ITV

Category: Factual

  • India-Bangladesh to collaborate on documentary on 1971 war of independence

    India-Bangladesh to collaborate on documentary on 1971 war of independence

    NEW DELHI: India and Bangladesh are to jointly collaborate to produce a documentary on the 1971 War of Independence of Bangladesh to mark the 100thbirth anniversary of the Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman in 2020.

    Information and Broadcasting Minister M Vekaiah Naidu told his Bangladesh counterpart Hasanul Haq Inu here today that the archival material available with Films Division, Doordarshan and other media units would be optimally utilized.

    This documentary is proposed to be produced to commemorate the 50th year of Bangladesh Independence in 2021. Naidu also agreed to the proposal of Inu to facilitate the production of a movie by Bangladesh to coincide with the centenary of Bangabandhu.

    Both sides also agreed to jointly workout a proposal for a joint Audio-visual co-production agreement between the two countries. It was agreed to organize Film Festival of India in Bangladesh and a Bangladesh Film Festival in India.

    The Bangladesh Minister agreed to the request of Naidu to provide the celluloid version of the film Devdas directed by Pramatesh Barua, the Bengali version produced in 1935. Bangladesh had earlier provided the DVD version of the film to National Film Archives of Inda.

    Referring to facilitation of Free Film Trade between the two countries, Naidu said Bangladesh could consider relaxing the legal provisions which restricted the number of Indian films in that country. The easing of restrictions would have a positive impact on the local film industry. The Minister also offered to train the young film makers and entrepreneurs from Bangladesh at the Indian Film and Training Institutes. He also mentioned that collaborative measures would be initiated between the National Film Development Corporation and Bangladesh Film Development Corporation to promote joint production of films and also between NFAI and Bangladesh Film Archives for digitization and archiving.

    The Ministers during their deliberations also agreed to promote capacity building and training workshops for media persons, exchange programme for officers associated with Information and Broadcasting and exchange of programs between DD and its counterpart in Bangladesh.

    Naidu said information dissemination is critical to counter terrorism which is a common issue plaguing both India and Bangladesh. Secretary Ajay Mittal and senior officers of the Ministry were also present in the meeting between the two delegations.

  • travelxp HD set to launch in Europe by 15 August, 2016 by partnering with Telekom Austria Group

    travelxp HD set to launch in Europe by 15 August, 2016 by partnering with Telekom Austria Group

    MUMBAI: Telekom Austria Group has entered into a partnership with travelxp HD, encompassing the technical satellite contribution of travelxpHD television channel in Central and Eastern Europe.

    With its direct2home platform, Telekom Austria Group will act as technical contributor for the travelxp’s Balkan CEE feeds over the Eutelsat 16A satellite.

    This tie up is aimed at expanding travelxp’s presence in the central and eastern European countries like Croatia, Bulgaria, Slovenia, Czech Republic, Serbia, Macedonia and eventually the whole of Europe to further contribute to its global presence.

    travelxp is also a front runner in using 4K technology and already filmed more than 100 hours of UHD (Ultra High Definition) travel content and also the first channel to do so. The channel is all set to launch in 4K by February 2017 globally.

    Commenting on the development, Franz Bader, interim- director Wholesale, Telekom Austria Group, said: “We are delighted to announce this partnership with travelxpHD which reflects the strong and reliable position Telekom Austria Group Wholesale achieved to obtain within the industry”.

    Further adding he said that the partnership will help them to efficiently use their own infrastructure while thanking his Group’s existing backbone network as well as the teleport Aflenz: “An infrastructure that enables the continuous delivery of high quality and state-of-the-art technical services”.

    Prashant M. Chothani, CEO, travelxp HD, said: “It is the right time for travelxp to create its edge in the European travel & lifestyle television market. We have a strong foothold in Asia, Middle East, Africa and North America and foresee this tie-up as a reliable extension to our ever expanding partnerships with service providers in potential markets.

