ITV

Category: Specialised and Niche

  • Sony BBC Earth announces Shaan Lalwani as the ‘Earth Champion’ for the month

    Sony BBC Earth announces Shaan Lalwani as the ‘Earth Champion’ for the month

    Mumbai: Sony BBC Earth, a pioneer in bringing forth thought-provoking content and inspiring initiatives for the Indian audiences, is proud to announce Shaan Lalwani as its ‘Earth Champion’ for the month. This recognition highlights Shaan’s contribution towards environmental conservation and sustainability for a cleaning detergent formula that is totally biodegradable.

    Shaan Lalwani’s journey towards sustainability began with a personal awakening. During her travels, Shaan witnessed the harmful effects of chemical pollution on marine life. The cleaning agents that form an integral part of our daily routine contain chemicals that pollute water bodies. Hence, Shaan came up with an eco-friendly alternative and founded Coco Custo, a company that makes non-toxic and biodegradable laundry detergents.

    Sony BBC Earth’s ‘Earth Champions’ initiative aims to celebrate individuals like Shaan who move the needle in bringing sustainability into the everyday lives of people, making a tangible difference to the environment. The monthly property showcases the work done by the Earth Champion as short-form content with a compelling score. The video is telecast on the channel and promoted on the online medium.

    Sony Pictures Networks India business operations head – Sony AATH and head – marketing & insights, English cluster, Rohan Jain, “As a brand, we have always strived to present to the viewers stories that exemplify passion, drive inspiration, and encourage sustainable practices. Our Earth Champions initiative is a perfect embodiment of this commitment. We are pleased to announce Shaan Lalwani as our latest Earth Champion. Her journey demonstrates that making small efforts can help one lead an eco-conscious life and inspire others to follow.”

    Earth Champion of Sony BBC Earth – Coco Custo founder Shaan Lalwani, “It is an honour to receive the title of Earth Champion by Sony BBC Earth. I am glad that the channel has given me a platform to help my story reach so many people, and I hope it inspires them to reflect upon every step they take. I believe every individual has the power to drive positive change towards environment conservation.”

  • Watch Snake Squad and Desi Feels on Sony BBC Earth this August

    Watch Snake Squad and Desi Feels on Sony BBC Earth this August

    Mumbai: Sony BBC Earth offers an adventure and cultural experience this August. The channel will premiere Snake Squad on 20 August at 12 pm and 9 pm. This series focuses on snake rescuers in India who address the issue of snakes seeking refuge in urban areas due to human encroachment. It features young individuals who left successful careers to rescue and return snakes to the wild. Viewers will follow Alex Carpenter as he travels across India to join the Snake Squad and learn about their motivations.

    Along with travel and adventure, Sony BBC Earth adds a dose of exploration with its Independence Day line-up, ‘Desi Feels’. The special segment will air on 15 August, 9 am onwards and cover shows such as ‘Ganges’, ‘Where the Wild Men Are with Ben Fogle’, ‘Extreme Fishing with Robson Green’, ‘Rick Stein’s India’, ‘Joanna Lumley’s Spice Trail Adventure’, ‘Hidden India’ and ‘Joanna Lumley’s India’.

    The series ‘Ganges’ explores the river from its Himalayan source to its lush foothills, highlighting its influence on Indian culture, sacred temples, and diverse wildlife. Adding to the exploration is ‘Where the Wild Men Are with Ben Fogle’ where Ben lives with former fighter pilot Steve Lall in the Indian Himalayas, experiencing a rugged farmer’s life, and  ‘Hidden India’ where wildlife expert Liz Bonnin, actor Freida Pinto, and mountaineer Jon Gupta reveals the wonders of India’s natural world. ‘Rick Stein’s India’ deep dives into culture with visits to Madurai for temple cooking, Kerala for spice-laden backwaters, Mumbai for bombil fish, and much more. ‘Extreme Fishing with Robson Green’ highlights Robson’s cultural experiences in Kochi, and ‘Joanna Lumley’s Spice Trail Adventure’ covers the whole of India – from the south to the Himalayas including temple visits and religious celebrations.

