Category: GECs

  • Zindagi’s second original show ‘Aadhe Adhoore’ to mark Ajai Sinha’s comeback on TV

    Zindagi’s second original show ‘Aadhe Adhoore’ to mark Ajai Sinha’s comeback on TV

    MUMBAI: Producer Ajai Sinha, who is known for landmark fiction series on Indian television like Hasratein, Justajoo, and Astitva – Ek Prem Kahani is all set to make a comeback on television after a span of four years. And this time round, Sinha’s production house Ananda Films has readied a fiction series titled Aadhe Adhoore for Zee Entertainment Enterprises Ltd’s (Zeel) Hindi entertainment channel Zindagi.

     

    Aadhe Adhoore will be Zindagi’s second home grown fiction series, which is all set to go on air from 14 December. The show will be aired from Monday to Saturday at 9.50 pm. It may be recalled that the channel recently launched its first original fiction show Bhaage Re Mann on 30 November.

     

    Zindagi has roped in India’s Basmati Rice as the co-powered by sponsor and also is eyeing more brand associations for the show.

     

    Speaking to Indiantelevision.com about the show, Zindagi & Zee Anmol cluster head Priyanka Datta says, “Aadhe Adhoore is a story set in Kapurthala of Jassi, who is a perfect Bahu, neighbour and daughter-in-law. The story highlights her caring nature and her willingness to do things. It’s a beautiful emotion that we are trying to touch upon. We are neither trying to be judgmental nor impose any views on the audience.”

     

    With two back to back original fiction show launches in a couple of weeks, Datta throws light on the channel’s programming strategy saying, “The channel’s strategy has been very clear from the beginning. Zindagi aims to bring the best of content, storylines and dialogues for viewers.”

     

    Further elaborating on the same, she adds, “Everything that we telecast on Zindagi is original content. Initially we got shows from Pakistan but it was original for the Indian audiences. Then we went ahead and brought a show from Turkey, which is again new for the audience here. Similarly, we brought these two new shows and also produced Shukriya in the past. Moving forward, this will continue to be our strategy. Our aim is to be the window to provide the best of entertainment anywhere and everywhere across the globe. So be it India, Pakistan, Turkey or any other country, we will continue to bring good stories to our viewers.”

     

    Following the trend of unconventional timing of the show, she informs, “When Zindagi launched, we had shows in the 8 pm and 8.55 pm time slot. So we always had timings that may not necessarily be a clock hour therefore that is what we continue to do even now.”

     

    Aadhe Adhoore will be a finite series, which will run for four months. The channel has a substantial bank of episodes as the style of working and shooting is different for the finite show. Almost 40-45 per cent of the show has been canned before it goes on air.

     

    Zindagi will ready a 360 degree marketing campaign to promote the show across platforms. “We are using television, radio and outdoor platforms for our promotional activities,” she informs.

     

    On his return to television, Sinha says, “I’ve always tried to push the envelope when it comes to content and presented stories that stand out. Making a show for a channel that is differentiated from regular GECs and has got critical acclaim for its content like Zindagi has been a challenge for me. We wanted to create a show that brought out the essence of the modern Indian woman – the real woman who we see around us. The casting, screenplay, locations and original soundtrack will be of a quality that will surely set it apart from what’s seen on television today. I hope audiences will love the story and its characters like they have in all my earlier shows.”

     

    Sinha’s last show was Kesariya Balam Aavo Hamare Des, which aired on Sahara One from 2009 – 2011.

  • US research firm finds Eros International accounting practises inappropriate; law firm files class action litigation

    US research firm finds Eros International accounting practises inappropriate; law firm files class action litigation

    BENGALURU: US research firm Alpha Exposure (AE) has found Eros International Plc’s accounting practises inappropriate, especially the way it amortises its films as compared to US film makers. 

     

    By stretching its amortisation period, Eros is significantly able to reduce its expenses and hence shows higher earnings alleges AE. Through its publication seekingalpha.com, the firm had published three reports – on 30 October, 2015 titled Unlike The Name, Investors Should Not Love EROS, on 13 November, 2015 titled Eros: Is The Game Finally Over? We Think So, and on 17 November, 2015 titled Eros: A Short Story.

