ITV

Category: Kids

  • Nickelodeon Launches exclusive TMNT merchandise

    Nickelodeon Launches exclusive TMNT merchandise

    MUMBAI: Fans, get ready to bring Leonardo, Raphael, Donatello and Michelangelo, home as Nickelodeon and Viacom18 consumer products are all set to launch the official range of exclusive Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles T-shirts marking the launch of the international box office hit film, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles as it prepares for its India-wide release on 29th August, 2014. The awesome TMNT range of T shirts will be launched on 22nd August on SNAPDEAL. The launch of the tees will also include a national level launch at various “CENTRAL” outlets across the country, including all major cities and metros.

     

    Along with the new range of exclusive  t-shirts and an  already existing range of trendy TMNT merchandise including a toy line and books, Viacom18 consumer products and Nickelodeon are looking to provide TMNT fans with a true feel of action, excitement and the grit that the turtle brothers represent, as they gear up for the movie release. Launched at a quantity total of 50 SKU and prices ranging from Rs 599 to Rs 1099, the TMNT T-shirt range will be the highlight of the offerings at SNAPDEAL over the next month. Reasonable pricing and exclusive merchandise, is what Nickelodeon looks to offer its fans.  Even the CENTRAL stores across the country will be “Themed” around the blockbuster movie, with attractive and sizzling offers on TMNT Tees and other merchandize.

     

    The launch will be supported by a 360 degree marketing campaign across the nation. With their association with CENTRAL and SNAPDEAL, Nickelodeon promises its fans the best of TMNT at the best of stores, bringing back the decades of legacy and love that the turtles represent.

     

    Commenting on the venture, Saugato Bhowmik, Head – Consumer Products, Viacom18 Media Pvt. Ltd., says, “Nickelodeon’s rich and diverse portfolio of characters provides us with great opportunities to connect with the consumer in new and exciting ways. Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles have been a huge hit with Indian fans for years. Adding to this, the TMNT movie is now a global sensation and is all set to blaze the Indian cinema screens. With this venture, we look to connect with all TMNT fans and give them an opportunity to indulge in their love for the characters with a true sense of the occasion. With SNAPDEAL and CENTRAL, this “Connect” is all the more easily and seamlessly established through their unsurpassed retail networks.”

  • The kids’ genre gears up for an engaging Independence day!

    The kids’ genre gears up for an engaging Independence day!

    MUMBAI: Indian Independence day kindles emotions and evokes a deep sense of respect for the mighty warriors who unchained the nation from the clutches of the British 67 years ago.  Parades, hoisting of the tricolour, singing patriotic songs and the national anthem, watching patriot tableaus constitutes most of the Independence Day celebrations. Drawing inspiration from these colourful celebrations, the kids’ genre in the broadcast space has created an array of special programs to join hands with its little audience and salute the nation together. Let’s take a look at what different channels are doing this Independence Day.

     

    The kids’ cluster of channels of Sun TV Network:-

     

    Chutti TV (Tamil wing) had conducted a human chain rally for children on 10 August along its famous beach line-Besant Nagar, to celebrate the theme of freedom and friendship. Hundreds of enthusiastic school children had participated in this rally and many of them had brought with them, paintings of the Indian flag, which they were proudly waving during the event. Groups of children breaking into impromptu session of singing famous patriotic songs added colour to this event. Famous lyricist Madan Karky and director Atlee graced the occasion and shared inspiring words with the children. This event will be aired on Chutti TV on 15 August at 9:30 am and a repeat telecast at 4:30 pm. This apart special snippets of children dressed as freedom fighters voicing Independence Day messages and movie marathon session will form a part of the Independence Day special celebration on the channel.

     

    Click here to read more

  • ‘In a fragmented environment, managing leadership position is a challenge but we’ve done so in the kids’ space’ : Monica Tata – Turner International India VP ad sales & networks (India & South Asia)

    ‘In a fragmented environment, managing leadership position is a challenge but we’ve done so in the kids’ space’ : Monica Tata – Turner International India VP ad sales & networks (India & South Asia)

    The kids’ channels’ space in India suddenly became the talk of the town with the Walt Disney Company buying out UTV’s kids’ channel Hungama TV. In the midst of this hullabaloo, the market leaders – Cartoon Network and Pogo – stood unperturbed and went about their daily business.

    Turner International India vice president advertising sales and networks (India & South Asia) Monica Tata too comes across as calm, composed and confident. She has recently been given the added responsibility of Cartoon Network and Pogo’s operations in India spanning programming, marketing, public relations, production, research and licensing to drive the channels’ business initiatives and revenue growth.

    What’s more, as part of her portfolio, Tata is also responsible for the development and launch of Galli Galli Sim Sim, the localised version of the revolutionary TV series, Sesame Street, on Turner’s entertainment networks. In addition, she will continue to oversee advertising sales for Cartoon Network, Pogo, CNN and HBO.

    In a chat with Indiantelevision.com’s Hetal Adesara, Tata speaks on the Disney – Hungama alliance as well as Turner’s plans to stay on top… no matter what!

