ITV

Category: TV Channels

  • Yes, it’s for real: Technicolor suspends creative operations

    Yes, it’s for real: Technicolor suspends creative operations

    Technicolor’s four creative units – Mikros, The Mill, MPC, and Technicolor Games – have suspended operations, with over 2,000 Indian employees asked not to report to work until further notice.

    Despite last-minute talks with potential partners, rescue efforts failed, as signaled by WARN notices in the US. The sudden closure of these once-exemplary VFX and animation studios has been attributed to alleged financial mismanagement, excessive spending, and negative cash flows.

    Many a panic stricken VFX artist has been reaching out to the indiantelevision.com group seeking succour to get them jobs. 

    Updated on 24 February at 2:47 pm:

    Media reports state that in the United Kingdom, Technicolor Creative Studios UK Limited will be filing for administration, today 24 February.  According to procedures, when a company goes into administration in the UK an external liquidator comes aboard to manage the company, repay creditors, and determine its future. 

     

    Updated on 24 February at 3:28 pm:

    Altogether 10,000 or so employees the world over working under the Technicolor group have been impacted by the decision to shutter operations. 

     

    Updated on 24 February 2025 at 5:37 pm.

    An earlier letter sent out to company executives by CEO Caroline Parot had the following to say: “Today (21 February 2025), the company must face reality. Due to inability to find new investors for the full group, despite extensive efforts, Technicolor group has filed for Court “recovery procedure” before the French Court of Justice to give a chance to enable to find solutions.
    In each country, the appropriate framework for orderly protection and way forward is currently being put in place to allow, when possible, to remain in business continuity.
    This decision was not taken lightly; every possible path to preserve our legacy and secure the future of our teams will be thoroughly explored to offer a chance to each of its activity to be pursued with new investors.”
     

    Updated on 25 February at 1:49 pm

    On 24 February a bunch of Indian employees visited their office only to find no one. And they were told that there was no clarity on the way forward. All employees need to stay at home until informed otherwise, is what they were told.  Net outcome: Many have started looking for jobs elsewhere. Readers of this can post their CVs and work samples on AnimationXpress.com’s  Screenhub when they click on this link. 

    https://screenhub.in/register/ 

    We intend to push your CV to studios which have not been impacted by the troubling tale of Technicolor. 

  • South Indian media market poised for global impact, says JioStar CEO Kevin Vaz

    South Indian media market poised for global impact, says JioStar CEO Kevin Vaz

    MUMBAI: JioStar Entertainment CEO &  FICCI Media & Entertainment committee chairman Kevin Vaz has highlighted the transformative growth of south India’s media and entertainment sector, emphasising its evolution from regional prominence to global recognition.

    Speaking at the Media and Entertainment Business Conclave, Vaz noted that south Indian cinema led the post-pandemic box office revival, citing blockbusters such as RRR, KGF-2, and Kantara. The success continued into 2024, with Pushpa 2 making significant inroads in the Hindi market, contributing 20% of Hindi box office collections through its dubbed version.

    The region’s creative output has garnered international acclaim, including RRR’s historic Academy Award win in 2023 and the recognition of Kannada short film Sunflowers Were The First Ones to Know at the 2024 Cannes Film Festival.

    Television remains a crucial platform for South Indian content, commanding over 30 per cent  of India’s media and entertainment market share. Vaz pointed to successful content adaptations, such as a leading Star Plus show based on the Tamil programme Siragiddika Aasaai,  demonstrating the increasing travelability of Southern content to national audiences.

    Contrary to global trends, Vaz emphasised that television continues to maintain strong youth engagement in India, attributing this to its affordability and accessibility. He characterised India as an “AND market rather than OR”, suggesting that television and digital platforms can coexist and thrive simultaneously.

    Looking ahead, Vaz identified the upcoming Waves forum as a significant initiative to drive innovation and growth in the sector. He emphasised the need for content creators and platforms to balance creative freedom with social responsibility, particularly in the digital space where social media has redefined audience engagement with audio-visual content.

    The executive’s remarks underscore the growing influence of south Indian media content and its potential to shape the future of Indian entertainment on the global stage.

  • Barun Das outshines himself on his Duologue show

    Barun Das outshines himself on his Duologue show

    MUMBAI: The highly anticipated third series of ‘Duologue with Barun Das’ returns to News9 with acclaimed filmmaker Kiran Rao leading the season premiere on 22nd February 2025. The programme, which has established itself as a cornerstone for intellectual discourse, features TV9 Network’s Managing Director and CEO Barun Das in conversation with thought leaders from various spheres.

    In this opening episode, Rao, known for her distinctive filmmaking style, offers a penetrating analysis of contemporary Indian cinema and its evolving narrative landscape. She particularly emphasises the transformation of storytelling in the digital age, noting that “we are all storytellers in some way, thanks to social media. It’s an interesting world to be telling stories in.”

