Category: English Entertainment

  • Get ready for Vh1 Summer League 2020

    Get ready for Vh1 Summer League 2020

    MUMBAI :The stakes are high, the stage is set, and the contenders are raring to go, as Vh1 India launches the summer’s hottest music showdown – Vh1 Summer League 2020. Kicking-off today, eight chartbusters of the year will go mano-a-mano in an electrifying three-staged competitionto emerge asthe – ‘Vh1 Song of The Summer’. Clashing in pairs, each battle willrun for three days, giving music fanatics the opportunity to vote for their favourite trackson the channel’s social media platforms.

    Expounding on the 4th edition, Hashim Dsouza – Head of Programming, English Entertainment, Viacom18, said, “Vh1 Summer League is one of the most engaging music properties that piques viewers’ interest and witnesses very high participation from them. Keeping our viewers involved, Vh1 Summer League serves as the only platform that links music fans to the process of ranking songson a popularity list in India. Year on year, each new season has witnessed an exponential rise in engagement on social media between fans and Vh1, with millions of votes pouring in during the last edition.”

    He further added, “It’s a trueclash of champions, where the growing fan bases of Indian-origin artists like Raja Kumari and Divine will try to out-vote the towering fan bases of international artists such as Taylor Swift, Drake, Justin Bieber, Tones And I, Roddy RichandThe Weeknd. We have paved the way for a much grander competition this year, at the end of which we shall find out the track that will remain as the Last Song Standing.”

    Vh1 Summer League 2020 Line-up & Schedule;

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    Winners from the first-round will face-off in the semi-final stage, with each match spanning another three days. The two tracks that remainwill competefor the top prize in the finals, taking the challenge to their fans. But there can be only one winner, asthe finalists will have to lock horns in an epic finale to become‘Vh1 Song of the Summer’.

    The voting takes place on Vh1 India’s official social media pages, with a unique grading system for each platform;

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  • Explorer Ed Stafford takes wife and toddler son on his biggest survival challenge yet in the new Discovery show ‘Man Woman Child Wild’

    Explorer Ed Stafford takes wife and toddler son on his biggest survival challenge yet in the new Discovery show ‘Man Woman Child Wild’

    Renowned adventurer Ed Stafford has survived alone in some of Earth’s most hostile environments, often desperate for food, shelter and water, but now he’s putting himself to the ultimate test. In the brand-new documentary ED STAFFORD: MAN WOMAN CHILD WILD premiering on Discovery, Discovery HD and Discovery Plus App on May 11, Ed will live off-grid on a remote uninhabited island in Indonesia for one month. He will be totally self-sufficient fending for himself in this unchartered location, but there’s a twist – this time, he won’t be alone as Ed will be joined by wife Laura Bingham and 20-month-old son Ran, where they will have to survive as a family, on the beautiful yet demanding island.  

    Completely self-filmed Ed, Laura and Ran’s survival challenge will see them based on one of Indonesia’s 18,000 islands, deep in the Indian Ocean. One hour away from civilisation and with no provisions, they will have to totally fend for themselves, with no idea of the water and food sources in advance, and with the looming threat of tropical storms ever present. 

    In the experiment, Ed and Laura want to take themselves away from the modern trappings of life to explore how life is when lived ‘back to basics’. With screen heavy lives, how will it affect them and their relationships when stripped of the modern trappings and obligations. Will they discover a more natural, wholesome way of living away from the distractions of modern-day life? Will their relationships get closer and will Ran’s development accelerate? 
    Talking about the show, Ed Stafford said, “I thought it would be fascinating as an experiment, for a family to go out and see whether they can survive and leave behind all the trappings of everyday life. Discovery Channel bought into the idea and they thought it would make a very interesting TV programme. I think we learned a lot of lessons along the way.” Talking about what helps him the most at stressful moments, Ed said, “The thing that I use on expeditions that helps me above everything else, especially, in survival situations is meditating.  It’s so important for me to be centred, to be aware, to be able to notice the things that are going on around you, but also to step back from your thoughts and your emotions and get to a place of calm.”

    “Man Woman Child Wild – with the explorer’s family in the mix – is an iconic example of survival based television format, a Discovery content forte. Audiences love and engage with us for such kind of content,” said, Sai Abishek, Director–Content, Factual & Lifestyle Entertainment – South Asia, Discovery. “We continue our endeavour to premiere shows even during lock down. Ed Stafford has huge following in India, and we will premiere the second series of ‘Ed Stafford: First Man Out’ immediately after which will air from May 18th.”

