ITV

Category: News Broadcasting

  • ADAG-Reliance to focus on movie, radio operations; work on DTH goes `slow’

    ADAG-Reliance to focus on movie, radio operations; work on DTH goes `slow’

    MUMBAI: Anil Ambani’s Reliance group has decided to concentrate on movie and FM radio businesses in the media and entertainment sector for the time being instead of DTH television service.

    A top source in the group admitted that plans to start a DTH service in the country are going “slow”.

    Anil Dhirubhai Ambani Group (ADAG) had applied for a DTH licence under the brand name Reliance Bluemagic, which is yet to get all governmental clearances.

    A recent failure of Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) to put a new generation communication satellite in orbit could also have some bearing on Ambani’s go-slow approach as far as DTH is concerned, a media industry analyst opined.

    ISRO’s recent failure has also put a question mark in the short term over Sun TV group’s plans to start a DTH service in the absence of transponder space on India satellites, which is a pre-requisite government norm.

    Sources in the Ambani-controlled ADAG also confirmed that present focus is on movie and radio business where scales of operation need to be ramped up considerably.

    Anil has controlling holding in Adlabs Films, which was started by film industry veteran Manmohan Shetty who still looks after the business.

    In recent times, Adlabs has signed up with several successful directors like Ram Gopal Verma and Kunal Kohli for a string of film productions over the next 24 months.

    Acquisition of some existing production houses could have been an easy way out for Adlabs to increase scale of operations, but existing big production houses are not in sale mode at present, media analysts observe.

    According to industry sources, Adlabs is looking at co-productions of films, bagging overseas distribution rights for big ticket Hindi movies, Indo-foreign country co-productions and ramping up the number of multiplex within the Adlabs fold so in future digital distribution of films could add some jazz to the business.

    Meanwhile, Reliance Radio, helmed by former Sony India honcho Tarun Katial, has started fine-tuning its operations for a flag off.

    Sources said that over the next 45-60 days a spate of private radio FM stations, which got licence in the second phase early this year, are likely to start operations. This would include Reliance’s stations too.

  • Nicktoons Network to offer animated TV content on iTunes

    Nicktoons Network to offer animated TV content on iTunes

    MUMBAI: US broadcaster Nickelodeons aninmation network Nicktoons Network has launched a new line-up of content on the iTunes Store

    Programming on offer includes Skyland, the new animated adventure series, which will be available on iTunes prior to its network debut on Saturday, November 18 at 9:00 p.m. (ET), and short-form content from The Nicktoons Network Animation Festival, the world’s only multiplatform animation festival which showcases the diversity of independent cartoon filmmaking by animators from around the globe.

    Four episodes of Nicktoons Network’s upcoming animated adventure series, Skyland are being offered on iTunes for $1.99 each. iTunes will offer a free sneak-peek (available for four weeks) of the premiere episode. 28 compilations of approximately 180 short films from The Nicktoons Network Animation Festival will be available for purchase at launch which includes 13 compilations from the 2004 Animation Festival, eight from 2005, and seven from 2006.

    Nicktoons Network VP, GM Keith Dawkins says, “The launch of Nicktoons Network on iTunes will allow our viewers the chance to watch many of our hit shows whenever they want and wherever they are. We strive to provide our audiences with the opportunity to connect with our content in many different ways, and this launch is another step in Nicktoons Network multiplatform programming strategy.”

    For $1.99 per episode, consumers can download Nicktoons Network series from the iTunes(R) Store and view them on their iPods or computers. Skyland follows a heroic brother, Mahad, and his telekinetic younger sister, Lena, as they search for their parents in a new world order.

    The year is 2251 and the Earth has been shattered into millions of blocks that now drift aimlessly in orbit around the Earth’s core known as Skyland. The Sphere, led by a power-mad ruler with telekinetic powers named Oslo, has installed a dictatorship that controls water distribution, now a precious resource. Skyland’s young heroes along
    with the pirate resistance, try to free their mother from Oslo’s evil grasp and destroy the dreaded Sphere. Skyland Nick says uses the latest in animation techniques and technology such as motion-capture and CGI, to create a unique rich visual style and stunning imagery usually reserved for filmmaking.

    — The Nicktoons Network Animation Festival, which celebrated its third year this summer, showcases the diversity of independent cartoon filmmaking by animators from around the globe. Animators were asked to submit animated shorts no longer than 10 minutes in length that combined a unique look, great character designs and overall appeal and originality.

  • Sir Elton John receives Disney Legends award

    Sir Elton John receives Disney Legends award

    MUMBAI: A couple of days ago US media conglomerate Disney honoured legendary songwriter and singer Sir Elton John, as well as 11 additional inductees, with the Disney Legends Award.

