MUMBAI: It’s the season of the Bachchan’s and here’s adding another one to the fray.
NDTV Profit announced a new show called ‘NextGEN’ to be hosted by Shweta Nanda, daughter of Amitabh Bachchan, who by her own admission was happy “playing a mother until NDTV Profit came up with this interesting concept”.
Starting Tuesday 8:30 pm NextGen, an interview based show will air as part of a 12 episode series. The interview series will focus on guests from diverse fields like art, literature, sports, films, fashion and business.
Speaking to the media on the need for a celebrity based interview show on a business channel NDTV Media CEO Raj Nayak said, “This is a show about Gen X’s aspiration, philosophy, ambitions and a vision to success. We, at NDTV, think that Shweta understands this generation best since she is a part of it and will be more comfortable talking to the guests and vice versa.The idea is to also provide programming beyond business and corporate world.”
The channel plans to air 12 episodes before it takes a break on the show. “Depending on the audience response we will extend it. NextGen on NDTV Profit is an effort to present diverse views of young Indians across several fields and not just restricting it to the world of business”, said NDTV Profit executive editor Shivnath Thukral.
NextGen is sponsored by Life Insurance Corporation of India. Says LIC head of corporate communications Poonam Bodra, “Although we had no specific person in mind as an anchor for the show, Shweta fits the bill perfectly. LIC wanted to be associated with a show that would focus on the youth and their thought processes.” Although she declined to comment further on the issue, she did acknowledge that this was part of the initiative to shift the image of LIC from the older generation to being more youth oriented.
Asked if she would ever consider having brother Abhishek and his fiancé Aishwarya Rai on the show as they are both role models for the youth, Shweta said, “They are family so bringing them on the show as guests would be a conflict of interest.”
Category: News Broadcasting
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Shweta Nanda nee Bachchan to host NDTV Profit show
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Alfred Haber to distribute International Fight League’s properties globally
MUMBAI: Alfred Haber Distribution (AHD) has teamed up with the International Fight Leagu (IFL), the world’s first team-based professional league of the fastest growing sport in the world today, Mixed Martial Arts (MMA).
AHD will be the exclusive international distributor (excluding Latin America and the Middle East) of the IFL’s two new series IFL Fight Night and IFL Batleground.
IFL is looking to make the sport of MMA more mainstream by moving from the cage to an oversized boxing ring, while also taking out many of the moves that emphasised blood over strategy and athleticism. The result has been the production of two series, one for primetime and one late night for television.
IFL Fight Night showcases five fights between two teams. IFL Battleground takes a behind-the-scenes look at the IFL with action footage of the MMA’s rising stars and their world champion coaches. The series also includes event action, highlights, and vignettes.
Haber says, “Over the last few years, the growth rate of the MMA has been nothing less than phenomenal. With the IFL coming on the scene at this juncture, with its team based format, the FSN combat series and the primetime network ‘Battleground’ presentation, it all combines to create explosive television for broadcasters around the world. This is a tremendous opportunity to grow the audience from the original limited mainstream exposure.”
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DD to telecast Opening Tie, Semi-finals and final, and Indian matches
NEW DELHI: Doordarshan will telecast live all the nine matches in which India is slated to play in the ICC World Cup beginning in March 13, apart from telecast of the Opening match and the semi-finals and final on April 28.
Doordarshan will also telecast a curtain raiser before and after each match, titled Fourth Umpire.
The Opening tie on March 13 between host West Indies and Pakistan will be telecast from Jamaica in a deferred telecast of one hour. The first match featuring India against Bangladesh will be telecast from Trinidad and Tobago on March 17.
Other matches featuring India are against Bermuda on March 19, Sri Lanka on March 23, Australia on March 31,
New Zealand on April two, South Africa on April 7, England on April 11, arch rivals Pakistan on April 15 and hosts 19.
