ITV

Category: English Entertainment

  • Love you Papa: Nihilent is India’s lone winner at Cannes

    Love you Papa: Nihilent is India’s lone winner at Cannes

    MUMBAI: Nihilent Technologies, an integrated change management company, has won the Silver Dolphin for its corporate film ‘Love you Papa’ in the Corporate Image Films category at the 8th edition of the prestigious Cannes Corporate Media & TV Awards.

    Corporate image films has been the toughest among the categories for the jury this year. Love you Papa is an emotional short film that effectively depicts the ethos of Nihilent.

    Love You Papa has won the award from around a thousand applications. The the film had also won the Corporate Collateral Award from the PR Council of India earlier this year.

    Though released as a corporate film, ‘Love You Papa’ communicates deeper ideas at different levels through an emotional narrative. The story about a father who notices the passion of his young daughter and nurtures her talent against all odds till she becomes a successful individual, seeks to convey that the entire journey of the protagonist is a process rather than a struggle. At the corporate level, the film sends out a message that the company helps its customers in achieving their full potential, under any circumstance.

    The six-minute short film, written and directed by Prawaal Raman, one of Bollywood’s critically acclaimed directors with titles like Darna Mana Hai, 404, and Main Aur Charles to his credit, has been recognized for its mulit-layered meaning as well as emotional appeal. The film stars Romanian actress Madalina Bellariu Ion, Raj Singh Chaudhary and Sara Arjun in lead roles.

    Nihilent vice-chairman and CEO LC Singh, who received the award, along with Madalina Bellariu, said: “In a society that is dramatically changing in terms of adopting technology, the consumers have their own network and communicate with each other like never before.” It is the lone winner from India, the company claimed.

    Madalina, the lead actress, expressed: “The very idea when Prawaal narrated it, was beautiful, and as it was like an emotional short film with scope for performance — I immediately said yes to my agent.”

    On what inspired him to write the story, Raman says: “The inspiration was my dad and the quote Kahlil Gibran wrote in “The Prophet” — ‘Your children are not your children. They are the sons and daughters of life’s longing for itself.”

    It is indeed an emotional short film which would appeal to the corporate world.

  • AXN to premiere season 13 of ‘The Voice’ in India

    AXN to premiere season 13 of ‘The Voice’ in India

    MUMBAI: AXN India is back with the Season 13 of ‘The Voice’ from 30 September, on weekends at 8pm.

    Season 13 returns with the show’s innovative singing competition format with ‘five stages of competition: the first being the Blind Auditions, then the Battle Rounds, followed by Knockouts, Playoffs and finally, the Live Performance Shows.

    The coaches for season 13, who will decide on the new singing sensation for the world, are Miley Cyrus, Jennifer Hudson, Adam Levine and Blake Shelton. Levine and Shelton have been with the show from the start. While this is Miley’s second time in the coach seat, Hudson, an Oscar and Grammy champ, is the newest addition to the US team.

    The judges will be accompanied by a panel of mentors. Adam will be assisted by the dazzling, ‘Joe Jonas’ and the American country music trio ‘Rascal Flatts’ will be helping Blake Shelton. Miley Cyrus working with the American country music sensation and her Dad, ‘Billy Ray Cyrus’ and Kelly Rowland will be helping Jennifer Hudson’s team.

    The excitement is sky high as the enthusiasm, not just of the contestants but also of the judges and mentors, is contagious.

  • Star Movies Select HD: ‘Films to See Before You Die’ returns on 2 October

    Star Movies Select HD: ‘Films to See Before You Die’ returns on 2 October

    MUMBAI: This October, Star Movies Select HD brings to its discerning audience the next edition of a curated offering that had captured the hearts and minds of movie lovers everywhere – Films to See Before You Die. Starting 2 October, every Monday to Friday at 9pm, every true movie lover will be tuning in to Star Movies Select HD.

    The festival, just like last year is home to some of the most iconic stories that adorn the Hollywood’s Hall of Fame. As always, Star Movies Select HD sets the benchmark for English movie curation for the entire category. Staying true to this standard, ‘Films to See Before You Die’ comprises movies that have shaped the way Hollywood makes movies – introducing an adorable E.T., redefining musicals with Sound of Music and heart-wrenching war stories like A Few Good Men, The Thin Red Line and The Deer Hunter. Films that made shockwaves with their social relevance like Kramer Vs. Kramer and Philadelphia.

    These are just a glimpse of grand cinematic journey; after all, the movies in this festival have received a total of 189 Oscar® nominations and 64 wins.

