ITV

Category: Kids

  • Green Gold wins ‘Licensor of the Year’ Award

    Green Gold wins ‘Licensor of the Year’ Award

    MUMBAI: Green Gold Licensing & Merchandising has been awarded the ‘Licensor of the Year 2013’ at the eighth Star Retail Awards held in New Delhi. This is the second consecutive time that Green Gold’s licensing business has been recognised for its unique efforts.

    The Star Retailer Awards is a place which witnesses the coming together of the whole retail industry to celebrate and honour the best performers. The awards are presented by Franchise India Holdings.

    “This is the second successive year that Green Gold has achieved this recognition. We are really honoured and the star of the entire programme is Chhota Bheem. Three years back we had to put in a lot of efforts to set the licensing division and today with 100 + licensees on board, Green Gold is a big force to reckon with. Our aim is to continue bringing in the best products for Chhota Bheem fans and grow the licensing market in India. We have also signed up new licenses for Mighty Raju, our other show on Pogo,” said Sourcing & Licensing vice president Madhav Prabhala.

     

    Green Gold is the creator and producer of the hit series’ Chhota Bheem, Mighty Raju, Luv Kushh, Chorr Police, Krishna Balram on kids’ TV and cinema. Apart from licensing, the company is into animation, merchandising, franchising stores, gaming application development and movies.

    “With the licensing sector getting organised and process driven, we are happy with our growth and we thank all our licensees for being a part of our growth. We would like to sincerely thank the Franchise India team and the Jury for acknowledging and appreciating our efforts,” said Green Gold executive director Samir Jain.

  • Play with Chhota Bheem on Windows smartphones and tablets

    Play with Chhota Bheem on Windows smartphones and tablets

    NEW DELHI: The animation character Chhota Bheem is coming on the Windows platform with his gang on the ‘Play with Chhota Bheem’ app.

    With the introduction of the brand new app on Windows 8 and Windows Phone, children can interact with Chhota Bheem via fun games and other interactive content.

    The app has been designed as children love the eminently lovable Chhota Bheem. It will show Chhota Bheem’s mood change with each tap of a finger, dancing and singing, and will help kids hone their learning skills along the way with games like ‘Memory game’, ‘Bulls-Eye challenge’ and a set of jigsaw puzzles. With every level that they complete successfully, kids can unlock Chhota Bheem’s most popular moves – ranging from juggling and eating laddoos to pulling the moon down to earth.

    Talking about the app, Green Gold Animation VP – business development Govinda Talluri said, “Our association with Microsoft goes a long way and we are committed to work more closely with them in future to bring our hugely popular kids icon Chhota Bheem closer to kids. We are confident that our latest offering for Windows 8 and Windows Phone – ‘Play With Chhota Bheem’ will be loved by all the kids.”

    On the partnership with Green Gold Animation, Microsoft Corporation India director – Evangelism Harish Vaidyanathan said, “We are proud to partner with Green Gold Animation to create this engaging and interactive app for children. This app is available exclusively on Windows 8 and Windows Phone, underlining our commitment to bringing unique app experiences on the Windows platform. We are sure that kids will enjoy the app greatly.”

    This app can be downloaded on the Windows Phone 8. The Kid’s Corner feature on Windows Phone 8 allows you to store apps and other content meant for children separately that can be accessed by swiping left from the lock screen of the phone.

  • Disney India goes brave with ‘Vir: The Robot Boy’

    Disney India goes brave with ‘Vir: The Robot Boy’

    MUMBAI: Riding on the immense popularity of Chota Bheem and Motlu Patlu comes one more animation series with the ‘made in India’ tag.

    Launching on Hungama TV on 9 November and created by Maya Digital Studio, Vir: The Robot Boy, is a sci-fi animation that promises to tickle the kids’ funny bone while teaching them a lesson or two about life.

    With Vir, we intend to build further on the weekend slot by bringing engaging and relevant shows on Saturday as well exults Prabhu

    Waxing eloquent about ‘India’s first animated fiction show’, Maya Digital Studio managing director and chairman Ketan Mehta says: “It has been made on a big scale. It has multiple characters and a well-developed storyline revolving around the central character, Vir, a young boy who is a robot with all human emotions instilled in him.”

