ITV

Category: Fiction

  • Sima Taparia & Kian team up to find a life partner for his mother

    Sima Taparia & Kian team up to find a life partner for his mother

    Mumbai: Zee TV’s upcoming fiction offering, Main Hoon Saath Tere, introduces viewers to Janvi (played by Ulka Gupta), a single mother navigating the challenges of parenthood all by herself. Set against the backdrop of Gwalior, Janvi lives with her son, Kian (portrayed by Nihan Jain), who is the nucleus of her world. Although Kian doesn’t miss a father figure, he still feels the void of a man in his mother’s life, especially since he sees her taking care of everything single-handedly. The plot thickens when Janvi’s path intersects with Aryaman (Karan Vohra), a wealthy businessman, and they find themselves sharing the same workplace. While Aryaman expresses romantic interest in Janvi, the fate of their love story rests in the hands of little Kian. Will he approve of this match?

    To guide him in this situation and to show him the right way, renowned matchmaker Sima Taparia joined hands with him. In a one-of-its-kind collaboration, Sima with her act parameters for arranged marriage pairings and her famous one-liners, helps young Kian analyze whether Aryaman ticks all the boxes for Janvi. She looks at the profiles of Janvi and Aryaman and is surprised to see the perfect compatibility between them. With her expertise and intuition at play, she gives Aryaman a green light, and calls Janvi and Aryaman’s jodi, a match made in heaven!

     

     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     

    A post shared by Zee TV (@zeetv)

     

    Talking about this association, Sima Taparia said, “When Zee TV approached me with this unique concept of their upcoming show where a young kid is on the lookout for a suitable partner for his single mom, I immediately signed up for it as it is a truly unique plot. As the character of young Kian embarks on a journey of finding a suitable companion for Janvi, my years of experience in matchmaking will help him decide whether Aryaman is the right choice for her. Let’s hope this promotional collaboration helps this endearing story reach a larger audience across India.”

    While Kian will be seen testing Aryaman on whether he is the perfect match for his mother in the show, Aryaman tries everything possible to convince him. Will Janvi and Aryaman get Kian’s approval after all? It will be interesting for the viewers to watch an innocent take on love, life, and relationships, which is all set to unfold.

    Produced by Full House Media Pvt Ltd, Main Hoon Saath Tere will premiere starting 29 April, at 07:30 pm only on Zee TV!

  • ZEE Content Sales & VIP 2000 TV to co-produce modern telenovela in Mexico

    ZEE Content Sales & VIP 2000 TV to co-produce modern telenovela in Mexico

    Mumbai: ZEE Content Sales, the syndication division of ZEE Entertainment, and VIP 2000 TV, a leading audiovisual production and distribution company in the Hispanic market, are delighted to announce their collaboration to produce a Modern Latin-American Telenovela for Global Audiences, Championing Autism Awareness.

    This groundbreaking collaboration marks the inaugural co-production for a Telenovela between ZEE Entertainment and Latin America. The show is inspired by the acclaimed Indian soap opera “Aapki Antara.” Initially created in 2009 it has immense popularity for its poignant portrayal of social issues, particularly autism.

    This daily series for prime time called “Valentina, My Special Love”, is a fresh take on the telenovela, set in the picturesque city of Guadalajara, Mexico. The show promises to captivate global audiences with a modern twist, weaving a poignant love story about a young woman with autism who is also a genius in the tech world.

    This dynamic partnership between VIP 2000 TV and ZEE transcends boundaries, fostering empathy, shattering misconceptions, and shining a light on the essence of inclusivity and acceptance while telling a powerful love story.

    VIP 2000 TV CEO Roxana Rotundo said, “We are thrilled to partner with ZEE TV in this unique IP. Audiences will fall in love with our lead character, Valentina. Production starts in July this year in beautiful Jalisco, Mexico. Valentina, My Special Love is not just a telenovela; it’s a catalyst for understanding and acceptance. We hope to inspire empathy and compassion among viewers worldwide while they enjoy good entertainment and a powerful love story.

    ZEE – International chief business officer Ashok Namboodiri said, we are enthused with this collaboration with VIP 2000 TV to expand our content portfolio into Spanish telenovela. Our local adaptations across markets have set the standard for captivating content for a global audience. This is a unique story which will resonate not only with the 600 million plus Spanish speaking audiences but also travel to other parts of the world as a format.

