Category: GECs

Mumbai: Former Disney Star executive VP Alok Jain, has joined Viacom18 as head & president of Colors Hindi and Regionals. He will also oversee the rollout of regional digital content.

Before moving on to Viacom18, Jain was with Disney Star for nearly seven years, from September 2021 to June 2023, leading the P&L responsibilities for TV channels and the Disney+Hotstar business. He played a crucial role in managing the Telugu, Bengali, Oriya, and Kannada cluster of TV channels along with Disney+Hotstar.

And prior to Disney-Star, Jain was EVP & business head (Telugu) for five years and one month, and was responsible for the growth and dominance of the Star MAA TV network, achieving top positions in GEC, Movies, and Music genres. Jain served as chief operating officer & business head at HIL Ltd. (Formerly known as Hyderabad Industries Ltd.), where he rapidly scaled up a building products business to a 100 Cr annualised business in 2.5 years.

Mumbai: A platform that has been synonymous with finding hidden talent from across the length and breadth of the country, India’s Got Talent Season 10 returns on Sony Entertainment Television to enthral viewers with incredible talent and visual spectacles like never before. India’s Got Talent is produced by Fremantle India, one of the leading production houses specializing in reality shows.

India is leaving its stamp of excellence across the globe with its extraordinary and rich talent showcase. And now, echoing this sentiment of ‘Vijayi Vishwa Hunar Humara’ is this edition of the show that will put the spotlight on ‘hunar’ that goes beyond the ordinary. With a camaraderie that is legendary and a discerning eye for true performers, the impeccable Kirron Kher, the stunning Shilpa Shetty Kundra and the uber-cool Badshah helm the jury that will press the coveted Golden Buzzer to further the journey of the participants in the competition. From shadow puppetry to archery, mind reading to card magicians, Indian classical dancers to innovative drone acts, India’s Got Talent Season 10 offers a diverse talent pool that will enthral one and all. Produced by Fremantle India Television Productions Pvt Ltd. and hosted by the charming Arjun Bijlani, India’s Got Talent season 10 promises to take the country by storm starting 29 July 2023 every Saturday and Sunday at 9:30 PM on Sony Entertainment Television.

Season after season, India’s Got Talent has helped pave the way for artists and has been a launchpad for many talented individuals. Last season’s winners – the beatboxer & flautist duo Diviyash & Manuraj and finalists Warrior Squad Dance Group went international with their talent and showcased it on the prestigious stage of America’s Got Talent – All-Star’s Edition, making India proud on a global stage. And this year, raising the bar will be 95-year-old shot putter, Bhagwani Devi from Delhi, the 15 NAP IR band from Nagaland, Inspiring Dance Family (an aerial dance group) from Kolkata, Navarasam from Kerala, and Raga Fuzion a classic fusion music group from Mumbai amongst others who will astound everybody as they compete to be crowned this year’s winner. Furthermore, a few of the participants will try to set new a benchmark as they attempt to break the Guinness World Record with their extraordinary talent and grit, making the 10th season of India’s Got Talent an iconic and historic milestone to cherish.

Co-presented by Tecno Smartphones and Co Powered By Denver Deodrant, Vida Electric Scooter by Hero MotoCorp, Parle Krackjack, Go Cheese India’s Got Talent Season 10 has Nirma Limited and HDFC Life as Associate Sponsors.

Tune into India’s Got Talent Season 10 starting 29th July 2023, every Saturday & Sunday at 9.30 PM only on Sony Entertainment Television!

Sony Entertainment Television, Sony SAB, PAL and Sony MAX Movie Cluster business head – Neeraj Vyas said, “Bringing large-scale international formats to the Indian sub-continent, Sony Entertainment Television has always been at the forefront of celebrating ordinary individuals with extraordinary talent. The phenomenal artists of our country need a national platform to showcase their skill and we’re delighted to be the home of this acclaimed talent reality show. With the credo of ‘Vijayi Vishwa Hunar Humara’, this season will see new records being set, magnificent and daring acts, and a wide range of distinctive talents that will entertain audiences”.

Fremantle Media Pvt Ltd managing director Aradhana Bhola said, “We are excited to bring the very special 10th season of India’s Got Talent to our loyal audience. The only entertainment show in the country to have consistently given a platform to one and all Indians irrespective of their talent, age, gender, caste or religion. A whole new lot of promising talent, incredible life stories and the inimitable chemistry of our judges along with the antics of our host make this season a must-watch. As for the special treats to celebrate a milestone season; you’ll have to tune in to find out!”

