–winning producer of syndicated programming, and is distributed by Warner Bros. Domestic Television Distribution. Ellen DeGeneres, Mary Connelly, Ed Glavin, Andy Lassner and Kevin Leman serve as executive producers.

  • 21st Century Fox buys stake in smartglasses company ODG

    21st Century Fox buys stake in smartglasses company ODG

    MUMBAI: 21st Century Fox will be acquiring a minority stake in Osterhout Design Group (ODG), an augmented and virtual reality and smartglasses designer and manufacturer. 

     

    Pending the completion of final agreements, 21st Century Fox will become the principal outside investor in ODG. In addition, the two companies plan to enter into a strategic partnership that brings together ODG’s technologies with 21st Century Fox’s content and storytelling. 

     

    ODG is further cementing its leadership in the Smartglasses arena as it moves into immersive experiences for entertainment with the introduction of its high-definition, cinema-wide field of view technology which it is demonstrating at CES 2016.

     

    “The power of virtual and augmented reality enables us to deliver on our longstanding commitment to bring audiences exciting new creative experiences fuelled by next generation technologies,” said 20th Century Fox Film chairman and CEO Jim Gianopulos. “Our agreement with ODG underscores the innovation we are bringing to market through our Fox Innovation Lab, most recently with VR experiences for The Martian and Wild. We look forward to partnering with ODG and serving as its lead outside investor as the ODG team pushes the film experience into the future with its high-definition, cinema-wide field of view technology.” 

     

    “We’re excited to have 21st Century Fox join our family and help extend our considerable leadership in AR head-worn computing. This space is ultimately heading towards widespread consumer adoption and by having 21st Century Fox onboard, we’ll be able to deliver immersive and interactive entertainment experiences that transform how users consume content,” said ODG CEO Ralph Osterhout.

     

    ODG’s current smartglasses, the R-7, feature ultra-transparent 3D stereoscopic displays and offer innovative technologies in a small, light and sleek design. The R-7 requires no external computing and delivers a quality user experience of display clarity, on-board processing power and system accuracy. 

  • AXN to premiere ‘Sherlock: The Abominable Bride’

    AXN to premiere ‘Sherlock: The Abominable Bride’

    MUMBAI: AXN is starting off 2016 with a special treat for Sherlockians in India. Catch the premiere of the much-awaited special episode from BBC series, Sherlock, entitled, Sherlock: The Abominable Bride, on 9 January, 2016, and watch the repeat on 10 January 2016 at 12 noon only on AXN.

     

    Set in the Victorian London of 1895, this special episode will witness Sherlock Holmes and Dr. Watson in a different era. The world’s most famous detective-duo find themselves amidst a Baker Street of steam trains, hansom cabs and top hats. But some things remain reassuringly the same, such as their friendship, the adventure, the murder… and the dialogue, “The Name is Sherlock Holmes and the address is 221 Baker Street”.

     

    Talking about the premiere of the special episode, Sony PIX & AXN India executive vice-president and business head Saurabh Yagnik says, “Sherlock is an icon worldwide, and AXN is the home to Sherlock in India. The fans here have waited two-long years to see the new episode of this cult show, and we are very excited to be premiering it. In Sherlock: The Abominable Bride, viewers will witness a very different, Victorian version of the contemporary Sherlock. Tuning in to this two-hour special episode will definitely enthral the viewers as they are taken into a different era of mystery and crime-solving. We expect to delight our viewers with this offering because they know, if it’s Sherlock, it has to be on AXN.”

     

    The Sherlock series is written and created by Steven Moffat and Mark Gatiss, and inspired by the works of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle. Before the production of Season 4 kicks off later this year, this special episode will be a treat to the Sherlock fans in India, who can now catch the premiere exclusively on AXN!

     

    “Sherlock has become a global phenomenon that we at BBC worldwide are extremely proud of.  AXN India has been a valued partner for Sherlock for the past three seasons and we are very happy to work with them again for Sherlock: The Abominable Bride. We are confident that this special episode will captivate Sherlock fans in India”, adds BBC Worldwide India SVP & GM Myleeta Aga.

  • English entertainment & movie channels’ line-up this New Year

    English entertainment & movie channels’ line-up this New Year

    MUMBAI: Taking the Christmas cheer into the New Year, which will be sprinkled with splendid celebrations across every corner of the world, English entertainment and movie channels have also gone that extra mile to wind up 2015 for its viewers.

    What’s in store for viewers are power packed shows and movies as a New Year treat. As we bid farewell to 2015, those who are staying put at home in front of the television on New Year’s eve as well as the first day of 2016, here’s what lined up for that extra doze of enjoyment in terms of movies and shows across English channels.

    Read on:

    AXN

    The English entertainment channel will enthral viewers with its midnight marathon by airing the sixth season of Sex and the City on 1 and 2 January, 2016 as the New Year special programming from 12 am to 5 am.

