ITV

Category: Talent

  • Song vs Dance: Japan’s TV Asahi to debut new talent show format on 28 March

    Song vs Dance: Japan’s TV Asahi to debut new talent show format on 28 March

    MUMBAI:  Get ready for the ultimate showdown as TV Asahi drops its high-octane new talent battle, Song vs Dance. Premiering on Friday, 28 March at 11:15pm on TV Asahi, Channel 5, this turbo-charged one-hour variety special pits top-tier singers against elite dancers in an electrifying head-to-head clash.

    The mission? 

    Settle the age-old debate once and for all – which rules the stage, song or dance?

    Co-produced by TV Asahi and US-based Smart Dog Media, Song vs Dance rewrites the rulebook on competition TV. A video game-inspired battle arena, top-class performers, and high-stakes rivalries set the scene for an unmissable showdown.

    Fronting the spectacle is comedy maestro Takashi Yoshimura, ensuring laughs between the lung-busting notes and gravity-defying moves. Keeping score are an all-star panel: Exile frontman Takahiro, breakdancing Olympian Shigekix, and comedian-turned-Instagram-sensation Naomi Watanabe, who boasts over 10 million followers.

    Backing the talent are powerhouse coaches: world-class pianist Shinya Kiyozuka leading Team Song, while ace choreographer Takahiro (yes, same name, different gig) steers Team Dance.

    Singers Song Vs Dance

    Eight performers are ready to throw down their best during the faceoff. Team Song brings vocal firepower, led by acclaimed tenor John Ken Nuzzo, beatbox wizards Sarukani (Grand Beatbox Battle world champs), singer-songwriter Emoh Les (X-Factor Okinawa Japan 2013 winner) and gospel queen TiA, fresh off a victory at McDonald’s Gospelfest.

    Team Dance is stacked with champions. America’s Got Talent golden buzzer act Chibi Unity, four-time Vibe Dance Competition winners, is in the mix alongside Issei, the world’s youngest Red Bull BC One champ. Joining them are Utamaru, 2023 Udo Street Dance World Championship winner, and tap-dancing sisters Rino and Noa Shirakawa, who repped Japan at Ido 2024.

    The brains behind the show? Craig and Clara Plestis of Smart Dog Media, whose TV smashes include The Masked Singer and The Masked Dancer. Teaming up with TV Asahi’s Takaaki Kitano, Song vs Dance marks the Japanese broadcaster’s first hook-up with the US production powerhouse.

    With its explosive performances, top-tier talent and an innovative format, Song vs Dance has all the moves to become an international variety sensation. Get ready – this one’s set to hit all the right notes.

  • Saregama partners with MTV Hustle 4 to elevate India’s rap game

    Saregama partners with MTV Hustle 4 to elevate India’s rap game

    Mumbai: MTV Hustle is teaming up with Saregama to elevate Indian hip-hop and provide emerging artists the spotlight they deserve. As per the press release music label gains exclusive audio-video rights to all music from MTV Hustle Season 4: Hip Hop Don’t Stop and the first opportunity to sign any of the 15 talented contestants. This strategic alliance marks a key moment in the evolution of Indian hip-hop, pushing rap culture into the mainstream while offering a powerful platform for artists to break into the music industry.

    A press release states that with this partnership, MTV Hustle 4: Hip Hop Don’t Stop is set to elevate Indian rap to new heights, ensuring wider visibility for contestants across major platforms. It further strengthens MTV Hustle’s reputation for nurturing fresh talent and expanding the boundaries of Indian rap within a rapidly evolving musical landscape.

    FilterCopy, a sister concern of Saregama, joins as an Associate Sponsor for MTV Hustle Season 4: Hip Hop Don’t Stop. As part of this collaboration, FilterCopy will feature a segment, ‘FilterCopy Freshly Brewed Bangers’, showcasing standout rap performances from each episode. Popular FilterCopy talent will collaborate with contestants to create engaging content, leveraging the platform’s audience to amplify the rap movement. Fans can also contribute lyrics through user-generated content (UGC), fostering a community-driven celebration of rap culture.

    Anshul Ailawadi business head of youth, music & English, said, “MTV has a rich legacy of producing culture-shaping music. Over the years, MTV Hustle has grown to become the definitive melting pot of desi hip hop music, as extremely talented rap artists vie for glory in each edition. As we strive to build these young artists, Saregama makes for a great partner, to take this modern music format to new audiences. Personally, I am thrilled to see the Saregama team share our vision of building new talent and showcasing fresh music globally.”