India’s Got Talent Judge Shilpa Shetty Kundra said, “Last season, I was constantly on the edge of my seat, stunned by the unbelievable talent performing before us. The experience has enriched me with valuable insights and with great excitement, I am ready to embark upon what will undoubtedly be a magnificent and unforgettable journey. This season, even in the audition phase, I found myself right back at the edge of my seat because we’ve witnessed some truly spectacular acts that truly deserve recognition. Bring it on India!”

India’s Got Talent Judge Badshah said, “This season, I am looking forward to pushing the judging parameters a notch higher. I am in search of talent that entertains me while also giving their absolute best. Judging India’s Got Talent has been a fabulous experience and returning to the show fills my heart with immense joy”.

India’s Got Talent  Judge Kirron Kher said, “Opening a host of opportunities for aspiring performers irrespective of their age, genre of talent or size of the group, this is a stage that celebrates gifted individuals and their unique skills. This season is even more special for me as it marks my tenth association with this platform and I’m looking forward to witnessing talent that surpasses the bar set across seasons”.

Mumbai: Taarak Mehta Ka Ooltah Chashmah, a beloved sitcom that has been entertaining audiences across genders and age groups with its heartwarming stories and infectious humour, is all set to complete 15 glorious years on 28 July, this year. Launched back in 2008 on Sony SAB, the show has successfully bagged the title of one of the longest-running show on Indian television and features amongst the top ten shows in the Hindi general entertainment category year after year. It has been spreading joy and laughter for a decade and a half and enthralling audiences with its memorable characters, witty dialogues, and endearing storyline. In addition to its massive fan base on television, the show also dominates the digital space with an overwhelming number of shares and discussions on a regular basis.

Produced by Asit Kumarr Modi, Taarak Mehta Ka Ooltah Chashmah is based on late Gujarati columnist/writer Taarak Mehta’s Duniya Ne Undha Chashma and has set a benchmark for family-friendly entertainment in the Indian television industry. On its 15 anniversary, the entire team of Taarak Mehta Ka Ooltah Chashmah expresses their heartfelt gratitude to the viewers for their unwavering support and promises to continue spreading laughter and positivity in the years to come.

Sony Pictures Networks India CEO N.P. Singh said, “Television is a canvas that allows us to paint stories that touch the hearts of millions. It’s our constant endeavour to create content that not only entertains but also leaves a lasting impact on our viewers. We believe in breaking barriers, defying conventions, and presenting unique concepts that resonate with diverse audiences. Together we strive to weave laughter, emotions, and relatability into every show, creating an unforgettable viewing experience. Our journey is fuelled by the love and support of our audience, and we remain committed to delivering joyful moments that unite families and spread smiles across the nation. On the occasion of Taarak Mehta Ka Ooltah Chashmah’s 15 anniversary, I congratulate the entire team and crew on this significant milestone.”

Sony SAB Business head Neeraj Vyas said, “At Sony SAB, we are dedicated to presenting stories that deeply touch the hearts of our viewers, evoking strong emotions. Our aim is to create relatable characters, that our viewers can resonate with and develop a genuine emotional connection with. Celebrating a momentous milestone, the 15-year journey of Taarak Mehta Ka Ooltah Chashmah has captured the hearts of many. The channel’s focus remains on producing family-friendly content that appeals to audiences of all ages, showcasing our passion for quality storytelling. We want to be known for weaving stories like Taarak Mehta, which take viewers on an enjoyable ride while leaving a lasting impact.”

Taarak Mehta Ka Ooltah Chashmah producer Asit Kumarr Modi said, “When we began this endeavour 15 years ago, we never imagined the immense love and appreciation that would come our way. It feels like it was just yesterday that we started this incredible journey. To witness the love and acceptance of our viewers over the years has been nothing short of a blessing. Taarak Mehta Ka Ooltah Chashmah has not just been a show but a way of life for me. The show’s success lies in its ability to bring people together through laughter and to showcase the importance of relationships and values in today’s fast-paced world.”

Mumbai: India’s public broadcaster Doordarshan (DD) Network will be telecasting the limited overs edition of the India tour of the West Indies on multiple languages and seven different channels. This bouquet of channels includes all the platforms of DD National and DD Sports. DD Sports will be telecasting the series with commentary in English and Hindi and DD National with commentary in Hindi and Bhojpuri. DD Podhigai will telecast the series with Tamil commentary, DD Saptagiri and DD Yadagiri with Telugu commentary, DD Bangla with Bengali commentary and DD Chandana with Kannada commentary. The ODI series will start on 27 July, followed by T20I series on 3 August.

