ITV

Category: GECs

  • Eros to buy stake in Anytime for Asia Pacific VoD distribution

    Eros to buy stake in Anytime for Asia Pacific VoD distribution

    MUMBAI: Eros International Plc, the company that owns, creates and globally distributes Bollywood content, is in the process of investing up to £2.1 million (Rs 178 million) for a minority stake in Singapore-based Anytime Pte Ltd.

    As part of the deal, Eros-branded Bollywood video-on-demand (VoD) service showcasing its library of over 1300 titles will be launched in the 14 Asia Pacific countries where Anytime service has a license to operate. Anytime, one of Asia’s leading supplier of VoD Hollywood entertainment, has shareholders which include CPE Holdings Inc. (Sony), Fox Media Services Inc, Intel Capital, Warner Bros. Entertainment Inc, YTC Group (a Singapore based multinational conglomerate), the Macquarie Bank Group and Coote/Hayes Productions LLC (a U.S.-based TV and film production company).

    The agreement also provides for the formation of a joint venture that will be majority owned by Eros to distribute Hollywood movies on digital platforms throughout India. “The JV will provide fully programmed and customized premium Hollywood content services to local service providers as well as to consumers over the open internet,” Eros said in a statement.

    The deal, which will give Eros a seat on Anytime’s board, is, however, subject to final due diligence and agreement of full terms. Said Eros International CMD Kishore Lulla, “Anytime’s Hollywood digital entertainment services, world-class technical programming and marketing expertise complement Eros’ strategic vision for expanding choice for consumers in India. Working with Anytime will help us further expand the reach of our extensive Bollywood film library.”

    Added Anytime president and CEO Craig Zimbulis, “We are excited about the tremendous value this partnership with Eros International will bring to our shareholders and consumers by expanding ANYTIME’s Hollywood on demand entertainment to a massive Indian market and taking Eros’ premium Bollywood content on VOD to the Asia Pacific region.”

    Anytime is the leading VoD channel over IPTV, broadband and digital cable networks in Asia and the Pacific. With four of Hollywood’s major studios and Intel as its shareholders, Anytime has an extensive content of current and library titles available on demand.

  • “Grey’s Anatomy”, “Ghost Whisperer” and “What About Brain” to air for the first time on terrestrial television Indonesia

    “Grey’s Anatomy”, “Ghost Whisperer” and “What About Brain” to air for the first time on terrestrial television Indonesia

    Singapore: In an inaugural deal, Buena Vista International Television–Asia Pacific (BVITV-AP), the international television distribution arm of The Walt Disney Company, announced today an agreement to license a live action series package to Indonesian terrestrial broadcaster JAK-TV, a leading local channel targeting Greater Jakarta’s urban and upscale audience.

    For the first time on terrestrial television, viewers will be able to enjoy a selection of BVITV’s hottest series including the No.1 show currently on US television, “Grey’s Anatomy” (seasons 1 and 2), as well as J.J. Abrams’s (creator of “Lost”) “What About Brian” and “Ghost Whisperer”, starring Jennifer Love Hewitt. The series’ are expected to launch early next year.
    “We are delighted to be bringing for the first time to JAK-TV viewers some of our most talked about series,” commented Steve Macallister, BVITV-AP’s senior vice president and managing director. “This deal reflects our commitment to expanding the reach of our programming into key markets such as Indonesia.”

    JAK-TV’s president director, Erick Thohir, added “It is a great honor for JAK-TV to exclusively carry BVITV’s hottest series, since BVITV is known around the world for its high quality and entertaining programming. This is the kind of programming that we are looking for our viewers: the young, smart, and cosmopolitan community such as the Jakarta citizens. It also shows the world that there is trust and cooperation between the two that can be built successfully. We look forward to a long-lasting relationship with BVITV.”

    Starring Golden Globe winner Sandra Oh and Emmy-nominee Patrick Dempsey, “Grey’s Anatomy”, has already been sold to over 200 territories worldwide and a consistent timeslot winner in countries like Australia, New Zealand, France and Spain. In New Zealand, “Grey’s Anatomy” is one of the top two series in 2006 (to date) on TV2 for P18-49, behind “Desperate Housewives”, with a rating / share of 18 / 47%.

