ITV

Category: English Entertainment

  • Get ready for a summer of explorations with Sony BBC Earth’s exciting May premieres

    Mumbai: Sony BBC Earth, with an exciting new line-up of shows, brings in a chance to journey through new destinations and experience new cultures and cuisines for its viewers. The channel has something in store for everyone, from mouthwatering food adventures with renowned chef Rick Stein to adrenaline-pumping experiences in Lonely Planet’s Year of Adventure. Viewers can sit back and enjoy an array of fascinating experiences from the comfort of their homes with a mix of travel, food, and lifestyle shows.

    The month kicked off on a high note with Rick Stein’s Spain and Taste of Shanghai. Viewers got a chance to join Stein through the length and breadth of Spain to discover the authentic soul of Spanish cooking along with getting a virtual tour to the culinary adventures of Shanghai. The upcoming line-up comprises Lonely Planet shows – ‘Lonely Planet Stressbuster’, ‘Lonely Planet:1000 Ultimate Experiences’ and ‘Lonely Planet: Year Of Adventure’. Lonely Planet Stressbuster explores unique ways to rejuvenate, revitalize, and reconnect across Asia. Whereas ‘Lonely Planet:1000 Ultimate Experiences’ takes viewers on a trip around the world to experience the most awe-inspiring ancient sites, the best lip-smacking street food, and more. To cap off the Lonely Planet programming, Year Of Adventure sees adventurer Ben Fogle tackling a series of challenges in the US, Europe, and Australia, showcasing some of the most extraordinary and unexpected places on the planet.

    Apart from this, the channel is premiering ‘New York: America’s Busiest City’ which explores the intricate logistics, engineering, and technology that keeps New York City’s commercial, economic, and cultural heart pumping.

    So, get ready to mark your calendars and tune in to Sony BBC Earth this May for an unforgettable viewing experience.

    Travel the world from the comfort of your couch with a line-up of exciting shows from 12 PM and 8 PM, join Lonely Planet Stressbuster, Lonely Planet: 1000 Ultimate Experiences, and Lonely Planet:Year of Adventure series starting on 15 May, while at 2 PM and 10 PM, and finally, at 10 PM, experience the hustle and bustle of America’s busiest city with “New York: America’s Busiest City” starting on 29 May.

  • CNN’S #MYFREEDOMDAY calls on students around the world to “Know The Signs” of modern day slavery

    Mumbai: CNN’s student-driven social media event, #MyFreedom has returned on 16 March. The driving force behind this year’s event is a call on students and communities worldwide to “Know the Signs” of modern-day slavery, as a key tool to identify and stamp out human  trafficking in their communities.  

    Thousands of students from more than 100 countries around the world have accepted this year’s call to action, with  students organizing online discussions, book clubs, art exhibitions, video campaigns, live music performances, among  many other activities being planned.

    #MyFreedomDay coverage will kick off at 12amET on CNN International, with correspondents contributing throughout  the day from Atlanta, Hong Kong, and London among others. CNN correspondents will also highlight remarkable  stories of survivors of human trafficking from such diverse places as Bolivia, Cambodia and San Diego, California.  

    On Saturday 18 March, CNN International will broadcast Fighting for Mercy: A CNN Freedom Project  Documentary. This film follows Mercy Esther, a survivor who at just eight years old was taken from her village in rural Tanzania and forced into domestic servitude in a faraway city. At 16, she made a daring escape to find her family and  reclaim her life. Working with the Kulczyk Foundation, the CNN Freedom Project investigates this common reality in  Tanzania and highlights one brave Tanzanian woman, a survivor of domestic servitude herself, who has devoted her life to saving girls like Mercy Esther and changing the mindset of people who have allowed this abuse to become a  part of the culture.

    CNN’s #MyFreedomDay microsite, CNN.com/MyFreedomDay will offer interactive content to “Know the Signs” of  modern-day slavery in all its different forms and serve as education tools for students and broader audiences worldwide. CNN is encouraging students to share their responses to the question ‘What does freedom mean to you?’ using the #MyFreedomDay hashtag, which will be showcased on the microsite.

