ITV

Category: English Entertainment

  • Star Movies presents the Fabulous Fools

    Star Movies presents the Fabulous Fools

    Mumbai, March 28, 2006… Laughter is the best medicine and Star Movies surely recommends it! This April Fools Day, it dedicates its entire line-up featuring fabulous stars and movies with non-stop laugh riots! Watch back-to-back power packed performances from some of Hollywood’s leading comedians including Eddie Murphy, Jim Carrey, Robin Williams, Shawn Wayans, Marlon Wayans and the undisputed winner – Rowan Atkinson on Saturday, April 1st only on Star Movies.

    Sat, Apr 1 @ 11:30 a.m.
    BEAN
    Starring: Rowan Atkinson, Peter McNicol, Burt Reynolds, John Mills, Pamela Reed
    Bean works as a caretaker at Britain’s formidable Royal National Gallery, and his bosses want to fire him because he sleeps at work all the time, but can’t because the chairman of the gallery’s board defends him. They send him to USA, to the small Los Angeles art gallery instead, where he’ll have to officiate at the opening of the greatest US picture ever (called “Whistler’s Mother”).

    Sat, Apr 1 @ 1:25 p.m.
    DON’T BE A MENACE TO SOUTH CENTRAL WHILE DRINKING YOUR JUICE IN THE HOOD
    Starring: Shawn Wayans, Marlon Wayans, Tracy Cherelle Jones
    “Don’t Be a Menace to South Central While Drinking your Juice in the Hood” is a parody of a lot of Afro-American movies, for instance “Boyz N the Hood”, “South Central”, “Menace II Society”, “Higher Learning” and “Juice”. We follow Ashtray as he returns to the place he grew up in and meet his father and his basket-case friends. A lot of crazy stuff happens, for example, Ashtray is older than his father and his best friend Loc Dog’s grandmother is a trigger-happy old lady who blames her eccentric-looking kid for not being tough enough.

     

    Sat, Apr 1 @ 3:05 p.m.
    NUTTY PROFESSOR 2: THE KLUMPS
    Starring: Eddie Murphy, Janet Jackson, Larry Miller
    Sherman Klump (Eddie Murphy) is engaged to his pretty girlfriend Denise Gaines (Janet Jackson), also a professor. But Buddy Love, his other him from the first movie, tries to stay in his own form for eternity, and therefore he keeps appearing, a thing that makes damage to Klump. Klump tries to destroy Buddy Love forever, but while his plan has failed, and he starts to lose his knowledge and memory, he must do something to prevent the lost of the thing that made Dennis fall in love with him – his wisdom. With the help of his very impolite and rude family, the Klumps, he tries to return his memory and to vanish Buddy Love forever.

    Sat, Apr 1 @ 5:15 p.m.
    FLUBBER
    Starring: Robin Williams, Marcia Gay Harden, Christopher McDonald, Raymond Barry
    Professor Phillip Brainard, an absent minded professor, works with his assistant Weebo, trying to create a substance that’s a new source of energy and that will save Medfield College where his sweetheart Sara is the president. He has missed his wedding twice, and on the afternoon of his third wedding, Professor Brainard creates flubber, which allows objects to fly through the air. I looks like rubber, so he calls it flubber. This film is based on the 1961 Disney classic, “The Absent-Minded Professor.

    Sat, Apr 1 @ 7:10 p.m.
    LIAR LIAR
    Starring: Jim Carrey, Jennifer Tilly, Maura Tierney, Justin Cooper
    The truth shall set you free — or get you into a heap of trouble! Fletcher Reede (Carrey) is a fast-talking attorney and habitual liar. When his son Max (Justin Cooper) blows out the candles on his fifth birthday cake, he has just one wish — that his dad will stop lying for 24 hours. When Max’s wish miraculously comes true, Fletcher discovers that his biggest asset — his mouth — has suddenly become his biggest liability! Havoc ensues as Fletcher tries to keep his practice afloat and his ex-wife Audrey (Maura Tierney) from taking their son and moving to Boston.

    So get set for some fun and excitement and start off the month with non-stop laughs with “Fabulous Fools”, this April Fools Day, Saturday, April 1st on STAR Movies.

