ITV

Category: GECs

  • Star Vijay banks on format shows

    Star Vijay banks on format shows

    MUMBAI: In a market heavily dominated by Sun TV, Star India’s Tamil channel Vijay, is toying with new genres of programming to make a mark.

    having flirted with Star shows like Nach Baliye and Koffee with Karan as early as 2005, this year Vijay has lined up shows like Airtel Super Singer-Junior, What do you want to watch at 8:30 pm? and a new edition of Lollu Saba.

    Says Vijay general manager Ravi Menon, “Sun TV is a clear leader in the fiction category with its mega serials format. We decided to fill in the gap so far as non fiction programming is concerned – quiz shows, game shows, talent contests and laughter challenge shows – these have clearly been the ticket for our success.”

    An example of this is Jodi No.1 which is modelled along the lines of Star’s Nach Baliye. It was one of the top drivers for the channel with the culminating episodes of the season earning a TVR of 7.39 (Market:Tamil Nadu TG:4+) for the month of December 2006, according to Tam data.

    Says Menon, “The non-fiction genre has really worked for us and we will continue to explore new format shows.”

    The channel will replace Jodi No.1 with its new show Airtel Super Singer-Junior.

    “The show starts on 24 February.The final auditions are currently in the process.The earlier version was quite popular and going by the response of the ‘little champs’ series by another rival channel (Zee TV), we decided to attract younger contestants on the show,” says Menon.

    There are also plans afoot to replicate a show along the lines of Big Brother. “The programming team is discussing the nitty gritties,” he says.

    While the channel has firmed up its non fiction programming, Menon also reveals plans for a new show which will replace the current soap ‘Kandein Seethe’.

    “The new show is loosely named What would you want to watch at 8:30 pm? We have certain criteria like – it should be a fictional show, the target audience will be female in the age group of 17-34+ and it will be aired on weekdays Monday through Thursday at 8:30 pm.”

    So far so good. But here’s the interesting part. The channel has appointed six production houses – Yantra Media, Travelling Talkies, Magic Karma amongst others to produce four episodes of the show as they perceive it.

    “Within the four episodes, the basic plot and grip of the story should be revealed and the various characters must be introduced. We have given the production houses equal time, money and opportunity to produce four episodes, which have to be submitted by March-end.

    Thereafter, each week a studio audience along with the viewer will sit in judgement over these episodes. Director/actress Suhasini Ratnam will act as host and moderator. The studio audience will discuss the episodes and the phones will be thrown open for voting to the public. In short, the television viewer gets to choose what he/she wants to watch.”

    Once the winning show is selected, the channel will provide the production house with a Rs 14 million contract to produce 124 episodes to be aired on the 8:30 pm slot.

    The channel has also tightened its weekend programming with the second edition of Lollu Sabha, a satire which re-enacts popular Tamil films and gives a comic twist to them. Lollu Sabha was re-launched early this year.

    But any discussion on Star or Star Vijay would be incomplete without the mention of KBC3. The show is being dubbed in Tamil and unlike KBC2 which was telecast at the same time , the new series now airs a day later from Tuesday to Friday at 7 pm.

    Says Menon, “In the interiors Shah Rukh is still recognized as the actor from the movie Hey Ram although his popularity is catching up amongst the masses. KBC3 is likely to be a slow gainer.”

    With a host of new shows lined up in the fiction and non fiction genre, Star Vijay has set its sights on capturing the second position in the Tamil entertainment channel stakes.

     

     

  • Saregama, Sangeet Natak Akademi to revive Indian classical music

    Saregama, Sangeet Natak Akademi to revive Indian classical music

    MUMBAI: Music company Saregama and academy of performing arts Sangeet Natak Akademi have formed an association to re-establish the popularity of the works of legendry artistes that have been preserved by the Akademi.

    Saregama unveiled the first six audio CD’s that have been compiled from the archives of the Akademi and comprises the works of legendary musicians like Ustad Bismillah Khan, Ustad Amir Khan and Ustad Ahmed Jaan Thirakhwa, along with rare recordings on the musical instruments of India.

    Talking about the association, Sangeet Natak Akademi chairman Mirdha said, “Classical Indian music has never before in history enjoyed the kind of pre-eminence that it has in the last six decades. Indian instruments have taken the meditative soul of Raga Music to the Globe.

