ITV

Category: English Entertainment

  • Romedy Now gets into clothing line

    Romedy Now gets into clothing line

    MUMBAI: Romedy Now, in collaboration with designer Ken Ferns is all set to launch its merchandising line of clothing – the LOVE. LAUGH. LIVE. collection at the India Beach Fashion Week.

    The fifth edition of the event being held in Goa will witness celebrity Gauhar Khan unveil the stylish collection.

    Times Network executive VP and head–entertainment cluster, Vivek Srivastava said, “From being a television channel, we are now foraying into the fashion space by launching our first “Love Laugh Live” themed collection at the India Beach Fashion Week – season 5. The idea of introducing the branded clothing line is to strengthen our connect with our viewers and the target audience. From flirtatious frills to bright sunshine colors, this clothing line will spell Romance. It’s time now to wear the Love.”

    The collection revolves around the basic purpose and fundamentals of healthy living and loving. It symbolises the essence of life; to spread love, laughter and cheer. From bright sunny days to sunshine smiles, blushed cheeks and colors that spell Love, this collection will bring to life the feeling of a romantic touch, warmth and humor spread by Romedy Now.

  • Disney Channel introduces gay storyline for first time

    Disney Channel introduces gay storyline for first time

    MUMBAI: Disney Channel is introducing a gay storyline into one of its shows for the first time. `Andi Mack’, a coming-of-age drama, will feature one of the show’s main characters grappling with feelings for a male classmate.

    The show, currently in its second season, is a drama by Terri Minsky revolving around a 13-year-old girl Andi, her family and her two best friends, Cyrus and Buffy, a PTI report from Los Angeles quoted The Hollywood Reporter.

    “Andi Mack is a story about tweens figuring out who they are. Terri Minsky, the cast and everyone involved in the show takes great care in ensuring that it’s appropriate for all audiences and sends a powerful message about inclusion and respect for humanity,” the report quoted a Disney Channel spokesperson saying.

    Disney Channel has featured gay characters before, appearing in single episodes of shows like `Good Luck Charlie’ and the animated `Doc McStuffins’.

    However, this story arc is a first for the network, as it is for the first time that they are telling the story of a character who is on a journey of realising his or her sexual orientation.

  • Zee Café to spook you with a Michael Jackson thriller

    Zee Café to spook you with a Michael Jackson thriller

    MUMBAI: With the Diwali line-up coming to an end and Halloween just around the corner, English GEC channel Zee Cafe is planning to premiere an animated special featuring the King of Pop, Michael Jackson.

    Michael Jackson’s Halloween, an hour long special will include the legendary popstar’s extensive discography as its soundtrack.

    In line with the channel’s promise of ‘All Eyes On New’, the Halloween special will make its Indian television premiere on 29 October at 1pm and 9pm on Zee Café and also a simulcast on Zee Studio at 1pm.

    In the US, CBS TV network will telecast Michael Jackson’s Halloween on 27 October.

    Produced by The Michael Jackson Estate, ‘Michael Jackson’s Halloween’ follows millennials Vincent and Victoria who ‘accidentally’ meet on Halloween night and find themselves, along with Ichabod the dog, at a mysterious hotel located at 777 Jackson Street called This Place Hotel. Once inside, Vincent and Victoria go on an unexpected, magical adventure of personal discovery which culminates in a spectacular Thriller dance finale starring the iconic popstar himself.

    The special boasts of a star-studded cast of voice talents with Lucas Till and Kiersey Clemons voicing the lead characters Vincent and Victoria respectively. They are joined by Hollywood stars like The Big Bang Theory’s Jim Parsons, Kung Fu Panda film franchise’s Lucy Liu, The Good Wife’s Christine Baranski and Alan Cumming, Emmy Award Winner Brad Garret and CSI’s George Eads amongst others.

    &Privé HD is also premiering the critically acclaimed movie ‘The Founder’ on 29 October at 1pm and 9pm. The powerful biographical drama stars Academy Award winner Michael Keaton as the founder of the much-loved fast food chain, McDonalds. Acclaimed actors Nick Offerman and John Carroll Lynch also star in pivotal roles as the brothers who founded the original restaurant.

