Category: GECs

Sab gets a new station of joy – Peterson Hill

MUMBAI: Sab, India’s most loved family channel is all set to take the level of fun and excitement to new heights with the advent of a new light hearted comic show ‘Peterson Hill’. The story is inspired from a quaint little picturesque railway station in a small town set amidst the lush mountains of Shimla. The show revolves around the lives of the simple people of the town and the family of the station master who manages Peterson Hill.

In this unique offering actor Rohit Roy will be seen enacting the role of Kishore Chadha who by profession is the station master of Peterson Hill, a man with a golden heart, a complete family person who believes in the simplicities of life. Down to earth by nature, Kishore believes in doing good deeds in favor of humanism and mankind. The station master is married to the most ideal woman, Pinky Chadda, played by Sucheta Khanna. Pinky Chadda is very happy with her simple life and is proud of her husband’s morals. Peterson Hill is a hearty humorous family entertainer and shall hit the tube from 26th January from 10.30 PM monday-friday exclusively on Sab.

The beautiful and simplistic storyline evokes multiple human emotions such as bonding, friendship, love, joy and many more that shall enamor the viewers to its special offering. The show also has a romantic twist in its tale when Mansi Srivastav who enacts the role of Shatabdi the beautiful sister in law of Kishore Chadda who returns home after completing her studies and hopes to find love back home. Although unknown to her there are quite a few contenders who are vying to win Shatabdi’s heart.

Peterson Hill also includes various colorful characters that live in and around the station as well as some travelers whose stories sometimes get entangled with those living in the town. The beauty of Peterson Hill is that every traveler who arrives here gets inspired by the peaceful and content life of its natives. All the residents of the locality live in harmony and share their joys and sorrows with each other as one big family, always ready to help out anyone in need.

Sab senior EVP and business head Anooj Kapoor said, “SAB TV has constantly offered its viewers engaging and entertaining content. The concept of Peterson Hill is fresh and first of its kind on Indian television. The story captures the beauty and romance of a railway station in the hills; it also has several uniquely funny characters. Peterson Hill is a wholesome family entertainer and further accentuates our philosophy of Asli Mazaa SAB Ke Saath Hai.”

Garima Productions producer Ashwini Dheer said, “We have worked with SAB TV on many shows in the past, it has always been a great experience producing clean and light-hearted comedies. With Peterson Hill, we present a fresh look at life through the eyes of a station master in a railway station set-up”

January 21, 2015
Zee TV extends early primetime with new show ‘Hello Pratibha’

MUMBAI: Zee TV will be launching a new show called Hello Pratibha. The channel will extend its early primetime from 7 – 8 pm with this show, which is slated to go on air from 27 January.

Five episodes have been canned as of now. The show will be aired from Monday – Saturday at 7.30 pm. This is the first time that the channel is experimenting with its fiction programs extending till Saturday.

Zee TV’s fantasy series Maharakshak Aryan is nearing its end as it was commissioned for 13 episodes. The second story in the trilogy is slated to commence within four-five weeks. Bandhan will continue to air on Saturdays too at 7 pm in place of Maharakshak Aryan. On the other hand, Sapne Suhane Ladakpan Ke show will see curtains down after a two-year long stint with the channel. It will be replaced by Hello Pratibha at 7.30 pm.

Zee TV programming head Namit Sharma says that being a new show, the objective was to give it more exposure and ample room for growth and hence the channel decided to airing it from Monday – Saturday instead of the usual Monday-Friday format.

Produced by Shakuntalam Telefilms, it will celebrate the journey of a woman. The story explores the protagonist’s journey of rediscovering her identity and gaining her lost confidence.

Elaborating on the show, Sharma says, “It’s about everything and yet about nothing. The story is about ‘change’ and the protagonist represents every woman who, post-marriage, prioritises the needs of her family over her own.”

Shakuntalam Telefilms founder and producer Shyamashis Bhattacharya says that the series is not a new concept that is being presented on television, but yet the story-telling is innovative and different.

Bhattacharya believes that Indian audiences have often seen the kitchen politics women face but rarely have television soaps tapped into what a home-maker truly wants for herself.

“Hello Pratibha offers just that – an intimate, up-close and personal look into the mind of a housewife who’s dedicated her life to family. And in the process, lost touch with the girl she once was before she tied the knot. With its differentiated content, the show will connect with thousands of housewives out there and hopefully set them thinking as to whether they should re-connect with who they once were before marriage,” Bhattacharya says.