     

    Based on these reports, US law firm Lieff Cabraser Heimann & Bernstein, LLP announced today that Securities fraud class action litigation has been filed on behalf of investors in Eros International Plc by it. The law firm has asked investors who have purchased or otherwise acquired the securities of Eros between 12 November, 2013 and 13 November, 2015, inclusive (the “Class Period”), including pursuant and/or traceable to Eros’s initial public offering (“IPO”) on or about 12 November, 2013, they may move the court for appointment as lead plaintiff by no later than 12 January, 2016. 

     

    The firm’s Case Center  (http://www.lieffcabraser.com/Case-Center/Eros.shtml) on its website informs investors: “You may retain Lieff Cabraser Heimann & Bernstein, LLP, or other attorneys, as your counsel in the action. Recognized by the National Law Journal as one of the nation’s top plaintiffs’ law firms, Lieff Cabraser is committed to safeguarding the rights of investors and upholding the integrity of the market. We have significant experience and a successful track record of representing institutional and individual investors in securities and financial fraud litigation.”

     

    “Eros investors may choose to have Lieff Cabraser review their claim by completing the contact form below. You can also call Sharon M. Lee of Lieff Cabraser at 1-800-541-7358 to discuss the litigation.”

     

    A summary of the 30 October, 2015 report on seekingalpha.com is listed below: 

    (1) Due to aggressive accounting practices, Eros’ reported earnings are significantly overstating the economic reality of its business model.

     

    (2) Eros’ subsidiary financials reveal a lack of free cash flow and raise many questions about the company’s accounting.

     

    (3) The company has enriched its controlling family at the expense of shareholders through a series of related-party transactions.

     

    (4) Eros Now is poorly positioned to win the battle for streaming media in India and appears to have made meaningful misstatements to investors.

     

    (5) Based on the company’s persistent negative free cash flow and growing debt and share count, we believe the stock is worthless.

     

    The full report dated can be read at: http://seekingalpha.com/article/3621886-unlike-the-name-investors-should-not-love-eros

  • The Epic Channel introduces Illusion videos for Facebook and Twitter

    The Epic Channel introduces Illusion videos for Facebook and Twitter

    MUMBAI: With the vision of strengthening their innovative digital content, the Epic Channel has launched an ‘llusion’ video feature on their Facebook and Twitter accounts.

    In fact, Epic is one of the first broadcasters to launch such a feature with their recent show, Khwaabon Ka Safar with Mahesh Bhatt.

    TV networks are increasingly using social media as an extended platform to capture content, encourage opinions and connect with their viewers. The Epic channel uses digital innovations to extend the experience of their shows with features like this. The channel created a series of digital activities beginning with the Epic at 10 campaigns across their social media assets to drive tune-ins for the show at 10 pm.

    The #EPICat10hashtag trended nationally during the campaign. The channel also pioneered one of the first Twitter alarm for India and planned a tie-up with QuizUp, a real-time trivia game. It is the only Indian brand to have its collection on the app. On Quizup, users compete against another over an interest led topic.

    The Epic channel MD Mahesh Samat said, “Innovation is the crux of our channel. The digital age has proved that content has to be platform agnostic and by creating these Illusion videos, we hope to move one step closer to our viewers. There’s quite a few more innovations lined up so keep watching our social media pages.”

    The Epic channel has successfully embarked its one year journey, introducing path-breaking innovations to keep the audience engaged. The channel offers a diverse variety of shows which are rooted with brilliant and captivating stories from Indian history.

  • Indian School of Media unites with The Indian Telly Awards 2015

    Indian School of Media unites with The Indian Telly Awards 2015

    MUMBAI: It’s that time of the year when the entire Indian television industry comes together to celebrate success, recognize talent, rejoice and cheer! It’s time for the most celebrated awards from Indiantelevision.com – The Indian Telly Awards.

     

    Indiantelevision.com’s the Fourteenth Indian Telly Awards which is scheduled to happen on the 28 be a star studded event and the extra­ordinary set and brilliant event execution will take the celebrations of the year end a few notches higher.