    The movie chronicles the life of Ray Kroc, the entrepreneur who gave the world McDonald’s. It narrates his journey as a salesman who took a small burger joint in San Bernardino, California, franchised it around the country and turned it into the McDonald’s Corporation that we know today.

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  • Two internationally renowned Indian films get country premiere at MAMI

    Two internationally renowned Indian films get country premiere at MAMI

    NEW DELHI: Two Indian films that made their mark in foreign film festivals saw their Indian premiere at the ongoing 19th Jio MAMI Mumbai Film Festival: The Song Of Scorpions by the renowned Anup Singh and Village Rockstars by director Rima Das.

    While The Song Of Scorpions premiered at the Locarno International Film Festival 2017, Village Rockstars was the only Indian film to be selected for the competition category, Discovery, at theToronto International Film Festival 2017.

    Singh, whose film Qissa – The Tale of a lonely Ghost has already won several awards globally, says his film The Song Of Scorpions was prompted by the tragic incident of the Nirbhaya gang rape in Delhi in 2012.

    He also added that the character of Nooran was inspired by his observation of watching a certain section of women singers in rural Rajasthan. These are singers that sing compositions based on the birth of a child and other such rituals but are not allowed to perform in public.

    Singh was responding to questions after the screening of The Song Of Scorpions starring Irrfan Khan, Golshifteh Farahani and Waheeda Rehman opened to a packed response at its Indian premiere at the 19th Jio MAMI Mumbai Film Festival. The film has been selected in the Spotlight Category at the festival.

    The film, which had its world premiere at the Locarno International Film Festival 2017, is a Swiss-French-Singaporean co-production and has been produced by Saskia Vischer and Shahaf Peled for Feather Light Films, Michel Merkt for KNM in association with Thierry Lenouvel for France’s Cine Sud Promotion and Singapore based Aurora Holdings and M Capital Ventures.

    Village Rockstars is the story of Dhunu, a girl who grows up in poverty and learns to fend for herself. However, that does not prevent her from following her dream of forming a rock band and owning a guitar someday.

    The premiere was attended by Rima Das and the kids who have acted in the film including Das’ niece Bhanita Das who plays Dhunu. Most of the cast members of the film are non actors including Bhanita and the other kids who hail from Rima Das’ native village in Assam.

    This is the first premiere that the cast of the film has ever attended. It is also the first time that they had travelled out of their hometown. And it was a dream come true for them as they watched themselves on screen including Dhunu who also admitted that she wants to become an actress.

    Also present at the premiere was Pan Nalin, director of the TIFF 2015 People’s Choice Award winner Angry Indian Goddesses.

    Village Rockstars has also been nominated for Oxfam Best Film on Gender Equality Award 2017 at the 19th Jio MAMI Mumbai Film Festival.The film was an official selection at Film Bazaar Recommends (at NFDC Film Bazaar 2016), 2017 Marche du Film (Cannes) Work-In-Progress, San Sebastian International Film Festival 2017 and 2oth International Children’s Film Festival. It is also the closing film at the 2017 Dharamshala International Film Festival.

    The Song of Scorpions is Singh’s third feature film is a story of twisted love, revenge and the redemptive power of a song. Nooran (Golshifteh Farahani), carefree and defiantly independent, is a tribal woman learning the ancient art of healing from her grandmother, a revered scorpion-singer. When Aadam (Khan), a camel trader in the Rajasthan desert, hears her sing, he falls desperately in love. But, even before they can get to know each other better, Nooran is poisoned by a treachery that sets her on a perilous journey to avenge herself and find her song.

    The Indian premiere was attended by Singh, producers Saskia Vicher and Shahaf Peled apart from the cast members of the film which included Shefali Bhushan, Sara Arjun and Kritika Pande. Besides this, actor Rasika Dugal who had starred in Singh’s Qissa – The Tale Of A Lonely Ghost had also attended the screening.