    Also, The European Pay-TV market has added 10 million subscriptions in the last 10 years. The growth of HDTV Channels has increased over 240% and continues to grow…… he added ”

  • travelxp HD set to launch in Europe by 15 August, 2016 by partnering with Telekom Austria Group

    travelxp HD set to launch in Europe by 15 August, 2016 by partnering with Telekom Austria Group

    MUMBAI: Telekom Austria Group has entered into a partnership with travelxp HD, encompassing the technical satellite contribution of travelxpHD television channel in Central and Eastern Europe.

    With its direct2home platform, Telekom Austria Group will act as technical contributor for the travelxp’s Balkan CEE feeds over the Eutelsat 16A satellite.

    This tie up is aimed at expanding travelxp’s presence in the central and eastern European countries like Croatia, Bulgaria, Slovenia, Czech Republic, Serbia, Macedonia and eventually the whole of Europe to further contribute to its global presence.

    travelxp is also a front runner in using 4K technology and already filmed more than 100 hours of UHD (Ultra High Definition) travel content and also the first channel to do so. The channel is all set to launch in 4K by February 2017 globally.

    Commenting on the development, Franz Bader, interim- director Wholesale, Telekom Austria Group, said: “We are delighted to announce this partnership with travelxpHD which reflects the strong and reliable position Telekom Austria Group Wholesale achieved to obtain within the industry”.

    Further adding he said that the partnership will help them to efficiently use their own infrastructure while thanking his Group’s existing backbone network as well as the teleport Aflenz: “An infrastructure that enables the continuous delivery of high quality and state-of-the-art technical services”.

    Prashant M. Chothani, CEO, travelxp HD, said: “It is the right time for travelxp to create its edge in the European travel & lifestyle television market. We have a strong foothold in Asia, Middle East, Africa and North America and foresee this tie-up as a reliable extension to our ever expanding partnerships with service providers in potential markets.

    Also, The European Pay-TV market has added 10 million subscriptions in the last 10 years. The growth of HDTV Channels has increased over 240% and continues to grow…… he added ”

  • NDTV and Renault Duster presents India Adventures

    NDTV and Renault Duster presents India Adventures

    MUMBAI: 24 contestants, 4 unknown locations, 1 capable SUV! NDTV and Renault Duster present India Adventures – a show that will combine reality with travel and a whole lot of thrilling adventures.

    Watch as four teams of contestants land in an Indian city unknown to them to compete with each other in a gripping contest with a drive to the finish. Each team will have a new Renault Duster AMT to help them navigate the tasks and cross the finish line first. It will be a war of wits as the chemistry and commitment between the participants (as pairs of a parent-child, siblings, spouses) are laid bare.

    See them battle it out and race against time and their competitors to win challenging tasks that lead them to the grand finale in the difficult yet majestic terrain of Ladakh.

    So if you are a history geek, an adrenaline junkie or a master off-roader, we want you for a wild ride that takes you somewhere you have never been.

    Stay tuned to watch Harleen Sethi host this all new exciting show on NDTV Prime at 9:00pm on Saturday, 13 August; 8:30pm on Wednesday, 17thAugust and 6:00pm on Thursday, 18th August.

  • NDTV and Renault Duster presents India Adventures

    NDTV and Renault Duster presents India Adventures

    MUMBAI: 24 contestants, 4 unknown locations, 1 capable SUV! NDTV and Renault Duster present India Adventures – a show that will combine reality with travel and a whole lot of thrilling adventures.

    Watch as four teams of contestants land in an Indian city unknown to them to compete with each other in a gripping contest with a drive to the finish. Each team will have a new Renault Duster AMT to help them navigate the tasks and cross the finish line first. It will be a war of wits as the chemistry and commitment between the participants (as pairs of a parent-child, siblings, spouses) are laid bare.

    See them battle it out and race against time and their competitors to win challenging tasks that lead them to the grand finale in the difficult yet majestic terrain of Ladakh.

    So if you are a history geek, an adrenaline junkie or a master off-roader, we want you for a wild ride that takes you somewhere you have never been.