The T20I series will also see young guns like Tilak Varma and Yashasvi Jaiswal making their series debut. All the matches will start at either 7 PM or 8 PM, to suit Indian audiences.

This move by DD will give the matches an unprecedented reach and availability across all households with a television, making it the most extensive and widest coverage on free-to-air TV.

Speaking about it, Prasar Bharati CEO Gaurav Dwivedi said “Cricket is loved across the country and we are delighted that through our large free-to-air network, we will be able to bring the action LIVE to each and every household in their preferred language. With addition of DD National, which is the oldest and most widely available television channel in India, I am confident to say that this is the maximum reach & distribution for any bilateral Indian cricket match in recent memory .”

The channels that will be telecasting the matches in the following languages respectively are as follows:

1. DD National – Hindi & Bhojpuri language commentary

2. DD Sports – English and Hindi language commentary

3. DD Podhigai – Tamil language commentary

4. DD Chandana – Kannada language commentary

5. DD Saptagiri – Telugu language commentary

6. DD Yadagiri – Telugu language commentary

7. DD Bangla – Bangla language commentary

Mumbai: This is one gent who must be enjoying the accuracy of his predictions by having read the tea leaves about the future of the pay-TV broadcast and streaming business in India, almost five years back. It’s about having had a finger on the pulse of the market and its dynamics. The reference is to Peter Mukerjea, the former CEO of Star India who penned a book STARSTRUCK – Confessions of a TV executive on the then Murdoch-owned media and entertainment minnow which he transformed into a whale.

“According to market estimates, streaming as a one-off business will continue to lose money for years to come,” quoting Mukerjea from the book. “With so many players all wanting rich content, it’s great news for production companies, and the average per episode costs will  simultaneously go up. As a comparative, market analysts believe that 20 firms globally will spend more on content than the sums invested in the oil industry.”

He asks: “The big question is who will be left standing, as a shakeout is inevitable. Star is no longer Star now – they’re Disney now, but how long before one of the FAANGs (Facebook Apple Amazon Netflix and Google) devours them. Jio will either merge or exit the content business and simply be a platform or aggregator of content.”

Television has a way of absorbing outsiders – whether they are from a tech background or banking or FMCG – and they will make expensive mistakes as they experiment with new business models. Paying vast amounts of money to acquire bragging rights for some of the cricket tourneys is a good example of that and heads have rolled for it. With all that volume of expenditure on content, there will be eagle-eyed finance people seeking revenue opportunities to match. This transition from a 24-hour schedule approach to a more flexible and splintered video-on-demand consumption will make it virtually impossible to have a clear number one influencer.”

They will all be key influencers and will collectively encourage spending cuts on entertainment or even exit businesses to shore up their bottom lines. I have not mentioned  Google, Youtube or Facebook, who will eventually be acquirers and could well then gobble up a Disney or a Jio or both, given the size of their valuations.”

Yes, the splurging era has gone past us with billions being spent on creating alluring content by the streamers and the broadcasters turned OTTs. And now we are into the age of spending cuts – with jobs being axed, divisions being put on the auction block. The decisions have probably been speeded up by the global economy which is currently limping around – weakened as it is by the pandemic and Russian-Ukrainian conflict. Of course,  the rapid uptake of AI and machine learning by the media and entertainment business has definitely hastened the transformation.

Will another acquisition binge follow as Peter has foreseen?

We probably are seeing the first signs of it in India: with the Zeel-Sony merger expected to get the NCLT green signal very soon. Reliance’s Jio sitting on the table with Bob Iger and their bankers to dissolve Star India into the Viacom18 brew.  We will have to wait and watch when ( not if ) more gigantic fusions will come out in the wash.

Mumbai: Global media and entertainment powerhouse, Banijay, has announced the successful completion of its buy-out of Endemol Shine India, thus paving way for a reorganisation of Banijay in the region, to create a content powerhouse in India, as well as Asia. Both Banijay Asia, and Endemol Shine India will now work under the leadership of Deepak Dhar, who’s been appointed as the founder & group CEO.

Talking on the developments, Dhar commented, “The reorganisation of Banijay in Asia is our biggest and boldest move yet and aligns with our ambition to drive further growth in India and Asia at-large. Leveraging the creative potential and possibilities of both brands, we will now strategically pursue complimentary yet independent creative portfolios to offer the most diverse, and compelling cross-genre content from across the globe, to our Indian and Asian platforms and screens.”