    Excerpts:

    How has last year been compared to the previous year in terms of revenues?
    Year on year, Turner International India has been showing outstanding performances, whether it is in terms of channel shares or revenues. 2005 was a fantastic year. From an ad sales perspective, we grew by 25 per cent and the combined growth between Cartoon Network and Pogo was about 30 per cent.

    We established ourselves in numerous spaces. For example, from a sales perspective, we expanded our base of advertisers when we decided to go into the retail advertising strategy. As a result of this, we added nearly 56 new clients to our portfolio.

    From a network perspective, we further consolidated our position as being the number one and number two kids channels. We came up with huge amount of initiatives on the content and marketing sides. For Cartoon Network, we did the Powerpuff Generation contest and Toon Cricket event. Last year, we had the biggest phenomenon in kids’ programming – Beyblade, which sort of changed the game for us in the market from a content and licensing point of view.

    As far as Pogo is concerned, we had Pogo Funtakshari and Pogo Amazing Kids Awards. We also launched quite a few original productions, which is a clear focus for us even this year.

    We did shows like M.A.D and Bam! Bam! Bam! Gir Pade Hum. Apart from that, we also launched a couple of Indian acquisitions likeKhichdi and Karma. Shaktiman, of course, was not launched last year, but it continued to reinforce our position in that aspect as we wanted to ensure that Pogo was seen as a channel for kids and families.

    From a marketing point of view, we supported all of this. We had a huge amount of on-air and off air activities for Join the Powerpuff Generation and Pogo Amazing Kids Awards.

    As far as licensing business goes, we launched a new range of products. We had started out with a seven categories and then introduced more than 30 product categories. In the licensing business, we had our brands like Johnny Bravo, Powerpuff Girls and Dexter and, of course, Beyblade was added on when it became a huge phenomenon.

    All this kept reinforcing to everyone around and also within the company that we need to keep consolidating and moving on. And, that is what we have been doing very successfully in 2005. Overall, in Turner India, between Cartoon Network and Pogo, we have created new benchmarks for ourselves so that we are able to better that in the coming years.

    What percentage does the licensing and merchandising business contribute to the company’s overall revenues in India?
    Merchandising has recently become big for us. While the division was always there, it was only last year that we came out in a big way by bringing out more categories and consolidation began. We’ve shown a 50 per cent growth so far from a year on year perspective.

    At the moment, this business contributes about 10 per cent to our bottomline, but it’s still tip of the iceberg. The potential is huge with the retail business becoming big in the country and everyone focusing on it. This is one area, which is going to get a huge push by the network in India in the coming years.

    Can you give us a breakup of the revenue contribution of the four Turner channels in India – Cartoon Network, Pogo, HBO and CNN?
    I can’t share the exact figures, but each channel’s positioning is very different. Cartoon Network and Pogo are very focused on the kids entertainment space. HBO is clearly targeted towards upwardly mobile English speaking individuals and CNN has its own distinctive positioning.

    In their individual space, we are leaders when compared to nearest competitors; whether it is in terms of revenue or channel share. CNN’s positioning is more driven with high networked individuals.

    Collectively, we have done extremely well and have shown year on year growth. As a network we have grown by 30 per cent.
    ‘On our merchandising business, we have shown a 50% growth so far from a year on year perspective‘

    HBO recently hiked its ad rates. What prompted this decision?
    This decision was basically based on the demand and supply graph. As the market grows, so does demand. Whereas the supply is limited as there are not too many players of HBO’s reckoning in the market.

    HBO is the leader of the pack amongst the few channels that exist in the space. And, because HBO has been strengthening its positioning through its content as well, it made sense to come out and consolidate our rate strategy. That’s when we decided that it was time to take the next step and increase the rates. It makes the game a little more interesting.

    Going forward, is there going to be any change in strategy in selling HBO?
    The strategy is pretty much the same. We are focusing on client solutions and integration. Selling time is generic across every channel. But we are looking at bringing additional value to the table for our clients. Our team comes up with ideas and strategies and we go to the client as a problem solver rather than telling them about our channel and rates and asking them to buy it.

    We’ve come up with some great creatively integrated solutions for Titan Xylus, which revolved around Titan’s positioning statement for their brand. So the movie selection, packaging and promotion happened accordingly. The client also felt good about it because there was clearly a distinction that we brought to the table. We have also done similar initiatives for Pepsi TV and are in the process of finalizing something for Marico’s Parachute.

    We keep adding brands and coming up with integrated creative solutions for clients.

    What is going to be your strategy to improve ad sales across the bouquet?
    Ad sales is a critical function. Improvisation on every strategy whether it is ad sales, programming or marketing is always important. The whole objective is to keep bettering what has been done before. Our internal mantra is: we are our own competitors.

    Keeping that in mind, the strategy really is to focus and come up with the best marketing solutions for clients and to be seen more as a partner in the game rather than creating a them-versus-us situation. We try to see wherever a partnership can be further consolidated and figure out how to bring the best value to a client. At the same time not losing focus on what you think is value for your brand.

    So whether it is Cartoon Network, Pogo, HBO or CNN, the distinction we bring to the table is the solution providing techniques or approaches we have.