    Stay tuned to watch Harleen Sethi host this all new exciting show on NDTV Prime at 9:00pm on Saturday, 13 August; 8:30pm on Wednesday, 17thAugust and 6:00pm on Thursday, 18th August.

  • Discovery Channel reveals what it takes To Be in the Indian Army’s Premier Strike Force

    Discovery Channel reveals what it takes To Be in the Indian Army’s Premier Strike Force

    New Delhi: Discovery Channel puts the audience through the toughest training of the Indian Army. The ‘Paratrooper Special Forces Operatives’ are amongst the sharpest and the deadliest soldiers who have earned an enviable niche in the Army. An average 10 per cent of the volunteers make it to this elite group, classifying it as one of the toughest military selection courses in the world.

    On the occasion of India’s 70th Independence Day, Discovery Channel’s exclusive INDIA’S PARATROOPERS: EARNING THE BADGE will give viewers a rare peek into the Indian Army’s training academy to reveal the intense training programs these soldiers undergo to perform unconventional warfare roles. Preparing for the unpredictable world of covert operations, counterterrorism, frontline combat and law enforcement, only the fastest, strongest and smartest survive. Watch the awe-inspiring story of courage and commitment in India’s Paratroopers: Earning the Badge on Monday, August 15 at 9 pm on the Discovery Channel. The programme will simulcast on Discovery Tamil.

    Known as Paratrooper Special Forces, these operatives wear the Maroon Beret and pin to their chest ‘The Balidaan Badge’ – the winged blade of sacrifice. To earn this distinguished honour, the volunteers complete a grueling 90 days’ probation wherein they are stretched to the limit of their endurance. Discovery Channel will give viewers a never-before-seen glimpse of a training module where only the bravest succeed to achieve the prestigious badge.

    Bonded by their heroic commitment, the probationers transition through an extreme selection process and a rigorous training regime. Not tasks for the fainthearted, the recruits are put through a series of punishing physical and mental routines including wading through chilling waters, sleep deprivation, exhaustion, uphill and downhill speed march, and the ultimate non-stop 100 KM endurance run. Focusing heavily on physical fitness and psychological strength, the combat training encompasses specialization in weaponry, demolition, navigation, evasion, survival, communication, medical, language and unconventional warfare.

    Learn what it takes to meet the exceptional standards of the most specialized forces in the world.

  • Discovery Channel reveals what it takes To Be in the Indian Army’s Premier Strike Force

    Discovery Channel reveals what it takes To Be in the Indian Army’s Premier Strike Force

    New Delhi: Discovery Channel puts the audience through the toughest training of the Indian Army. The ‘Paratrooper Special Forces Operatives’ are amongst the sharpest and the deadliest soldiers who have earned an enviable niche in the Army. An average 10 per cent of the volunteers make it to this elite group, classifying it as one of the toughest military selection courses in the world.

    On the occasion of India’s 70th Independence Day, Discovery Channel’s exclusive INDIA’S PARATROOPERS: EARNING THE BADGE will give viewers a rare peek into the Indian Army’s training academy to reveal the intense training programs these soldiers undergo to perform unconventional warfare roles. Preparing for the unpredictable world of covert operations, counterterrorism, frontline combat and law enforcement, only the fastest, strongest and smartest survive. Watch the awe-inspiring story of courage and commitment in India’s Paratroopers: Earning the Badge on Monday, August 15 at 9 pm on the Discovery Channel. The programme will simulcast on Discovery Tamil.

    Known as Paratrooper Special Forces, these operatives wear the Maroon Beret and pin to their chest ‘The Balidaan Badge’ – the winged blade of sacrifice. To earn this distinguished honour, the volunteers complete a grueling 90 days’ probation wherein they are stretched to the limit of their endurance. Discovery Channel will give viewers a never-before-seen glimpse of a training module where only the bravest succeed to achieve the prestigious badge.

    Bonded by their heroic commitment, the probationers transition through an extreme selection process and a rigorous training regime. Not tasks for the fainthearted, the recruits are put through a series of punishing physical and mental routines including wading through chilling waters, sleep deprivation, exhaustion, uphill and downhill speed march, and the ultimate non-stop 100 KM endurance run. Focusing heavily on physical fitness and psychological strength, the combat training encompasses specialization in weaponry, demolition, navigation, evasion, survival, communication, medical, language and unconventional warfare.