    ZEE SVP & head of digital syndication Manjyot Sandhu emphasised their commitment to continue to produce content appealing to audiences globally. We firmly believe that great stories transcend boundaries. At ZEE, we take pride in creating great stories over the last three decades, which have resonated with audiences on platforms across the world.

    Valentina will feature a diverse cast of talented Hispanic actors, state-of-the-art production values, and a compelling storyline that resonates with audiences of all ages and backgrounds. Production will commence in July this year.

  • Anurag Kashyap and Gautham Vasudev Menon voice ‘Creative Killers’

    Anurag Kashyap and Gautham Vasudev Menon voice ‘Creative Killers’

    Mumbai: Warner Bros Discovery unveils the latest installment of “Mission Big Cat,” an enthralling anthology dedicated to the captivating world of majestic felines. In this edition, director Anurag Kashyap narrates the Hindi version, while director Gautham Vasudev Menon takes the reins for the Tamil rendition of “Creative Killers.” The show offers an intimate exploration of two of Africa’s most iconic predators, delving into their lethal strategies in the northern Botswana region of Savuti.

    Anurag Kashyap, reflecting on his role in voicing “Creative Killers” within the latest edition of Mission Big Cat anthology, expressed, “Collaborating with Warner Bros. Discovery for Mission Big Cat is a matter of immense pride for me. Tigers play a pivotal role in maintaining the balance of our ecosystem and their wellbeing should be the utmost priority of us as a society. I feel honoured to give my contribution towards this initiative of spreading awareness of the wild cats of the planet.”

    Set against the backdrop of the prime territory in northern Botswana, “Creative Killers” focuses on Africa’s apex predators, renowned for their impeccable hunting instincts. This extraordinary journey into the world of big cats’ premieres on 10 November 2023, on Animal Planet. Viewers can catch the “Mission Big Cat” anthology from Monday to Friday at 8:00 PM, with a repeat telecast at 4:00 PM.

    Warner Bros Discovery head of factual and lifestyle cluster, South Asia Sai Abishek said, “We are thrilled to collaborate with both Anurag Kashyap and Gautham Vasudev Menon for Mission Big Cat, a returning franchise that stands as one of Animal Planet’s most prominent programming lineups. ‘Creative Killers’ will introduce audiences to the intricate web of family dynamics, behavioural traits, and challenges faced by these magnificent Big Cats. The upcoming edition will provide unique insights into their species and the livelihoods of animals. Having prominent faces lend their voices for the Hindi and Tamil versions will further enhance the fun that will soon unfold upon audiences in varied languages. Through these informative series, we uphold our steadfast commitment to raising awareness and contributing to the conservation of wildlife and their natural habitats”

    Gautham Vasudev Menon said, “Collaborating with Warner Bros. Discovery for ‘Creative Killers’ has been an extraordinary experience. It’s not just about the incredible tigers and their hunting prowess; it’s about introducing this captivating world to the Tamil-speaking audience. I am confident that they will gain profound insights into the wonders of nature through this show.”

    With this collaboration, Anurag Kashyap and Gautham Vasudev Menon join a list of notable celebrities who have partnered with Warner Bros. Discovery for Mission Big Cat in the past, including Tapsee Panu, Anushka Sharma, and Vidyut Jamwal, and others.

    Catch Anurag Kashyap and Gautham Vasudev Menon on Creative Killers, 10 November onwards, Mondays to Fridays at 8:00 pm with a repeat telecast at 4:00 pm on Animal Planet.

     

  • Medha Srivastava & Sunil Choppala to host Comic Con India’s Cosplay Workshop

    Medha Srivastava & Sunil Choppala to host Comic Con India’s Cosplay Workshop

    Mumbai: Comic Con India is thrilled to announce an electrifying addition to its 2023 Bengaluru Comic Con lineup by welcoming cosplay experts– Medha Srivastava and Sunil Choppala as hosts for its annual Cosplay Workshop. Held at Vapour Indiranagar, this year’s workshop promises an immersive experience like never before, taking the vibrant world of cosplay to new heights.

