ITV

Category: Reality

  • Something Special acquires international format licensing rights of The Penthouse Game

    Something Special acquires international format licensing rights of The Penthouse Game

    Mumbai: Something Special, Seoul-based #1 independent* international format agency, announced they acquired international licensing rights for the experimental reality game show The Penthouse Game which aired on July 2022 on Channel A and local streamer WAVVE. This show will be available for buyers to review at the LA Screenings Independent.

    The Penthouse Game

    This brand-new experimental reality game show features individuals going through financial difficulties and competing for a cash prize. This thrilling competition features challenges to determine who will occupy the ultimate power of the penthouse. The players will utilize the gold tokens and move around using the elevator in the middle. There will be three hosts who will play different key roles in the show.

    Something Special president & executive producer Jin Woo Hwang stated: “Something Special is pleased to announce acquisitions for international licensing. We are honored that producers come to Something Special to take their shows out of Korea. The Penthouse Game is already gaining traction in Korea and in select markets, and both are set to be audience favorites.”

  • Fixderma partners with MTV SplitsvillaX5

    Fixderma partners with MTV SplitsvillaX5

    Mumbai: Exciting news coming up from our sources at Fixderma. Fixderma, the worldwide brand, is teaming up with the highly anticipated upcoming season of MTV SplitsvillaX5: ExSqueeze Me Please, set to premiere on 30 March.

    From finding love, getting cheated in love and finding love again, MTV SplitsvillaX5 is a complete package when it comes to emotion and drama. With the association with Fixderma, the brand will add a new dimension to love – a love story between contestants and their skin!

    In a world where love reigns supreme, Fixderma with its Expert Sun Protection Range – Fixderma Shadow Sunscreen, hopes all contestants on the show are well protected from Sun Damage and their skin feels the love too! Because let’s face it, nothing says ‘I love you’ to your skin quite like protecting it from those sneaky sun rays!

    Fixderma co-founder and CEO Shaily Mehrotra expressed her excitement about the collaboration, stating “Associating with MTV Splitsvilla allows us to propagate the message of sun protection in a way that resonates with today’s youth and become a brand that they can relate to. We’re on a mission to make skincare fun and accessible for everyone and this collaboration is a step in that direction.”

    “MTV Splitsvilla’s upcoming season – ‘ExSqueeze Me Please’ promises to offer its Gen-Z and Millennial fans a super-sized doze of entertainment this summer. India’s biggest dating reality show will be presented in a ‘never-experienced-before’ avatar on Jio Cinema with interactivity, exclusive footage, and multiple content formats in addition to the regular episodes which will also be telecast on MTV. We are thrilled to have sponsors from varied categories including dermaceutical.” said Viacom18’s head youth, music and English entertainment Anshul Ailawadi.

    So, fellow love warriors, join Fixderma on this epic journey of self-love and sun-protected skin.

    The first-ever television and digital simulcast of MTV Splitsvilla X5 will premiere on 30 March, Sat-Sun at 7 pm on MTV and JioCinema.

  • Uorfi Javed to join Sunny Leone and Tanuj Virwani to co-host MTV Splitsvilla X5?

    Uorfi Javed to join Sunny Leone and Tanuj Virwani to co-host MTV Splitsvilla X5?

    Mumbai: In the past few days, the social media sensation has been spotted at the airport departing for Udaipur and posting several Instagram stories of her in The White City. Coincidentally (or not), the cast for MTV Splitsvilla X5, including hosts Sunny Leone and Tanuj Virwani of Inside Edge fame, have also been shooting in Udaipur for its newest season.

    Splitsvilla needs no introduction. The long-running reality show is notoriously popular amongst its audience for its outlandish concept, love triangles and shocking plot twists. Last year, Uorfi was seen as the “Mischief Maker” in the show’s fourteenth season. Her entrance as a wild card contestant had caused quite a buzz amongst other contestants and her fans alike. In the show, she was true to her moniker and made sure the drama quotient was at an all-time high with her signature Uorfi-style spice and her penchant for causing mischief.

    Earlier this month, MTV Splitsvilla X5 released its original soundtrack, ExSqueeze Me Please, featuring hosts Sunny Leone and Tanuj Virwani alongside singers Altaf Raja and Akasa, announcing the new season. The tongue-in-cheek music video teased a glimpse of Uorfi towards the end, leading to ample curiosity amongst the audience and her fans. After this announcement, speculations were rife about her returning for the fifteenth season, too.

    Whatever her role, audiences are definitely excited to see what this “Mischief Maker” is up to next in Splitsvilla. It is beyond doubt that Uorfi’s no-filter, firebrand personality is just the right ingredient to add to the show’s audacious cocktail to stir up some serious drama, twists, and turns the viewers will not see coming yet leave them thoroughly entertained.