    Learn what it takes to meet the exceptional standards of the most specialized forces in the world.

  • Q2-16: Distribution, other revenue push Discovery Communications revenue up 3.3 percent

    Q2-16: Distribution, other revenue push Discovery Communications revenue up 3.3 percent

    BENGALURU: An increase of $39 million (4.9 percent increase) in Distribution and an increase of $17 million (26.2 percent increase) of ‘Other’ revenue boosted Discovery Communications Inc., (Discovery) revenue by 3.3 percent for the quarter ended 30 June 2016 (Q2-16, current quarter) vis-à-vis the corresponding year ago quarter. Discovery reported total revenue of $1,708 million in Q2-16 as compared to $1,654 million in Q2-15.

    Discovery reported Distribution revenue of $813 million in the current quarter as compared to $775 million in the corresponding year ago quarter. Advertising revenue in Q2-16 was flat y-o-y (declined by $1 million or 0.1 percent) at $813 million as compared to $814 million in Q2-15. ‘Other’ revenue in Q2-16 was $82 million as compared to $65 million in the corresponding year ago quarter.

    “Discovery posted a solid quarter of growth and financial results by investing in premium and diversified content that fuels the passion of superfans on pay-TV, free-to-air, direct-to-consumer and digital platforms. Our differentiated portfolio of nonfiction, sports and children’s content in more than 220 markets positions Discovery for continued growth and shareholder value creation in the months and years to come,” said Discovery president and CEO David Zaslav.

    Segment results

    Discovery reports numbers from three segments – US Networks, International Networks, and Education and ‘Other’

    US Networks

    US Networks revenue in Q2-16 increased 7.2 percent to $873 million as compared to $812 million in Q2-15. Adjusted OIBDA in the current quarter from this segment increased 9.7 percent to $544 million (62 percent margin) from $496 million (61 percent margin) in Q2-15.

    Distribution revenue from US Networks increased 8.1 percent in Q2-16 to $386 million from $357 million in Q2-15. US Networks Advertising revenue increased 5.4 percent in the current quarter to $471 million from $447 million in Q2-15. US Networks ‘Other’ revenue in Q2-16 increased 60 percent y-o-y to $16 million from $10 million.

    Discovery says that US Networks Distribution revenue growth was primarily driven by higher rates, partially offset by slight declines in subscribers. Advertising revenues increased primarily due to higher pricing and inventory management, partially offset by lower delivery.

    International Networks

    Revenue from International Networks segment in Q2-16 declined 1.4 percent to $790 million from $819 million in the corresponding year ago quarter. Adjusted OIBDA from the segment in the current quarter declined 6.4 percent to $249 million from $266 million in Q2-15.

    International Networks Distribution revenue increased 2.2 percent to $427 million in Q2-16 as compared to $418 million in Q2-15. International Networks Advertising revenue in Q2-16 declined 6.8 percent to $342 million from $367 million in Q2-15. International Networks ‘Other’ revenue in the current quarter increased 31.3 percent to $21 million from $16 million.

    Discovery says changes in foreign currency exchange rates reduced second quarter international revenues and Adjusted OIBDA growth by 4 percent and 10 percent, respectively. Excluding currency effects and the impact of SBS Radio, total revenues were up 8 percent. Distribution revenues, excluding the impact of currency effects, grew 10 percent mostly due to higher affiliate rates in Northern Europe and CEEMEA as well as increased affiliate rates and subscribers in Latin America. Advertising revenues, excluding the impact of SBS Radio and currency effects, were up 5 percent, primarily due to higher volume and ratings in Southern Europe as well as higher pricing, ratings and volume in CEEMEA, partially offset by a decline in Northern Europe due to the impact of Brexit and lower ratings.