    With CNN, for example, we did this exercise with the department of tourism. We created six films for them where we needed to identify certain genres to highlight facts about Indian tourism in the international market. Such initiatives make the difference.

    With the news channels space opening up in the last couple of years, how is CNN perceived in the market versus earlier when there was not much competition in India?
    I think the perception is still the same that CNN is a global leader. CNN clearly brings that value to the table wherein it is an international news channel. We are not even in the space of competing with Indian channels and we don’t consider them as competitors. Our position is clearly distinctive and the clients we go and talk to are the people who are looking for international audiences and not so much the Indian audiences. That’s where the clear distinction lies.

    For us, it’s not about what the other news channels are doing because that’s not where we are placing ourselves. With all the surveys that we have done globally and at the Asia Pacific level, CNN is the clear leader in every aspect. That’s where our positioning stands and will continue to.

    What are the properties on each channels – Cartoon Network, Pogo, CNN and HBO – that you believe will drive revenues in the next fiscal?
    We have so many of them. As a channel per se, when you take kids into account, Cartoon Network will have a clear focus on better content coupled with marketing support, more communications techniques and mediums. Between Cartoon Network and Pogo, that’s where the consolidation will happen.

    For HBO again, better content and hence better integrated solutions to clients will be able to drive growth apart from the rate increase that will drive revenues. The same goes for CNN as well. The strategy remains the same.
    For Cartoon Network and Pogo we have defined three pillars, which are: content, creativity and choice. This will be coupled with innovation as well.

    So if we say content is king, then innovation is key. That is important because in today’s dynamic environment where there is so much of choice, if you’re not going to be different then you will be left behind. So, how you make yourself different is not found in just one big Black Book. The difference lies in every aspect of how we do our business.

    In Cartoon Network and Pogo’s case, we’ve been around for the last 10 years and in these 10 years we were in a monopolistic environment so we were obviously number one then. But even in a multi-layered environment we have still maintained our leadership position.

    Therein lies the answer and speaks volumes about our credibility and what we bring to the table. We know the kids best, we listen to them and going by what we hear, we replicate what we have on-air. Those are the things which will continue to be our focus in the coming years.

    You have recently been given added responsibility of overseeing programming, marketing, production, research and licensing to drive Cartoon Network and Pogo’s business initiatives and revenue growth. Are there any new initiatives or new revenue generating areas that you are looking at in the kids’ space?
    Like I said, we believe we are our own competitors and we will be focused on what we think is best so as to take it to the next level.

    New media is going to be a huge focus in India in the coming years. We will be seeing how we can leverage that — whether it is wireless or dotcom – and how we can integrate them in our portfolio.

    Our products and licensing division too has huge potential. It is our philosophy that Cartoon Network and Pogo are super brands in the kids’ entertainment space and we have consolidated our position in the last 10 years. But how do we take our experience of television, outside of television is what this division will help us to. This will create multiple touch points for our brands. From television to a bus stop, mall, shop and a theme park, Cartoon Network will be omnipresent. At every level, wherever you are, your brand will be there and that’s the kind of experiential marketing is what we will be focusing on.

    When will the branded theme parks be ready in India?
    We are launching Pogo Planet first by mid-next year and the Cartoon Network theme park will be launched by the end of 2007.

    What do you think about the recent buyout of Hungama by Disney? How will it impact the overall kids’ channels’ space in India?
    Actually this consolidation is something that we were expecting. In fact, we were expecting it earlier. This doesn’t come to us as a surprise because when you have to deal with well entrenched players, you need things like this to happen.

    That said and done, we will not change our strategy, our thinking and how we want to deal with our business. Those cannot be based on other people’s strategies or on changing market dynamics. We will do what we think is best for us because that’s where our forte lies. We will continue to re-invent and keep pushing the envelope as much as we can to maintain our leadership position.

    All said and done, Disney will now be in a better position in the space and Hungama is a strong brand. How do you see the kids’ channels’ market changing with this development?
    I think fragmentation is a reality and that’s something every genre has experienced in these 10 years of the cable and satellite boom in the country. And what is interesting to know is that despite the fragmentation happening in the kids space, we are still maintaining our leadership position. I just want to reiterate to everyone that just don’t forget that we have been here for 10 years and you can’t overnight come up with something, which our experience has build for us.

    Secondly, in a fragmented environment, managing leadership position is a challenge. So while people have come in and taken a bit of share, within that itself we are in the number one and two positions. In terms of audience shares, the analysis that we do is based on what the industry benchmarks are in terms of a 24 hour channel share. You can’t have an analysis based on specific markets and time bands and say you’re number one!

    While we are still the leaders, we are not being complacent about it. We are rolling out many new initiatives and of course our biggest launch this year is going to be Galli Galli Sim Sim. That’s taking the whole association with Sesame Workshop to the next level. It is going to change the whole game, not only in terms of television viewing but also in terms of education in the country.