     

    Organizing the mega event has been a herculean task and has involved efforts of several well trained youngsters. Talking about the contribution made by students of Indian School of Media (ISM), owner, founder and director of Indian School of Media Natasha Aranha said, “This is our way of giving our students unparalleled, hands­on exposure to Event Management. ISM students have demonstrated their drive and ability in the last four years by working on several events of this size. Indiantelevision.com has shown faith in how well we train them, by giving them several responsibilities; from managing production and operations, backstage and front stage, red carpet and security to costumes and celebrity management, and we are delighted for the opportunity to support their initiatives.”

  • Zee TV extends its weekday programming to 6 days with ‘Sunehra Shaniwar’

    Zee TV extends its weekday programming to 6 days with ‘Sunehra Shaniwar’

    MUMBAI: Zee Entertainment Enterprises Ltd (ZEEL)’s Hindi GEC Zee TV extended its weekday primetime shows to six days a week from Monday to Saturday. 28 November onwards, the shows on the channel’s 7 to 9 pm  time slot will also  be telecasted on Saturdays.

     

    Zee TV business head Pradeep Hejmadi said, “The objective of extending our weekday primetime properties to Saturdays is to give our audiences more. The move brings our protagonists even closer to our viewers.”

     

    While Satrangi Sasural and Sarojini have already been airing six days a week, popular shows like  Kala Teeka, Qubool Hai, Tashn-e-Ishq and Jamai Raja will now start airing at their respective time slots on Saturdays as well. With the introduction of ‘Sunehra Shaniwar’, Neeli Chhatri Wale will also air every Sunday at 8 pm.

  • Indiantelevision.com’s ‘The 14th edition of the Indian Telly Awards’ now on &TV

    Indiantelevision.com’s ‘The 14th edition of the Indian Telly Awards’ now on &TV

    MUMBAI: It’s time for the television industry to rejoice, stand tall and cheer! &TV, the youngest member in the Hindi GEC space that represents New Age India is all set to showcase the most celebrated awards from Indiantelevision.com – The Indian Television Telly Awards. 

     

    In its fourteenth year – Indiantelevision.com’s The Indian Telly Awards will see over 80 categories covering technical, programming, popular and digital awards, with winners chosen by both an eminent jury and the public. With Ching’s as the presenting sponsor &TV will air Indiantelevision.com’s The Fourteenth Indian Telly Awards this December taking the celebrations of the year end a few notches higher.

     

    Applauding the achievements of the best on television, the viewers will be entertained with a host of performances and acts by their favourite television stars like Jennifer Winget, Krystle D’Souza, Mouni Roy, Sanaya Irani, Karan Patel, Ritwik Dhanjani, Shakti Arora, Mahima Makwana amongst others. Anchored by the popular cast of &TV’s Bhabi Ji Ghar Par Hai! – Shilpa Shinde, Asif Sheikh and Rohitash Gaud, the evening will witness a host of emotions and a sense of achievement amidst much fanfare and aplomb.

     

    Talking about the Indian Telly Awards, &TV business head said, “We are very excited to partner with one of the most reputed awards honoring the television industry. The Indian Telly Awards is an embodiment of work and talent that has entertained viewers and we are certain that the audiences will enjoy the awards nights as they witness a whole new side of their favourite stars.”

     

    “Over the years the awards have retained the utmost integrity and credibility. And that’s thanks to our respectable juries – like this year – consisting of industry professionals,” said Indiantelevision.com group and The Indian Telly Awards founder, CEO and editor-in-chief Anil Wanvari.  “We are delighted to say that we have taken Indiantelevision.com’s The Indian Telly Awards event to a very different scale this year with fabulous sets, performances and acts. We are also proud to announce a new telecast partner in &TV – the fast growing channel from Zee Entertainment Enterprises – in our fourteenth year.” 

     

    The Indian Telly Awards are the first awards for television which were started in 2001 by Indiantelevision.com and are known for being the most credible television awards in India. In its Fourteenth year the premier awards will set new standards in quality, grandeur and scale.

  • &TV’s socio-mythology series Santoshi Maa to unfold from November 30

    &TV’s socio-mythology series Santoshi Maa to unfold from November 30

    MUMBAI: Indian television audiences are about to be wowed by a story of devotion and divinity. Starting November 30th, &TV presents a socio-mythology ‘Santoshi Maa’, the story of Goddess Santoshi and her ardent devotee’s undying belief.