    Hungama, which has recently had a makeover, wanted to introduce fresh new programming that embodies its mischievous, youthful spirit. And what better than the weekend to bring in the new series!

    “Currently, we have Ninja Warriors on Sunday, which is performing exceedingly well and is a favourite among kids. With Vir, we intend to build further on the weekend slot by bringing engaging and relevant shows on Saturday as well,” exults Disney UTV director, programming, Kids Network, Devika Prabhu.

    Vir: The Robot Boy is set in the heart of Delhi and takes viewers through the wonderful journey of Vir, the robot, created by brilliant scientist Dr Prem Sahay. The extremely intelligent, extra emotional and fearlessly funny Vir manages to stay out of harm’s way, but not without some hilarious moments and a lot of help from his two sidekicks.

    About the collaboration with Maya Digital, Prabhu says: “Creativity and innovation is at the heart of what we do and we are always looking for partners with whom we can collaborate to create compelling content for our audiences. We were really happy to associate with Maya Digital on this series – Vir: The Robot Boy and we are confident that kids will love the local narrative, humour and situations that Vir and his friends – Chulbul, Tiklu and Sajjani, find themselves in.”

    Hungama believes in letting children experience stories first-hand by creating engagement opportunities beyond television. This time too, the channel is confident about its new series and plans to engage with its viewers in interesting new ways, like it did with “Shinchan Parivaar Iss Ravivaar”.

    According to Mehta, times are changing for the Indian animation industry. “We already have Indian animated shows like Chota Bheem and Motlu Patlu that have become immensely popular. With Vir, we are expanding more. The channels, till now, were basically thriving on recycling of American or Japanese shows. But slowly, they are opening up to the idea of home-grown shows. To penetrate the Indian market, it is important to come up with Indian content that is relatable to the audience,” he says.

    Mehta feels the indigenous animation industry has finally come of age and is finally ready to produce content, which is at par with countries leading the genre.

    “We are now doing a wide variety of shows in the animation sector. Our animation industry is just a decade old. Now, I feel there’s enough manpower for the industry to grow rapidly,” he says and hopes Indian audiences will soon be open to adult animation series such as The Simpsons.

  • Disney India goes brave with ‘Vir: The Robot Boy’

    Disney India goes brave with ‘Vir: The Robot Boy’

    MUMBAI: Riding on the immense popularity of Chota Bheem and Motlu Patlu comes one more animation series with the ‘made in India’ tag.

    Launching on Hungama TV on 9 November and created by Maya Digital Studio, Vir: The Robot Boy, is a sci-fi animation that promises to tickle the kids’ funny bone while teaching them a lesson or two about life.

    With Vir, we intend to build further on the weekend slot by bringing engaging and relevant shows on Saturday as well exults Prabhu

    Waxing eloquent about ‘India’s first animated fiction show’, Maya Digital Studio managing director and chairman Ketan Mehta says: “It has been made on a big scale. It has multiple characters and a well-developed storyline revolving around the central character, Vir, a young boy who is a robot with all human emotions instilled in him.”

    Hungama, which has recently had a makeover, wanted to introduce fresh new programming that embodies its mischievous, youthful spirit. And what better than the weekend to bring in the new series!

    “Currently, we have Ninja Warriors on Sunday, which is performing exceedingly well and is a favourite among kids. With Vir, we intend to build further on the weekend slot by bringing engaging and relevant shows on Saturday as well,” exults Disney UTV director, programming, Kids Network, Devika Prabhu.

    Vir: The Robot Boy is set in the heart of Delhi and takes viewers through the wonderful journey of Vir, the robot, created by brilliant scientist Dr Prem Sahay. The extremely intelligent, extra emotional and fearlessly funny Vir manages to stay out of harm’s way, but not without some hilarious moments and a lot of help from his two sidekicks.

    About the collaboration with Maya Digital, Prabhu says: “Creativity and innovation is at the heart of what we do and we are always looking for partners with whom we can collaborate to create compelling content for our audiences. We were really happy to associate with Maya Digital on this series – Vir: The Robot Boy and we are confident that kids will love the local narrative, humour and situations that Vir and his friends – Chulbul, Tiklu and Sajjani, find themselves in.”

     

    Hungama believes in letting children experience stories first-hand by creating engagement opportunities beyond television. This time too, the channel is confident about its new series and plans to engage with its viewers in interesting new ways, like it did with “Shinchan Parivaar Iss Ravivaar”.