    Disney president and CEO Robert Iger says, “This annual ceremony, now in its 19th year, gives all of us at Disney a moment to remember the importance of our past achievements and to recognise those who embody this company’s constant focus on delivering unparalleled creativity, quality and innovation to our audiences around the world. As we continue the tradition this year, we also mark a special milestone as we welcome our 200th Disney Legend.”

    The other new Disney Legends include ABC News anchor Peter Jennings; Actors Tommy Kirk and Kevin Corcoran (Old Yeller, The Shaggy Dog, Swiss Family Robinson, Mickey Mouse Club); Actors Tim Considine and David Stollery (The Adventures of Spin and Marty); 
    Actress Ginny Tyler (Mickey Mouse Club) 
    and Disney and Pixar animation story artist Joe Ranft.

    The Disney Legends Award was established in 1987 to honour the men and women who have made significant contributions to the Disney legacy. The first recipient was actor Fred MacMurray (The Shaggy Dog, The Absent-Minded Professor, The Happiest Millionaire), and since that time 203 Disney Legends have been named, including this year’s recipients.

    Among the past Disney Legends are Julie Andrews, Steve Martin, Dick Van Dyke, Annette Funicello, Dean Jones, Angela Lansbury, Fess Parker, Kurt Russell, Tim Allen, Hayley Mills, Phil Collins, Art Linkletter, Tim Conway, Sir Tim Rice, Howard Ashman and Alan Menken.

  • CBS to air ‘9/11’ to mark fifth anniversary of attacks

    CBS to air ‘9/11’ to mark fifth anniversary of attacks

    MUMBAI: On the occasion of the fifth anniversary of the 9/11 terror attacks, US broadcaster CBS will re-air the the Multi-Award Winning Program 9/11 on 10 September.

    It will be updated to include new interviews and footage with many of the firefighters featured in the original presentation.

    The show is an insider’s account of the World Trade Center attack. The eyewitness story, which has aired twice before on CBS, has new interviews with many of the firefighters who were featured in the original program, discussing how their lives, families and the world have changed in the five years since the tragedy.

    Two-time Oscar winner Robert De Niro returns as host of the programme, taking viewers back to Ground Zero five years later.

    As with the previous airings, the broadcast of 9/11 will include information throughout the programme about how viewers can contribute to the Uniformed Firefighters Association Scholarship Fund to benefit all firefighters’ families. Due to the sensitive content and graphic language that appears in parts of the program, the broadcast also will include both audio and visual warnings to viewers, as well as an introduction by De Niro alerting viewers to the content of the programme.

    On Sept. 11, the Naudets and Hanlon were in lower Manhattan shooting a documentary on the Engine 7, Ladder 1 firefighters when Jules suddenly heard a roar from above and turned his camera upward. In doing so, he captured the only known video of the first plane striking the World Trade Center.

    Camera still rolling, Jules followed the firefighters into the heart of what would soon be known as Ground Zero. Gedeon also rushed to the scene with members of Ladder 1. Over the next several hours, the brothers captured extraordinary video unlike any broadcast since, including 75 minutes of footage from inside the North Tower as the rescue effort was underway and dramatic scenes of escape in the minutes before the building collapsed.

  • Disney & Adlabs give family entertainment a ‘Movie Magic’ experience

    Disney & Adlabs give family entertainment a ‘Movie Magic’ experience

    MUMBAI: The weekend is fast approaching and the family and kids are all geared up for some fun! What if you could catch a movie, play some games and maybe even watch a magic show, all in just a couple of hours? Well, Disney has given the family entertainment experience a new meaning, as they unveiled the Disney and Adlabs Movie Magic experience.

    Known for their story telling heritage, Disney has now tied up with Adlabs to bring to their audience what they call “experiential engagement.” The Disney Movie Magic experience is primarily based on getting kids to use their “pester power” to drive the whole family into the theatre every weekend. Adlabs across six cities including Mumbai, Pune, Nashik, Mangalore, Meerut and the National Capital Region (NCR), will be dedicated to showing classics from the Disney stable such as The Incredibles, Finding Nemo, The Lion King, Aladdin, Tarzan, Chicken Little, The Princess Diaries, 102 Dalmatians and many more.

    This new initiative was kicked off here in Mumbai with newly launched animated feature Cars. What’s more, for this special screening about 150 kids from NGO’s including Make-a-Wish Foundation and St. Katherine were invited. From games, tattoos, face paint to a magic show, all the kids sported various Disney characters on their arms and faces and it seemed like they had a frolicking time. Also, Rand De Basanti star and avid Disney fan, Kunal Kapoor was present to pep up the kids.