    Uorfi made her acting debut at twenty years of age with daily soaps and made her OTT debut with Bigg Boss OTT in 2021. Since then, she has been ruling over the Internet with her uniquely bold and unapologetic fashion choices that do not seem to fit societal norms. She has often been the talk of the town for her strong sense of individuality and her blunt replies to her trolls.

  • MTV announces the latest season of its dating reality show ‘MTV Splitsvilla X5’

    MTV announces the latest season of its dating reality show ‘MTV Splitsvilla X5’

    Mumbai: India’s leading youth entertainment brand, MTV, has announced the return of the biggest dating reality television show – MTV Splitsvilla X5: ExSqueeze Me Please. Co-hosted by Sunny Leone and Tanuj Virwani, the newest season of love, sizzling chemistry and never-ending drama will witness 21 hot singles step up their game to win ‘Dil aur Fame’. The fifteenth season welcomes new sponsors NEWME and Fixderma Shadow Sun Protection, as Wild Stone Deos and Perfumes comes on board for the second consecutive year. MTV Splitsvilla X5 is set to premiere on 30 March, and thereafter every Saturday and Sunday at 7:00 pm on MTV and simultaneously on JioCinema, making it the first-ever television and digital simulcast of a reality show.

    MTV Splitsvilla X5 promises a never-seen-before experience for viewers with its new theme ‘ExSqueeze Me Please’. Fans will find out how the ‘ex’ factor will unlock a whole new level of drama and a gamut of emotions for unsuspecting contestants, in the ultimate quest to find that one ideal match and win the game.

    “MTV Splitsvilla’s upcoming season – ‘ExSqueeze Me Please’ promises to offer its Gen-Z and Millennial fans a super-sized doze of entertainment this summer. India’s biggest dating reality show will be presented in a ‘never-experienced-before’ avatar on JioCinema with interactivity, exclusive footage, and multiple content formats in addition to the regular episodes which will also be telecast on MTV. We are thrilled to have sponsors from varied categories including fashion-tech, dermaceutical, and FMCG brands.” said Viacom18 head – youth, music and English entertainment Anshul Ailawadi.

    Fixderma co-founder and CEO Shaily Mehrotra expressed her excitement about the collaboration, stating, “Associating with MTV Splitsvilla X5 gives us an opportunity to propagate the message of sun protection in a way that resonates with today’s youth and become a brand that they can relate to. We’re on a mission to make skincare fun and accessible for everyone and this collaboration is a step in that direction.”

    NEWME CEO & co-founder Sumit Jasoria said, “We at NEWME are thrilled to be one of the partners of MTV Splitsvilla X5, the popular reality TV show that embodies the spirit of today’s youth. Fashion trends and personal style have always been well reflected in MTV Splitsvilla X5 via the contestants who understand that fashion is more than just clothing. Today fashion is synonymous with self-expression – a sentiment which resonates with the youth. This strategic alliance reflects our commitment to engaging with this dynamic demographic across all platforms. As a partner, we recognize the pivotal role of youth in shaping society and are excited to connect with them through this electrifying entertainment avenue.”

    “Wild Stone has always been synonymous with adventure, allure, and a spirit of youthful exuberance. Our two-year journey with MTV Splitsvilla has been an exhilarating ride, blending the essence of our brand with the vibrant energy of the show. This partnership is a celebration of bold choices and the audacity to follow one’s heart, much like choosing a fragrance that truly represents you. Here’s to the wildness within, and the adventures that await.” said McNROE Consumer Products Pvt Ltd head – business development Ankit Daga.

    The genre-defining IP has enthralled fans across the country for more than a decade. The latest season is all set to continue to reflect contemporary relationships and the nuances of modern romance, resonating with India’s wide youth demographic.

    How far can one go in the name of love and fame, to win the game? To find out, tune-in to the first-ever television and digital simulcast of MTV Splitsvilla X5, co-powered by NEWME, Fixderma Shadow Sun Protection, and Wild Stone Deos and Perfumes, premiering on 30 March, Sat-Sun at 7 pm on MTV and JioCinema.

  • Sony BBC Earth unveils thrilling February lineup

    Sony BBC Earth unveils thrilling February lineup

    Mumbai: Sony BBC Earth is all set to dazzle audiences this February with an array of ‘Deadly’ shows. The channel promises an entertaining experience that offers an insight into the wonders and perils of the natural world with Deadly 60 Series 1 and Deadly 60 Series 2, Specials.

