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  • Phillips reports sales growth of 10 per cent in 2Q

    Phillips reports sales growth of 10 per cent in 2Q

    MUMBAI: Royal Philips Electronics has reported that sales in the second quarter were up 10 per cent year-on-year. Its net income was 301 million euros.

    Sales increased strongly in the second quarter to 7,601 million euros. This represents a 10 per cent rise from the same quarter last eyar.

    Adjusted for the effects of currency movements and consolidation changes, comparable sales increased by 11 per cent driven by strong growth in all operating divisions.

    EBIT amounted to 367 million euros compared to 158 million euros in the same period of last year. In difficult market conditions, the EBIT of the consumer electronics division held up. Brand campaign costs were 47 million euros lower than in the same quarter for last year due to an amended seasonal spend pattern.

    Financial income and expenses resulted in income of 127 million euros compared to an expense of 57 million euros in thew same quarter last year. The improvement is due to the recognition of a TSMC cash dividend of EUR 223 million, net of tax.

    Cash inflow from operating activities increased to 300 million euros, compared to 52 million euros in the same quarter last year due to lower additional working capital requirements. Inventories as a percentage of sales amounted to 12.2 per cent, a decrease of 1.2 percentage points compared to Q2 2005.

    Philips’ president and CEO Gerard Kleisterlee says, “We had an excellent second quarter to round off a good first half year. Our transformation into a market-driven healthcare, lifestyle and technology company starts to show its merits, with strong profit contributions from Medical Systems, Lighting and DAP. Our consumer electronics business model is showing its robustness in difficult conditions for the industry and Semiconductors is delivering the expected benefits of its business renewal programme.

    “Continuing our consistent focus on shareholder value, we are pleased to announce the launch of a further 1.5 billion euros share repurchase programme, to start in the third quarter.”

  • Samsung India launches slim mobile phones

    MUMBAI: Samsung India has unveiled a new line of the World’s slimmest mobile phones with the launch of The Ultra Edition Series in India. The company claims this Ultra Edition transcends the current market offering by presenting consumers with unparalleled breakthroughs in technology while retaining simplicity of use.


    The first model to be launched within the series is ‘The Ultra Edition 6.9’. Made with fiberglass re-infused plastic, the phone is a marvel in just 6.9mm thickness, packing along with it a 2 megapixel camera, MP3 Player, Direct TV Out function, 80 MB memory apart from a host of other features.
     
    Ultra Edition 12.9 (D900) – The slimmest slider phone and the Ultra Edition 9.9 (D830) – The slimmest clamshell phone will be launched in the subsequent month.


    Samsung says that the Ultra Edition series illustrates its sensitivity to consumer needs by delivering mobile phones with deceptively discreet but stylish exteriors while embedding world leading technology features inside. This path breaking slimness coupled with rich multimedia capabilities in The Ultra Edition phones is a result of Smart Surface Mounting Technology (SSMT) pioneered by Samsung worldwide.


    The Ultra Edition phones have been constructed using Titanium, Magnesium and Fibreglass re-infused plastic to impart the solid strength to these Ultra Thin breakthroughs, basis which these are made to pass strict proprietary tests to certify each product’s durability.


    Samsung India senior VP Ihn-Chul Chung said, “Samsung’s foray into Ultra Slim phones is part of the company’s aggressive global strategy to take on the leadership position in the mobile phone market. Understanding that each consumer has different needs Samsung has facilitated convergence in mobile communication with a rapid pace of technological advancement and aesthetic design”


    Samsung india MD HCRyu said, “India is a very critical market for Samsung and the launch of The Ultra Slim Series in India is a testimony to our commitment to meet the growing aspirations of consumers for sleek phones that accentuate their personality without compromising on premium multimedia capabilities”


    Samsung says that the Ultra Edition 6.9 (X820) is its commitment to create the slimmest and lightest product in the market today. Weighing a mere 66 grams and measuring a slim 6.9mm depth, the lightweight Ultra Edition 6.9 is today’s definitive tool to help users stay connected, take pictures with the 2 megapixel camera, or enjoy their favourite tunes with the music player. The Ultra Edition 6.9 balances slim elegance with a functional keypad and tops off its supreme design with a beautifully beveled cut surface for a natural grip.


    Fiberglass-infused plastic is also used to increase durability to protect the features that are compressed into the 6.9mm frame using the Smart Surface Mounting Technology (SSMT).


    Samsung claims that the Ultra Edition 9.9 (D830) raises the bar in slimness and design of clamshell handsets. The company says that the 9.9 mm ultra slim clamshell is the result of Samsung’s constant efforts to go above and beyond the boundaries of form and function. This lightweight mobile comes outfitted with a 2 megapixel camera to capture those special moments wherever the customer goes.