    In order to bring these films to the audience, an elaborate cross media plan across TV, radio, digital and on-ground is planned that will highlight the essence and celebrate why these are the Films to See Before You Die – and in a one-of-its-kind activity, Star Movies Select HD will collaborate with 5 established artists in the city to create an art installation comprising iconic film posters from “Films To See Before You Die.”

    Each poster will include the point of view of the artist and will be aesthetically conceptualised to keep in mind the uniqueness of the film. These films are considered to be ‘must see’ works by prominent directors and the channel will be honoring their work with a grand display at High Street Phoenix, Lower Parel.

    As a connoisseur of cinematic masterpieces, Star Movies Select HD is committed to showcase some of the best stories to its viewers.

  • Discovery Channel launches ‘Breaking Point: Commando School Belgaum’

    Discovery Channel launches ‘Breaking Point: Commando School Belgaum’

    MUMBAI: Discovery Channel has launched Breaking Point: Commando School Belgaum, a series of 4 episodes which gives the viewers a glimpse of the thirty-five days gruelling course that the officers must undergo to be a part of India’s Elite Commando Force. The series has been produced by Sparkle Works Films. The first episode of the show was aired on 23 September.

    For nearly 50 years, this eminent School in Belgaum has produced the fittest and finest Ghatak Commandos who have fought the most notable wars of our generation. For decades, the Ghatak Commandos have served the country fearlessly & bravely with pride & honour.

    Discovery Communications India senior vice president and general manager South Asia Karan Bajaj said, “We have, over the past many years, showcased specially created programs truly capturing the valor, the passion, the skill of the Indian army in the most impactful way. Very interestingly, we have captured the elite Commando Training Course at Belgaum through a character driven narrative – following charismatic officers who must overcome all odds to become a part of Indian Commandos.”

    In the past, Discovery has given viewers a never seen before glimpse of the intense, gruelling training programs of the Indian Army through shows such as ‘Revealed: National Defence Academy’ (2014) and ‘India’s Paratroopers – Earning the Badge’ (2016). ‘Revealed Siachen’ (2016) shared the story of Siachen Glacier and the challenges faced by the Indian soldiers while on duty there. ‘1965: India’s Battles and Heroes’ (2015) commemorated the 50th anniversary of the India-Pakistan war. Also, Discovery’s crew had traversed along with select officers of Indian Army during the Himalaya expedition for ‘Indian Army Women’s Expedition’ (2013).

  • Star World lines up Hollywood A-listers’ shows starting 25 Sept

    Star World lines up Hollywood A-listers’ shows starting 25 Sept

    MUMBAI: Meryl Streep and Al Pacino, around 10 years ago, debuted on television with ‘Angels in America’ and the media went into a frenzy – ‘Is it the Oscars or the Emmys’, tabloids flashed as they walked the Emmys red carpet! Little did we know that a new-age trend was being set! 

    Today, Hollywood’s biggest and best actors are increasingly being seen on the small screen as television continues to boom with complex character arcs, intricate plotlines and large scale productions!

    In India, Star World will provide its viewers an unforgettable television viewing experience with a line-up of the biggest H-town actors in ‘Hollywood A-Listers’. A three-month long slot that starts on25 September, ‘Hollywood A-Listers’ will showcase some of the most critically and popularly acclaimed shows every Monday toFriday at 10pm. Big Little Lies, Feud: Bette and Joan, True Detective, Ballers and Shots Fired are the shows that will add drama, action and tinsel town glamour to TV this fall. 

    Big Little Lies 

    Kick-starting this line-up, is the thrilling series Big Little Lies, that is directed by Oscar nominated directed Jean-Marc Vallee and stars Hollywood’s biggest stars including Oscar winning actors Reese Witherspoon and Nicole Kidman and The Fault in Our Stars lead actress Shailene Woodley. The series reveals the conflicts, secrets and betrayals of suburban mothers in a seemingly “picture perfect” town. The series has also won a whopping 16 awards at the 69th Primetime Emmy awards this year. Unravel the dark truths and secrets of a seaside California town with Big Little Lies, only on Star World and Star World HD on 25 September, Monday – Friday at 10 PM. 

    Feud: Bette and Joan

    Based one of the biggest and most talked about feuds in Hollywood “Feud: Bette and Joan” stars Oscar winning actors Susan Sarandon and Jessica Lange who ironically portray the roles of Oscar Winning actresses – Bette Davis and Joan Crawford respectively. The eight-episode mini-series recalls how Davis and Crawford struggled to hang on to fame in the twilight of their careers as they faced obstacles such as ageism, sexism and misogyny. The show has successfully bagged a staggering 18 Emmy awards this year. Catch this sensational battle between the Hollywood divas on Feud: Bette and Joan only on Star World and Star World HD starting 4 October, Monday –Friday at 10 PM. 

