ITV

Category: English Entertainment

  • WarnerMedia pauses business operations in Russia amid Ukraine conflict

    WarnerMedia pauses business operations in Russia amid Ukraine conflict

    Mumbai: As the Russia-Ukraine ongoing war has escalated over the days, the entertainment conglomerate WarnerMedia decided to pause “all new business” in Russia, CEO Jason Kilar said. This announcement comes a few hours after Discovery Inc, which is set to soon close its acquisition of WarnerMedia, suspended all operations in Russia amid the country’s war on Ukraine.

    According to Variety, Kilar, in a memo to WarnerMedia staff said, “Following the Russian invasion of Ukraine, WarnerMedia is pausing all new business operations in Russia. This includes ceasing broadcast of our channels, halting all new content licensing with Russian entities and pausing our planned theatrical and games releases.”

    Previously, along with suspending CNN broadcasts in Russia, WarnerMedia’s production house Warner Bros had halted its plans to release “The Batman” in the country ahead of its planned premiere. Kilar further stated, “We are following this situation closely and future business decisions will be made with that context in mind. Our thoughts in this moment are with  the people of Ukraine.”

    As per the Deadline report, Universal Music has also just announced it ceased operations there, along with McDonald’s, Coca-Cola and others. 

    Amazon will be shutting off Amazon Prime in Russia and stopping deliveries to the country, according to news agency ANI.

  • Comedy Central widens programming lineup with seven new shows

    Comedy Central widens programming lineup with seven new shows

    Mumbai: English entertainment channel Comedy Central has announced new additions to its bouquet of shows starting 14 March. These shows will be airing on the channel for the first time in India.

    Comedy Central will showcase the best of English comedy entertainment including “Corporate,” “Awkwafina Is Nora From Queens,” “Detroiters,” “Loudermilk,” “Future Man,” “Wellington Paranormal,” and “One Day At A Time.” The channel has also launched the campaign ‘Happiness Buffet – New Comedies, Served Fresh’ to promote the new content.

    The shows will air every weekday at 10 p.m starting with “Corporate.”

    “Comedy Central enjoys a special, ‘happy place’ in the hearts and minds of its viewers. It has been the go-to destination for all in good times and bad. We are very excited to present a new line-up of clutter-breaking shows including ‘Corporate,’ ‘Loudermilk,’ ‘Detroiters’ and ‘Future Man.’ We hope that each show will bring many smiles to many faces,” said Viacom18 head – youth, music and English entertainment Anshul Ailawadi.

  • Sony Pix strengthens lineup in partnership with SPE, Warner Bros & NBC Universal

    Sony Pix strengthens lineup in partnership with SPE, Warner Bros & NBC Universal

    Mumbai: Sony Pix has partnered with Sony Pictures Entertainment along with continued support of Warner Brothers and NBC Universal to announce their upcoming programming lineup. This includes titles like “Shazam,” “Spiderman,” “Lord of the Rings,” “My Best Friend’s Wedding,” “Sleepless in Seattle,” “Resident Evil,” and “Insidious.”

    The channel’s constant innovation in terms of content has garnered a great response from the viewers,” said the statement. In 2021, the channel introduced properties such as ‘Pix Triple treat,’ ‘Mega Pixathon,’ ‘Twice is Nice,’ and a slew of Indian television premieres to woo audiences. The channel is planning to introduce a new property titled ‘Love Stories on Pix’ that will help viewers enjoy romantic films in the comfort of their homes.

    Sony Pix has secured top rank in terms of viewership both SD and HD platforms in its category and is also the leader in the primetime slot of 1900-2400 hours according to Broadcast Audience Research Council (Barc) data (Source: Barc, TG – 15-40 AB, Market – 10L+, Period – Wk 51’21 – Wk 2’22)

    “In our constant endeavor to bring the best to our viewers, this year we will see movies from Hollywood’s best studios like Sony Pictures Entertainment, Warner Brothers and NBC Universal on Sony PIX,” said Sony Pictures Networks’ chief marketing officer and business head – English cluster and Sony Aath Tushar Shah. “We are delighted to partner with these studios once again and look forward to yet another fulfilling year ahead.”

  • ‘100 Mania’ set to return with latest season on Movies Now

    ‘100 Mania’ set to return with latest season on Movies Now

    Mumbai: Ushering the new year, Movies Now has launched the ninth season of its popular property, “100 Mania.” Making the property more interactive and collaborative this season, Movies Now is leading an integrated campaign synchronising network channels and its social media platforms.

    Offering an immersive viewer engagement, “100 Mania: Season 9” leads with the premise #100DaysOfDelight, where viewers can win daily prizes by watching their favourite Hollywood films every night at 9 p.m on the channel. This latest season of “100 Mania” is presented by Kia.

