ITV

Category: TV Channels

  • 4th Lycra MTV Style Awards announced

    4th Lycra MTV Style Awards announced

    MUMBAI: MTV India has announced the fourth edition of its style awards. The Lycra MTV Style Awards 2006 will be held on 14 October in Mumbai at the MMRDA Bandra Kurla Complex.

    After ‘Desi Cool’ in 2003, ‘Circus’ in 2004 and ‘Military’ in 2005, the theme this year is ‘Celebrating Style’. In keeping with the theme, this year’s function will feature an explosion of colour with the year’s chosen designers – Neeta Lulla, Ritu Kumar, JJ Valaya, and Rohit Gandhi-Rahul Khanna presenting their lines.

    Creating exclusive designs solely for the event, each designer will team up with a music performer to present a fusion of fashion and music. Additionally, designer Suneet Verma has been assigned the task of creating a special line for the opening sequence that will set the tone for the evening.

    Divided into three broad categories – Popular, Technical and Honours, the Lycra MTV Style Awards 2006 will be presented to people in fashion, films, sports, television, business, politics and music. The nominees include actors Abhishek Bachchan and Preity Zinta, singer Himesh Reshammiya and television host Mandira Bedi, among others.

    A change this year is that the event is being ramped up in terms of scale and size and will be held outdoors. Secondly, the size of the judging panel has been broadened to 29 (from eight). Additionally, this year’s awards are extending beyond Mumbai to two more cities – Kolkata and Bangalore.

    The Style Awards 2006 will also be promoted through an extensive campaign running across print, outdoor, on-air, mobile and online via mtvindia.com. Media partners on the event include Red FM and women’s lifestyle magazine Marie Claire.

    Brylcreem, Magic Moments Cassettes & CDs and L’Oreal are associate sponsors for the event.

  • Nickelodeon launches live-action interactive series ‘The Upside Down Show’ in the US

    Nickelodeon launches live-action interactive series ‘The Upside Down Show’ in the US

    MUMBAI: Preschoolers will “just press play,” as Noggin, the commercial-free, educational preschool network from Nickelodeon, introduces a new form of interactive viewing for preschoolers, on its new, original, live-action series, The Upside Down Show.

    Starring comedy duo, The Umbilical Brothers (David Collins and Shane Dundas), the 13 episode half-hour preschool series developed by Sesame Workshop, the nonprofit educational organization behind Sesame Street will debut on Noggin on 16 October with two back-to-back episodes from 11:00 am – 12:00 pm (ET). Beginning Friday, November 10, The Umbilical Brothers can be seen performing in Manhattan at The New Victory Theater with their comedy show Speedmouse.

    Noggin will premiere a new episode every Monday, Wednesday and Friday at 4:30 pm (ET) for four weeks straight through Friday, November 10. The Upside Down Show will air regularly on Noggin weekdays at 11:00 a.m. and 4:30 pm (ET), informs an official release.

    The Upside Down Show provides a fresh new way for preschoolers to interact by learning critical thinking skills, rich vocabulary and relational concepts and life skills through pretend play. The series elevates the concept of imaginative play to a new platform in which children build valuable reasoning skills, develop creative problem solving abilities and enhance their understanding of and joy in the world around them. The remote control featured on the series becomes a fun tool to help children learn unique vocabulary and relational concepts, as well as to play along with these completely original, imaginary stories.

    Set in a fantastical living room with more doors than walls, The Upside Down Show stars David and Shane, two brothers who live with their fun-loving sidekick Puppet, their invisible pet fly Fido, and the Shmuzzies, adorable fluff balls who speak “Shmuzzish” and love to rhyme. Each episode begins as the brothers “hand” an imaginary remote control to the viewers at home so they can “control” the duo’s physical motion by fast forwarding, rewinding or pausing their movement. Breaking “the fourth wall” of the television set, the brothers encourage their audience to participate in their antics and accompany them on their excursions.

    Every week, the duo will embark on a journey to explore new infinite worlds like the Very Hairy Room, Wind Room or Puppy Room, and everyday destinations like the beach, the airport or the movies. But Shane and David need help from their friends and viewers at home, as they don’t know where their destination is or how to get there! They take detours through magical doors in their apartment which allow the brothers — and the preschoolers playing along — to investigate the world around them, adds the release.

