ITV

Category: English Entertainment

  • Comedy Centrals destruct-o-matic lets you vent out your anger

    Comedy Centrals destruct-o-matic lets you vent out your anger

    MUMBAI: Comedy Central has played a pivotal role in bringing some of the biggest American sitcoms to India. Earlier in February, the channel premiered the biggest and most anticipated sitcom of the year – Anger Management. The show broke cable TV records in America, making it the most-watched series of all time. The show opened to a crazy frenzy in India as well with fans asking for more of the protagonist – Charlie Sheen.

    Keeping this frenzy in mind, the channel decided to take the success of the show beyond television by presenting viewers with a digital application, The ‘Destruct-O-Matic’ – a one of its kind application – will be launched on Facebook and Twitter today.

    The Destruct-O-Matic is a Mechanical Machine, which allows users to vent their anger and frustration, on a scapegoat that can take it, instead of at each other. Users are given a list of seven methods they can employ to take out their frustration on a dummy on-screen. The user will be able to see the effect of his actions in real time on his screen. There is a live-feed of the Destruct-O-Matic on a microsite, which users can interact with. Each of the vent-actions are activated via tweets or posts on Twitter or Facebook, by visiting the Destruct-O-Matic microsite and logging in via a social networking sign in.

    Speaking on the launch of the ‘Destruct-O-Matic’ application, Viacom18 English Entertainment Sr. VP and GM Ferzad Palia said, “At Comedy Central, it is our constant endeavour to not only offer our viewers the best of comedy available across the globe but to also provide them with entertainment beyond television. Keeping up with the ever rising interaction levels of our TG in the digital domain, we decided to take the Anger Management experience further.  The launch of Destruct-O-Matic will see users venting their anger on digital platforms rather than in public, in a fun, witty and healthy way! I am sure our fans will be absolutely delighted to engage with the ‘Destruct-O-Matic’ and have fun while venting their anger.”

    The activity gives users a chance to take out their grudges on their friends by tagging them in their posts or mentioning them in their tweets. The excitement level increases as Comedy Central is set to short-list 10 of the wittiest, weirdest and most outrageous rationalisation for a ‘vent’. Shortlisted users will win comedy central merchandise.

    Comedy Central continues to air Anger Management with a new episode just 24 hours after US telecast- every Friday at 10:00 pm.

  • Clement Schwebig joins Turner International Asia Pacific

    Clement Schwebig joins Turner International Asia Pacific

    MUMBAI: There’s a new member in the Turner International team who will handle its business development in the Asia Pacific region. Clement Schwebig has joined the network as the senior vice president and will look after the network’s growth strategy in the region.

     

    He will assist in the creation of new local and pan regional channels and develop local content as well. Schwebig has an experience of 15 years in TV operations in two continents – Europe and Asia. Recently, he was a part of the Europe’s leading entertainment company RTL group in Mumbai and led the launch of the channel BIG RTL Thrill. This was the first channel from the co-operation of RTL and Reliance Broadcast.

     

    Previously, he was the COO of Alpha Media Group in Greece and CFO of RTL Televizija in Croatia. His expertise includes TV broadcasting and production including strategy, finance and sales. 

  • Fox Star Studios to release 28 films in 52 weeks in India

    Fox Star Studios to release 28 films in 52 weeks in India

    MUMBAI: Fox Star Studios’ seems to be on a roll. After releasing Bullett Raja directed by Tigmanshu Dhulia, the studio is set to roll out as many as 28 films in the next 52 weeks that is more than one film every 2 weeks across Hindi, English and Tamil. It would be the highest ever for any studio in India.

     

    With as many as nine Hindi films, four Tamil films and 15 English Films slated for release in 2014, the studio is looking at its busiest year ever since its inception in 2008. The Bollywood titles will feature A-listers like, Hrithik Roshan, Saif Ali Khan, Ranbir Kapoor, Emraan Hashmi, Arjun Kapoor and leading ladies Katrina Kaif, Deepika Padukone, Anushka Sharma and Vidya Balan.