    Licensed to more than 165 territories around the world, “Ghost Whisperer” made its international debut earlier this year on Seven Network Australia as the No.1 program of the night. And the series has been consistently leading its hour in markets such as New Zealand, UK and Germany. “Ghost Whisperer” is one of the top two U.S. series this year to date in Singapore and Malaysia, on Channel 5 and 8TV, respectively.

    Although not yet launched internationally, “What About Brian” has already been licensed to over 60 territories across the world.

  • Filmy inks 3-year movie deal with Buena Vista

    Filmy inks 3-year movie deal with Buena Vista

    MUMBAI: Sahara One Media and Entertainment’s movie channel Filmy has signed a three year agreement with Buena Vista International Television-Asia Pacific (BVITV-AP), the international television distribution arm of The Walt Disney Company, to showcase 20 titles on the channel’s Hollywood movie block Firangi Filmy.

    As reported earlier by Indiantelevision.com, Sahara was in talks with several international studios for acquiring titles. The channel continues to be scouting for other international studios including Sony Pictures, as well as other independent producers in the US to build a bank of offerings.

    The acquired titles will be dubbed in Hindi and aired during the Friday 8 pm slot on Firangi Filmy. The movies acquired by the channel as part of this deal include Signs, Shanghai Knights, Star Ship Troopers, The Three Musketeers and Metro. Besides action and thrillers, Filmy has also added children’s movies to its kitty.

    Speaking to Indiantelevision.com, Filmy business head Ashutosh said, “Besides the big movies, we have also selected movies that have not had a theatrical release or been viewed on television in India. The newness of the channel will thrust us towards buying more titles and therefore we will continue to acquire.

    “It is Filmy’s privilege to work with Buena Vista International Television. We plan to showcase the best of Hollywood for our masses in their own language. We have received unparalleled support from BVITV, and look forward to building our relationship with them even further.”

    The deal also coincides with The Walt Disney Company’s focus to expand its presence in India, a key strategic market for the company.

    “We are delighted to be the first US studio to be licensing Hollywood movies to Filmy,” commented BVITV-AP’s senior vice president and managing director Steve Macallister. “India is a key strategic market for our company and we are looking forward to working closely with Filmy to provide top quality content that will enthral their viewers.”

  • K Sera Sera launching music channel on 1 December

    K Sera Sera launching music channel on 1 December

    MUMBAI: K Sera Sera is launching a music channel on 1 December with an investment plan of Rs 250 million. With this, the production company will make an entry into the broadcasting space.

    K Sera Sera has bought out Hamara Samay TV News Network, the company that owns and operates music channel Jhankar TV. But the brand stays with the original promoters of Hamara Samay who will continue to run Jhankar TV. The distribution platform of Jhankar TV will, however, shift to K Sera Sera’s new music channel.

    “The distribution network which belonged to Jhankar TV will come to us as part of the agreement. The deals struck already with cable operators for carrying Jhankar TV will pass on to us. This will guarantee the distribution of our new channel on cable networks in the Hindi markets,” says Sapna Chaturvedi who will head the music channel.

    K Sera Sera’s idea of running a music channel is seen as a strategy to synergise with its movie production business. The company spends substantial amount of money for promoting its movies on music channels. Having a channel of its own would, thus, make strategic sense.

    Eternal Dreams, the company that Chaturvedi owns, will manage the operations of the channel as a turn key project and be paid a fee by K Sera Sera. “The programming will revolve around musical reality shows, contests, interactive programming, countdowns, music and entertainment,” says Chaturvedi.

  • Buena Vista intl TV inks Vod, IPTV deal with Anytime

    Buena Vista intl TV inks Vod, IPTV deal with Anytime

    SINGAPORE: Buena Vista International Television-Asia Pacific (BVITV-AP), the international television distribution arm of US media conglomerate Disney has concluded a multi-year movie video-on-demand (VOD) IPTV agreement with Asia Pacific’s leading Video on-Demand Channel Anytime.

    This agreement will make available a range of current and library features on the Anytime channel in Australia through TransACT and Regional Internet Australia (RIA), Buddy Broadband in Thailand and TDMC in Taiwan. This agreement is in line with Disney’s focus on the application of technology to enhance its content and expand its distribution to deliver anytime, anywhere.