    Leif Coorlim, executive editor of the CNN Freedom Project said, “Year after year, we are amazed by the response of  students from around the world, who, inspired by the remarkable stories of survivors of human trafficking, turn their  alarm into action. This year, we are honored to offer them practical tools to know the signs of modern-day slavery so  that they may amplify this message and help put an end to it wherever it occurs.” 

  • Zee Café premiers Japanese anime Guin Saga

    Mumbai: Zee Café has announced the premiere of anime Guin Saga on their channel. Just like the previous presentations, this show will also be available in Hindi along with English from Friday 24 February 2022 at 2 pm. Zee Café introduced Anime in its programming. The shows like Marvel Anime: Blade and Marvel Anime: Ironman and Marvel Anime: Wolverine and Kurozuko entertained the viewers to the fullest, making them crave more.

    The anime fever in the country is on an ascent and there seems no nearby end to it. The characters, the unique art style and the engaging storylines tend to bind the audience and transport them to an all-new land depicted in the shows.

    The series is based in mystical times when the Kingdom of Mongaul conquered the kingdom of Parro. The only people who survive and escape the destruction of the palace are princess Rinda and prince Remus. While on their hideout in the jungle, they meet and befriend an amnesiac warrior with the body of a man and the head of a leopard.

  • Disney to lay off 7,000 jobs to cut costs

    Mumbai : In the first quarterly earnings call since his return, Disney CEO Bob Iger outlined his plan to turn around the entertainment behemoth, laying out a plan to save $5.5 billion by eliminating about 7,000 jobs and restructuring the company into three divisions—Entertainment, Parks, and ESPN.

    Disney announced the elimination of 7,000 jobs from its global workforce as part of a multibillion-dollar cost-cutting initiative aimed at streamlining the company’s operations during a period of turmoil in the media industry.

    “While this is necessary to address the challenges we’re facing today, I do not make this decision lightly,” said CEO Bob Iger,

    He further added, “I have enormous respect and appreciation for the talent and dedication of our employees worldwide, and I’m mindful of the personal impact of these changes.”

    As of 1 October 2022 , Disney employed approximately 220,000 people, with approximately 166,000 of them based in the United States. A reduction of 7,000 jobs represents approximately 3 per cent  of its global workforce.

    The job cuts are part of a cost-cutting effort that was also announced. Iger stated that the company’s goal is to save $5.5 billion in costs across the board, with $2.5 billion coming from annual savings in “non-content” operations. Content operations are business units that include things like movies and television shows.

    It stated that 50 per cent of the cost savings would come from marketing expenses, 30% from labour savings, and 20 per cent from less spending on technology, procurement, and other expenses. Because Disney is a major advertiser, a $1 billion decrease in annual marketing expenditures portends more difficulties for other media and technology companies.

    Revenue

    The Walt Disney Company today reported earnings for its first quarter ended 31 December 2022.

    Disney’s revenue increased 8 per cent  to $23.51 billion in the three months ending 31 December 2022 from $21.82 billion the previous year.

    In the three months ending on 31 December 2022 , Disney earned $1.28 billion, or 70 cents per share. This compares to a net income of $1.1 billion, or 60 cents per share, the previous year.

    The Walt Disney CEO Robert A. Iger said,  “After a solid first quarter, we are embarking on a significant transformation, one that will maximize the potential of our world-class creative teams and our unparalleled brands and franchises,”

    He further added “We believe the work we are doing to reshape our company around creativity, while reducing expenses, will lead to sustained growth and profitability for our streaming business, better position us to weather future disruption and global economic challenges, and deliver value for our shareholders.

    Disney Parks, Experiences and Products revenues for the quarter increased 21 per cent  to $8.7 billion and segment operating income increased 25 per cent  to $3.1 billion. Higher operating results for the quarter reflected increases at our domestic parks and experiences and, to a lesser extent, our international parks and resorts

    While revenue for the segment that includes Disney’s movie business increased 1 per cent  year on year to $14.78 billion from $14.59 billion.

    Domestic Channels’ quarterly revenues fell 1 per cent  to $6.1 billion while its operating profit rose 5 per cent  to $928 million. The increased results at Cable were the cause of the greater operating income, whilst the results at broadcasting were comparable to the same quarter last year.

    Revenues from international channels fell by 21 per cent  to $1.2 billion during the quarter, while operating income dropped by 64 per cent  to $131 million.