Commenting on the restructuring, Banijay CEO Marco Bassetti said, “Deepak is a leading creative and entrepreneurial force in Asia, and in our partnership thus far, he has successfully created an impressive slate, and a host of fruitful partnerships with major buyers and partners worldwide. In this new phase for the business, he will now focus on unlocking and aligning other strategic growth avenues to put Banijay in a dominating position, both in India, as well as Asia.”

Having led Endemol’s India operations between 2005 and 2018, before launching Banijay Asia and overseeing its strategic growth, Dhar will now continue his focus on leading the wider group’s content strategies, partnerships, new business, and alliances, in addition to building both companies’ reputations in generating new IP, which can travel the world.

In line with the changes, and with the aim of unlocking greater synergies, Dhar will now finesse the structure of Banijay in the region, setting group-wide roles, as well as dedicated creative positions within the respective production entities. Key personnel-related news is expected to be shared in the coming few weeks.

Dhar further added, “I’ve been fortunate to have been involved in the growth of both the businesses since their inception in India. Now, managing both to drive growth across the region, is a bit of a surreal feeling. I look forward to working closely with my colleagues at Endemol Shine India and Banijay Asia to continue to create path-breaking content and having fun along the way.”

Now, some of the biggest global, and original Indian IP would now be available and produced between the two entities, under the leadership of Dhar.

Over the last few years, Banijay Asia has delivered mega-hit scripted adaptations like The Night Manager, Call My Agent Bollywood, Hostages, and Fall, and successful Originals like Dahan, Matsya Kaand, Undekhi, Tribhanga amongst many others. The content studio’s upcoming shows include Indian adaptations of The Good Wife, Monk, House and Suits. On the non-scripted front, Banijay is leading the genre with blockbuster titles like The Kapil Sharma Show, MTV Roadies, The Voice, The Big Picture, Into The Wild with Bear Grylls, Case Toh Banta Hai and more. The content studio’s upcoming shows include Survivor and Temptation Island.

Meanwhile, since 2005, Endemol Shine India has established a strong reputation as the leading producer of Bigg Boss across 9 regions, as well as the Indian adaptations of Fear Factor, MasterChef and Deal or No Deal. On the Scripted front, apart from Bombay Begums, Trial By Fire and Tooth Pari, of late, the label has announced a third season of International Emmy-nominated Aarya, and a Hindi adaptation of The Bridge (Bron/Broen).

Mumbai: Shemaroo Umang is all set to captivate audiences with its latest show ‘Gauna Ek Pratha.’ This engrossing drama delves deep into the realms of tradition and showcases the indomitable spirit of women. Scheduled to premiere on 10 July, the show will grace the screens every Monday to Saturday at 9:30 pm on Shemaroo Umang.

‘Gauna Ek Pratha’ transcends mere entertainment, immersing us in the sacred Hindu tradition of Gauna. This age-old ceremony symbolizes the journey of a married woman, as she leaves her parental household and steps into her husband’s home, a revered ritual still observed in certain regions of India. Through this poignant portrayal, we follow the extraordinary odyssey of Gehna and Gaurav, childhood sweethearts whose lives take an unexpected turn when Gaurav sets off to chase his dreams, leaving Gehna behind. Fueled by an unyielding love, Gehna embarks on a quest to find her husband, encountering Urvashi, whose presence brings forth unforeseen complexities. As their destinies intertwine, a startling secret emerges, challenging Gehna’s unwavering faith in their shared future. Amidst the shackles of societal norms and expectations, Gehna summons the courage to defy traditions and orchestrate her own Gauna. With an array of enthralling twists and turns, the show poses the profound question: Can Gehna’s love and Gaurav’s aspirations find a harmonious balance? Watch the intriguing narrative unfold on Shemaroo Umang, premiering from 10 July.

Speaking on the imminent release of the show, Shemaroo Entertainment COO – broadcasting business Sandeep Gupta shared his heartfelt sentiments, “At Shemaroo, our mission is to present impactful stories that resonate with society. We take great pride in showcasing shows that are led by strong women, fostering dialogue and embodying the true essence of women’s empowerment. Through ‘Gauna Ek Pratha,’ we aim to deliver not only an entertaining experience but also challenge the prevailing societal conventions that hold us back. We warmly invite everyone to join us on this transformative storytelling journey as we persistently strive to deliver content of great significance.”

