ITV

Category: GECs

  • Tata Sky launches pay-per-view service

    MUMBAI: Tata Sky has announced the launch of Showcase, its dedicated pay-per-view movies service. With this service, Tata Sky promises to offer new Hollywood and Bollywood blockbusters to the customers.

    Showcase, the pay-per-view will launch with the movie Taxi No. 9211, screening on multiple channels, offering subscribers a number of convenient viewing options. The movies will be screened without any ad breaks.

    Priced at Rs 75 per movie, the service will provide viewers with a convenient and economical alternative to watching movies in cinema halls, according to an official release.

    The original prints of all the films will be sourced directly from their producers and digital satellite television transmission will ensure DVD quality picture and CD quality sound throughout the movies.

    Also, another advantage for subscribers is that they can chose to watch the movies at a convenient time, when they are free from household responsibilities.

    Tata Sky Ltd MD and CEO Vikram Kaushik said, “The launch of Showcase helps us propel our objective to provide our subscribers with maximum convenience. This service can be enjoyed equally by every family member and undoubtedly will recreate the experience of watching a movie in the theatre, in the comfort of the home. The freedom to choose the time of viewing and the liberation from advertisements while watching one’s favourite movies will be universally welcomed.”

    To purchase a movie, a subscriber will need to call the Tata Sky helpline and make a request for the movie, indicating the desired time slot. Orders can be placed up to five minutes prior to the film’s start, informs the statement.

    Tata Sky’s satellite television service currently offers viewers 61 popular television channels including Star, Sony, Discovery, Disney, MTV, NDTV, ESPN Star Sports, National Geographic, Eenadu, TV Today, Asianet and many more.

    In addition, the service offers a total of six interactive services including Actve Khabar, Actve Newsroom, Actve Star News, Actve Games, Actve Sports and an on-screen guide. The service is available at a special price of RS 200 per month, inclusive of all taxes.
     

  • Sony Pictures Entertainment promoted Pascal as co-chairman

    Sony Pictures Entertainment promoted Pascal as co-chairman

    MUMBAI: Sony Pictures Entertainment has promoted Amy Pascal to cochairman and has extended her deal with the studio to 2011. This announcement was made by chairman and CEO Michael Lynton.

    In addition to her new title, Pascal will continue to serve as chairman of the studio’s Motion Picture Group. Both Pascal and Lynton will continue to report to Sony Corporation chairman and CEO Howard Stringer.

    The move recognizes Pascal’s vast contributions to the company and was initiated by Lynton, who wanted to formalize the strong relationship he and Pascal have forged as partners, managing the operations of Sony Pictures, according to an official release.

    “This richly deserved promotion reflects the reality of our partnership here at Sony Pictures,” Lynton said. “Ever since Howard brought us together, Amy and I have been partners in running the studio, and I really wanted our titles to reflect our teamwork.”
    Sony is the only studio to exceed the $6 billion dollar mark in domestic box office sales between 2002 and 2006. To date this year, Sony has released eight films, including The Da Vinci Code, Talladega Nights: The Ballad of Ricky Bobby and Click.

    Upcoming films from Sony Pictures include the launch of Sony Pictures Animation and their debut title Open Season, Pursuit of Happyness, starring Will Smith, Casino Royale, the 21st James Bond adventure, The Grudge 2, and Nancy Meyers’ The Holiday, starring Cameron Diaz, Jack Black, Jude Law and Kate Winslet, among many others.

  • ATN to broadcast Star Plus programmes in Canada

    MUMBAI: Asian Television Network International Limited (ATN) has acquired exclusive rights to broadcast programming from Star India’s Hindi general entertainment channel Star Plus within the territorial boundaries of Canada.

    “We do not ever take our viewers for granted and for program quality and excellence Sky is the limit. We are ecstatic and proud as we look forward to the launching of Star Plus programming on our ATN Channel next month. The launch is planned to coincide with the festivities of Diwali and Eid,” says ATN president & CEO Shan Chandrasekar.
    ATN operates 13 television channels and has programming alliances with leading International Broadcasters.