    These things are only going to consolidate our position in the kids’ channels’ space.
    Have you seen any new brands/categories coming in the kids space?
    Over the last few years we have seen a huge shift of focus in brands that we used to call originally non-traditional advertisers, who one would have thought would not come on to a television channel — whether it is the banking sector, financial sector or personal products. Now over the last year or so, the lines between the traditional and nontraditional have blurred.

    Even now about 35 per cent of my audience base is adults. So, we are talking to them too and you will see a lot of advertisers who are not just selling confectioneries, sweets and candies. We have grown our advertiser base and that’s where the opportunity lies – how do you increase the pie by tapping into other genres of advertising.

    Clients like L’oreal, TVS, Citibank, ING Vyasa, P&G and Levers brands like Clinic All Clear and Surf have come on to our kids’ channels.
    And what about HBO?
    HBO again has seen a huge shift in advertisers. The base has expanded. Telecom and financial sectors have been new additions, which we have managed to pull away from the English news genre.
    What are the challenges involved in selling a channel where decisions are based to a degree on perception in the absence of high ratings as in HBO?
    It is about managing perceptions and managing clients’ expectations. These are key to brands like HBO. As you rightly said, these are not sold on ratings but on the environment you’re buying into, the value you’re bringing for the brand and on how you’re able to differentiate the buy on the channel versus a rating driven channel.

    Relationship building is another important aspect in the market, which is a big connect that we have in the market across all the brands we represent. While HBO has been a recent entrant in our lives, between Cartoon Network and Pogo, we have built many relationships in the industry. Our aim is to always find ways to consolidate our relationships in the market.
  • Cartoon Network wins ‘Superbrands 2014-15’ in Satellite Channel – Children category

    Cartoon Network wins ‘Superbrands 2014-15’ in Satellite Channel – Children category

    MUMBAI: Cartoon Network,home of the biggest and most iconic cartoon shows and characters, has once again been named a ‘Superbrand’ by consumers and the independent Superbrands Council Members of India.

     

    Cartoon Network emerged as the leading brand in the category ‘Satellite Channel – Children’ for the year 2014 – 2015. Infact, Cartoon Network received a net score of 8 out of 10, rankingit amongst the top 10% of all brands across all categories in India.The channel reclaims the title, having won the accolade in the same category in 2012 – 2013.

     

    Siddharth Jain, Managing Director, South Asia, Turner International India Pvt. Ltd. commented on this achievement by saying: “We are very pleased that Cartoon Network continues to not only be the highest rated channel within the kids’ genre but has also earned great brand value and loyalty with its audience. Being awarded by Superbrandsyet again is truly an honour.”

     

    The network’s success is built on top-rating series such as Roll No. 21, Oggy and the Cockroaches, Adventure Time and Steven Universe as well as perennial favourites like Tom and Jerry and Ben 10. Siddharth continued, “These franchises are proven hits and, as we make headway into our 20th anniversary, they’ll be complemented by some exciting new comedies. We’ll also be announcing some big-name acquisitions and adding more locally-produced animation to our line-up.”

     

    Lastly, acknowledging the efforts of the India team, Siddharth said, “As a global media conglomerate, we couldn’t be more thrilled that Turner India is the only network to have both its channels as leaders within the same genre. It gives us great pride to know that a young brand like POGO was a close runner for Super brand and missed it by a whisker.I am extremely proud of the teams and would like to congratulate them for their passion for thebrands that has led to this success.”

     

    Superbrands is an independent global organization that selects winning brands basedon their excellent work. The selection is done by thousands of consumers, highly reckoned professionals from the Indian advertising, media, marketing and corporate world.

  • Film Studio and Theme Parks buoy The Walt Disney Co third quarter: Cable Networks op inc down 7 %

    Film Studio and Theme Parks buoy The Walt Disney Co third quarter: Cable Networks op inc down 7 %

    BENGALURU:  The Walt Disney Company Inc (Disney) reported 15.1 per cent growth in operating income (Op Inc) in the quarter ended 28 June 2014 (Q3-2014) to $3857 million as compared to $3351 million reported in the year ago quarter ended 29 June 2014 (Q3-2014). The company reported 7.7 per cent rise in all revenues to $12466 million in Q3-2014 from $11578 million in Q3-2013.

     

    Five segments contribute to Disney’s numbers – Media Networks; Parks and resorts; Studio entertainment; Consumer products; and Interactive.

     

    Media Networks

     

    The company’s Media Network segment is the largest in terms of contribution to overall revenue and Op Inc. This segment consists of two sub-segments – Cable Networks and Broadcasting.

     

    Disney’s Media Network segment reported 3 per cent rise in revenue from $5352 million (46.2 per cent of all revenues) in Q1-2013 to $5511 million (44.2 per cent of all revenues) in Q1-2014. Op Inc dropped marginally by 0.2 per cent from $2300 million (68.6 per cent of overall Op Inc) in Q1-2013 to $2296 million (59.5 per cent of overall Op Inc) in Q3-2014.

