ITV

Category: English Entertainment

  • MySpace appoints Hemanshu Nigam as chief security officer

    MySpace appoints Hemanshu Nigam as chief security officer

    MUMBAI: Fox Interactive Media (FIM), parent of MySpace.com, has appointed industry veteran Hemanshu Nigam to oversee safety, education and privacy programs and law enforcement affairs for MySpace, as well as the growing network of FIM properties.

    Nigam, who currently serves as director of consumer security outreach and child safe computing at Microsoft Corporation, brings more than 15 years of experience in online safety for private industry and law enforcement, including serving as a Federal prosecutor against internet child exploitation for the US Department of Justice, an advisor to a Congressional commission on online child safety, and an advisor to the White House on cyberstalking. Nigam’s appointment is effective 1 May, 2006.

    “Hemanshu is a proven leader in online safety and security. We are fortunate to have him join MySpace, help us educate the public and protect our members’ safety and privacy. MySpace has always been committed to an industry leading role in Internet safety and will continue to partner with all stakeholders including parents, educators, law enforcement and safety groups,” said MySpace CEO Chris DeWolfe.

    “Fox Interactive Media and its network of properties will greatly benefit from Hemu’s experience, stature among law enforcement and private industry leaders, and strategic vision. We look forward to working with Hemu as we continue in our commitment to provide a leadership role in developing industry standards that safeguard our growing community of members,” said Fox Interactive Media president Ross Levinsohn.

    Prior to joining Microsoft, Nigam served as vice president of Worldwide Internet Enforcement at the Motion Picture Association of America. There he built and oversaw the global strategy to combat online motion picture piracy for the seven major Hollywood studios.

  • Star Movies gets the rights to air Star Wars, Bond films

    Star Movies gets the rights to air Star Wars, Bond films

    MUMBAI: Star Movies has secured the exclusive pay-TV rights to the Star Wars and James Bond franchises for India, Taiwan and Southeast Asia.

    The channel launched its Absolute Bond campaign this month, airing back-to-back features over the course of 11 weeks. This will be the first time that all 21 Bond films will air on the same channel in Asia. Star Movies is also set to showcase all six Star Wars movies, including the premiere of Star Wars: Episode III-Revenge of the Sith.

    Star movies executive VP content Ross Crowley says, “2006 is going to be another banner year for Star Movies. Now the home of household names such as James Bond, Darth Vader, Han Solo and Luke Skywalker, Star Movies has reinforced its position as the destination of choice for fans of Hollywood movies.”

  • ‘The Office’ creator Gervais hits out at the quality of British television

    ‘The Office’ creator Gervais hits out at the quality of British television

    MUMBAI: The creator of BBC’s sitcom The Office Ricky Gervais has come down heavily on the state of entertainment on British television.

    He says that most shows are lacklustre and tired.

    Media reports indicate that Gervais considers US television programming to be of a far greater standard. He says that American writers and programmers show an appetite that is not present in Britain. He praised American writers for being good, funny and ambitious.

    He cites shows like 24, CSI as being examples of creativity. Britain, he laments, does not have comparable shows. The reason he says for this is the fact that American television does not tolerate hack writers. If they are no good they are out of the picture.

  • Entertainment networks off air as Bangalore mourns Rajkumar’s death

    Entertainment networks off air as Bangalore mourns Rajkumar’s death

    BANGALORE / MUMBAI: India’s I-T hub of Bangalore shut down today as increasingly violent mourners gathered from around the state for Karnataka cinema’s legendary icon Rajkumar’s funeral.

    As a mark of respect (and also fearing possible attacks) cable networks in the city switched off all their entertainment channels. Only news channels were beaming ahead of Rajkumar’s cremation this evening, which will be conducted with full state honours.

    “The Kannada Sanga has requested us to switch off all entertainment channels in Bangalore today, as a mark of respect to Dr Rajkumar,” said the head of an MSO, while speaking to indiantelevision.com.

    Only the news channels are being telecast. Local Kannada channels Udaya and ETV are running on the cable networks as they have taken serials off air and are only showing programmes related to Dr Rajkumar. The entire Star, Zee and Sony-Discovery’s One Alliance channels are off.