January 20, 2015
‘Hawaizaada’ actor Ayushmann Khurrana to anchor Republic Day special on Big Magic

MUMBAI: Big Magic, the flagship national Hindi general entertainment channel from Reliance Broadcast Network is positioned as the one stop destination for humour. The channel is all geared up to celebrate Republic Day with the dashing young actor, Ayushmann Khurrana – a TV presenter turned actor as he engages the audience on Monday, 26th January, 7pm- 10pm only on Big Magic. Big Magic partners with Hawaizaada to celebrate the spirit of ‘Made in India’. Hawaizaada releases on Jan 30 2015.

Pumped with fun, humor and patriotism all the shows on Big Magic will celebrate Republic Day with the special episodes wherein Ayushmann Khurrana will be the anchor link. Honoring this day with the entire country, Big Magic will add spark to this occasion with the presence of Ayushmann Khurrana who will also share anecdotes about his upcoming movie. He will be imparting a distinctive message of believing in oneself to the viewers of Big Magic. Ayushmann’s character in his upcoming movie Hawaizaada is based on a 19th century scientist and inventor who flew the 1st aircraft. He is believed to have invented the aeroplane before the Wright Brothers.

Speaking on the three hour special on Big Magic, the dashing actor Ayushmann Khurrana said, “This Republic Day, I am happy to celebrate the essence of my upcoming movie – Hawaizaada which salutes the spirit of being Indian. I am happy to deliver this message to Big Magic viewers through its chatpata comedy content – If you dream, have the courage to accomplish it. My upcoming movie, Hawaizaada, celebrates the fulfilment of an unsung hero who brought forth the brilliance of an Indian talent and intelligence because he dared to dream and fulfil the same fearlessly.”

Commenting on the same, Lavneesh Gupta, COO, Reliance Broadcast Network said, “To salute Republic Day, a momentous occasion for Indians, the BIG MAGIC family will come together to entertain our audience with fun-filled episodes. We’re glad to be sharing this special day with Ayushmann Khurrana , lead actor of Hawaizaada, where the film salutes Indianness and will together impart an inspiring message to our viewers.”

The Republic Day special will be marketed heavily across television, radio and digital, ensuring excellent promotions and reach.

Big Magic is available across key DTH players ranging Airtel, Videocon, DD Free Dish, Dish TV, Reliance Digital TV along with Hathway, Incable, Digicable, DEN, 7 Star, ABS, Siticable, Star Broadband and GTPL amongst others.

January 20, 2015
Zee TV partners with YuppTV

MUMBAI: Zee TV, the flagship channel of Zee Entertainment Enterprises Ltd., has announced the launch of Zee TV’s Hindi programming on YuppTV, one of the largest Internet TV providers of South Asian Content. The content will be made available on YuppTV’s OTT (over-the-top) platform, which is available for download on both Google Play and Apple’s App Store.

Through this new partnership, viewers can now enjoy Zee TV programming across multiple channels on Internet enabled devices such as smart phones, tablets, smart TVs, and more. The full package of Zee TV’s programs including prime time drama series, television movies, theatrical films, specials and daytime dramas will be made available on YuppTV’s platform. Viewers will be able to enjoy the added benefit of Catch-Up TV for their favourite shows such as Kumkum Bhagya, Jodha Akbar, Satrangi Sasural and Sa Ra Ga Ma Pa – Little Champs.

Zee TV senior vice president – International business Tripta Singh said, “As the premier Hindi channel in Singapore, we are delighted to be able to offer our award-winning content on YuppTV’s platform. As our viewers span across all age groups and lifestyle habits, we are constantly on the lookout on how we can better serve audiences through additional and relevant distribution channels.”

“With the goal to offer the finest entertainment to viewers in Singapore, we are excited to extend our partnership with Zee TV, one of India’s most popular channels, to offer quality content to our subscribers in Singapore. We are confident that the Indian Diaspora in Singapore will be delighted to watch their favourite shows on Zee TV anytime and anywhere,” said YuppTV CEO Uday Reddy.

Zee TV is among the top five cable and satellite channels in Singapore. The city-state is home to one of the largest overseas Indian populations and its’ variety programming is watched by Indian and now increasingly, Malay audiences locally. Almost half (46 per cent) of Zee TV viewers’ have a HHI range which ranges between SGD 4,000 – 10,000 per month. Zee TV continues to dominate in the Hindi General Entertainment Channel content category across local affiliate platforms Starhub and Mio TV.

January 20, 2015
Zee announces the first edition of the ‘ZEE Cine-Lit Festival’

MUMBAI: Zee Entertainment Enterprises Ltd (Zeel) with a motto of “Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam” which means ‘The World is my Family’ is proud to announce the first edition of ‘ZEE Cine-Lit Festival’.