    The previous eight seasons of “100 Mania” have witnessed unparalleled organic consumer engagement, registering active viewer participation with an average of 3500 calls per day and has gratified 800 winners across 20+ cities to date, said the channel in a statement. “The previous season of ‘100 Mania’ garnered a reach of 4.4 million and 5.6 million impressions across the network’s social media platforms,” it added.

    Promising film aficionados an immersive Hollywood experience, the property will feature the biggest action blockbusters including “The Amazing Spiderman,” “The Last Airbender,” “Spiderman: Far From Home,” “Tom & Jerry,” “Apocalypto,” “Wonder Woman 1984,” and “Transformers: The Age Of Extinction” among others.

  • National Geographic introduces new programming block ‘Case Files’ with Sharad Kelkar

    National Geographic introduces new programming block ‘Case Files’ with Sharad Kelkar

    Mumbai: National Geographic dives deeper into investigative genre with a new programming block called “Case Files” with actor and presenter Sharad Kelkar. This block premieres on 8 November and brings intriguing narratives of real investigations around the world. The segment will air every Monday to Friday starting at 8 p.m.

    The programming includes “Air Crash Investigations,” “Banged Up Abroad,” “Airport Security,” “To Catch A Smuggler,” along with new series such as “Undercover Asia & Crime Science,” host Sharad Kelkar will set up the tone and conclude every episode.

    “At National Geographic, we bring compelling and engaging narratives; drawing audiences in with our authentic and factual storytelling,” said a spokesperson from National Geographic. “The series in this genre have been enjoying a loyal fan-base on our channel and with this destination, we thought of introducing a new generation of fans to this genre while bringing in a fresh perspective for the already engaged viewers. We are really happy to have Sharad Kelkar, who with his powerful voice and presence, will take the viewers on an all-immersive journey of fascinating and gripping stories.”

    ‘I am a huge fan of National Geographic and the manner in which they have been presenting these stories,” said Sharad Kelkar. “With Case Files, there was an opportunity for me to take the viewers through true and real crime mysteries in my own style.”

    Air Crash Investigation –The show recounts air crashes, near crashes, fires, hijackings, bombings, and other mainly flight related disasters and crises. It also reveals the events that led to each crisis or disaster, their causes as determined by the official investigating body or bodies, and the measures they recommended to prevent a similar incident from happening again.

    Undercover Asia – This award-winning investigative series exposes the secret criminal underbelly of Asia. Within depth, undercover reporting, National Geographic explores gripping stories of crime, violence and injustice across the world’s largest continent. From cybercrime masterminded in North Korea to document forgers in Thailand; from fake degree scams in Pakistan to private detectives in China the cases are intriguing also because they uncover aspects of society usually kept undercover.

    Crime Science – This award-winning series explores how cutting-edge technology can help prevent, solve and reduce crime. From digital detectives and VR police training to hi tech forensic murder investigations, the episode reveals the future of law enforcement

    Banged Up Abroad – This series features the real story of people who have been arrested while travelling abroad. Through a dramatic reconstruction, the convicted or captured are shown talking about their experiences, combined with dramatic re-enactments of their respective experiences.

    To Catch a Smuggler and Airport Security – The show follows a day in the life of airport security teams in some of the busiest International Airport s in the world across in Bogota, Colombia, Lima, Peru, Rome, Italy, Madrid, Spain, and New York, USA. The episode goes beyond the busts because the story of trafficking is not just one of law enforcement; it’s also about human drama.

  • ‘Wonder Woman 1984’ to premiere on Movies Now, MNX and MN+

    ‘Wonder Woman 1984’ to premiere on Movies Now, MNX and MN+

    Mumbai: Bringing the best of Hollywood blockbusters and the most anticipated film titles to television viewers in India, Movies Now, MNX and MN+ are set to bring the Indian television premiere of “Wonder Woman 1984” on 31 October at 1 p.m and 9 p.m.

    Based on one of the most loved DC Comics superheroines of all time, Wonder Woman aka Diana Prince, the film is the ninth installment in the DC Extended Universe and a stand-alone sequel to 2017’s “Wonder Woman,” taking place 66 years after the events of the previous film.

    Directed by Patty Jenkins, the film features Gal Gadot stars as Wonder Woman, alongside Chris Pine as Steve Trevor, Kristen Wiig as The Cheetah, Pedro Pascal as Maxwell Lord.