    The channel will also telecast the first season of Limitless on 1 January from 11 am to 8 pm. The show portrays a man who gains the ability to use the full extent of his brain’s capabilities.

    Colors Infinity

    The recently launched English entertainment channel will air Mr. Robot on 31 December, 2015 starting from 2 pm all day long. Elliot Alderson is a young cyber-security engineer living in New York, who assumes the role of a vigilante hacker by night. Elliot meets a mysterious anarchist known as Mr. Robot who recruits Elliot to join his team of hackers, named ‘fsociety.’

    Comedy Central

    The year-end will showcase the best of comedy aired on Comedy Central throughout 2015. The channel will air season 1 of Mom, an award winning mother-daughter comedy on 31 December, 2015 from 6 pm to 8 pm. The show follows the story of single mom Christy played by Anna Faris and her battle against alcoholism and drug abuse.

    The channel will also air season 3 of Citizen Khan from 8 pm to 10 pm. The story revolves around a family after it arrives back from a trip to Pakistan, Mr Khan’s mother-in-law announces she wants to move into a home. When Sam, the head of a local care centre arrives, Mr Khan is over-the-moon. That is, until he discovers the mother-in-law may be worth some money. With the help of son-in-law-to-be Amjad, a ridiculous disguise and a spying mission, Mr Khan tries to stop naani moving out at all costs.

    FX

    FX, for the very first time in India will premiere a funny yet terrifying prank show, Scare Tactics on 1 January at 8 pm. Scare Tactics is a hidden camera prank show that puts victims into terrifying situations, usually involving movie-style special effects and makeup that recreates horror movie clichés. The victims, generally four per episode, are set up by friends and/or family in tandem with the producers.

    The channel will also premiere The X-Files – Essential Collection, starting from 1 – 28 January, 2016 every Monday to Friday at 11 pm. The series will consist of 20 selected episodes from previous seasons of The X Files personally chosen and curated by original series creator, Chris Carter along with some never-seen-before footage as a build-up to the all-new miniseries of the cult sci-fi show releasing in 2016!

    Movies Now

    Movies Now, as part of 100 Mania, will air Man of Steel at 9 pm on 31 December. The channel will also add an extra element of excitement for its viewers by giving out an iPhone 6S as a prize on the day.

    Additionally, MN+ will treat its viewers by premiering Kate Winslet’s Little Chaos at 9 pm on New Year’s Eve.

    The channel will also hold the mega-premiere of the Hollywood comedy, That Awkward Moment on 1 January at 11 pm. The movie stars Zac Efron, Michael B. Jordan and Miles Teller, and is written and directed by Tom Gormican.

    The movie revolves around three best friends and the turmoil’s of their relationships, which results in them deciding to stay single and enjoy life. Things however change when the boys Jason, Daniel and Mikey start juggling their single life with their romantic interest as things get really awkward for them to handle.

    Romedy Now

    The channel will add to the joy of New Year by airing the widely loved show How I Met Your Mother all day long from 9 am to 9 pm. The channel will also premiere She’s Funny That Way at 9 pm.

    Star Movies

    The channel is all geared up with an exciting line-up of best of Hollywood movies this New Year. The channel for its 31 December schedule will air Exodus: Gods and Kings at 1 pm followed by Dawn of the Planet of the Apes at 5 pm. Next in line is Real Steel, which will be aired at 7 pm followed by Titanic at 9 pm.

    On 1 January, the channel will premiere X-Men at 2 pm followed with Fantastic Four at 4 pm. X2: X-Men United will see its broadcast at 6 pm with X-Men: Days of Future Past scheduled next.

    Star Movies Select HD

    Star Movies Select HD will air a few blockbuster hits on 31 December starting with Tangled at 5 pm followed by Wall Street at 7 pm. The next in line is The Bourne Supremacy at 9 pm and Gone Girl at 11 pm.

    The channel, for its 1 January treat, will air movies like Mary Poppins at 11 am followed by The Grand Budapest Hotel at 1 pm. The heart-warming movie, Fault in our Stars will be telecast at 5 pm. Viewers will also be able to enjoy other movies like Remember the Titans at 7 pm, Snow White and the Huntsmen at 9 pm and Alan Partridge: The Movie at 11 pm.

    Star World Premiere HD

    The channel has lined up a row of special programming reflecting the spirit of celebration called, Mad Hatter’s Party. The party will begin on 31 December from 12 pm onwards with season 1 of Muppets. The show includes characters Kermit the Frog, Rizzo the Rat, Beaker, Miss Piggy, Fozzie Bear, Waldorf, Rowlf the Dog, Bobo the bear and many more as the cast.

    The Muppets serves as a parody of other mockumentary-style series, such as Modern Family, Parks and Recreation andThe Office, by employing the same single-camera setup filming style with the implication of a documentary crew filming everyone.