    The film marks the second collaboration of Singh and Khan after the much acclaimed Qissa and also marks the comeback of legendary actress Waheeda Rehman. The Song of Scorpions was also an official selection at the 2017 BFI London Film Festival.

    It is also the second feature film of Singh that has been chosen as an Official Selection at the Jio MAMI Mumbai Film Festival. Qissa had won the award for the Second Best Film in the India Gold competition category in the 2013 edition of the festival.

    The Indian premiere also coincided with the 70th year of the Swiss-Indian Treaty of Friendship and was attended by Martin J. Beinz, the Consul General of Switzerland in Mumbai.

    Talking about the lead actors, the director mentioned how Golshifteh Farahani’s recounting of her experiences of her life in Iran and post her exile from Iran convinced him that she was the perfect choice for the character of Nooran. Similarly, Khan’s ability to depict the good and bad side of a person with the right balance gave Singh the confidence to cast Khan for the role of Aadam.

  • English movie channels line up movies despite lower advertising

    English movie channels line up movies despite lower advertising

    MUMBAI: Taking advantage of people’s presence at home during Diwali and most likely in front of the TV screens, English movie channels have strengthened their programming lineup.

    Times Network has curated a month long content for each of its English movies channels except MNX. MNX will feature a Harry Potter movie marathon from 16–23 October at 9pm.

    Movies Now has lined up explosive blockbusters from 2 October 2017, every weekday at 11pm including The Pacifier, National Treasure: Book Of Secrets, Race To Witch Mountain, Rush Hour 2, 10,000 BC.

    In communication with Indiantelevision.com Havas Media Group-India MD Mohit Joshi said, “The viewership of English Movies platform is stable as of now. However, the revenues have got impacted because of the downward trend in advertising spends. As the viewership and penetration of OTT platforms mature, content will drive revenues and whoever has better content will be the winner.”

    Joshi pointed out that this year there is no festive rate increment in English movies genre and neither for other genres.

    Romedy Now has a special line-up for the festival of Diwali called ‘Diwali Delights’. It began on 2 October and will go on till the end of the month, everyday at 9 pm. Movies lined up include Serendipity, 2 Weeks Notice, Runaway Bride, A Lot Like Love, Pitch Perfect, 10 Things I Hate About You, It’s Complicated, French Kiss, When In Rome and Pretty Woman.

    Sony PIX brings Hollywood blockbusters via ‘PIX Amazing Aces’ Festival for a full month leading up to Diwali. Movies include The Mummy series, Fast and Furious series and Jurassic Park series.

    AXN, home to iconic shows and characters, brings a special line-up for Diwali week. This Diwali, binge-watch seasons of America’s Next Top Model S22, the Amazing Race S26, American Ninja Warrior S6, Survivor S32 and Fear Factor S5. These thrilling shows are sure to give you a mind rush to keep your Diwali week an ultimate celebration.

  • Viacom18 ditches FTA in UK, now entirely pay

    Viacom18 ditches FTA in UK, now entirely pay

    MUMBAI: With the launch of its two channels, MTV Beats and Colors Rishtey, on Virgin Media Viacom18 has transitioned from free-to-air (FTA) to entirely paid platform. Viacom18’s channels will now only be available with a subscription on Sky and Virgin Media.

    Talking about leaving the Freeview platform, IndiaCast Media Distribution group CEO Anuj Gandhi says, “We are currently steering our business in a new direction in Europe and have decided to go pay and as a result, current channels will no longer be available on any free to air mode but will continue to be available on paid platforms.”

    The company gained significant viewership via Freeview, which reaches 11 million homes untapped by pay TV. Freeview contributed to 10 percent of its eyeballs in the UK. Rishtey and Colors at times received as high as 41 percent viewership contribution from it.

    Viacom18 channels on Virgin Media are in the mix pack which reaches to over 2.7 million subscribers. The growth is expected to be in line with Virgin’s growth forecasts.