    About Star
    STAR is a leading media and entertainment company in Asia. STAR broadcasts over 50 television services in nine languages to more than 300 million viewers across 53 Asian countries. STAR channels cover all genres including general entertainment (Star Plus, Xing Kong, Star Chinese Channel, Star One, Star Utsav, Star World, Vijay, Phoenix Chinese), sports (ESPN, Star Sports), movies (Star Chinese Movies, Star Gold, Star Movies), music (Channel [V]), and news and current affairs (Star News, Star Ananda, Phoenix InfoNews Channel). STAR controls over 20,000 hours of Indian and Chinese programming and also owns the world’s largest contemporary Chinese film library, with more than 600 titles, featuring superstars including Jackie Chan, Chow Yun Fat and Bruce Lee. In partnership with leading companies in Asia, STAR businesses extend to filmed entertainment, television production, cable systems, direct-to-home services, terrestrial TV broadcasting, wireless and digital services. STAR is a wholly owned subsidiary of News Corporation. www.startv.com.

    For further information please contact:
    In Mumbai
    Zeenat Khan
    Asst. Vice President – Publicity
    STAR (India) Ltd.
    Tel No. 91-22-56305555

    Shiraz Bhavnani / Aditi Chada
    Vaishnavi Corporate Communications
    Tel: 91-22-5656 8787
    Fax: 91-22-5656 8788?
    Email:sbhavnani@vccpl.com / achada@vccpl.com

  • Discovery’s revenue grows by 13 per cent

    Discovery’s revenue grows by 13 per cent

    MUMBAI: Global media firm Discovery Communications has announced its results for 2005. DCI’s revenue for the fourth quarter increased by 11 per cent to $772 million and 13 per cent in 2005 to $2.7 billion. DCI’s operating cash flow increased by one per cent in the quarter to $184 million and four per cent in 2005 to $687 million.

    In the US, its revenue increased by eight per cent in the quarter to $444 million and nine per cent in 2005 to $1.7 billion. Operating cash flow increased by six per cent in the quarter to $148 million and eight per cent in the year to $643 million. The growth in revenue was due to increases in distribution revenue for both periods combined with a five per cent decrease in ad revenue in the quarter and flat ad revenue for the year.

    Net distribution revenue increased by 24 per cent in the quarter and 22 per cent for 2005 as the US networks had a 10 per cent increase in paying subscribers in 2005 combined with contractual rate increases. Operating expenses increased by eight per cent in the quarter and 10 per cent in the year due to an increase in programming expense as the company continued its investment across all US networks in original productions and series and specials.

    Internationally, its revenue increased by 25 per cent in the quarter to $214 million and by 24 per cent in the year to $731 million. Operating cash flow increased by 27 per cent in the quarter to $33 million and 10 per cent for the year to $109 million. The increases in revenue were due to growth in distribution and advertising revenue. Net advertising revenue increased by 26 per cent in the quarter and 28 per cent in the year primarily due to higher viewership in the UK and an increased subscriber base in the UK and Europe.

    Net distribution revenue increased by 29 per cent in the quarter and 25 per cent in the year due to increases in paying subscription units in Europe and Asia combined with contractual rate increases in certain markets. Operating expenses increased by 25 per cent in the quarter and 27 per cent for 2005 due to an investment in the lifestyles category designed to develop and grow that market opportunity combined with an expected increase in headcount as the business expands.

  • The History Channel US looks at 10 days that changed America

    The History Channel US looks at 10 days that changed America

    MUMBAI: The History Channel in the US will present a special event, 10 Days That Uunexpectedly Changed America. This will air from next month.

    The series is comprised of 10 films, each created by a different documentary filmmaker or filmmaking team, spotlighting 10 historic events that triggered seismic shifts in America’s political, cultural or social landscape. Using a range of storytelling techniques including re-creations, animation, interviews, archival footage and historical artifacts, the series offers viewers a fresh perspective on well-known historical incidents while also shining a light on the impact of less frequently cited events.

    Antietam which has been directed by Michael Epstein (The Battle over Citizen Kane) and narrated by actor Jeffrey Wright (Syriana) focusses on the bloodiest battle in American history and its momentous military and political implications, including Lincoln’s issuing of the Emancipation Proclamation.