    Education and other

    Education and other revenue in Q2-16 increased 15 percent to $46 million from $40 million in Q2-15. The segment reported slightly higher negative adjusted OIBDA (reported a higher operating loss) at $3 million in the current quarter as compared to negative adjusted OIBDA of $2million in Q2-15.

    Discovery says Education and Other revenues for the second quarter increased by $6 million primarily due to higher external production deliveries at the Studios production business. Adjusted OIBDA remained relatively consistent primarily due to higher external Studios production deliveries, offset by additional investments in Education Techbooks.

     

  • Q2-16: Distribution, other revenue push Discovery Communications revenue up 3.3 percent

    Q2-16: Distribution, other revenue push Discovery Communications revenue up 3.3 percent

    BENGALURU: An increase of $39 million (4.9 percent increase) in Distribution and an increase of $17 million (26.2 percent increase) of ‘Other’ revenue boosted Discovery Communications Inc., (Discovery) revenue by 3.3 percent for the quarter ended 30 June 2016 (Q2-16, current quarter) vis-à-vis the corresponding year ago quarter. Discovery reported total revenue of $1,708 million in Q2-16 as compared to $1,654 million in Q2-15.

    Discovery reported Distribution revenue of $813 million in the current quarter as compared to $775 million in the corresponding year ago quarter. Advertising revenue in Q2-16 was flat y-o-y (declined by $1 million or 0.1 percent) at $813 million as compared to $814 million in Q2-15. ‘Other’ revenue in Q2-16 was $82 million as compared to $65 million in the corresponding year ago quarter.

    “Discovery posted a solid quarter of growth and financial results by investing in premium and diversified content that fuels the passion of superfans on pay-TV, free-to-air, direct-to-consumer and digital platforms. Our differentiated portfolio of nonfiction, sports and children’s content in more than 220 markets positions Discovery for continued growth and shareholder value creation in the months and years to come,” said Discovery president and CEO David Zaslav.

    Segment results

    Discovery reports numbers from three segments – US Networks, International Networks, and Education and ‘Other’

    US Networks

    US Networks revenue in Q2-16 increased 7.2 percent to $873 million as compared to $812 million in Q2-15. Adjusted OIBDA in the current quarter from this segment increased 9.7 percent to $544 million (62 percent margin) from $496 million (61 percent margin) in Q2-15.

    Distribution revenue from US Networks increased 8.1 percent in Q2-16 to $386 million from $357 million in Q2-15. US Networks Advertising revenue increased 5.4 percent in the current quarter to $471 million from $447 million in Q2-15. US Networks ‘Other’ revenue in Q2-16 increased 60 percent y-o-y to $16 million from $10 million.

    Discovery says that US Networks Distribution revenue growth was primarily driven by higher rates, partially offset by slight declines in subscribers. Advertising revenues increased primarily due to higher pricing and inventory management, partially offset by lower delivery.

    International Networks

    Revenue from International Networks segment in Q2-16 declined 1.4 percent to $790 million from $819 million in the corresponding year ago quarter. Adjusted OIBDA from the segment in the current quarter declined 6.4 percent to $249 million from $266 million in Q2-15.

    International Networks Distribution revenue increased 2.2 percent to $427 million in Q2-16 as compared to $418 million in Q2-15. International Networks Advertising revenue in Q2-16 declined 6.8 percent to $342 million from $367 million in Q2-15. International Networks ‘Other’ revenue in the current quarter increased 31.3 percent to $21 million from $16 million.

    Discovery says changes in foreign currency exchange rates reduced second quarter international revenues and Adjusted OIBDA growth by 4 percent and 10 percent, respectively. Excluding currency effects and the impact of SBS Radio, total revenues were up 8 percent. Distribution revenues, excluding the impact of currency effects, grew 10 percent mostly due to higher affiliate rates in Northern Europe and CEEMEA as well as increased affiliate rates and subscribers in Latin America. Advertising revenues, excluding the impact of SBS Radio and currency effects, were up 5 percent, primarily due to higher volume and ratings in Southern Europe as well as higher pricing, ratings and volume in CEEMEA, partially offset by a decline in Northern Europe due to the impact of Brexit and lower ratings.