    Mehta feels the indigenous animation industry has finally come of age and is finally ready to produce content, which is at par with countries leading the genre

    According to Mehta, times are changing for the Indian animation industry. “We already have Indian animated shows like Chota Bheem and Motlu Patlu that have become immensely popular. With Vir, we are expanding more. The channels, till now, were basically thriving on recycling of American or Japanese shows. But slowly, they are opening up to the idea of home-grown shows. To penetrate the Indian market, it is important to come up with Indian content that is relatable to the audience,” he says.

    Mehta feels the indigenous animation industry has finally come of age and is finally ready to produce content, which is at par with countries leading the genre.

    “We are now doing a wide variety of shows in the animation sector. Our animation industry is just a decade old. Now, I feel there’s enough manpower for the industry to grow rapidly,” he says and hopes Indian audiences will soon be open to adult animation series such as The Simpsons.

  • DQE turns co-producer and licenser

    DQE turns co-producer and licenser

    MUMBAI: Synonymous with producing iconic properties like The Jungle Book, Peter Pan, Lassie, The Little Prince, Charlie Chaplin and Robin Hood, DQ Entertainment is now all set to add its co-production line-up.

    Among the new titles, a CGI children’s animated series called Yonaguni will be co-produced by DQ with SeaWorld Parks & Entertainment and Rollman Entertainment, Burbank, USA. The production and distribution group will also co-produce 7 Dwarfs and Me and the second season of The New Adventures of Peter Pan, and 5 Children and It with Method Animation, France.   

    DQ sealed the deals during its second fiscal quarter ended 30 September, 2013 and at the recently concluded MIPCOM at Cannes.

    “The gross value of these co-production and licensing deals between partners is approximately Rs 2, 220 million, of which, approximately Rs 720 million is attributable to DQE and expected to be accrued as revenue over the next fiscal year ending 31 March 2015,” says DQ Entertainment CEO Tapaas Chakravarti.

    Sneak peek at the licensing deals:

    1. Discovery Children’s channel has acquired the broadcast rights for Robin Hood animated series for the Indian sub-continent.
    2. Nick India has acquired the broadcast rights for The Jungle Book season 1 & 2 for the Indian sub-continent.
    3. Nick India has acquired the broadcast rights for Suraj, The Rising Star and Galactic Football for the Indian sub-continent.
    4. Sky Italia has acquired the broadcast rights of Peter Pan season 1 for Italy.
    5. BBS has acquired the rights to produce Jungle Book party disposables and tableware for Italy, San Marino & Vatican City.
    6. Ranocchio Re has acquired the rights to produce Peter Pan Ceramic, Porcelain, Glass, Silver bi-laminate, Resin and Cardboard for the regions Italy, San Marino, Vatican City and Italian-speaking Switzerland.
    7. Tendenze srl has acquired the rights to produce Peter Pan apparel for Italy, San Marino and Vatican City.
    8. Rai Cinema has acquired the free to air broadcast rights of Peter Pan season 1 for Italy.
    9. Universal Music has acquired worldwide music publishing rights of Jungle Book season 2.
    10. Escalada has acquired Free TV broadcast rights of Iron Man 2 and Peter Pan for Malaysia.
    11. Simbasat, UK has acquired broadcast rights of Iron Man 2 for Senegal, Mali, Ivory Coast, Mauritius and French-speaking Africa.
    12. 2 x 2 has acquired broadcast rights of Iron Man 2 for Russia.
    13. Green Narae Media has acquired Home Video rights of Jungle Book 2 and Peter Pan for Korea.
    14. Showtime Attraction, L&M partner in Australia for Jungle Book and Peter Pan for the category of Costume Character Appearance, have extended the term for Jungle Book by one year.
    15. Jungle Book Toy Deals:
    · Habuba Clip for Israel
    · TRU Dubai for Dubai
    · Hunter Leisure for Australia
    · Prima Toys for South Africa
    · Scandi Toys for Scandinavia
    · Ho’s Team- Shoprite for South Africa

    Like Yonaguni, 5 Children and It too is a CGI children’s animated series comprising 52 11′ episodes while 7 Dwarfs and Me, a combination of CGI and live action images, is a hybrid animation show. The second season of The New Adventures of Peter Pan rides on the success of the first season of the Peter Pan television series that was distributed in over 100 countries, being one of the highest rated TV series in France, Germany and Italy.

