ITV

Category: English Entertainment

  • Vh1 to offer K-Popp’d, Lip Sync Battle and X Factor S14 this month

    Vh1 to offer K-Popp’d, Lip Sync Battle and X Factor S14 this month

    MUMBAI: Vh1 is all set to enthrall viewers with its spectacular line up of shows this September! Viewers are in for an exhilarating ride as the channel offers internationally loved shows like The X-Factor UK Season 14, Lip-Sync Battle Season 3, along with widely followed pop music from Korea on Vh1 K- Popp’d and much more.

    Following an overwhelming appeal for the immensely popular style of music, K-Pop, Vh1 is geared up to present a brand new music block Vh1 K-Popp’d, premiering on Saturday, September 16. The show will feature super hit tracks by the most popular Korean musicians BTS, EXO, GOT7 and many more.

    TVh1 is airing an all new season of the much loved The X Factor UK Season 14 starring the sensational Simon Cowell. Joining Simon Cowell will be judges Nicole Scherzinger, Sharon Osbourne and Louis Walsh, who will be seeking out the most talented performer to take home the coveted title, every Monday & Tuesday. The channel will also air a special musical series – Shawn Mendes Unplugged, featuring the 19-year-old Vine cover star turned pop crooner famous for super hit singles like Stitches, Mercy and Treat You Better, on 17 September.

    Turning the month more musical than ever, Vh1 brings back epic lip sync performances, combined with witty commentary by LL Cool J and supermodel Chrissy Teigen on Lip Sync Battle Season 3. Paying tribute to the most sought after mentors in the music industry, Vh1 aired a special programming slot featuring the best teacher- student duos on Vh1 Teacher’s Pet, featuring sensational duos Rihanna & Jay Z, Timberland & Nelly Furtado, Dr. DRE & Eminem and many more, belting out their blockbuster numbers like Umbrella, I need a doctor, Somebody to love and Carry out.

    Viacom 18 head of programming – English entertainment Hashim D’Souza shared: “Looking at the immense popularity amongst Indian viewers for K-Pop, we are also very excited to introduce a special segment Vh1 K-Popp’d which I’m sure will be appreciated by our fans across India.”

    Show Line-up:

    Show: The X-Factor – UK Season 14
    Date: Every Monday & Tuesday| Time: 10 Pm
    Synopsis: X-factor 2017 is on the horizon. Simon Cowell, Nicole Scherzinger, Sharon Osbourne and Louis Walsh are on the lookout for the next big thing. Do not miss the exhilarating performances as the judges
    seek the most talented one to take the award home.

    Show: Lip-Sync Battle Season 3
    Date: Every Monday – Friday | Time: 9 Pm
    Synopsis: Hosted by LL Cool J and with colourful commentary by Chrissy Telgen, the latest season of Lip-Sync battle promises a series of epic performaces. The new season will see guests like Sir Ben Kingsley, Ruby Rose, Spiderman stars- Tom Holland and Zendaya and cast of Stranger Things.

    Show: Vh1 K-Popp’d
    Date: Saturday, 16th September | Time: 8 Pm
    Synopsis: The advent of K-pop is a music phenomenon that introduced South Korean culture to the world. K-Pop has grown into a subculture that amassed enormous fandoms of teenagers and young adults. Vh1 brings to its viewers a whole new music block dedicated to K-pop.

    Show: Shawn Mendes Unplugged
    Date: Premiers on Sunday, 17th September | Time: 8 Pm
    Synopsis: Eight years after the series that featured stripped-down performances, Vh1 is rolling out again the Unplugged. The first guest to grace the new Unplugged will be Vine cover star turned popstar, Shawn Mendes. He has been knocking out monster singles like Stiches, Mercy and Treat You Better.

  • Scripps, Blue Ant & Game TV buy ‘paranormal’ prog series from GRB

    Scripps, Blue Ant & Game TV buy ‘paranormal’ prog series from GRB

    MUMBAI: GRB Entertainment has announced sales of several paranormal series to broadcast partners in North America, Europe, Middle East, and Africa.

