ITV

Category: English Entertainment

  • Star World to enthrall crime-fiction lovers with new programming slot ‘Crime @ 10’

    Star World to enthrall crime-fiction lovers with new programming slot ‘Crime @ 10’

    Star World, India’s leading English Entertainment channel, is renowned for being ahead of the curve. From binging on weekends to watching shows along with the U.S, the channel has been at the forefront of recognizing trends and meeting entertainment demands of viewers. Taking their offerings a notch higher, the channel is now all set to introduce an-all new programming slot – Crime @ 10, dedicated to crime thrillers with edge-of-the-seat drama, plot twists, action-packed moments and gripping content!

    With a slew of some of the most fan-favourite shows, Crime @ 10 will captivate television screens every Monday to Friday at 10 PM only on Star World and Star World HD.

    The line-up has kick started with hit TV series ‘The Listener’ that aired on 13th February at 10 PM. Starring Canadian actor Craig Olejnik as the protagonist Toby Logan, the series also stars Lauren Lee Smith from the Oscar nominated film The Shape of Water, Anthony Lemke of Dark Matter and RoboCop fame, Kris Holden-Ried of Ben Hur, Arrow and Underworld fame and Melanie Scrofano from Designated Survivor among others! The series follows the life of Toby Logan who plays a paramedic with telepathic powers. As he consults with law enforcement, he helps victims while listening to their thoughts and seeing the images seen by them to lessen crime and make the society a better place.

    Next in line is the multiple People’s Choice Award winning crime thriller ‘Castle’ starring beloved duo – detective Kate Beckett (played by Stana Katic) and award-winning mystery novelist, Richard Castle (played by Nathan Fillion). The series will start on 21st March at 10 PM and follows the lives of Beckett and Castle as one uses his imagination and the other uses her detective skills and cop training, to solve gruesome crimes together! The audience-favourite TV series has also earned top nominations at the Primetime Emmy Awards and stars This Is Us fame Jon Huertas and veteran actor Susan Sullivan among others!

    Following suit is yet another crime-thriller – Fox’s longest running drama series ‘Bones’! Starring Emily Deschanel of films Glory, Boogeyman, Spider-Man 2 and My Sister’s Keeper among others along with David Boreanaz of Buffy the Vampire Slayer and Angel fame, the series has known to have a steady fan base right from its inception to its end. The series that enjoyed immense popularity and even some awards along the way follows the duo – Forensic Anthropologist, Temperance ‘Bones’ Brennan (Emily) and FBI Special Agent Seeley Booth (David) as they solve Federal legal cases by examining the human remains of possible murder victims. Bones will air starting 23rd April at 10 PM!

    Culminating the Crime @10 line-up is the widely popular police procedural crime drama series, ‘Rosewood’ starring protagonist Morris Chestnut who is known for his roles in notable movies and TV shows such as Golden Globe winning series Goliath as well as Boyz n the Hood, The Perfect Guy, Kick-Ass 2, The Game Plan, Ladder 49, Nurse Jackie, Legends and more! Rosewood follows the life of Dr. Beaumont Rosewood Jr. (Chestnut) – a private pathologist working in Miami, Florida who is in high demand with the law enforcement. But Rosewood, whose rare heart condition could kill him at any moment is more interested in giving second opinions to friends and family of the deceased when they aren’t convinced with police findings! The series also stars Lorraine Toussaint of Orange is the New Black and Selma, Domenick Lombardozzi of The Wire, Bridge of Spies, Boardwalk Empire fame, Eddie Cibrian of CSI: Miami among others. Rosewood will start on 23rd April at 10 PM!

  • Catch the ultimate battle between Passion and Profession as Zee Café presents – The Chefs’ Line

    Catch the ultimate battle between Passion and Profession as Zee Café presents – The Chefs’ Line

    What happens when passionate home chefs go against professional chefs? When challengers take on the champions? Calling out to all food lovers, Zee Café, the leading English entertainment channel in India, is all set to bring a brand-new cooking series – The Chefs’ Line, premiering 12th February, weeknights at 9.