    “David and Shane may be the two funniest men on the planet. They are silly, spontaneous, ridiculous, amazing and on the perfect wavelength for preschoolers,” said Nickelodeon Preschool Television executive creative director Brown Johnson. “The Brothers make ordinary things extraordinary — from taking a trip to the art museum or the beach to visiting wacky places like the sticky room, the no-room room, or the sandwich room, where they achieve ‘total sandwich.’ They make me laugh every time!”

    “We’re very excited about the debut of The Upside Down Show, which is very different than other preschool shows,” said Sesame Workshop’s executive VP/Creative Director Liz Nealon. “Pairing the irresistible antics of the Umbilical Brothers with the Workshop’s understanding that young children learn best through imaginative play has created a special kind of alchemy. We’ve worked hard to make sure that this offbeat and funny show also serves up serious school readiness — teaching and reinforcing cognitive thinking and language skills, and fostering a sense of mastery and self- confidence, all while keeping kids laughing and engaged.”

    Noggins’s website http://www.noggin.com will feature a variety of content to complement the premiere of The Upside Down Show, including an online game where preschoolers can personalize an imaginary play experience with Shane and David by creating their own interactive video. The site will also feature downloadable clips from the series and several activities including The Upside Down Show printables, crafts, E-cards and more. Nick Jr.’s website http://www.nickjr.com will also launch The Upside Down Show interactive game and activities, in addition to featuring a dedicated playlist of clips from series on Nick Jr. Video.

  • Mipcom Junior to look at the state of animation in India

    MUMBAI: The organisers at the television trade event Mipcom in France Reed Midem have announced that Mipcom Junior which is dedicated to kids content has enhanced its conference programme.


    Mipcom Junior takes place from 7-8 october 2009.


    Some of the key topics scheduled to be discussed include multi-platform content, licensing and merchandising and programming strategies. There will also be a special session on the evolving landscape of animation in India. The country is already known worldwide for its animated series in 2D and 3D for TV and DVD and this spotlight will enable potential investors to keep abreast of the developments which are attracting more and more foreign investment.


    Another highlight this year will be a special discussion between two executives, DIC Entertainment’s chairman and CEO Andy Heyward and Cookie Jar Entertainment president and COO Toper Taylor. The session is co-organised with Licence! magazine and will focus on the importance of licensing for children’s TV companies.


    On 7 October three separate sessions, partnered with Kidscreen Magazine, will demonstrate to participants the art of pitching projects to broadcasters, optimising new digital platforms and anticipating the needs of buyers.


    Also on the agenda are two specialised licensing workshops. The first is in collaboration with the French consultancy agency Kazachok and is called I Have a Great TV Programme, How do I Licence it?. During the session leading experts in the licensing/merchandising field will give participants first-hand advise to help them successfully license their products.


    The second workshop organised by The International Licensing Industry Merchandisers’ Association (LIMA), demonstrates via case studies with companies such as Nickelodeon, the mechanics of producing spin-off products parallel to the TV success of a programme.


    The “Mipcom Junior Licensing Challenge” returns to Cannes on 8 October. This gives delegates the opportunity to put their property forward in full view of the TV community in the hope of finding tomorrow’s licensing star. The competition is held in association with US trade publication, Licence! magazine.


    Following a pre-selection process led by the Editor-in-Chief of the publication, a jury of experts, predominantly toy manufacturers, agents and broadcasters, will evaluate a total of five non-aired projects selected on the basis of their strong potential for licensing and merchandising exploitation.


    For those presenting, as well as those in attendance, the event is sure to be informative, eye-opening, and fun. The “MIPCOM Junior Licensing Challenge” was launched for the first time in 2004.


    The number of programmes screened at the 2005 edition of Mipcom Junior reached an all time record with the easy-to-use digital video library launched in 2004. A total of 39,134 screenings were recorded compared to 13,956 in 2004. Once again this new digital technology will offer optimal screening conditions for all the programmes listed in the Mipcom Junior 2006 catalogue.


    Last year‘s edition of Mipcom Junior 2005 welcomed, 819 participants from 497 companies and from 53 countries. 839 programmes were presented of which 462 were new

  • Hungama unveils free multi user gaming portal; targets 1mn users in first year

    Hungama unveils free multi user gaming portal; targets 1mn users in first year

    MUMBAI: Hungama, entertainment portal, content developer and aggregator has launched India’s first free multi user online gaming portal, www.gaminghungama.com. Hungama is targeting a registered user base of one million in the first year.

    The games have a simple and easy to understand gaming interface coupled with a chat window. This allows the user to interact with his opponent as he plays a game, a first among gaming sites. Along with games the site also has the latest reviews of PC, console and mobile games from across the world, the freshest gaming news relayed using RSS feeds, a user forum and a downloads section, informs an official release.