The detailed schedule prepared by Doordarshan is:
Day/Date
Teams
Timings
Tuesday 13/03/2007 West Indies V/s Pakistan
at Jamaica
(starts one hour late)
06.30 P.M.- 08.00 P.M. Fourth Umpire
08.00P.M. – 11.30 P.M. – 1st Session
11.30 P.M. – 12.00 P.M. – Fourth Umpire
12.00 P.M. – 03.30 A.M. – (13/14-03/07)
Saturday – 17/03/2007 India V/s Bangladesh
at Trinidad & Tobago
05.30 P.M.- 07.00 P.M. – Fourth Umpire
07.00P.M. – 10.30 P.M. – 1st Session
10.30 P.M. – 11.00 P.M. – Fourth Umpire
11.00 P.M. – 02.30 A.M. – (17/18-03/07)
Monday
19/03/2007
India V/s Bermuda
at Trinidad & Tobago
05.30 P.M.- 07.00 P.M. Fourth Umpire
07.00P.M. – 10.30 P.M. – 1st Session
10.30 P.M. – 11.00 P.M. – Fourth Umpire
11.00 P.M. – 02.30 A.M. – (19/20-03/07)
Friday 23/03/2007 India V/s Sri Lanka
at Trinidad & Tobago
05.30 P.M.- 07.00 P.M. Fourth Umpire
07.00P.M. – 10.30 P.M. – 1st Session
10.30 P.M. – 11.00 P.M. – Fourth Umpire
11.00 P.M. – 02.30 A.M. – (23/24-03/07)
Saturday 24/03/2007 Australia V/s South Africa
at St. Kitts & Nevis
05.30 P.M.- 07.00 P.M. Fourth Umpire
07.00P.M. – 10.30 P.M. – 1st Session
10.30 P.M. – 11.00 P.M. – Fourth Umpire
11.00 P.M. – 02.30 A.M. – (24/25-03/07)
Saturday 31/03/2007 India V/s Australia
at Antigua & Barbuda
05.30 P.M.- 07.00 P.M. Fourth Umpire
07.00P.M. – 10.30 P.M. – 1st Session
10.30 P.M. – 11.00 P.M. – Fourth Umpire
11.00 P.M. – 02.30 A.M. – (31/03/07- 01/04/07)
Monday 02/04/2007 India V/s New Zealand
at Antigua & Barbuda
05.30 P.M.- 07.00 P.M. Fourth Umpire
07.00P.M. – 10.30 P.M. – 1st Session
10.30 P.M. – 11.00 P.M. – Fourth Umpire
11.00 P.M. – 02.30 A.M. – (2/3-04/07 )
Saturday 07/04/2007 India V/s South Africa
at Guyana
05.30 P.M.- 07.00 P.M. Fourth Umpire
07.00P.M. – 10.30 P.M. – 1st Session
10.30 P.M. – 11.00 P.M. – Fourth Umpire
11.00 P.M. – 02.30 A.M. – (7/8-04/07 )
Sunday 08/04/2007 Australia V/s England at Antigua & Barbuda 05.30 P.M.- 07.00 P.M. Fourth Umpire
07.00P.M. – 10.30 P.M. – 1st Session
10.30 P.M. – 11.00 P.M. – Fourth Umpire
11.00 P.M. – 02.30 A.M. – (8/9-04/07 )
Wednesday 11/04/2007 India V/s England at Barbados 05.30 P.M.- 07.00 P.M. Fourth Umpire
07.00P.M. – 10.30 P.M. – 1st Session
10.30 P.M. – 11.00 P.M. – Fourth Umpire
11.00 P.M. – 02.30 A.M. – (11/12-04/07 )
Friday 13/04/2007 Australia V/s Pakistan at Barbados 05.30 P.M.- 07.00 P.M. Fourth Umpire
07.00P.M. – 10.30 P.M. – 1st Session
10.30 P.M. – 11.00 P.M. – Fourth Umpire
11.00 P.M. – 02.30 A.M. – (13/14-04/07)
Sunday 15/04/2007 India V/s Pakistan
at Barbados
05.30 P.M.- 07.00 P.M. Fourth Umpire
07.00P.M. – 10.30 P.M. – 1st Session
10.30 P.M. – 11.00 P.M. – Fourth Umpire
11.00 P.M. – 02.30 A.M. – (15/16-04/07 )
Thursday 19/04/2007 India V/s West Indies
at Barbados
05.30 P.M.- 07.00 P.M. Fourth Umpire
07.00P.M. – 10.30 P.M. – 1st Session
10.30 P.M. – 11.00 P.M. – Fourth Umpire
11.00 P.M. – 02.30 A.M. – (19/20-04/07 )
Tuesday 24/04/2007 1st Semi Final – 2 X 3
at Jamaica
(starts one hour late)
06.30 P.M.- 08.00 P.M. Fourth Umpire
08.00P.M. – 11.30 P.M. – 1st Session
11.30 P.M. – 12.00 P.M. – Fourth Umpire
12.00 P.M. – 03.30 A.M. – (24/25-04/07)
Wednesday 25/04/2007 2nd Semi Final – 1X4 at Saint Lucia 05.30 P.M.- 07.00 P.M. Fourth Umpire
07.00P.M. – 10.30 P.M. – 1st Session
10.30 P.M. – 11.00 P.M. – Fourth Umpire
11.00 P.M. – 02.30 A.M. – (25/26-04/07 )
Saturday 28/04/2007 Final
at Barbados
05.30 P.M.- 07.00 P.M. Fourth Umpire
07.00P.M. – 10.30 P.M. – 1st Session