  • Sony BBC Earth premieres ‘Planet Earth III’ narrated by Sir David Attenborough

    Sony BBC Earth premieres ‘Planet Earth III’ narrated by Sir David Attenborough

    Mumbai: Sony BBC Earth has announced the premiere of ‘Planet Earth III’, the latest addition to the groundbreaking and award-winning Planet Earth series. The eight-part series follows some of the world’s most amazing species and narrates extraordinary stories depicting drama, thrill, humor, and emotions. Presented by Sir David Attenborough, the show will premiere on Sony BBC Earth on 29 July 2024, at 09:00 pm.

    Produced by BBC Studios natural history unit, ‘Planet Earth III’ reflects the set of challenges that wildlife faces in the modern, crowded world. The show is making a comeback two decades after the original Planet Earth series first aired. It highlights some of the fantastic locations of India that include the teak forests where whistling wild dogs hunt prey three times their size and a village with venomous cobra co-existing with humans, leading to a change in their behaviour.

    The final episode sheds light on the ‘heroes’ across the globe who put their lives on the line to protect the wildlife and the critically important ecosystems of our planet.

    For the show’s premiere, Sony BBC Earth has launched a campaign titled ‘WilderThanYourImagination’. It focuses on mesmerising viewers with Earth’s unseen wonders, taking them to a world of incredible stories, beyond their imagination. Ahead of the premiere, the channel conducted screenings at the Kolkata, Chennai, and Mumbai science centers that saw over 1400+ students enjoying the content and learning from it.

    Sony Pictures Networks India chief marketing officer & business head – English cluster & Sony AATH, Tushar Shah said, “At Sony BBC Earth, we are dedicated to providing viewers with high-quality programming that ignites curiosity and fosters a deep connection with the natural world. Planet Earth III delivers on this commitment and perfectly embodies the brand promise. Narrated by the legendary Sir David Attenborough, this remarkable series is an immersive adventure into the heart of the wild. It showcases extraordinary tales of resilience, adaptation, and hope in the natural world.”

    Planet Earth III executive producer Mike Gunton said, “Planet Earth III is about the resilience and adaptability of nature and the remarkable animals changing their lives to meet the challenges of a rapidly changing world dominated by us. This is the most ambitious Planet Earth series ever made, and we spent 1904 days filming it. We hold great responsibility as filmmakers to spark deep passion for our natural world, and we are excited for Indian audiences to have the chance to watch this fantastic series.”

  • “Good Morning India with Nutella” series and chef Pooja Dhingra unveil breakfast delights on Discovery, Discovery+ India and TLC

    “Good Morning India with Nutella” series and chef Pooja Dhingra unveil breakfast delights on Discovery, Discovery+ India and TLC

    Mumbai: Nutella, the hazelnut cocoa spread, has delighted consumers for over years and has made the mornings better. Continuing the ‘60 years of smiles’, Nutella brings to life the diverse culinary landscape of India, with the recently introduced limited-edition landscape jars featuring some of the most popular landscapes of states across India.

    To further elevate this celebratory campaign, Nutella announces its collaboration with Chef Pooja Dhingra who has curated special breakfast recipes, combining each state’s local bread with Nutella, creating a delectable fusion of traditional and modern flavours for your breakfast table.

    The 10-episode series will air on Discovery India every Tuesday at 7:00 PM IST and on TLC India every Wednesday at 8:00 PM IST. It will also stream on discovery+ starting June 28th. The first episode will feature Chef Pooja cooking up a delicious breakfast with Punjab’s Kulcha paired with Nutella. The episodes will showcase exciting recipes pairing Nutella with other local breakfast carrier/ breads from states of Uttar Pradesh, Kashmir, Rajasthan, Maharashtra, Goa, Karnataka, Kerala, Tamil Nadu and West Bengal.