    FilterCopy D2C business head Vishwanath Shetty commented, “As one of the first pop culture creators on digital, FilterCopy has always championed fresh talent and created content that resonates deeply with India’s youth. Our partnership with MTV Hustle, the biggest talent discovery platform for hip hop in India, reflects this ethos, enabling us to celebrate the dynamic art of rap while crafting immersive experiences for young audiences.”

    Season 4 of MTV Hustle Hip Hop Don’t Stop promises to be an unforgettable ride, with Saregama and FilterCopy’s collaboration setting the stage for unparalleled entertainment and showcasing the country’s best rap talent. Tune in and catch the latest in India’s rap revolution!

  • Mipcom Cannes 2024 to have a Spanish flavour

    Mipcom Cannes 2024 to have a Spanish flavour

    MUMBAI: Bienvenido! Bienvenida!  Meaning welcome in Spanish. 

    Trade visitors to Mipcom between 21 and 24 October 2024 will hear this expression all the time at the world’s largest international co-production and entertainment content market in in Cannes which is in its fortieth edition. With Spain designated as the country of honour, that’s something that’s bound to happen.

    Today, Mipcom Cannes announced the comprehensive programme that’s been put in place to celebrate the land of the flamenco. The prominent series of events at the annual flagship entertainment content market spans keynotes, premieres, panels and networking events to both celebrate Spain’s impact on television globally and promote further international collaboration. The programme will have a particular focus on the country’s creativity and talent from behind and in front of the camera, echoing the themes of Audiovisual from Spain’s recently launched campaign Spain, Where Talent Ignites.

    The country of honour recognition comes with Spain’s content sector having experienced significant growth in recent years as a major international production hub, and as a proven provider of quality content to global audiences that consistently ranks amongst the most viewed worldwide.  

    Spain currently sits second only to the UK in scripted TV commissions in Europe from global streaming platforms1. Meanwhile, Spain’s entertainment sector, which includes OTT video services such as Netflix, Amazon, HBO, and Disney+, has been experiencing remarkable growth. According to the 2024 Spain AVS Hub report2, the sector surged by an impressive 408 per cent between 2018 and 2022, with a projected growth of 31.6 per cent from 2023 to 2027.

    The growth since 2021 has been driven by a major three-year public investment initiative of 1.6 billion euros for the film and television sector, led by the ministry for digital transformation & civil service. Icex Spain Trade & Investment has played an active role in the internationalization of the Spanish audiovisual industry under the brand Audiovisual From Spain.
     

    An increased presence is expected in Cannes in October  from the Spanish creative sector with a rise of over 50 per cent in Spanish companies accredited year on year to date. Mipcom 2023 was attended by 11,000 content executives  and government officials from 100 countries.

    The country Of honour 2024 programme highlights include: 

    Media Mastermind Keynote – Spain- Where Talent Ignites: A fireside conversation with multiple award-winning Spanish director and showrunner J.A Bayona, (A Monster Calls, Society of the Snow) and creative producer Diego Betancor (Elite, Todas las veces que nos enamoramos, Respira).

    In addition to exploring trends and generational shifts in film making with the pair, the session will feature insights from the cornerstone of the new promotional campaign for the country’s creative sector Spain, Where Talent Ignites – which includes an innovative fashion-led short film, The Cause of the Accident That Set the Fire. An unprecedented commission from a public institution, the ambitious high-end feature celebrates the creative process boasting cameos and contributions from multiple high-profile Spanish creatives including Bayona. 
    The keynote session will be staged 16:00 – 16:30 on Tuesday 22 October.   
     

    World premier screening: Ena. La Reina Victoria Eugenia. Jury-selected from multiple submissions, RTVE’s highly anticipated royal period drama chronicling the era-defining life of Victoria Eugenia of Battenberg (qeen of Spain by marriage to Alfonso XIII and grand daughter to Great Britain’s Queen Victoria) will premiere on the market’s first night on Monday 21 October from 18.00. Staged in the world-famous Grand Auditorium, main actors Kimberley Tell and Joan Amargós and executive producer Luis Hernández will be present in Cannes. The ambitious all-female-directed piece (6 x 60’) is produced by RTVE in collaboration with Ena La Serie AIE, La Cometa TV and Zona App. It is set to air on RTVE’s channel LA1 in Spain with global distribution rights handled by the largest public audiovisual group in Spain, RTVE.