The festival is aimed not only at catering to movie goers who love the adaptation of books but to the ones who believe in watching quality cinema. The festival will showcase movies like 2 States, 3 Idiots, The Fault in our Stars and many others which are inspired from books. It will kick start from 21st Jan and will have 4 shows in a day till 25th Jan at INOX, Pink Square Mall, Raja Park, Jaipur.

Announcing the Zee Cine-Lit Festival, Roland Landers, Head Corporate Brand, ZEE, said, “We are delighted to bring to the ZEE Jaipur Literature Festival audiences, this Film Festival wherein we will show world-class collection of movies which are inspired by great books. ZEE has always believed in recognizing talent and rewarding them through various means. This will give a platform to all the movie lovers to watch their favorite movies under one umbrella.

He also added “With every edition, the idea is to make the festival bigger and better. It will be hosted in other cities by next year. This will not only inspire the authors to come up with unique stories which can later be made into movies to reach a wider audience but also open up more windows for production houses to choose better scripts for adaptation.”

Not only this, movie buffs will get a chance to win some of their favorite books from Roli Books and also well-crafted bags from La Volsa everyday through the online contests starting from 20th Jan. Movie goers will also get special discounts at Pink Square Mall food court outlets after showing their tickets.

The Hindi movies to be shown in Zee Cine Lit Festival are: 3 Idiots, Kai Po Che, 7 Khoon Maaf, Aaisha and 2 States. The movies movies that will be screened are Edge of Tomorrow, The Avengers, Iron Man 3, Captain America – The First Avenger, The Giver, Slumdog Millionaire and The Fault In Our Stars.

January 19, 2015
Major Indian channels removed from Chitram TV app

NEW DELHI: In a major break-through sending a strong message to organised pirates of content in the digital space, certain members of Indian Broadcasting Foundation (IBF) have succeeded in their efforts to remove their channels from the recently launched android and iOS applications of Chitram TV on Google Play and Apple’s App Store.

Chitram TV is an IPTV/OTT service provider, which has been illegally broadcasting the signals of the Indian origin channels: MSM (Sony), Zee, Star, Viacom18 and certain other regional Indian television networks, which are members of IBF for quite some time. Recently, Chitram TV launched its mobile application on android and iOS devices in an attempt to widen its distribution and reach. The broadcasters took up the issue of Chitram’s illegal broadcast and Apple and Google have now removed the app from their iOS and Android platforms. This is a major victory for the members of IBF in their fight against online piracy, according to an IBF spokesperson.

Indian broadcasters, who have joined hands to collectively fight digital piracy, are considering initiating legal proceedings against Chitram TV and other pirate platforms in multiple jurisdictions outside. None of the members of IBF (viz. MSM (Sony), Zee, Star and Viacom18) has authorised Chitram TV to carry their channels on any media platform let alone digital.

IBF said it understands that Chitram TV continues to distribute the Indian channels via IPTV/OTT particularly outside India. IBF members have buckled up to fight the pirates like Chitram TV to preserve the integrity of their channels and content.

With the rapid advent of technology enabling the dissemination of content across digital platforms, there are enormous revenue opportunities for broadcasters and other content owners. The Indian channels, which are available in more than 100 countries around the world, are extremely popular amongst the South Asian diaspora.

All of these channels have launched their own digital platforms and mobile apps but piracy has been a major stumbling block in revenue monetisation. Isolated efforts of the broadcasters could have achieved little. Now that the Indian broadcasters stand united, their efforts will provide a greater impetus in the global effort to combat digital piracy.

January 17, 2015
Viacom18 encourages fresh minds to reshape the box

MUMBAI: In an industry that constantly makes talent additions, Viacom18 transcends beyond convention, encouraging new recruits as vehicles of change. One of India’s fastest growing media and entertainment networks, the organization returns to campuses across the country with the third edition of its Future Leadership Program. The rigorous one-year programs for Graduate Trainees (UnLife) and Creative Trainees (What’s Your Story) are aimed at bringing in fresh thought into Viacom18 and nurturing leaders of the future.

The program targets fresh graduate and post graduate top talent from premier institutions across India. The development journey spans 11 months with multiple interventions – including campus-to-corporate connect programs, highly sought-after courses offered by premier academic institutions, relevant functional and behavioral skill building workshops, work place projects high on innovation, etc., comprising on-the-job learning, and supported by coaching, and classroom training.

About the Future Leadership Program, Head – Human Resources & Executive Vice President, Viacom18 Media Pvt. Ltd., Mr. Abhinav Chopra, said, “In my experience here at Viacom18, infusing fresh energy and thought brought in by young talent yields innovation. Through our Future Leadership Program, every individual stands to gain an edge in their careers while contributing to organizational growth as they prepare to develop into future leaders of Viacom18.”

