MUMBAI: The former UTV owned kids channel Hungama TV made its first official announcement today following its acquisition by the Walt Disney Company. Hungama TV announced their annual selection of their board of directors called the Captains Club which includes ten children from across key cities who act both as a network of local information systems as well as official spokespersons for the channel. Representing Hungama TV was VP programming and production Aparna Bhosle who has recently joined the Disney bandwagon and will report Walt Disney Company (India) managing director Rajat Jain. Hungama TV however, appears to be scouting for a head. Bhosle declined to divulge details of the same.After coming under the Disney banner, gradual changes are likely to be expected in the acquired channel. However, both parties say that the positioning of the channel will remain the same. On the programming front, the first fruits of these changes are visible as Toon Disney‘s Power Rangers series has been added to Hungama‘s portfolio of shows, as of 1 January. In addition, driver properties on Hungama TV like Doreamon and Shinchan are likely to be pushed further with the support of Disney‘s Consumer Products Division with merchandising activities on the anvil. |
When queried by Indiantelevision.com about the occurrence of a conflict of interest as being a natural outcome following the buy out, Bhosle said Hungama TV compliments the offerings of the Disney pair and so far there have been no such demands to implement any such adjustments. Kicking off the New Year, Hungama TV has been swift in getting down to business by taking the opinions of the newly appointed board of directors to plan for the year ahead. This board will meet on a quarterly basis to discuss business, an area in which they will be trained by industry experts from each of their local centers. They will also spearhead all local activities of the channel in each of their cities. What appears to be a glaring demand among these kids is the need for more live action content. Primarily governed by ‘tweens‘, this board will act as a critique for the channel and keep them abreast of the growing competition. On speaking to the Captains some of them freely spoke of the changes they would like to see implemented on the channel. Being given priority is the live action show Hero, which the kids see as unrealistic and far fetched. Instead, they have suggested a more practical approach based on science rather than imagination. In additions, they also proposed that more on-ground activities need to be executed to drive kids to the channel. They will be required to put into perspective “What children want to see on television across the nation.” This is a culmination of a three month long event titled Parle G Hungama TV Captains Hunt 2006- 2007. Bhosle of course said that considering their suggestions has helped the channel in the past and that changes in live action content such as Hero are likely to be seen, as the core focus for the channel is the belief in “kid‘s empowerment.” |
Category: Kids
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Hungama TV names board of directors for this year
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Disney to unveil redesigned website with interactive features
MUMBAI: The Walt Disney Company is set to unveil a redesigned version of its website Disney.com on 8 January. The new website will include features like social networking, chatting options and video clips.
Redesigning the site appears to have been an important concern for CEO Robert Iger, who will launch the site. Keeping in mind its young target group the site will incorporate parental controls.
With multiple interactive features, the company also plans to offer a broadband tool titled Disney Xtreme Digital to allow users to create customised profile pages on the site.
What’s more, the redesigned site hopes to increase advertising opportunities, including video clips and sponsors. In addition, Disney also will sell subscription-based products through the site.
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Disney to unveil redesigned website with interactive features
MUMBAI: The Walt Disney Company is set to unveil a redesigned version of its website Disney.com on 8 January. The new website will include features like social networking, chatting options and video clips.
Redesigning the site appears to have been an important concern for CEO Robert Iger, who will launch the site. Keeping in mind its young target group the site will incorporate parental controls.
With multiple interactive features, the company also plans to offer a broadband tool titled Disney Xtreme Digital to allow users to create customised profile pages on the site.
What‘s more, the redesigned site hopes to increase advertising opportunities, including video clips and sponsors. In addition, Disney also will sell subscription-based products through the site.
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ImaginAsian TV launches Anime block
MUMBAI: Asian American television network ImaginAsian TV (iaTV) in the US will launch a new two-hour primetime anime block Anime EnerG.
The block will feature anime series from animation distribution company, Geneon Entertainment, a division of Dentsu. Elemental Gelade, Kyoh Kara Maohi, Law Of Ueki, and Gankutsuou: The Count Of Monte Cristo are scheduled to premiere on iaTV‘s new Tuesday evening animation block Anime EnerG later this month
ImaginAsian TV senior VP programming and production David Chu says, “We are very excited to partner with Geneon Entertainment in launching an outstanding primetime anime block populated with series that are fan favorites, all of which will be making their U.S. television premieres.
“All of the anime series are top quality productions that fit perfectly into iaTV‘s strategy of providing the best animation for American audiences.”