     

    Speaking about the Hindi lineup that includes mega productions, massy entertainers and clutter breaking films, Fox Star Studios CEO Vijay Singh says, “In doing so, the Studio is making a strong statement about scaling up and becoming a key player in the Hindi film industry as also working with diverse talent cutting across genres!”

     

    The studio is strengthening its old partnerships and has new associations too. They have a three-film deal with Vishesh films (on the back of Raaz 3, Jannat 2 and Murder 3’s success) and Amole Gupte’s Hawaa Hawaai (post Stanley Ka Dabba’s criticial and commercial success). In terms of new alliances, the studio has joined hands with Pooja Entertainment and Films Ltd, Phantom Films, Illuminati Films and Endemol India.

     

    “Our partnership with Vishesh films and others, is a testimony to the fact that FSS has used its strength in creative, distribution and marketing, in sustaining lasting partnerships and creating new ones in the industry since its inception in 2008.”

     

    In Tamil, the studio will lead with its partnership with CV Kumar’s Thirukumaran Entertainment with two films — V.Chitram and Mundasupatti and Cukkoo with Next Big Films. The studio is also partnering with Atlee Kumar once more.

     

    Among its Hollywood lineup, the studio plans to roll out as many as 15 films including some major titles like The Secret Life of Walter Mitty, Rio 2, X Men First Class: Days of the Future Past, How to train your Dragon 2, Dawn of the Planet of the Apes, Night At The Museum 3 and Oscar runner, The Book Thief.

  • Thai Film industry looking for Indian movies to be produced in Thailand

    Thai Film industry looking for Indian movies to be produced in Thailand

    MUMBAI: In a media interaction at the 44th International Film Festival of India (IFFI) in Panjim, Goa today, the lead actor of the Thai film, Only God Forgives Vithaya Pansringarm said that Thailand has a great opportunity for production of Indian movies. He said that Thailand, being a film destination for Hollywood/international movies, production of Indian films is also possible there. He added that Indian movies are liked in his country and DVDs and films with Thai subtitles are also available in the Thai market.

     

    In the film Only God Forgives, Pansringarm played a retired police officer’s role who believes that he`s God and an Angel of Vengeance who also has a responsibility to protect his society from any bad karma or bad spirits. The film talks about a young lady’s struggle to avenge the murder of her brother on the demand of her mother, in Bangkok.

     

    Producer of Thai film Tang Wong, Soros Sukhum said that his film is part of independent cinema and Thailand film industry should make film based on modern concepts in place of superstitions. Soros Sukhum has also supported the idea of producing more films in Thailand. Tang Wong is about four Bangkok boys who had taken different wishes to perform a performance of a traditional Thai dance, if their wishes are fulfilled. The struggle to perform this dance is the main theme of the film.

  • Big RTL Thrill presents Driven to extremes

    Big RTL Thrill presents Driven to extremes

    MUMBAI: To set adrenaline rushing of its target audience, Big RTL Thrill, a male entertainment destination on television, this December will be premiering Driven to Extremes.

     

    The three-part programme, available in dual feeds of Hindi and English, will be aired on the 1, 8 and 15 of December and will see Hollywood celebrities like Tom Hardy, Henry Cavill and Adrien Brody along with a motor sport professional, pitting two specially-built vehicles against three of the most difficult roads on earth.

     

    The company said in a statement, “We are extremely pleased to bring Driven to Extremes to the Indian audiences. This show has been critically acclaimed the world over and also has a great fan following, owing the participating celebrities. With the adventurous premise, high drama and excitement quotient, Driven to Extremes comprises of all the aspects that male viewers look for in a great TV show and we are confident that it will resonate well with our audiences and advertisers alike.”

  • Rupert Murdoch clashes with Tony Blair over Wendi Deng

    Rupert Murdoch clashes with Tony Blair over Wendi Deng

    MUMBAI: Media baron Rupert Murdoch and his ex-wife Wendi Deng may have called it quits, but there seems to be lots brewing between the two even now. Several media reports are hinting towards a rift between Murdoch and Tony Blair. The reason being stated is the former premier’s friendship with Wendi.