    The show marks the comeback of popular Bollywood actress Gracy Singh as Santoshi Maa and the very talented Ratan Rajput as her devotee. Produced by Rashmi Sharma Telefilms, Santoshi Maa is the story of Santoshi, a loving girl with a heart of gold who has been a worshipper of the Goddess since childhood. Much like the Goddess of santosh or contentment, Santoshi has no malice or greed in her heart and believes in respecting every individual.

    The show will chart her journey and how her unfaltering faith in the Goddess bails her out of the most difficult situations. Tune into this divine intervention as Santosh ka path padhane aa rahi hai Santoshi Maa starting 30th November, every Mon-Fri at 9:00PM only on &TV!

    Other than the two stellar performers, the show brings together some of the best names in the industry to essay pivotal roles. The ensemble cast includes popular faces such as Ayaz Ahmed, Sayantani Ghosh, Sachin Shroff, Juhi Parmar, Kiran Janjani, and veterans including Parikshit Sahani, Upasna Singh and Onkardas Manekpuri among many others.

    Talking about the show, TV business head Rajesh Iyersaid “Santoshi Maa marks our foray into the socio-mytho genre thereby strengthening our programming slate. The concept of Santoshi Maa is introspective and very relevant given today’s evolving times. Furthermore, its universal theme and relatable plot will only enable us to reach out to a wider set of audience at a 9:00PM primetime slot.”

    Actress Gracy Singh who portrays Goddess Santoshi said “All these years I received so many offers for TV shows but nothing appealed to me. But I loved the concept of Santoshi Maa. It has a great storyline, much relevance in today’s times and is being made with a lot of sincerity. Portraying a Goddess on the small screen is extremely challenging but also satisfying at the same time. I am a believer myself and given the competitive environment that we are in, I don’t let negativity affect me, but I take time off to relax and enjoy and be content with what I have achieved. That’s what the show is also about.  I look forward to receiving a positive response from the viewers.”

    Talking about the show, Ratan Rajput, who will be seen as the key protagonist – the devotee Santoshi said, “I’m a big devotee of Santoshi Maa in real life too so when I was approached to play the role, I was immediately convinced about it. My character and the story of the devotee is a journey that I could completely relate to, which is why I chose to take up the show. From a broad perspective, the show gives out a message on contentment which is sorely missing… we all are so busy chasing most materialistic things and bigger goals that no one is satisfied with what they have achieved. We tend to ignore what we already have with us hence – Santosh ka paath padhane aa rahi hai Santoshi Maa… the show will help us realise and appreciate the positives in life.”

    The show that boasts of a great production, storyline, characters will be one of the most relatable shows that will have the audiences enamored! Stay tuned and watch Santoshi Maa starting 30th November every Mon-Fri at 9:00PM only on &TV!

  • Zindagi launches its first original fiction show ‘Bhaage Re Mann’

    Zindagi launches its first original fiction show ‘Bhaage Re Mann’

    MUMBAI: Zee Entertainment Enterprises Limited’s (Zeel) Hindi entertainment channel Zindagi, has announced the launch of the first of its two planned original fiction serials Bhaage Re Mann. The show will premiere on 30 November 2015 at the 8:30 pm primetime slot. Zindagi will launch the other show in the month of December – Aadhe Adhoore.

     

    ‘Bhaage Re Mann’ is a roller coaster ride of humour, emotion and romance. It is a story of a woman who had kept herself from getting tied down to societal norms and stereotypes for 39 years and has to now rise to the occasion and don a role she has kept away from. She is a modern Indian woman and through her innovative and quirky take on life, deals with her challenges head on and helps the ones she loves to see life and face their problems differently. The show, being a lighter take on the problems and issues of life, follows the underlying mantra – Follow your heart!. Produced by Positive Thinkerz, Bhaage Re Mann will be a finite series and will run over a period of six months with approximately 150 episodes

     

    Karuna Pandey will be seen enacting the lead character of Padmini, a woman with a free-spirited attitude and will be supported by Nupur Alankar, veteran Dr. Ved Thapar, Chandan Anand, Priya Marathe and Ankit Narang amongst others. 

