ITV

Category: English Entertainment

  • Bill Cosby set for comeback with NBC’s family comedy

    Bill Cosby set for comeback with NBC’s family comedy

    MUMBAI: Once a household name in the 1980s, Bill Cosby is believed to be returning with a half-hour family comedy. According to recent reports NBC has signed on the 1984, The Cosby Show star in an effort to revive the sitcom genre and pump in some much needed ratings for the network.

     

    Cosby will be looking to bring some of the old magic back to NBC, which has been going through a rough time with comedies. The deal brings the 76-year-old entertainer together with a writing staff to create a script for a comedy that casts Cosby as the patriarch of a multigenerational family and, like the comedian’s previous family sitcoms – Cosby Show and Cosby on CBS – will see him giving his take on marriage and parenting.

     

    Cosby’s latest TV venture is Bill Cosby: Far From Finished, a stand-up comedy special that premiered on Comedy Central in November.

  • Romedy NOW doubles the dose of Love and Laughter with the launch of premium TV series

    Romedy NOW doubles the dose of Love and Laughter with the launch of premium TV series

    MUMBAI: Romedy NOW, India’s exclusive English Entertainment Channel is now expanding its programming content with the best of English TV series to be aired in India starting 26th Jan. The channel will premiere ‘Witches of East End’, the current hottest TV show in the US for the first time in India. Adding to the excitement and most awaited entertainment, Romedy NOW also gives its viewers a visual treat with ‘Kitchen Confidential’ starring the ever enticing Bradley Cooper and themuch lovedCalistaFlockhart in ‘Ally McBeal’.

    Commenting on the launch of the additional programming, Ajay Trigunayat – CEO English Entertainment Channels, Times Television Network said, “Romedy NOW is all set to take its programming to the next level with the launch of the much awaited TV series. These series will offer the viewers a bouquet of refreshing new content to catch up on their daily dose of Love and Laughter.”

    Americas hottest supernatural love series – ‘Witches of East End’ will premiere on Sunday, 26th January 2014 at 8.00 PM on Romedy NOW. Starring Julia Ormond in the lead role, the show centres around the adventures of a family of witches. The two daughters Freya, a wild-child bartender played by Jenna Dewan-Tatum and Ingrid, a shy librarian played by Rachel Boston are both unaware of their magical birth right, but a series of events forces their mother to admit that they are, in fact, powerful and immortal witches.

    From the makers of ‘Sex and the City’ comes another exciting comedy ‘Kitchen Confidential’ starring ‘Bradley Cooper’. This all new highlight is based on ‘Anthony Bourdain’s New York Times bestselling book, ‘Kitchen Confidential: Adventures in the Culinary Underbelly.’ Those with an appetite for wit and humour are sure to have their fill with this lip smacking and delicious series. Get ready as Hollywood heartthrob Bradley Cooper takes you through the delectable story of a talented chef who’s determined to climb back to the top of the food game.

    The zingy and evergreen American legal comedy-drama ‘AllyMcBeal’ follows trials and tribulations in the life of the main protagonist – Ally played by Calista Flockhart. Ally is a single young lawyer looking for love and fulfillment in life but while working for a Boston Law firm with her ex-lover, her overactive imagination overtakes her thoughts and fantasies as she works each case. The show is powered by Panasonic Smart Phones.

     

    The series will be promoted by a high decibel marketing campaign led by extensive promotion across the Times Television Network and is supported by heavy engagement driving conversations on the digital space. Using the core element of each show, Romedy NOW will engage viewers in a series of innovative contests and quizzes on their twitter and facebook pages.

    Additionally, an extensive print campaign is planned across select Times publications along with a massive Outdoor campaign across select cities.
    Romedy NOW is available in dual feeds in State-Of-The-Art High Definition (HD) and 5.1 Digital Surround Sound as ROMEDY NOW+ and in Standard Definition as ROMEDY NOW, across all platforms – Cable, DTH, IPTV and emerging technologies.

    To subscribe to ROMEDY NOW, just call 18001231101 (it’s toll-free) or SMS ROMEDY to 58888 or write to hello@Romedynow.com
    Have a daily affair full of love & laughter with some much needed eye candy every night only on Romedy NOW

     

  • Power to surge at MIPTV

    Power to surge at MIPTV

    Paris, Tuesday 21 January 2014 – MIPTV announces the exclusive preview of the upcoming Starz original drama series, Power, as the MIPTV 2014 World Premiere TV Screening.