    Leading the charge is the adrenaline-fueled adventure series, ‘Deadly 60 Series 1’, featuring renowned wildlife expert Steve Backshall. In the first series, Backshall embarks on a globe-trotting quest to uncover the planet’s 60 most lethal creatures. From the depths of the ocean to the heart of dense jungles, Backshall’s journey is a thrilling expedition into nature’s deadliest predators. In the second series i.e. ‘Deadly 60 Series 2, Specials’, Backshall’s mission intensifies as he braves harsh terrains and treacherous environments to confront nature’s fiercest adversaries. Each episode promises heart-pounding encounters with creatures that wield lethal weaponry in their quest for survival.

    As Sony BBC Earth gears up for an entertaining February, audiences can prepare to be transported into the heart of the wild, where every moment is a test of survival and a thrilling encounter with the world’s deadliest inhabitants. This month, share the thrill of a special ‘Deadly’ adventure, beginning at 8 pm, as we celebrate the fierce beauty of the natural world together.

    Catch ‘Deadly 60 Series 1’ on 12 February at 8 pm, and ‘Deadly 60 Series 2’ at 8:00 pm.

  • The Shark Tales : Thoda sa hot chocolate, thoda tech and a lot of hustle!

    The Shark Tales : Thoda sa hot chocolate, thoda tech and a lot of hustle!

    Mumbai : Shark Tank India Season 3 started premiering on 22 January 2024, showcasing a diverse array of pitches and narratives from emerging entrepreneurs. With a lineup of 12 sharks in the latest season, the pool of guidance and support for aspiring entrepreneurs has doubled up, promising enhanced mentorship and opportunities.

    CarDekho founder and CEO Amit Jain has been an integral part of this journey since season 2, offering investment and mentorship to ventures spanning various sectors. Amit’s commitment to nurturing and empowering young entrepreneurs has been a cornerstone of his involvement. His investment decisions are often guided by a shared ethos of determination, creativity, and sustainability. The same was seen in the very first episode of Shark Tank India Season 3 where Amit saw a connection between himself and the sustainable business philosophy of The Honest Home Company founder Mayank Sisodia.

    In Season 3, episode 8 of Shark Tank India, Amit’s dedication to supporting the next generation of entrepreneurs was evident in his interaction with Anuva Kakkar, the founder of Tiggle.

    Acknowledging the importance of fostering an ecosystem that uplifts visionary entrepreneurs like Amit Kakkar said, “Magar iss show par aakar maine aap jaise entrepreneur ko support nahi kiya toh mere yahan aane ka faida hi nahi.” Tiggle, which offers vegan and dairy-free ready to make hot chocolate mixes, represents a promising player in the rapidly evolving market landscape.

    Among the ventures Jain backed in the previous season are notable names like Mopp India, Licksters, Maisha Lifestyle, Ekatra, and Gladful, showcasing his diverse portfolio and unwavering commitment to driving innovation and success in the Indian startup ecosystem.

    Read about Amit Jain’s learnings from the three pitches below:

    Tiggle:

    The episode started on a sweet note with Anuva Kakkar, founder of Tiggle, pitching her brand that sells ready-to-make hot chocolate mixes. Her pitch was solid, the packaging was on point, and the chocolate tasted really good. Plus, being vegan and dairy-free, Tiggle is catering to a fast-growing market and has a bright future, even more so if they focus more on targeting their products to kids, in my opinion.

    Anuva’s story was also inspiring. It was inspiring to hear her bootstrapped story. This is how I feel any startup story begins, with the founder trying to find product market fit. She started from a small room and sold her first batch with a steel jar in hand at a bustling Gurgaon metro station within 40-50 minutes. It showcased the demand and appeal of Tiggle and her ambition. She lives the dream of every entrepreneur – turning their passion into a startup.

    I definitely appreciated Anuva coming prepared with precise unit economic data and dressed to match her brand! Her grip on her numbers was just amazing to see. I love such founders with this level of attention to detail. Glad I partnered with Peyush and sealed the deal with Tiggle. It’s a bet on Anuva’s entrepreneurial passion to create not just good products but a good culture – be it a team of 9 or 9000, her strong potential, and a delicious future for Tiggle. Because like always, Pehle Banda, Phir Dhanda!

    Wyld :

    Next came WYLD, a Visa-powered social currency card, founded by IIT-B alumni, offering cashback for Instagram posts. I loved their idea, especially gestures like customised cards that read ‘Founder Member’, but I think execution is key. They had the right partnerships in place, and their algorithms for assigning “WYLD scores” seemed great. I loved the way they solved working capital by getting money to pay cashback from brands in advance.