     

    “Reinforcing its commitment to its viewers in its second year of programming, Zindagi embarks on a new journey with refreshing content for the modern Indian viewer. With the launch of Bhaage Re Mann, the channel introduces storylines produced in India that will surely break the shackles of age-old stereotypical content that we see on Indian TV,” said ZEEL chief business officer Sunil Buch.

     

    Zindagi and FTA Hindi GEC cluster head Priyanka Datta told Indiantelevision.com, “We had started with a lot of concepts that we worked upon and only then have we finalized on a couple that will be launched in the coming months. This is our first offering to the viewers. With the launch of our original fiction content, we turn the spotlight on the immense talent pool that we have present in our own country. Bhaage Re Mann is a reinforcement of our style of storytelling, one that is distinctive with a strong narrative.”

     

    Bhaage Re Mann producer & writer Mitu informed, “Indian television is going through a revival of content lately, and Zindagi, known for its path breaking content, brings an interesting series about a contemporary evolved Indian woman who is unapologetic of the choices she makes. Her mantra is simple:  live life the way you see it and enjoy every moment of it. Keeping in mind the sensibilities of the channel, Bhaage Re Mann, is sure to resonate with the viewers and bring a smile that will help them look at life’s simple issues in a positive way. I am extremely happy to present one of the first Indian content shows on the channel that is thought- provoking and entertaining…on simple pleasures of modern living.”

     

    The creatives for advertising and promotion of Bhaage Re Mann will be done by FCB Ulka. The show already enjoys a lot of buzz across all social platforms. The channel has also tied up with Radio Mirchi as its official radio partner. The outdoor marketing for the show will be tailored to spread good messages in a quirky way. The channel has roped in E-commerce venture Limeroad as the presenting sponsor while the show is powered by McCain. 

     

    The channel’s brand positioning is based on the fact that even if people across the world are culturally different; celebrate different festivals, the stories of their lives and the emotions felt are universal and that binds people together and bring them closer. Based on this proposition, Zindagi started with airing content from Pakistan and has also introduced a show from Turkey and produced its first original reality series, Shukriya.

  • Iss Pyaar Ko Kya Naam Doon comes back on Hotstar

    Iss Pyaar Ko Kya Naam Doon comes back on Hotstar

    MUMBAI: #IPKKND is once again flying high amongst the netizen as popular Star Plus show Iss Pyaar Ko Kya Naam Doon is returning in full glory, this time on Hotstar.

    Renamed as Iss Pyaar Ko Kya Naam Doon Ek Jashn, this eight episode long special original series on Hotstar will take the lead characters’ ‘Arnav’ and ‘Khushi’s’ story forward since the serial went off air 3 years ago. The show will hit the web on 24 November under the OTT’s Originals band.

    Star India head of digital Ajit Mohan, says, “Iss Pyaar Ko Kya Naam Doon Ek Jashn is yet another significant example of breakthrough content produced under the hotstar Originals brand. It is in line with our continuing endeavor to create great stories for the hotstar audience.”

    Under the production house Entertainment Mafia, they plan to reinvent the show’s magic once again Iss Pyaar Ko Kya Naam Doon Ek Jashn will return with eight 10-minute episodes, showing a day in the life of Arnav and Khushi, set three years into their marriage.

    Iss Pyaar Ko Kya Naam Doon was a top rated show in 2011-12, turning its lead actors Barun Sobti and Sanaya Irani into superstars. The show was extremely popular especially amongst the international viewers across the world. The show went off air in November 2012, disappointing millions. Hotstar since its launch, has offered curated episodes of the show in its library and the fans have flocked to it.

    Some other hotstar Originals titles include the popular series On Air With AIB- a news satire hosted by AIB, the edgiest comedy group and M Bole Toh, a talk show featuring the most compelling celebrities from Bollywood.

  • Sahara One targets LC1 and LC2  with new brand image and shows

    Sahara One targets LC1 and LC2 with new brand image and shows

    MUMBAI:  Hindi GEC channel Sahara One aims to strengthen its position in the ratings race armed with niche content and new packaging. Rebranded under the tagline ‘ Har Pal Manoranjan ‘, the channel is looking at mythology and crime as its USP.  The channels new brand identity new brand statement statement and look will be kick started with a new crime show Masterminds, from 23 November onwards.
     