10.30 P.M. – 11.00 P.M. – Fourth Umpire
11.00 P.M. – 02.30 A.M. – (28/29-04/07 ) -
Hungama TV kicks off pre-school block ‘Toon, Toon, Toon’
MUMBAI: Hungama TV has sprung into action this month will the launch of three shows and one filler segment to kick off the new pre-school block – Toon, Toon, Toon. The now Disney-owned channel brings back-to-back episodes from Monday to Friday from 9 – 10 am for these little viewers.
Pororo the Little Penguin
Pororo the Little Penguin and Fifi & the Flower Tots will return to the channel for its second leg, while also having acquired Lunar Jim from Canadian based Alliance Atlantis.
On bringing back pre-school targeted programming which was earlier taken off air in August 2006, the largely boy centric channel has decided to revisit this segment with an experimental two month period than would span upto May.
Speaking to Indiantelevision.com Hungama TV VP programming and production Aparna Bhosle said that research previously undertaken by the channel indicated that kids in the 10 -14 year olds were flocking to Hungama TV because they wanted comedy which shows like Ha Ha Hungama provide.
Lunar Jim
At a time when the older kid’s (10 -14 year olds) will be tied up with their exams, it looks to be a good opportunity to shift focus and attempt to draw in the pre-schoolers. “If this takes off well we will utlize our existing library of about 17-20 acquired pre-school shows to build up this block.”
I am an animal
Toon, Toon, Toon will be interspersed with two minute short stories of I am an animal, which is an animated narration that will feature several animals teaching kid’s about themselves with an introduction of themselves and talking about who they are and what they do.
When queried as to reason behind inserting educational fillers in between programming, Bhosle explains that during the two minute promo time she would prefer to include these fun filled and entertaining lessons on the animal kingdom, rather than flood that space with advertisements as smaller children tend to lose attention.
Kicking off the block at 9 am is the inquisitive impish little penguin Pororo and his friends from the village including a good-natured polar bear Poby, smug nosy red fox Eddy, shy and timid little beaver Loopy. All of his friends have distinct personalities and different interests which sometimes cause little (and sometimes not so little) happenings in their calm ‘white’ world. But they are all good friends and know how to help each other in times of trouble.
Fifi & the flower tots
This is followed by Fifi who lives in a Forget-Me-Not cottage. She has an unbelievable lust for life and a real nose for adventure, she’s a bundle of energy and creativity, always positive and enthusiastic and a cheerful soul. Her perpetual smile is like a ray of sunshine, which cheers up everyone around her.
Lunar Jim and his friends – an intrepid group of astronauts who live in a tiny village on the moon and aptly called Moona Luna, Jim’s out-of-this-world adventures as he explores the moon in his collection of cool space vehicles will be aired at 10 am.
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Internet video offers opportunities for integrated marketing: Study
MUMBAI: According to a new Knowledge Networks study, US consumers who access content via TV networks’sites are more likely to consider the brands that sponsor that content.