    The filmmaker presents a candid assessment of Bollywood’s post-pandemic challenges, highlighting the industry’s need to recalibrate its approach. “We were perhaps a little complacent, assuming people would return to theatres regardless of what we made. That’s no longer the case”, she reflects, pointing to the significant impact of streaming platforms on audience expectations and reach.

    The conversation takes a compelling turn as Rao addresses profound social issues, particularly focusing on gender dynamics in Indian society. She delivers a pointed critique of institutional biases, highlighting how women’s identities are often legally tethered to their male relatives. “Even today, legal documents link women’s identities to the men in their lives – as someone’s wife or daughter. That needs to change”, she asserts.

    Rao also challenges prevailing societal narratives about women’s roles, particularly the glorification of multitasking. She presents a thought-provoking perspective on unpaid domestic labour, questioning the sustainability of current social structures if women were to fully enter the workforce.

    Das, reflecting on the episode, praises Rao’s ability to weave complex social themes into accessible discourse. “Her ability to weave profound social themes into storytelling is remarkable”, he notes, emphasising how the conversation embodies the programme’s mission to challenge established perspectives.

    The Oscar-nominated director reciprocated the praise, describing the interview as “one of the most engaging and enriching conversations” she’s experienced. She particularly noted Das’s ability to introduce fresh perspectives, teasing viewers with mention of “a formula that I am going to remember for life”, the details of which will be revealed in the broadcast.

    The two-part season premiere will air on News9 at 22:00 on consecutive evenings, 22 and 23 February 2025, promising viewers an intellectual feast of ideas spanning cinema, society, and cultural evolution. The programme continues its tradition of fostering nuanced dialogue on pressing contemporary issues, making it a must-watch for audiences seeking thoughtful discourse on the intersection of art, society, and media.

  • ESPN to add user-generated content to new streaming service, targeting younger viewers

    ESPN to add user-generated content to new streaming service, targeting younger viewers

    MUMBAI: ESPN is stepping into the future of streaming, and it’s not coming cheap. In a bid to capture younger, digital-first audiences, Disney’s ESPN is planning to integrate user-generated content into its upcoming flagship streaming service, set to debut later this year.

    While the specifics remain under wraps, sources confirm that ESPN subscribers will eventually be able to upload their own content to the platform. Chasing Youtube? Taking a shot at Instagram? Arriving fashionably late to the game? Maybe. But ESPN has long been the go-to for die-hard sports fans, so if they filter out the fluff and actually build a platform that celebrates real sports content, they might just score big. However, don’t expect to upload your highlight reels at launch. The company is pushing to roll out the service before the NFL season kicks off in September, but no official date has been revealed yet. When pressed for details, ESPN remained as tight-lipped as a coach before the championship game.

    Disney has reportedly explored the possibility of adding user-generated content to Disney+ as well, taking cues from Youtube, the streaming giant that dominates the market. Youtube, a subsidiary of Alphabet, holds an 11.1 per cent share of total TV usage in the U.S., according to Nielsen. With Youtube’s creator-led model proving highly effective, it’s no surprise that ESPN and other media giants are considering ways to tap into this trend.

    ESPN executives are eyeing a premium price point, with a subscription likely costing either $25 or $30 per month. This new service will bundle ESPN’s linear programming with additional digital perks, aiming to provide a comprehensive sports streaming experience.

    An official announcement detailing the service’s name, pricing, and launch timeline is expected in the coming months.

    The push toward interactive content underscores a broader industry trend: capturing younger viewers who are increasingly favouring short-form content on platforms like Youtube and Tiktok over traditional live sports broadcasts. With ESPN spending tens of billions of dollars annually on live sports media rights, the pressure is on to keep audiences engaged and subscribed.

    As the sports media landscape evolves, ESPN is betting on interactivity, exclusivity, and premium pricing to stay ahead. Whether this gamble pays off will depend on how well it balances its core sports content with the participatory elements that younger viewers crave.

    (Cited from CNBC)

  • Zee Media shareholders approve special fund-raising resolutions

    Zee Media shareholders approve special fund-raising resolutions

    MUMBAI: And so the juggernaut of Zee Media continues to roll on. 

    The company’s shareholders approved on 21 February two key special resolutions through a remote e-voting process, as set out in the postal ballot notice dated 13 January 2025.

    The resolutions include an increase in the aggregate investment limit for foreign portfolio investors (FPIs) to 49 per cent of the company’s paid-up equity share capital on a fully diluted basis, as well as the issuance of securities amounting to Rs 400 crore or its equivalent in other currencies.

    The proposals, aimed at strengthening Zee Media’s financial backbone, were passed with the requisite majority, reflecting strong shareholder support for the company’s growth initiatives. The first resolution got the go-ahead with 99.98 per cent of favourable votes, while the second one got 82.57 per cent ayes.