    In every restaurant kitchen, there exists The Chefs’ Line starting from the Apprentice Chef, way up to the Head Chef. This show is the ultimate competition wherein home chefs will battle against culinary professionals. Each week, four amateur home cooks will try and out cook an entire Chefs’ Line, from one of Australia’s favourite restaurants, in the hopes that their passion will prevail over profession! What’s more? Judging the exquisite dishes, will be three of Australia’s hottest culinary stars: internationally renowned Executive Chef Dan Hong, popular food writer Melissa Leong and Australia’s most famous indigenous chef, Mark Olive.

    Speaking about the show, Melissa Leong shares, “We had such a blast filming The Chefs’ Line, and we’re thrilled to be sharing it with India! The show is a celebration of food and family, showcased by the world’s great cuisines.”

    Hosted by the expert food critic, Maeve O’Meara, The Chefs’ Line will take the audience on a VIP visit to the featured restaurants, learning about the personalities and the plates behind each of the cuisines. Spanning over 13 weeks, the show will celebrate a different cuisine every week. So, there’ll be new cooks, a new restaurant and a new cuisine to explore. It will also be a culinary visual spectacle presenting varied cultures, people and history associated with them.

    So, what are you waiting for? These chefs have come from different worlds and now they are preparing for battle! Which side will you be on?

  • Viacom reports lower revenue for Q1 2018

    Viacom reports lower revenue for Q1 2018

    BENGALURU: American multinational media conglomerate with interests primarily in cinema and cable television, Viacom Inc (Viacom) reported lower numbers for the quarter ended 31 December 2017 (Q1 2018, quarter under review) as compared to the corresponding year ago quarter Q1 2017 (y-o-y). The company reported 7.6 percent y-o-y decline in revenue for Q1 2018 at $3,073 million from $3,324 million. Two segments are revenue heads for the company – Media Networks; and Filmed Entertainment.

    The drop in revenue reflected declines in both segments says the company in its earnings release. Operating income increased 1.6 per cent y-o-y to $717 million from $706 million, primarily reflecting lower total expenses including the impact of a $42 million restructuring charge recognised in the prior year quarter. Net earnings from continuing operations attributable to Viacom grew 35 per cent, or $139 million, to $535 million, principally due to the enactment of tax reform. Diluted earnings per share for the quarter increased $0.33 to $1.33, and adjusted diluted earnings per share decreased $0.01 to $1.03.

    Media Networks

    Media Networks revenues decreased 1.1 per cent to $2,560 million in the quarter, as a 1 per cent increase in advertising revenues to $1,308 million was more than offset by a 4 per cent y-o-y decrease in affiliate revenues to $1,094 million. Domestic revenues declined 6 per cent to $1.93 billion while international revenues grew 18 per cent to $631 million. Excluding a 5-percentage point favourable impact from foreign exchange, international revenues increased 13 per cent in the quarter, primarily driven by a 6-percentage point favourable impact from the acquisition of Telefe, as well as growth in Europe.

    Domestic advertising revenues decreased 5 per cent to $937 million, reflecting lower linear impressions partially offset by higher pricing, as well as growth in digital advertising revenue. International advertising revenues increased 22 per cent to $371 million. Excluding a 5-percentage point favourable impact from foreign exchange, international advertising revenues increased 17 per cent, principally due to a 10-percentage point favourable impact from the acquisition of Telefe, as well as growth in Europe.

    Domestic affiliate revenues decreased 8 per cent to $907 million, primarily due to subscriber declines and lower SVOD revenues, partially offset by rate increases. International affiliate revenues grew 18 per cent to $187 million in the quarter.

    Excluding a 5-percentage point favourable impact from foreign exchange, international affiliate revenues grew 13 per cent driven by organic growth, as well as a 2-percentage point favourable impact from the acquisition of Telefe.

    Ancillary revenues grew 5 per cent to $158 million in the quarter, including a 2-percentage point favourable impact from foreign exchange. Domestic ancillary revenues increased 8 per cent to $85 million and international ancillary revenues increased 1 per cent to $73 million.

