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  • Warner announces Superman Hall of Heroes inductees

    Warner announces Superman Hall of Heroes inductees

    MUMBAI: Warner Bros. Consumer Products (WBCP) and DC Entertainment announced this year’s 2015 Superman Hall of Heroes inductees including a military hero, a crusader against crime, a racing legend and a passionate educator. 

     

    The new inductees join thousands of everyday heroes who have been nominated for the Superman Hall of Heroes, an online gift-giving portal that empowers consumers to honor their personal heroes – those who have made a positive impact on their lives or the lives of others.

     

    Each year, the Superman Hall of Heroes program inducts a new class of nationally recognized heroes from all walks of life.

     

    This year’s honorees include:

     

    Kyle Carpenter – Superman Hall of Heroes inductee Kyle Carpenter is a true American hero. He is the second living Marine since the Vietnam War, and the youngest Marine to be decorated with the Medal of Honor. His story of bravery, both in combat and in recovery from life-threatening injury, is inspiring to all. 

     

    Sean McComb – Superman Hall of Heroes inductee Sean McComb is one of the youngest National Teachers of the Year ever, earning this honor at the age of 30. His dedication to both his students and his profession is what truly defines a great teacher and he regularly goes above and beyond to make sure his students realize their full potential. 

     

    Mario Andretti – Superman Hall of Heroes inductee Mario Andretti is a living legend. Throughout his career in motorsports, he was not only able to win at every level, he was also able to master every discipline in which he chose to race. Andretti took the checkered flag 111 times in his career, collecting national and world championships along the way. 

     

    John Walsh – Superman Hall of Heroes inductee John Walsh is known internationally as a crime fighter, victims’ advocate and host of America’s Most Wanted television show. Walsh and his wife helped pass the Missing Children’s Act of 1982 and the Missing Children’s Assistance Act of 1984. The latter bill founded the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children. He never sought the role, but fighting for justice has been his mission since July 27, 1981 when his six-year-old son, Adam, was abducted from a Hollywood, Fla., mall.

     

    Inspired by Superman and the character attributes that define the world’s first and most recognized Super Hero – an American icon who represents unwavering morals and an endless pursuit of truth and justice – the Superman Hall of Heroes is a gift–giving program that offers a fun and inspirational way for fans to pay tribute to their heroes by submitting their photo and story online to www.SupermanHallofHeroes.com where it will be showcased in perpetuity.

     

    As part of their tribute, consumers can choose from multiple gift–giving options and levels.

  • American authors Skype with fans at Bangalore Comic Con

    American authors Skype with fans at Bangalore Comic Con

    NEW DELHI: The Bangalore Comic Con 2015 commenced today with two exclusive live chats (via Skype) with celebrated writers Mark Millar and Ron Marz.

     

    Marz, known for his work on titles such as Silver Surfer, Green Lantern, Marvel vs DC, Batman/Aliens and Witchblade was joined by Indian artist Abhishek Malsuni as they talked about their ongoing John Carter: Warlord of Mars series.

     

    Actors Rana Daggubati and Tamannaah Bhatia will also be participating in a special session on their upcoming film Baahubali at Comic Con.

     

    Organized by Comic Con India, the Bangalore meet is a three-day fest at White Orchid Convention. Spread across 80,000 sq feet as compared to last year’s 40,000 sq feet, CCI plans to host interactive and experiential 50 hours of programming through panels, launches, gaming, video hangouts and more.

     

    This year’s attraction are the two internationally acclaimed actors Daniel Portman, best known for his role as Podrick Payne in the award-winning HBO fantasy drama series Game of Thrones and Natalia Tena, known for her role of Tonks in the Harry Potter films and Osha in Game of Thrones. The duo is taking part in special sessions and signings (photographs & autographs). Both actors will be seen in the upcoming Season 5 of Game of Thrones, which premieres in India. at the same time as its US premiere on 13 April at 6:30 am IST with a repeat telecast on the same day at 10 pm on HBO Defined. For the first time ever, the most iconic HBO original will simulcast across 170 countries.

     

    Comic Con founder Jatin Varma said, “Even though we are coming back much earlier in the year, we are bringing over some of the best in Indian and international pop-culture and look forward to providing fans in the city, the best weekend of the year.”

     

    Fans who come dressed as their favorite comic characters always steal the show. And this year as always, COSPLAYERS will win prizes under five categories. Each day, one winner is chosen from each of five categories: Comic book/graphic novel; Animated Series/Movie; Manga/Anime; Sci-Fi/Fantasy; and Gaming. One of the chose five lucky winners will win a Trip to Thailand.