    Viacom18 has a mix content strategy for its UK consumers. Curated programmes from India make up the bulk of its content while a tiny part is local programming. “Viacom18 is exploring further investments in local programming which will happen in the next fiscal, ” he reveals.

    On the advertising front, 90 percent comes from UK based companies. It has three sets of distinct advertisers. First – the local ethnic home-grown businesses, second – the mainstream multinationals and third is Indian companies that export to NRI audiences.

    Advertisers are clamoring to get airtime especially during Big Boss. “As a matter of fact, all our channels currently are utilising 100 percent of the available inventory and we are not even in our peak season, he adds.

    The buzz-creating idea of Viacom18 is to make sense to three categories of people living in UK – the first generation, their children/youth who have less exposure of content being produced in India as they have a variety of options to choose from and last one being people who have moved here in last few years as an intra company transfer or project based.

    While keeping the three categories in mind, Gandhi says that sometimes even small trade or local event associations give a higher ROI as compared to a high profile above-the-line campaign.

    Selecting the right marketing mix is crucial when you are in a niche market. That said, even the language used for communication will ensure success or failure.

    Viacom 18 partnered with Virgin Media in April 2011 to launch its General Entertainment Channel, Colors, on the cable platform. Colors has been available on Sky since January 2010. When launched, Colors was included in Virgin Media’s new Asian Mela bundle which comprised 11 TV channels, including ARY Digital, B4U Movies, B4U Music, SET Asia, MAX, Star Plus, Star News, Zee Cinema, Zee Punjabi, Zee TV and Colors TV, along with popular Asian radio station Sunrise Radio and priced at £11 a month.

  • Star Movies brings Marvel’s Doctor Strange on 15 Oct in two time-slots

    Star Movies brings Marvel’s Doctor Strange on 15 Oct in two time-slots

    MUMBAI: After setting the box office on fire, Marvel’s Doctor Strange is all set to bring his magic alive on the small screen. This Diwali, watch the Sorcerer Supreme triumph over evil, only on Star Movies, on 15 October, at 1 PM and 9 PM.

    Doctor Strange is the story of world-famous neurosurgeon Dr. Stephen Strange whose life changes forever after a horrific car accident robs him of the use of his hands. When traditional medicine fails him, he is forced to look for healing, and hope, in an unlikely place—a mysterious enclave known as Kamar-Taj. He quickly learns that this is not just a centre for healing but also the front line of a battle against unseen dark forces bent on destroying our reality. Before long Strange—armed with newly acquired magical powers—is forced to choose whether to return to his life of fortune and status or leave it all behind to defend the world as the most powerful sorcerer in existence

    Touted for its mind-bending and stunning visuals, Doctor Strange stars Benedict Cumberbatch, Tilda Swinton, Rachel McAdams, Chiwetel Ejiofor and Mads Mikkelsen. The film has grossed over US$ 670 Million worldwide, making it Marvel’s biggest single-character intro film till date. Doctor Strange is rated 7.5 on IMDB and 90 per cent fresh on Rotten Tomatoes.

    Home to the biggest premieres on television, Star Movies endeavours to not only give the audience an experience to remember but also an invitation to fight their inner demons and beat the dark side with magic and mayhem! So, this Diwali, get set to watch the triumph of good over evil in this visual extravaganza.

    Doctor Strange is just beginning of the Sorcerer Supreme’s mystical journey; Strange will be seen again next in Marvel’s Thor: Ragnarok, which thunders into theatres on 3 November, 2017, in English, Hindi, Tamil and Telugu in IMAX, 3D, 4DX and 2D formats, followed by Avengers: Infinity War that releases in May 2018.

    This Diwali, join Strange on his dangerous, mystifying, and totally mind-bending journey when Marvel’s Doctor Strange premieres.

  • Disney to launch English GEC HD on 29 Oct

    Disney to launch English GEC HD on 29 Oct

    MUMBAI: English GEC Disney International HD will be launched on 29 October. “It will have exclusive content which has not been shown on any traditional or digital platform before — it’s cent per cent original content,” said Disney India vice-president – media networks and interactive Abhishek Maheshwari.