They also have high levels of engagement with streaming or downloaded video on network sites and are more likely to view those same shows on regular television.
The report, How People Use TV’s Web Connections, shows that sponsorship of network TV web offerings is a potentially powerfulopportunity for marketing companies, while also offering substantial benefits to TV networks and stations themselves. The study shows that
— Nearly half (49 per cent) of TV network website viewers say that sponsorship of the streaming or download of an episode would increase their consideration of the sponsoring brand.
— Users of streaming or downloaded network video also are significantly more likely than Internet users overall (30 per cent vs. 22 per cent) to buy from companies that advertise on their favorite programmes.
The report also suggests that TV networks themselves benefit from offering streamed or downloaded videos:
— 78 per cent of viewers of these videos say that being able to watch episodes on-line increases their involvement with a programme.
— 25 per cent of viewers of streaming or downloaded network TV videos say that they are watching a regular TV programme more often because of what they have watched on Internet video.
Knowledge Networks VP custom research David Tice says, “We found that, for the most part, features on network and programme websites are building equity with programme viewers, for both the TV networks and their advertisers. And while these data indicate a good start to sampling the networks’ revamped websites and Internet initiatives, there is much room to grow this crossover TV-Web audience.” -
Swiss Finance Corporation holds 6 per cent in Pyramid Saimira
MUMBAI: Swiss Finance Corporation Mauritius Ltd. has taken its total holding in Chennai-based Pyramid Saimira Theatre to 5.99 per cent after buying 775,000 shares on 2 March.
The purchase of 2.74 per cent equity in Pyramid Saimira Theatre was made through the open market. Swiss Finance Corporation had earlier held 919,315 shares, or 3.25 per cent, in Pyramid.
The scrip fell five per cent on the BSE to end today’s trading at Rs 255.70.
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Viacom’s revenues for the year rise 19% to $11.5 billion
MUMBAI: US media conglomerate Viacom has reported financial results for the full year and fourth quarter ended 31 December, 2006.
For the year, revenues were up by 19 per cent to $11.5 billion. Media networks revenues rose by seven per cent to $7.24 billion, led by an increase of 11 per cent in affiliate revenues to $2.03 billion.
Global ad revenues were up six per cent to $4.29 billion, while ancillary revenues grew two per cent to $916 million.
Viacom executive chairman Sumner M. Redstone, said, “Viacom delivered solid results for 2006, guided by a new management team under the leadership of Philippe Dauman, who has moved quickly to put the Company back on a steady path of success. I have great confidence that we will continue to build on the momentum of the last several months both in expanding our digital horizons and continuing to grow in traditional markets.”
Viacom president and CEO Philippe P. Dauman says, “We are making significant progress financially and operationally to ensure that we thrive in all distribution channels, including the evolving digital marketplace. Financially, our 2006 performance was strong, with double digit growth in revenues and operating income and 16 per cent growth in adjusted net earnings per share.
“During the first quarter of this year, we took decisive steps to deploy our capital in more productive ways, including restructuring our operations here and abroad. At the same time, we continued to introduce popular new programming on our linear channels, to expand our digital operations organically and to reach innovative agreements with new digital partners.
Additionally, we continue to expand on our position as a leading global provider of digital wireless video, and to innovate with new online sites and experiences.”
In 2006, acquisitions contributed $125 million in incremental revenues to media networks. The increase of 46 per cent in film revenues to $4.38 billion in 2006 from $3.00 billion in 2005 principally reflected the acquisition of DreamWorks and distribution activities for DreamWorks Animation and the DreamWorks live-action library.
This contributed $1.36 billion to 2006 revenues. Fourth Quarter revenues of $3.59 billion grew 32 per cent from $2.72 billion in 2005. Media Networks revenues rose by four per cent in the quarter to $2.08 billion from $1.99 billion in 2005 led by growth in affiliate revenues which were up 14 per cent to $532 million. Worldwide advertising revenues rose six per cent to $1.26 billion from $1.19 billion in 2005.