    Adjusted operating income for Media Networks decreased 7 per cent to $913 million in the quarter, principally due to an increase in segment expenses and lower revenues

    Filmed Entertainment

    Filmed Entertainment revenues decreased 28 per cent to $544 million in the quarter, with domestic revenues down 42 per cent to $270 million, and international revenues down 6 per cent to $274 million. Theatrical revenues declined 48 per cent to $100 million due to the number and mix of current quarter releases. Domestic and international theatrical revenues decreased 49 per cent and 46 per cent, respectively.

    Licencing revenues decreased 13 per cent to $213 million in the quarter. Domestic licensing revenues decreased 36 per cent while international licencing revenues grew 8 per cent, primarily driven by the mix of titles available in each market.

    Home entertainment revenues were down 25 per cent to $183 million, principally due to the comparison against the release of Star Trek Beyond in the prior year quarter. Domestic home entertainment revenues decreased 38 per cent while international revenues increased 1 per cent. Ancillary revenues decreased 38 per cent to $48 million, with domestic ancillary revenues down 49 per cent and international ancillary revenues up 27 per cent.

    Filmed Entertainment reported an adjusted operating loss of $130 million in the quarter compared to $180 million in the prior year quarter, an improvement of $50 million that primarily reflects lower operating expenses.

    Company speak

    Viacom President and CEO Bob Bakish said, “In the quarter, Viacom aggressively drove progress on our strategic plan, delivering improvements in our business and positioning the company for the future. Viacom’s most watched portfolio of domestic cable brands grew viewership share in the quarter, led by our powerful flagship networks, which now includes Paramount Network – the biggest and most ambitious network rebrand in our history. Internationally, we continue to deliver double-digit top-line and bottom-line Media Networks gains while launching innovative new partnerships in growth territories around the world.

    Adding further, Bakish said, “Viacom has also made considerable progress in its push to accelerate consumption and monetisation on next-generation platforms, achieving substantial growth in worldwide digital advertising revenues, expanding distribution on fast-growing virtual MVPD and mobile services, and ramping up resources and talent at Viacom Digital Studios. Additionally, since the end of the quarter, we continued to expand our digital capabilities with the acquisition of influence marketer WHOSAY and the world’s premier online video event, VidCon. In addition, our strategy to further diversify our core properties offscreen through live events, hospitality and consumer products continues to progress, with the much anticipated Broadway premiere of the SpongeBob SquarePants musical in the quarter, along with new initiatives across our portfolio.

    “We remain deeply committed to maintaining strong financial discipline and delivering returns for our shareholders. In the quarter, Viacom continued to improve its leverage profile and we are on track to achieve $100 million in new cost savings in the current fiscal year, and hundreds of millions more in 2019,” concluded Bakish.

    Also Read:

    TV18 to increase Viacom18 stake to 51%

    Sudhanshu Vats on Viacom18’s growth strategy and why data analytics is key

    Viacom Inc misses EPS forecast but revenue beats expectations

  • AXN spices up programming line-up with ‘AXN Premiere Club’ – introduces 7 days, 7 premieres

    AXN spices up programming line-up with ‘AXN Premiere Club’ – introduces 7 days, 7 premieres

    This is no ordinary year for AXN. The channel is in its 20th year and to celebrate its legacy, AXN has some special plans for its viewers through the year. While January saw a new slot called AXN Bestsellers that airs all cult shows like Sex and the City, Breaking Bad, Sherlock etc. at 11 pm every day, February has a brand new proposition of 7 days, 7 new shows under its new property called ‘AXN Premiere Club’.

    As the name suggests, the channel is premiering 7 news shows every night of the week at 10 PM. The 7 shows in the line-up, which are not available on any OTT platform, are The Handmaids Tale, which has won 8 Emmy and 2 Golden Globe Awards, the fearless and warrior-like show, ‘Vikings season 5’, the military drama, ‘The Brave’ from the makers of the highly-acclaimed show ‘Homeland’, the intense legal drama ‘Doubt’, the thrilling American drama series ‘ZOO’, the courtroom drama ‘Bull’ and the action drama series ‘Scorpion’.