Beginning January 12th 2015, the team began a seven-city tour and will visit prominent graduate educational institutions such as St. Stephens, St. Xavier’s, Christ College and post graduate creative educational institutions such as MCRC Jamia, Symbiosis Institute of Media and Communication, Jadavpur University in search of the nation’s brightest minds to train future leaders in creative and functional roles in the media and entertainment sector. Starting with Indore, the team will also tour Kolkata, Mangalore, Pune, Mumbai, New Delhi and Bangalore. Candidates will undergo a rigorous 8-stage selection process that includes aptitude tests, group discussions, value and competency based assessments, and personal interviews, to realize an exciting and enriching career at Viacom18.

January 15, 2015
Women employment in film and television industry drops: Study

MUMBAI: A study released by the “Center for the Study of Women in Television and Film at San Diego University” reveals that female representation behind the scenes in film and television industry has reached an abysmal low.

Shocking figure reveals there were more female directors in late 90’s than we have today. Since 1998, the number of women directing any of the top 250 highest grossing films has dropped by two per cent. Which shows why we had to wait till 2010 to break the deadlock for a female director to win an Oscar for direction (Kathryn Bigelow, won the title for her film The Hurt Locker in 2010).

Music composing and sound designing witnesses the poorest results, one per cent of all composers and only five per cent of all sound designers are women. Only three per cent of the movies had more the 10 female employees and 38 per cent of the films choose not to employ a woman in the crucial behind the scenes role.

The production field gives us a better figure as we see women having little stronger representation as producers (23 per cent) and executive producers (19 per cent) compared to other behind the scenes roles.

In 2011 – 12, female representation as editor in documentaries and narrative features increased to 25 per cent from 23 per cent in 2008- 09 but unfortunately the percentile dropped to 20 in 2013 – 14.

The study also reveals that the representation is much stronger when it comes to independent posts in documentaries and narrative features and hence this woman under employment crisis cannot be termed as lack of intent or quality, and the forging forward industry should ensure better results.

January 14, 2015
Colors to showcase darkest stories through ‘Code Red’

MUMBAI: After a year of successful non-fiction properties in 2014, Colors is back with some more action in 2015.

Taking the premise of showcasing meaningful entertainment and shows that are a reflection of our society, the channel is all set to launch a new show titled Code Red, which is a beacon of hope addressing issues of human frailty. It will depict the inner conflict a human being goes through when faced with a crisis of conscience.

Each week, six episodes featuring stories based on various human frailties, will be presented through three prominent themes under the brand umbrella of Code Red.

1) ‘Umeed’ – focusing on stories who are on the verge of ending their lives.

2) ‘Awaaz’ – focusing on violence against women and children.

3) ‘Chakravyuh’ – focusing on various forms of entrapment – physical and psychological.

Each theme will be brought to life by a different production house and the stories will be presented by Sakshi Tanwar who will embody the inner voice and be the voice of reason. The episodes will be produced by FremantleMedia India, Sun Shine Rise Productions and Optimystix India.

Actors Manish Chaudhari, in the role of an NGO representative, and Yash Sinha, as a crime reporter, will take the viewers through various instances where circumstances and conditions pushed a person to the wall. The series will attempt, not only to showcase these stories but to make people believe that there is hope, only if they choose to break the silence.

Colors CEO Raj Nayak believes that it’s not just a show but a movement to get people to believe that hope can be found, even in the darkest of times, if only one reaches out and breaks the silence. “At Colors, we have always emphasised on creating shows that are meaningful and which can bring about some kind of a conceivable change in the society. With Code Red, we are going a step further by showcasing stories of human frailties and urging people to break their silence on issues that are disturbing them and the people around them. In order to drive home this message, it gives me immense pleasure to announce that we have a prominent face from the world of TV – Sakshi Tanwar – who I believe has the right blend of empathy and sensitivity that is required for a show such as Code Red. I hope we are able to make a positive difference to peoples’ lives through this humble effort of ours,” Nayak said.

Colors programming head Manisha Sharma added, “This is a genre on television that needs to be explored a lot more where stories inspired by real instances are mounted to create a show relatable to audiences. As human beings we all face dilemmas in life while choosing between right and wrong. Code Red is a show that explores these dilemmas and gives voice to the conscience of the people facing them. It’s a journey through their mind and their decisions and how their choices affect their lives. I hope our audiences find the show and these stories riveting.”

The show will air from 19 January every Monday to Saturday at 10.30 pm.