    The new channel — catering to the entertainment needs of 14-25-year-olds — will be supported by a library of 1500-plus episodes of live action series and 100-plus Disney movies. The channel, with 6-8 pm prime-time band, will not have any animated shows.

    With increase in the number of players in the English entertainment genre, the competition is also intense. Recently, Zee launched &Prive, targeting the non-conformists.

    Disney India will now have eight channels in its portfolio, including the latest addition Disney International HD (from 29 October).

    Maheshwari pointed out: “Typically, we have seen that kids grow out of animation after 14 years, and we would offer a kind of content that would resonate with them and stay there for a long time.”

    The channel’s promotional and marketing campaign will start in full swing after Diwali in six metros and tier 1 cities. “A lot of tractional will come from these two geographies,” Maheshwari added.

    About distribution, he said: “Our premier content will be available on all DTH platforms and we are closely following up with the cable networks as well. The increase in HD consumption and HD households, both are the reasons behind the HD strategy,” he added.

    The content mix of the new channel spans a wide variety of new series and movies, ranging from the latest hits like ‘Liv and Maddie’, ‘KC Undercover’ and ‘Girl Meets World’, to blockbuster original movies such as ‘Descendants’ and ‘Teen Beach Movie, and popular hits like ‘Hannah Montana’ and ‘Wizards of Waverley Palace’ and ‘High School Musical’.  

    The content will also highlight Disney’s original music from these series and movies through music videos and sing-along versions.

    It remains to be seen how convincing the new content in a superior HD format is to the grown-up teens and young adults.

  • Colors Infinity ropes in Renault, Jabong and Motorola for ‘The Stage – 3’ from 7 Oct

    Colors Infinity ropes in Renault, Jabong and Motorola for ‘The Stage – 3’ from 7 Oct

    MUMBAI: India’s search for the next English singing sensation begins shortly. Colors Infinity has returned with India’s only English singing talent hunt The Stage – 3 from 7 October.

    Embarking on this magical journey for the third consecutive season with Colors Infinity and SOL Productions, Renault returns as the title sponsor for the show. The fashion e-commerce platform Jabong and the mobile communications company Motorola have also come together to be the styling partner and co-powered sponsor, respectively.

    From thousands of aspiring singers participating in a series of online and on-ground auditions, only the best made the final cut in this talent hunt. Shortlisted from amongst thousands of entries, 50 of the country’s best artistes vie for a shot at the title of India’s best English singing artiste.

    This time the viewers will have their say, as they get to vote for their favorites. The competition will intensify further with the introduction of duos and groups along with solo singers. As the celebrated judging panel comprising Vishal Dadlani, Ehsaan Noorani, Monica Dogra and Devraj Sanyal returns with the host Shibani Dandekar, Colors Infinity is all set to make the third edition a grand affair.

    Viacom18 head – English, youth and music entertainment Ferzad Palia shares: “We shoulder the responsibility of revolutionising the clutter of countless talent shows on television. Within two years, The Stage has managed to create a huge fan-base of followers, thus proving our conviction in the concept.”

    Renault India head marketing Virat Khullar said, Much like the new KWID, that is a game-changer in India, The Stage has inspired a revolution of English singing in the Indian music space. Such associations are helping Renault augment its brand familiarisation in India in a short span of time.”

    “We are excited about this association as we look forward to add the extra oomph to talent that ‘The Stage’ has to showcase,” says Jabong head of business Gunjan Soni.

    Motorola head marketing Rachna Lather: “We have been a frontrunner in promoting aspiring musicians and artistes in India, through platforms such as Moto Spotlight. As a brand, we are committed to exploring more engaging ways of associating with our consumers and this partnership is an example.”

  • Colors Infinity to premiere latest international shows within 24 hours of its international telecast

    Colors Infinity to premiere latest international shows within 24 hours of its international telecast

    MUMBAI: Colors Infinity has started premiering shows and the list includes – Riverdale, The Flash, Arrow and Mr. Robot, etc. Adding to the festivities and excitement of the season, this October the channel is bringing shows one cannot afford to miss!