    Massacre at Mystic which took place on 26 May 1637 tells the story of the Pequot War, the first significant clash between the English and Native Americans.

    Einstein’s Letter is narrated by actor Campbell Scott The Secret lives Of Dentists. It explores the events that led to the great scientist and ardent pacifist’s decision to urge Franklin Roosevelt to develop an atomic bomb, a decision that propelled America into the nuclear age and which Einstein later came to regret.

    When America Was Rocked examines the cultural fallout of Elvis Presley’s groundbreaking appearance on The Ed Sullivan Show. Gold Rush which took place on 24 January 1848 looks its impact on the explosive development of California and America’s westward expansion.

  • HBO joins the English movie channel bandwagon

    HBO joins the English movie channel bandwagon

    Home Box Office (HBO) is all set to launch on 22 March, 2000. The channel which boasts to be the first one on cable television when it started in 1972 claims to be the leader in a lot of areas not only in programming but also technical, promises the viewer a variety of entertainment right from blockbuster hollywood movies to a wide array of entertainment including various shows mini-series and concerts. The channel will follow the self-censorship mode and won’t feature “after dark” films.

    On gathering eyeballs, Anshuman Misra, Managing Director, Turner International India, says “Content and programming will drive the viewers from our competing channels”.

    HBO which reaches over 47 million viewers in 45 countries is confident of creating a bang in India. The channel targets the urban and the semi-urban viewers which amounts to 15 million subscribers though the management is uncertain about the time frame to reach such a vast amount of viewers. The initial target is: five million homes in the next six to seven months. The encrypted channel beaming off PanAmSat-4, will remain advertisement free for around six months and thus is not perturbed about the TRPs its programming generates.

    The average per subscriber rate is Rs 6.00 but that will differ from one cable operator to another. The Sceintific Atlanta PowerVu decoders are being place with cable operators on payment of a deposit of Rs 10,000.

    HBO which lacks distribution network will face a tough task of reaching the desired penetration. A distribution team of 20, along with independent distributors, is working on taking the channel further into urban homes.

    Misra expects HBO to contribute two-thirds of Turner’s subscription revenues when in full steam. It might well get that, but the channel will have a tough battle on its hands what with Star Movies all the rage and Zee Movies being launched yesterday as a free service. The additional advantage that Zee TV has is that it owns the cable TV netowrk Siticable. The third major rival is the local cable channel – airing pirated English movies – operated by the cable operator for his subscribers.

    Misra is not worried however. “Our content will rule,” says Misra.

  • Entertainment industry to be valued at Rs 650 billion

    Entertainment industry to be valued at Rs 650 billion

    A comprehensive report on the entertainment industry, the first of its kind, has been compiled by the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (Ficci) along with Arthur Anderson. The report reveals very positive and optimistic figures projected for the entertainment industry’s growth. The media committee is headed by Lalit Modi and the members include Plus Channel’s CEO Amit Khanna, Sone Entertainment Television’s CEO Kunal Das Gupta and ESPN India Chairman Manu Sawhney along with representatives of film, music and entertaiment industry.

    The report says that the Indian entertainment industry’s turnover will touch Rs 650 billion in the year 2005 from the current Rs 150 billion. The television software industry is slated to grow to Rs 90 billion, music industry to Rs 22 billion from the current Rs 12.54 billion where as the live entertainment sector would be worth Rs 33.65 billion from the current Rs 2 billion.

    The survey suggests private or progressive participation in Doordarshan. Other suggestions are as follows:

    * Creating a special anti-piracy cell with the police department to combat the growing piracy menace.
    * Developing closer association with international cells guarding against piracy and streamlining anti-piracy laws with that of US, UK etc.
    * Bringing the industry in parity with the information technology sector with respect to overseas investment and stock listing norms.
    * Providing stable legislation for the issue of radio broadcasting licences.
    * Reviewing the functioning of the Censor Board in light of the changing scenario and citizens increasingly demanding the right to make their own decisions on entertainment.
    * Issuing board regulations/guidelines for banks and financial institutions to facilitate lending to this intellectual property related industry.
    * Reviewing archaic laws and onerous responsibilities cast on the industry particularly in the film exhibition and live entertainment sectors.