    Reduced programming and production expenses helped to somewhat offset the decline in operational income, which was caused by decreased affiliate revenue, lower advertising revenue, and a negative foreign exchange impact.

    Advertising revenue fell as a result of lower average viewership and rates. Affiliate revenue fell due to the impact of channel closures in the previous year, which was partially offset by higher contractual rates. Lower sports programming and production costs were attributed to lower cricket rights costs, which were partially offset by higher production costs and costs for new soccer rights.

    “The decreases in cricket programming costs and advertising viewership reflected no Indian Premier League (IPL) cricket matches aired in the current quarter compared to thirteen matches aired in the prior-year quarter as matches shifted from fiscal 2021 into fiscal 2022 due to COVID-19.” the company said .  

    “IPL matches typically occur in the second and third quarters of our fiscal year. The decrease in cricket programming costs was also due to lower costs per match for the International Cricket Council T20 World Cup compared to the prior-year quarter”, the company future added.

    Direct-to-Consumer revenues for the quarter increased 13 per cent  to $5.3 billion and operating loss increased $0.5 billion to $1.1 billion. The increase in operating loss was due to a higher loss at Disney+ and a decrease in results at Hulu, partially offset by improved results at ESPN+.

    The decrease in results at Hulu was primarily due to higher programming and production costs and a decrease in advertising revenue, partially offset by subscription revenue growth. The increase in four programming and production costs was attributable to an increase in subscriber-based fees for programming the Live TV service, more content provided on the service and higher average costs per hour. Higher subscriber-based fees for programming the Live TV service were due to rate increases and more subscribers. The decrease in advertising revenue was caused by lower impressions, partially offset by an increase in rates. Subscription revenue growth was due to increases in retail pricing and subscribers.

    With 161.8 million subscribers at the end of the third quarter, Disney+ has lost 1 per cent from 1 October . Each of Hulu and ESPN+ reported a 2 per cent gain in paid subscribers over the course of the quarter.

    In December, the company introduced new price tiers for its U.S. Disney+ service, raising the monthly price for ad-free viewing from $7.99 to $10.99 and creating a new basic Disney+ service with ads for $7.99 per month.

  • Nat Geo teams up with Ryan Reynolds for a natural history show ‘Underdogs’

    Nat Geo teams up with Ryan Reynolds for a natural history show ‘Underdogs’

    Mumbai: Infotainment broadcaster National Geographic content president Courteney Monroe has announced Underdogs. This is an unconventional natural history series that will tell the story of the heroic underdogs of the natural world—the good, the bad, and the frankly ugly.

    The 10-part series is co-produced by Ryan Reynolds’ Maximum Effort and Wildstar Films.

    Reynolds will narrate the entire 10-episode series, bringing his voice and humorous take to the natural world through a partnership that bakes humour into the storytelling from the ground up.

    From their hidden talents to their bold hygiene choices, unsavoury courtship rituals, devious camouflage techniques and “tough love” parenting skills, the show will celebrate and champion the unique and unpredictable behaviours of a little-known and surprising cast of animal characters. These overlooked superstars come in all sizes, shapes and smells. They’re the outcasts and the troublemakers: brash, unsophisticated, flatulent, incontinent and often unhinged. But they’re also warriors, team players and evil geniuses. They’re out there 24 hours a day, seven days a week, putting in their all to keep the natural world running for all those showy polar bears, sharks, and gorillas.

    “Underdogs represents an entirely fresh take on the natural history genre that is sure to delight and inform audiences of all ages. With Reynolds and Maximum Effort’s irreverent spirit and Wildstar’s award-winning expertise in wildlife storytelling, we have assembled the perfect team to tell the entertaining stories of nature’s unsung heroes with both humour and heart,” said Monroe.

    “I love nature series and I love making things my kids can actually watch. We’re already having a lot of fun trying to bring a new voice to animal docs. Wildstar has the expertise, experience and cutting-edge film tech to help us chew up that healthy National Geographic budget. We’ll deliver a show that is entertaining, surprising and will do justice to animals usually stuck as a supporting cast,” said Reynolds.