    True Detective Seasons 1 and 2

    True Detective, an anthology series that revolves around police investigations that unearth cult crimes and murders. The exceptional performances by Academy award winning star Matthew McConaughey and Woody Harrelsen in season 1 are sure to reel you in while the style, vision and direction make it hard to turn away from this disturbing yet brilliant piece of television! This compelling jumble of philosophy, imagery and murder will come into full view with the premiere of True Detective Seasons 1 starting16th October, Monday – Friday at 10 PM. Season 2 of the series starring Rachel McAdams, Colin Farrell and Vince Vaughn among others will air immediately after Season 1.

    Ballers Seasons 1-3

    Spend weeknights watching Dwayne Johnson ‘rock’ television screens with his hit series ‘Ballers’. Whirlwind lifestyles and real-life problems of former and current football players were never more exciting before Dwayne Johnson donned the hat of ex-superstar Spencer Strasmore in the series. Spencer, after battling through several knee injuries and retiring to little fanfare, reinvents himself as a financial manager for current and former players in sun-soaked Miami! Catch seasons 1-3 of the exciting action-packed journey of the NFL player-turned-financial advisor with Ballers only on Star World and Star World HD starting 7 November, Monday – Fridayat 10 PM.

    Shots Fired 

    Culminating the line-up is the gripping drama ‘Shots Fired’, which will on Star World starting 30 November, Monday to Friday at 10 PM. A timely mystery drama thriller, Shots Fired is not just another police drama! The series is a compelling drama that draws inspiration from spate of murders of young black men by white cops in several American cities and towns.  Armed with a stunning cast, the series stars Sanaa Lathan and Stephan James as investigators looking into the murder, along with Oscar winners Richard Dreyfuss and Helen Hunt as powerful figureheads pulled into the controversy. 

    From Nicole Kidman’s Big Little Lies to Dwayne Johnson’s Ballers and more, Star World is sure to take viewers on a ride through tinsel town with some of the most masterfully created, intricately written and powerfully acted television series starting from 25 September, weeknights at 10 PM.

  • Zee Studios to produce Indian shows’ adaptation in Canada

    Zee Studios to produce Indian shows’ adaptation in Canada

    MUMBAI: Entertaining the world for over two decades, Zee Entertainment Enterprises Limited (ZEEL) has achieved another milestone by becoming the first Indian broadcaster to set up a production company in Canada.

    A few of the initial productions that are in the pipeline include adaptations of the smash-hit format of ZEE’s homegrown sitcom, ‘Hum Paanch’ which is being produced in its British version as ‘Lala’s Ladiez’ and an Anglo-Spanish sitcom ‘Love Thy Neighbour’ (working title) which is adapted from the ever-popular home grown format ‘Bhabiji Ghar Par Hain.’

    ZEE Studios International marks ZEE’s entry into global production for mainstream audiences which will facilitate production requirement for ZEE’s diverse platforms as well as international markets. The production company, located at Vancouver, British Columbia, will be headed by Subhadarshi Tripathy who will be supported by a local team.

    Tripathy will jointly report to ZEEL MD and CEO Punit Goenka, and CEO – international broadcast Business Amit Goenka.

    Amit Goenka said, “Canada is known as a large production hub for various Hollywood companies, as the country offers the requisite infrastructure, talent pool, scenic locales as well as a favourable Government incentive scheme. After a series of discussions with the Government of British Columbia, Canada, we were invited to set up a production company in Vancouver. Our endeavor through this venture is to produce global content for mainstream audiences across various international markets as well as take care of our domestic requirements.”

    “ZEE Studios International will be headed by Subhadarshi Tripathy who has been with the organisation for over 18 years and has championed several of our leading brands,” Goenka added.

    “I’m pleased to welcome Zee Studios International to British Columbia,” the premier John Horgan said. “This new production company will create jobs and opportunity for people, and showcase our province to audiences around the world. B.C. is a global leader in film and television production, and we’re pleased to see that growth continue with the addition of Zee Studios International.”

    ZEE Studios International will create global content and formats for international markets in their local languages, many of which will be based on successful Indian ideas and concepts. The production company will initially focus on developing content for television and digital platforms as well as original formats and homegrown remakes, with a plan to venture into film production at a later stage.