    Producers Hub Panel: Igniting Global Hits- The Ultimate Audiovisual Hub: A special session on Tuesday 22 October at 09:45 – 10:30 in the gathering point at the market for producers and commissioners will focus on the breadth of location and co-production opportunities within the Spanish sector, told through the experience of filmmakers and recent productions including Marc Dujardin, producer, Le Collectif 64 (Zorro), Nina Hernández, content Director, Portocabo (Weiss & Morales) and Susanne Frank, director drama, ZDF Studios (Stories to Stay Awake). 

     In addition, two of MIP’s signature events will have a Spanish flavour this year with a themed opening night party (Monday 21 October from 19.00) encouraging further networking, and a dedicated separate Spanish edition of the Fresh TV content showcase curated and hosted by Virginia Mouseler, CEO of The WIT International Services (Tuesday October 22 at 14.30).

     “Talent exists in every country, but not all value it equally. Our goal in positioning the Spanish audiovisual sector on the international stage is to elevate talent to the highest level, both through the activities we carry out at major festivals and markets worldwide and with our new campaign, ‘Spain, Where Talent Ignites.’ said Icex Spain Trade &  Investment CEO Elisa Carbonell.

     “Everybody  loves Spain and we’re planning a gran fiesta in celebration of Spanish content” said Mipcom Cannes and Mip London director Lucy Smith. “A cultural powerhouse, and a major European audiovisual hub, the Spanish creative sector has never been so prolific, or their output enjoyed by so many, globally. It’s been an honour in itself for us to curate this special programme in celebration of one of the world’s most formidable production countries.”

    The country of honour forms part of a week-long Mipcom Cannes conference programme which helps define the TV industry year through keynotes from leading global players and thought leaders, screenings of highly anticipated series, future facing summits and exclusive insight presentations. Past countries of honour have included Japan, Turkey, Mexico, Argentina, South Korea and most recently China in 2023. 

  • KBC dominates non-fiction TV shows with top viewer engagement

    KBC dominates non-fiction TV shows with top viewer engagement

    Mumbai: Hosted by the iconic Amitabh Bachchan, Kaun Banega Crorepati (KBC) in its 16th edition continues to captivate audiences nationwide. According to BARC data (HSM Urban 15+, Week 37, 2024), KBC holds the top spot with an average viewing time of 37.8 TSV.

    In a time of short attention spans, KBC’s success in maintaining high engagement is a testament to its enduring appeal and compelling storytelling. The show’s ability to connect with viewers of all ages and demographics, along with its focus on personal stories and intellectual challenge, ensures that it consistently holds the audience’s attention longer than other non-fiction shows.

    In comparison, other shows such as India’s Best Dancer Season 4 and Fear Factor – Khatron Ke Khiladi have average viewing times of 31.2 TSV and 34.3 TSV, respectively.

  • Women’s Day special: Distinguished female characters that are redefining Indian television

    Women’s Day special: Distinguished female characters that are redefining Indian television

    Mumbai: In a landscape where women were often portrayed as dependent and helpless, television brings forth a new wave of inspiration through its empowering female characters. From Pushpa’s resilience to Vandana’s strength, from Yuvika’s bold leadership to Nandini’s fearless spirit, or be it Kavya’s resolve to balance her professional and personal life and excel in both, these women are more than just characters, inspiring us with their tales of determination and bravery.

    On the occasion of Women’s Day, here’s a look at their compelling narratives as they challenge stereotypes, break barriers, and pave the way for a new era of empowerment on our television screens.

    Pushpa, played by Karuna Pandey in Sony SAB’s ‘Pushpa Impossible’

    Pushpa is a guiding force for women, standing up for their respect and dignity. She’s extremely committed to her work life and juggles her family and job smoothly. She’s a role model, showing how to chase dreams while staying true to yourself. Despite many problems, Pushpa’s journey proves that women can manage both work and family and succeed in all parts of life.