    Wildstar executive producer Dan Rees said, “Underdogs explores the animal world with a fresh, fun and highly entertaining perspective. Partnering so closely with Ryan and Maximum Effort has allowed us to bake in their inimitable humour every step of the way – from conception to delivery of this unique series. As a result, Underdogs will make you snort with laughter and possibly even spill your coffee on your lap, but ultimately it puts a new spotlight on some of the weirder and less explored denizens of our planet, and all underpinned by sound science and research.”

  • Disney+, Hulu combined would own most hit titles in the US: Ampere Analysis

    Disney+, Hulu combined would own most hit titles in the US: Ampere Analysis

    Mumbai: A combined offering of Disney+ and Hulu would account for the largest share of the 100 most popular titles of any US subscription video on demand (SVoD) service. At approximately 30 per cent, the player would enjoy a comprehensive lead on Netflix’s 23 per cent, according to a recent study by Ampere Analysis.

    Shows from Disney’s Marvel Studios, Lucasfilm, and Hulu Originals, such as Only Murders in the Building and The Handmaid‘s Tale, are among them.

    Will Disney push to close the deal early? The US streaming platform Hulu is currently owned by Disney (67 per cent) and Comcast (33 per cent), who are due to reach a sale agreement in January 2024. However, recent reports suggest that Disney intends to close a deal sooner to take a 100 per cent stake and integrate the streamer into Disney+ as a combined offering.

    The merger seems logical to Ampere’s analysts, as Disney’s share of Hulu content has grown significantly, suggesting that the company has continued to invest considerably in the platform. Since September 2016, the proportion of Hulu’s catalogue for which Disney owns the distribution rights has tripled, from six per cent of all movies and TV shows to 19 per cent by September 2022.

    Meanwhile, the major studios without streaming platforms have reduced their contribution to Hulu’s content slate (down from 81 per cent in 2016 to 71 per cent in 2022), and those with their own streaming services have generally maintained or reduced their input. Specifically, the combined content from NBCUniversal, Paramount Global, and Warner Bros. Discovery now makes up less than 10 per cent of all TV shows and movies on Hulu.

    Title reclamation is posing a threat to Hulu. The removal of content from Hulu to support newer services like Peacock, Paramount+, and HBO Max poses a threat to Hulu’s competitiveness. The streamer has already lost highly popular titles like America’s Got Talent (to Peacock), movies and TV shows set within the Star Trek universe (to Paramount+), and Family Matters (to HBO Max). If major studios reclaim their proprietary content, Hulu could lose 10 per cent of its overall catalogue. This figure rises to 37 per cent of Hulu’s 100 most popular titles, using Ampere’s popularity score metric, which tracks overall online engagement with a title.

    Ampere Analysis analyst Christen Tamisin said, “The threat of further popular or critically acclaimed titles leaving Hulu for rival platforms is a concern as engaging content is critical for subscriber retention, especially as the US SVoD market nears saturation. This risk makes the argument for Disney to merge Hulu and Disney+ into a single platform stronger.

    “On the other hand, Disney+ and Hulu’s complementary catalogues mean a combined platform would have a more diverse content offering—akin to that of other major market players—than the two standalone platforms have currently. While the Disney brand has long been associated with family-friendly content, Hulu has a broader, general-audience appeal, offering a wide range of genres and more adult-targeted titles,” he added.

  • Disney star launches the #KhushiyonKePeeche campaign

    Disney star launches the #KhushiyonKePeeche campaign

    Mumbai: On the occasion of World Television Day, Disney Star Network launched a new campaign called “#KhushiyonKePeeche” to recognise India’s cable and DTH operators. The campaign highlights the operators’ consistent efforts to provide a seamless TV viewing experience for consumers, as well as the enormous value they add to a TV household across the country.

    “#KhushiyonKePeeche” is an extension of the previous “#DisneyStarKaNaman” campaign launched by Disney Star Network to highlight the role of cable and DTH operators.

    As a tribute, the campaign portrays cable operators as ‘caring and outstanding saathi’ and DTH operators as those who open the ‘door to happiness.’

    In a country where television is the primary source of entertainment, the film depicts the operators as the true source of joy, working behind the scenes to bring entertainment closer to every television home.

    Disney Star Distribution and International, India head Gurjeev Singh Kapoor said, “Every day the cable and DTH affiliates ensure that there is no disruption in content delivery to millions of TV households across the nation; they truly are the backbone of the distribution system. Their endeavour to go out of the way to ensure uninterrupted services to the consumers with an enhanced TV viewing experience is truly commendable.”