    Commenting on the launch of its latest offering in the digital space, Hungama CEO and MD Neeraj Roy said, “It is estimated that, the online gaming market in India is at $30 million, of which mobile gaming and internet based gaming contribute
    $8 million each in revenues. It is being expected that by the year 2010 11 the software gaming industry will be $700 million in size and console, mobile and broadband or internet based gaming will each be one third of the pie and through
    gaming, hungama we will be ready to meet this ever growing demand.”

    “The prime focus of the site is to provide an engaging platform for the gamers across the world and our aim is to become the cle facto gaming portal in India within six months,” says Hungama creative director Carlton D’Silva.

    The games are original concepts and are based on popular themes with titles such as Bollywood Squares, a hilarious take on Hollywood Squares, the American TV show. The other titles include Quick Et, a fast cricket game, Star Gaze, a Bollywood celebrity quiz game, Top the Class, a multi user game that can support over 500 users at any given point, adds the release.

    “The site will be launched with multi user games to begin with which will serve as an educational exercise for the gamers that are not so used to multi user games. The games are kept simple in nature and at sometime in our lives played the physical form of the game. This makes it easier for the gamers to comprehend the games and quicker to get started. Post the initial push of multi user games; we will eventually release single user online and casual games,” adds D’Silva.

  • ‘The real value of cricket is now going to show up’ : Rohit Gupta – SET India executive vice president ad sales and revenue management

    ‘The real value of cricket is now going to show up’ : Rohit Gupta – SET India executive vice president ad sales and revenue management

    Cricket, cricket and cricket. That is the exciting scorecard SET India will have for display in the fiscal 2006-07.

    A lineup of eight sponsors that is set to gobble up 50 per cent of the inventory. A bulk deal with Dentsu that eases the pain of selling individually to clients. Sony’s ad target: Rs 5 billion upwards. A figure that many in the industry are sceptical about, but the team at SET India is confident of achieving.

    Centring around the World Cup will also be a slew of high-profile programme launches. The aim: to give SAB TV and Sony TV the much-needed lift.

    In an interview with Sibabrata Das, SET India executive VP ad sales and revenue management Rohit Gupta talks about how media agencies should go beyond ratings and rates to work with broadcasters for deriving value from sports and other big properties. The industry with 70 million cable & satellite (C&S) homes, he says, is under-served and undervalued.

    Excerpts:

    What exactly is the deal with Dentsu?
    Dentsu has bought a high proportion of inventory on Max for the two ICC tournaments. By coming in early, the agency has ensured that its clients get into the World Cup without paying a real high premium (settling between the sponsorship and spot rates). The deal has put less pressure on us to individually sell that many spots.

    Was there a proposal to handle the entire inventory on a minimum guarantee (MG) and revenue share basis?
    Dentsu did make an offer. But we couldn’t have done that in India because of ICC restrictions. Besides, we were clear that we wouldn’t do one block deal. We still have to maintain our relationship with other agencies and clients.

    Is the Dentsu deal going to be a trendsetter in sports selling even as acquisition costs for cricket TV telecast rights go up?
    It definitely is an eye opener for a lot of people. What Dentsu has done, most agencies should start doing – engaging with broadcasters well in advance. Agencies shouldn’t try to beat the ground pricing always. As much as I have to sell, they have to buy. Everything can’t boil down to rates; then you will never get value. Where are the CPRPs (cost per rating point) for Super Bowl in the US? There is something called an ‘impact buy.’ Cricket should be looked at from that perspective; it not only brings in new audiences but is also a religion in the country.

    Is SET India targeting an advertising revenue of Rs 5 billion from the two ICC tournaments?
    I can’t disclose the exact figures. But we are going to double our revenues from the last World Cup.

    How?
    Just look at the cable and satellite (C&S) viewing universe which will have more than doubled from 32.5 million homes in the 2003 World Cup to 70 million by the time the March 2007 edition kicks off in the Caribbean. That would mean a potential viewership of over 300 million glued on to their TV sets.

    Besides, the two tournaments sit on a perfect timing with brands being active from October (festival season) to April (summer spending). Add to this the advantage of the Champions Trophy being played in India.
    ‘We will use the World Cup to lift Sab to the next level. With cricket and Fame X, we have a far more aggressive growth plan for the channel‘

    How much money have you tied up from the eight sponsors?
    I can’t go into the specific details, but 50 per cent of the total inventory is consumed by the two presenting (Reliance Infocomm and Nokia) and six associate (Pepsi, Hero Honda, Maruti, Hewlett Packard, LG Electronics and ITC Foods) sponsors. We have sold the two tournaments together as they involved huge outlays from clients. We will eat into the share of the biggest channel’s revenues.