    Sky Italia, Discovery Kids, Nick India and Rai Cinema among others have acquired the broadcast rights for various properties produced by DQE says Tapaas Chakravarti

    But how does the new portfolio fit into the company’s profile? “7 Dwarfs and Me, The New Adventures of Peter Pan 2 and 5 Children and It, fit in very nicely with the DQ portfolio of iconic properties. Also Yonaguni is an underwater adventure with SeaWorld theme parks from the US,” says Chakravarti, adding that the company is expected to enter production shortly for delivery in 2015.

    Co-production apart, DQ has also concluded several licensing deals. “Various well-known broadcasters such as Sky Italia, Discovery Kids, Nick India and Rai Cinema, among others, have acquired the broadcast rights for various properties produced by DQE,” says Chakravarti and adds, “The categories of the licensing deals vary from broadcast and music rights to character licensing for manufacture of merchandise such as toys, clothes etc.”

    This year, DQ has entered Latin American countries through its flagship intellectual property, The Jungle Book. “Globosat-Brazil, Cannal Encuentro-Argentina and Televisa-Mexico have already acquired the broadcast rights of the property while DQE’s other properties are also expected to make entry into these markets soon,” says Chakravarti.

    In addition, DQ is working on ways to leverage its large library of properties through SVOD and mobile platforms. “We are currently in discussion with YouTube to find ways of monetising animated content through a dedicated channel showcasing our global and domestic properties. We believe these platforms will play a very significant role in reaching a large and diversified audience in the future,” says Chakravarti.
    The company has also launched a game app of its IP, The Jungle Book, called ‘The Great Escape’ for the android platform. “We plan to launch similar games and apps on android and iOS platforms for other IPs such as Peter Pan, 5 Children and It etc. soon,” he adds.

    It is learnt that the production deals will add to the bottom line of the company, first quarter of the next fiscal year onward, while realisation of the licensing and broadcast revenues is expected to continue through the subsequent quarters.

    In case you thought that’s it, the company has some more production and licensing deals waiting in the wings…

  • Disney India announces Siddharth Roy Kapur to replace Ronnie Screwvala

    Disney India announces Siddharth Roy Kapur to replace Ronnie Screwvala

    MUMBAI:  The Walt Disney Company (TWDC) today announced that Managing Director Ronnie Screwvala will step down on 30th June 2014 and  Siddharth Roy Kapur, currently Managing Director of Disney UTV’s studio’s business, will take over the Company’s India operations.  Siddharth Roy Kapur will become managing director of TWDC India effective 1st January 2014, and Ronnie will assist in the transition until 30th June 2014.

     

    Ronnie, started off as a local cable TV operator in Mumbai with cable TV service under the name ‘Network’ in 1981. He then went to work with Western Outdoor Studios and then started  UTV Software Communications in 1990 along with Zarina Mehta, and Deven Khote.  It was in February 2012 that the Walt Disney Company acquired a controlling interest in UTV by buying out Screwvala and other shareholders interest and it later even delisted it from the stock market. Since then he has been ranked among the most influential people by several publication right from Time magazine to Esquire and what have you.

     

    Ronnie is throwing an early farewell party tonight for his colleagues at his south Mumbai residence. A well deserved celebration if there ever was one!

  • Disney movies on demand reaches over 8 million viewers in EMEA

    Disney movies on demand reaches over 8 million viewers in EMEA

    MUMBAI: Disney Media Distribution EMEA revealed the figures for its branded on-demand service Disney movies on demand and the continued growth of ABC TV on demand and Disney channels on demand, this Mipcom.

    Since its launch at Mipcom in October 2012, Disney movies on demand, the family-friendly branded SVOD service, is now available on 12 live platforms in six EMEA territories. Disney movies on demand most recently launched on OSN in the Middle East and North Africa and Wuaki in the UK , reaching over eight million consumers across EMEA.

    The service gives customers access to a wide range of Disney’s classic animation and live-action hits including the classic animation ‘Jungle Book’, Disney Pixar’s ‘Monsters’ and ‘Pirates of the Caribbean’.