January 14, 2015
All That Matters returns to Singapore with new events on mediatainment in Asia

MUMBAI: Recognised as the gateway to the Asian entertainment industry, All That Matters has opened its doors for registration and will return to Singapore on 20-23 May 2015. Anticipated to attract thousands of executives and fans from all over the world, All That Matters, is a unique “Business2Business2Fan” experience which combines the complex worlds of brands, consumers, technology and entertainment to focus on new frontiers in Shaping Asia’s Digital Media and Entertainment Future.

Dubbed “the Asian Davos of Digital” and “TED meets SXSW” All That Matters unites the Music, Digital Media, Live Entertainment and Sponsorship industries to stimulate a week long extravaganza of business creativity and connection.

“All That Matters will be an incredible week of business insights, leadership and collaboration on how best to streamline, integrate and succeed in the brave new world of social and digitally powered entertainment. We’ll be looking down the road to examine new technologies, new audiences, new opportunities and the ways in which marketers and entertainment professionals can keep pace and make money. No one ever wins by standing still,” said Jasper Donat, Co-founder & CEO of organiser Branded.

“We’re also delighted to launch two new events to ensure we’re providing the 360 degree perspective our attendees have come to rely on for their business planning. LIVE! Matters is a deep dive into the booming live entertainment industry and Future Media Matters evolves our Digital and Social Matters properties into a forward-focused forum projecting the innovations and strategies for success in a ‘mediatainment’ world. Of course there will also be plenty of play with our reputation for being Asia’s entertainment connectors being a key differentiator of the whole All That Matters experience.”

Business Matters

The line up over the 4 content and entertainment packed days includes:

Music Matters: Celebrating its 10th anniversary the award-winning Music Matters attracts a power attendance of business executives who also mingle with and mentor young artists wishing to make a career in music at the Music Matters Academy, now in its 3rd year. The Music Matters Live festival taking place at Clarke Quay over 4 nights will once again showcase bands from around the world and entertain the cosmopolitan audiences from our event along with Singapore’s Jubilee Anniversary revellers.

LIVE! Matters: We’re bringing the sports, music, arts and corporate entertainment industry together for the first time to celebrate the booming live entertainment scene. Incorporating the popular Sponsorship Matters forum (produced in conjunction with the Asian Sponsorship Association), we’re aiming to share best practises and showcase new tech innovation within the large-scale corporate and consumer live entertainment ecosystem.

Future Media Matters: A natural evolution of our Digital and Social Matters properties Future Media Matters brings together marketers and business innovators to highlight how disruptive media technologies, tech innovations and the Internet of Things are inspiring the brave new world in which content rules.

The YouTube FanFest and Biz Fest: Returns to its home in Singapore after a five country sold-out 2014 tour to round off the week with an extravaganza of fan fever in our star-studded show, Meet and Greets and Academy.

For brands and communicators looking to get inside the minds of the millennial and their desirable yet demanding consumer power, BizFest is a showcase forum designed to help you access and unlock this potential of marketing to a millennial audience.

All That Matters will take place at locations throughout Singapore including the Ritz Carlton Millenia, *Scape, Suntec Convention Centre, Clarke Quay and several Timbre entertainment venues. Registration at the early bird rate of US$799 opens today and will run until February 12th with limited spaces offering up to 40% off the full rate.

In 2014, the All That Matters event won the Trade Event of the Year at the Singapore Experience Awards for the second time (also in 2012) and cemented its reputation as the gateway to Asian entertainment.

Organisers Branded Limited will be releasing the speaker and programme line up over the next 2 months.

BOX

Highlights

*    Asia’s largest entertainment focused conference and festival returns for fifth year to Singapore.

*   All That Matters, winner of the 2012 and 2014 Best Trade Event of the Year Singapore Experience Award, will be held at the Ritz Carlton Millenia on May 20-23rd 2015.

* Music Matters celebrates its 10th anniversary with a bigger than ever Conference, Festival and Academy, with over 70 bands expected from 20 countries.

*    Two new events join the All That Matters line-up

–    Future Media Matters
–   Live! Matters

* The YouTube FanFest returns for another star-studded show, meet and greets and academies following a sold out 2014 Asia Pacific tour.

* 6 distinct tracks including 2 large-scale fan-focused events in 2015:

–    Music Matters
–    LIVE! Matters
–    Sponsorship Matters (in conjunction with the Asian Sponsorship Association)
– Future Media Matters
–    Music Matters Live
–   YouTube FanFest incorporating a whole day of “BizFest” business meetings

We’re delivering more venues, more artists and more fans!

January 14, 2015