The show marks yet another milestone for Shemaroo Umang and solidifies their unwavering commitment to providing exceptional content that not only entertains but also enlightens, leaving an indelible mark on the hearts and minds of viewers. With an extraordinary cast and an engaging storyline, ‘Gauna Ek Pratha’ promises to transport you to a world of wonder and inspiring profound conversations. that resonate long after the credits roll.

Mumbai: India’s public broadcaster Doordarshan (DD) will telecast the upcoming India’s tour of the West Indies. The month-long bilateral series comprising two Tests, three ODIs, and five T20Is, is scheduled to take place from 12 July to 13 August.

DD’s massive network will give viewers the choice to watch the games in their own language – with T20Is and ODI series being telecast in Hindi, English, Tamil, Telugu, Bangla and Kannada on DD Sports along with the network’s regional channels DD Podhigai, DD Saptagiri, DD Yadagiri, DD Bangla and DD Chandana. Test matches will be telecast on DD Sports. The primary telecast on DD Sports will be a combination of Hindi and English.

The aggregate reach of all the channels telecasting the series is over 160 million. With its widest distribution network, the series will be available across the length and breadth of the country. This will be the most comprehensive coverage of an India bilateral cricket series by a free-to-air channel.

Samskaara Entertainment Private Ltd. will be the agency exclusively responsible for selling the ad spots across the DD network for the marquee cricket series. This will be the first time team India will be in action after the loss at the WTC final, and the team will look to start off the new WTC cycle on a winning note.

Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, Hardik Pandya will be amongst the names to watch out for while young guns like Yashasvi Jaiswal, Ruturaj Gaikwad too will be looking to make the most of the opportunity.

As the primary media rights holder, FanCode will stream the entire series on its digital platform, providing an immersive viewing experience to its strong base of premium authenticated users.

Mumbai:  Pixcom president & executive producer Nicola Merola,  and senior VP content and creative affairs, & executive producer Charles Lafortune announced company news including the elevation of five key management positions, and also that the company received 14 Prix Gémeaux Nominations for its top-rated daily legal drama series Indefensible – the most nominated TV series, of all categories combined, for the upcoming Prix Gémeaux Awards which take place in September 2023. Indefensible is distributed internationally by Calinos Entertainment. Pixcom also announced that their partner Beta Film sold Pixcom’s multi-award-winning dramedy series, Audrey’s Back to Dubai TV.

Pixcom announced the elevation of five key staff members – Véronique Voyer promoted to VP legal and business affairs; Andrée-Anne Quimper promoted to VP corporate finance and administration; François-Étienne Parent promoted to VP creation and content; Marie-Ève Paré promoted to VP production accounting and financing.  Pascale Bilodeau has been promoted to VP postproduction operations, equipment and IT.

Indefensible is a critically-acclaimed fast-paced, daily legal drama series that plunges viewers into the fascinating world of the Lapointe-Macdonald law firm and its criminal defense team. Indefensible is the most popular scripted series on TVA, reaching over 1.5M viewers daily, 4 days a week, for 30 weeks A YEAR, with a 35 % market share.

Additionally, Pixcom shares the news that Beta Film licensed its global award-winning dramady series, Audrey’s Back, to Dubai TV which broadcasts in Middle Eastern territories, such as Egypt, Morocco, Tunisia, Yemen, Oman, United Arab Emirates, among others.  Audrey’s Back aired in Italy on RAI in June of this year, and in France on Canal+ in April.

Audrey’s Back follows a woman who, after sixteen years, awakens from a coma that resulted from a hit-and-run accident when she was 17 years old. Watching Audrey regain her memories and triumph over basic tasks sparks everyone around her to reawaken the spirit of their own joy they too thought was lost that fateful night. Awards 2022: CANNESERIES, Denver Colorado’s SeriesFest, Content London’s Hot Picks, and Banff/Rockie Awards, as well as multiple Gémeaux Awards.

Merola & Lafortune stated, “Pixcom is thrilled to have such fantastic news to share: We welcome Véronique, Andrée-Anne, François-Étienne, Marie-Ève and Pascale to our management team with well-deserved promotions. Their dedication, passion and creativity have strengthened Pixcom and position us for even further company growth. We are also pleased that our partner Beta Film continues to share our prized Audrey’s Back with more places – this time Dubai TV acquired the series for several Middle-East territories. And to top everything off, we are honoured that our exciting, daily drama series, Indefensible, received 14 Prix Gémeaux Award nominations, our production team really deserves this recognition.”