    To promote this unique proposition of 7 days 7 new shows, AXN has tied up with Pan-Asian restaurant Mamagoto and PVR Cinemas to give viewers an experience of this proposition on-ground. For instance, Mamagoto will have a special 777+ menu which includes a mouth-watering soup, a starter, a main course, a mocktail and a dessert, all at Rupees 777 only. This is a month-long activity across metros Mumbai, Delhi, Bangalore, Chennai, Hyderabad and Kolkata. PVR-goers will witness the handmaids at select outlets along with the promo across the screens.

    Experience the rush, excitement and thrill with ‘AXN Premiere Club’ every day at 10 PM only on AXN.

  • Star India, FNG help prop up 21st CF Q2 numbers

    Star India, FNG help prop up 21st CF Q2 numbers

    BENGALURU: Rupert Murdoch’s media conglomerate 21st Century Fox has three segments–cable network programming (CNP) that contains Star India and Fox Networks Group International (FNG International), television and filmed entertainment (films). 21st Century Fox reported 4.6 per cent yoy growth in revenue for its second quarter ended 31 December 2017 (Q2 2018, the quarter under review) as compared with the corresponding year ago quarter (Q2-2017, prior year quarter). Of its three segments, it was only for CNP that Fox reported growth in revenue and increase in profits as operating income before depreciation and amortisation (OIBDA), for the other two divisions, the company reported decline in revenue combined with an even steeper decrease in segment OIBDA.

    21st Century Fox revenue for the quarter under review increased by 4.6 per cent yoy to USD 8,037 million from USD 7,682 million. OIBDA reduced 27.9 per cent yoy to USD 1,438 million from USD 1,994 million. However, net income attributable to Fox shareholders more than doubled (2.14 times) to USD 1,831 in Q2 2018 from USD 856 million because of a tax benefit of USD 1.84 billion. Quarterly income from continuing operations before income tax benefit of USD 703 million decreased 49.2 per cent yoy from the USD 1,385 million reported in the prior year quarter.

    Commenting on the results, 21st Century Fox executive chairmen Rupert and Lachlan Murdoch said, “We delivered another quarter of solid top-line revenue growth including the further acceleration of gains in global affiliate revenues and despite challenging revenue comparisons for our TV segment. Our results also reflect increased investment behind higher volumes of global sporting events as well as film releases from our studio, which led the industry in Golden Globe awards and Oscar nominations. Looking ahead, we are focused on continuing to deliver value to our shareholders through achieving our near-term growth plans, completing our proposed acquisition of the balance of Sky, obtaining the required approvals for the successful completion of our transaction with Disney and planning for the exciting launch of the new ‘Fox’.”

    CNP

    CNP quarterly segment OIBDA increased by 2.6 per cent as compared with the prior year quarter to USD 1,365 million driven by an 11 per cent revenue rise on higher affiliate, syndication and advertising revenue partially offset by a 15 per cent jump in expenses. The increase in expenses was primarily due to higher global sports programming costs reflecting the inaugural broadcasts of Big Ten college football at FS1 and Argentine Football Association matches at FNG International as well as the impact of contractual increases and more National Basketball Association games at the regional sports networks due to the earlier start of the season and a shift in timing of cricket matches at Star India.  

    Domestic affiliate revenue rose by 12 per cent driven by contractual rate increases across all of 21st Century Fox’s domestic brands. Domestic advertising revenue decreased 3 per cent from the prior year period due to lower general entertainment ratings primarily reflecting a lower volume of original series in the current quarter. Domestic OIBDA contributions increased 1 per cent over the prior year quarter as higher contributions from Fox News were partially offset by lower contributions from the domestic sports networks and National Geographic.

    International affiliate revenue increased 13 per cent driven by rate and subscriber growth at both FNG International and Star. International advertising revenue increased 14 per cent led by double digit growth at Star and continued growth at FNG International. International OIBDA contributions were 8 per cent higher than the prior year quarter as higher contributions at FNG International and Star entertainment networks were partially offset by lower contributions at Star sports networks where higher sports programming costs more than offset the higher reported revenues.