    This unique show, which started as an experiment, seeks to answer some very pertinent questions about the kind of lives we lead today, questions which have become even more important in light of the current pandemic that we are dealing with. Ed and Laura wanted to take themselves away from the modern comforts of life to explore how life is when lived ‘back to basics’. With screen heavy lives, how will it affect them and their relationship when stripped of the modern ways of living and social obligations? Will they discover a more natural, wholesome way of living away from the distractions of modern-day life? Will their relationship become stronger and will their son, Ran’s development accelerate? 

    Along with this exciting family show like no other, Ed Stafford will also be seen competing against the world’s top survivalists in a gritty, real-life race to get out of some of the most hostile environments on the planet on yet another Discovery Channel show: ‘ED STAFFORD: FIRST MAN OUT Season 2’, starting from 16th May.

    To view all the action, unfold, tune in to ED STAFFORD: MAN WOMAN CHILD WILD, which premieres in India on Monday, 11th May at 8 PM, only on the Discovery Channel.
     

  • ITV conducts webinar on content production during lockdown

    ITV conducts webinar on content production during lockdown

    MUMBAI: Broadcasters and OTTs are trying their best to keep the show running amid the restrictions of social distancing in the wake of the Covid2019 pandemic. In this context, indiantelevision.com  organised a webinar on 5 May, 2020 to help the fraternity to tide over the current crisis in production. The theme of the webinar was ‘Challenges in producing news and entertainment in the times of lockdown and Covid2019'.

    The webinar featured TVU Networks, a technology and market leader in IP- and cloud-based live video solutions. TVU demonstrated how remote and effective TVU technology can be used as a production tool to run news bulletin/shows from remote locations, without having to use a studio.

    The webinar enabled programme heads/CTOs to share ideas and acquire industry-leading knowledge, insights, knowhow and expertise.

    Those who attended the webinar are:

    Jared Timmins, SVP Solutions, TVU Networks,

    Devendra Maurya, technical head, TV9 Networks

    Sukanta Rana, Head technical & engineering, Odisha Television

    Hoicho VP – content Anindo Banerjee

    Ajit Nambiar, chief promo director, Asianet News Network.

    Senior TV journalist Bhupendra Chaubey

    Manish Sharma, Sr VP broadcast technology and operations, ABP News Network

    Fakt Marathi co-promoter Shirish Pattanshetty

    Bijumohan R from Mathrubhumi Television

    The session was moderated by Indian Television Group founder, CEO and editor-in-chief Anil Wanvari.  

    The Mountain View, California-headquartered TVU has been working is technology and market leader in IP- and cloud-based live video solutions. It is working with India broadcasters through its Business Continuity Initiative to help identify and offer the tools needed by customers to help sustain businesses while supporting the larger local community during this unprecedented time. As a part of this initiative, TVU is providing TV stations with the TVU Anywhere mobile app for reporting and anchoring, TVU Producer for cloud-based production and TVU Grid for video pool feeds and cross-sharing of video content for free through the end of May 2020.

    TUV associates with news stations and government offices in certain countries, including the USA, to set up video pool feeds using TVU Grid, TVU’s IP switching, routing and distribution solution, to streamline the sharing of critical information on Covid2019.

    Follow Tellychakkar for the consumer facing news & entertainment

  • Star World brings together leading brands and looks back at ‘The Wonder Years’

    Star World brings together leading brands and looks back at ‘The Wonder Years’

    MUMBAI: Star World, one of the leading English entertainment channels in the country, leans on nostalgia by bringing one of the classic TV shows The Wonder Years, from the golden era of 1990s when it was first introduced to Indian adolescence. Keeping in sync with the show’s sentiment of reminiscing the good old days, the channel took to the microblogging site with a throwback to the time of retro style Star World logo and took viewers back to simpler times.

    To give some respite to people stuck at home, Star World jumped in and added on to the wave of nostalgia that has hit the country owing to the lockdown. Through this interesting interaction initiated by the channel, other brands and TV channels got on-board and reminisced some nostalgic moments from their rich history.

    It all started with Star World tweeting “Throwback to the time where we helped you build your love for your favourite shows one episode at a time! #TheWonderYears”. Here’s the link to the tweet – click here.

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    And what followed was responses from the pioneers of Indian TV among other leading brands. Star Sports called out the good old days when India won its first Cricket World Cup!