    Through this agreement, IPTV customers in Australia, Taiwan and Thailand will be able to enjoy a films from Disney, Touchstone and Miramax. Titles include Pirates of the Caribbean: Curse of the Black Pearl, The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe, Cinderella Man, Eight Below and Flightplan. The selection also includes the thriller Face/Off and family comedies Herbie: Fully Loaded and Freaky Friday.

    The agreement also includes provisions for cooperation against piracy of BVITV’s content, while at the same time safeguarding the privacy of end users and remaining consistent with local law and industry practice.

    BVITV-AP senior VP, MD Steve Macallister says, “We are very pleased to have concluded this pan-regional VOD deal with Anytime to offer our top movie titles ‘on-demand’ to IPTV subscribers across the region. As flexibility and choice of viewing become increasingly important, our focus will continue to be on finding innovative and convenient ways for consumers to access our content.”

    Anytime president and CEO Craig Zimbulis said, “We are delighted to be able to add BVITV to existing Anytime deployments. The appeal of BVITV content is indisputable and its inclusion for us greatly enhances Anytime’s ability to present the very best in entertainment to all age groups. BVITV’s award-winning line-up of entertainment further establishes ANYTIME as the pre-eminent Video on-Demand channel in Asia Pacific.”

    Anytime provides video content owners, such as BVITV, with a streamlined process for getting product to market, giving fast access to new audiences and revenue streams. It provides carriers with a complete programming solution covering content and metadata, data encoding and encryption, interface development and marketing support.

  • China Mobile goes live with Intec Mediation solution

    China Mobile goes live with Intec Mediation solution

    MUMBAI: Intec, a leading BSS/OSS software vendor for fixed, mobile and next-generation networks, has successfully completed the final phase of implementation, through its partner HP China, of its multi-service mediation solution, Intec Mediation, at Beijing Mobile (a subsidiary of China Mobile).

    China Mobile Communications Group Corporation (“China Mobile Group”) is the largest mobile operator in the world with over 223 million subscribers. The adoption of a robust, convergent mediation solution is to prepare the operator for future growth and new services. It is also driven by a compelling need to reduce operating cost and complexity by managing the mediation of data from many different sources under a single convergent mediation system.

    Intec Chief Operating Officer, Asia Pacific, Norm Halvorson said: “Our carrier grade convergent mediation solution supports the business strategies of over 150 of the world’s leading carriers in fixed, wireless, IP and 3G services. We are not only committed to delivering leading edge technology and robust performance but also to listening to our customers and providing solutions that simplify the way they do business.”

  • MTV Networks’ Music & Logo Group launches ‘hyper-programmed’ online verticals

    MTV Networks’ Music & Logo Group launches ‘hyper-programmed’ online verticals

    MUMBAI: MTV Networks’ Music and Logo Group have announced an aggressive development of more than 20 “hyper-programmed” online experiences or vertical channels, that are web content plays designed for the interactive, on-demand environment.

    The channels, many of which have been in development for months, will debut in the first and second quarters of 2007 and will enable their users to explore and engage in their personal interests, obsessions and topics of choice by covering a range of subjects including: music genres and sub- genres, celebrity fashion and style, personal growth and faith and spirituality, among others, informs an official release.

    Delivering on a two-way proposition, audiences will be able to actively “hyper-program” a number of these vertical channels themselves through next- generation web tools that allow users to help discover, curate, edit and upload content. MTV, VH1, CMT and Logo will seek to acquire, partner on or organically develop the properties, depending on the topic.

    A number of verticals under development will serve as companion sites to existing popular television franchises and focus on relevant topics that resonate with their fans. For instance, a vertical built around VH1’s “Web Junk 20” is geared toward serving as a guide and daily source of viral videos, while others will be stand-alone creative propositions, without television companions, informs an official release.

    Earlier this year, as an experiment in this direction, VH1 launched a stand-alone site bestweekever.tv. As a companion vertical to the popular “Best Week Ever” TV franchise, this new site offers a selection of pop culture nuggets and includes a host of exclusive mobile and video content in real-time. The site also allows users to create their own front page gossip by uploading their own video and news.

    Similarly, this past fall, MTV launched ‘Virtual Laguna Beach’, an entirely stand-alone virtual world tied to the TV series, and a first of its kind. Additionally, in June Logo acquired three stand-alone sites, AfterEllen.com, AfterElton.com and 365Gay.com independently complimenting Logoonline.com and serving the gay, lesbian bi and transgender audience, adds the release.