    The Ficci has organised a conference on 30 March and 31 March, 2000 in Mumbai to discuss the problems faced by the entertainment industry. Industry bigwigs and political bigwigs are slated to attend the seminar.

  • HBO series Six Feet Under to be aired on Bravo

    HBO series Six Feet Under to be aired on Bravo

    MUMBAI: The NBC Universal-owned cable network Bravo has acquired the exclusive rebroadcast rights to 63 one-hour episodes of HBO’s critically acclaimed drama series Six Feet Under for the next four years.

    To be telecast on Bravo in the fall of 2006, Six Feet Under is a darkly comedic series about the trials and tribulations of a family of undertakers, played out against the solemn backdrop of an independent funeral home in Los Angeles. The series ran on HBO for five years.

    Six Feet Under was created by Alan Ball, Oscar-winning writer of the film American Beauty. The acclaimed series ended its run on HBO last year. It received 32 Emmy nominations and won seven times, and was nominated for eight Golden Globes, winning three.

    Bravo’s president Lauren Zalaznick said, “Six Feet Under represents the artistic, creative and critically acclaimed series that defines Bravo’s programming. The phenomenon that hooked so many HBO viewers will be brought back to ‘life’ on our air, now available to more than 80 million households, with its signature dark situational humor and dramatic irony.”

    Earlier, Bravo had acquired the rights to and aired HBO’s The Larry Sanders Show, as well as NBC’s The West Wing.

  • FremantleMedia signs seven deals for ‘Man Stroke Woman’

    FremantleMedia signs seven deals for ‘Man Stroke Woman’

    MUMBAI: Fremantle International Distribution (FID) has agreed major deals with seven countries for the sale of series one of the sketch show Man Stroke Woman.

    A talkbackTHAMES production from Ash Atalla producer of The Office, Man Stroke Woman was first shown on BBC3 last year and will be screened on BBC2 on 13 March.

    The show is proving a success around the globe with deals secured with TVNZ New Zealand, RTE Ireland, TV2 Denmark, MTV OY Finland, Talpa TV Netherlands, IBC Iceland and IBA Israel.

    Man Stroke Woman stars an ensemble cast of actors including Nick Frost, Nick Burns, Daisy Haggard and Amanda Abbington. talkbackTHAMES has also picked up a commission for a second series for BBC3 and BBC2.

    FID head of acquisitions and development Shane Murphy said, “The reaction to the show around the world has been phenomenal and proves yet again the strength of home grown comedy talent.”

    FID will also be launching the Channel 4 sitcom The IT Crowd, also produced by talkbackTHAMES’s Ash Atalla, at MipTV 2006.

  • ‘Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire’ sells five million DVD’s on first day

    ‘Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire’ sells five million DVD’s on first day

    MUMBAI: Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire is casting a spell on DVD.

    Retailers have reported record day-one sales of around five million units in the US.

    On the big screen the film made over $890 million globally. Brisk DVD consumer sales are expected to continue through the next three months.

    Warner Home Video president Ron Sanders says, “We are extremely pleased with the out-of-the-gate success of the DVD release of Goblet of Fire. We knew that fans really connected with this installment in the Harry Potter series, and that continued loyalty to the franchise has carried over to these phenomenal DVD sales figures.”

  • VH1’s new series features top 100 toys

    VH1’s new series features top 100 toys

    MUMBAI: The hula hoop tops VH1 US’ I Love Toys countdown proving that you are never too old to love toys. From Lego to Mr. Potato Head to Barbie and Candy Land, VH1 is reprising its I Love the ’80s approach for its all new five-part series I Love Toys but with a countdown of the top 100 toys.

    The show will culminate later this month with a 90-minute special that will countdown toys 20-1. I Love Toys offers viewers yet another nostalgic look back at their childhood with the toys that defined their generation. The journey to rank the top 100 toys of all time and setting your inner child free consisted of online voting, sales, historical significance and longevity.

    Each one-hour episode of “I Love Toys” will feature today’s top celebrities, such as Ricky Martin, Rachel Leigh Cook, Lisa Lisa and Biz Markie.

    The top 10 toys of all time include Star Wars Figure, G.I. Joe, Barbie and Lego.