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    National Geographic shared a throwback to the cosmic big bang.

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    Star Plus took us back to the historic moment of Draupadi’s Swayamwar.

    MTV India reminded us of the 90s when we would be hooked to MTV Bakra!

    McDonald’s took us back in the days of “Choti Choti Khushiyaan”.

    Also jumped in Walt Disney Studios India with references to our beloved Disney characters – from Mowgli to Nemo.

    Adding more fun, Gaana.com, Flipkart Video, Star Gold, Shemaroo, Star Movies, Cadbury Bournvita India, Disney+ Hotstar, Parle G, Vodafone India, Comedy Central, and Freshworks, also joined the banter.

    With this ultimate throwback to #TheWonderYears, Star World brought together brands of yesteryear and reminisced the times when life was easy. Relive your childhood days with the classic family sitcom. Watch The Wonder Years currently airing in India on Star World, every Monday-Friday at 6 PM!

  • The hunt is on for ‘Patient Zero’ in the Flix First Premiere of the pandemic thriller on &flix

    The hunt is on for ‘Patient Zero’ in the Flix First Premiere of the pandemic thriller on &flix

    A deadly virus that threatens all of humanity, a group of survivors on a quest to find the cure and the world in a state of absolute pandemic – sounds familiar? In this reel-life scenario, it’s a poison-kills-poison situation in an ultimate race against time! This Sunday, witness the hair-raising pandemic-thriller and #LeapForth into a world of absolute chaos and despair as &flix brings the Flix First Premiere of a film so topical in today’s times, ‘Patient Zero’. Airing this Sunday, May 03, 2020 at 1 PM and 9 PM, the frightening and fast-paced action-horror film, is one that is sure to keep you on the edge! Directed by Stefan Ruzowitzky, the film boasts of a stellar ensemble cast comprising Matt Smith, Natalie Dormer, Stanley Tucci in lead roles along with Agyness Deyn and Clive Standen.

    The virus rabies has been mutated and it’s even deadlier than ever before! Such is the terrifying start to ‘Patient Zero’ – a film around humanity battling with intelligent, adrenaline-fueled creatures born from a supervirus.  With all of humanity infected and turned into streamlined killers, the only ray of hope is an asymptomatic victim who may hold the key to the cure. Morgan (Matt Smith) possesses the ability to communicate with those infected and together with his partner Dr. Gina Rose (Natalie Dormer), they struggle to find the one ‘patient zero’ before it gets too late. However, things go south with a breach in the system that raises all hell loose upon the sole human survivors. Can the two reverse engineer a vaccine to save humanity? Or do they succumb to those ‘living-dead’?

    In this catastrophic crisis, there is no plan B. The question is, is there a cure? And do they succeed?

    Prepare to get spooked in the nail-biting thriller as &flix brings the Flix First Premiere of ‘Patient Zero’ this Sunday, May 03, 2020 at 1PM and 9PM.

  • Is she truly worth ‘falling’ head over heels with?  The heart-warming romantic comedy ‘Ode to Joy’ premieres on &PrivéHD

    Is she truly worth ‘falling’ head over heels with? The heart-warming romantic comedy ‘Ode to Joy’ premieres on &PrivéHD

    Based on a true story comes an inspiringly beautiful tale of how it hurts to take a pass at life’s simple joys. All it takes is the right woman to make you feel like a different person but having to give up true love or rather face your biggest weakness can be the hardest choice to make. For the first time on Indian television, &PrivéHD, the premium destination for nuanced cinema, is set to premiere ‘Ode to Joy’ on Saturday, May 2, 2020 at 1 PM and 9 PM.

    The film features Emmy award winning director-actor duo Jason Winer and Martin freeman as they take you on a journey of highs and low through the life of Charlie.  Available with the Zee Prime English HD Pack, the channel brings to you a unique intertwined tale of the misadventures of a man with a self-sabotaging biology and an overzealous woman.

    Charlie (Martin Freeman), a kind-hearted yet reclusive Brooklyn based shy librarian suffers from a form of narcolepsy that causes him to collapse like dead weight at the sudden exertion of strong sentiments like joy and happiness. This causes him to lead a sedentary lifestyle sans emotion while passing through a monotonous journey with each passing day. He does whatever it takes, from avoiding cute dogs to thinking sad thoughts and reading depressing books to stay awake throughout his routine tasks. But life throws him a curveball when the over enthusiast and gorgeous Francesca (Morena Baccarin) comes along turning his life upside down.