    Television

    Television reported quarterly segment OIBDA of USD 56 million, a decrease of 85 per cent against the USD 376 million reported for the prior year quarter. Quarterly segment revenue was 5.8 per cent lower yoy in Q2 2018 at USD 1,806 million than the USD 1,918 million in the corresponding period in the prior year. 21st Century Fox says that revenue declined as higher retransmission consent revenue was more than offset by lower advertising revenues reflecting lower cyclical political revenues at the TV stations, lower National Football League and World Series ratings and the absence of revenue generated in the prior year quarter by the granting of a licence of one of 21st Century Fox’s television stations to permit the commercial use of adjacent wireless spectrum in that market. The decrease in segment OIBDA was primarily driven by the lower revenues as well as higher contractual sports programming costs at the Fox Broadcast Network, including a higher volume of college football and National Football League games broadcast in the current year quarter.

    Films

    Films generated quarterly segment OIBDA of USD 131 million, a 66.3 per cent decrease from the USD 389 million reported in the prior year quarter. 21st Century Fox says that the OIBDA decrease was driven primarily by higher theatrical releasing costs which more than offset higher theatrical revenues in the quarter under review to support a heavier theatrical film release slate which included Murder on the Orient Express, Ferdinand, The Greatest Showman, The Shape of Water, Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri and The Post. Partially offsetting these higher expenses were higher television production contributions reflecting higher subscription video-on-demand revenue. Quarterly segment revenue of USD 2,246 million was similar (1 per cent yoy decline) to USD 2,269 million of the year-ago quarter as higher television production revenue offset lower film studio revenue reflecting lower home entertainment and pay and free TV licencing revenue says 21st Century Fox.

    Also Read :

    Disney to buy 21st Century Fox assets for $52.4 billion

    21st CF spins-off into new live news & sports co Fox

    Disney expected to announce 21 CF buyout tomorrow: media reports

     

     

  • Star Movies is home of The Oscars

    Star Movies is home of The Oscars

    Celebrating its 90th year in 2018, the Academy Awards is undoubtedly the industry’s most elite award ceremony. It recognizes the best talent in film-making and makes living legends of them! Thus, it’s only befitting that India’s leading movie destination, Star Movies and Star Movies Select HD celebrate the champions of tinsel town by showcasing the Oscars live at 5:30am in India on 5th March. This  year marks a very significant milestone for the channel as Star Movies enters its glorious 20th year of bringing The Academy Awards to India! 

    For all those who can’t wait until the award ceremony , Star Movies and Star Movies Select HD bring fans a month-long festival ‘Celebrating the Oscars’ which will culminate with the LIVE broadcast of the 90th Academy Awards on March 5! Starting today, fans can enjoy the best of cinema every Monday to Thursday at 7 pm, with movies that made their mark at Hollywood’s biggest stage!

    From excellence in script-writing, to visual effects, to original music scores, every movie is a spectacle to watch and a must-have on your bucket list. Right from timeless classics like – Kramer vs. Kramer, Braveheart and Titanic, to delightful animation movies like Zootopia, Ice Age and Toy Story 3, to spirit-lifting movies like Little Miss Sunshine and King’s Speech, the line-up is a compelling watch that has something for everyone. The more recent Oscar winners too feature in the festival, with the likes of Whiplash, Grand Budapest Hotel and 127 Hours set to enthrall true fans with their film-craft!

  • Comedy Central brings four new shows making it a fabulous february

    Comedy Central brings four new shows making it a fabulous february

    The shortest month of the year is nearly upon us and with February comes a slew of the funniest sitcoms on Comedy Central. We bring to you this month, a mix of Indian television premieres and iconic favorites that you just can’t miss. Catch the Valentine’s Day Special with an entire fourth season of ‘Younger,’ where Liza Miller juggles her feelings for one hunk after another, 10 AM onwards.

    Seasons one and two of the sitcom Superstore will air from Monday to Friday at 9.30 pm. Fans will also get to enjoy Great News (Season 2) and Wrecked, a parody of “Lost,” at 10 PM and 10.30 PM respectively. Comedy Central rounds off the fabulous month with the Indian Television Premiere of Marlon, a delightful classic modern-day family comedy, 27th February onwards, Monday to Friday 10 pm.

    With so much happening and such an interesting line up of shows, February is all set to become one of the most happening and happiest months of the year.