    Medha Srivastava, is a renowned illustrator and cosplayer from Mumbai known for her captivating visual artworks and innovative cosplays. Teamed up with her is Sunil Choppala, also known as Sun2stories, a cosplayer and photographer based in Bengaluru, India. Together the pair will co-host the event and support young cosplayers to learn the art, meet professional cosplayers and figure out the hacks to get their cosplay ready.

    Medha’s seven-year cosplay journey, marked by numerous national and international awards, including Comic Con India Cosplay Contest 2023 and her collaborations with industry giants like Netflix and Marvel, showcases her artistic prowess. Meanwhile, Sunil Choppala’s win for Best Sci-Fi Series at Bangalore Comic Con 2022 bears testimony to his influence in the cosplay community.Together, they promise to take cosplayers’ abilities and experiences to new heights at this highly anticipated event.

    Details of the event:

    1. Date: 15 October, 2023
    2. Venue:  Vapour Indiranagar
    3. Address: 773, HAL 2nd Stage, 100 Feet Road, Indiranagar, Bangalore
    4. Time: 1:00 pm to 4:00 pm

    The workshop is free and open to all, catering to cosplay enthusiasts of all levels, from beginners to seasoned pros.

  • Ormax Media, Film Companion to launch ‘O Womaniya!’ report in June

    Ormax Media, Film Companion to launch ‘O Womaniya!’ report in June

    Mumbai: Media consulting firm Ormax Media and entertainment journalism platform Film Companion have announced the launch of the second edition of their initiative on female representation in the Indian entertainment industry titled ‘O Womaniya!’. The report will be released in June this year.

     The 2022 ‘O Womaniya!’ report is supported by the Producers Guild of India, Active Telugu Film Producers Guild, Amazon Prime Video, Zee5, Voot, Hoichoi, and SonyLIV.

    Unlike the 2021 report which focused only on films released in 2020, the 2022 edition will also look at the streaming category extensively analysing the major digital-series and direct-to-OTT films, along with theatrical films, released in 2021 across Hindi, Tamil, Telugu, Kannada, and Malayalam entertainment industries, said the statement.

    “The latest edition will also analyse female representation in the boardrooms of the top media and entertainment companies in India, and how the industry can work towards creating a nurturing environment that helps women grow into leadership roles,” it added. 

    “I believe that cinema can shape the world. Which is why inclusivity and diversity is paramount. ‘O Womaniya!’ is our attempt to push the needle to move faster,” said Film Companion founder and editor Anupama Chopra. “We hope that data will trigger conversation, which will trigger change. We are happy to collaborate with industry bodies like the Producers Guild of India and Active Telugu Film Producers Guild, and streaming services like Amazon Prime Video, an important part of India’s rapidly evolving creative ecosystem, to take this conversation forward meaningfully. With multiple industry players joining hands with us for the second edition of ‘O Womaniya!’ we believe we are moving the needle, slowly but significantly on this important subject.”

    “With every edition, we want to expand the ambition of this report, such as covering digital series this time,” said Ormax Media founder and CEO Shailesh Kapoor. “But the section of the 2022 report that I’m keenly looking forward to is on the representation of women in the senior management of Indian entertainment companies. These are the decision-makers who have the ability to shape the industry’s future, and hence, the analysis must start from the top.”

    The initiative has associated with Sunitha Rangaswami who is an independent consultant and has expertise on the subject of gender and women’s economic empowerment.

    “The previous report highlighted how we are missing a trick on promoting gender equality in the Indian Entertainment industry,” said Rangaswami. “I see this report more as a provocation (catalyst) on how each of us can engage in charting new pathways – through small actions and big – to make change possible. And motivate Indian entertainment companies to adopt a whole new gender paradigm in sync with the times we live in. The audience is ready for it…. are we?”

    The report will employ various qualitative and quantitative methods including trailer talk time, Bechdel Test, and more to report the findings.

    “On the corporate side, the report will ask some hard questions on creating equitable opportunities and a supportive environment, while on the creative side it will take a deep dive into the type of content being created, how women are being profiled in it and how it is being marketed,” said the statement.