    “Good Morning India with Nutella”

    Episode Airing

    Ep 1 Punjab’s Kulcha with Nutella

    25 June

    Ep 2 Uttar Pradesh’s Sheermal with Nutella

    2 July

    Ep 3 Kashmir’s Bakarkhani with Nutella

    9 July

    Ep 4 Rajasthan’s Khooba roti with Nutella

    16 July

    Ep 5Maharashtra’s Puran Poli with Nutella

    23 July

    Ep 6 Goa’s Poie with Nutella

    30 July

    Ep 7 Karnataka’s Neer Dosa with Nutella

    6 Aug

    Ep 8- Kerala’s Appam with Nutella

    13 Aug

    Ep 9- Tamil Nadu’s Idli with Nutella

    20 Aug

    Ep 10- Darjeeling’s Momos with Nutella

    27 Aug

    The innovative culinary series will unlock breakfast traditions infused with a Nutella twist. Get ready to make your mornings truly bright and cheery!

    Consumers can access recipes by easily scanning the QR Code on the Nutella landscape jars.

  • Top shows of Sir David Attenborough to watch on Sony BBC Earth

    Top shows of Sir David Attenborough to watch on Sony BBC Earth

    Mumbai : Sony BBC Earth has been showcasing stories of curiosity and adventure taking viewers to corners of the globe otherwise unexplored. The channel’s landmark natural history shows such as the Planet Earth series have always struck a chord with the viewers for their compelling storylines and magnificent representation. A huge credit goes to Sir David Attenborough, the legendary broadcaster and naturalist who gave the wild a voice.

    Celebrating the birthday of the legend, Sony BBC Earth, the home of Sir David Attenborough, is showcasing a selection of his groundbreaking documentaries and series. Below are a few of his shows that you can add to your watchlist.

    1.    Frozen Planet I & II: The six-part series takes people on an expedition to the world’s coldest areas – the high mountains, frozen deserts, snowbound forests, and ice-cold oceans, to explore the wildlife in these regions. Filmed in the ultra-high definition using the very latest camera technology, and featuring dramatic new behaviours, intimate stories, and sensational natural spectacles captured on camera for the very first time, it gives viewers a chance to experience the wonders of our planet’s frozen realms.

    2.    Perfect Planet: The series reveals how perfectly our planet is set up to nurture life. It shows how sunlight, weather, ocean currents and volcanoes all work together in an intricate balancing act to shape and support the great diversity of life on Earth. The episode that focuses on volcanoes showcase how magma from the planet’s molten core builds land, and the mineral-rich ash from eruptions fertilises the surface.

    3.    Natural Curiosities: Sir David Attenborough presents a collection of his favorite natural curiosities found throughout the animal kingdom from armored giants to crafty insects where you can witness some new lives with adventurous mysteries in it. Each episode features two species connected by a distinctive evolutionary quirk.

    4.    Blue Planet 2: The series features a variety of revolutionary segments never seen in a video documentary. The species include cuttlefish that hypnotize crabs to stun them, giant trevally that leap out of the water to catch low flying birds, and newly discovered dancing yeti crabs.

    5.    The Green Planet: The show makes viewers dive into a world where a single life can last a thousand years. It takes them to the private, hidden existence of plants who are not as violent, competitive, and theatrical as animals, engaged in life-or-death contests for food and light, fierce territorial battles, and desperate attempts to reproduce and disperse their young.

    6.    Planet Earth II: The show is an immersive exploration of the jungles, mountains, deserts, islands, grasslands, and cities of the world. It takes viewers to the four corners of the globe to discover the extreme forces that shape life in each of these iconic landscapes and the remarkable ways animals manage to overcome the challenges of surviving in the wildest places on Earth.

    To know more, tune in to Sony BBC Earth from 2:00 pm to 6:00 pm.

  • Celebrate Earth Day with Zac Efron, Jim Sarbh, David Attenborough, and more on discovery+

    Celebrate Earth Day with Zac Efron, Jim Sarbh, David Attenborough, and more on discovery+

    Mumbai: As we celebrate Earth Day, there’s no better time to reflect on our planet’s beauty and the crucial importance of environmental conservation. Dive into a world of awe-inspiring landscapes, remarkable wildlife, and inspiring conservation efforts with discovery+’s lineup of nature-centric shows. From the exhilarating challenges of The Great Global Clean-up to the heartwarming stories of environmental heroes in Planet Healers and the mesmerising exploration of Earth’s tropical paradises in Earth’s Tropical Islands, each series offers a unique perspective on our planet’s wonders. Join Sir David Attenborough on a journey through the forces shaping our world in A Perfect Planet, and venture into the frozen wilderness in Frozen Planet. Let’s commemorate World Earth Day by immersing ourselves in these captivating shows that celebrate the beauty of our planet and inspire action towards a more sustainable future.