    “We at Disney Star Network can reach our audiences from every corner of the nation thanks to the persistent spirit of the 900+ cable and DTH affiliates we work with. We take pride in having forged strong relationships with each of them over the last three decades, which helps us work together as one team with the common goal of delivering high-quality entertainment to our TV viewers. This campaign is a token of our appreciation to recognise their relentless efforts in ensuring continuous service across the nation,” he added.

    The brand film is based on the life of a cable and DTH operator, ensuring that viewers have an uninterrupted viewing experience. It all starts with a cable operator getting on his bike to start the day and a DTH operator adjusting an antenna at home. They witness various emotions at various locations as they continue to do their jobs throughout the day.

    They see a child watching cartoons with her father, a family watching an emotional drama together, and a group of friends cheering on a cricket match. The film concludes with Disney Star Network’s top stars thanking each cable and DTH provider, emphasising “Aap hain toh hum hain.”

    The campaign will be aired across the Disney Star Network on entertainment, movies, sports, and regional channels on 20, 21 and 22 of November in Hindi and seven regional languages (Bengali, Kannada, Malayalam, Marathi, Odiya, Tamil, and Telugu).

  • Bob Chapek exits Disney; Bob Iger returns as CEO for two more years

    Bob Chapek exits Disney; Bob Iger returns as CEO for two more years

    Mumbai: US and global media conglomerate Disney has announced that Robert A. Iger is returning to lead Disney as CEO, effective immediately. Iger, who spent more than four decades at the company, including 15 years from 2005-2020 as its CEO, has agreed to serve as Disney’s CEO for two years, with a mandate from the board to set the strategic direction for renewed growth and to work closely with the board in developing a successor to lead the company at the completion of his term. Iger succeeds Bob Chapek, who has stepped down from his position. Chapek spent less than three years as CEO. Chapek’s contract had been extended in June 2022 for three years. The earlier contract had been scheduled to expire in February 2023.

    “We thank Bob Chapek for his service to Disney over his long career, including navigating the company through the unprecedented challenges of the pandemic. The board has concluded that as Disney embarks on an increasingly complex period of industry transformation, Bob Iger is uniquely situated to lead the company through this pivotal period,” said The Walt Disney Co. chairman of the board Susan E. Arnold. “Iger has the deep respect of Disney’s senior leadership team, most of whom he worked closely with until his departure as executive chairman 11 months ago, and he is greatly admired by Disney employees worldwide—all of which will allow for a seamless transition of leadership.”

    The position of chairman of the board remains unchanged, with Arnold serving in that capacity.

    “I am extremely optimistic for the future of this great company and thrilled to be asked by the board to return as its CEO. Disney and its incomparable brands and franchises hold a special place in the hearts of so many people around the globe—most especially in the hearts of our employees, whose dedication to this company and its mission is an inspiration. I am deeply honoured to be asked to lead this extraordinary team once more, with a clear mission focused on creative excellence to inspire generations through unparalleled, bold storytelling,” Iger said.

    During his 15-year stint with Disney, Iger helped build Disney into one of the world’s most successful and admired media and entertainment companies with a strategic vision focused on creative excellence, technological innovation, and international growth. He expanded on Disney’s legacy of storytelling with the acquisitions of Pixar, Marvel, Lucasfilm, and 21st Century Fox and increased the company’s market capitalization fivefold during his time as CEO. Iger continued to direct Disney’s creative endeavours until his departure as executive chairman last December, and the company’s pipeline of content is a testament to his leadership and vision.

  • Warner Bros. Discovery celebrates Diwali with a fantastic programming lineup for kids

    Warner Bros. Discovery celebrates Diwali with a fantastic programming lineup for kids

    Mumbai: This Diwali, Warner Bros. Discovery joins the family celebrations with an exciting programming lineup across its children’s entertainment channels: Cartoon Network, POGO, and Discovery Kids. Beginning on October 22, the channels will provide viewers with a fun-filled ride featuring popular animated characters like Little Singham, Teen Titans Go!, Chhota Bheem, Titoo, and Ekans throughout the week in multiple regional languages.