    Blue Ant Media in Canada and WP1 in Poland both acquired Occult Crimes which offers a look inside the devilish minds of some of the most unpredictable and dangerous killers in history. Taking their orders from the devil, real-life demons are determined to gain immortality by committing heinous murders.

    Game TV in Canada also picked up two seasons of Portal to the Unknown. The series introduces people who have had very real encounters with some of the most hauntingly unbelievable creatures and ghosts.

    For their EMEA feed, Scripps Networks International took When Ghosts Attack. Travel to the dark side of the paranormal world where the attackers are invisible, but the physical scars are real. Hear directly from the victims about what went through their mind as their other-realm experience escalated from threatening whispers and dark omens to bodily injuries.

    “GRB Entertainment holds an impressive catalogue of paranormal titles and we are excited for our partners around the world to share these programs with their viewers. Whether or not you believe that these supernatural events really occurred, you’ll be thrilled as we delve into the minds of criminals and other-worldly beings,” said GRB Entertainment SVP — international distribution Michael Lolato.

  • Sony moves ahead with own distributors in four SE Asian countries post Spider-Man’s success

    Sony moves ahead with own distributors in four SE Asian countries post Spider-Man’s success

    MUMBAI: Sony Pictures Entertainment is reportedly planning to launch distributors of its own in four countries after terminating a longstanding theatrical-releasing joint venture with Disney in Southeast Asia. Sony has plans to launch Sony Pictures Releasing units in Singapore, Thailand, and Malaysia, Variety reported.

    SPE’s new strategy reflects an optimism that the individual markets in SE Asia will continue to grow despite competition from online streaming services. Sony’s JV with Disney was established in 1997 as a way of controlling infrastructure costs in the then-small Southeast Asian market. It had also helped maximize the studios’ negotiating and marketing power in the region.

    In Singapore, Robert Crockett will continue as the managing director, overseeing Malaysia, Singapore, and Indonesia. Simon Foo will become the AGM and country manager for Malaysia. Foo will oversee day-to-day operations in addition to his distribution and sales responsibilities, SPE SVP – international distribution Brett Hogg announced.

    James Rachot Dhiraputra returns to the company to become Thailand MD along with Thailand executive director of marketing Dujdao Promobol.

    Thai media had quoted Dhiraputra as saying he is targeting $24 million of gross revenues from the 19 movies. It was not clear whether $8 million from the first major SPE title under the new banner “Spider-Man: Homecoming” is part of that amount.

  • Globo’s ‘Under Pressure’ to air at Toronto Festival

    Globo’s ‘Under Pressure’ to air at Toronto Festival

    MUMBAI: The Globo series ‘Under Pressure’ will make its international debut during the 42nd edition of the Toronto International Film Festival – a renowned film festival held between September 7 and 17 in Toronto, Canada. The first two episodes will be aired at the third edition of Primetime – part of the festival dedicated to international TV productions from several countries, such as Germany, U.S., Brazil and Canada. The event will also feature the series’ art director, Andrucha Waddington, and director Mini Kerti, in addition to Lucas Paraizo, one of the screenwriters.

    Featured as one of Globo’s highlights for the next edition of MIPCOM, ‘Under Pressure’ is an authentic Brazilian series that portrays the dramas and conflicts in the daily lives of a medical staff working in a precarious hospital in the suburbs of Rio de Janeiro. Aired in Brazil since July 25, in Globo’s late prime time, the series is a great hit with audiences, reaching an average of more than 38 million viewers per episode. The plot has also captured online audiences and topped the Social Wit List in July, as one of the most mentioned Latin American premieres on social media, and the third among world productions that premiered this month.