    This pioneering initiative by Sangeet Natak Akademi and Saregama towards reviving the vast archives of traditional Indian music is truly a giant leap to invoke the interest of the present generation in the vast heritage that our country beholds.”

    Speaking on the occasion Kansal said, “the rich archives of the Sangeet Natak Akademi deserve to be accessible to music fans across the world. Not only do the archives comprise of works of music legends but also house an integral part of India’s rich traditional heritage – Hindustani instrumental music that will be immensely appreciated by the fans of this genre.”

    Sangeet Natak Akademi Secretary Jayant Kastuar, “expressed hope about a long term and fruitful association with Saregama India Ltd.”

    The evening ended with a glimpse of classical heritage music with enthralling performances by Alauddin Khan (Esraj), Rajendra Prasanna (Shehnai & Flute) and Amjad Chowdhary (Tabla).

    Present at the event were Sangeet Natak Akademi Chairman Ram Niwas Mirdha, Saregama India Ltd GM (North) Mukul Kansal, Sangeet Natak Akademi Vice-Chairman Pannicker and Sangeet Natak Akademi Secretary Jayant Kastuar.

  • Prasar Bharati’s film ‘Video Game’ wins Tiger Award at Rotterdam Intl. Film Festival

    Prasar Bharati’s film ‘Video Game’ wins Tiger Award at Rotterdam Intl. Film Festival

    MUMBAI: The Public Service Broadcasting Trust (PSBT) / Prasar Bharati produced film Videogame, has bagged the Tiger Award at the Rotterdam International Film Festival.

    An official announcement quotes the jury’s citation for Vipin Vijay’s movie Videogame saying:

    “Video Game is yet another illustration that there’s more to the Cinema of India than can be contained with the received wisdom which seeks to encompass it by reference to a dualism opposing Satyajit Ray to Bollywood. Video Game shows a relentless, complex post-modern intelligence as it processes everything within its view, within its memory, within its wide range of cultural references.”

    “Its title is an index to this complexity, as it evokes not only digital game space as an aspect of real, but the pursuit of video within the understanding of a game, replete with strategies, movements, and counter-movements. A new kind of road movie, indeed.”
     

  • Zee to kick off Zee Carnival on 16 February in London

    Zee to kick off Zee Carnival on 16 February in London

    MUMBAI: Zee Network is set to host its annual event Zee Carnival 2007 at the Grand Hall, Olympia in London on 16, 17 and 18 of February.

    Zee Carnival’s main attraction is its catalogue of Bollywood star appearances. Expected to attract about 30,000 people across the three days, the line up consists of Priyanka Chopra and Esha Doel, along with Big Brother winner Shilpa Shetty who will provide a Live interview.

    In addition, Pakistani cricket sensation Shahid Afridi will be present and Himesh Reshmiya will be performing live. Zee’s soap stars including Jay Walia, Bani, Vidhya, Chandini and Nahar Singh and celebrity chef Sanjeev Kapoor will also be present. The carnival will also have about 125 stalls in various zones, inform an official release.

    The network states that the carnival will be highly publicised with “mammoth advertising campaigns including underground advertising all over the UK.”

    Zee Entertainment Enterprises Ltd. senior vice president Ashish Kaul said, “Zee Carnival 2006 was a huge success. This year’s main attraction is the catalogue of Bollywood, television, cricket and musical stars appearance in the event.”
     

  • Max Stardust Awards on 18 February

    Max Stardust Awards on 18 February

    Mumbai: ‘Stardust’ magazine along with Sony’s Hindi movie channel MAX will host the ‘Max Stardust Awards’ on 18 February at the Bandra Kurla Complex.

    The ‘MAX Stardust Awards’ are said to be aimed at ‘generation next’ wave of actors. The awards will promote and encourage new talent. An official release categorically states that over-exposed and established stars do not qualify for nomination in the ‘MAX Stardust Awards’.

    Only young talent and films that have made an impact in 2006 have been nominated for the ‘ MAX Stardust Awards’. The idea is to showcase and recognize the fresh, new faces who will emerge as the superstars of tomorrow.

    MAX Business Head Sneha Rajani said, “MAX has always brought its viewers some of the most glamorous, high-energy entertainment events from the world of Movies. The high voltage MAX Stardust Awards which showcases the best of Bollywood is part of this tradition and has always been appreciated and loved by our viewers in the past. This year too we plan to bring to our viewers a truly spectacular experience.”

    The function will be compact, exclusive and totally television-oriented with limited seating capacity.