    The eight-episode first season was created by showrunner Courtney Kemp Agboh (“The Good Wife”) with Curtis Jackson, aka 50 Cent, on board as Executive Producer and part of a stellar cast.

    Power tells the story of wealthy New York City nightclub owner, James ‘Ghost’ St. Patrick, who caters to the city’s elite.  He wants to build an empire, turning the club into a Fortune 500 business, but there’s just one problem: he is living a double life.  When he is not in the nightclub, he is the kingpin of the most lucrative drug network in New York for a very high-level clientele.  His marriage, family and business all become unknowingly threatened as he is tempted to leave his criminal life behind and become the rags-to-riches businessman he has always dreamed of.  Set in modern day New York, the series will film in and around the city’s five boroughs, making New York a major character throughout the season.

    “I am excited to host the World Premiere TV Screening of Power at MIPTV with Starz.  We are looking forward to bringing this story to audiences around the world,” said Executive Producer Curtis ‘50 Cent’ Jackson.

    “Starz is thrilled to premiere Power at MIPTV 2014,” said Starz CEO Chris Albrecht.  “It’s a universal story of power, seduction and the desire for redemption, all set against one of the most striking and glamorous backdrops in the world – New York City.  We believe world-wide audiences will be swept up in the storytelling, the city and the music.  MIPTV is the perfect setting to premiere Power.”

    “We are honoured that Starz has chosen to showcase its latest major new series as a World Premiere TV Screening at MIPTV.  This underlines the impact of the event, which is ideally suited to a show like Power that is bound to have wide appeal to the numerous international buyers and media present in Cannes,” said Laurine Garaude, Director of Reed MIDEM’s Television Division.

    The cast is led by Omari Hardwick (Sparkle, For Colored Girls, Kick Ass) who is joined by Lela Loren (Snitch, Gang Related), Naturi Naughton (Fame, The Client List, Mad Men) and Joseph Sikora (Jack Reacher, Safe, Boardwalk Empire).  Hardwick stars as main character James ‘Ghost’ St. Patrick; Loren plays Angela Valdes, an old flame of James’ who unexpectedly reenters his life; Naughton will play Tasha St. Patrick, wife, confidant and willing accomplice to James and Sikora plays Tommy Egan, childhood best friend and business partner to Ghost.

    Mark Canton (300, Immortals, 300: Rise of an Empire), Randall Emmett (End of Watch, 2 Guns, Lone Survivor) and David Knoller (Big Love, Carniv?le) also serve as Executive Producers.  The series is being produced in association with CBS Television Studios.  Filmed on location in and around New York, the city itself is also a major player in the series, which is being produced in association with CBS Television Studios.  Starz retains all global distribution and home entertainment rights to the series.

    Executive Producers, alongside Kemp Agboh and Jackson, include Mark Canton, (300, Immortals), Randall Emmett (End of Watch) and David Knoller (Big Love, Carniv?le).

    The MIPTV World Premiere TV Screening takes place on Monday 7 April in the Grand Auditorium of the Palais des Festivals. The screening of Power will be followed by an on-stage conversation with Curtis ’50 Cent’ Jackson, along with the series’ lead actor Omari Harwick and creator Courtney Kemp Agboh.  The talent will later walk the red carpet to attend the MIPTV Opening Night Party.

    Organised by Reed MIDEM, the MIPTV entertainment market takes place in Cannes from 7-10 April.

  • AHI registers record sales for the 56th Annual Grammy Awards

    AHI registers record sales for the 56th Annual Grammy Awards

    NEW JERSEY: In anticipation of the upcoming ceremony set to air live in the US on 26 January, on the CBS Television Network, Alfred Haber, President of Alfred Haber, Inc. (AHI) announced yesterday the company has racked up record sales for the 2014 56th Annual Grammy Awards, the 3 and a half hour extravaganza billed as Music’s Biggest Night.

     

    With the 2014 show marking 25 years of representation of the Grammy Awards by AHI, global broadcasters to sign on for this spectacular show that continues to be the world’s most popular televised music event include:  Channel 4 (UK), Rogers Media (Canada), ProSieben (Germany), WOWOW (Japan), D17/Canal Plus (France), Televisa (Mexico), Fox International Channel (Asia), Viacom 18 (India), Turner (Latin America), Shanghai Media Group (China), M-Net (Africa), TV 2 (Turkey), NetMedia (Indonesia), Ren-TV (Russia), TV2 (Denmark)  and Cignal TV (Philippines).