  • Paree’s integration with Pyar Tune Kya Kiya aims to set a progressive narrative

    Paree’s integration with Pyar Tune Kya Kiya aims to set a progressive narrative

    NEW DELHI: While most youth-focused brands now prefer to market themselves digitally, where most of their core audience is, homegrown sanitary pad maker Paree is counting on a TV show to strike a chord with its TG. The young brand has recently partnered with Zing’s popular TV show Pyar Tune Kya Kiya’s (PTKK) season 11 as presenting sponsors.

    In conversation with Indiantelevision.com, Paree founder and CEO Sahil Dharia asserted that TV is far from being ruled out in any brand’s marketing mix. “Digital, no doubt, is a great alternative medium to reach the younger generation but it will never get as big as TV. We see if an association can help us in reaching around 10 crore women or not before we make any marketing decision, and this certainly does.”

    Paree GM – marketing Samta Datta stated that the brand wanted to solidify its foundation with the core TG, and the show is in complete synergy with that.

    However, it doesn’t mean that Paree is shying off from going digital for its promotions. “Paree is going to be a digitally-enabled brand but this particular show has a great outreach amongst the gen-Z, who are the decision-makers. Also, it will be running on Zee5 as well, taking us to the digital audience too,” Dharia added. 

    Pyar Tune Kya Kiya is one of the most popular shows on Zing and has been running for the past six years. Currently, in its season 11, the show explores the theme of confusion in love with complicated twists, starring actors like Arijit Taneja, Ketki Kadam, Eisha Singh, Charlie Chauhan, and many others. Apart from Paree, the show is co-powered by Yamaha Fascino 125 Fi, Vicks Cough drops, and has Philips Trimmer as grooming partner and Godrej Protek as associate sponsor.  

    As the presenting sponsor for the show, Paree has done a total of five brand integrations across five episodes. Each episode will have a minimum of 2.5 minute-long interaction around the brand. 

    Datta explained, “Our idea was not to get viewing minutes or just plaster our product on-screen. We wanted to start active conversations with this integration. So, you will see our product as a part of the narrative within the show wherein young couples, friends, and parents will be seen talking about it.”

    Dharia mentioned that the representation is a step-ahead from the age-old anathemas that surround menstruation and sanitary pads. “We have shown a couple talking about PMS that mostly becomes a taboo topic within young partners. We have shown a guy buying Paree pads for his girlfriend, and many such instances to set the ball rolling towards a progressive society.” 

    Discussing the overall marketing plan for the brand, Dharia shared that they are currently spending heavily on their marketing initiatives as they want to reach out to the maximum audience. While TV and digital take the biggest portions of their budgets, print also plays a key role in promoting topics like menstrual hygiene.

    “Our aim is to grow from the existing three per cent market share that we have today and we want to be on the top of the mind of the users. More than five to 10 per cent of our revenues are reserved for marketing activities. So, we try to remain on-air always. We are very much satisfied with the voice share that we have on television right now. We are active both during the prime time and RODPs spot,” he signed off saying. 

  • Film & TV industry yields usd 110 b contribution to chinese economy

    Film & TV industry yields usd 110 b contribution to chinese economy

    LOS ANGELES/SINGAPORE: The film and television industry contributed a total USD 110 billion (RMB 727.7 billion yuan) to the Chinese economy in 2018, a 2.4 percent year on year uplift, according to a new report previewed by the Motion Picture Association Asia Pacific at the Asia Society’s U.S.-Asia Entertainment Summit in Los Angeles.

    The Economic Contribution of Film and Television in China in 2018 report also found that the sector supported a total of 4.7 million jobs, and contributed a total of USD 21.7 billion (RMB 142.6 billion yuan) in tax revenue. Of particular interest, the report found that 41 percent of the total box office revenue was earned in tier 3-5 cities, indicating continued cinema attendance growth across the country.

    The China market has rapidly developed over the last two decades, surpassing the U.S. market in the number of cinema screens, currently totalling more than 66,000. According to historical theatrical box office data, the Chinese market was just USD 116 million in 1999. The market has since achieved phenomenal growth in those twenty years to reach a staggering USD 9 billion in 2018.