     

    Despite a 1.5 per cent increase in its revenues in Q3-2014 at $3,942 million from $3884 million in Q3-2013, the Cable Networks sub-segment reported 6.9 per cent lower Op Inc at $1942 from $2087 in Q3-2013. Broadcasting reported 6.9 per cent growth in revenue from $1468 million in Q3-2013 to $1,569 million in Q3-2014. The sub-segment’s Op Inc increased 66.2 per cent to $345 million in Q3-2014 from $213 million in the year ago quarter.

     

    Breaking the revenues of the Media networks segment to Affiliate fees, advertising and other, Affiliate fees registered 1.2 per cent increase to $2845 million in the current quarter from $2810 million in Q3-2013. The segment’s advertising revenue in Q3-2014 went up 5.2 per cent to $2142 million from $2047 million in Q3-2013. ‘Other’ revenue in the current quarter went up to $525 million from $504 million reported in Q3-2013.

     

     Explaining the breakup of revenues from the Media network’s segment, Disney says the 1.2 per cent increase in Affiliate Fee revenue was primarily due to increases of 6 per cent from higher contractual rates, partially offset by decreases of 3 per cent from lower recognition of previously deferred revenue at ESPN as a result of changes in contractual  provisions related to annual programming commitments and 2 per cent due to the sale of its ESPN UK business in the fourth quarter  of the prior year. During the quarter, ESPN recognised $176 million of previously deferred revenue compared to $274 million in Q3-2013.

     

    The 5.2 increase in advertising revenues was due to increases of $86 million at Cable Networks, from $1,001 million to $1,087 million, and $19 million at Broadcasting, from $1,036 million to $1,055 million. The increase at Cable Networks was driven by a 6 per cent increase from higher rates and a 3 per cent increase from more units sold, partially offset by a 1 per cent decrease due to lower ratings.

     

    The increase at Broadcasting reflected a 4 per cent increase from higher primetime and news ratings and a 1 per cent increase due to higher primetime rates, partially offset by a 4 per cent decrease due to fewer units sold.

     

    The increase in other revenue was driven by higher programme sales led by Devious Maids and Marvel’s Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D., partially offset by lower sales of Army Wives

     

    Parks and Resorts

     

    Disney’s Parks and resorts segment reported 8.2 per cent growth in y-o-y revenue to $3980 million (31.8 per cent of all revenue) in Q3-2014 from $3678 million (31.9 per cent of all revenue) in Q3-2013. This segment’s Op Inc grew 23.1 per cent to $848 million (22 per cent of overall Op Inc) in Q3-2014 from $689 million (20.6 per cent of overall Op Inc) in Q3-2013.

     

    Domestic (within the US) revenue grew 9.8 per cent to $3290 million in Q3-2014 from $2995 million in the year ago quarter.  Disney’s Parks and resorts segment’s international revenue grew 1 per cent to $690 million in the current quarter from $683 million in Q3-2013.

     

    Disney says that revenue growth of 10 per cent at is domestic operations reflected a 7 per cent increase from higher average guest spending and a 2 per cent increase from higher volumes.

     

    Revenue growth of 1 per cent at Disney’s international operations reflected a 4 per cent increase from higher average guest spending and a 2 per cent increase due to the impact of foreign currency translation, partially offset by a 3 per cent decrease from lower volumes and a 2 per cent decrease due to lower Disneyland Paris special event revenue says the company.

     

    Studio Entertainment

     

    Disney’s Studio entertainment segment reported 13.6 per cent jump in revenue in Q3-2014 at $1807 million (14.5 per cent of all revenue) from $1590 million (13.7 per cent of all revenue) in Q3-2013. This segment reported more than double (2.04 times) growth in Op Inc in Q3-2014 to $411 million (10.7 per cent of overall revenue)  from $201 million (6 per cent of overall revenue) in Q3-2013.

     

    Three sub-segments of the Studio entertainment segment contribute to Disney’s revenue – Theatrical distribution; Home entertainment; and TV/SVOD distribution and other.

     

    Theatrical distribution segment reported 1.1 per cent fall in revenue from $761 million in Q3-2013 to $753 million in Q3-2014. The Home entertainment segment reported a phenomenal revenue growth of 45.8 per cent to $398 million in Q3-2014 from $273 million in Q3-2013. Disney’s TV/SVOD distribution and other sub-segment reported 18 per cent revenue growth in the current quarter to $656 million in Q3-2014 from $556 million in the year ago quarter.

     

    The company says that theatrical distribution revenue remained relatively flat reflecting the worldwide performance of Marvel’s Captain America 2: The Winter Soldier and Maleficent as well as the international performance of Frozen compared to the worldwide performance of Marvel’s Iron Man 3 and Monsters University in the prior-year quarter.

     

    Higher Home entertainment revenue reflected a 30 per cent increase from higher average net effective pricing and a 19 per cent increase from higher unit sales. Higher pricing was driven by the current quarter sales mix of new releases, which have a higher relative sales price compared to catalogue titles, reflecting the success of Frozen. Increased unit sales reflected the performance of Frozen in Q3-2014 compared to Oz The Great And Powerful and Wreck-It Ralph in Q4-2013.

     

    The increase in television and subscription video on demand (TV/SVOD) distribution and other revenue reflected an increase of 24 per cent from other revenues, partially offset by a decrease of 6 per cent from lower TV/SVOD revenue.