    The Great Global Clean-up

    The Great Global Clean-up is an environmental reality television show that aims to raise awareness about the importance of cleaning up the planet. Popular actor Zac Efron joins contestants from around the world to compete in various challenges focused on environmental conservation, recycling, waste management, and sustainable living practices. The show combines elements of adventure, competition, and education as participants embark on missions to clean up polluted areas, restore ecosystems, and implement innovative solutions to environmental problems. Through its engaging format, “The Great Global Clean-up” seeks to inspire viewers to take action in their own communities to protect the planet for future generations.

    Planet Healers

    Planet Healers starring Jim Sarbh is a documentary series that follows individuals and organizations dedicated to environmental conservation and sustainability efforts worldwide. The show highlights inspiring stories of people taking action to address pressing environmental issues such as climate change, deforestation, pollution, and habitat destruction. From grassroots activists to scientists, entrepreneurs, and community leaders, “Planet Healers” showcases diverse initiatives and innovative solutions aimed at healing the planet. Through compelling storytelling and stunning visuals, the series aims to educate and inspire viewers to become active participants in the global movement toward a healthier and more sustainable future for our planet.

    Earth’s Tropical Islands

    Journey to the sun-drenched shores and lush jungles of Earth’s tropical islands, where life flourishes in abundance. Delve into the secrets of these paradises as we uncover the intricate web of life that sustains these vibrant ecosystems. From the bustling mangrove forests teeming with exotic creatures to the crystal-clear waters harboring dazzling coral reefs, each episode of this immersive documentary series unveils the breathtaking beauty and extraordinary biodiversity of these remote oases. Through awe-inspiring footage and compelling storytelling, experience the wonders of nature like never before and gain a deeper appreciation for the delicate balance that sustains life on the Earth’s Tropical Islands.

    A Perfect Planet

    Embark on an awe-inspiring exploration of Earth’s natural wonders with this groundbreaking documentary series. Through stunning visuals and captivating storytelling, journey across continents and oceans to uncover the intricate web of life that sustains our planet. From the majestic peaks of mountains to the depths of the oceans, each episode delves into the remarkable forces of nature that shape and nurture life on Earth. With the iconic voiceover by Sir David Attenborough, witness breathtaking landscapes and extraordinary wildlife encounters as you gain a deeper understanding of the delicate balance that exists in our world.

    Frozen Planet

    Explore the frozen realms of our planet in Frozen Planet, a visually stunning documentary series narrated by Sir David Attenborough. This captivating journey takes viewers to the polar regions of the Earth, revealing the breathtaking landscapes and remarkable wildlife that thrive in some of the harshest environments on the planet. From the vast expanses of ice to the intricate ecosystems of the Arctic and Antarctic, each episode showcases the resilience and adaptability of the creatures that call these frozen worlds home. Through spectacular cinematography and expert narration, “Frozen Planet” offers a compelling look into the challenges and triumphs of life in the extreme cold, while also highlighting the urgent need to protect these fragile ecosystems in the face of climate change.

  • Explore a summer of intrigue with Sony BBC Earth’s exclusive lineup

    Explore a summer of intrigue with Sony BBC Earth’s exclusive lineup

    Mumbai: This April, Sony BBC Earth brings in a mixed bag of content, poised to captivate hearts, invigorate minds, and spark the spirit of adventure. Showcasing the world through the lens of people with autism spectrum disorder, the channel premieres ‘Inside The Autistic Mind’, ‘Big Little Journeys’ which takes people through the real-life adventures of six tiny animals, whereas ‘Jack The Ripper: A Case Reopened’ investigates one of the biggest unsolved mysteries in criminal history.