    Keeping up this spirit every weekend, kids will be able to avail of special food and beverage offers along with monthly in-cinema contests and a chance to win Disney merchandise. The branding experience is taken a step further with specially designed movie tickets incased in Disney’s Movie Magic branded envelope, which will contain a token gift related to Disney movies. Adlabs locations will also be decorated in keeping with the fantasy world of Disney.

    Unveiling the new logo and commenting on their efforts to enhance the Disney entertainment experience, The Walt Disney Company (India) managing director Rajat Jain said, “There is no such concept as a children’s movie, but rather a family viewing experience. The endeavor of the brand will be to build the emotional connect between the content and the consumer and we are working on constant innovations to deliver this.”

    “‘We’re pleased to provide families with a new weekend entertainment option that engages the whole family together. Disney’s Movie Magic is a unique wholesome entertainment experience for families, which will be available through leading multiplex chains across India,” adds Jain.

    Disney’s Movie Magic will be promoted extensively through a comprehensive marketing campaign including television, in-cinema and print advertising bolstered by onground, ATL and online initiatives. Going forward, this initiative will include a loyalty programme, special schemes with schools and more exciting offerings to add the magic of Disney to special festivals and holidays.

    Adlabs Films Limited COO Tushar Dhingra said, “Movie going is a social activity and an emmersive experience and we attempt to create an experiential journey for the family. We should never underestimate the repeat power of this segment of the audience. The before and
    after experience will keep them coming back for more.”

    Commenting on their marketing efforts, Dhingra added, “We have the advantage of an in house inventory, that will produce advertisements to attract the kids segment and apart from the media mix, word of mouth should give it a good start.”

    When queried as to why this offer has strategically omitted other bigger metros Dhingra said that even tier 2 and tier 3 cities have reflected a great demand for such forms of entertainment however, they do plan to roll out similar initiatives in the other metros soon.

    The in-cinema promotions show a bored father and son playing table tennis in an unenthusiastic way, until they find out about the new Disney and Adlabs Movie Magic offer. The next scene catches the whole family enjoying the entertainment and fun. Similar advertisements have been rolled out in the print including the Mumbai Mirror and Bombay Times.

    This offer will be applicable to the morning shows on every weekend between 9 to10 and will be priced at a Rs. 90.

  • Discovery US launches a consumer mobile site

    Discovery US launches a consumer mobile site

    MUMBAI: US media firm Discovery Communications has launched its US direct-to-consumer mobile website.

    This allows consumers to download wallpapers, ring tones, podcasts and other special features directly to their cell phones through the mobile URL at www.discoverymobile.com.

    Discovery’s fans can now personalise their cell phones with a wide assortment of ring tones including nearly 30 different animal sounds and Animal Planet’s Crocodile Hunter, Steve Irwin saying “G’Day Mate.” Additionally, consumers can choose from wallpapers ranging from over a dozen kinds of sharks to tattoos from TLC’s hit series Miami Ink.

    Highlighting both current hit shows as well as programming genres that viewers have come to know and love from Discovery such as nature, science, exploration and animals, the mobile website also offers previews, scheduling information and short-form video clips.

    Discovery executive VP strategy and development Don Baer says, “Our new mobile portal is the latest example of our strategy to expand the Discovery universe and provide consumers with informative and entertaining content and useful features when and where it fits their lifestyles”.

    Designed to complement its television networks by strengthening viewers’ loyalty as well as attracting new audiences to Discovery’s brands, the mobile portal offers programming extensions that consumers can use while on-the-go. The features range from recipes and corresponding grocery lists from TLC’s new series Take Home Chef to fashion tips from the hosts of What Not To Wear. Pregnancy calendars, health tips and smoking cessation guides related to Discovery Health will also be added in the near future.

    Discovery senior VP, new media Clint Stinchcomb, says, “Whether it’s a busy parent trying to feed the kids or a teenager looking to put a personal touch on their cell phone, our mobile portal is a way for consumers to simplify, enhance and enjoy their lives with Discovery features at their fingertips.”

    Features on Discovery’s new mobile portal also include:

    • Downloadable ring tones, wallpaper and podcasts from Discovery favorites such as Discovery Channel’s Shark Week, TLC’s Miami Ink and Animal Planet’s The Crocodile Hunter, as well as over two dozen animal sounds and a variety of breathtaking nature scenes from around the globe, among others. The cost per download is $1.99.