    The All New Line-Up Includes:

    Show: Superstore Season 1-2  

    Date: Monday – Friday, 9:30pm

    Superstore, starring America Ferrera and Ben Feldman, looks at the lives of employees working at a fictional big-box store called “Cloud 9” set in Missouri, USA. Created by Justin Spitzer, the writer of ‘The Office’ and ‘Scrubs’, the show has already been renewed for a third season!

    Show: Great News Season 2  

    Date: 8th February | Monday – Friday, 10:00pm

    The series, set in the world of television news, follows an up-and-coming news producer who finds herself dealing with a new intern: her mother. The show was created and written by Emmy Award winner Tracey Wigfield and co-executive produced by Tina Fey.

    Show: Wrecked Season 2 

    Date: 19th February | Monday – Friday, 10:30pm

    A parody of “Lost”, the show follows the strange antics of a diverse group of survivors after a plane crash on a remote island. The show has been renewed for a third season!

    Show: Marlon S1

    Date: 27th February | Monday – Friday, 10:00pm

    Despite their inability to coexist, divorced couple Marlon Wayne and his ex-wife Ashley try to stay friends for the sake of their two children, Marley and Zack. For this loving (but immature) father, family always does come first – even if he’s the biggest kid of all. The premise of the show is loosely based on Wayans’ own life. The show has been renewed for a second season!

  • COLORS INFINITY bolsters local productions with OPPO presents TOP MODEL INDIA powered by RENAULT CAPTUR

    COLORS INFINITY bolsters local productions with OPPO presents TOP MODEL INDIA powered by RENAULT CAPTUR

    COLORS INFINITY, creator of some of the most beloved and successful homegrown English entertainment content in India is all set to foray into the world of Fashion and Lifestyle entertainment with TOP MODEL INDIA. OPPO presents TOP MODEL INDIA powered by Renault CAPTUR is all set to present a plush ramp, to showcase talent and break all the stereotypes starting this Sunday 4th February 2018 at 8 pm only on COLORS INFINITY. The show is poised to be a unique platform that will take viewers through the transformation of 12 aspiring models into supermodels under the expert guidance of judges Lisa Haydon, Atul Kasbekar, Anaita Shroff Adajania and mentor Shibani Dandekar.

    The stakes will be high, as the country’s most influential fashion icons will choose the winner of TOP MODEL INDIA from amongst 12 ambitious models. While the ravishing supermodel Lisa Haydon will shed light on modeling techniques and walking the thin line between art and fashion, ace photographer Atul Kasbekar will explain the nuances required to grace the cover of a fashion magazine. Styling empress Anaita Shroff Adajania will helm the show with her impeccable fashion counsel. The gorgeous Shibani Dandekar will tie it all in, as she mentors the contestants on their emotionally charged journey down the most difficult runway. The crème de la crème of the fashion industry like Mickey Boardman, Manish Malhotra, Kunal Rawal and many more, will also grace the show to impart their styling and grooming wisdom.

    Breaking barriers in the fashion industry, the show will witness male and female contestants battling it out amongst each other to grab the most coveted title, as the ultimate winner prepares to take over the world’s fashion runway. The winner will be bestowed with a contract with the prestigious Bling! Entertainment Solutions that has a rich legacy of working with some of the top celebrities in the Indian entertainment industry like Deepika Padukone, Vidya Balan, Jacqueline Fernandez, Shahid Kapoor, Sonam Kapoor and many more. In addition to launching their career, the contestants will also have a chance to shoot with the world-class fashion photographer Atul Kasbekar.

    Elaborating on the show, Viacom18, Head – Youth, Music and English Entertainment, Ferzad Palia said “COLORS INFINITY has always been the thought-leader in creating content that viewers would enjoy, ranging from original productions to international programming. This platform will not only showcase the latest international fashion trends but also recognize Indian talent. Gauging the warm response from our sponsors and the wider fraternity, we are confident that TOP MODEL INDIA will be well received by our viewers too.”