Ancillary revenues declined 15 per cent in the quarter versus 2005 to $289 million, principally due to timing and mix of home entertainment releases. Acquisitions contributed $78 million in incremental revenues to Media Networks in the quarter. Film revenues doubled to $1.57 billion, with the acquisition of DreamWorks and the distribution activities for DreamWorks Animation and the DreamWorks live-action library films contributing revenues of $560 million.
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Frames to have sessions on radio, animation
MUMBAI: Frames, the convention for the business of Indian entertainment organised by Ficci, will take place from 26 – 28 March in Mumbai.
Radio and animation are two of the topics that will have sessions devoted to them.
One session is called Creating Compelling Content for Radio. The oldest electronic medium in the world is one of the newest rage in India. Viewers will learn what it takes to create a compelling content for RadioThen there is a Plenary Session called Radio: Music & Beyond. In India, radio is going through a resurgence phase. The medium which once looked out and not in trend is now very much in fashion and is escalating in term of its reach day by day. Viewres will get a feel of the future on basis of success stories, which have turned around the radio business all across the globe.
As far as the aniomation track is concerned there will be a session on gaming. Gaming offers strong business opportunities. In the US, it is believed that gaming is as big as Hollywood. In India gaming industry is expected to grow at CAGR of 78 per cent . In addition to mobile gaming, PC and console are also expected to add to pie. Lets explore…
Theer will also be a Master Class: Scriptwriting for animation. The success of animation relies on the strength of the story telling. There is no denying that art and technology are significant but the praana of any animated product is the script. Even a good fable could wobble if scripted badly. What does it take to write an animated script?
The plenary session looks at visual effects.
Visual effects have become the integral part of any project. The entertainment industry is witnessing an increased amount of usage of visual effects. VFX is primarily a Hollywood phenomenon. Viewers will get an understanding of the same.
Another session is called Developing Animation Content: 360 Degrees. As Indian animation industry is maturing the studios are fast realizing that the real action lies in creating its own IP and having it own shows. Shows produced for not just the local market but the global market. The idea behind this panel is to have broadcasters, producers, writers and licensors to share their insights. This will provide the audience a 360-degree perspective on how internationally content is created, produced and licensed.
Frames will also look at the process of moving From Comics to Animation. One of the old means of kid’s entertainment; comics is a powerful tool of story telling. Comics are very effective in imparting cultural and social values to kids besides being highly entertaining. Now animation is the modern way of story telling, which can serve as direct extension of comics.
Frames also looks at creating an Animation IP with Global appeal. As the market is maturing, the Indian studios are moving up in the value chain and coming out with their own IPs. Though these properties may be well accepted in India, but where do they stand in the global market? What does it take to create a product that is internationally marketable and acceptable?
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BroadcastAsia to highlight digital convergence technologies
MUMBAI: Asia’s digital multimedia and entertainment technology event, BroadcastAsia, will return to Singapore Expo from 19-22 June 2007 to showcase the latest digital technology, professional equipment and services.
Over 800 exhibiting companies including Harris, Sennheiser, Miranda, Vizrt, Magna, Innoxius, Conax and Qualcomm will demonstrate a full spectrum of products and applications from media content creation to delivery including new technologies birthed as a result of digital convergence.
Strong group participation is also expected at BroadcastAsia2007 with pavilions from Singapore , China , France , Germany , Italy , Korea , USA and UK . More than 80 per cent of the show floor has already been filled.This year’s BroadcastAsia will also feature a high definition (HD) studio demonstrating a full suite of high definition production workflow – from production to final content output. Industry professionals will be on hand to explain the features and processes of the studio as well as highlight the differences in quality between standard definition and HD transmissions to visitors.
Over the years, BroadcastAsia has proven to be a one-stop sourcing ground for broadcasters, production and post-production companies as well as network with the industry. BroadcastAsia2007 expected to attract over 10,000 industry professionals, decision makers, vendors and buyers from 50 countries.Adding greater depth to event is the BroadcastAsia International Conference. In partnership with various industry organisations, the conference features a series of sessions focussing on critical industry issues and will bring greater clarity to the new technological and business opportunities within the industry.