     

    Comic Con India set up an exclusive IESL Gaming Arena with Xtreme Gaming  at Bangalore this year. Spread across 200 sq m, the gaming area has a total prize pool of Rs 1.5 lakh, the main tournament is around DOTA 2 for teams of gamers. For regular visitors as well as gamers, there is casual gaming competitions on Fifa 14 and Counter strike GO.

     

    Amar Chitra Katha has also kept surprises for fans. They have set up photo-booths, quizzes, storytelling competitions and much more at Bangalore Comic Con.

     

    International exhibitors like Marvel, DC and Dark Horse Comics among others have brought international content from all across the globe, especially for Bangalore. Exclusive book launches will be held over the next two days.

     

    At the convention, there is some Anime & Manga merchandise from Japanese Merchandiser IINE, along with exclusive international merchandisers like Kidrobot, NECA, Hot Toys, Mimobots, Funko and many more from across the globe. Indian merchandisers present at the convention are Band Box, Wacom, Art Beat, Bewakoof Brands, Hysteria, Wear Your Opinion, Kudi Firang, Planet Superheroes, F Gali, Sky Goodies, Bollyscope, Lazy Ninja, Graphicurry, and Below the Belt among others.  

     

    The main participants at Bangalore include Amar Chitra Katha, Orange Radius, Pop Culture Publishing, Random House, Campfire Graphic Novel, Holy Cow Entertainment, HarperCollins Publishers, Aayumi Productions, Raj Comics, and Blossom Book House.

     

  • Animation film on RTI in Holland Animation Film Festival

    Animation film on RTI in Holland Animation Film Festival

    NEW DELHI: Chakravyuh (The Vicious Circle), an animation film on the Right to Information by renowned filmmaker Dhvani Desai has been selected for screening at the Holland Animation Film Festival

     

    Mumbai-based Desai is the only Indian whose film is being featured at the Festival, and the only Asian to feature in the section HAFF Tube.

     

    The eighteenth edition of the international Festival – which is one of the top ten international animation film festivals in the world – is being held from 18 to 22 March at Utrecht.

     

    The film had been voted the most popular film at the Mumbai International Film Festival.

     

    The film Chakravyuh shows the struggles of four characters from different regions of India and throws light on how RTI can be used to fight corruption. It has been produced by Films Division, and was first shown on 12 October 2013 on the occasion of the eighth anniversary of RTI in Mumbai.

     

    Desai’s earlier animation film for children Manpasand on women’s empowerment had been the opening film of the Asian Women’s Film Festival 2008 in Delhi, apart from participating in around 10 international film festivals.  

     

    The film had been produced by the Children’s Film Society, India, and was based on a fast becoming extinct folk art called ‘Sanjha art’  and had won many awards, including one at New York Film Festival.

     

    Desai has been making films for over twenty years and has served on many juries. Her films include 5 short public service films for the Mahatma Gandhi Foundation on the Principles of Mahatma Gandhi in Hindi and English.

  • Animation companies upbeat on West Bengal

    Animation companies upbeat on West Bengal

    KOLKATA: The Indian animation and gaming industry in India is worth around $2,477 million with a growth rate of 35 per cent (2009-2013). West Bengal, which showed the least amount of growth some years ago with outsourcing as the main nature of work, is now attracting companies to set up their base here.

     

    The industry has potential for growth, both in terms of size and moving up the value chain, reveals a report on animation, broadcasting and gaming by Deloitte.

     

    Seeing good opportunities, players like Big Animation (an Anil Dhirubhai Ambani Group company), Arena Animation, NiDT and the Zee Institute of Creative Arts (ZICA) have set their sights on Kolkata. 

     

    According to NiDT director Chaitali Ghosh, the animation visual gaming sector, offering an opportunity never realized earlier, is now catching up in Kolkata.

     

    An expert said creativity from West Bengal is overflowing and a trinity should be created among government, industry and academia for the growth of the industry in eastern region.

     

    Webel DQE Animation Academy has placed more than 1100 students in various firms and is working on the animated version of Jungle Book apart from French and German movies. A production facility in Kolkata is also on the charts.

     

    ZICA director Shrey Agarwal informs that the company’s in-house studio in New Alipore is in the pipeline. Additionally, Arena Animation director Ramesh Kumar Ruia says that they has started a graduation course on animation. 