    Viacom18 head of programming – English entertainment Hashim Dsouza said, “Colors Infinity has always taken pride in its premium content. The shows on our line-up are critically acclaimed and highly anticipated across the globe, therefore becoming even more pertinent to bring them to the Indian audience within hours of their international telecast.”

    Here’s is the list of the shows this October:

    The Good Doctor – Season 1
    Tuesday, 3 October | 11 PM
    From the creator of House: David Shore and Executive Producer Daniel Dae Kim, The Good Doctor centers on Shaun Murphy, a young surgeon with autism and savant syndrome who relocates from a quiet country life to join a prestigious hospital’s surgical unit.

    Absentia – Season 1
    Monday, 2 October | 10 PM
    After being declared dead in absentia, an FBI agent must reclaim her family, identity and innocence when she finds herself the prime suspect in a string of murders.

    The breakout series of 2016, Riverdale will return on Colors Infinity with more blood, betrayal, friendships, romance and Bughead!

    Riverdale – Season 2
    Thursday, 12 October | 10 PM
    If the first season of Riverdale had you at the edge of your seats, prepare to be blown away in the second season of this dark-adaptation of the Archie-comic series. After discovering the killer of Jason Blossom, the second season picks up from the nail-biting cliffhanger finale.

    Back to save the day from the supervillains, The Flash, Arrow and the Legends of Tomorrow return with the newest seasons of their shows, starting October 11.

    The Flash – Season 4
    Wednesday, 11 October | 10 PM
    Season 3 finale saw Barry traipsing off into the Speed Force. The new season picks off 6 months later, with Team Flash stepping up to protect the city in a Barry-less world.

    Arrow – Season 6
    Friday, 13 October | 10 PM
    Arrow S5 capped one of its best seasons ever with an explosive finale that left the fate of nearly every major character hanging in the balance. Who would survive? Who would be left behind? We will seek the answers to these questions in Season 6.

    Legends of Tomorrow – Season 3
    Wednesday,11 October | 11 PM
    Possibly one of the most intriguing shows last year, Legends of Tomorrow S3 will pick up with the Legends having “broken” time and needing to run around endlessly to fix it. This season promises great fight scenes, clowns, and even dinosaurs.

    But that’s not all! Back with their latest seasons to Colors Infinity, Mr. Robot, Lucifer and Blindspot return to pick-up from where they left off at their season finales, with Elliot being shot, Lucifer facing his own demons and Jane deciphering her tattoos.

    Mr. Robot – Season 3
    Thursday, 12 October | 11 PM
    One of the trippiest thrillers of the decade, Season 3 of this Emmy-award winning series will shed more light on the trickeries of the hacktivist group fsociety, the sinister plans of The Dark Army, and survival of evil E-Corp.

    Lucifer – Season 3
    Tuesday, 3 October | 10 PM
    Season 3 of Lucifer will return to confront the problem of the returned wings of angel for Lucifer, the kidnapping and the unresolved issues with his mother. We will also see television’s Superman Tom Welling (Clark Kent/Smallville) join the cast as Murcus Pierce.

    Blindspot – Season 3
    Monday, 30 October | 11 PM
    Season 2 explained Jane’s tattoos, Kurt’s political future, and Roman’s missing memories. Season 3 will take forward this story and reveal more challenging conflicts, more ink and more fistacuffs!

    Adding music and symphony to the anticipated madness, Colors Infinity returns for the third successive year with its homegrown show Renault Kwid presents The Stage 3 styled by Jabong and co-powered by Motorola.

    The Stage – Season 3
    Saturday, 7 October | 8 PM
    Embarking on this magical journey, Colors Infinity begins the search for the successor to the crown of India’s most talented English singing artist! With a bundle of surprises in store for the viewers, The Stage is set for India’s best English singers to compete with the best.

    Don’t miss the delirium of entertainment and bandwagon of action, drama, thriller and suspense as Colors Infinity unleashes its Instant Premieres this October!