    Vandana, played by Pariva Pranati in Sony SAB’s ‘Wagle Ki Duniya – Nayi Peedhi Naye Kissey’

    Vandana inspires women to confront social challenges and maintain family harmony. Her courage sets her apart, serving as a pillar of support for her loved ones. She exemplifies resilience in the face of adversity, offering strength and stability to her family. Vandana stands as a strength of hope, showing that with determination, women can navigate life’s obstacles while nurturing those around them.

    Yuvika, played by Anjali Tatrari in Sony SAB’s ‘Vanshaj’

    Yuvika is a young leader who inspires women with her capability and respect for elders, building confidence and inner strength to make her place in a male-dominated family business. She breaks the stereotypes and proves that women can run family businesses as well, with her strong beliefs in life, leaving a lasting impact on society.

    Nandini, played by Meera Deosthale on Sony Entertainment Television’s ‘Kuch Reet Jagat Ki Aisi Hai’

    Nandini is a kind-hearted girl, who cherishes her family, culture, and traditions. Yet, what truly sets her apart is her strong stand against customs that disrespect women and their self-respect, and she will be seen raising her voice against the dowry system, prevalent in the country. Fearlessly, she challenges this kureet, making her an empowering character for other women.

    Kavya, played by Sumbul Touqeer Khan on Sony Entertainment Television’s ‘Kavya – Ek Jazbaa, Ek Junoon’

    Kavya, an IAS officer, adeptly juggles her professional duties with her personal life, all while managing the affairs of the country. As a woman in this position, she encounters unique challenges but navigates them gracefully and with determination. Demonstrating an exceptional ability to balance her work and personal responsibilities, Kavya showcases strength and resilience; her journey serves as an inspiration to women in leadership roles.

  • Zee TV’s Sa Re Ga Ma Pa emerges as every advertisers’ preferred platform

    Zee TV’s Sa Re Ga Ma Pa emerges as every advertisers’ preferred platform

    Mumbai: Carrying forward its rich musical legacy of nearly 30 years, Zee TV’s iconic singing reality show, Sa Re Ga Ma Pa recently returned with a new season, featuring Himesh Reshammiya, Neeti Mohan, Anu Malik as judges, and Aditya Narayan as the host. With a brand new format and the exciting promise of giving its talent opportunities to record original singles even before the season ends, the hunt for India’s OG voices has created quite a stir among the audience, while emerging as the preferred choice for advertisers.

    Through the years, Sa Re Ga Ma Pa, given its credibility as the country’s longest-running and most definitive singing platform, has forged partnerships with numerous leading brands. However, this year marks a significant milestone as the show has brought on board an impressive line-up of 18 sponsors for its upcoming season. These esteemed sponsors include Maruti Suzuki India Ltd: Co-Title, Dabur India Ltd: Co-Presenting & Associate Sponsor, Mondelez India Foods Ltd: Co-Powered By, Hindustan Unilever Ltd: Co-Title & Special Partner, Rajdhani Flour Mills: Special Partner, Procter & Gamble: Special Partner, WhatsApp LLC: Special Partner, Loreal India Private Ltd: Special Partner, Berger Paints India Ltd: Special Partner, The Association of Mutual Funds in India: Associate Sponsor, Bandhan Bank: Special Partner, Capital Foods Private Ltd: Special Partner, Kohler India Corporation (HAR): Special Partner, Eveready Industries India Ltd ( Kol ): Special Partner, H&M Hennes & Mauritz: Special Partner and Wipro Enterprises Private Ltd: Special Partner. The use of customized solutions for brands seems to have had a positive impact, resulting in the acquisition of 18 sponsors. It highlights the effectiveness of ZEE sales team in tailoring approaches to meet the needs of each sponsor.

    ZEE chief growth officer, advertisement revenue Ashish Sehgal said, “As the pioneer of music reality shows in India, Zee’s Sa Re Ga Ma Pa has become an iconic brand in itself and has been among the most-watched shows across India in its run of more than two decades. In the new season of Zee TV’s Sa Re Ga Ma Pa, we have added extra layers of uniqueness which stems from our profound expertise in creating content that resonates deeply with our audiences across India. With our hyper-local approach of scouting talents, the show has created a strong connection with our viewers as the top contestants face tough musical challenges to release their own original songs on Zee Music Company. This provides the perfect opportunity to seamlessly integrate the brand communications of our sponsors led by our anchor, judges, and the contestants. We are extremely delighted with the response from the brands and I whole-heartedly welcome all the 18 sponsors on board – who have continued the trust in our platform, as we embark into the festive season together. With our curated multimedia promotion plan, each sponsor will get phenomenal 360-degree exposure and innovative brand engagement opportunities in every phase of the show to bring out the brand’s core propositions effortlessly and leave a long-lasting impression among our viewers in this vibrant festive season. I am certain that this new season of Sa Re Ga Ma Pa will re-ignite the musical spark among millions of our viewers and generate immense value for our esteemed partners.”