    “Cable operators in Bangalore decided to switch off all entertainment channels from midnight. We expect to put the channels on from tomorrow once Rajkumar’s body is cremated,” said Hathway Cable & Datacom head of digital in Bangalore Mathur Nath.

    Cable operators were also contacted by the Kannada activists yesterday. Popular Tamil channels including Sun TV and Jaya TV were pulled off air.

    The entertainment channel blackout seems restricted to Bangalore alone, since enquiries from Mysore reveal that entertainment channels are on there, as has also been confirmed by a Bangalore MSO who has a network in Mysore too, though shops and businesses have remained closed there too.

    As per reports, policemen have been a target of the public ire and TV news channels showed scenes of unruly mobs chasing and beating up policemen.

    Rajkumar, known to fans as “Aannavru” or elder brother, died yesterday aged 77, following a cardiac arrest. The thespian, winner of the Dadasaheb Phalke and Padma Bhushan awards along with a host of other citations, has encouraged the use of Kannada language in the state. His 45-year career in cinema included more than 200 Kannada-language films.

  • Disney-ABC to offer hit shows online in May and June

    Disney-ABC to offer hit shows online in May and June

    MUMBAI: With an aim to expand its network and channel brands across multiple platforms and connecting viewers with their favorite shows anytime and anywhere, Disney-ABC Television Group will be offering ad-supported, full-length episodes of four ABC primetime series online at www.abc.go.com.

    However, this offer will be a part of a two-month-long experiment. Current episodes of Lost, Desperate Housewives and Commander In Chief, as well as the entire present season of Alias, will be available for streaming during May and June, marking the first time a broadcast network has made multiple series available for viewing online, free of charge to consumers.

    “The evolution of ABC.com is just one piece of our comprehensive, digital media multiplatform business initiative,” said Anne Sweeney, co-chair, Disney Media Networks and president, Disney-ABC Television Group. “This announcement highlights the momentum we’ve achieved both in launching new broadband services and working with strategic partners in the digital media space, to ensure that our high-quality, informative and entertaining content is available to consumers whenever and wherever they choose.”

    ABC is also exploring ways to work with its local broadcast affiliates on these online offerings as they continue to evolve. “Our ultimate goal is to find an effective online model, one in which our affiliates can take part,” stated Alex Wallau,president, Operations and Administration, ABC Television Network. “To that end, we’ll be sharing information from this two-month test in our discussions going forward, and working on ways for them to participate in this new method of delivering ABC programming.”

    “Our mission with this trial is to gather key learning about the technology and the consumers who utilize it in order for ABC.com to become the leading broadband digital entertainment experience, packed with innovative, immersive content for our viewers,” said Albert Cheng, executive vice president, Digital Media, Disney-ABC Television Group. “In the months ahead, ABC.com will not only deliver a high quality, on-demand viewing experience to users, but will also gain valuable knowledge and research to help us better understand and serve our consumers in the rapidly evolving digital world.”

    As part of the trial, ABC has offered ten advertisers the opportunity to test possible in-stream broadband advertising models as well as the ability to take advantage of sponsorships. The unique interactive video ads will take many different forms and will be seen within each episode. Participating advertisers include AT&T, Cingular, Ford, Procter & Gamble, Toyota, Unilever’s Suave, Universal Pictures and Walt Disney Pictures, among others.

    “We have said all along that we are dedicated to finding ways to bring our advertiser partners along with us as we embrace new ways of doing business in the world of digital media,” said Mike Shaw, president, Sales and Marketing, ABC Television Network. “This unique project has allowed us to offer our advertisers the ability to deliver increased effectiveness in their messaging through targeted and engaging interactive ads that offer compelling consumer experiences.”

    Combining an all-new sleek, modern design with user-friendly functionality, ABC.com will offer episodes the day after they premiere on the linear channel. Consumers will be able to pause and move back and forth between “chapters” within each episode, but will not have the ability to fast-forward through advertisements. Episodes will be streamed in 16×9 formatting which offers a cinema-like feel to the viewing experience.