    The period witnessed China’s accession to the WTO in 2001 and expanded engagement between the U.S. and China film industries which included a range of MPA Asia Pacific outreach activities involving knowledge exchange programs, film workshops and masterclasses, screenings and forums.

    On November 9, at the Golden Screen Awards in Los Angeles, in acknowledgement of the immense contribution made to the advancement of the relationship between the U.S. and Chinese screen industries over the last twenty one years, Mike Ellis, President and Managing Director, Asia Pacific, MPA was presented with the “Outstanding Contribution and Leadership Award”.

    Presenting the Award, producer and China market expert André Morgan (The Cannonball Run, Perhaps Love, Million Dollar Baby, The Warlords), said “Tonight’s recipient has been instrumental – and I’ve seen this personally – in bringing Chinese films to audiences in the United States, and equally admirable is his leadership role in promoting both Chinese-international cooperation and bringing young Chinese filmmakers here to America to meet their counterparts. For all these years, to me and so many in the industry, Mike Ellis has been not only a dear friend and a colleague, but also a great supporter and advocate for filmed entertainment companies operating in China.”

    Accepting the Award, Mike Ellis said, “It’s an honour to receive this award from someone for whom I respect so much as a filmmaker, a human being and a friend. When I look back at the last twenty-one years heading up the MPA Asia Pacific, the work and the friends that I have made in China have been something that I will truly cherish. I think that collectively, together, we have already made a big difference, though there is much more work to do. However rest assured that this Award will spur me on to do great work with all of you and to help in any way I can.”

  • Endemol Shine’s new bet on the scripted genre

    Endemol Shine’s new bet on the scripted genre

    MUMBAI: Endemol Shine, known for producing shows such as Bigg Boss, Master Chef, Khatron Ke Khiladi and Dance India among others and also known as the non-scripted format giant, has plans to play the next game in the scripted genre. After Deepak Dhar made a move from the company, Abhishek Rege filled his shoes, adding regional flavour to Bigg Boss in the Viacom18’s bouquet and web series for ALTBalaji. Now, the network is looking forward to creating original content for Netflix and Amazon Prime.

    Indiantelevision.com caught hold of Rege at the Bigg Boss 12 launch event. He said that the major chunk of programming right now on Hindi GECs is daily soaps. “It is still the staple to a large extent. This apart, talent and reality shows work well in terms of viewership. Among the talent shows, I believe that dance programs have a slight edge over singing,” said Rege.

    As per the KPMG M&E report 2018, reality shows got just 28 per cent of viewers, followed by comedy serials, family drama and serials, Hindi feature films and news/ news-based programmes garnered 34 per cent, 37 per cent, 38 per cent and 56 per cent respectively.

    Producing a show for the regional audience is costs less than the Hindi speaking market. Rege said that the cost of production will increase with inflation and other things such as the salaries of the employees, but the allocated cost of production needs to be decreased down the line. “Globally also we try out newer technologies, newer processes to follow to reduce cost without sacrificing quality. We are testing out a few technologies and hopefully in the near future we would be able to do this in India as well,” he added.

    The company’s new focus is on scripted formats. Rege doesn’t count web series as digital property but rather a scripted property meant for a different audience that consumes content on different platforms.

    As far as TV’s relevance in the digital age is concerned, Rege said that the future of TV is large even now. “Digital platforms have been offering a certain premium content that will be far and few in between because I think that Netflix doing Sacred Games has found the right spot. So we see the activity will go up and also Voot has just announced a number of shows. Similarly, Hotstar, ALTBalaji, Amazon and Netflix also have a lot coming up,” he said.

    There are a decent number of players in the market for programming and what remains to be seen is the amount of content they need to put on air to create a good library. For this year, apart from its regular diet of Bigg Boss and Fear Factor, there are investments in scripted genres. A certain book’s rights and some original ideas are under development.

    Endemol’s aim would be to retain the shows’ IPs. “While everyone thinks that it is easy to do that on web series, it will depend on how it will be monetised. If there is a clear monetisation potential, then we can take the risk of an X amount of the total cost of production. When you go ahead you know where the money is coming from and how much of it is coming to us. Unless that is completely clear it is not easy to take the risk and therefore it is still some time away, but the attempt is to keep every IP of the shows that we produce,” he said. 