    The content developed will encompass a wide portfolio of ingenuously developed scripted and unscripted formats across an array of genres, ranging from reality, game and dance shows to shows in the fictional crime drama, sitcom, sci-fi, horror and paranormal space.

  • &Privé HD ropes in Fiama and Vaseline, premieres with ‘Moonlight’ on Sunday

    &Privé HD ropes in Fiama and Vaseline, premieres with ‘Moonlight’ on Sunday

    MUMBAI: ZEEL’s new channel &Privé HD, which promises to treat cinema lovers, through collaborations with Hollywood studios — Sony Pictures and Paramount, has roped in partners Fiama and Vaseline.

    Discerning cinema lovers are in for a treat as Zee Entertainment Enterprises Ltd. (ZEEL) announced the launch of its premium English movie channel. The channel has been designed for those who venture into the depths of cinema, who crave for the alternative…who feel the other side! &Privé will go live across major DTH HD platforms on 24 September at 1 pm with the premiere of 2017’s Oscar winning movie, Moonlight.

    With an aim to drive conversations around fine cinema and its nuances, &Privé held a launch ceremony at Royal Opera House in Mumbai which saw some of India’s most celebrated non-conformist film personalities – actors Vidya Balan and Konkona Sen-Sharma along with film-maker Vishal Bhardwaj and producer Manish Mundra come together to celebrate ‘The Other Side’ of cinema.

    Moderated by Samar Khan, the panel discussion witnessed these artistes share their cinematic journey as they revealed the movies and artistes who had a deep impact on their craft. It also brought to the fore an interesting perspective on movies like Moonlight, Jackie and Pele, amongst others, as how they have showcased multiple layers of emotions compelling cinema lovers to unravel each layer and feel the soul of the movies.

    Derived from the French word Privé which means a personal or private place, &Privé will showcase premieres of award winning films such as Jackie, Arrival, Lion, The Founder and Pele, to name a few. The channel will celebrate fine cinema with two properties, ‘True Side’ and ‘100 Sides at 9’. ‘100 Sides at 9’ will present viewers with 100 days of unmissable cinema, highlighting the 100 different sides of films at 9 pm every day.

    The ‘True Side’ property will bring to life the captivating real-life stories and biographies of some of the most inspiring individuals every Saturday at 11:00pm. &Privé HD will be premiering 40 critically acclaimed films and have 350 celebrated titles in their line-up.

    ZEEL CEO – domestic broadcast Punit Misra said, “For the audience who chart their own path and take the road less travelled, we present &Privé HD. It’s a premium destination especially created for these non-conformists who aren’t happy with just scratching the surface of movies, but love to dive deeper into their souls those who go beyond the obvious and feel the other side.”

    Balan shared, “There were two things which appealed greatly to me when I heard about &Prive – First, the concept and ideology on which the channel was based and second being, the challenge they were addressing by targeting the mindset of the audience. Movies like Moonlight, which is a personal favourite, pushes viewers to be more accepting of people’s upbringing and sexual preferences.”

    Sharma said, “Films like Moonlight and Lion do that, they open doors to new possibilities, new cinema.” Bhardwaj shared, “I can assure you that the movies which will be showcased are not just films, they are works of art. They cater both to your rational and emotional side.”

    So, be prepared to indulge the non-conformist in you.

  • Assassin’s Creed to premiere on 17 Sept, Star Movies to campaign with Ubisoft

    Assassin’s Creed to premiere on 17 Sept, Star Movies to campaign with Ubisoft

    MUMBAI: Ask any gamer about Assassin’s Creed and they are bound to call it one of the best role-playing games available on consoles today. No wonder the game series has crossed over 100 million shipments globally! So what makes it sell? The storyline!

    A riveting plot built around the epic battle between the Assassins and the Knight Templars across centuries and eras, managed to capture the imagination of gamers and movie buffs alike! Star Movies gives you the chance to witness the cinematic rendition of the game with the TV premiere of ‘Assassins Creed, The Movie,’ on 17 September at 9pm.

    Star Movies again brings a popular movie, featuring Michael Fassbender as the Assassin, Callum Lynch, and Jeremy Irons and Marion Cotillard star as the father-daughter scientist duo.

    For the premiere of Assassin’s Creed, Star Movies is launching the ‘We Are Assassins’ campaign, partnering with Ubisoft, the video game publisher and minds behind the legendary Assassin’s Creed game. Through this partnership, Star Movies will give the ultimate Assassin’s Creed experience to fans and viewers, creating an interactive game on Facebook, providing users with an immersive experience of the world of Assassin’s Creed.