  • Disney’s High School Musical to premiere on Disney channels across Europe

    MUMBAI: Disney channel original movie High School Musical is set to hit terrestrial television in 15 countries across Europe, including Italy, Germany, France and Russia.

    BVITV EMEA executive vice president and managing director Tom Toumazis said, “As High School Musical’s international fanbase grows ever-stronger on Disney Channel, we are delighted to also be working with key terrestrial TV clients in a wide range of markets to launch it to yet more new fans later this year and into 2007.”

    This will add new terrestrial TV sales for the made-for-TV musical made by Buena Vista International Television (BVITV), the international TV distribution arm of The Walt Disney Company.

    The contemporary ‘break into song’ production has been licensed to the broadcasters RAI in Italy, ProSieben in Germany, ORF in Austria and M6 France, along with RTE in Ireland, ERT Greece, TRT Turkey and CYBC Cyprus. In Central and Eastern Europe, Channel One in Russia has also licensed it, as have TV2 Hungary, TV Media Planet Ukraine, TVR Romania, Pop TV Slovenia, and A1 Televizija in Macedonia. High School Musical has already been licensed to the BBC in the UK, for broadcast on BBC One later this year, and is expected to be licensed to many more key markets within the next month, informs an official release.

    It will premiere on other international Disney Channels throughout 2006, with its UK Disney Channel premiere set for September.

    The High School Musical US premiere in January broke Disney Channel ratings records, and for its 14 airings, has now been seen by over 40 million unduplicated total viewers. In June, the movie premiered on Disney Channels in Australia, New Zealand and Southeast Asia and delivered the best-ever results for a Disney Channel Original Movie in all of these markets.

    High School Musical made its international terrestrial TV debut on 1 July in primetime on Seven Network Australia and was the timeslot winner against all major demos. It is the No. 1 movie in 2006 for tweens 10-15 delivering a 17.9/67 per cent rating/share and also the No. 2 movie on Seven Network this year with a 9.5/40 per cent rating/share for the Under 55s. It premiered on TV2 New Zealand on 19 August, and was the No. 1 programme of the night amongst People 5+, adds the release.

    In August, the movie received two Emmy Awards, an Imagen Award and three Teen Choice Awards. It has also won the Television Critics Association Award for Outstanding Children’s Programming.

    In the US, the soundtrack is No. 1 of the year to date, and is now certified triple-Platinum, delivering six Gold-certified singles since its debut in January. In addition to being the year’s #1 album so far, it is also the #1 soundtrack and #1 Kids’ album of the year to-date. High School Musical is also currently Disney’s biggest TV-based DVD title in the US, adds the release.

     

  • B’cast Bill: Film censor board chief seeks clarifications

    NEW DELHI: Indian film censor board chief and veteran actress Sharmila Tagore today exhorted the government to remove overlaps in the functioning of censor board and a proposed broadcast regulator.

    She also called for “transparency” while forming the proposed Broadcast Regulatory Authority of India (Brai).

    “There has to be some sort of uniformity at some level… and identify where there are some overlaps,” Tagore, chairperson of the Central Board for Film Certification (CBFC), was quoted by the Press Trust of India as saying.

    She, along with some other government officials and industry representatives were participating in a day-long seminar on the draft ‘Broadcasting Services Regulation Bill – 2006’, which was organized by industry chamber Assocham.

    Tagore’s apprehensions stems from the fact that the censor board and the proposed Brai might end up doing similar works like certifying content for television channels.
    In the absence of a regulatory body, the government has mandated that only `U’ (or for unrestricted viewing) censor certified films promos, music videos and songs should be aired on TV music channels.

    Information and broadcasting secretary S K Arora assured the industry gathering that the government was open to suggestions and comments on the proposed Brai and the Bill.

    “The government is open to suggestions and can incorporate fresh ideas and issues we may have omitted (earlier in a draft that was readied for the Cabinet),” he said.