    A co-production between Globo and Conspiração Filmes, Jorge Furtado’s series created by Luiz Noronha, Claudio Torres and Renato Fagundes, based on an original idea by Mini Kerti, who co-writes episodes with Lucas Paraizo, Antonio Prata and Marcio Alemão, the series draws inspiration from the feature film by Andrucha Waddington with the same title. ‘Under Pressure’ shows the everyday life of doctors who must face the harsh reality of a chaotic environment and struggle just to keep patients alive. Intensity is part of the innovative production, which featured recordings made in deactivated areas of a public hospital, guaranteeing even more realism to the story. Real cases researched by Jorge Furtado and the team of screenwriters in the public health system of the city of Rio de Janeiro were the inspiration to such amazing story lines, touching upon extremely relevant social issues, such as abuse, suicide, Aids, and abandonment. The production is also supervised by consulting physician Marcio Maranhão, author of the book “Sob Pressão – A rotina de guerra de um médico brasileiro” (Under Pressure – A Brazilian doctor’s war routine, in a loose translation), which inspired the feature film and the series, ensuring the accuracy of technical and medical elements.

    By featuring ‘Under Pressure’ at the 2017 Toronto International Film Festival, Globo reinforces its long-standing expertise as a major producer of multiplatform content, developing different formats that leverage its creation, production and distribution structure, ultimately expanding its coverage in both the domestic and foreign markets. The Brazilian network has been attending renowned film festivals around the world, such as the recent MIPDrama Screenings, in France, where the series ‘Jailers’ was awarded; Berlinale 2017, in Germany; the 20th Punta del Este international film festival, in Uruguay; the 37th edition of Fantasporto, in Portugal; and the 8th edition of the Series Mania, in France.

    ALSO READ :

    Globo’s ‘Under Pressure’ portrays docs’ dilemma, premieres with 44 mn Brazilian viewers

    Babylon Berlin, Clique, Jailers, Missions and Ride Upon the Storm win at MIPDrama

  • Heartwarming friendship: Pete’s Dragon on Star Movies Select HD on 19 Aug

    MUMBAI: ‘Life without friends is like the sky without the sun’, a quote that is best complimented by the beautiful tale of Pete’s Dragon; a story of a boy who finds an unexpected companion who protects, nurtures and travels with him – a friend who just happens to be a dragon!

    With Pete’s Dragon, Star Movies Select HD brings its discerning audience another television premiere that can be enjoyed by the entire family on 19 August at 9pm.

    The fact that Star Movies Select HD is the best storyteller also entrusts the team with the responsibility of bringing a varied content offering to its viewers.

    Remake of a Disney Classic, this movie captures the adventures of a boy and his best friend essayed effortlessly by a stellar cast. The movie while set in a fantasy world; grapples with real-life issues like complexity of friendship and uncertainty of our future.

    Pete’s Dragon truly captures the viewer’s heart and lets their imagination fly high. But do Pete and Elliot (his dragon) stay together? Or is there a twist to this tale of friendship?

  • GRB sells crime docus to Caribbean, Poland, Denmark & U.K. broadcasters

    MUMBAI: GRB Entertainment announced sales of several of its top crime documentaries to broadcasters in the Caribbean, Poland, Denmark, and the U.K.

    International Media Content Limited in the Caribbean bought Black and Blue, a gripping one-hour doc showcasing the disturbing real-life stories of young black men facing persistent racial profiling and police brutality — and the black officers in their neighborhood who are caught between their job fighting crime and their own identity.

    Polsat in Poland picked up The Six Degrees of Helter Skelter – the 2-hour documentary takes audiences into the horrific world of the Manson Family, visiting over 40 locations related to the infamous Tate/LaBianca murders, and outlining the dozens of odd connections between Charles Manson and the Hollywood elite.

    WP1 Grupa in Poland, Danish Broadcasting Corporation in Denmark, and Sony Entertainment Networks in the UK acquired Babies Behind Bars, a compelling 90-minute doc following the lives of female inmates at Washington Corrections Center participating in a remarkable program allowing them to raise their babies while they serve time.