     

    Higher other revenues reflected an increase at Lucasfilm’s special effects business, higher stage play revenues due to more productions in Q3-2014 and higher music distribution revenues reflecting the success of the Frozen soundtrack. The company attributes the decrease in TV/SVOD revenue to lower domestic TV/SVOD sales reflecting a sale of library titles in Q3-2013.

     

    Consumer Products

     

    Disney’s Consumer products segment reported 16.4 per cent increase in revenue in Q3-2014 to $902 million (7.2 per cent of all revenues) from $775 million (6.7 per cent of all revenues) in Q3-2013. This segment reported 24.7 per cent hike in Op Inc to $273 million (7.1 per cent of overall Op Inc) in Q3-2014 from $219 million (6.7 per cent of overall Op Inc) in Q3-2013. This segment has two revenue streams – licensing and publishing (licensing); and retail and other (retail).

     

     Retail sub-segment reported 11.6 per cent growth in revenue from $525 million in the year ago quarter to $586 million in Q3-2014. Retail sub-segment reported 26.4 per cent revenue growth to $316 million in the current quarter from $250 million in Q3-2013.

     

    Disney explains that the 11.6 per cent increase in licensing and publishing revenue was driven by the performance of merchandise based on Frozen, Disney Channel properties, Spider-Man and Planes, partially offset by lower performance of Monsters University merchandise. Licensing also benefited from lower acquisition accounting impacts, which reduced revenue recognition in the prior-year quarter.

     

    The 26.4 per cent increase in retail and other revenue was from our retail business, which was driven by comparable store sales growth in all its key markets. Retail revenue growth also benefited from higher online sales in North America and Europe and a new wholesale distribution business in North America.

     

     Interactive

     

    Disney’s Interactive segment reported more than double the revenue (2.1 times) of $266 million (2.1 per cent of all income) in Q3-2014, up from $125 million (1.6 per cent of all income) in Q1-2013. This segment reported positive Op Inc in the current quarter at $29 million as compared to a loss of $58 million in Q3-2013.

     

    Interactive segment comprises two sub-segments – Gaming; and other content.

     

    Disney’s Interactive segment’s gaming sub-segment reported revenue of $204 million in Q3-2014, up 63.2 per cent at $204 million from $125 million. The other content sub-segment reported Q3-2014 revenue of $62 million as compared to the $58 million in Q3-2013.

     

    Disney says that game revenues grew due to increases of 45 per cent from sales of console games and 28 per cent from social/mobile games revenue. The increase in sales of console games was due to the continued success of Disney Infinity compared to no new releases in the prior-year quarter and higher licensing revenues reflecting the performance of Lego Marvel Super Heroes and Amazing Spider-Man 2.

     

    The increase in social/mobile games revenue was due to the performance of Frozen Free Fall and Tsum Tsum.  Higher revenue from other content was due to higher licensing fees from our mobile phone business in Japan.

     

    “Our strategy of building strong brands and franchises continues to create great value across our company,” said Disney chairmen and CEO Robert A. Iger. “This quarter we delivered the highest EPS in the company’s history, and we’ve now generated greater EPS in the first three quarters of FY 2014 than we have in any previous full fiscal year. We’re extremely pleased with these results and we are also thrilled with the spectacular performance of Guardians of the Galaxy, which holds great promise as a new franchise for our company and once again reinforces the tremendous value of Marvel.”

     

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  • Nick attributes ratings glory to growth of home grown IPs

    Nick attributes ratings glory to growth of home grown IPs

    MUMBAI: Every Thursday broadcasters face the litmus test, when TAM releases its TV ratings for the previous week. The anxiousness which the broadcasters experience is no less than that of the school kid praying to simply pass in the examination.

     

    Well, one such ‘kid’ is reaping the fruits of its constant push and attempt at engaging with its kiddie audience. The mainstay of the kids’ cluster from Viacom – Nick – has followed a very simple but effective strategy to slowly claw its way past competition to the top of the food chain in the past two weeks.

     

    Click here to read the full story

  • Ajay Devgan and Chhota Bheem to fight evil together on POGO

    Ajay Devgan and Chhota Bheem to fight evil together on POGO

    MUMBAI: Adding momentum to innovation, POGO has partnered with upcoming Bollywood movie Singham 2 to create a special TV presentation with Ajay Devgan and Chhota Bheem. The special titled Dholakpur Ka Singham will air on 09 August at 10:30AM only on POGO.

     

    The 90 minute TV special will have the honest police officer, Bajirao Singham share his experience about his visit to Dholakpur. Audiences can look forward to loads of action, dialogue-baazi and ‘roaring’ fun when Bajirao Singham meets Bheem. The heroes will also be seen showing off their clever ways of fighting evil and protecting their beloved citizens against danger.

     

    Commenting on Chhota Bheem and Dholakpurka Singham, Bollywood mega star Ajay Devgan said, “Chhota Bheem has become a sensation across the country. He and Bajirao Singham have a lot in common. They both fight against evil and stand up for what is right. My son is a huge fan of Chhota Bheem!”