    The diverse content line-up is all set to appeal to viewers of all ages. ‘Inside The Autistic Mind’ delves into the lives of two remarkable individuals, each navigating the complexities of autism with courage and resilience. Presented by the illustrious Chris Packham, the series aims at creating awareness about autism along with showcasing how empathy plays an important role in dissolving certain barriers. The show premiered on 2 April 2024, at 12:00 pm and 09:00 pm, with a repeat telecast on Saturday and Sunday i.e., 6 and 7 April respectively.

    Trailing six tiny animals as they travel to the unknown is Sony BBC Earth’s ‘Big Little Journeys’. The series aims to give viewers a glimpse into the lives of these tiny but mighty creatures such as the endangered golden-headed lion tamarins in Brazil, gymnastic bushbabies in South Africa, and the rare Taiwanese Formosan pangolin. Viewers can watch the survival strategies of these animals, as they overcome obstacles, fight predators, and hunt for their families on 14 April, Sunday at 12:00 pm and 09:00 pm.

    Taking viewers back in time to the fog-drenched streets of Victorian London, ‘Jack The Ripper: A Case Reopened’ is a perfect specimen of modern forensic science meeting historical enigma. Premiering 20 April 2024, on Sunday at 09:00 pm, the show introduces the team of forensic experts and senior police officers who utilized forensic psychology techniques for the identification of the serial killer.

    This April, mark your calendars to watch ‘Inside The Autistic Mind’, ‘Big Little Journeys’, and ‘Jack The Ripper: A Case Reopened’ only on Sony BBC Earth.
     

  • RX France announces launch of Mip London 2025

    RX France announces launch of Mip London 2025

    MUMBAI: Change is the only constant is an adage we all know. Well, that’s happening at RX France’s long running MipTV market too. The RX France management today announced that the 61 year old content exhibition market which is held in March-April annually  in Cannes, France is being wrapped up after this year’s edition between 8 and 10 April. A new event called Mip London will come up come-2025. (Its bigger sister event, MipCom which is held annually in Cannes will however continue with its October dateline.)

    Mip London is positioned as a new industry market and networking event which is set to take place 24-27 February with a preopening a day before. The debut event will coincide with the 2025 London Screenings, which have been growing in stature over the years. The venue for Mip London is salted to be the Savoy Hotel and IET London: Savoy Place adjacent venues in the city’s West End. A press release issued by RX France states that Mip London was created following industry feedback to satisfy the growing need for versatile meeting and screening solutions in line with the increased demand for international companies to connect with buyers in London each February.

    Mip London, the release states,  aims to consolidate an already-busy global TV events calendar, and differs in format to MIPTV. The focus is not on exhibiting but rather providing international companies looking to have a presence in London with tailored, scalable options to showcase and network in one convenient spot. MIP LONDON will have a comprehensive invitation programme which gives free access to qualified buyers.

    “The creation of Mip London  is a direct result of clear and evidenced market factors,” says RX France entertainment division director  Lucy Smith. “There is a continued appetite for a global content market

    in the first half of the year. Mip London  will not only alleviate a busy events calendar but will provide

    an additional entry point for international companies to gather in London at the same time.”

    “Staging markets that provide clients with the best possible solutions for showcasing their content and facilitating deal making is what we do best at Mip and take a huge pride in, as proven over decades in Cannes and more recently Cancun,” adds Smith. “We have consulted with many of those already hosting events in London as well as with international companies looking to do so. Our vision is a market that complements, not competes with, the established screenings programme, that provides further options for the widest range of international distributors, studios and buyers to take part and can bring even more business to London in February for the benefit of all. Leading RX France’s first Mip market in London is an opportunity I’m very grateful for.”

     

  • Master the art of hosting with Zee Zest’s “House Party Hits”

    Master the art of hosting with Zee Zest’s “House Party Hits”

    Mumbai: Groove, laugh, and savor unforgettable moments as “House Party Hits” which premiered on Zee Zest on 21 March is currently airing every Thursday & Friday at 8 pm. With a dynamic blend of culinary delights, creative themes, and infectious energy, this unique lifestyle show promises to redefine the art of throwing house parties.