    The channel will also air season 7 of Modern Family on 1 January at 12 pm. The show known for its crazy antics among the members of the Dunphy and Pritchett families follows their daily lives as they deal with ups and downs in hilarious ways just like modern-day families in real-life who encounter various situations every day.

    Star World

    Star World and Star World HD, following an online poll asking viewers to pick the show they’d like to watch, will air back-to-back episodes of Two Broke Girls on 31 December and 1 January from 12 pm onwards. The poll, #YouPickTheShow wherein the channel had asked the users to vote for their favourite show was conducted via Star World’s digital properties and the choices given to the viewers were: Two and a Half Men season 12, Two Broke Girlsseason 4 and Melissa & Joey season 4.

  • Warner Bros. Home Entertainment to debut UHD Blu-Ray titles in 2016

    Warner Bros. Home Entertainment to debut UHD Blu-Ray titles in 2016

    MUMBAI: To coincide with the availability of Ultra HD Blu-ray players in the marketplace in early 2016, Warner Bros. Home Entertainment will be offering four titles on Ultra HD (UHD) Blu-ray at initial launch showcasing 4K Ultra HD resolution with High Dynamic Range (HDR), offering consumers a sharper, brighter and more colourful home entertainment viewing experience than ever before.  

    The first available titles will be Mad Max: Fury Road, San Andreas, The Lego Movie and Pan.

    Following quickly will be theatrical new release titles available day and date with their initial home entertainment release as well as a selection of catalog titles throughout the year including Man of Steel and Pacific Rim.

    By the end of 2016, Warner Bros. will have over 35 titles available on Ultra HD Blu-ray. To complement the disc releases, Warner Bros. will also expand the titles available on 4K Ultra HD with HDR via digital retailers. Dolby Atmos will also be included on select titles for a truly immersive home theater experience.

    “We are excited to take this next technological leap which will allow us to bring our audiences the best possible home viewing experience with crystal clear images and immersive audio. Ultra HD with HDR is the next, and most exciting, advancement in home entertainment, and with the anticipated proliferation of Ultra HD televisions in the coming years, our Ultra HD Blu-ray product offerings will truly complement the stunning capabilities of this new generation of home entertainment hardware.  Warner Bros. is fully committed to releasing a wide range of Ultra HD Blu-ray titles, including both new release titles and offerings from our vast catalog,” said Warner Bros. Worldwide Home Entertainment Distribution president Ron Sanders.

    Warner Bros.’ Ultra HD Blu-ray Discs will feature 4K resolution, High Dynamic Range for enhanced picture vibrancy and colour contrast, a wider range of available colours, smoother colour transitions, and immersive audio on select titles.

  • Warner TV to launch on Singapore’s Singtel TV

    Warner TV to launch on Singapore’s Singtel TV

    MUMBAI: Singapore’s Singtel TV viewers will now be able to catch the latest US series within hours of their US premiere with the launch of Warner TV (HD). Starting 1 January, 2016, Warner TV will be available on Channel 306 in high definition.

     

    Warner TV features action, comedy and drama titles and movies from Warner Bros. and Turner. Some of them includeArrow, Gotham, iZombie and Blindspot; comedy series such as Mom, The Big Bang Theory and 2 Broke Girls; and weekend movies including Gravity, Pacific Rim and Hangover 3 amongst others.

     

    The January launch will also be anchored by the premiere of the highly-anticipated action series DC’s Legends of Tomorrow, which will air same day as the US, on Friday, 22 January at 9 pm. The series, which stars familiar characters from other hit DC series including Arrow and The Flash, brings together an all-star cast as they battle against a diabolical threat against the world.

     

    Singtel Singapore consumer MD Goh Seow Eng said, “Singtel is committed to securing quality family entertainment for our customers and we are delighted to launch Warner TV (HD) from our long-time partner Turner International on Singtel TV. With popular series and blockbuster hits specially selected for Asian audiences, Warner TV will boost our already strong line-up, giving our customers even more exciting premium entertainment for their viewing pleasure.”
     

     

    Turner International Asia Pacific president Ricky Ow added, “Singtel TV now carries the full slate of Turner’s Southeast Asia channels across news, general entertainment and kids programming: CNN International, HLN, truTV, TCM Turner Classic Movies, Oh!K, Cartoon Network, Toonami and Boomerang. We’re confident that Warner TV with the latest and hottest content – express from the US – will have huge appeal to Singtel TV viewers on both Channel 306 and on catch-up via Warner TV Encore.”

     

    With the inclusion of Warner TV (HD), Singtel TV will now host the most HD-enabled channels in Singapore. Warner TV (HD) is part of the Family Starter pack and will be available for free preview to all Singtel TV subscribers until 4 February, 2016. The channel will also be available via the on-demand service Warner TV Encore, which can be accessed through the Singtel TV companion app, Singtel TV GO.