    “We are proud to be presenting sponsors for TOP MODEL INDIA. As a brand, OPPO has always been focusing on the youth, offering them unique experiences and being a part of their lives. Thus, TOP MODEL INDIA is the perfect platform for OPPO to connect with the youth, take them closer to their dreams and help them create memories via technologically advanced and innovative camera phones”, said Will Yang, Brand Director, OPPO India.

    Renault India, Head Marketing, Virat Khullar added “We are extremely glad to associate with COLORS INFINITY for the premiere season of TOP MODEL INDIA. Renault CAPTUR and TOP MODEL INDIA’s synergies match perfectly as they are both focused on encouraging incredible style and great capability. Renault CAPTUR is a new age SUV with Global success. This collaboration has been an enriching experience and we look forward for an exuberant response from the audience.”

    CBS Studios International has licensed the India format rights for the reality competition series AMERICA’S NEXT TOP MODEL to Mumbai-based Bulldog Media & Entertainment. The English language version of the franchise promises the same excitement and anticipation as the international format that continues to be a worldwide success.

    “AMERICA’S NEXT TOP MODEL” has taken the world by storm, with the original show now in its 24th season and under license in over 100 markets and 20 international versions in production.

    International Formats | CBS Studios International, Vice President, Roxanne Pompa said, “We are thrilled to be working with Bulldog and Colors Infinity to launch the first season of the English version of TOP MODEL INDIA. With the Hindi version of Top Model being so successful on MTV, producing this new English version is a natural extension of Top Model brand in India.” 

    Bulldog Media & Entertainment, Co-Founder & Executive Producer, Akash Sharma said, “I’m moved and inspired by the intensity of the ‘INTM’ fan base whose passion for the show triggered the launch of TOP MODEL INDIA for an international audience. The ‘America’s Next Top Model’ format continues to entertain audiences all around the world and we are excited to have the opportunity to see the English language version make its debut in India. It is a show that is all about transformation & competition with the customary ‘Top Model’ style, glamour, and entertainment for viewers to enjoy.”

    To amplify the debut of this one-of-its-kind platform, COLORS INFINITY has mounted a multi-pronged pan-India campaign. Besides high-decibel traditional and digital media, the campaign boasts of disruptive partnerships with pioneering brands and fashion authorities. The channel has also partnered with JW Marriott Sahar as the venue partner and PETA to support their effort in preventing cruelty against animals in fashion.

    Strut and Swish as OPPO presents TOP MODEL INDIA powered by Renault CAPTUR is all set to dazzle you on COLORS INFINITY on Sunday, 4th February 2018 at 8 PM.

  • Time Warner numbers up on higher subscription, content fees

    Time Warner numbers up on higher subscription, content fees

    BENGALURU: Time Warner Inc (Time Warner) reported increase in revenue and operating income due to growth across these parameters by all its businesses-Turner, Home Box Office (HBO) and Warner Bros-for the year and quarter ended 31 December 2017 (FY 2017, the year under review; Q4 2018, the quarter under review). Time Warner’s total revenue for FY 2017 increased by 6.7 per cent to USD 31,271 million from USD 29,318 million in FY 2016. Total revenue expanded by 9.1 per cent year-over year (y-o-y) for Q4 2017 to USD 8,611 million from USD 7,891 million in Q4 2016. Operating income increased by 4.9 per cent in FY 2017 to USD 7,920 million from USD 7,547 million in FY 2016. Operating income in Q4 2018 increased by 12.8 per cent yoy to USD 1,907 million.

    The company says in its investor release that revenue in FY 2017 benefitted from increases of 13 per cent (USD752 million) in subscription revenue and 11 per cent (USD74 million) in content and other revenue, partially offset by a decrease of 2 per cent (USD109 million) in advertising revenue. The increase in subscription revenue was due to higher domestic rates and growth at Turner’s international networks, partially offset by lower domestic subscribers. Content and other revenue increased due to higher licensing revenue. The decline in advertising revenue was primarily due to lower delivery at Turner’s domestic entertainment networks and the comparison to Turner’s networks airing the NCAA Division I Men’s Basketball National Championship and Final Four games in the prior year, partially offset by increase in Turner’s news businesses and growth in its international networks.