    Led by the culinary genius Chef Smit Sagar, renowned for his prowess, “House Party Hits” offers viewers an exclusive peek into creating the perfect party ambience and transforming mundane house gatherings into extraordinary experiences. Alongside the experienced party planner Neetu Jakhar, known for her DIY expertise and creative upcycling, the duo craft an immersive experience, blending flavors and festivities seamlessly.

    Unlike any other show, “House Party Hits” showcases the meticulous planning and execution behind each themed soirée. From conceptualisation to implementation, viewers will witness the intricate details that go into creating the perfect party ambiance. With its motto, “Epic Parties. Unforgettable Memories.”, the series promises to deliver a whirlwind of entertainment, leaving a lasting impression on its audience.

    While the first episode delves into the excitement of birthday celebrations, the second episode ignites the spirit of Holi, the festival of colors. Offering a treasure trove of culinary delights and innovative décor inspirations, Chef Smit Sagar and Neetu Jakhar share invaluable tips to ensure a joyous and memorable bash for all the occasions.

    Zee Zest chief channel officer Amit Nair shared his excitement about the show, saying, “House parties have always held a special place in our hearts, serving as cherished gatherings. Zee Zest recognizes this timeless allure of House Parties and taps into the current fervor, offering a platform where the magic of house parties is celebrated in all its glory. With House Party Hits we aspire to reimagine it for the modern age with a zestful twist that promises to elevate every gathering into an unforgettable experience. “

    Don’t miss the chance to join the ultimate house party experience. Tune in to “House Party Hits” every Thursday and Friday at 8 pm, starting 21 March only on Zee Zest.

  • Paramount Global get $11 billion buyout offer from Apollo Global

    Paramount Global get $11 billion buyout offer from Apollo Global

    MUMBAI: Even as the dust is settling on the $517 million Viacom18 television stake sale deal between Reliance and US media behemoth Paramount Global, comes the news that the latter itself is the target of a a buyout offer. The Wall Street Journal has reported that private equity firm Apollo Global Management, has made a $11 billion offer to the buy the film and television studio. 

    This is not the first acquisition offer that a reluctant controlling shareholder Shari Redstone has received. Earlier, the David Ellison-controlled production company Skydance Media had  proposed to buy Paramount parent National Amusements and fuse it with his firm as a whole. Skydance had bid in excess of $4 billion for a 70 per cent stake. Ellison’s offer – which plans to keep all the studio  assets but sell off the rest – is still on the table.

    Paramount Global’s assets include Paramount Pictures, broadcaster CBS, Viacom cable networks including MTV as well as PlutoTV. The media conglomerate has a current valuation in excess of $7.7 billion. 

    Earlier this month, Paramount’s chief financial officer Naveen Chopra had dismissed any move towards selling the company at a Morgan Stanley media conference. “From management’s perspective, we are focused on execution. And we believe the continued execution of our plan will unlock value. We’re very conscious of the fact that our job as management is to create value for all of our shareholders…To the extent that there are other alternatives, we’ll be diligent about exploring them,” he had said. 

    The company has been grappling with the changing dynamics of content consumption under CEO Bob Bakish. In its latest quarter overall revenue shaved six per cent year-on-year to $7.64 billion, worse than an expected $7.9 billion. TV media revenue and filmed entertainment revenues respectively fell 12 per cent to $5.17 billion and 31 per cent to $647 million. The saving grace was direct to consumer revenues which rose 34 per cent to $1.87 billion.

    “Our disciplined execution and strong content offering drove our results in 2023, as we continue to evolve our business for profitable growth in 2024 and beyond. In Q4, Paramount+ revenue increased 69 per cent,  direct to consumer adjusted Operating income before depreciation and amortization (OIBDA) improved for the third consecutive quarter, and we now expect to reach domestic Paramount+ profitability in 2025 – a significant milestone,” Bakish had told shareholders at the time of the earnings release. “Looking ahead, we continue to be focused on maximizing the return on our content investments and scaling streaming, while transforming the cost base of our business. And I couldn’t be more thrilled with the early momentum we’ve had across every platform in 2024, demonstrating the power of our strategy and assets.”