     

    “With over a quarter of a century of representation, we at Alfred Haber, Inc. are honored to once again be representing the Grammy Awards to the international television community,” commented Haber.  “Music has the ability to transcend all language barriers and borders and this remarkable event is something that, this season, will be enjoyed by audiences in more than 190 territories the world over.”

     

    Performers announced thus far for this year’s show include current Grammy nominee Sara Bareilles with four-time Grammy winner and 2014 MusiCares Person of the Year Carole King; nominees Daft Punk with nominee Nile Rodgers, nominee Pharrell Williams, and 25-time Grammy winner Stevie Wonder; nominee Kendrick Lamar joined by nominees Imagine Dragons; nominee John Legend; nominee Lorde; nominees Macklemore & Ryan Lewis; nominee Paul McCartney; eight-time Grammy-winning group Metallica with Grammy Cultural Ambassador to China Lang Lang; nominee Kacey Musgraves; nominee Katy Perry; nominees P!nk and Nate Ruess (of FUN.); nine-time Grammy winner Ringo Starr; Taylor Swift; nominee Robin Thicke with Grammy-winning group Chicago; nominee Keith Urban; and a special “Grammy Moment” featuring two-time Grammy winner Merle Haggard, three-time Grammy winner and 2014 Recording Academy Lifetime Achievement Award recipient Kris Kristofferson, seven-time Grammy winner Willie Nelson, and current nominee Blake Shelton. 

  • ‘True Detective’ gets off to a great start

    ‘True Detective’ gets off to a great start

    MUMBAI: Early buzz suggests that HBO’s brand new original series True Detective, which premiered in India on HBO Defined on 19 January, may well turn out a winner.

     

    With all eight episodes penned by novelist Nic Pizzolatto and directed by Cary Fukunaga, the opening season of the crime drama examines a grisly Louisiana crime through the eyes of the detectives who handled the case.

     

    Matthew McConaughey – who just won the Screen Actors Guild Award for Outstanding Male Actor in a Leading Role for his turn in the Oscar-nominated Dallas Buyers Club – and Woody Harrelson play detectives Rustin ‘Rust’ Cohle and Martin Hart, respectively, as they recall the gruesome murder of former prostitute Dora Kelly Lange, whose body is found with a symbol painted on the back and a ‘crown’ of deer antlers on the head. With the narrative yo-yoing between the 90s when the crime actually took place and present-day, flashback is extensively used.

     

    Speaking to indiantelevision.com about the new series, HBO India managing director Monica Tata said that all HBO originals – series and movies made for HBO by HBO – were classified as premium content and were aired only on HBO Premium channels, that is HBO Hits and HBO Defined, without being punctuated by advertisements or breaks.

     

    “HBO Originals are path-breaking content made for HBO by HBO, which is what makes them premium. Watch these award winning dramas, with stellar performances from the biggest names in Hollywood, 100 per cent ad-free, only on the HBO Premium Channels,” informed Tata. “Apart from being ad-free and break-free on HBO premium channels, HBO originals are available within a week of the US premiere, which sets them apart from competition on other English GECs. As True Detective will be airing on the HBO Premium channels, no ads or breaks will be seen during the show. Each episode is close to 60 minutes in length, which TV lovers can watch on HBO Defined 100% ad-free and break free.”

     

    Asked if the series is suitable for prime time viewing, Tata replied: “HBO is known for its award-winning and critically acclaimed HBO original series and movies that air at prime time on HBO Premium channels, within a week of the US premiere. HBO originals are a key driver of our programming strategy for our premium channels and give consumers 100% ad-free entertainment.”

     

    So how many seasons of True Detective do they plan to air? “The only TV series that HBO airs on its channels are HBO and Cinemax originals. Our content rights are for all commissioned seasons. As and when new seasons are added, rights for the same are acquired for the region,” she said.

     

    Given the dark nature of the series, were there a lot of cuts? “All content that airs on our linear channels in India is edited to meet the expectations and requirements of the Indian market. Our content team takes great care to edit content in ways such that we can align these expectations without compromising on the viewing experience. Our target audience is in the age group of 15-44,” she responded.

     

    What was the marketing strategy? “Our overall marketing message is focused on promoting HBO originals as cornerstones of the HBO experience. For the same, we have adopted a 360-degree approach that communicates with prospective subscribers of HBO premium channels from all directions and across long periods of time,” informed Tata.