    Will Charlie finally have his ‘happily ever after’?

    Jason Winer takes you on a humorous journey based on a true story as &PrivéHD premieres ‘Ode to Joy’ on Saturday, May 2, 2020 at 1 PM and 9 PM

  • ‘One World: Together at Home’ global special to air on Sony PIX, AXN, SonyLIV on 19 April

    ‘One World: Together at Home’ global special to air on Sony PIX, AXN, SonyLIV on 19 April

    MUMBAI:‘One World: Together at Home’ — a globally televised and streamed special in support of the fight against the COVID-19 pandemic – will air on Sony PIX and AXN on 19 April At 8 pm and will be live streamed on SonyLIV at 5.30 am with a repeat at 8 pm.

    Launched by international advocacy organization Global Citizen, and the World Health Organisation, ‘One World: Together at Home’ will show unity among all people who are affected by COVID-19 and will also celebrate and support brave healthcare workers doing life-saving work on the front lines.

    Curated in collaboration with Lady Gaga, the ‘One World: Together At Home’ broadcast special will include performances and appearances by Alicia Keys, Amy Poehler, Andrea Bocelli, Awkwafina, Billie Eilish, Billie Joe Armstrong of Green Day, Burna Boy, Camila Cabello, Celine Dion, Chris Martin, David & Victoria Beckham, Eddie Vedder, Ellen DeGeneres, Elton John, FINNEAS, Idris and Sabrina Elba, J Balvin, Jennifer Lopez, John Legend, Kacey Musgraves, Keith Urban, Kerry Washington, Lang Lang, Lizzo,  LL COOL J, Lupita Nyong’o, Maluma, Matthew McConaughey, Oprah Winfrey, Paul McCartney, Pharrell Williams, Priyanka Chopra Jonas, Sam Smith, Shah Rukh Khan, Shawn Mendes, Stevie Wonder, Taylor Swift, and Usher.

    ‘One World: Together at Home’ is not a telethon – it is a historic, first-of-its kind global broadcast event to celebrate the heroic efforts of community health workers, and to support the World Health Organization in the global fight to end COVID-19. The broadcast will feature stories from frontline healthcare workers on the COVID response, commitments from philanthropists, governments and corporations to support and equip frontline healthcare workers around the world, with masks, gowns and other vital equipment, and to local charities that provide food, shelter, and healthcare to those that need it most.

    According to both, Danish Khan – business head, Sony Entertainment Television, Studio Next and digital business and Tushar Shah – business head, English cluster, Sony Pictures Networks India, “The concert is reflective of our solidarity during this situation and an effort to applaud the bravery of the frontline workers. We are happy to collaborate with Global Citizen and convey this powerful message of One World to our viewers.”

  • Stay home. Cook up. Bake off. Binge Watch MasterChef Australia’s Season 11 only on Star World!

    Stay home. Cook up. Bake off. Binge Watch MasterChef Australia’s Season 11 only on Star World!

    As millions of people around the world are called on to stay in their homes owing to the COVID situation, the importance of home cooking is resurging. With more time for each other than ever, all members of the family are coming together and tailoring the art of cooking. And during these tough times, cooking can be one way through which we can bring sense of pleasure into our lives, and keep our tummies happy. So why not learn from the best as Star World once again brings to its Indian audiences, Season 11 of the legendary cooking show, MasterChef Australia starting 20th April every Monday-Friday from 3PM to 6PM!

    The longest running culinary show, MasterChef Australia, has inspired home cooks across the world to train and become culinary experts. With its supersized format that has been franchised all over the world, this reality cooking show brings to you everything – from delectable dishes to visually appealing presentations of an array of cuisines, from home cooks battling out to win the ‘MasterChef’ title to the dynamite trio of the judges, industry known mentors and guest chefs! And that’s not it, the show comes with the many cooking lessons on how to optimally utilize the ingredients at home and make the best out of it. During these times when our stock pile could face some shortage, all we need are tips and tricks on how to cook best from what we have!

    MasterChef Australia’s season 11 saw the dynamite judges – Gary Mehigan, Matt Preston and George Calombaris, come together for the very last time. The season brought industry veterans such as Nigella Lawson, Curtis Stone, Kirsten Tibballs, Jock Zonfrillo, and Kate Reid, interacting and guiding contestants on their journey to culinary greatness! Adding to the star-studded list, the Indian-origin MasterChef winner from Season 10, Sashi Cheliah also graced the show. The season 11 also saw the merging of cultures like never before – watch India’s Sandeep Pandit work his magic in the TV’s most iconic kitchen!