    MAX will telecast the Kenstar MAX Stardust Awards on Saturday, 3 March at 9.00 pm.

  • BIG 92.7 FM hits Chandigarh

    BIG 92.7 FM hits Chandigarh

    Mumbai: BIG 92.7 FM, the radio initiative from Adlabs Films Pvt. Ltd launched its station in Chandigarh. This would make it ths12 station of the network.

    Commenting on the station’s entry into Chandigarh, Big 92.7 FM COO Tarun Katial said, “We are very excited about launching in the city of Chandigarh and we want the tunes of BIG 92.7 FM to echo across the length and the breadth of the country. The programming mix of the station has been put together after much research and understanding of our listeners requirements. We are completely geared and are eagerly looking forward to entertaining the city of Chandigarh.”

    In the first phase of its launches, Big 92.7 FM set up Stations in the cities of Delhi, Hyderabad, Chennai, Kolkata, Bangalore, Mumbai, Jammu, Srinagar, Aligarh, Jhansi & Bikaner. The second phase of launches will take Big 92.7 FM to several mini-metros, taking the total count of stations to 45.

  • Nimbus seeks court protection on showcause notice

    Nimbus seeks court protection on showcause notice

    NEW DELHI: Following the issuance of a showcause notice by the information and broadcasting ministry to Nimbus Communications for failing to give live feed of cricket matches to Prasar Bharati, the broadcaster today urged the Delhi High Court to provide it protection from a possible cancellation of licence.

    However, Justice BD Ahmed, before whom the matter was mentioned this morning, said the broadcaster should raise the issue before the Division Bench that is already hearing two cases on the issue – one by Nimbus who own Neo Sports, challenging the Sports Broadcasting (Mandatory Sharing with Prasar Bharati) Ordinance 2007 and an appeal by Prasar Bharati against a single bench order permitting a seven-minute deferred telecast of the cricket matches.
    Justice Ahmed said: “It is improper for the single bench to pass any order when the matter is being heard by a Division Bench (headed by Justice Vikramajit Sen).”

    The ministry, in its notice issued on 13 February, had asked Nimbus to file its reply by this evening. Under the Ordinance, which was promulgated with retrospective effect, the Neo Sports channel can face cancellation of licence for violation of the Uplink and Downlink Guidelines issued in November 2005 and / or a fine up to Rs 10 million.

  • Netflix to produce and globally distribute Tony Bennett doc

    Netflix to produce and globally distribute Tony Bennett doc

    MUMBAI: Netflix in association with its Red Envelope Entertainment division has acquired worldwide rights to produce and distribute a new documentary exploring and celebrating the life and career of the legendary recording artist and concert performer, Tony Bennett.

    “Tony Bennett: The Music Never Ends will be directed by Bruce Ricker. Multiple Oscar winner and nominee Clint Eastwood Flags Of Our Fathers, Letters from Iwo Jima will serve as executive producer.

    Bennett is beloved as one of the premiere interpreters of the Great American Songbook. The new documentary will follow Bennett’s more than 50 years in the music and entertainment industries against the backdrop of a changing America.

    Weaving seldom seen archival footage with never before seen excerpts of Bennett’s recent premier performance at the Monterey Jazz festival — highlighted by an on-camera interview conducted by Eastwood that explores the essence of Bennett’s artistry — the film will present an exceptional man in a rare way: a living legend through his life, times and music.
    This cinematic portrayal of Tony Bennett caps a year-long celebration of a singer who celebrated his 80th birthday last August. Bennett’s most recent chart topping CD Tony Bennett Duets: An American Classic. It won three Grammy Awards a couple of days ago.

    Netflix says that it is committed to providing consumers with access to the widest variety of films available and, in association with Red Envelope Entertainment, will fully finance the production. An innovative release plan will include DVD rental and sale, online and TV distribution, as well as an event-driven premiere and theatrical release this summer. The film is currently in production at locations around the country, including Astoria, Queens in New York City, where Bennett was born, as well as Hollywood, California.

    Netflix chief content officer Ted Sarandos says, “The coming together of Tony Bennett and Clint Eastwood — two enduring and iconic figures in the world of American entertainment — is a cultural flashpoint. Netflix spearheading this prestigious project showcases our abilities to bring unique content to our subscribers and, in this case, a global audience.”

    Richter says, “‘Tony Bennett: The Music Never Ends is an historical record of an American icon. We wanted the film to reach the widest audience possible and Netflix achieves that goal.”