     

    So will audiences see more such gripping and compelling dramas now that True Detective is already on air? “HBO premium channels air a wide range of HBO original content. Starting with True Detective, viewers will get to see Hollywood’s biggest names in TV series and movies made by HBO for HBO. HBO originals have been a key part of the programming strategy for HBO premium channels since their launch in 2013. New seasons and series’ premieres for 2014 begin airing mid-January onwards. In 2014, not only will HBO Premium Pack subscribers get to watch the latest HBO original series such as True Detective, the year will also be filled with new seasons of existing popular HBO original shows such as Game of Thrones, The Newsroom, Boardwalk Empire, and many more,” Tata answered.

     

    She emphasised that since HBO premium channels are completely ad-free and break-free there is no sponsorship or on-air advertising. They are available for subscription on all major DTH and cable platforms across India, with a reach of approximately 30 million homes. The primary viewership, like other English movie channels, comes from metro audiences. The rights to broadcast all HBO original content rest with HBO Asia.

  • RBNL-CBS part ways

    RBNL-CBS part ways

    MUMBAI: Two giants came together around three years ago: the Los Angeles based CBS Studios International and the Reliance ADA group’s Reliance Broadcast Networks Ltd (RBNL)’s subsidiary Reliance Television to set up Big CBS Networks, which would roll out a bunch of niche channels targeted at various specific audiences. Three channels emerged: Big CBS Prime, Big CBS Love, and Big CBS Spark.

    On 31 December 2013, the two parted ways and the shutters were downed on the joint venture, though Big CBS Prime and Love stopped getting carriage on DTH platforms and cable TV networks in November itself. At that time, when indiantelevision.com contacted RBNL CEO Tarun Katial, all he said was no comment but the channel spokesperson stated that the channels were being aired on platforms where carriage fees were not being charged and that efforts were being made to redeem the situation.

    But the fact is that a large US studio exited from the channel business in India just as the new year dawned, though it continues to operate in India and has been striking syndication deals with channels such as AXN from the Sony Entertainment Television network, Star World from Twenty first Century Fox and Zee Cafe from the Zee Network.

    RBNL officials say that the parting was healthy and happened mutually. Sources indicate that the two channels Love and Prime had eight employees and they have been absorbed in RBNL in other departments.  Big CBS Spark Punjabi has been renamed as Big Spark Punjabi and the network says it will be focusing on regional channels going forward.
     

  • Ex-BBC exec and Sony to launch U.K. Production Company

    Ex-BBC exec and Sony to launch U.K. Production Company

    MUMBAI: Sony Pictures Television (SPT) are launching a new U.K. production company called Electric Ray with the former British Broadcasting Company (BBC) entertainment commissioner Karl Warner. The name of the production company has been taken from Warner’s father’s nick name, who was an electrician.

     

    The development team at Electric Ray will be run by Thomas O’Brien who helped create E4?s Party House and ITV2?s The Magaluf Weekender in his previous roles at Room 414 and Two Four, while Warner will run the new venture as the managing director. Based in London, Electric Ray’s plan is to produce content for UK broadcasters and international export across the factual entertainment and entertainment genres. Electric Ray will also collaborate with SPT’s U.S. and international production companies on development, while its U.K. shows and formats will be exported by SPT’s distribution arm.

     

    Reportedly, Warner thinks that it’s an exciting time to launch an entertainment start-up as there is an appetite for shows that break new ground.

  • RIP pilot season, says Fox entertainment chairman

    RIP pilot season, says Fox entertainment chairman

    MUMBAI: American commercial broadcasting television network, FOX, owned by News. Corp. will be abandoning the traditional pilot season and will focus on developing new TV shows all year round.

     

    At the 2014 Television Critics Association Press Tour, 21st Century Fox Inc.’s Fox Broadcasting chairman of entertainment Keith Reilly explained that the outdated “pilot season” process just doesn’t work for TV anymore. Reilly opened his executive session with a R.I.P. sign “FOX Pilot Season 1986-2013? and stated that the network will not adhere to the traditional pilot season starting this year.

     

    “We are going to be bypassing pilot season,” he said, later referring to the old system as “a welfare state.” “The broadcast development system was built in different era with three networks and is highly inefficient. It is nothing short of a miracle talent can still produce anything of quality in that environment,” which he said includes ordering a ton of pilots, then screening them and making a decision over a two-week period, with the producers of the newly picked up series tasked with delivering a series on the air in six weeks.

     

    Pilot season came into existence not long after Philo Farnsworth in 1927 invented television, and is the beat that the television industry marches to. Networks fight it out for the best talent in front of and behind the cameras and then parade the end result to advertisers in glitzy presentations over the course of one week in New York City.