    What are the brands you target for Extraa Innings?
    This is a very big property for us and we sell it to a separate set of sponsors. We target smaller brands who do not have that kind of budgets to be on the World Cup matches itself. Extraa Innings is not just wraparound programming but is fun and entertainment. We monetise every property that we have.

    How much of a revenue advantage will the Hindi feed on Sab TV be?
    Doordarshan gets 30 per cent of its viewership from C&S homes because of the Hindi commentary. Our aim is to eat into this. We are, thus, simulcasting 18 key matches on Sab in Hindi. We are offering value to the advertisers who would have also bought on DD. We want to own the entire C&S homes.

    During the last World Cup, SET India’s strategy was to push Max. Are you working out a similar strategy with Sab this time?
    We will use the World Cup to lift Sab to the next level. We did that with Max during the last World Cup and raced ahead of Zee Cinema, which had an early mover advantage, in one year’s time. We have planned big launches like Fame X (the refurbished version of Fame Gurukul) on Sab TV. We have also recently put up a clutch of comedy shows.

    Have you changed the positioning of Sab TV after buying it out?
    When we acquired Sab TV, it had a fuddy, duddy image with an appeal in the Hindi heartland. As this old image restricted growth in ad revenues, we felt the need to reposition it as a youthful, light hearted channel. Sony as a network stands for the youth brand. With cricket and Fame X, we obviously have a far more aggressive growth plan for Sab. Our aim is not to make Sab TV a flanking but a strong channel standing on its own.

    Sony is in talks to acquire stake in Ten Sports. Do you feel the need of a complete sports channel?
    I wouldn’t like to offer comments on this.

    Is the time right to hive off Max into a complete movie channel in the changing scenario?
    With so much of cricket happening now, it is certainly good to have a sports channel. Because in a hybrid channel, you are disrupting the viewership and revenues. But it all depends on what properties you are acquiring. For us, Max has worked well as a hybrid channel. We have been able to marry together both the passions – movies and cricket. The ICC property we had offered major tournaments every two years; we could change gears effectively. Max is no more a poor cousin of Sony, but rakes in ad revenues over Rs 1 billion (from around Rs 280 million before the World Cup) purely on its movie strength. Whether we will continue down this road, I don’t really know. I wouldn’t at this stage be able to comment for the future.

    How will revenue support high telecast fees for the next World Cup bid?
    The industry will have to use new ways. As TV telecast rates climb higher and higher, we may have tie-ups with agencies and clients at the time of bid. We don’t know – all that may happen to minimise risks. We will have to explore all options. Cricket, after all, will be a dominant monopoly at least for the next ten years. Of course, other sports like football will emerge. But cricket will continue to rule in viewership and revenues.

    Will advertising back up such acquisition costs or the model be driven by subscription revenues?
    Ad rates will have to go up. When Harish Thawani starts selling this time, he will have to get real pricing because his company Nimbus has paid that kind of money to get the telecast rights for cricket in India. He couldn’t do that last time because he didn’t have a channel. The real value of cricket is now going to show up because the new rights where people have paid huge money are now coming in. So the next 6-8 months in cricket is going to be exciting because you will see the rates go up substantially. Otherwise, somebody is going to get bankrupt.

    We will also see money shift from on ground to on-air advertising. The value of on ground properties is diminishing.

    What about subscription revenues?
    Direct-to-home (DTH) and conditional access system (CAS) will form a revenue component when the ICC bid comes up this time. We had factored in some inflows from DTH when we made the bid last time, but it got delayed by two years. For us, it has been advertisement-led and we have successfully achieved that.

    With Zee TV on a resurgence, how has the slip in Sony TV’s ratings affected the revenues?
    As a network, our ad sales will grow by 30 per cent this fiscal. Sony TV saw a blip last quarter but with the launch of Jhalak Dikhla Jaa we are sorting it out. We will also be using cricket in a big way to promote our properties and are launching Big Brotherimmediately after the Champions Trophy. Unlike the last World Cup, we have planned up big show launches just after the tournament.

    Isn’t Pix slow to take off?
    We have now got the distribution right. We will start focussing on selling. We are looking at premium brands as the positioning of the channel is for SEC A.