    “These serve as successful models for a new interactive, hyper-programming approach and represent the next phase in the evolution of media for consumers, from broadcast networks to cable channels and now to hyper-programmed verticals,” said MTV Networks’ Music and Logo Group president Van Toffler. “Just as MTV networks blazed new territory by establishing linear cable networks built around specific interests and lifestyles, we are now developing new online experiences around niche topics that resonate with our current audiences, as well as those subversive web surfers.”

    “These verticals can be viewed as ‘front doors’ into the wide spectrum of passionate and specific interests that reflect our audiences’ tastes and desires,” added Entertainment for the MTV Networks Music Group president and Logo president of Brian Graden. “Each project gives us a unique and liberating opportunity to indulge the unique aspects of Web 2.0 technology in an effort to do what we’ve always done well, super-serve niche audiences.”

  • Sifymax inks deal with SET for ‘Bigg Boss’ website

    Sifymax inks deal with SET for ‘Bigg Boss’ website

    MUMBAI: Sifymax.com, the broadband portal from Sify Limited, has announced an alliance with Sony Entertainment Television to be the official website of their Indian adaptation of Big Brother, the reality show Bigg Boss. As per the tie-up, Sifymax will feature exclusive footage from each episode, as well as footage not shown on television.

    Sifymax will feature the Bigg Boss show format, profile of the anchor, profiles of contestants who are part of the show, weekly results, chats and message boards. Exclusive podcasts-voice excerpts from the evicted participant and Bigg Boss will be also be aired on a weekly basis.

    “The site is interactive with Bigg Boss fan polls, task ideas, poll feedback, Big Boss blogs and an exclusive Bigg Boss merchandise store. Apart from being the official broadband partner for the program, Sifymax also holds the rights to market the website www.biggboss.sifymax.com, informs an official release.

    Sony Entertainment Television executive vice president and business head Albert Almeida said, “The launch of Bigg Boss has given an all new meaning to reality television and we are happy to extend the same excitement and unseen drama to a larger audience through our web partner. Given the success of our partnerships during Fame Gurukul and Indian Idol, we have immense confidence in the popularity of Sifymax among Internet users and hope that Sifymax-Bigg Boss partnership will take our show to another level.”

    Commenting on the alliance Sify Ltd president portals V. Sivaramakrishnan said, “Bigg Boss has captured the imagination of television viewers across the country with its unique reality show format. Sifymax is the pioneer in broadband content and is consistently innovating to offer a richer entertainment experience to our consumers. We are certain that with this partnership Bigg Boss’ viewers will experience a closer connect with the participants that they have loved or hated. Most of the major programs on the lead television channels are already hosted on Sifymax and for we would like to be the ultimate web destination for all forms of entertainment, including popular reality shows.”

  • UTV launching youth-centric entertainment channel in JV with Astro

    UTV launching youth-centric entertainment channel in JV with Astro

    MUMBAI: Ronnie Screwvala has swung back into action. After selling off kids channel Hungama TV to Walt Disney in July, he is making a re-entry into the broadcasting space.

    Screwvala’s UTV Software Communications Ltd. is forming a 50:50 joint venture with Malaysia-based Astro for launching a Hindi general entertainment channel (GEC) aimed at the youth. An investment of Rs 2 billion will be earmarked towards this.

    The new venture will operate across multiple platforms, including a television channel, gaming, mobile, licensing and merchandising, ground events and the internet.

    The first television channel in Hindi is slated for launch in the second quarter of 2007, supported by a huge multimedia campaign and multi-city ground events. UTV is currently conducting extensive research on this target group as an input to its programming and marketing designs.

    The plans for the venture include the launch of multiple channels across languages in India and Southeast Asia. UTV had earlier entered into a business co-operation arrangement with Astro to set up kids channels in Malaysia and Indonesia, which launched on the Astro platform earlier this year.

    Screwvala is looking at creating a channel targeted at audiences between the age group of 15-25 years. In Hungama TV, the core audience was 4-14 years.

    Walt Disney has acquired 14.9 per cent stake in UTV, offering the multinational giant to participate in expansion opportunities in India. With the buyout of local Hindi channel Hungama TV in a combined purchase deal, Disney has already consolidated its position in the kids segment.