    Sony also took Until Proven Innocent: The Hannah Overton Story which examines the mysterious salt poisoning death of four-year old Andrew Burd. His foster mother, Hannah Overton, was charged with capital murder and sent to prison for life. But was this churchgoing young woman a vicious child killer? Or had the tragedy claimed its second victim?

    “GRB Entertainment has over 40 crime titles in our current catalogue, exploring some of the most fascinating, and dangerous, events around the world. We are thrilled to bring these documentaries to our partners in Europe and the Caribbean. Their viewers are sure to be enthralled by these stories,” said GRB Entertainment SVP of international distribution Michael Lolato.

  • Discovery to air Namami Gange feature on I-Day

    MUMBAI: Discovery Communications India will air a special short capsule feature series highlighting the work done under Namami Gange programme starting this Independence Day. The special series will air across 7 Discovery portfolio channels including Discovery Channel, TLC, Animal Planet, Discovery HD World, Animal Planet HD World, TLC HD World and Discovery Tamil.

    National Mission for Clean Ganga director-general UP Singh, said, “‘Namami Gange Programme’, is an Integrated Conservation Mission, approved as a ‘Flagship Programme’ by the Union Government led by the honourable Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The program aims to accomplish the objectives of effective abatement of pollution, conservation and rejuvenation of National River Ganga. We are delighted to partner with Discovery Communications India and leverage their platforms to create awareness about the work being done by Namami Gange across the length of the river Ganges.”

    Discovery Communications India VP – head of advertising sales & business head of regional clusters – South Asia Vikram Tanna said, “We have used world’s first attempt to cover river Ganges on a stand-up paddle board as the core story telling arc and closely integrated the work done on ground by Namami Gange to create a very informative series. The short-capsule, episodic story telling format is also being tried for the very first time.”

    Late last year, Shilpika Gautam, led a team of four individuals, in a unique attempt to cover entire length of river Ganges on a stand-up paddle board. The team covered the length of river Ganges over 101 days of continuous paddling.

    Starting from Gaumukh in Uttarakhand, the team paddled the entire length of river Ganga through the states of Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Jharkhand and West Bengal. The journey culminated at Sagar Island (Ganga Sagar) in the Ganges delta in West Bengal. During the process, Shilpika Gautam broke the world record for the longest continuous stand-up paddle boarded distance by a female in a single journey.

    Discovery covered this inspiring expedition, and integrated the work done by National Mission for Clean Ganga (NMCG), the implementing arm of Namami Gange programme at key junctures to create this unique and special series.

  • Independence Day: Resurgence to premiere on Star Movies

    MUMBAI: “We will not go quietly into the night! We will not vanish without a fight! We’re going to live on! We’re going to survive! Today, we celebrate our Independence Day!”

    Over 20 years since this iconic speech, Star Movies is set to enthrall the Indian Television audience with the sequel to the Independence Day franchise. This 15th of August, Star Movies brings the Indian television premiere of Independence Day: Resurgence.

    Independence Day: Resurgence is a story of determination and resilience of the human race. Of course it’s a no holds barred tale of alien invasion, but within it all is a message of unity and togetherness. The movie features a stellar cast, with Liam Hemsworth and Jeff Goldblum, stunning special effects, aliens that strike fear in everyone’s heart! Enhanced weapons, an alien spaceship twice the size of the previous one and space defense mechanisms like ones never imagined before. All of this makes for a cinematic marvel that is Independence Day: Resurgence.

    Star Movies will celebrate Independence day with fans through a twitter activity with a campaign based on the spirit of unity, urging fans to Stand Together. A contest where fans from different languages have to come together to decode messages showcasing the unity in diversity which is a cornerstone of Indian Independence. Watch the premiere of Independence Day: Resurgence at 1 PM and 9 PM.