     

  • AI takes the spotlight at Storyboard18 DNPA Conclave 2025 in New Delhi

    AI takes the spotlight at Storyboard18 DNPA Conclave 2025 in New Delhi

    MUMBAI: As artificial intelligence reshapes industries at an unprecedented pace, the Storyboard18 DNPA Conclave 2025 is set to decode its impact on media. Slated for 27 February in New Delhi, the event will centre around the theme “Media Transformations in the Age of AI”, bringing together policymakers, technology leaders, media veterans, and marketing experts to explore the evolution of digital journalism and the ethical responsibilities that come with it.

    Union minister Ashwini Vaishnaw will deliver the keynote address, joined by EU’s AI Working Group co-chair Michael McNamara, and senior bureaucrats S Krishnan (MEITY) and Sanjay Jaju (I&B ministry). These high-profile policymakers will discuss the intersection of AI, media regulations, and governance.

    The conclave will also host stalwarts from the corporate world, including Havas Media CEO Mohit Joshi, EY partner Amiya Swarup, Dabur VP Rajiv Dubey, and Policybazaar.com CMO Sai Narayan, who will explore AI’s role in revolutionising digital advertising and cost structures.

    The rise of AI-generated content has sparked a crucial debate—where do we draw the line between machine efficiency and human editorial judgement? At the conclave, top news anchors will engage in a thought-provoking session examining AI vs. human journalism and the ethical boundaries in reporting.

    Tech innovators, including CoRover AI’s Ankush Sabharwal, Frammer AI’s Kawaljit Singh Bedi, and Elevenlabs – Audio AI’s Siddharth Srinivasan, will demonstrate how AI is making digital news content richer, more interactive, and highly personalised. Meanwhile, Google’s Durga Raghunath and Boom Live’s Jency Jacob will address fact-checking, misinformation, and deepfakes—the growing challenges in an AI-driven news cycle.

    DNPA, representing India’s top 20 print and TV media houses—including Times of India, Indian Express, Hindustan Times, NDTV, Zee Media, The Hindu, and Dainik Jagran—has curated this conclave to pave the way for an equitable, sustainable, and responsible digital media ecosystem.

    From showcasing AI-driven newsroom innovations to providing a platform for startups to present their breakthroughs, the Storyboard18 DNPA Conclave 2025 promises a day packed with insights, debates, and groundbreaking ideas.

    To know more, visit: Storyboard18 DNPA Conclave

  • IOC and TCL forge Global Olympic partnership through to 2032

    IOC and TCL forge Global Olympic partnership through to 2032

    MUMBAI : The International Olympic Committee (IOC) has announced a long-term global alliance with technology leader TCL, naming it a worldwide Olympic and Paralympic partner until 2032. As part of the agreement, TCL will be the official partner for home audiovisual equipment and home appliances, enhancing the Olympic experience with its cutting-edge innovations.

    TCL’s advanced technology will enhance both fan and athlete experiences, from digital displays at Olympic and Paralympic venues to smart appliances in the Olympic village. The partnership also supports the IOC’s Olympic AI agenda, improving engagement both on-site and at home. Additionally, TCL will contribute to the ‘Athlete Moments’ initiative, which connects athletes with their loved ones immediately after competing.

    As part of the deal, the IOC will redistribute revenues to support National Olympic committees, their athletes, and the organising committees for the Olympic and youth Olympic games through to 2032.

    At a ceremony in Beijing’s iconic water cube/ice cube venue, IOC president Thomas Bach said, “We are delighted to welcome TCL as a worldwide Olympic partner. Their commitment to innovation and sports aligns perfectly with the Olympic spirit, ensuring fans and athletes worldwide benefit from enhanced experiences.”

    TCL’s founder & chairman Li Dongsheng expressed pride in joining the Olympic movement, “The Olympic games inspire billions, and we are honoured to contribute through our innovations. This partnership allows us to further our mission of creating a smarter, more connected future while supporting Olympic sustainability goals.”

    TCL has a long history of supporting global sports and will provide an array of smart innovations, including advanced displays, air conditioners, refrigerators, and AI-powered devices.

    IOC revenues and commercial partnerships commission chair Jiří Kejval praised the collaboration, “TCL is a leader in its industry and one of the fastest-growing global brands. The Olympic partner programme continues to offer brands an unmatched platform, and TCL’s addition further strengthens this initiative.”

    With operations in over 160 countries, TCL continues to push technological boundaries, solidifying its position as a global leader in smart living solutions.

  • JioStar breaks viewership records with Tata WPL’s historic opening

    JioStar breaks viewership records with Tata WPL’s historic opening

    MUMBAI: The Tata Women’s Premier League (WPL) 2025 has made a thunderous start, smashing viewership records on JioStar. With cricket fans tuning in across platforms, the opening match between Gujarat Giants and Royal Challengers Bangalore became the most-watched league stage match ever on television.