    “When Trilogic Digital went into a Bulk Airtime Purchase and Distribution Agreement (BAPADA) agreement with Sahara One in April 2014, the channel didn’t have a distinct USP or what it stood for. Post which, we did an extensive research on what works for our target audience and who are watching us, and realised that we clearly needed a brand statement for the channel to be communicated to our viewers, and therefore the rebranding ensued,” informed Trilogic Digital Media Limited (TDML), COO, Shivani Jaisingh, giving a premise for the rebranding.

    When it comes to the packaging, Sahara One has kept its design classy, while using bright colours that bring our a connect with its Indianness. Designed by Kolahoi Media, the trademark logo has a new look with a gamut of colours and the name of the channel in a new font. The multi-colour interface is a key component of the channel which personifies its identity and vibrancy. Right from promo bugs, transition windows, sponsor windows to the tickers, each element will propagate the brand philosophy of being fresh, innovative and progressive. Har Pal Manoranjan signifies the new brand promise of providing colossal entertainment.

    Explaining the new content strategy for the channel, Jaisingh said, “We are taking a distinct position on mythology and crime related shows and won’t be catering to all genres. Given that mythology, and crime especially, are working for our target group, we plan to dedicate a prime time band to the genre calling it ‘Prime Crime’, with two new shows launches. Apart from this we will also launch a new show Behula based on Bengali mythology sometime soon.”

    The two new shows that Sahara One will be launching under its new ‘Prime Crime’ band, Sahara One are– CBI Files and the above mentioned MastermindBehula will air in the afternoon band, Both CBI and Behula will hit the television airwaves in December.  TDML, being a content producer itself, is responsible for the creative content for the shows from its newly set up production office in Noida.
     

    The decision to rebrand and offer niche content also came in the wake of the BARC India ratings inclusive of rural data, indicating that this the perfect time for the channel to rebrand and reach out to the LC1 and LC2  market. “BARC’s rural data has given us a wakeup call and changed our lives. Hence the timing for the rebranding is absolutely right for us as our viewers is pretty much the same demographic and consuming our content for quite a long time. Our rebranding is targeted at them,” informed Jaisingh.
     

    Jaisingh delves deeper into the question of the channel’s target audience to explain how BARC ratings have prompted them to take the call for the revamp. “As per our research, most of our viewership comes from MP, UP, Bihar, Haryana, with some presence in Delhi. It’s basically the Hindi Speaking Market and North. These areas are pretty much single TV homes where the remote gets passed around, and prime time is male dominated. Therefore we see the crime shows working well for that demography.  We have kept to mythology and some repeats when women are watching,” Jaisingh elaborates.

     

     

    She further added, “We have made heavy investments in both distribution and programming. And thanks to BARC we have seen a sea change in the hierarchy in channel rankings. We plan to capitalise on that and enter the race with full gusto.”

    The timing also makes sense in terms of digitization that is in progress. Jaisingh  informed  indiantelevision.com that TDML is ready to reap the fruits of digitisation and is awaiting the completion of DAS Phase IV. In fact, a part of the revamping also sgetting more cable operators and MSOs on board.

    Under the BAPADA agreement, TDML is to invest in Sahara One in terms of distribution, marketing and programming content for the channel which allows it to collect the revenue the channel makes from advertisements and subscription as well. The rebranding and the launch of the new shows are big advantages for TDML.

    “For existing viewers, we are using promos to inform them of the rebranding. When it comes to marketing, we are concentrating mainly on the digital platform, as that’s where we need to have a presence that was missing for a very long time. We are concentrating on bringing new and younger viewers on board with that,” Jaisingh highlights their current marketing strategy. “Brand to brand approach is what TDML is going for,” Jaisingh adds.

    Right from production, execution to marketing, the channel is spending big money on rebranding itself. In fact, according a source close to the development, approximately Rs 5 crore will be burnt towards marketing, for the rebranding as well as the three new shows that are to launch.

     

    Considering the investment amount, a hike in advertising revenue seems logical. “We are keeping our fingers crossed but we expect a 30 per cent increase in our advertising revenue. In terms of subscription and international distribution, we have some interesting plans that we will announce soon,” Jaisingh concludes.