    Encoded and streamed in Flash 8, which offers the best video quality and allows users on both Mac and PC platforms to watch the video episode, will be offered in two different sizes. The standard viewing size is 500×282 pixels (streamed at 400kbs), and the larger viewing size is 700×394 pixels (streamed 700 kbps).

    “Lost” was created by Jeffrey Lieber and J.J. Abrams & Damon Lindelof. Abrams, Lindelof, Bryan Burk, Jack Bender and Carlton Cuse serve as executive producers. “Lost,” which is filmed entirely on location in Hawaii, is from Touchstone Television.

    Marc Cherry is executive producer and creator and Tom Spezialy is executive producer of “Desperate Housewives,” which is from Touchstone Television.

    “Alias” was created by J.J. Abrams, who executive-produces the series along with Ken Olin, Jeff Pinkner, Jesse Alexander and Jeffrey Bell. The series, which is filmed in Los Angeles and premiered on September 30, 2001, is from Touchstone Television.

    “Commander In Chief” was created by Rod Lurie. Steven Bochco, Dee Johnson, Rod Lurie and Marc Frydman serve as executive producers. The series is produced by Touchstone Television in association with Steven Bochco Productions.

  • US women’s channel Lifetime gets ‘Desperate Housewives’

    US women’s channel Lifetime gets ‘Desperate Housewives’

    MUMBAI: The women of Wisteria Lane have just found a second home! US women’s broadcaster Lifetime Television has acquired the basic cable rights from Buena Vista Television, along with the repurposing rights, for the show Desperate Housewives.

    In India the show airs on Star World while in the US it helped turn around the fortunes of ABC.

    Along with the repurposing rights starting in September 2008, Lifetime will begin airing the first season of Desperate Housewives on a weekly basis this August.

    The show is in its second season on ABC and Star World. Marcia Cross, Teri Hatcher, Felicity Huffman, Eva Longoria and Nicollette Sheridan star in this comedic look at suburbia — where the secret lives of housewives aren’t always what they seem. It averages 22.5 million total viewers and 8.3 million women ages 18-49 during its run on ABC and is the number one scripted series among that age group in the current 2005-06 broadcast season.

    Lifetime Entertainment Services senior VP, planning, scheduling and acquisitions Leslie Glenn-Chesloff, , said, “This brilliant water-cooler series makes us laugh and makes us cry with its insightful windows into the lives, emotions, dreams and disappointments of diverse women. As a pop-culture icon with powerful appeal to women viewers, Desperate Housewives is a perfect addition to our schedule.”

    Buena Vista Television executive VP, general sales manager Jed Cohen says, “We view Lifetime, the leader in women’s television, as the ideal partner for Desperate Housewives. Desperate Housewives has had a tremendous impact on the primetime landscape and we believe that Lifetime Television is the perfect environment to extend the success of this distinguished and popular series.”

  • Star World to kick off medical soap ‘Grey’s Anatomy’ on 12 April

    Star World to kick off medical soap ‘Grey’s Anatomy’ on 12 April

    MUMBAI: English general entertainment channel Star World will start airing the medical soap Grey’s Anatomy every Wednesday at 9 pm from 12 April.

    Nominated for three Emmy awards and winner of a Golden Globe Award for Sandra Oh as supporting actress, the medical drama following the lives of first year surgical interns Meredith Grey (Ellen Pompeo), Cristina Yang (Sandra Oh), Izzie Stevens (Katherine Heigl), George O’Malley (T.R. Knight) and Alex Karev (Justin Chambers).It is the sexual tensions and relationship foibles in the hospital that’s making this one of the most exciting series to hit TV screens in recent years.

    Also adding to the eye candy and star power is Patrick Dempsey as Derek Shepherd – the flirtatious but very capable surgeon who shares a forbidden but undeniable sexual attraction with Meredith. The channel says that 16 million viewers tuned into the debut in the US.

    The first episode is called A Hard Day’s Night. The interns are guided by an established team of doctors who are determined to shape them into skilled surgeons or break them: Miranda Bailey, a senior resident responsible for training them, is so tough that she’s nicknamed “The Nazi” and Preston Burke’s arrogance is second only to his skill with a scalpel. Overseeing them all is Dr. Richard Webber, Seattle Grace’s paternal, but no-nonsense chief of surgery.