    I appreciate the founders, their love for tech and their ambitions – they were young, adaptable, and loaded with energy. Namita and Anupam saw the potential too. I gave them an offer, but they went ahead with Anupam’s offer. It will be interesting to see them turn those influencer dreams into reality. I wish them all the best.

    Upliance.ai:

    Lastly, we had Upliance.ai, an AI-powered personal cooking assistant. Now, I love AI & innovation, but this one wasn’t for me because I found the AI bit missing. While the technology and patented recipes were interesting, the price point and lack of market fit raised questions. It’s great that they have a feedback system in place, but is it enough to justify the cost? The limited market and slow growth raised more questions.

    AI is surely going to be a game-changer, but it needs to solve real problems and offer value at a reasonable price. Upliance.ai has to cover some distance to get there. I do hope they adapt and get there eventually!

    Overall, the episode was a mixed bag of promise, treats, tech and more. And that’s the beauty of Shark Tank. Stay tuned for more Shark Tales!

     

  • Horsepower is heading to Europe

    Horsepower is heading to Europe

    Mumbai: Media Ranch founder & CEO, Sophie Ferron announced that Lithuanian National Radio and Television (LRT) will host a Horsepower intensive in late February, training participants in the writing and pitching of global unscripted TV formats. The event is organised by the Lithuanian creative enterprise The Ethnic Kitchen Productions in partnership with Media Ranch, the Embassy of Canada to Lithuania, and Lithuanian National Radio and Television (LRT).

    Horsepower is a proprietary talent incubator created by Media Ranch to foster new talent in the creation of unscripted television formats. The program, started by Media Ranch’s Sophie Ferron in partnership with Quebecor, was first held in Montreal, Canada in 2018. Formats from this incubator have been optioned around the world. Highlights from past years include partnerships with TF1, Quebecor, La Fabrique des Formats and deals with The CW, Diga Studios, Wheelhouse, and gaming giant Ubisoft – where a first-year participant’s project is now the official TV format for mega-hit game “Just Dance”.

    After a successful run in Quebec, this is the first time Horsepower will be conducted internationally, and talks have already begun for other countries. Taking place in Vilnius, the workshops will be given by Media Ranch’s head of storytelling Philip Kalin-Hajdu, who has run the program since its inception. The program will conclude with pitches of the original formats created by participants to decision-makers from LRT and Media Ranch. LRT will pick one project that they would like to pursue in co-development. Media Ranch will board one (or more) projects as an international distributor.

    Ferron stated: “Horsepower has been such a dynamic vehicle for launching new IP and reaching new voices for the creation of formats. Media Ranch is thrilled to launch the first international version with LRT and Ethnic Kitchen in Lithuania and look forward to seeing amazing formats emerge.”

    Kalin-Hajdu said: “We are grateful to Aiste at Ethnic Kitchen, LRT, and the Embassy of Canada to Lithuania for this event. The beauty of formats is that they are, by nature, adaptable and serve to illustrate the commonalities between audiences, while celebrating our uniqueness. Horsepower continues to prove that local talent has the capacity to create for global audiences. We are thrilled to be bringing the program to Lithuania.”

    Ptakauske said: “In Europe alone, the TV formats industry generates over three billion euros per year. Although the UK has been the biggest European exporter of TV formats for a long time, other European countries such as the Netherlands, Germany, France, Sweden, Denmark, and Norway have lately been stepping on its heels. Lithuania is, unfortunately, not a contender in the global TV formats industry yet. My hope is that Horsepower in Vilnius will provide Lithuanian creators with knowledge and ambition to develop TV formats for global audiences.”

    LTR head of TV department Andrius Korenka said: “Every year, before launching our public tender for TV programs, we hold special meetings with Lithuanian producers with the goal to convey to them our expectations as well as our audience’s preferences. New opportunities to learn about the most current trends of the global TV formats industry and possibilities to adapt them to the Lithuanian TV industry will be a very valuable experience to us and all our collaborators.”

  • RodBez makes waves on Shark Tank India 3

    RodBez makes waves on Shark Tank India 3

    Mumbai: Content has the power to drive behavioral change, surpassing traditional instructional methods. In the past two seasons, the tank has seen pitches spanning various industries, from apps and stationery to beauty and beyond. An innovative pitch poised to enter the tank is Rodbez—a revolutionary platform offering one-way taxi, taxipool, and carpool services. Notably, the latest shark, OYO Rooms founder & CEO Ritesh Agarwal was captivated by this pitch. He expressed enthusiasm for the emergence of localized solutions that enhance life in tier 2 cities, stating, “Pehle badhe badhe sheheron mein chhoti chhoti baatein hoti thi. Ab chhote chhote sheheron mein badhe badhe business ban rahe hain!”