    Set in the year 1984, the film follows Diana’s life after saving the world in Wonder Woman (2017). With the memory of captain Steve Trevor, etched on her mind, Diana becomes embroiled in a sinister conspiracy of global proportions when a transparent, golden-yellow gemstone catches the eye of the power-hungry entrepreneur, Maxwell Lord. With Maxwell Lord and The Cheetah out to destroy the earth and her long-lost lover, Steve Trevor resurrected from the dead; Diana has to muster up all her strength and powers once again to save the world from evil.

    Magnifying the excitement during the days leading up to the premiere for the fans on digital media, the channels host a special social media trivia contest, which tests viewers’ knowledge about Wonder Woman through a pop quiz on Instagram stories, said the statement.

    “The contest will have three levels, wherein audience can play the first level on Movies Now, then hop on to MNX for the second level and finish the final round on MN+. Integrating the theme of the film to showcase a sneak peek into the personal lives of real-life Wonder Women, a fun Q & A reels featuring popular celebrities and news anchors is also being rolled out across the Instagram pages of the channels,” it added.

    Offering viewers a chance to express their creative side and design their version of an Indian Wonder Woman, the channels have commenced the #IndianWonderWoman contest, inviting participants to share their artwork on their SM handle. Selected winners and their sketches will be featured across the social media platforms of the channels and they will also win an eclectic mix of Wonder Woman goodies.

    On the premiere day, Movies Now will host a one-of-a-kind Watch and Win contest, where viewers have to tweet the letters they spot on TV with the hashtag #WW84Words, tagging the channel. Evoking nostalgia with some of the most memorable and iconic articles from the 80s,  MNX on 31 October will host a contest, where viewers can identify the items that will flash on the screen and tweet their answers using the hashtag #WW84Nostalgia, said the channels in a statement.

  • &flix to air ‘Peter Rabbit 2’ on 17 October

    &flix to air ‘Peter Rabbit 2’ on 17 October

    Mumbai: &flix will showcase “Peter Rabbit 2” for the first time on TV on 17 October, starting at 12 p.m.

    The film will be telecast in ten languages including English, Hindi, Tamil, and Telugu across 12 Zee channels including &flix, Zee Café, &PrivéHD, &Pictures, Zee Thirai, Zee Cinemalu, Zee Bioscope, Zee Picchar, Zee Bangla Cinema, Zee Sarthak, Zee Punjabi and Zee Yuva, said the statement.

    Written and directed by the Golden Globe nominee known for “Easy A” and “Friends with Benefits” Will Gluck, the film stars Rose Byrne, Domhnall Gleeson, and the eleven-time Primetime Emmy winner James Corden as the iconic voice behind Peter Rabbit.

    “With the festive season approaching, our endeavor was to provide a wholesome entertainment experience for families at home,” said a spokesperson from Zee English cluster. “Apart from being one of the most popular films in the family entertainment genre, the ‘Peter Rabbit’ franchise is special to &flix. This season, we, at &flix, are extremely delighted to present the world television premiere of the latest installment that will also be made available in multiple languages allowing a larger community of fans to enjoy the festive blockbuster on television.”

  • Hits and Hits Movies to debut in China in October

    Hits and Hits Movies to debut in China in October

    Mumbai: Rewind Networks has announced the launch of Hits and Hits Movies on Macau Cable TV, starting 1 October. 

    The channels will be available in HD format and with traditional Chinese subtitles on Macau Cable TV’s basic bundle on channel 46 and channel 40 for Hits and Hits Movies respectively, said the company in a statement.

    “We are thrilled to continue to provide our customers with the greatest watching experience possible with the debut of Hits and Hits Movies on Macau Cable TV,” said Macau Cable TV chief commercial officer John Chiang. “We are sure that the channels’ portfolio of blockbuster films and all-time-favorite hit television shows from past decades will be an excellent complement to our current offering.”

    “With rising demand for high-quality content and Rewind Networks’ channels offering meticulously crafted playlists that highlight the finest television shows and films ever created, the partnership benefits both companies,” added Rewind Networks CEO Avi Himatsinghani.

    Hits and Hits Movies feature recognisable titles from Hollywood and international majors such as NBCUniversal, Warner Bros, Sony Pictures, The Walt Disney Company, MGM Studios, ViacomCBS/Paramount/Miramax, Lionsgate, Fremantle, BBC, and ITV Studios.

  • National Geographic ropes in Karan Johar for ‘Your Lens’ campaign

    National Geographic ropes in Karan Johar for ‘Your Lens’ campaign

    Mumbai: National Geographic is celebrating the art of photography with the launch of its new campaign called ‘Your Lens’. The TV network has brought onboard Indian film director and television personality Karan Johar for the initiative.

    The campaign encourages the photo-enthusiasts to share their best pictures to get featured across the National Geographic television channel, social media and a specially curated website www.nationalgeographicyourlens.in for India.