    Since its launch in 2010, ABC TV on demand has been launched on 26 platforms in 16 EMEA territories. In 2013 to date ABC TV on demand has had over 60 million views in EMEA. In 2012, ABC TV on demand launched in four new countries and on 11 new platforms, registering 33 per cent increase in reach and 80 per cent increase in total views.

    Disney channels on demand that offers popular Disney channel, Disney XD and Disney Junior series at the click of a button, is now available to 47 million Disney channel subscribers across EMEA on 55 live platforms, with further launches scheduled before the end of the year. The channel on demand has also enjoyed particular success in France, where it is now available to 4.7 million viewers with a 62 per cent uplift in viewers between July 2012 and July 2013.

    The Walt Disney Company EMEA SVP & GM media distribution Catherine Powell said, “Disney and ABC Studios content is hugely popular with viewers across EMEA and the significant growth of our branded on-demand services reflects that. We are committed to bringing our great characters and excellent storytelling to all members of the family when they want it; where they want it and how they want it. Our branded services will continue to be a focus for the future.”

  • Discovery Kids ushers in Diwali with festivities

    Discovery Kids ushers in Diwali with festivities

    MUMBAI: World Children Expo (WCE) is partnering with Discovery Kids TV channelto bring families together to celebrate this Diwali, at a two-day kids’ carnival taking place in Gurgaon.

    Conceptualised by Creative Children Media, WCE@Diwali will be held at the Ambience Mall in Gurgaon on 19 October and 20 October, from 10:00 am to 7:00 pm.

    Creative Children Media & World Children Expo founder Rahul Gupta said, “WCE is now being acknowledged nationwide as India’s biggest kids’ expo, catering to the ecosystem of children and children-centric brands. I am excited to partner with Discovery Kids which we believe is one of the finest additions to Indian television. It is gratifying to see that our exhibitor brands range from top corporates to upcoming start-ups. The philosophy of WCE@Diwali is essentially to be a platform for start-ups to launch and the top brands to expand their offerings and interact with children through one singular event.”

    True to the smart fun positioning of Discovery Kids, the carnival will include a variety of exciting activities such as games, a painting corner, quizzes, and workshops for kids and engagement with parents to win plenty of prizes. There will also be a range of products on display and for sale.

    Adding more excitement to the carnival, the new season of the animated TV series Transformers Prime Beast Hunters, exclusive to Discovery Kids, will be launched at the event. The kids will get a special opportunity to be seen with the famous characters of the series.

    Discovery Networks Asia-Pacific south Asia and head of revenue, Pan-regional ad sales and southeast Asia Sr. VP and GM Rahul Johri said, “Discovery Kids is focused on giving kids a unique experience through its smart and engaging content. Since the channel’s launch last year, Discovery Kids continues to excite children of all age groups and on this auspicious occasion of Diwali, we are thrilled to celebrate the channel’ssuccess with the children.  Our newly introduced character Transformers Prime Beast Hunters will add more fun to the activities at the carnival.”

  • Pogo and Cartoon Network spruce up on-ground activities

    Pogo and Cartoon Network spruce up on-ground activities

    MUMBAI: If you thought on-ground activation was the exclusive domain of big television channels, think again.

    Niche channels like Pogo and Cartoon Network too are engaged in strengthening direct connect with audiences, in this case – kids.

    A case in point is the School Contact Programs (SCP) conducted annually by these two channels from the Turner India stable.

    This time round, Pogo’s SCP, spanning July to September, targeted around 500 schools in eight cities, including Mumbai, Bengaluru, Delhi, Hyderabad, Ahmedabad, Hyderabad, Ludhiana and Chennai. The program saw the kids’ most loved character Chhota Bheem conduct Bheem’s Masti Ki Class across schools. Children were educated about issues like hygiene, internet security, team work and traffic signals through interactive games. The medium of instruction was Tamil in Chennai, Gujarati in Ahmedabad and so on. At the end of these sessions, students took home goodies and sponsor samples. Each activity lasted approximately three hours and touched nearly 900 students per school. Students from standards one to eight participated, sans their parents.  

    Says Turner International India senior director and network head Krishna Desai: “These SCPs provide an excellent platform to build a bridge between kids and their favourite channels and characters. Valuable lessons are imparted to kids in an entertaining format with branded games, activities and prizes. In addition, our advertisers also get a direct platform for their target audiences.”