    Pix has a library from MGM but lacks new movies which HBO and Star Movies are able to telecast. How do you plan to correct that?
    The two movie channels show premium new titles only once a quarter. We don’t plan to have those titles for at least the next one year. But that won’t affect us. We have a good library. Besides, there is space for three English movie channels.

    What are the plans for AXN?
    We will continue to do at least three big local ground events. That is the advantage AXN has against its competing channels. We integrate events with the local brands. Man’s World is also coming up. AXN is a youth and adventurous channel which telecasts action titles.

    Is there concern that the World Cup almost coincides with the implementation of CAS?
    We see it as an opportunity. The World Cup will drive CAS. Much like brands being born out of the World Cup. We have seen how the top two players in any sector (consumer durables, telecom, automobiles, etc) have used cricket to grow. That is the power cricket has over audiences in India.
  • Lightworks looks to get married at Mipcom

    Lightworks looks to get married at Mipcom

    MUMBAI: Lightworks Programme Distribution (LPD) has announced that filmmaker Michael Apted’s Being Married will headline its slate of programmes to be presented at next month’s television trade event Mipcom.

    The event takes place in Cannes, France from 9-11 October 2006.

    Being Married is a reality TV alternative which takes a look at the courtship, marriage, and progression of nine couples. Combining interviews with footage of the couples on dates, interaction with their families, the actual wedding ceremonies, and the challenges they experience five years after the wedding, the film provides a fascinating perspective on the cultural phenomenon of marriage in the 21st Century.

    Being Married is inspired by Michael Apted’s 7/UP, which began in 1964 and is considered to be the greatest longitudinal documentary effort of all time, according to a panel of 400 UK filmmakers assembled by Channel 4. Currently the president of the Director’s Guild of America, Apted’s career spans documentaries and features.

    LPD executive VP and MD John Cuddihy says, “Michael Apted’s accomplishments, including his past and present films, are of the highest quality and we are delighted to be associated with him.

    “The documentary leverages the endless and timeless fascination with what makes lasting relationships work and reflects the most significant ways in which marriage and relationships are being challenged and re-defined. Lightworks Program Distribution’s library consists of bold, entertaining programmes which convey the challenges of today’s world. I am confident that Being Married will captivate viewers world-wide and will be a worthy addition to our award- winning library.”

    In the first installment of Being Married nine soon-to-be-married couples discuss their relationships, their decision to get married, their backgrounds, their views on sex, divorce and their expectations and dreams for the future. The second installment revisits each of the 9 couples to find out how their lives have changed and how their relationships
    progressed in the first five years of married life.

    Despite their cultural, geographical, and socio-economical differences, each of the couples-regardless of age or sexual orientation, face similar challenges within a marriage: the stresses of jobs, living situations, and in some cases, children.

    Lightworks Enterprises, president and CEO David Dreilinger says, “We could not be more pleased to work with Michael Apted on this project, produced in the style that he pioneered. This is a further indication of the growth of our organisation and the caliber of award-winning talent that is involved in our programmes..”

    Being Married will premiere in prime time on Hallmark next year.

  • Zee Muzic turns ‘Zee Lata’ on 28 September

    Zee Muzic turns ‘Zee Lata’ on 28 September

    MUMBAI: In an innovative way of paying tribute to melody queen Lata Mangeshkar as she turns another year younger on 28 September, Zee Muzic will dedicate the entire day to the nightingale of India.

    Viewers will experience Lata in all her myriad moods right from spiritual to cabaret, from solo to duets, ghazals to discos. The channel will take the viewer through a drive from black & white to colour days, from Madhubala, Nargis & Helen to Madhuri & Kareena Kapoor, dancing to Lata’s popular songs, informs an official release.

    Retro Parade will feature Lataji’s songs from the ’50s till the ’80s and Ek Ke Baad Ek will play her songs from 90s till the recent ones. Cinemascope anchor Roshni Chopra will talk about the legend and swing our moods with some fantastic songs. Bollywood Tonight will have a special segment on Lata Mangeshkar & Midnite Manual will light the dance floor with her peppy and fast paced numbers, the release adds.

  • Star News launches new health show ‘Apna Khayal Rakhiyega’

    Star News launches new health show ‘Apna Khayal Rakhiyega’

    MUMBAI: An apple a day keeps the doctor away. Perhaps! But STAR News will now certainly help you keep the doctor at bay. The Channel announced the launch of a new health-based weekend news programme – Apna Khayal Rakhiyega – in keeping with its accent on addressing issues that relate to the here-and-now for the people in India. The programme, starting on 30 September, will air every Saturday at 3.30 pm.