    The entries spread across various themes such as breathtaking landscapes, majestic wildlife, thrilling adventures, vibrant festivals, people and portraits will be assessed by established National Geographic explorers, who are also among the most renowned photographers in the country like Prasenjeet Yadav, Deepti Asthana, and Poulomi Basu, said the statement.

    “National Geographic has always held a very distinctive and revered position in photography. Our iconic photographs and ground breaking imagery have been inspiring our audiences for decades with fresh new perspectives,” said Star & Disney India’s president and head – infotainment, kids & regional entertainment channels, Kevin Vaz. “Over the years, our fans have often included us by tagging us in their stories and beautiful captures. With ‘Your Lens’, we are strengthening this relationship by giving them a dedicated and a larger platform to celebrate their passion and be a part of our brand that they love and admire.”

    “We are excited to join hands with Karan Johar, a filmmaker who understands the power of emotions, to encourage everyone with a camera to continue sharing their stories with us,” he added.

    “National Geographic as a brand is truly iconic and I have always admired the outstanding and striking visuals they share with the world, inspiring millions of people,” Johar said. “This association is special to me since it is an extension of the passion I have for the camera and who I am as a person. As a filmmaker myself, I believe that an image has the power to move your soul and express so many emotions. The premise of ‘Your Lens’ is extremely exciting as it gives an opportunity for everyone to showcase their creativity and get featured on a prolific platform like National Geographic.”

  • ‘Dance With Me’ returns with season 2 on ZEE Café

    ‘Dance With Me’ returns with season 2 on ZEE Café

    Mumbai: English entertainment channel ZEE Café is returning with the second season of “Dance With Me” on 22 August. The reality dance show will be aired every Sunday at 8 p.m. 

    The show has roped six sponsors including Cetaphil Bright Healthy Radiance Range, Lifebuoy and L’Oreal Paris Total Repair 5 as ‘co-powered by’ sponsors and Jeevansaathi.com, Prestige Svachh Pressure Cooker and Yamaha Fascino 125Fi Hybrid as ‘special’ partners. 

    The show will also air across 13 ZEE channels including Zee Café HD, Zee TV SD and HD, &TV HD, Zee Zest SD and HD, Big Magic, Big Ganga, Zing, Zee Tamil HD, Zee Kannada HD, Zee Marathi HD, and stream on ZEE5.

    The launch of the new season is accompanied by a promo campaign that features Shakti and Mukti Mohan performing extraordinary dance acts and setting the tone for the season. The second season of the show will showcase 50 stellar dance performances, said the channel.

    The first season of “Dance With Me” garnered more than 23 million cumulative reach across ZEE Café and ZEE TV and the show’s hook step challenges thrown by celebrity dance experts received over 8.7 million impressions, shared the channel. “Combined with the unique interactive experience via TV and social, the show offered deep integrations for the brands who partnered with ZEE Café for the festive offering,” it added.

    “With a strong legacy of over 20 years of creating we-time moments with latest international content, the focus on ZEE Café is to equally build a formidable originals content slate,” said Zee Entertainment Enterprises Ltd, business head, premium channels, Kartik Mahadev. “Customer centricity being at the core of the brand’s design thinking, ZEE Café’s originals have always tapped into themes that are trending, be it dance or food. Season one of Dance With Me is the first original production met with an overwhelming response from fans and saw great sponsor interest as well. Raising the bar, we are delighted to announce the second season that brings fifty talented performers on one stage to delight our discerning audience.”

    Each episode is designed around an interesting theme and features unique talent such as a girl who has mastered dancing with a Hula Hoop, that too in a saree, or a male performer who has found a confluence of Bharatnatyam and Hip Hop. With fifty such performances, this show is sure to astonish viewers with many things that have never been seen before on TV and the interactive format combining the reach of broadcast and social is sure to offer deep integrations to the brand partners, the channel said.

    “I feel thrilled to return to the stage yet again with the second season of one of the most unique dance reality shows, Dance With Me,” said reality TV superstar and dance maestro, Shakti Mohan. “Dance has been an integral part of the family and our childhood so when my sister and I heard about a new season, we just couldn’t contain the excitement thinking of all the moments I shared with Mukti in the previous season. It’s a privilege to be a part of a show that provides a platform for promising artistes across the nation who each come with a rare talent.”

    “Dance With Me has been my first stint as the host and dance expert and it’s surely been a fun affair shooting with Chiku didi. Our chemistry on the show received a lot of love across the internet all through the last season and we have much more in store for the second season,” said Mukti Mohan. “In our journey as dancers, we’ve been fortunate to come across countless talented artists who yearn for that one opportunity.”