    Education and other

    Education and other revenue in Q2-16 increased 15 percent to $46 million from $40 million in Q2-15. The segment reported slightly higher negative adjusted OIBDA (reported a higher operating loss) at $3 million in the current quarter as compared to negative adjusted OIBDA of $2million in Q2-15.

    Discovery says Education and Other revenues for the second quarter increased by $6 million primarily due to higher external production deliveries at the Studios production business. Adjusted OIBDA remained relatively consistent primarily due to higher external Studios production deliveries, offset by additional investments in Education Techbooks.

     

  • Talenthouse India to host 2nd edition of India Mobile Film Festival

    Talenthouse India to host 2nd edition of India Mobile Film Festival

    MUMBAI: Royal Stag Barrel Select Large Short Films India Mobile Film Festival (IMFF 2016), in association with Reliance Communication & Talent house India, have created a platform for filmmakers to showcase their original creations by just using their mobile phones. The objective was to create a game changing platform for short films in India, which reduces the entry barrier for film-makers and bring creativity to the forefront. With a variety of smart phones on the market, every smartphone user (220 Mn+) in India is a potential film-maker.

    Royal Stag Barrel Select Large Short Films also showcases films made by some of India’s finest such as Anurag Kashyap, Sudhir Mishra, Sujoy Ghosh and inspires aspiring directors to create film and rewards them for their originality by showcasing them on the platform.

    Commenting on the project Pernod Ricard India AVP marketing Raja Banerji said, “Royal Stag Barrel Select Large Short Films was conceptualised to support the short film format in our country. We are proud to be the presenting partner to India Mobile Film Festival, an edgy and ground-breaking idea. In line with the Barrel Select philosophy of “Make it Perfect”, the brand intends to create a format to encourage creativity with this unique concept and connect with the discerning audience by offering a unique experience of fresh content through this platform. The Brand has always encouraged people to strive for perfection to achieve their dreams and Make it Large.”

    Reliance Communications CEO consumer business Gurdeep Singh said “The Indian Mobile Film Festival (IMFF 2016) marks the beginning of a true revolution and transition on the art & culture scene and RCOM is delighted to partner with Talenthouse India and support the efforts,”. We are now at an age when smartphones are being used to express creativity with minimal budgets resulting in some extraordinary artistic and cinematic feat. We wish IMFF 2016 all the very best for this event and all their future endeavors,” he added.

    Talenthouse India CEO Arun Mehra said, “After a successful first edition in 2015 where we received around 400 films and support from the industry and film-makers, we set out to make 2016 even bigger than last year. Talenthouse India is the largest curator of short films in India over the last 3 years. The idea of using a mobile phone to shoot films, had to be taken to the next level and we added a new Internationalfilm category this year because we believe that this format is global in nature. With support from our partners, Royal Stag Barrel Select Large Short Films & Reliance Communications, we were delighted to receive over 1200 films across categories from 7 countries. The artistic community has always provided us with exceptional content and this time has been no different.”

    IMFF 2016 reached out to film-makers and budding artists across 60 Indian cities through a combination of Digital & on-ground outreach program. According to the IMFF figures, the combined reach for this campaign was about 5 Million and as a result, the campaign crowdsourced over 1200 films from across 60 cities and 7 countries in just 6 weeks.

    This year, the India Mobile Film Festival invited participation in five categories included the newly inducted International category. The categories in 2016 are: Short films (5-10 mins), Micro films (2-5 mins), Nano films (up to 2 mins), International films (up to 10 mins) and My first short (Any interesting, quirky or impactful moments captured candidly on mobile) with cash prizes of over INR 3 lakh and individual awards to be won across categories.

    A panel of renowned jury members, spearheaded by our Chief Mentor Sanjay Gadhvi – (superhit Director of Dhoom 1 and 2) have selected the very best films along with the highly respected film and television actress Shubha Khote, popular Film Actor and Producer Karan Shah, Superhit Editor Rameshwar S. Bhagat and film writer Rohit Banawlikar.