     

    Quoting a line from Dholakpur ka Singham, Ajay Devgan added, “Dholakpuraur gaon ke badmaashon, bachke!! Kyuki… Aali re aali, aata tujhe baari aali.”

     

    Krishna Desai, Ex. Director & Network Head – Kids, South Asia, Turner International India Pvt. Ltd. said, “Bajirao Singham a.k.a Ajay Devgan is a super-cop who has become a hero for kids across the country. The huge fan-following that Chhota Bheem and Ajay Devgan share, is sure to make this venture successful and highly entertaining!”

     

    Kids can also be a part of this Bheem and Bajiroa’s adventure by winning amazing POGO prizes! All they have to do is tune-in to Dholakpurka Singham on 09 August, 10:30 AM onwards and participate in the contest.

  • Nickelodeon and Sonic drive away the Back to School Blues

    Nickelodeon and Sonic drive away the Back to School Blues

    MUMBAI: Dealing with back-to-school blues with your kids? Nickelodeon is around to ease the stress. The kids’ franchise, comprising of Nick, Sonic, Nick Jr. and Teen Nick, will make school time happy time by bringing kids favourite Nickelodeon toons straight into the classrooms. Nickelodeon is geared up to take interactivity and engagement to a whole new level with their latest back-to-school programme starting August. The kids cluster intends to engage 600 schools across 19 cities over the next 6-8 weeks.

     

    Nickelodeon, the store-house of comedy where “Funny Rules”, will introduce ‘Nickelodeon Class Mein Blast Co-Presented by Ranbaxy Chericof’. This new campaign will get its three musketeers; Motu Patlu, Pakdam Pakdai and Ninja Hattori out of television and into 400 schools across 11 cities to ensure that kids in schools are welcomed back with a bang! Nickelodeon will host fun activities inculcating values around friendship and team-building, characteristics that are synonymous with the Nicktoons. The channel takes the campaign on-air by inviting kids to watch the channel from 6 PM to 7:30 PM, answer simple questions and win exciting Nick goodies. The channel is also airing fresh episodes of the three light hearted comedy shows to entertain kids when they get back home from school.

     

    Sonic, the destination for real action and adventure, is pumping in the adrenalin with its school campaign ‘Sonic Be the Ranger’. Power Rangers will be travelling across 200 schools in 8 cities engaging kids through activities that truly bring out the real ranger in kids. With the aim of inculcating bravery and courage in kids, Sonic has appointed a fitness instructor for each of the classroom sessions to teach school children some cool moves around self-defence. To take this engagement on-air, the channel is inviting kids to come and watch ‘Power Rangers’ from 1 pm to 2 pm every day, answer simple questions and win prizes. Sonic has also introduced fresh content including the new series ‘Extreme Football’. The show follows the adventures of five teams of teenagers who compete every weekend in an extreme football tournament.

     

    Speaking about the campaigns, Viacom18 Media EVP and business head, kids cluster Nina Elavia Jaipuria said, “The Nickelodeon franchise believes in the Touch, Play and Feel mantra and keeping this at the core of all that we do, we have taken the adorable Nickelodeon and Sonic characters out of the television sets and brought them into the real, day to day environment of the kids. With this large experiential campaign we are sure to bring more laughter and fun to school time.”

     

    The six week long school activity on Nickelodeon and Sonic will traverse over 19 cities covering Mumbai, Delhi, Chennai, Bangalore, Jaipur, Bhopal, Indore, Lucknow, Kanpur, Ghaziabad, Kolkata, Allahabad, Varanasi, Aurangabad, Chandigarh, Nagpur, Meerut, Pune and Nasik. Nickelodeon Class Mein Blast has been co-presented by Ranbaxy Chericof with associate sponsors Hajmola Chuzkara, Dabur Red Toothpaste and Act II and Sonic Be the Ranger campaign has associate sponsors Dabur Red Toothpaste and Act II.

     

    Nickelodeon has fresh interactivity for its digital audience as well and will celebrate Friendship Day on www.nickindia.com and on social media through https://www.facebook.com/nickindia by exciting kids to create an online “Buddy Book” with pictures of their friends.

     

    In addition, Sonic is introducing the ‘Which Turtle Are You?’ activity on www.sonicgang.com and on its social page https://www.facebook.com/sonicgang. Fans will be able to participate in contests and win cool exciting Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles goodies.

  • ‘Kahani Masters’: In search of a storyteller

    ‘Kahani Masters’: In search of a storyteller

    MUMBAI: Give a paper and a pen to a child and he/she will surprise you. The curious-young minds grasping everything around them have thousands of stories to tell.

     

    And who better will be able to understand this than the brand, most kids relate to? Disney channel through its new initiative titled ‘Kahani Masters’ is giving these young minds a chance to tell their story to the whole wide world.

     

    Targeted at the kids between the age-group of four-14 years, the eight month long initiative extends its philosophy of four main key values that are: express yourself, believe in yourself, follow your dreams and celebrate family.