  • MGM expands worldwide TV distribution; Jim Packer appointed president

    MUMBAI: Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Studios Inc. (MGM) is reinvigorating its worldwide television distribution operation, hiring senior management and bringing a number of new high profile programs to buyers around the globe. The announcement was made by MGM chairman & CEO Harry E. Sloan and MGM COO Rick Sands.
    The restructured MGM Worldwide Television Distribution Group, which reports to Sands, is headed by seasoned distribution executive Jim Packer, who assumes the new title of president. In this position, Packer remains in charge of television distribution worldwide, including US barter sales and syndication, as well as all emerging forms of television programming distribution on a worldwide basis, states an official release.

    “After reinvigorating our domestic theatrical distribution business with over 20 new theatrical pictures a year, and establishing a dedicated MGM sales force in partnership with Fox Video, the next logical step is to expand our worldwide television distribution operation to meet our increased activity and product flow,” said Sloan in announcing the division’s restructuring. “Further, the international market for TV product has never been healthier and MGM continues to be an active and extremely competitive player in the marketplace.”
    Sands added: “As aggressive and smart competitors, the reorganization of our worldwide television distribution operation is simply one way of maximizing the assets in our library and positions us for future growth in the marketplace. Jim Packer has already made significant contributions during his tenure at MGM and we are pleased he will be leading us to even bigger growth opportunities in his new role as President of the group.”

    “After spending the last six years here at MGM, I truly understand the value of this tremendous library,” said Packer. “Having been given the challenge of increasing our market presence, I could not be more enthused about the expansion of our worldwide distribution team. With ‘Casino Royale,’ ‘Rocky Balboa’ and our new slate of premiere movie titles, our expanded distribution presence comes at the ideal time.”

    Adding fuel to its distribution pipeline, MGM Worldwide Television Distribution Group will handle the international television sales for “Casino Royale” the new James Bond movie starring Daniel Craig, and “Rocky Balboa,” the sixth and final Rocky movie starring Sylvester Stallone. Leveraging proven properties within the massive MGM library, the MGM Worldwide Television Distribution Group will launch a worldwide sales campaign for the following movies: Legally Blonde 3, Cutting Edge 3
    Into the Blue 2, WarGames 2 and Species 4.

    In addition to its new program offerings, the MGM Worldwide Television Distribution Group will continue to handle distribution of over 4,000 movie titles and 10,000 television series that make up the MGM library, the world’s largest modern filmed and television library. Among the key television properties featured in the MGM catalogue are “Stargate SG-1,” the sci-fi series that is celebrating its record-setting 200th episode on the Sci-Fi Channel, and the immensely popular drama series “The L Word,” which airs on Showtime in the US, the release adds.

    With the announcement of the MGM Worldwide Television Distribution Group restructuring, MGM has also announced key promotions within the group. Joe Patrick has been promoted to executive vice president, North America. He previously served as senior VP for the studio and is based in Los Angeles. Mary Ann Pasante, who has been the VP of Latin America Sales, has also been promoted to senior VP of Latin America Sales and will continue to be based in Atlanta.

    Packer, who joined MGM in 2001, initially served as EVP, Domestic TV. In this post, he was the architect of several innovative partnerships, including the MGM/UPN “Weekend Movie” and the PAX/MGM “Night at the Movies.”

    Packer was promoted to EVP of MGM’s Worldwide Television Distribution unit in April 2005, charged with oversight of the studio’s worldwide TV distribution activities, including the licensing of MGM programming to TV outlets around the world for free to air network television, basic and pay cable. Packer will continue to be based at the studio’s headquarters in Los Angeles.

    Before joining MGM, Packer was an executive with The Walt Disney Company, where he spent 15 years working within the Buena Vista Domestic Television Distribution unit. During his tenure at Buena Vista, Packer consistently increased his areas of responsibility, handling the distribution of off-network product, theatrical films and first run series, including such properties as “Home Improvement,” “Live with Regis and Kathie Lee” and “The Golden Girls,” as well as numerous movie packages. Packer, a graduate of Leeds Business School at the University of Colorado at Boulder, also serves on the Board of Governors for the Museum of Television & Radio.