  • Star World Premiere HD premieres ‘The Night Of’

    Star World Premiere HD premieres ‘The Night Of’

    MUMBAI: Star World Premiere HD, India’s leading English entertainment channel, is known to provide audiences with the best and most critically acclaimed content on Indian television. The programming line-up that has previously consisted of Martin Scorsese’s Vinyl, iconic event series X-Files, Ryan Murphy’s The People v. O.J. Simpson: American Crime Story, television hot sensation Game of Thrones and M. Night Shyamalan’s Wayward Pines Season 2 as part of its roster, is now all geared up to premiere HBO series ‘The Night Of’.

    The eight-part limited series is directed and produced by Oscar-winner Steve Zaillian, known for writing scripts of Oscar and Golden Globe award winning movies like Schindler’s List, American Gangster, Gangs of New York and more. Loosely based on an award winning British miniseries Criminal Justice, The Night Of is a hard hitting and brutally honest crime show that delves into the intricate story of a fictitious murder case in New York City.

    The series takes on the journey of a lawyer Jack Stone (John Turturro), who seeks to absolve a young Pakistani-American student (Riz Ahmed) who is accused of brutally murdering a girl on the Upper West Side. As the drama unfolds, the audiences are let in on the pitfalls of the judicial system while they go through a whirlwind of different emotions ranging from empathy to utter outrage.

    The Night Of comprises of a stellar star cast including renowned actors Poorna Jagannathan, popular for her roles in Bollywood movies – Delhi Belly, Yeh Jawaani Hai Deewani, Hollywood TV shows – House of Cards, Law & Order, The Game among others; John Turturro of The Transformers, Exodus: Gods and Kings, Secret Window, You Don’t Mess with the Zohan fame; Riz Ahmed, popular for his roles in Hollywood movies – The Road to Guantanamo and Nightcrawler with upcoming movies – James Bourne, Rogue One: A Star Wars Story and Peyman Moaadi of Oscar-winning movie ‘A Separation’ fame among others.

    The Night Of will premiere in India on Wednesday, July 13th at 10 PM on Star World Premiere HD.

  • Star World Premiere HD premieres ‘The Night Of’

    Star World Premiere HD premieres ‘The Night Of’

    MUMBAI: Star World Premiere HD, India’s leading English entertainment channel, is known to provide audiences with the best and most critically acclaimed content on Indian television. The programming line-up that has previously consisted of Martin Scorsese’s Vinyl, iconic event series X-Files, Ryan Murphy’s The People v. O.J. Simpson: American Crime Story, television hot sensation Game of Thrones and M. Night Shyamalan’s Wayward Pines Season 2 as part of its roster, is now all geared up to premiere HBO series ‘The Night Of’.

    The eight-part limited series is directed and produced by Oscar-winner Steve Zaillian, known for writing scripts of Oscar and Golden Globe award winning movies like Schindler’s List, American Gangster, Gangs of New York and more. Loosely based on an award winning British miniseries Criminal Justice, The Night Of is a hard hitting and brutally honest crime show that delves into the intricate story of a fictitious murder case in New York City.

    The series takes on the journey of a lawyer Jack Stone (John Turturro), who seeks to absolve a young Pakistani-American student (Riz Ahmed) who is accused of brutally murdering a girl on the Upper West Side. As the drama unfolds, the audiences are let in on the pitfalls of the judicial system while they go through a whirlwind of different emotions ranging from empathy to utter outrage.

    The Night Of comprises of a stellar star cast including renowned actors Poorna Jagannathan, popular for her roles in Bollywood movies – Delhi Belly, Yeh Jawaani Hai Deewani, Hollywood TV shows – House of Cards, Law & Order, The Game among others; John Turturro of The Transformers, Exodus: Gods and Kings, Secret Window, You Don’t Mess with the Zohan fame; Riz Ahmed, popular for his roles in Hollywood movies – The Road to Guantanamo and Nightcrawler with upcoming movies – James Bourne, Rogue One: A Star Wars Story and Peyman Moaadi of Oscar-winning movie ‘A Separation’ fame among others.

    The Night Of will premiere in India on Wednesday, July 13th at 10 PM on Star World Premiere HD.