    On the next episode called The First Cut is the Deepest, the surgical staff tries to be optimistic as a young woman clings to life after a brutal attack. Meanwhile, Meredith puts her career on the line to save a newborn in the hospital nursery, and the other interns learn that it takes more than just medical knowledge to be good at their jobs.

  • Vh1 to launch two new shows in April

    Vh1 to launch two new shows in April

    MUMBAI: Vh1 will be reliving the days of yore with classic videos and shows this April. Also, MTV favourite Headbanger’s Ball will air not only old favourites but also the latest headbanging bands. A new hip hop destination Hip Hop Hustle ensures that viewers get their weekly dose of bump ‘n’ grind.

    Vh1 India vice president and general manager Keertan Adyanthaya said, “Our viewers have been requesting us to show more classic on Vh1 so we’ve decided to surpass their wildest dreams and make this month all about classic. Introducing Headbanger’s Ball and Hip Hop Hustle will give lovers of a certain genre a fixed destination to go to every week on the channel.”

    Every Big Weekend will have a theme like Classic Rock, Classic Pop, Classic Dance and Classic Hollywood setting the tone for all the rest of the week. So viewers can not only see videos but also shows such as Rolling Stones Live in Brazil as part of Classic Rock, Driven: Whitney Houston in Classic Pop, When Disco Ruled The World in Classic Dance and When Star Wars Ruled The World in Classic Hollywood.

    The one-hour non-stop music block Headbanger’s Ball will have some of the greatest new and old heavy metal acts – Korn, Iron Maiden, System Of A Down, Black Sabbath and loads more. Headbanger’s Ball will be telecast every Friday at midnight from 7 April onwards.

    For hip hop lovers, there’s Hip Hop Hustle, a 60-minute on-air version of the successful property of the same name which saw Vh1 India bring in US hip hop band Flipsyde late last year. With the top selling international records in India last year being from 50 Cents and Mariah Carey respectively, both hip hop artistes, it’s clear that hip hop is having the same kind of success in India as it is in the US and worldwide. Hip Hop Hustle will air every Saturday at 10 pm starting 15 April.

  • NGCI, CCTV consolidate partnership

    NGCI, CCTV consolidate partnership

    CANNES: National Geographic Channels International (NGCI) and China Central Television (CCTV) have announced the completion of a two-part high-definition television documentary Inside the Forbidden City.

    NGCI CEO David Haslingden says, “We are delighted to partner with CCTV in producing a historically and culturally rich film for our global viewers this fall. It is a valuable step forward as part of NGCI’s commitment to developing local content everywhere and expanding our collaboration with CCTV”.

    Inside the Forbidden City brings the epic tale of China’s Forbidden City to a vast global audience. Until the early 20th Century, any commoner who dared enter the palace would pay with his or her life. Now, this historic two part series gives viewers unparallel access to the Forbidden Palace.

  • Endemol UK & Cirque du Soleil Images sign 3 year collaboration deal

    Endemol UK & Cirque du Soleil Images sign 3 year collaboration deal

    CANNES: Producer of entertainment formats for the worldwide market Endemol via its U.K. arm Initial has signed a three-year deal with Cirque du Soleil Images to collaborate on the development and production of yearly Cirque du Soleil television specials.

    Specifically created for television, the one-hour specials will feature the best performances from Cirque du Soleil, as well as musicians and artists from around the world.

    Initial’s director of special projects Andy Ward said, “Cirque du Soleil are the most exciting, visual and popular artists in the world and we’re thrilled to have the opportunity to work with them to translate their spirit to television. Broadcasters are already very excited.”

    In addition to creating shows, Cirque du Soleil has for many years created original and innovative content for television, video and DVD and film through its multimedia division Cirque du Soleil Images. In every project, Cirque du Soleil Images aims to capture all the spirit of Cirque du Soleil shows.

    Cirque du Soleil will handle all creative content aspects of the stage show and Initial will be responsible for all aspects of the television production.