    • Discovery News text reports offering information in the areas of science, nature, health, travel, all things about planet earth and current affairs. Updated daily, Discovery News offers perspective and commentary from multiple sources including the company’s in-house development and editorial team and Associated Press Television News.

    • Fan sites where consumers can view exclusive video clips, learn more about on-air personalities and access program schedules.

    • Short-form spotlights of shows from Discovery’s entire family of U.S. networks offering program descriptions and scheduling information.

    Discovery’s mobile portal can be accessed from any US network through the mobile URL at discoverymobile.com. The company will also introduce Discovery Mobile, a dedicated, 24-hour mobile programming network designed specifically for portable platforms available through mobile carriers this quarter. Updated weekly, Discovery Mobile will push content to consumers such as original made-for-mobile series, abbreviated versions of Discovery’s most popular programs, never before seen footage, one-of-a-kind extras and user-generated content.

    The launch of the US mobile portal builds on Discovery’s strong foundation of success in the international mobile marketplace where it has already launched a direct-to-consumer mobile portal in the UK. Discovery Mobile is available in nine countries. The company also has a global partnership with Nokia, which carries customized Discovery content on its newest and most sophisticated devices.

    This announcement follows a series of new media initiatives Discovery has recently unveiled. Discovery has been launching new services and working with strategic partners to bring its high-quality, informative and entertaining content to consumers wherever they are and whenever they want it.

    Discovery says that it is the first media company to provide its world-class video content on Google Earth, the revolutionary satellite imagery-based mapping product, and the first nonfiction programmer to offer video content through the iTunes music store. Discovery also launched the first of its U.S. broadband channels: Discovery Channel Beyond, TLC Beyond, Travel Channel Beyond and Animal Planet Beyond, as well as the new TURBO broadband channel.

  • Animax goes all English from 15 August

    Animax goes all English from 15 August

    NEW DELHI: Animax, the international animation channel, adopts a complete English language feed as a continuation of the Animax Refresh to meet the requirements of an ever growing and discerning Indian viewership starting this month.

    With slick blockbuster animation series and shows that are more youth and young adult focused, Animax is punching into a different market segment to better attract the 15 to 24 years old, an age group with the real purchasing power. Operating a single English language feed is meant to better serve this segment.

    Animax has been a pioneer seeking to change the face of animation in India by offering Indian viewers animation for grown-ups, and not just cartoons for kids. Animax programming tends to be more developed, dramatic animated series portraying human emotions and conflicts.

    These series attract viewers that want intelligent, substantial themes along with the fun in their animated entertainment. The Animax audience are young adults who enjoy daily viewing of their favorite animated series on Animax.

    Says Animax-Country manager- Sunder Aaron, “We’ve converted the Animax feed into English-only to better meet the interests of our target audience in the metros. We’ve targeted the young adults of India who we all see at cyber cafes, playing video games, downloading music and wearing branded clothes. Animax is focused on engaging this discerning audience with our programming. Broadcast in English also meets the demands of our various user-groups who have expressed this preference to us online. “

  • Harris playout system helps put Fashion TV Arabia on air

    Harris playout system helps put Fashion TV Arabia on air

    MUMBAI: Harris has announced that Fashion TV Arabia, a subsidiary of Michel Adam’s Fashion TV in Paris, has taken delivery of a turnkey Harris play-out system as part of its recently launched channel dedicated to the Middle East region.

    The sale, which was made by the certified Harris software developer in the region, MT2, includes two Nexio transmission servers, two Nexio storage arrays, Nexio applications for remote control and clip playout, an Inscriber RTX real-time, 2D/3D graphics platform and the award-winning Panacea routing switcher, as well as a wide range of timing, distribution and processing products.

    MT2 head Naji Bouhabib says, “As a pioneer in interactive television, MT2 was invited by Fashion TV Arabia to provide a solution that would add value and help generate new revenue streams for the channel — which is one of the key reasons we chose the Nexio server system for this project. Nexio provides an Application Programming Interface (API) that enables applications partners to develop custom tools to further enhance the overall system’s utility beyond the capabilities of standard protocols. Using the NEXIO API, we will be able to build software solutions that enable interfacing between different platforms — basically, a library of functions for interactivity — which will help Fashion TV Arabia collate clip information, on-air logos, branding and instruction messages.”

    Like its parent company, Fashion TV Arabia’s programming includes exclusive coverage of the glamorous world of fashion, including reports from fashion shows, profiles of established and up-and-coming modeling talent and fashion photographers and features on general entertainment trends.