    Zee TV business head Aparna Bhosle said, “We are delighted to see an exceptional response from advertisers for our new season of Sa Re Ga Ma Pa. A combination of some remarkable fresh talent coupled with a revamped format has elevated our appeal with both the audience and brands alike. Our team is poised to bring you the OG voices of India who, basis their performance in the season, are already getting opportunities to record their original singles to be released by Zee Music Company. With so much excitement in store every episode, Sa Re Ga Ma Pa remains an unparalleled platform for brands to leave a lasting impact with audiences, given our extensive reach and dedicated viewership.”

    Maruti Suzuki India Ltd Sr executive officer, marketing & sales Shashank Srivastava said, “This marks the beginning of an interesting partnership between Maruti Suzuki Arena,  India’s  largest automotive channel and the iconic television show – Sa Re Ga Ma Pa. We believe in bringing the joy of mobility to all and creating exciting new experiences. Maruti Suzuki Arena brings this vision to reality with a modern, tech-enabled and youthful experience. Now, “Find Your Match” with our wide array of cars and network. Sa Re Ga Ma Pa shares a similar journey where talent meets opportunity. This collaboration elevates our brand positioning amongst the relevant audience. Hoping, together, we deliver a great season.”

    Hindustan Unilever Ltd VP – F&B Shiva Krishnamurthy said, “We are pleased to associate with Zee TV and their iconic show, Sa Re Ga Ma Pa. Taj Mahal tea has always championed Indian classical music. Stalwarts like Ustad Zakir Hussain, Niladri Kumar, Rahul Sharma and now Nirlai Kartik have endorsed it. Taj Mahal tea salutes craftsmanship – whether it is a master tea blender or a music maestro. We look forward to celebrating musical talent with this show.”

    With the new season of the show striking a harmonious chord with both its ardent viewers and a multitude of esteemed sponsors, Sa Re Ga Ma Pa has showcased the enduring appeal and innovation that have been the hallmark of this iconic show once again. As it continues to provide a stage for fresh talent to shine and captivate audiences of all ages, Sa Re Ga Ma Pa continues to stand as a beacon of entertainment brilliance, promising not only musical excellence but also a unique avenue for advertisers to forge lasting connections with a diverse and engaged audience. With this season’s impressive lineup of sponsors and talent, the journey ahead promises to be a melodious symphony of success for all involved.

    Stay tuned to Sa Re Ga Ma Pa for some magical performances and limitless entertainment, on Saturdays and Sundays at 9 PM, only on Zee TV!

     

  • Acko becomes co-presenting sponsor for Shark Tank India 2

    Acko becomes co-presenting sponsor for Shark Tank India 2

    Mumbai: Shark Tank was introduced in 2021 and quickly established itself in the Indian market thanks to an incredible response from advertisers and companies. On 2 January 2023, the show will return for its second season. Brands are increasingly looking for partnerships that are distinctive and deliver direct contact with the audience in the age of impactful marketing and effective advertising. The alliance between Sony LIV and Acko is one such example of a success story.

    The show gave aspiring entrepreneurs new opportunities to pursue their dreams. In line with this sentiment, Acko has once again partnered with the platform to recognise the ‘Change Makers,’ who are not only raising the bar for entrepreneurship but also driving change through innovative solutions. This will be incorporated into the show through a special segment in which one outstanding participant will be invited to sign on the “Acko Change Makers Wall” and speak with the host about how their business will change the landscape and solve a specific problem.

    This year, representing the ground-breaking start-up ecosystem in the country, are sharks of season 1 – boAt  co-founder and chief marketing officer Aman Gupta, Shaadi.com  founder and CEO Anupam Mittal, Emcure Pharmaceuticals executive director Namita Thapar, Sugar Cosmetics co-founder and CEO Vineeta Singh, Lenskart.com  founder & CEO Peyush Bansal, along with new shark – CarDekho Group, InsuranceDekho.com co-founder and CEO Amit Jain. 