  • Lata Mangeshkar to grace DD Sahyadri Navratna Awards 2004

    MUMBAI: The Sahyadri Navratna Awards, into its third year, is being held this year on 14 April on Doordarshan’s premises at Worli in central Mumbai.

    The Sahyadri awards are presented to eminent Maharashtrians for excellence in a particular field of interest. One of the highlights of this year’s awards ceremony is that the guest list includes India’s nightingale Lata Mangeshkar.
     
     The nine-member jury for the Navratna Awards 2004 comprises eminent people from various spheres. The list includes renouned journalist Arun Tikekar, Marathi theatre artist Mohan Wagh, film producer and ex sheriff of Mumbai Kiran Shantaram, industrialist Minal Mohandikar, vice-chancellor SNDT University Mumbai Rupa Shah, former editor Femina Vimla Patil, director general information and publicity (government of Maharashtra) Nitin Gadre, renouned music critic Dr Ashok Ranade and cricketer Ajit Wadekar.

    The list of awardees this year comprises of people working in varied fields like music, films, education, drama and so on.

    The nine Navratra’s this year consists of people like Shridhar Phadke, who’s receiving the Swar Ratna Award for music while the Chitra Ratna Award is going to Sachin Pilgaonkar for his achievements in the field of films and entertainment.

    Than there is Dr Shankarrao Magar who’s receiving the Shiksha Ratna Award for his work in education. Meanwhile, Prabhakar Panshikar, Anjali Bhagwat Vedpathak and Dr Anil Avachat are getting awards for drama, sports and social work respectively.

    The Ratnasharda Award for women this year will go to Rajiya Patel. while Vijay Kuwalekar will take home the Ratnadarpan Award for his work in journalism. Lastly there is the IT Entrepreneur Ratna Udami that will go to Dr Vijay Bhatkar.

    Sahyadri channel director Mukesh Sharma said he is very happy to be a part of the Navratna Awrads. But he also stressed that the channel did not play any part as far as choice of awardee was concerned.

    The telecast of the award ceremony will be on 1 May, which is also Maharashtra day.

  • Star Plus to launch ‘Rin Mera Star Superstar’ on 8 September

    Star Plus to launch ‘Rin Mera Star Superstar’ on 8 September

    MUMBAI: Star Plus’ nationwide talent hunt targeted at the kids segment, Rin Mera Star Superstar, will launch on 8 September at 7:30 pm. The hunt is dedicated to unearthing talent in children aged 5-14.

    The programme promises to offer a national platform for talented children to showcase their potential that will help them win a scholarship of Rs 5,00,000 to pursue the dream of becoming an artist. Rin Mera Star Superstar will be hosted by television actress Shilpa Sakhlani.

    As per an official release, mothers of the kids have an active role to play in defining the kid’s victory or loss in the Maa Sangram round where each mother plead to the judges and audience requesting votes for his/her talented child. Her appeal will then be judged by the audience and can affect the final scores of her child. The mother-child duo with the highest score will move on to the semi-finals level of the Talent Hunt.

    Rin Mera Star Superstar jury panel comprises of Sachin Pilgaonkar and Farida Jalal. Selected from among lakhs of entries across the country, 40 most talented kids will showcase their talent to the world and garner votes along with their mothers to achieve the coveted title!! These kids have been groomed by choreographer Pooja Shetty, singer Qadir Mustafa Khan and actor Alok Ulfat The hunt on air kick starts with actress and super mom Raveena Tandon coming especially to encourage the kids in the first episode followed by many more famous personalities later, the release further adds.

    Show Format
    Produced by Endemol, Rin Mera Star Superstar will be aired every Friday eliminating two out of the four kids in each episode. Two Semi final episodes and a Grand Finale will follow elimination rounds. Each show will open with the host introducing the celebrity guest, judges and contestants for the day to perform. After the performance round, Mothers of two kids who have qualified will plead to judges and viewers to vote for their child. Contestant who gets the highest score will make it to the semi finals.