     

    Quoting Economic Survey 2014-15, an expert opined that Kolkata as a creative hub looked promising on the chart. “Seeing that digital advertising and gaming verticals are expected to drive growth on Indian media and entertainment industry in the next few years, West Bengal is likely to play a key role, firstly being a creative center of artists and secondly an important state in the eastern region. India is also emerging as the new favourite of international studios, with 100 per cent FDI permitted in the film sector,” he said.

  • Warner Bros, DC Comics aim to set Super Hero world record

    Warner Bros, DC Comics aim to set Super Hero world record

    MUMBAI: Warner Bros. Consumer Products (WBCP) and DC Entertainment (DCE) plan to set a world record for the largest gathering of people dressed as DC Comics Super Heroes held at multiple venues around the globe within 24 hours. The DC Comics Super Hero World Record Event – to take place on 18 April, 2015 – will kick off in Queensland, Australia with a celebration at Movie World Australia theme park, and come to a commemorative close in Los Angeles, CA, USA at Hollywood and Highland.

     

    “Warner Bros. Consumer Products is thrilled to team up with partners around the world to set the world record for the most people dressed as DC Comics Super Heroes. We invite fans of all ages to come out for this exciting family event and don their capes, cowls and masks to represent their favorite DC Comics Super Hero,” said Warner Bros. Consumer Products president Brad Globe.

     

    At each event, fans dressed as DC Comics Super Heroes will gather to celebrate with interactive games and activities inspired by the famed world of DC Comics before formally attempting to set the world record. The DC Comics Super Hero World Record Event cities unveiled, include: Birmingham (UK), Cardiff (UK), Kaohsiung (Taiwan), Lille (France), London (UK), Los Angeles (USA), Lyon (France), Madrid (Spain), Manila (Philippines), Mexico City (Mexico), Paris (France), Queensland (Australia), Rome (Italy), Sao Paulo (Brazil) and Warrington (UK).

     

    To participate in setting this heroic world record, DC Comics fans must dress from head-to-toe as an instantly recognized Super Hero that has been featured in a DC Comics published book, television program or film. The DC Comics Super Hero universe includes Batman, Superman, Wonder Woman, The Flash, Green Lantern, Batgirl, Supergirl, Aquaman, Cyborg, Robin, Green Arrow, and many more. Both homemade costumes as well as official costumes from licensees and official event retail partners will be considered as long as they are a full representation of the Super Hero and are as close to the original DC Comics’ Super Hero’s costume as possible.

     

    The world record will be set once fans gather in the assigned area at each local event and stay there for a full five minutes to be counted towards the record. WBCP will be working closely with retail and licensing partners in each market to offer exclusive merchandise, promotional support and more, to bring fans this exciting global event in each participating city.

     

    Leading up to the one-day event, WBCP and DCE, together with local sponsors and organizers, will present DC Comics’ most ardent fans with the opportunity to demonstrate their fandom by entering into various photo contests and sweepstakes, including the “Best Super Hero Post” photo contest and the “Best Super Hero Photo Bomb” contest. DC Comics enthusiasts will also be able to compare and preview their costumes with a “Costume Preview Polling” contest presented by event organizers on social media. Follow #DCWorldRecord on Facebook and Twitter for more information on the contests.

  • CNN-IBN Indian of the Year returns with its 9th edition

    CNN-IBN Indian of the Year returns with its 9th edition

    MUMBAI: English news channel CNN-IBN is back with the ninth edition of CNN-IBN Indian of the Year. The award salutes iconic Indians who have made a significant contribution to India in the last calendar year. Hindustan Times has been the editorial partner of this initiative since its inception in 2006.

     

    The year 2014 has been a momentous year in the history of India and has given rise to a set of role models who have been true ambassadors of brand India. The luminaries who have contributed to strengthening the foundation of the society in their own way are chosen from six different categories – politics, sports, entertainment, business, public service and global Indian. The winners of these will be felicitated at a glittering ceremony to be held at Taj Palace, New Delhi on 17 March, 2015 by the vice president of India Mohammad Hamid Ansari. 

     

    The selection criteria adheres to a unique and transparent process, which includes nominations from the Network18 editorial board, ratified by a jury panel consisting of a select group of distinguished personalities bestowed with the most prestigious Padma honours – former Attorney General of India Padma Vibhushan Soli Sorabjee (jury chairman), Padma Bhushan Deepak S Parekh (chairman, HDFC), Padma Shri & four-time National Award winner actor Mohanlal Viswanathan Nair, former president of NASSCOM Padma Kiran Karnik and Indian tennis champion Padma Leander Paes.