    Operating income in FY 2017 improved due to the increase in revenue, partially offset by higher expenses, including increased programming and marketing costs. Programming costs grew by 12 per cent primarily due to higher costs related to the first year of Turner’s new agreement with the NBA. The increase in marketing costs was mainly to support original series on Turner’s domestic entertainment networks.

    Revenue in Q4 2017 grew due to due to increases of 14 per cent (USD 204 million) in subscription revenue, 32 per cent (USD 55 million) in content and other revenue and 2 per cent (USD 26 million) in advertising revenue. Subscription revenue benefitted from higher domestic rates and growth at Turner’s international networks, partially offset by lower domestic subscribers. Content and other revenue increased primarily due to higher licensing revenue. The increase in advertising revenue was due to higher revenue associated with MLB postseason games and growth at Turner’s international networks, partially offset by a decline at Turner’s news businesses related to the comparison to last year’s US presidential election.

    Increase of operating income in Q4 2017 reflected revenue growth partially offset by higher expenses, including increased programming costs. Programming expenses grew by 10 per cent mainly due to higher costs associated with airing MLB post-season games.

    Time Warner chairman and chief executive officer Jeff Bewkes said: “We had another very successful year in 2017, achieving our financial goals thanks to the great creative and programming excellence across Time Warner. All three of our operating divisions increased revenue and profits while also investing to capitalize on the growing demand for the most creative and compelling content as well as new ways to deliver it to audiences worldwide. Warner Bros. had its best year ever at the global box office with its films grossing over USD5 billion in box office receipts, led by hits like Wonder Woman, It and Dunkirk, which received eight Academy Award nominations, including for Best Picture. Warner Bros. also remains the number 1 supplier of television shows for the broadcast networks, and saw continued growth in games with franchise releases Middle-earth: Shadow of War and Injustice 2.”

  • HBO and HBO HD brings you ‘Kong: Skull Island’ – a monster carnage of epic scales

    HBO and HBO HD brings you ‘Kong: Skull Island’ – a monster carnage of epic scales

    Put your seatbelts on, and get strapped for a monster party like no other. Say goodbye to urban skylines and skyscrapers, and encounter the colossal mythic beast on the very land it rules in. It’s a visual feast of truly epic proportions!

    HBO and HBO HD, home to the biggest Hollywood blockbusters, bring to you Kong: Skull Island, co-powered by Airtel TV along with associate sponsor Kumon Mathematics. Fans of the lore are in for the legendary showdown between man and beast that has captivated the imagination of cinephiles over decades. Kong: Skull Island unravels a jaw-dropping expedition of a team of explorers to an uncharted island in the Pacific Ocean. High octane action sequences with stunning visuals effects greet viewers early on the movie – giving just a gist of the nail-biting adventure about to begin in the monster-infested island.

    Director Jordan Vogt-Roberts brings a fresh vision to the darling of all monster adventure stories, welcoming fans and viewers to truly relish the behemoth that is Kong. This time, the landscape changes to a no-man’s land, with its own spine-chilling reptilian army, creepy spiders and dangerous predators called ‘Skullcrawlers’. A brand-new Kong, outstanding VFX and a subtle satirical undertone, combined with stellar star-cast of Tom Hiddleston, Brie Larson, and Samuel L. Jackson, make for an explosive cinematic melange. King Kong: Skull Island is the ultimate weekend mega movie treat you were waiting for!

    To make the experience even more special, HBO and HBO HD has released a cool ‘Stand with Kong’ filter available on Facebook camera filters. Fans can use the filter for a cool picture that brings them face to face with Kong himself!

    Fans can also check out a unique Facebook SmartApp and see how you measure up to the gigantic legend! https://standwithkong.kongskullislandmovie.com/ & https://www.facebook.com/HBOIndia/posts/10159834617155015

    To add to the excitement, fans can also participate in fun contests on HBO’s social platforms to win big! Check out HBO India on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

    Grab a giant tub of popcorn and gear up to watch the ultimate monster carnage unfolding in the fog-shrouded Skull Island! Tune in to HBO and HBO HD, and experience the magic of Kong: Skull Island only on Sunday, 28th January, 1pm and 9pm.