    Key to Fashion TV Arabia’s new play-out system is the Inscriber RTX graphics platform, which puts full creative control in the hands of broadcasters, allowing them to create a purely custom broadcast solution. The development tool enables users to create stunning graphics consisting of advanced design elements and data from multiple sources, using common programming fundamentals.

  • MTV looks to stay ahead of digital curve in India

    MTV looks to stay ahead of digital curve in India

    MUMBAI: Even as the big media companies gather their forces for the upcoming battles for mind share in the new digital world, each are going about it in different ways. The aim is common to all of them though – multiplatform strategies of building an engaging universe of music, gaming, entertainment, news and interactivity for targeted audiences.

    And, while India may not be where the major digital battles are fought any time in the near future, MTV for one is attempting to stay ahead of the curve and preparing for more change by introducing new mobile and online services for the ‘networked generation’.

    For MTV Networks International senior vice president (digital media) Gideon Bierer, with opportunities unfolding, the country is approaching an inflexion point as regards the digital content delivery story. Bierer believes that new digital services will begin to be introduced in a significant way from next year on but it could take anywhere between three to five years for it to get serious penetration in India.

    Queried about revenue streams, Bierer said that like in television subscriptions and advertising would form the main component and digital services also offered revenue opportunities through transactions.

    For MTV, the aim is clearly to be the first mover in the digital space and helping it respond to changing tastes and compete with the internet and downloading could be channels like Flux, where the schedule is driven by the public. Flux, the multi-platform social-networking digital service originated by MTV Networks International in Japan last June, is launching in the UK & Ireland markets on 6 September. It is also being introduced in Italy around the same time.

    Flux is positioned as a digital community and content integrated youth service that enables viewers to access short videos and music through their mobiles or computers, make recommendations to others and provide feedback. The channel will be aiming to attract the key 13 to 34-year-old demographic.

    There is also the hybrid channel MTV Overdrive launched last April. Available through mtv.com, the initiative is aimed at entertaining viewers with both a linear viewing experience and video on demand capabilities in one web-based application. MTV Overdrive’s lineup features news, music, on tv and movies among the services it offers.

    Now while all this sounds very nice, what a certain Rupert Murdoch would have to say about all this remains to be seen. For in the west where the digital skirmishes are already on in full swing, it is News Corp’s Myspace that is creating the most frenzy among the demographic that MTV has “owned” for nigh on 25 years. In India, only time will tell whether MTV is able to square up to the Star juggernaught, which has already declared aggressive intent in this domain.

  • TNT kicks off broadband initiative DramaVision

    TNT kicks off broadband initiative DramaVision

    MUMBAI: US broadcaster TNT is diving into the world of broadband with DramaVision.

    This is an on-demand digital destination featuring broadband presentations of TNTs original productions and initiatives complementing the networks line-up of dramas.

    TNT will kick off its new broadband initiative tomorrow, 15 August 2006, by offering a first-time-ever broadband streaming of the networks blockbuster miniseries Into the West, which earned 16 Emmy nominations. DramaVision will be housed at the TNT Web site: tnt.tv.

    Future broadband offerings from DramaVision will include a showplace for TNTs arsenal of original movies; a collection of true crime stories promoted through the series Law & Order and presented in partnership with TNTs sister network Court TV. There wil also be tie-ins to such high-profile live events as the Screen Actors Guild Awards and the Black Movie Awards.

    The broadband content TNT is planning to offer via DramaVision includes:

    Into the West: TNTs 16-time Emmy nominee Into the West gets its first-ever broadband presentation via tnt.tv and intothewest.com. Fans can watch the entire six-part television event, as well as extensive behind-the-scenes content.

    Drama Flicks: Future plans call for TNTs award-winning original movies to be offered via broadband through a variety of genre-specific channels. The slate of high-quality original movies TNT has created during its 18-year history includes the following:

    Westerns, including Crossfire Trail, which continues to hold the ad-supported cable record as the most-watched movie telecast of all time. Historical Dramas, such as Andersonville, which earned an Emmy for director John Frankenheimer.

    Then there are biopics, like George Wallace, which earned Emmys for Gary Sinise, Mare Winningham and director John Frankenheimer, as well as an Emmy nomination for Angelina Jolie.

    There will also be literary dramas like The Hunchback of Notre Dame with Mandy Patinkin and Salma Hayak as well as bible dramas, such as Joseph.

    Live Events: TNT will supplement such live-event programming as the Screen Actors Guild Awards and the Black Movie Awards with special video content and camera feeds never before available to viewers. In addition to a presence on DramaVision, the Black Movie Awards will also have a digital presence on AOL.