     

    Over the years, the recipients of this award have included the NGO Stop Acid Attacks (2013), Indian chess grandmaster Viswanathan Anand (2012), Anna Hazare (2011), Bihar CM Nitish Kumar (2010), A R Rahman (2009), G Madhavan Nair (2008), E Sreedharan (2007) and former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh (2006).

     

    Speaking on the occasion IBN Network CEO Avinash Kaul said, “We take immense pride in announcing the ninth edition of CNN-IBN Indian of the Year Awards. We have created a benchmark in lauding the most influential, deserving and dynamic Indians, over the years. The success of the award in the past has raised the bar for this initiative and we are looking forward to a great show this year again.”

     

    CNN-IBN managing editor Radhakrishnan Nair added, “Indian of the Year is our endeavour to acknowledge achievers, who have been exceptional in their respective fields in the last calendar year. We at CNN-IBN are privileged to bring them to the fore as an inspiration to others and honour them with these awards.”

  • TV Academy makes major changes to Emmy Awards rules

    TV Academy makes major changes to Emmy Awards rules

    MUMBAI: The Television Academy has passed a group of new Primetime Emmy Awards rules, which reflect the increasingly varied and expanding television landscape.

     

    Television Academy Chairman Bruce Rosenblum said, “We are thrilled to announce that our Board of Governors and senior industry executives have taken meaningful time to address, in a forward thinking manner, many of our existing rules and procedures. Our over 17,000 voting members represents a dramatically changing television industry and we want to continue to make sure we honor their creativity in the most relevant and fair ways possible. As our growing membership creates and produces more content for ever-changing platforms, today’s changes in the rules and procedures are vital. We’re sure that in coming years we will continue to evolve our rules as our dynamic industry grows.”

     

    The changes include:

     

    Expansion of Final Round Voting: In an effort to increase member participation in the voting process, and to take advantage of the Academy’s extension of online voting to both rounds, all voters eligible to vote in a category’s nominating round are now eligible to vote in that category’s final round, so long as they meet two additional requirements: much like the former Blue Ribbon panel process, voters must watch the required submitted material online and attest to no specific conflicts of interest with the nominees.

     

    Expansion of Nominees for “Comedy” and “Drama” Series Categories: Due to the dramatic increase in series production, the number of nominees for “Comedy” and “Drama” series has been increased from six to seven.

     

    Definition of a “Comedy” and “Drama” Series: To clarify the difference between the “Comedy” and “Drama” series categories, series with episodes of 30 minutes or less are defined as a “Comedy”; those with episodes of more than 30 minutes are presumed to be a “Drama.”

     

    Producers may formally petition a new Academy industry panel to consider their series’ eligibility in the alternative category. This nine-member panel will include five industry leaders appointed by the Television Academy Chairman and four appointees from the Board of Governors. A two-thirds vote of this Industry Panel is required for petition approval.

     

    All programs entering the competition this year will be grouped according to these new definitions.

     

    Definition of “Series” and “Limited Series”: “Mini-Series” will be changed to “Limited Series” and defined as programs of two or more episodes with a total running time of at least 150 program minutes that tell a complete, non-recurring story, and do not have an ongoing storyline and/or main characters in subsequent seasons. “Comedy” and “Drama” Series will continue to be defined as programs with a minimum of six episodes which have an ongoing storyline, theme and main characters presented under the same title and with continuity of production supervision.

     

    Producers may formally petition for review by the aforementioned industry panel to change category eligibility.

     

    Definition of “Guest Actor”: Only performers appearing in less than 50% of a program’s episodes are now eligible to submit in the “Guest Actor” category.

     

    Split of Variety Series category: The Variety Series category is now split – Outstanding Variety Talk, to be awarded during the Primetime Emmy telecast, and Outstanding Variety Sketch, to be included in the Creative Arts Emmy program.