    So whether you’re an old hand in the kitchen or a new ambitious newcomer, make the most of your time at home, try out some recipes, while you watch and learn from the masters themselves. Catch MasterChef Australia binge, every Monday-Friday 3PM to 6PM.

  • It’s all-day primetime for Times Network’s English movie channels during lockdown

    It’s all-day primetime for Times Network’s English movie channels during lockdown

    MUMBAI: In the third week of lockdown due to COVID-19, Indians decided that they had had enough news and turned to movies for a refreshing change. While Hindi and regional movie channels gained big, English movie channels saw an 83 per cent rise in viewership in week 13 in 2020, according to the BARC-Nielsen report.  

    Times Network English entertainment cluster president – strategy and business head Vivek Srivastava says: “Overall TV viewership has seen a 45 per cent increase during this lockdown period. News and movies have been the two most-watched genres. Movies have exhibited almost 80 per cent growth. Times Network’s English entertainment brands had adapted to the new tariff order (NTO) very well and we barely lost any eyeballs. However, post the implementation of the NTO, few players lost significant viewership, and it is heartening to see that during this lockdown, the category is seeing resurgence and that’s a positive sign.”

    During the ongoing lockdown, the network is treating the whole day as primetime and is scheduling blockbuster Hollywood content throughout the day. Some of the big titles include The Avengers, Thor: Ragnarok, Thor: The Dark World, Guardians of the Galaxy, Spiderman Franchise, Despicable Me 3, Cars 3, Jumanji Welcome to the Jungle, Ant-Man, Creed 2, Vice, etc.

    Srivastava informs that primetime is still the biggest peak, but there has been significant growth in non-primetime as well, especially the afternoon band. However, advertising has declined during the lockdown period. “That is primarily because of the unavailability of products across most categories and the inability of consumers to step out of their homes during this period. We expect a slowdown till the lockdown remains,” he adds.

    While some advertisers have stopped advertising, those less affected are using it for brand building. For them, the movie genre presents a good opportunity. “We continue to see advertising from BFSI, a few brands in automobiles, e-commerce, consumer durables, and FMCG categories,” he says.

    On the company front, Srivastava says that the Times Network was one of the first broadcasters to adopt a work-from-home system even before the nationwide lockdown was announced. “This was a result of our foresight and preparedness to ensure seamless BCP by equipping our teams with necessary technological services, increased internet bandwidth, collaborative IT tools for meetings and discussions for executing work requirements seamlessly,” he says.

  • ‘World from Home’ with Koffee with Karan Binges 12 hours a Day only on Star World

    ‘World from Home’ with Koffee with Karan Binges 12 hours a Day only on Star World

    MUMBAI: One of India’s leading English entertainment channel and home to the first and the longest running Bollywood talk show in India – Koffee with Karan, Star World is set to bring back the Bollywood explosion by airing once again, episodes from all seasons of Koffee with Karan. With Star World’s initiative “World from Home”, the channel urges people to stay home, stay safe, and while at it, binge-watch back-to-back episodes of the most loved Bollywood chat show, starting today till 12th April, every day from 9AM to 9PM!

    So stay home, grab some pop-corn, while you go on a TV spree with your favorite B-Town talk show with no interruption.

    Setting your spirits high during such stressful times, this iconic show – Koffee with Karan will spice up your daily quarantine routine. For fifteen years, Koffee with Karan has given all Bollywood fans a peak into the interesting lives of all the leading ladies and gentlemen of the Bollywood industry. With host Karan Johar’s unmatched style and personal connects with his colleagues, the show gave actors and actresses a platform to bare their souls and unwind on the koffee couch. Watch SRK’s effortless charm get better every season. Witness Desi girl Priyanka Chopra’s journey into becoming an international superstar, or check out Alia Bhatt fight her fight since her show debut goof-up, and become a high performing and diverse actress.

    With the usual tricks up Karan's sleeve, inquiring inquisitively about the Bollywood star’s personal lives, who’s seeing who, who hates who, and playing some fun games with celebrities, lighten up your mood while you’re quarantining, and binge watch the re-runs of Koffee with Karan, starting today till the end of the week, from 9AM to 9PM only on Star World.