     

    Though Blair had always stated that his relationship with Deng is platonic, it is learnt that Murdoch has refused to speak to him since filing for divorce from Deng in June.
    According to reports, the breakdown of the friendship between the two men is being attributed to the claims that both Blair and Deng met on several occasions without Murdoch’s knowledge.

     

    It was in June that Blair had to come out in open to clear the air which linked him to Murdoch’s divorce. At the time, his spokesman had told the Hollywood Reporter: ‘If you are asking if they are having an affair, the answer is no.’

     

    An acquaintance of Murdoch was quoted: ‘Rupert Murdoch will have nothing more to do with Tony Blair. Not ever.’ Several media reports were seen quoting Murdoch’s friends.  In a report published in The Mail, another friend of Murdoch said: ‘If you think that Rupert made a decision to end his marriage and a long-term friendship without just cause, you are sorely mistaken.’

     

    However The Mail also quoted a close friend of Blair saying: “The ridiculous stories about Wendi and Tony’ were not true.” Blair’s friends insist that the relationship between Blair and Deng was innocent and that they never met alone.

     

    While the duo had formed a strong friendship, with Blair becoming god- father to the Murdochs’ daughter Grace in 2010, this rift surely comes as a shock to many.

  • Zee Caf has a vibrant show line-up this December

    Zee Caf has a vibrant show line-up this December

    MUMBAI: With the holidays around the corner the English entertainment channel from the Zee stable – Zee Café – is all set to showcase an exciting new line up of shows for its viewers.

     

    The shows stacked up to unleash this December are: The Big Bang Theory (Season 7) that will be telecast on Sundays at 1:30 pm and 9:30 pm; The Vampire Diaries (Season 5) will follow suit on Sundays at 2:00 pm and 10:00 pm. Zee Café will also have the British crime series Poirot – based on Agatha Christie’s fictional eponymous detective Hercule Poirot -screening from Monday to Friday at 11:00 pm; the programme line-up also has Malibu Country – a sitcom starring the popular American country musician Reba McEntire – running from Monday to Friday at 8:30 pm.

     

    The channel is also digging back into some of the popular series aired earlier on the channel; it will air the newest seasons of the much loved Switched At Birth starting 11 December, Monday to Friday at 10:00 pm and Happy Endings beginning 23 December Monday to Friday at 8:30 pm.

     

    Keeping up with the spirit of the festive season, the channel has lined up some exciting content for Christmas and New Year’s Eve. Giving the viewer wholesome family entertainment on Christmas, it will air a marathon of the much loved sitcom The Middle on 25 December.

     

    Café’s New Year’s special will have both men and women glued to their TV sets as the Victoria’s Secret models sashay down the ramp for the Victoria’s Secret Fashion show 2013! The runway show will also include musical performances by Taylor Swift & Fall Out Boy, pink carpet interviews, model profiles and a behind-the-scenes look at the making of the show.

     

    So be ready to catch the world’s most gorgeous models walk one of the most coveted fashion shows, aired exclusively on 31 December. With so much entertainment packed into the month, Café has certainly ensured that December will be a viewer’s delight!

  • Big RTL Thrill to telecast I Am Bruce Lee

    Big RTL Thrill to telecast I Am Bruce Lee

    MUMBAI: Big RTL Thrill, is all set to pay tribute to Bruce Lee on his 73rd birth anniversary. The channel which caters mainly to the male audience will telecast I Am Bruce Lee exclusively for its Indian audiences. The documentary which chronicles the action-packed life of the martial arts hero will be aired on 27 November at 10:00 pm.

     

    The channel which is available in dual feeds of Hindi and English, through this offering, gives an opportunity to all the martial art enthusiasts to have an insight into the master’s life who has justified each role with perfection from being a martial art expert, and founder of Jeet Dune Do to a son, husband and legendary icon.