  • Q3-2015: DQ Entertainment reports lower numbers

    Q3-2015: DQ Entertainment reports lower numbers

    BENGALURU: The Tapas Chakravarti led DQ Entertainment (International) Limited (DQEIL) reported a profit after tax (PAT) of Rs 2.24 crore (9.3 per cent of Total Income from Operations or TIO) in Q3-12015 (quarter ended 30 December, 2014, current quarter) versus a loss of Rs 12.39 crore in Q3-2014. PAT for the current quarter, however was down to less than a third (down by 70.5 per cent) as compared to the Rs 14.43 crore (2.47 per cent of TIO). PAT in 9M-2015 at Rs 6.61 crore (5.6 per cent of TIO) was less than a one fourth (down 76.5 per cent) the Rs 28.11 crore (20.4 per cent of TIO) in HY-2014.

     

    Note: 100,00,000 = 100 Lakhs = 10 million = 1 crore

     

    Two segments contribute to DQEIL revenues – animation and distribution. The company’s animation segment, reported an operating profit of Rs 19.93 crore on segment revenue of Rs 22.61 crore in Q3-2015. For Q3-2014, animation segment had reported operating profit of Rs 20.56 crore on higher operating revenue of Rs 37.88 crore, while in Q2-2015, the segment reported revenue of Rs 39.94 and an operating profit of Rs 23.62 crore. For 9M-2015, this segment reported revenue of Rs 72.47 crore and an operating profit of Rs 46.51 crore versus higher revenue of Rs 107.03 crore and higher operating profit of Rs 59.34 crore in 9M-2014.

     

    The company’s distribution segment reported the following numbers: Q3-2015 – Revenue Rs 23.1 crore, operating profit Rs 15.37 crore; Q3-2014 – Revenue Rs 12.97 crore, operating profit Rs 6.49 crire; Q2-2015 – Revenue Rs 12.71 crore, operating profit Rs 12.02 crore; 9M-2015 – Revenue Rs 46.51 crore, operating profit Rs 26.2 crore; 9M-2014 – Revenue Rs 30.83 crore, operating profit Rs 14.01 crore.

     

    For the detailed report, click here:

  • DQ Entertainment raises up to $50 million for content development

    DQ Entertainment raises up to $50 million for content development

    MUMBAI: DQ Entertainment (International) has announced that its holding company and promoter DQ Entertainment (Mauritius) has executed the documents to raise funds up to US$50 million. The funds will be raised by way of semi or secured convertible bonds from OL Master, a private credit fund managed by OCP Asia (Hong Kong).

    In an announcement made to the BSE, the company has said that the funds can be drawn down in two tranches, the first of which is for US$35 million and will be drawn down immediately and the second tranche of US$15 million can be drawn down at the option of the investor within 12 months thereof.

    The net proceeds from the issue of the bonds will   be used to fund the development of more than 20 owned-IP and co-production project   currently in the pipeline for production over the next two years, for the repayment of certain debts amounting to approximately US$7.2 1 million (Rs 445.1 million) and for general  working capital  purpose.

    DQ Entertainment chairman and CEO Tapaas Chakravarti said, “We are delighted to partner with OCP Asia and are confident that this association will help us to realise our mission for DQE.   The validation of our  business  model  by the high acumen  OCP team  further  strengthens our commitment  to  produce  and  distribute  world  class  content  across  territories and  grow  our audiences with high quality IP creation.”

    OCP  Asia  (Hong  Koug) co-founding  partner Teall   Edds added, “We   have  been impressed  with  DQE’s exciting pipeline  and its capabilities in producing world class  content,  its ability  to work with broadcasters from around  the world in bringing ideas  to the screen  and  its 360-degree monetisation approach to generating  returns  on IP.  We look forward to our close partnership with DQE.”

    It can be noted that the board of directors of DQE had been exploring various options to secure the necessary funding for the group’s pipeline projects, the bulk of which are children/family oriented animation series for TV and digital distribution. “This has included discussions with a number of investors and after considerable deliberation and effort, DQE has concluded that the issue of the bonds is the best option available to the group to secure the finance it needs and is in the best interests of shareholders  as a whole. The board believes there is an opportunity to grow DQE’s business through the development and exploitation of its own IP and the issue of the bonds provides the finance to capitalise on this,” the statement to the BSE reads.

    DQE has a production order book worth approximately US$ 63 million (Rs 3,820 million) in terms of revenue to the group. Some of the projects currently in production include ‘Robin Hood’, ‘Peter Pan season 2’, ‘Lassie’, ‘Miles from Tomorrow  Land’, ‘Popples’ and  ‘Seven Dwarfs &  Me.’ Production of many new IPs such as ‘5 & IT’, ‘Yonagunis and Leo Galilei’ will  commence  soon. The company had recently also signed on a co-production project called ‘Pio the Chick’ with Rai, Italy and is engaged in discussions for more such projects.  