     

    “We’ve been trying to do away with pilot season for a long time at FOX,” said Reilly. “The broadcast scheduling process was built for a different era when there were three networks that had a near monopoly. We don’t live in that age anymore.”

     

    FOX will still participate in television’s so-called upfront presentations to advertisers in May, where networks present new shows to marketers.

  • Comedy Central announces its new year line up with four new shows

    Comedy Central announces its new year line up with four new shows

    MUMBAI: A brand new year calls for brand new reasons to smile and Comedy Central India, India’s only 24×7 laughter destination is bringing to its audience the perfect mix of humor that will set the ball rolling for a fabulous year ahead.

    Monday, 20th January 2014 will see the Indian premieres of – House of Lies,World’s Craziest Fools as well as the latest season launch of Arrested Development. Monday was never so much fun before!

    January also witnesses the premiere of Just For Laughsfor the first time on Comedy Central India starting 23rd January.

    Show synopsis

     

    House of Lies:
    This American drama comedy television series created by Matthew Carnahan follows a group of management consultants who stop at nothing to get business deals done. It is based on the book, House of Lies: How Management Consultants Steal Your Watch and Then Tell You the Time, written by Martin Kihn, a former consultant and is a subversive, scathing look at a self-loathing management consultant from a top-tier firm. Marty, a highly successful (played but Don Cheadle), cutthroat consultant is never above using any means (or anyone) necessary to get his clients the information they want.
    Don Cheadle has received the Primetime Emmy and Golden Globe Award for Best Actor in 2013 and 2013 amongst other awards for best actor like Critic’s Choice Television Award. Tune in to Comedy Central India on 20th January at 10 pm every Monday-Wednesday and you will see why!

     

    Arrested Development

    Join Michael Bluth in the latest season as he juggles his job and the disruptive family his imprisoned father left behind. Since its debut in 2003, the series has received widespread critical acclaim, six Primetime Emmy Awards and one Golden Globe Award, and has attracted a cult following, including several fan-based websites. In 2007, Time listed it among the magazine’s “All-TIME 100 TV Shows”. In 2008, the show was ranked 16th on Entertainment Weekly’s “New TV Classics” list. In 2011, IGN named Arrested Development the “funniest show of all time”

    Catch up with the Bluth family frenzy on Monday-Wednesday at 10:30 pm as Comedy Central brings back the madness this year!

     

    World’s Craziest Fools

    This show features all sorts of silly accidents that people around the world have and in turn look like fools! From jumping off things they shouldn’t be on, parking in absurd places and indulging in a little too much magic water – this show will have you giggling forever.  Presented by Mr. T – it showcases clips, sometimes viral of people from all over the world. The more believable it is, the funnier– you could have been in a similar situation too!

    Tune in from Monday-Thursday at 11 pm to catch fellow humans in acts of silliness, on your favorite comedy channel – Comedy Central India!

     

    Just For Laughs

    Just for Laughs is a comedy festival held each July in Montreal, Quebec, Canada. It is the largest international comedy festival in the world. Each day, street performers and other acts both vocal and visual perform throughout the city, particularly in the “Latin Quarter” — an area known for its theatres, cafés and boutique shopping. In the evenings, the nightclubs and live venue theatres offer special programs supporting the performers.
    Thursday-Friday at 10 pm, tune in to Comedy Central India and experience the magic of this festival of laughs!

     

  • Golden Globe Awards gets best viewership in 10 years

    Golden Globe Awards gets best viewership in 10 years

    MUMBAI: Sunday’s telecast of the 71st annual Golden Globe Awards seems to have exceeded all expectations. If numbers are to be believed the gala drew its best audience in the past decade with 20.9 million people tuning in to watch the Hollywood awards show, Comcast Corp-owned network NBC stated on Monday.

     

    The three-hour awards show, which honors the year’s achievements in film and television, rose six percent in total viewers compared to last year and was up two percent in the 18-49 age group most coveted by advertisers, according to early figures from Nielsen Media Research.

     

    The show hosted for a second consecutive year by comedians Tina Fey and Amy Poehler was received well once again as the Golden Globe Awards beat other televised ceremonies such as the Emmys and People’s Choice Awards for viewers. The duo have already signed on to host next year’s Golden Globes.

     

    Big film winners at the Golden Globes, which are handed out by the Hollywood Foreign Press Association, were historical slavery drama 12 Years a Slave and 1970s corruption romp American Hustle.