  • Movies Now’ ‘Home to the Superheroes’ starts on 7 Aug

    MUMBAI: Movies Now’ of Times Network is set to awe its viewers with a spotlight on Superhero films all through the month of August, with the launch of their new festival “Super Squad Homecoming” from 7 August, Monday-Friday at 7pm and 11pm.

    The destination for Hollywood blockbusters, Movies Nowis the first channel to host both the Marvel and DC franchises, making it the real ‘Home to Superheroes’.

    Times Network EVP and head – entertainment cluster and Zoom Vivek Srivastava said, “Marvel and DC franchises have redefined how we view superheroes today and Movies Nowis the first Indian English Movie channel to have both the libraries at the same time. Our objective is to live up to our audience expectation of being the No.1 blockbuster destination in the country and with Movies Now being Home to the Superheroes we will offer our viewers a larger than life experience. Through Super Squad Homecoming, our aim is to further consolidate our position as the undisputed leader.”

    This month-long festival will air movies featuring all the biggest superheroes including Batman, Superman, Captain America, Thor, Hulk, Blade and The Avengers. Super Squad Homecoming will showcase some of the biggest Hollywood blockbusters like Avengers: Age of Ultron, Batman, Batman Begins, Ant-Man, Blade, Blade 2, Blade: Trinity, Captain America: The First Avenger, Hulk, Man of Steel, Superman, Superman Returns and Thor making Movies Now the only channel to host all the superheroes under one roof!

    To promote this unique property, Movies Now has designed a campaign that will include TV, OOH, Radio, Cinema, Digital and on-ground activations across bars, college festivals and gyms. The multi-city campaign will be promoted through the month to support this exciting property which further strengthens Movies Now’s positioning as the Home to the Superheroes.

  • GRB sells wildlife & extreme nature programmes to broadcasters in Japan, China, France & Poland

    MUMBAI: GRB Entertainment has announced wildlife and extreme nature program sales to broadcasters in Japan, China, France, and Poland.

    Nippon Television Japan and Hubu Media China both picked up When Fish Attack, an in depth, analytical look at unexpected underwater attacks. Some of the seemingly innocuous ocean creatures can be as dangerous as the great white shark! Hear from victims and experts as they break down what happened.

    Hubu also acquired When Animals Bite Back which features real-life encounters with captive and wild animals. A bull leaps into the spectator stands at a Spanish bull ring; a ‘gator handler’ nearly loses his hand to a hungry alligator; an escaped chimpanzee terrorizes a neighborhood and more.

    AB Droit acquired three shows for its French and French-Speaking territories:

    – Hurricane Hunters highlights the only organization that flies directly into the eyes of hurricanes and tropical storms. Running a 24 hour a day operation, these Air Force reserve specialists aim to protect civilians from nature’s havoc by analyzing and predicting the course of deadly storms.

    – Great White Highway brings viewers to the central coast of California, home to some of the biggest Great White Sharks in the world… but only for part of the year. Teams of scientists have spent years tagging and tracking these sharks to find out why they come here, why they leave, and where they go when they do, but very little is known about what they do in the summer or where they mate and bear their young. Now, armed with new technologies, the team is hoping to wire the ocean and discover everything about these giants.

    – Prehistoric Assassins explores ancient predators like the pterodactyl and the Anomalocaris (a carnivorous, 7-foot long prawn) and their deadly hunting tactics. See how they hunted, how their incredible predatory tools evolved, and how they ultimately disappeared.

    Polsat in Poland bought Extreme Animal Obsessions which showcases people’s intense devotion to their favorite creatures. Whether these animal crazed individuals attempt to transform into their furry companion or prepare road kill for a stomach twisting dinner, they all share a unique obsession with escaping the human world and entering the animal kingdom.

    “GRB Entertainment’s extensive catalogue holds some of the most provocative and extreme nature and wildlife series. With climate change being a strong issue affecting everyone around the world, nature programming has seen a resurgence recently and we are pleased to be able to offer many titles in this genre to our broadcasting partners,” said GRB Entertainment SVP of international distribution Michael Lolato.