    As the second leg of #WPL2025 kicks off in Bengaluru, BCCI secretary Jay Shah took to social media to celebrate the tournament’s historic viewership figures. In a tweet, he revealed, “the Opening match was watched by over 3 crore viewers on TV, making it the most-watched league stage match ever. TV ratings on @StarSportsIndia surged 150 per cent, while digital viewership on @JioHotstar climbed 70 per cent compared to last season. Witnessing records being shattered is truly inspiring,” he remarked.

    The numbers speak for themselves—TV ratings for the opening game skyrocketed by 73 per cent compared to last year, proving that women’s cricket is no longer a side event but a main attraction. Meanwhile, connected TV (CTV) saw an astonishing 102 per cent surge in reach, with average concurrency doubling till match five. Digital streaming reach also grew by 10 per cent, cementing JioStar’s dominance as the go-to platform for live sports.

    With digital consumption at an all-time high, the Tata WPL’s explosive growth on JioStar signals a shift in how audiences engage with cricket. The numbers highlight a clear trend—sports streaming is the future, and JioStar is at the forefront of this revolution.

    As Tata WPL 2025 continues its action-packed season, fans and brands alike have a golden opportunity to be part of this cricketing evolution. The landscape of women’s cricket is changing, and JioStar is leading the charge.

  • NDTV Marathi Entertainment Awards to honour excellence in entertainment industry

    NDTV Marathi Entertainment Awards to honour excellence in entertainment industry

    MUMBAI: NDTV Marathi is stepping into the spotlight in a big way! The channel, known for its sharp political analysis and impactful journalism, has now ventured into the entertainment sphere with the launch of the NDTV Marathi Entertainment Awards. This new platform aims to recognise and honour outstanding contributions in Marathi cinema, television, and OTT.

    In just a year, NDTV Marathi has carved a significant niche in the Marathi media landscape with comprehensive election coverage and insightful political conclaves. Now, the channel is channelling its influence into a sector that captivates audiences with its storytelling and cultural richness.

    The NDTV Marathi Entertainment Awards 2025 will spotlight exceptional talent, celebrating artists, filmmakers, and content creators who are shaping Marathi entertainment. The awards will feature winners across three key segments: Jury Awards, Critics’ Awards, and Special Categories, ensuring fair and comprehensive recognition of talent and creativity.

    The awards jury is nothing short of power-packed, featuring industry veterans and creative masterminds including:

    ·  Advertising professional writer & director Bharat Dabholkar

    ·  Director, writer & producer Swapna Waghmare Joshi

    ·  UKP producer and Gravittus Foundation founder & president Usha Kakade

    ·  Planet Marathi Group founder & head Akshay Bardapurkar  

    ·  Ravan Future Productions producer, director & writer Abhijit Phanse

    ·  Film director & producer Aditya Sarpotdar

    ·  NDTV Marathi Rahul Ningappa Khichadi

    ·  Kamala Ankibhai Gowani Trust founder Nidarshana Ramesh Gowani  

    The awards will celebrate excellence across film, television, and digital content, recognising outstanding achievements in various categories. Honours for film and television include Best film, Best director, Best actor (male and female), Best supporting actor (male and female), Best story, Best screenplay, Best cinematography, Best editing, and Best art direction. Additionally, awards will be presented for Best TV show (fiction and non-fiction), Best series, Best music album, Best playback singer (male and female), and Best lyricist. The Critics’ Choice Awards will acknowledge exceptional work with accolades for Critics’ Award Best Film, Critics’ Award Best Actor and Actress, and Critics’ Award Best Director.

    NDTV Marathi is not just reporting culture it’s actively shaping it. NDTV Marathi executive editor Niyati Bohra highlighted the industry’s meteoric rise, stating: “The Marathi entertainment industry is on a remarkable rise. Known for its rich cultural heritage and compelling storytelling, Marathi cinema, television, and digital content have gained traction with audiences worldwide. As NDTV Marathi, we look to recognize the individuals driving this growth and shaping the future of Marathi entertainment.”

    NDTV Brand Studio revenue head Gaurav Dewani further underlined the significance of the initiative: “As NDTV expands its regional presence, the Marathi Entertainment Awards 2025 reflects our commitment to driving growth in the regional entertainment space. This initiative not only celebrates exceptional talent but also creates valuable opportunities for brands and stakeholders to connect with engaged local audiences, reinforcing NDTV’s leadership in delivering high-impact partnerships.”

    With a distinguished jury and extensive category list, the NDTV Marathi Entertainment Awards 2025 is set to become a landmark event, raising the bar for excellence in Marathi cinema, TV, and digital content. Expect glitz, glamour, and a celebration of culture like never before!