Geneon Entertainment senior VP business development Katsuhiko Tsurumoto says, “ImaginAsian TV is a great destination for Geneon content casual fans appreciate the pop-culture sensibility executed by ImaginAsian, and core anime fans value seeing the original language versions that ImaginAsian can provide so well!”
In Elemental Gelade after a routine raid, the rookie sky pirate Cou finds a most unusual cargo in his mates‘ cargo hold: Ren, an “Edel Reid”, a race prized by humans for granting special combat power to their partners through “Reacting”. He quickly discovers, however, that Ren is even more prized than he expected. The pirate ship is visited by three members of the Edel Reid Complete Protection Agency “Arc Aire”, who try to purchase her. When Cou refuses, the ship is suddenly attacked by a mysterious force, and Cou‘s captain charges him with Ren‘s protection. Thus starts Cou and Ren‘s “journey of love adventure.”
In Kyo Kara Maoh Yuri Shibuya was living a pretty normal life. That changed the day he was dunked into a toilet after an attempt to save a classmate from a gang of bullies. Instead of just getting a good soaking, he‘s pulled in. The next thing he knows, he‘s in a world that vaguely resembles medieval Europe . If that‘s not odd enough, he‘s told that he is to be the next Maoh, the King of the Mazoku, who are coexisting not-so-peacefully with the humans in this world. Now, Yuri has to deal with trying to become a good Maoh, while at the same time attempting to adapt to this land‘s customs and culture, all in a world where the tension between the humans and Mazoku is reaching its peak.
The protagonist of Law of Ueki is Junior high school student Kousuke Ueki. He is picked by a God Candidate, Koba-sen, to participate in a competition where people battle out to become God. Embodied with the ability to turn garbage into trees, Kousuke will be competing against other junior high school students in this selection. This sets the premise for the earth-friendly battle where the students will pit their powers against the rest.
In Gankutsuou: The Count of Monte Cristo Albert, the son of a renowned general from Paris , makes a journey with his friend Franz. During his travels, he meets an immensely wealthy nobleman named The Count of Monte Cristo. Living in luxurious hotels, surrounded by beautiful women, and strong bodyguards, the charming but enigmatic count fascinates Albert. Albert invites the count to join the high society of Paris . However, unknown to Albert, his father had once framed the count and took the count‘s fiancée as his own.
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Toon Disney is FTA in Chennai, Trai clarifies
NEW DELHI: Toon Disney in English and in Tamil are distributed as free-to-air (FTA) channels in the areas covered by conditional access system (Cas) in Chennai.
The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (Trai) clarified today in a release, placing the details of maximum retail prices fixed by the broadcasters in respect of Cas areas on the basis of the reporting done by them in terms of clause 7 (ii) of the Tariff Order of 31 August last year.
The change had been made as the Authority was informed that some of the pay channels listed in its website are not pay channels in some of the notified areas and also some new pay channels for the CAS notified areas, have been reported, asserts an official release.
TRAI has accordingly updated its list of channels with the charge per channel.
Meanwhile, CAS has come into effect in South Delhi and some parts of Mumbai and Kolkata. Cable operators had begun blacking out pay (encrypted) channels from the evening of 31 December itself.
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Toon Disney is FTA in Chennai, Trai clarifies
NEW DELHI: Toon Disney in English and in Tamil are distributed as free-to-air (FTA) channels in the areas covered by conditional access system (Cas) in Chennai.
The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (Trai) clarified today in a release, placing the details of maximum retail prices fixed by the broadcasters in respect of Cas areas on the basis of the reporting done by them in terms of clause 7 (ii) of the Tariff Order of 31 August last year.
The change had been made as the Authority was informed that some of the pay channels listed in its website are not pay channels in some of the notified areas and also some new pay channels for the CAS notified areas, have been reported, asserts an official release.TRAI has accordingly updated its list of channels with the charge per channel.Meanwhile, CAS has come into effect in South Delhi and some parts of Mumbai and Kolkata. Cable operators had begun blacking out pay (encrypted) channels from the evening of 31 December itself.
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FiddleFork Online to launch new cartoon series
MUMBAI: Having partnered with Canadian cartoon artist Bob Jadis, FiddleFork Online has developed a cartoon series directed towards fiddle players and violinists. The weekly series includes single frame FiddleFork Funnies in which imaginary characters are depicted in humourous fiddle and violin situations.
Jadis said, “I am thrilled and honoured to be a part of this new project. I‘ve been a musician and cartoonist most of my life and blending my two passions into one with FiddleFork is very exciting for me.”