  • Star, Zee both claim rights to ‘Betiyaan’ concept; issue set to reach Court

    Star, Zee both claim rights to ‘Betiyaan’ concept; issue set to reach Court

    MUMBAI: The Diwali fireworks have already hit Indian television’s Hindi Entertainment space with archrivals Star India and Zee Network locking horns over a copyright issue.

    The “war” was kicked off with Zee Telefilms issuing a notice to Star demanding it withdraw all activites around its upcoming soap, tentatively titled Betiyaan, claiming ownership of the concept.

    Star dismissed Zee’s charges, asserting that the show’s writer Rekha Modi had registered the titles and the concept with various copyright bodies well before Zee made its own registration.

    In its legal notice sent to Star, Zee has said that its upcoming prime time soap Ghar Ki Lakshmi Betiyaan, produced by Creative Eye, would face serious market implications if Star went ahead with its prime time project carrying a similar title Betiyaan.

    Revealing the registration dates of the Ghar Ki Lakshmi Betiyaan title and concept with various copyright and industry bodies such as Film Writers Association, Film and Television Producers Guild of India and Society for Copyright regulation of Indian Producers for Film and Television, Zee has warned Star that, “Use of key elements or concept or format in your programme/series may constitute a violation of applicable intellactual property laws, including without limitation those regarding copyright infringement and passing off.”

    Buttressing its case, Star made available to Indiantelevision.com copies of the registrations made with the Film Writers Association on 5 April, 2006; 12 April, 2006 & 27 July, 2006. The show concept, characters and scripts were registered with the Association of Motion Pictures and TV Programme Producers on 29 July 2006 with the titles Betiyaan and Ghar Ki Lakshmi…Betiyaan. A copy of this document was also furnished.

    Zee’s notice to Star further states, “We would like to draw your attention to the fact that the television programme ‘Ghar Ki Lakshmi Betiyaan’ is owned by Zee Telefilms Ltd. We have already started the promotions on 5 August, and have incurred and/or committed substantial sums on business promotion / advertising and publicity etc for the programme. Our right to the programme is highly valuable to us as we have invested a lot of resources in the programme in building up awareness and goodwill in the said programme.

    “We state that, on 2 August 2006, our programme was registered with the “Film Writers Association” and on 21 August, registered with the Film and Television Producers Guild of India and Society for Copyright regulation of Indian Producers for Film and Television (SCRIPT). We understand that, this registration was done by the Guild after confirming with Association of Motion Pictures & TV Programme Producers.”

    A Star spokesperson countered, “We have been working with Rekha Modi on a show which she has registered with various industry bodies. The show concept and script of Betiyaan was registered with the Film Writers Association on 5 April, 2006; 12 April, 2006 & 27 July, 2006. The show concept, characters and scripts have also been registered with the Association of Motion Pictures and TV Programme Producers on 29 July 2006 with the titles Betiyaan and Ghar Ki Lakshmi…Betiyaan.”

    Star has further said that, it would be sticking to its original plan of launching Betiyaan very soon. “We will be launching this show very soon, though we are yet to finalise the title of the same. As far as the show is concerned, we are convinced that this is Rekha Modi’s original concept and will take all steps necessary to protect our position in this regard,” the company said.

    As per the Zee notice, the Star soap will be telecast by Star One. However, the star spokesperson refused to divulge any more details regarding the programme.

  • Play TV launches ‘Crisscross’ to increase interactive experience

    MUMBAI: The interactive gaming channel Play TV has launched a new daily show Crisscross, in an attempt to maximize viewer’s involvement.

    The show Crisscross will air daily between 2 pm to 3 pm from Monday to Sunday. Crisscross is a revised version of the world-renowned board game crossword. Players can participate no matter where they are, using their mobile phones via sms, informs an official release.
    The anchor of the show will disclose various clues to solve the crossword. There are five across clues and five down clues correct and fastest answers to the clues can make the participant win upto Rs.10000/-
    Play TV MD Amit Goenka said, “Play TV is an interactive channel and Criss Cross is one such property that will maximize viewer involvement. We are optimistic about a wonderful response to this show.”

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