     

    Across the world, I Am Bruce Lee is a well applauded documentary–cum- biopic about the greatest phenomena of martial arts, Bruce Lee. The documentary not only showcases the master’s excellence but will also focus on his personal life through the lens of his family, friends etc. The biopic is an interesting mixture of the master’s personal and professional stories. It includes footage featuring Bruce Lee’s students from the past, co-actors and everybody closely involved with his life. 

  • Two new shows set to spice up CCs programme line-up

    Two new shows set to spice up CCs programme line-up

    MUMBAI: The best in English comedy available on the television tube in the country just added some more spice to their show line-up. Come December, the primetime laughter buzz continues on India’s 24×7 laughter destination, Comedy Central as it launches the latest season of two widely popular shows.

     

    The channel best known to deliver refreshing comedy content to its viewers consistently, month after month is now all geared up to introduce two new shows in the timeslot  between 10:00 pm – 12:00 pm, adding new definition to primetime.

     

    The show spread includes – Season 3 of Awkward at 10:00 pm and Workaholics at 11:00, premiering 2 December, 2013, every Monday to Wednesday on the channel.

    Awkward: This American teen comedy encapsulates the journey, up’s and down’s of an unpopular 15 year old girl, Jenna Hamilton. She gains immediate, yet unwanted, popularity at her high school when the student body mistakes an infamous accident she has for a suicide attempt. However, embracing her misfortune, she becomes well-known to her peers through her blog.

     

     The show has received nominations for ‘Critics’ Choice Television Awards, 2012’ for ‘Best Comedy Actress’ followed by the triumph at  ‘Teen Choice Awards, 2012’ for ‘TV Breakout Star: Male’ and the recent ‘People’s Choice Awards, 2013’ for ‘Favorite Cable TV Comedy.’

     

    Workaholics: This American sitcom-drama based in Rancho Cucamonga, California is predominantly written by its stars Blake Anderson, Adam DeVine, Anders Holm, and co-creator Kyle Newacheck who play, respectively, three recent college dropouts, roommates, and co-workers at a telemarketing company. Accompanying them is their drug dealer.

     

    The show captures the life of these unmotivated college graduates as they venture into the real world is all about. From now on they will be forced to follow dress codes, make deadlines and above all wake up before noon. After realising they are no longer responsible for making the grade in school, they will do whatever it takes to avoid work and have a good time.

  • Dance India Dance USA edition finale on 7 December

    Dance India Dance USA edition finale on 7 December

    MUMBAI: Zee TV Americas together with Arya Dance Academy International is all set for the first ever Dance India Dance USA Edition. More than 5,000 contestants from 16 cities in North America auditioned, out of which 20 contestants were handpicked by industry professionals to participate in live competition at the State Theater in New Brunswick, New Jersey on Saturday, 7 December starting at 4:00 pm.  

     

    Each contestant will be performing a two-minute dance number. To conclude the competition, the final five contestants will compete in a dance-off.  Stunts, costumes, and bursts of talent will fill the stage as dancers battle it out for the winning title.

     

    Zee TV Americas GM Sameer Targe said; “Dance India Dance now in its fourth season continues to top the charts. This year we went a step further and decided to create a platform for South Asian youth here in America. This step is in continuation of our efforts to localise our programming and connect with our first generation as well as our second generation south Asian audiences.”

     

    The competition will be hosted by Punar Vivaah sensation Karan V. Grover and judged by DID 4 judge Feroz Khan, DID season 1 winner Salman Khan and the founder of Arya Dance Academy, Rupal Patel. The live audience will also get a chance to participate in voting for their favourite contestants via SMS.

     

    Founder of Arya Dance Academy, Rupal Patel said: “Arya Dance Academy is excited to work alongside Zee TV in bringing Dance India Dance to the North America and providing dancers across the US and Canada with the platform to compete at the highest level.  Throughout the audition process we have seen a great amount of talent with diverse dance styles ranging from Bollywood to contemporary to classical Indian dance.  We cannot wait to see self taught dancers to professionally trained dancers come together on the same stage on 7 December at Dance India Dance USA Edition!”