    Experience the beauty of this gaming series as it transcends boundaries with an entire arsenal of medieval and modern gadgets and skills with the premiere of ‘Assassins Creed’ on Star Movies and Star Movies HD.

  • Monaco Festival to showcase drama, thriller and comedy films, partners Bomanbridge

    Monaco Festival to showcase drama, thriller and comedy films, partners Bomanbridge

    MUMBAI: Bomanbridge Media has partnered with the Monaco Government Tourist Bureau Asia, represented by Horus Development & Consulting, to host Asia’s first edition of Monaco Film Festival in Singapore.

    The Monaco Film Festival will be presented at the Alliance Francaise Cultural Center from 14 to 22 October 2017, with a VIP Gala held at the Capitol Theatre during the festival. The festival will be an exciting celebration of the assets of Monaco / Monte-Carlo.

    Movie-lovers can enjoy Monaco-focused feature films, spanning across genre lines from drama to thriller, comedy and more, featuring titles such as “Grand Prix,” “La Fille de Monaco”, and the iconic “To Catch a Thief” starring Grace Kelly in 1955, just before she became H.S.H. Princess Grace of Monaco a year later.

    The festival aims to appeal to a broader audience through cinema, a medium that transcends age and culture. Gorgeous images and excerpts of Monaco and Monte-Carlo can be found in the movies lined up for the festival.

    Other than Bomanbridge Media, the festival is organised in collaboration with Alliance Francaise de Singapour, the Singapore Film Society and the Capitol Theatre, with the support of Air France KLM, Creme Simon, APM Monaco and Gong.

  • ZEEL’s &Privé HD channel to target upscale non-conformists in six metros

    ZEEL’s &Privé HD channel to target upscale non-conformists in six metros

    MUMBAI: There’s a thin sliver amongst  the hundreds of millions of cinema lovers in India that gorge on international independent and award winning films. Leading indian TV network Zee Entertainment Enterprise Ltd (ZEEL) is about to offer them something that is going to keep them glued to their TV sets  when  &Privé HD launches come 24 September 2017. 

    “The breeze of change is seen as everyone is focusing on connoisseur, hedonist and explorers, but we are targeting the non-conformist,” says ZEEL English cluster head Aparna Bhosle.

    &Privé HD’s tagline is ‘Feel the Other Side’ which distinguishes it from others in the English movie channel  genre.

    With films  from 28 independent Hollywood players and studios such as Paramount and PVR, &Privé HD library boasts of 350 exclusive titles.

    &Privé HD, designed and packaged by Zink, a Canadian digital agency, will telecast over 40 premieres in six months after the launch. Moonlight will be the first premier on the launch day, airing on two time-slots — 1 and 9pm. Other premieres and movies on &Privé HD include:  Lion, Pele, Jackie, Arrival and Free State of Jones.

    “The English movies TV channel  market (in India) is worth Rs 4.5–Rs 6 billion; English content viewership (on HD channels) is on the rise,” points out Bhosle.

    &Privé HD is targeting the six metros and will be available on Dish TV, Tata Sky, Airtel Digital TV, and Sun TV. Zeel was in talks with Videocon d2h for distribution at the time of writing.

    “In 2015, India had five million HD STBs, which saw a 160 per cent increase over the past three years. Today, we have around 10.8 million HD STBs,” Bhosle revealed.

    The marketing and promotional campaign of &Privé HD has been drawn up by FCB Ulka. Zeel’s team has conjured an innovative out-of-the-box promotional plans for the niche channel, apart from pushing the launch TVC on all  sister-HD channels. Digital, print and OOH media are slated to start rolling out the messaging for &Privé HD.

    “Our digital platform has a reach of 14 million which will help us to increase our viewership. Our outdoor campaign will hit Delhi, Mumbai, Hyderabad and Bengaluru on 18 September and multiplex promotions will start two days before the launch,” Bhosle adds.

    Attempts have been made to crack the niche genres in the past with efforts by the likes of NDTV with NDTV Lumiere, which lasted a couple of years, but was pulled off, despite critical appreciation, on account of a lack of a profitable business model. And since then others have entered like HBO Hits, Sony Le Plex and Star Movies Select HD.

    A media professional states that times are different now and discerning viewers – around two million of them in India – are willing to pay to watch exclusive differentiated content in HD as evident from the traction Amazon Prime and Netflix have got in recent times.  “Hence, it’s quite likely that if Zee sticks by &Privé HD and gives it time, it could end up finding a profitable niche for itself in, let’s say, the next three years,” she says.

    That’s how Indian movie lovers are hoping &Privé’s script will play out.

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