    Given that health and fitness is increasingly becoming an overwhelming concern and might even be an obsession with a growing section of the Indian populace, Star News addresses a holistic view on health with a unique programming mix updating viewers with the latest in the world of medicine and health-breakthroughs, controversies, tips, food and fitness trends, so that the viewer can take better care of oneself.

    With a flexible magazine format and refreshing outdoor anchoring from scenic locations, the programme will have different segments that will feature breakthroughs in the world of medicine, guidelines to leading a healthy life, tips and trends in fitness, advice on food and diet programmes and much more. The programme will also have a segment, featuring interviews of renowned medical/health experts and celebrities from various walks of life who will provide their opinions and share their secrets on fitness. Dr. R K Bharadwaj, a renowned ENT specialist, will be the channel’s in-house expert for this programme.

    Apna Khayal Rakhiyega marks the channel’s attempt to expand the scope of its lateral programming to ‘touch’ every member of the household and in the true sense reach out as the ‘People’s Channel’. It will not just purport to be another health and fitness show, but will view health from a holistic viewpoint and also provide thought provoking content to make people sit up and question pre-existing notions on health. This will charge viewers to better look after themselves.

  • UEFA Champions League to be telecast live on Ten Sports on 26 & 27 September

    UEFA Champions League to be telecast live on Ten Sports on 26 & 27 September

    MUMBAI: Ten Sports will broadcast the top matches of the UEFA Champions League live on Tuesday 26 September and Wednesday 27 September.

    Ten Sports coverage begins with Benfica hosting Manchester United. Both sides have lifted this coveted trophy in the past with United winning its first crown when the two teams met during the 1968 finals. The two sides were also grouped together last season with Benfica having the upper hand, seeing United eliminated at the group stage.

    The second match on 26 September will see last year’s losing finalists Arsenal host 2004 winners Porto.

    Ten Sports analyst John Burridge expects it to be another close match on Tuesday night, “On paper United have the stronger side but Benfica have proved time and again what a tough, well organized side they are. Add to that the intimidating atmosphere at the Stadium of Light, United are in for a very tough evening. The youngsters, Wayne Rooney and Ronaldo will need to be on top of their game but I think Paul Scholes in the middle may well be the difference between the two sides.”

    On 27 September the channel will showcase the live match between Liverpool and Galatasaray. The second match will see Chelsea travel to Levski Sofia looking for their second straight win.

    The line up for the matches include:

    26 September
    23:30 IST UEFA Champions League: Benefica v Man United
    02:15 IST UEFA Champions League: Arsenal v Porto

    27 September
    23:30 IST UEFA Champions League: Liverpool v Galatasaray
    02:15 IST UEFA Champions League: Levski Sofia v Chelsea

  • Star Plus invokes superheroes in fight for 8 pm slot

    Star Plus invokes superheroes in fight for 8 pm slot

    MUMBAI: In a strategic U-Turn, Star Plus has replaced its 8 pm tale of re-birth and love Pyaar Ke Do Naam – Ek Raadha Ek Shyaam with a futuristic science fiction drama Antariksh.

    The game plan has the channel eyeing kids and housewives to fight the Zee TV soap airing in the same slot, Banoo Main Teri Dulhann.

    “Our focus group discussions reveal that the majority of housewives turn to TV in a serious manner only post 8:30 pm. We have also found that kids are generally glued to television till 8:30 pm. So, with Antariksh, we are targeting both these audience groups. We hope that, the upcoming Diwali holiday season will help the show to attain a strong opening,” states Star India EVP Deepak Segal.

    Antariksh is launching on 2 October. Star Plus’ last attempt on the kids genre was with the weekend prime time show Haatim, produced by Sagar Arts. Haatim ran on the channel for 50 episodes. An official release assures that “Antariksh is not just kid’s programming, since it is inspired by the Ramayana.”

    Antariksh, is an adventurous action-fiction of various events that will shape the destiny of the indomitable and courageous Prince Amar, as he fights the ultimate evil, Rankaal, in his quest to save humanity. It is the fight between good versus evil (Amar versus Rankaal). The story is a war of the titans which is fought with hi tech gadgets and amazing weapons, the release further informs.

    The series is produced by Ashim Samanta and Jyotin Goel from Wild Fire Entertainment. The special effects and animation part of Antariksh is handled by Jyoti Sagar from Sagar Arts Productions and Prasad Ajgaonkar from Interactive Realities Ltd.