    DQE’s distribution and licensing division has concluded 24 deals in the current financial year. In addition, a number of broadcast deals for the group’s IP, including Jungle Book, Peter Pan. Iron Man and Robin Hood, have been concluded with global broadcasters such as Rai Cinema (Italy), DEA (Italy), Viacom I8 (India) and  Univision (USA & Puerto Rico).  DQE expects to be able to grow its licening and merchandising revenue through its 360-degree monetisation strategy for all its existing and new IPs going forward.

     

    Major Terms of the Bonds

    The bonds carry a cash coupon rate of 6.5 per cent per annum payable semi-annually from the closing date up to the maturity date. The bonds will have a maturity period of five years from the closing date (the “Maturity Date”).

    Outstanding bonds will be redeemed on the maturity date at  a redemption price which would yield an internal rate of  return  (“IRR”)  equal  to 15  per cent  per annum  (the ‘Redemption Price’).   In addition, the bond holders can redeem the bond at the Redemption Price after a period of 36 months after the closing date.

    The bonds will   be issued to the Investor and are freely transferrable, in whole or in part, to any person (with the holders of the bonds from time to time being collectively the “Bond holders”).

    “The bond can be converted into ordinary shares of DQE Mauritius. The conversion of the full US $50 million of bonds would currently equate to 56.5 per cent of DQE Mauritius on a fully diluted basis,” said the statement.

     

  • IIFA Amsterdam set to rock; ‘Parineeta’ to add lustre

    IIFA Amsterdam set to rock; ‘Parineeta’ to add lustre

    MUMBAI: The Samsung IIFA Awards Amsterdam to be held on 11 June will see performances by the popular stars of Indian cinema including Salman Khan, Abhishek Bachchan, Aishwarya Rai, Kareena Kapoor and Suneil Shetty.

    Vidhu Vinod Chopra’s Parineeta will be premiered as the IIFA World Premiere in Amsterdam on 9 June 2005.
     
    The award extravaganza, one of the main highlights of the IIFA Weekend will be held in the presence of a global audience including dignitaries from the world of cinema like Amitabh Bachchan, Jaya Bachchan, Yash Chopra, A.R.Rahman, Javed Akhtar, Shabana Azmi, Vivek Oberoi, Kareena Kapoor, Kajol, Ajay Devgan, Urmila Matondkar to name a few. Other guests would include stalwarts from the world of business, politics and sports.

    While Samsung has committed itself to sponsorship of the Samsung IIFA Awards for the third successful year, this year’s IIFA celebrations will be broadcast across the world by the Star TV network via satellite. Star TV viewers can experience the IIFA journey over multiple programmes that cover the various events and interactions in Amsterdam and the Best of IIFA over the past five years.
     

    Much-admired film star Abhishek Bachchan will take the stage for his first-ever international performance at the spectacular Samsung IIFA Awards night at the magnificent Amsterdam ArenA. Over 10,000 people will witness a spectacular show by the best of the Indian Film Industry. The celebrated Shiamak Davar will choreograph these breath-taking performances, states an official release.

    The IIFA Weekend and all IIFA events are conceptualized, produced and directed by Wizcraft International Entertainment, one of the world’s leading entertainment agencies. As always, this year too the Samsung IIFA Awards will be celebrating the Superstars of Indian Cinema and paying tribute to the stalwarts from the Indian silver screen.

    For the first time, IIFA will host the FICCI-IIFA Global Business Forum at Expo XXI and an IIFA Film Festival. The Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FICCI) have come together with IIFA to promote the globalisation of Indian Cinema across the globe. The Forum will be a place for shared synergies, ideation and new business opportunities between India and the Netherlands. Topics of discussion at the forum will be Cinema & entertainment, Civil Aviation, Commerce & Industry and Tourism. Speakers at the forum would be government officials, policy makers and industry stalwarts from both nations, the release adds.

    In India msn.com and indya.com are the official websites for voting of the popular awards. Global Indian Cinema fans can vote for and help their favourite film stars to win an IIFA award this year. Lucky winners will be able to travel to Amsterdam and witness the Samsung IIFA Awards. The nominations for the Popular Awards are now open for public voting, using the globally accessible www.msn.com/iifa and www.indya.com platforms. The voting process is monitored and audited by PriceWaterhouseCoopers, who are also the audit firm for the Oscars.