    Throughout Diwali week, POGO will broadcast Diwali Cinema Wali, which will feature movies from popular homegrown shows such as Ekans: Snakes Awake!, Titoo-Har Jawaab Ka Sawaal Hu, and Chhota Bheem. Additionally, on 22-23 October , viewers will be treated to two brand new movies, Ping Pong ki Circus, starring Titoo, and Mahavinashi ka Vinash, starring Chhota Bheem and his gang.

    From 22 October, Discovery Kids will ramp up the celebrations with Little Singham movies every day at 11:30 a.m., including the premieres of the mini-series Mahabali Little Singham: Badhta Khatra and Mahabali Little Singham: Mirchigad Par Hamla on 22 and 30 October, respectively.

    On 23 October, at 11:30 a.m., the channel will also debut its new 3D tele-feature, Legend of Shervansh, for young viewers.

    Cartoon Network will bring Teen Titans Go! Diwali Celebrations for kids to enjoy brand-new episodes of its popular superhero comedy series, Teen Titans Go!, beginning on 22 October at 11:30 a.m.

    The premiere of Digimon Adventure: in Hindi, Tamil, and Telugu on 24 October at 8 p.m. will add a sparkle of exciting anime content to the channel’s festive season line-up.

    Speaking about the Diwali line-up, Warner Bros. Discovery Kids Cluster South Asia head Uttam Pal Singh said, “This Diwali, we’re bringing an exciting slate of action-packed movies and episodes of fan favourites across POGO, Discovery Kids and Cartoon Network. We are sure to surpass all expectations with the new and Diwali themed specials from popular shows that the kids and their families can enjoy as they celebrate the festivities together.”

    With its recently announced Little Singham Fan Fest, Discovery Kids is making the occasion even more enjoyable for kids by bringing them closer to their favourite supercop, Little Singham. The local initiatives in Mumbai, Delhi, Hyderabad, Kolkata, Bangalore, Pune, Ahmedabad, and Lucknow promise a big fiesta for young fans of the show. It includes fascinating activities and workshops.

  • Hackman Capital Partners raises $1.6 bn to invest in TV & films studios globally

    Hackman Capital Partners raises $1.6 bn to invest in TV & films studios globally

    Mumbai: Hackman Capital Partners (HCP), a privately held real estate investment and operating company focused on acquiring and actively managing studio, media, and commercial real estate properties, announced on Friday the final close of the HCP Studio Fund (the fund). The fund closed on $1.4 billion of commitments, exceeding its initial target of one billion dollars and its initial cap of $1.25 billion. HCP also closed on the fund’s co-investment commitments of $200 million in equity capital, bringing the total committed equity capital to $1.6 billion. Investors in the fund comprise a mix of global institutions, including sovereign wealth funds, public and corporate pensions, insurance companies, endowments, foundations, and family offices, among others.

    The fund is focused on acquiring studio and media assets with attractive in-place income and growth potential in top production markets across the world.  to source investment opportunities and create value through property performance optimisation and strategic studio developments. In addition, HCP’s ownership of affiliate The MBS Group, a studio advisory, production, and equipment services company, will generate long-term cash flow through the provision of production services and stThe fund will leverage Hackman’s 35-year track record, deep industry relationships, and operational expertiseudio-based equipment rentals.

    “We are pleased to have completed this institutional capital raise for the studio and media strategy and are grateful for the strong support from our new investment partners. We have built a unique and highly differentiated platform that has established Hackman as the premier owner and operator of independent film and television studios. Combined with our long standing industry relationships, we provide a sustainable competitive advantage, and are well capitalised to execute on a strong pipeline of investment opportunities,” said Hackman Capital Partners CEO Michael Hackman.

    HCP is established as the preeminent independent owner and operator of studio and media assets, having invested over $8 billion since inception, including marquee studios such as The Culver Studios, Silvercup Studios, Kaufman Astoria Studios, Radford Studio Centre, and Television City Studios. HCP has created a powerful platform that provides production real estate and studio services to media companies including Amazon, Apple, ABC, CBS, Disney, HBO, Marvel, Netflix, Sony, Showtime, and Warner Brothers.

    As of Q2 2022, the fund was approximately 50 per cent invested and committed. It has made seven investments for a total of $488 million of fund equity capital.