    Bheem’s Masti Ki Class was presented by Knorr Soupy Noodles, powered by Parle G, with associate sponsors including Honda, Dabur Hajmola Anardana, ICICI Prudential and TAT-O.   

    “Metros provide the necessary number of schools and students to help us achieve our goals,” adds Desai.

    The theme of Cartoon Network’s SCP this year was Go Active Move It Movement based on tips and games to keep kids fit and active. The program featured several popular characters like Kris (from Roll No. 21) and Tom, Jerry and Oggy (from Oggy and the Cockroaches). The SCP was presented by Parle G, powered by Alpenliebe Juzt Jelly, with associate sponsors including Dabur Real Juice, Dabur Red Toothpaste, Hero Cycles & Yellow Diamond Chips.
    Chhota Bheem engages kids during an interactive session with school children

    The marketing departments of both Pogo and CN handle all activities while on-ground is deputed to specific agencies.

    For kids who can’t get enough of their favourite characters on their favourite channels, this sure is a great way to keep connected with them.

  • Graphic India and Filmkraft Productions partner to launch Krrish comics

    Graphic India and Filmkraft Productions partner to launch Krrish comics

    MUMBAI: Graphic India and Filmkraft Productions have announced the launch of an original digital comic series and comic magazine called Krrish: Menace of the Monkey Men.

    Krrish: Menace of the Monkey Men, will be released as a comic book magazine available in stores later this year and also be converted into an animated mobile comic that will be released as weekly chapters through an exclusive Krrish Comics App, which will be launched by Hungama Digital, the digital partner for Krrish 3. Carving Dreams was responsible for securing the deal between Filmkraft Productions, Graphic India and Hungama Digital.

    Hrithik Roshan commented, “As we get ready for Krrish 3, I am pleased to announce this bonus never before seen Krrish story from Graphic India, the leader in Comics for India, and Hungama, the first name in digital mobile. We’re working with an international team of comic book superstars so you can experience Krrish in a whole new way.”

    “Rakesh and Hrithik Roshan have created a hero that has captured the imaginations of millions across India. We are thrilled to be partnering with Filmkraft Productions and Hungama to continue the exploits of Krrish, in the natural extension of comic books, which is a perfect fit for any superhero.” Graphic India co-founder and CEO, Sharad Devarajan added. “Through digital comics Krrish can now fly straight from the big screen and into the small screen of mobile devices, reaching his millions of fans.”

    Filmkraft Productions founder and acclaimed producer and director, Rakesh Roshan said, “As we get ready to launch Krrish 3, one of the most ambitious movies in Indian history, a compelling comic book program based on the Krrish superhero is essential. Graphic India’s quality and production standards make them the perfect choice for us to partner with on this exciting expansion of the Krrish franchise.”

    The story features an action-packed original adventure of Krrish written and illustrated by legendary comic book creators, Tom De Falco, Ron Frenz and Sal Buscema, who have worked on leading comic book characters such as Spider-Man, Spider-Girl, Superman, Thor, The Avengers and countless others. The talents were recruited by Graphic India who is working with leading comic book, film and animation partners from around the world.

    Hungama Digital Media Entertainment MD and CEO Neeraj Roy said, “Krrish after capturing the hearts and minds of the nation is now ready to gain cult status with its first comic book magazine. We are proud to come on board as the Digital Partner for Krrish 3, and work with Filmkraft Productions and Graphic India, not to mention our long relationship with Carving Dreams. Our digital distribution strategy will take Krissh closer to every fan. The Krrish franchise is definitely now in the league of international superheroes a new generation is growing up with.”

    Carving Dreams CEO Afsar Zaidi said, “With the launch of Krrish comics, a milestone has been achieved in the rapidly growing space of Indian comics. Carving dreams is proud to be a part of the very first physical and motion comic created out of India’s biggest superhero franchise. The Krrish brand has taken a quantum leap with the current installment of the franchise and to position that with the right kind of image in the comic space we got Filmkraft Productions, Graphic India and Hungama Digital together to work on this creative association.”

    A preview of sketches from Krrish: Menace of the Monkey Men illustrated by Frenz is available exclusively on the Graphic India website and Facebook page.