     

    Elaborating on the thorough process behind the initiative Disney India executive director – marketing for kids channels, consumer products, retail, publishing and franchise, Bikram Duggal says, “Disney channel wants to help kids’ grow. If kids grow up believing in themselves, then they can find solutions. Creativity and imagination is the start of being a confident human being.”

     

    As part of ‘Kahani Masters’, all one has to do is to let their imagination free and write a story of their choice and send. The entries will be judged by Dhimant Vyas (veteran animation film designer) and Vaibhav Kumaresh (credited for making Jet Set Go’s animation promos). The five best stories will be made into a short film.  

     

    For this, the network has associated itself with one of the biggest animation company, Toonz Animation. The selected five children will go to the company’s headquarters in Trivandrum, where they will undergo a three-day workshop with the top animators. The youngsters will then direct the animators on how their stories should unfold. The idea behind ‘Kahani Masters’ is that it will help polish the flair of storytelling and detailing in kids.

     

    The competition, which began on 14 July and run till 12 August, will be riding high on school children’s hopes across six cities. The initiative is being promoted across all Disney network as well as YouTube and Facebook. The channel will be spending 50-60 per cent of the total cost in marketing the initiative.

     

    Come September, and ‘Kahaani Masters’ will enter the next level. The five selected stories will move into production phase, where the work of the kids will be converted in to full-fledged animation of two to three minutes. The movie will then see a grand premiere on Disney Channel in January 2015.

     

    “With the wonderful partnership with Disney – the unparalleled story tellers in this segment, we are sure we will be able to tickle the creative bones of the kids all over the country and give them an opportunity to tell their stories and make them come to life through the powerful medium of animation,” says Toonz Animation CEO Jay Kumar.

     

    So, all the kids out there let your imagination go wild and write an original story to mesmerise the world.

  • Nickelodeon takes its toons outside TV

    Nickelodeon takes its toons outside TV

    MUMBAI: There are no second thoughts when we say that India is a significant player in the ever growing consumer products and brand licensing market.  Reports peg the brand licensing market globally at close to $ 150 billion at retail, while India contributes $450 million. And banking on this is Viacom18’s consumer products business which sees a massive growth in kids’ merchandise and products space.

     

    While ramping up core categories like toys, apparel, footwear, back to school, eyewear, publishing and accessories for its Nick brands, Viacom18’s consumer products aims to accelerate and build its toons outside broadcast through promotional licensing model. Reason: the network aims to leverage Nickelodeon’s popular kids’ brands to support the promotional requirements of client brands that typically have mothers or families as their media audience and kids and tweens as end consumers.

     

    To kick start this strategic thrust, Viacom18’s consumer product business has partnered with Domino’s, the fast food chain in the country, to launch the first ever ‘Junior’s Joy Box Meal’, to cater to kids’ taste buds and their love for toys alike.

     

    As part of the partnership, families that order ‘Junior’s Joy Box Meal’ for their kids from the nearest Domino’s Pizza outlet can take home Nickelodeon’s popular Nicktoon and SpongeBob Squarepants merchandises.

     

    Priced at Rs 99 per meal, the box includes a slice of pizza, a few breadsticks seasoned with oregano, a rainbow sprinkled custard desert and a mango based beverage.

     

    So why did the network lock the deal with brand Dominos? “Dominos is the number one QSR (Quick Service Restaurant) in its category. Given its reach and popularity we chose to partner with it. We wanted to go beyond the broadcast space while Dominos wanted to associate with a strong and reputed brand like Viacom18,” answers Viacom18 Media head – consumer products Saugato Bhowmik.

     

    According to him, Viacom18 is very selective while partnering with a brand. “The network’s internal preference was Dominos,” he adds.

     

    The three-month deal which was rolled out in May 2014 will be on till September. “Kids loved this since apart from the customised ready meal they are getting an attractive figurine of SpongeBob,” says Bhowmik.

     

    According to him, SpongeBob was a natural fit for the choice of merchandise, because of its happy, cheerful and optimistic characteristics. SpongeBob Squarepants is an extremely popular toon amongst both, kids and adults, “Hence this partnership with Domino’s is set to gain much traction,” hopes Bhowmik.

     

    The association is being supported by 360 degree marketing campaign. This partnership brings two brands together to deliver a product that can be enjoyed, not just by the kids but parents as well.

     

    The network has taken the route of mass marketing to promote this deal starting with a TVC that is being aired on all its channels. Going forward, they are also looking at meet and greets with the children and the toons across India.

     

    According to Domino’s Pizza India VP marketing Harneet Singh Rajpal, Junior’s Joy Box as a product was created to broaden the full meal options for kids, who are already a part of their consumer base. “With our new product, we are also giving out SpongeBob Squarepants as a package during the launch phase.”

     

    Rajpal believes that tying up with Nick gives them an added advantage as it creates higher level of engagement and attraction amongst kids.  

     

    For Bhowmik the deal has helped them go beyond television and bring the famous toons closer to kids. Moreover, the network claims to have achieved three times more business targets that it had even aimed at.

     

    The network has a global partnership out of its international office in the US for ‘Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles’ which is available with the McDonald’s Happy Meal.