    Sony LIV ad sales revenue head Ranjana Mangla said, “Our long-standing relationship with Acko has created countless advancements in the M&E business with rich in-content integrations. We have designed a one-of-a-kind contextual segment in-line with Acko’s philosophy of fostering innovation and innovative minds through Shark Tank India 2. We are confident that this integration on Shark Tank India will be relatable and hit the right cords with the audience.”

    Acko executive vice president – marketing Ashish Mishra, said, “Shark Tank India has been a game changer in the Indian television space, propelling an entrepreneurial mindset in every household. We see synergies with the audience of the show who are not afraid to experiment with new-age products and solutions. This is our second year of association with Shark Tank India and in line with our proposition of ‘Welcome Change’, this year, Acko will celebrate the ‘Change Makers’, who are driving change through innovative solutions.”

  • Warner Bros. Discovery and UN India collaborate for ‘Roots of My Platter’ season 2!

    Warner Bros. Discovery and UN India collaborate for ‘Roots of My Platter’ season 2!

    Mumbai: Warner Bros. Discovery and the United Nations in India are teaming up to bring viewers an exciting second season of the culinary show “Roots of My Platter,” featuring renowned celebrity chef Shipra Khanna, winner of MasterChef India Season 2. Building upon the success of its first season, this season focuses on the concept of optimal nutrition and the importance of timing in our meals.

    In collaboration with the United Nations in India, the show highlights the importance of incorporating millet, designated as the superfood of 2023, into our daily meals. Hosted by the charismatic Shruti Seth, the four-part series delves into enlightening conversations about holistic nutrition, emphasizing the significance of establishing a consistent daily cycle of eating.

    Season 2 expands on the concept of the “right time to eat,” helping viewers understand how this philosophy enhances the nutritional value of meals. Chef Shipra uncovers the secrets of mindful eating by incorporating millet-based recipes and fusion-inspired approaches. The show offers viewers a captivating fusion of flavours, traditions, and the path to a wholesome lifestyle. A lifestyle that is sustainable and peaceful towards our planet. 

    The collaboration between Warner Bros. Discovery and the United Nations in India signifies a commitment to promoting sustainable and healthy food choices. Speaking about the collaboration, Shombi Sharp the UN Resident Coordinator in India, said, The United Nations in India is pleased to partner with Warner Brothers Discovery to talk about healthy food and holistic living in balance with nature and the planet. Nearly a third of all food produced each year is wasted before it can be consumed, adding a large amount of unnecessary pollution and emissions driving the climate crisis. Through the show, Roots of My Platter, we aim to showcase simple, individual actions that can ensure both healthy living and a healthy planet, while enjoying the diverse culture of food. At the initiative of India, the United Nations is celebrating 2023 as the International Year of Millets and the show also highlights some eco-friendly and delicious millet recipes. Bon Appetit!” 

    Celebrity chef Shipra Khanna shared, “As the featured chef on ‘Roots of My Platter’ Season 2, I will be sharing a range of recipes in a format covering the four meals of a day. With a selection of Millet-based dishes, I will bring a fusion-based approach to the platter, reconnecting our daily meals to the roots of our traditional cuisine”.

    Shruti Seth, the show’s host, expresses her excitement, saying, “It is an honour to be a part of ‘Roots of My Platter’ once again and collaborate with Warner Bros. Discovery. This season is extraordinary as we partner with the United Nations in India to spotlight the power of millets. The show aims to enlighten viewers about the significance of mindful eating and the right time to consume food. I am thrilled to embark on this journey with the talented Shipra Khanna and take our audience on an unforgettable culinary adventure”.

    Embark on an enriching and engaging culinary experience with “Roots of My Platter” Season 2, premiering on TLC on 24 July at 8:30 pm and on the Discovery Channel starting July 22nd, 2023, at 6:20 PM.

     

  • Shark Tank rejects five crore offer from Unstop

     Mumbai: Shark Tank India Season two is gaining momentum. While some businesses get outright rejected, some CEOs reject the offers made. This is the story of a founder who bargained for a lower amount just to ensure that his team is happy and he dilutes less.