During the early half of 2007 FiddleFork Online will unveil it‘s proprietary character, named FiddleFork Freddie. FiddleFork Freddie will be featured in a weekly three-frame cartoon story line. Kids and families alike will be able to follow the life and times of Freddie as he travels through his fiddling boyhood. Along with FiddleFork Freddie will be his companion pet dog, to whom a name has yet to be found. Throughout the first half of 2007 Internet visitors will be encouraged to vote on the website and submit their preferred name for FiddleFork Freddie‘s dog and by the end of 2007 FiddleFork Freddie‘s dog will have a name chosen by popular global demand.FiddleFork Online president Mike McGee said, “This is a considerable advancement for a niche online community devoted exclusive promotion and exchange of fiddle music. It is amazing to see how many people around the world enjoy fiddle music and show their appreciation by joining together in such a vibrant online community.”FiddleFork Online (http://fiddlefork.com) is fiddle player‘s community on the internet. -
FiddleFork Online to launch new cartoon series
MUMBAI: Having partnered with Canadian cartoon artist Bob Jadis, FiddleFork Online has developed a cartoon series directed towards fiddle players and violinists. The weekly series includes single frame FiddleFork Funnies in which imaginary characters are depicted in humourous fiddle and violin situations.
Jadis said, “I am thrilled and honoured to be a part of this new project. I’ve been a musician and cartoonist most of my life and blending my two passions into one with FiddleFork is very exciting for me.”
During the early half of 2007 FiddleFork Online will unveil it’s proprietary character, named FiddleFork Freddie. FiddleFork Freddie will be featured in a weekly three-frame cartoon story line. Kids and families alike will be able to follow the life and times of Freddie as he travels through his fiddling boyhood. Along with FiddleFork Freddie will be his companion pet dog, to whom a name has yet to be found.
Throughout the first half of 2007 Internet visitors will be encouraged to vote on the website and submit their preferred name for FiddleFork Freddie’s dog and by the end of 2007 FiddleFork Freddie’s dog will have a name chosen by popular global demand.
FiddleFork Online president Mike McGee said, “This is a considerable advancement for a niche online community devoted exclusive promotion and exchange of fiddle music. It is amazing to see how many people around the world enjoy fiddle music and show their appreciation by joining together in such a vibrant online community.”
FiddleFork Online (http://fiddlefork.com) is fiddle player’s community on the internet.
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Disney-ABC elevates Swati Shetty to TV distribution head in India
MUMBAI: The Walt Disney Company’s Disney-ABC International Television (Asia Pacific), the international TV distribution arm, has appointed Swati Shetty as director, India, responsible for Disney-ABC International Television’s TV distribution business across all platforms in India.
Shetty replaces Amit Malhotra who was promoted in June 2007 to regional sales director, Pan-Asia, India and Singapore.
Shetty will be based in Mumbai and report directly to Malhotra in Hong Kong as well as the managing director for Walt Disney Company (India) currently overseen by , Walt Disney International president Andy Bird. She joins Disney-ABC International Television in early August.
The announcement was made today by Disney-ABC International Television’s vice president of sales for Asia Pacific Greg Johnson.
Shetty joins from her earlier position as associate director, advertising sales, Disney Channel in India where she played an instrumental role in launching Disney Channel in the country.
Previously, Shetty held sales and business development positions at major Indian broadcasters including Star India and Sahara India.
Commenting on the new appointment in India Johnson said, “Swati’s strong sales experience combined with her deep understanding of the Indian television market will be integral to the continued growth of our distribution business in India, a key strategic market for the Company. We‘re very excited to welcome her to the TV sales team.
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Air Gear: East Side Showdown premieres 25 January on Anime Network
MUMBAI: Skating onto television screens across America, the action-packed manga series Air Gear: East Side Showdown premieres 25 January on Anime Network.
U.S. VOD Pr
emiere of Air Gear: East Side ShowdownWelcome to the world of Storm Riders, where motor-powered inline skates called Air Treks take extreme sports to a whole new level. Those who dare to ride with these high tech devices risk life and limb in a struggle for fame, power and wings to take to the sky. Enter Ikki Minami, the toughest fighter on the east side of town. He rules his school, takes on violent gangs single-handedly and lives with the Noyamanos; four sisters with a surprising secret.
And after a humiliating defeat to a terrifying gang of Storm Riders, the sisters welcome him to the world of Air Trek, where his strength, speed and ambitions soar to brand new heights. Now, with powerful new wings, he must protect his friends, his school and his pride in fierce Air Trek battles known as Parts Wars. One mistake could cost him everything, but each victory brings him one step closer to becoming the king of the sky.