Addressing the “how”, “what”, “where” and “why”, the BroadcastAsia2007 International Conference will cover areas in file-based production, media production & development, digital multimedia, IPTV, content delivery to creating new opportunities.
Calvin Koh who is the project manager for communications events with organizer Singapore Exhibition Services “This year’s conference saw over 60 representatives who responded to its call for contribution. The overwhelming response was an indication of the industry’s enthusiasm to use the conference to share and update fellow professionals”.
Spread over a total of eight halls, BroadcastAsia, alongside with CommunicAsia, EnterpriseIT, InteractiveDME and ComputerGraphics Overdrive — will see the gathering of over 2,400 companies as they come together to demonstrate the transforming powers of digital technologies that are redefining the boundaries of traditionally-segmented telecommunications, networks, enterprise solutions and entertainment arenas.
Reflecting the growing importance of the interactive digital media industry in Singapore , which had been identified as a key growth sector for the local economy, interactive and digitised media and entertainment content will be a highlight on the show floor.
The convergence of media, communications and IT has dramatically changed the landscape of the media and entertainment industry, and is revolutionising the way we think, live, work and play. According to industry observers, the estimated size of the global media and entertainment industry in 2009 is expected to hit $1.78 trillion, while the Asia-Pacific market is predicted to reach $431 billion in the same period. Some ‘hot’ converged applications include digital cinema, IP TV, connected digital home devices and online gaming, amongst others.
Some ‘hot’ converged applications that visitors can expect to see include mobile entertainment, IPTV, connected digital home devices, as well as mobile and online gaming, amongst others.
Some of the key enabling technologies that will occupy top prominence on the show floor this year are:
Wireless — covering 3G, HSDPA, WiMax/ WiBro, Fixed-Mobile Convergence (FMC), as well as Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) and Embedded technologies Broadcasting — covering Satellite, Digital Multimedia Broadcasting (DMB) and Digital Video Broadcasting (DVB) Digital Networks — covering Next Generation Networks (NGN), Voice over IP (VoIP) and Information Security.
CG Overdrive will also be held alongside BroadcastAsia for the first time, to answer the growing interest in animation and demand for Asian animated content. Despite being a relatively young trade show, CG Overdrive has built a reputation as a must-see event for computer graphics and animation enthusiasts in the Asia-Pacific region.
One of the main highlights of CG Overdrive is a knowledge-centric conference that will address topics such as character animation techniques, character modelling and production of CG cinematics for gamers. Fringe activities like digital film screenings, digital art gallery and networking parties will be staged to connect CG enthusiasts to the gurus.
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Walt Disney World announces resort expansion
MUMBAI:Walt Disney World Resort announced two new projects as part of an expansion plan for its resort in Central Florida: a 900-acre luxury resort anchored by the prestigious Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts and a 450-acre retail, dining and lodging district on the western edge of the Disney resort.
“These projects are first-of-a-kind for Walt Disney World and we are thrilled to be able to bring Four Seasons to our resort,” said Walt Disney World Resort president Meg Crofton. “Families around the globe know they can trust Disney to deliver magical experiences and Four Seasons to offer exceptional service and amenities. Combined, this is a huge win for devotees of both brands and for Central Florida,” she added.
Disney plans to convert its Eagle Pines and Osprey Ridge golf courses into a luxury resort and golf community. Disney and Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts aim to bring these two complementary brands together to anchor a new world-class family resort destination.
Said Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts president and chief operating officer Kathleen Taylor, “It’s an honor to collaborate with Walt Disney World Resort on this project. Walt Disney’s reputation for service excellence and exceptional family entertainment amenities is an ideal complement to the values of Four Seasons. “
Disney is also planning a mixed-use tourist commercial district just outside Disney’s gateway entrance. The development is comparable in size to Disney’s Animal Kingdom.
The project is currently in the design stage. Site work and branding is anticipated to begin later this year. The project will be built in phases over the next 8 – 10 years.
Walt Disney World Resort is a 40-square-mile, entertainment and recreation center featuring four theme parks Magic Kingdom, Epcot, Disney-MGM Studios and Disney’s Animal Kingdom and two water adventure parks Blizzard Beach and Typhoon Lagoon amongst other resorts and hotels.