     India is the land of enterprising businessmen who have made a name for themselves on a global scale. Gone are the days when running and owning a business was restricted to just the rich. With Shark Tank’s Season 2, millions of viewers tune in to each episode of Shark Tank India. Some are still harping on about Ashneer Grover and his rough round the edges remark. While others are truly enthralled by the sheer ingenuity of some of the startups. With every mid sentence cut to break, the audience is at the edge of their seats. The Sharks too, are playing to the ebb and flow of the show and using their wit and knowledge to share the most useful insights.

    One Delhi based startup, Unstop, saw hungry sharks circling around it with ample poking, prodding and name calling Unstop and Shark Tank: Founded by Ankit Aggrawal, Unstop is an early talent engagement and hiring platform that helps talented individuals from untapped corners of the country find their place in the job market. Through its platform, Unstop connects these individuals with the right employers and helps them build the skills and experience they need to succeed. On the other hand, employers leverage Unstop to Brand, Source, Engage, Assess and Hire right candidates. Today, the startup has a community of 4.5 million students, freshers and professionals with zero to five years of experience. As soon as Ankit Aggarwal hit the stage, the Sharks were captivated by his pitch. At one point, they had to jolt out of the trance and one of the Sharks said, “Please stop Unstop!” Some say that the secret to a Sharks’ favour is having your numbers, comms and charisma on point and Ankit delivered on all three.

     Aggarwal received an offer of five crores for ten per cent equity from Jain. He was quick to decline the offer saying that it wouldn’t be fair to dilute that much equity and wanted to respect and increase the valuation at which his team was given shares, not VCs. Then we were all made privy to the magnanimity of Ankit Aggarwal so much so that Namita Thapar ended up calling him Ankit Makhanwal. After a little back and forth, and some negotiations, Aman Gupta, Anupam Mittal, Namita Thapar, and Amit Jain finally agreed on investing two crores for four per cent equity.

  • MIB invites entries for ‘75 Creative Minds of Tomorrow’

    MIB invites entries for ‘75 Creative Minds of Tomorrow’

    Mumbai: The ministry of information and broadcasting (MIB) has opened applications for the ’75 Creative Minds of Tomorrow’ competition. The segment is an annual platform at the International Film Festival of India in Goa for identifying, encouraging, and nurturing young creative talents from various aspects of filmmaking.

    The initiative is in its second year, having begun in 2021 to commemorate India’s 75th anniversary of independence as part of the ‘Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav’ celebrations.

    The number of filmmakers recognised represents the years of Indian independence. It is expected that the number of youths participating in ‘creative minds’ will increase by one in the coming years in order to keep the spirit of the endeavour alive.

    An eminent jury will shortlist and select the 75 creative minds under the auspices of the National Film Development Corporation ahead of the 53rd edition of the International Film Festival of India.

    This programme identifies young budding film makers and provides them a platform to interact and learn from national as well as international film makers during the period of IFFI Goa.

    This is a one-of-a-kind platform, with the largest gathering of young creative minds chosen through a competition at any premier film festival around the world. It was conceived in 2021 by union minister for information and broadcasting, youth affairs, and sports Anurag Singh Thakur to provide a platform and connect young talent with industry masters from the media and entertainment sectors.

    The selected ’75 Creative Minds of Tomorrow’ will also attend workshops and sessions specially curated by the masters of cinema during the festival event in Goa. Furthermore, each team will take part in a group competition to make a short film in 53 hours. The themes of the short film will be inspired by the spirit of Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav, in which the teams will present their vision of India@100.

    The selected creative minds will be divided into seven teams in collaboration with Shorts TV, the initiative’s programming partner. The films created by the seven teams will be screened theatrically at IFFI on 24 November followed by an award ceremony to recognise the winning film. Everyone who takes part in the competition challenge will be recognised.

    The initiative is also another step toward making India a global content and post-production hub by identifying, nurturing, and up-skilling young talent and preparing them for industry connections and readiness. The initiative is nurturing and developing an ecosystem of young filmmakers, allowing them to network and collaborate from the start.

    The ministry intends to implement productive interventions so that participants can take advantage of this opportunity for gainful employment in the media and entertainment sectors.

    The entries will be accepted from 5 September 2022 till 23 September at: https://www.iffigoa.org/creativeminds.