    UTV recently received the FIPB (Foreign Investment Promotion Board) and other regulatory approvals for the sale of stake to Walt Disney. It may be recalled that Astro had signed the MoU with UTV to acquire 26 per cent in Hungama TV but with Disney later making a combined purchase offer, the deal didn’t sail through.

    Astro has ambitious plans in India and, along with Value Labs and NDTV, bought out the operations of Radio Today, the radio division of Living Media Group, which runs under the Red FM brand.

    The GEC segment is poised to see further activity with NDTV planning to make an entry. Star Plus continues to lead the space but is being challenged by Zee Telefilms. Sony TV hopes to stage a comeback with Big Boss.

    Screwvala’s attempt, analysts say, will be to carve out a specific target audience as he so successfully did in the kids space.

    Meanwhile, Disney’s acquisition of Hungama TV has concluded with the final approval from the FIPB. This was followed by the inflow of Rs 1.4 billion ($ 31.125 million) from Disney to UTV within a week. Disney has also invested Rs 670 million ($ 14.5 million) towards a 14.9 per cent stake in UTV. The two companies are now working out synergies in areas across television content production, movie production and broadcasting.

    “We will be working along with Disney in the areas of TV, animation and movies,” says UTV CEO Ronnie Screwvala.

    Areas of common involvement have been identified including the launch of niche channels, movie co-productions and television content creation by UTV for Disney channels.

    UTV scrip slipped 2.7 per cent in the BSE to end today at Rs 258.70.

  • SRK to replace Big B as host of KBC

    SRK to replace Big B as host of KBC

    MUMBAI: Talk about making a big play. Kaun Banega Crorepati (KBC), Star India’s talismanic gameshow, will be back early next year with Bollywood’s biggest superstar Shah Rukh Khan replacing Hindi cinema icon Amitabh Bachchan as host.

    Star is pitching the third season of the hit show as a “Gen Next avatar” to “reach out to an India where two thirds of the population is below 35”.

    The contract that Star has signed with Shah Rukh is for two seasons with an option to extend it further into a third season. While Star officials have refused to comment on the payout to the “Bollywood Badshah”, Indiantelevision.com has it from reliable sources that the two-season deal is worth a whopping $ 7 million (roughly Rs 320 million).

    Each season is for 52 episodes, which means that Shah Rukh has committed to shooting 104 episodes of KBC in all. It is worth noting that the second season of KBC had to be aborted after completing only 61 of the contracted 85 episodes due to Bachchan’s sudden illness.

    Newswire Press Trust of India quoted Star Entertainment India CEO Sameer Nair as saying, “Mr Bachchan expressed his disinclination to do the show and we respect his decision. We are indebted to him for what he brought to the show but now it is time to move on and who better to hand over the baton to than Shah Rukh Khan.

    “We have been in talks with Shah Rukh Khan for over a month now and he expressed his willingness to do the show. Shooting will begin by December-end and we expect this season to be on air by January-end.”

    The show has been slotted in the 9 pm prime time band and will air Monday through to Thursday every week, the same as was the case when KBC first came on air. This effectively means that each season will have a 13-week run.

    Nair has been quoted in an official release as saying, “We are extremely delighted to announce the Next Gen avatar of KBC and are even more pleased to present Shah Rukh Khan, as its host. We promise to engage and deliver to our audiences a whole new entertainment experience.”

    Shah Rukh Khan added, “I was pleasantly surprised when Star offered me the show. I was a participant in season one of KBC…and little did I know one day I would be hosting it. It is a huge act to follow, that of Mr Bachchan…but it also excites me that I am getting an opportunity to reach out…talk and interact with my audience through a medium where I began my career as an actor years ago. So here’s looking forward to coming round a full circle…guess unlock kiya jaaye.”

    Star India has signed a five-year contract with Celador for KBC, the Indian adaptation of Who Wants to be a Millionaire. The deal incorporates both the format and programme license, and is the longest continuing license that has ever been granted for the globally successful show.

    KBC will be produced by Siddhartha Basu’s Synergy Communications. Says Basu, “KBC with SRK will bring a whole new set of audience to Star Plus. Although I have been associated with KBC ever since it began, this is literally a new beginning for me. SRK’s wit, energy, excitement and enthusiasm will rub-off onto all of us and together as a team we hope to create some magical moments on television.”