  • Asiasat to be privatised

    Asiasat to be privatised

    MUMBAI: Asian satellite service provider Asiasat has said that its major shareholder plans to take the company private to allow management to focus on business development in a competitive market.

    Under the proposed privatisation there will be a scheme of arrangement under which all shares, including all shares underlying American Depositary Shares (ADS), not already held by Asiasat’s controlling shareholder will be cancelled in exchange for the share offer price of HK$18.30 per share.

    For Asiasat shareholders, the cancellation price of HK$18.30 per share represents a premium of approximately 30.7 per cent over the closing price of HK$14 per share as quoted on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange on 8 February 2007, the day prior to the suspension of Asiasat’s shares.

    An announcement said that the privatisation follows persistent over-supply of transponder capacity and the slow introduction of new applications in the Asia-Pacific region. As a result, the satellite market in the region remains very competitive, and Asiasat’s share price has not performed satisfactorily.

    The offeror is a BVI incorporated company jointly owned by Able Star, an indirect wholly-owned subsidiary of CITIC Group, and GE Equity, an indirect wholly-owned subsidiary of General Electric Capital Corporation. The General Electric group is also proposing to acquire an interest in AsiaSat’s controlling shareholder. On completion of the acquisition and the privatisation, Asiasat will be jointly indirectly owned by CITIC Group and General Electrical Capital Corporation.

    In the three year period prior to the announcement date, the price of AsiaSat’s shares decreased by 11.9 per cent compared to an increase of 51.1 per cent in the Hang Seng Index over the same period. The proposed privatisation would give the management of AsiaSat greater flexibility to focus on the development of business and marketing activities.

    It would also relieve Asiasat of the heavy financial and administrative burden of dual listings on both the Hong Kong Stock Exchange and the New York Stock Exchange, which are disproportionate to the benefits of maintaining such listings. The proposed privatisation is subject to a number of conditions. It is the intention of Offeror to maintain the existing business of AsiaSat upon the successful privatisation of AsiaSat. No major changes to the existing operating and management structure are expected to be introduced as a result of the implementation of the privatisation. For AsiaSat customers, there will be no change.

    The total amount of cash required to effect the privatisation is approximately HK$2,235 million, which will be financed with from the existing resources of CITIC Group and GE Equity.

  • Fashion TV celebrates Rio Carnival 2007

    Fashion TV celebrates Rio Carnival 2007

    MUMBAI: Fashion TV will air the fashion event – Rio Carnival.

    Over 300 million homes in 202 countries will catch the Samba fever, as the channel will be bringing all the action from the event on 18 February 2007.

    The worldwide live broadcast on Fashion TV is in cooperation with Globo TV, Brazil’s largest TV company and the global distribution is provided by RRSat Global Communications Network. The production includes over 60 cameras covering the one kilometer sambardrome.

    Over 50 satellites and thousands of cable systems, leading mobile phone operators and IPTV and wireless networks will broadcast for the first time the rio carnival. In 2007, the carnival is a truly multi media global event over all the media combined.

    The Rio Carnival is a celebration of beauty, music and life. It is a parade of thousands of sexy performers in costumes, dancing to the rhythm of Brazilian music.
    TThe Rio Carnival Parade starts on 18 February 2007 and goes on till sunlight the next day. Each samba school, consisting of 5000 dancers, has about 60 to 75 minutes to make it through the run- way, called the Sambodromo. There are two days of 13 parades. Six of the best 13 samba schools march on Sunday and seven march on Monday. The Rio Samba Parade is a competition between the samba schools. Only one grand champion of the year will be awarded at the end of the carnival.

    The spectacle filmed by more then 30 cameras will be transmitted live on the nights of: February 18th to February 19th and on February 19th to February 20th 2007. in north and south America, the rio carnival can be seen live on ftv from the early evening onwards.

    On the following days of Rio Carnival, Wednesday 21st to Sunday the 25th, Fashion TV will again present at Midnight all night long…the Best of Rio 2007, including exclusive reports: the parade & costume preparation, backstage images, fancy VIP parties & celebrity interviews.

    Already available is The Best of Rio Carnival History. Fashion TV invites viewers every night at Midnight as it focusses everyday on one year of Rio carnival and as the countdown goes on, we will be discovering the best of Rio 2004 on 15 February, the best of Rio 2005 on 16 February and the best of Rio 2006 on 17 February.