    Co-founded by Dilkhush Kumar and Siddharth Shankar Jha hailing from Bihar aims to address the challenges posed by unorganised taxi services in the state, setting the stage for a transformative commuting experience with their business Rodbez. The core mission of the business is to enhance the commuting experience for countless passengers in Bihar by offering a cost-effective solution that reduces expenses by up to 40 per cent and eliminates the need for both-side fares. What sets RodBez apart is not just its innovative approach but also the personal journey of Dilkhush Kumar, who shares his inspiring story of overcoming job rejections to drive positive change in Bihar.

    Ritesh Agarwal said, “India’s entrepreneurship scene has come of age and startups like RodBez are a sterling example of that shift. No idea is too ambitious, and no dream is too big. It doesn’t matter where you come from as long as you’re focused on where you’re headed. There are hundreds of hinterland businesses like RodBez that have pioneered frugal innovation and have the potential to build not only for India but the world.”

    The big question still lingers – with an ask of Rs 50 lakhs for five per cent equity, will the Sharks join this mission to usher in a new era of taxi services in Bihar?

    Don’t forget to watch this extraordinary pitch on Shark Tank India 3 on Sony LIV.
     

  • Shark Tank India mein sabse important kya?

    Shark Tank India mein sabse important kya?

    Mumbai: In a hilarious turn of events, the seasoned Sharks found themselves caught in a lively debate over who truly reigns supreme in the entrepreneurial waters. Surprisingly, the contenders were not budding business tycoons but the unsung heroes of the set—the iconic door, the plush seating area, and the prestigious podium—all vying for the spotlight in their own unique ways.

    Amidst laughter and the sweet banter, these set elements boldly declared, “We are the stars here!” The Sharks responded with a proposal that left everyone in stitches—”why not turn this backstage showdown into a venture by auctioning off these scene-stealers?”

    Get ready to witness these Sharks in the tank! As they are not just investing in groundbreaking pitches but are selling the elements of the stage for success!

     

     

    The panel of season three includes – CarDekho Group – InsuranceDekho.com CEO & co-founder Amit Jain, Shaadi.com – People Group founder & CEO Anupam Mittal, SUGAR Cosmetics co-founder & CEO Vineeta Singh, Lenskart CEO & co-founder Peyush Bansal,

    Emcure Pharmaceuticals Ltd executive director Namita Thapar, boat co-founder & CMO Aman Gupta, Zomato founder and CEO Deepinder Goyal, Inshorts co-founder & CEO, Azhar Iqubal, OYO Rooms founder & CEO Ritesh Agarwal, Edelweiss MF MD & CEO Radhika Gupta, ACKO founder and CEO Varun Dua, UpGrad co-founder and chairperson Ronnie Screwvala.

    Watch Shark Tank India 3 from 22 January on Sony LIV!

  • EndemolShine India’s Bigg Boss Telugu breaks all records

    EndemolShine India’s Bigg Boss Telugu breaks all records

    Mumbai: Bigg Boss Telugu Season-7, telecast on Star Maa and streamed on Disney+ Hotstar achieved ground-breaking success in its latest season. Owned and produced by EndemolShine India (part of Banijay), the format exceeded all earlier viewership ratings and market-share in the Telugu speaking markets. Hosted by the Superstar Nagarjuna, the season’s finale in Hyderabad (SD+HD) had a remarkable 21.7 rating with a staggering 78% market share, the highest for any season. Across the overall Telugu-speaking market, the show reached the finale rating of 19.3 (HD+SD).

    Commenting on the success, EndemolShine India creative head (Non-fiction) Tabassum Jalib said, “We’re all extremely excited with this season’s performance. The introduction of the ‘Ulta Pulta’ concept, an innovative twist within the show’s format, played a crucial role in maintaining high engagement levels. The strategic addition of five new contestants in a spectacular ‘level up’ event during the sixth week infused fresh energy and intrigue, keeping the audience captivated.” She further added, “Setting new benchmarks in Season-7 is a testament to the format’s robust and cross-segment appeal. Kudos to the teams at EndemolShine India as well as Star Maa for delivering another blockbuster season.”

    Bigg Boss (an adaption of Bigg Brother) is one of the most successful franchises in global entertainment, and plays out in over 45 territories every year. In India alone, there’s 5-6 editions of Bigg Boss every year, playing out across languages, across geographies, and across platoforms – Bigg Boss Hindi, Bigg Boss Telugu, Bigg Boss Tamil, Bigg Boss Kannada, and Bigg Boss Malyalam.