    The Ultra Edition 12.9 offers the latest in multimedia technology with premium slide-up design for business professionals. The 12.9mm slide-up is the thinnest slider ever designed to come equipped with a powerful 3.13 megapixel camera — leading the 3 megapixel camera phone trend in the global market this year. Unique and dynamic user interfaces enhance user’s mobile experience.


    The main screen will reflect networks and call status by displaying animated graphics to alert users of missed calls or unread messages, and imported documents can be viewed on the vivid 262K color screen. Users can also enhance the multimedia experience with the Bluetooth stereo headset. Whatever your desires may be, the Ultra Edition 12.9 will “slide up” next to the customer for his/her‘s next command.

  • Verizon Wireless delivers ‘Rock Star: Supernova” content to its customers

    MUMBAI: US wireless network operator Verizon Wireless is giving its customers a front row seat to the music based reality show Rock Star: Supernoa which airs in the US on CBS.


    In India, the show airs on Star World.


    Verizon Wireless customers can not only help choose the next lead singer of a newly formed group of former members from some of the most acclaimed American rock bands – including Tommy Lee (Motley Crüe), Jason Newsted (Metallica) and Gilby Clarke (Guns N’ Roses) – but they can also V Cast video performances from the show, V Cast music downloads, ringtones, ringback tones and wallpaper.


    For the uninitiated Rock Star: Supenova is produced by reality TV guru Mark Burnett. It is a reality show that combines the world of rock music with a relationship-style unscripted drama performance competition. The lives of the contestants will be broadcast twice a week throughout the series from a Hollywood Hills mansion. The winner will front a new rock group Supernova.


    Verizon Wireless V Cast customers can catch the latest action from the show with video content on their V Cast-enabled phones. Fans can watch musical performances, behind the scenes footage and eliminated performer interviews, as well as news coverage of post-show interviews. Customers also can check out each contestant’s performance from every show by visiting the V CAST Showcase Channel in the Entertainment aisle on V CAST-enabled phones.


    Immediately following every show, Verizon Wireless customers with V Cast music-enabled phones can download the full song of each contestant’s performance to their phone. Customers can also get ring tones and Ringback Tones of these performances, plus the original versions of the songs by the original artists, from the V Cast Music catalogue.


    V Cast will also feature the latest in music from the show in V Cast Music. This includes contestants’ cover performances and full music downloads. Verizon Wireless’ V Cast Music is the world’s most comprehensive, over-the-air mobile music download service with more than one million songs available for download.


    Verizon Wireless customers can also purchase ringtones and Ringback Tones to personalise their phones from a selection of music from the show with the VZW Tones Deluxe application on select Get It Now-enabled phones. Customers can also choose from a variety of “ROCK STAR: SUPERNOVA” wallpaper options by visiting getPIX on their phone, selecting featured PIX and then Rock Star Ring Tones and Graphics on Get It Now-enabled phones and purchasing select content.


    Verizon Wireless customers with text messaging-capable phones can vote for their favourite contestant each Tuesday night following the performance show. To vote, Verizon Wireless customers send the text message with the word “VOTE” to the ROCK plus the number for their favorite contestant

  • AXN turns on the heat with ‘Fight Night’

    AXN turns on the heat with ‘Fight Night’

    MUMBAI: The action oriented AXN has launched a block Fight Night, every Wednesday from 9 pm to 11 pm. This will feature reality martial arts and boxing.

    The two shows that will air are the boxing based reality show The Contender Season 2 which will air the same day as it does in the US and the first season of The Ultimate Fighter.

    AXN country manager Sunder Aaron says, “What Indian viewers will appreciate about these two new shows is that they are as real as the Zidane head butt! These are not trained actors, but real fighters and boxers competing in real combat for the ultimate prize!

    “Watching sports with friends is the new lifestyle trend in India, and AXN will be meeting viewers’ needs with two great shows on Fight Night. All on one night, starting 19 July, we are proud to bring our viewers the Contender Season 2, followed by the premiere of The Ultimate Fighter, an extreme sport reality series not for the faint-hearted!”

    On The Contender, boxing legend Sugar Ray Leonard plays mentor to 16 boxers handpicked from all over America. They will fight for a dream career and a million dollars. The show takes viewers into each of the boxer’s personal victories and trials, exposes their ambition and drive while still touching hearts and making the competition about more than just boxing.

    The Ultimate Fighter is a reality series-extreme sports genre. In Las Vegas,16 young men from all over America to compete for a highly coveted Ultimate Fighting Championship contract.

    The fighters are trained by UFC legends Randy “The Natural” Couture and Chuck “The Iceman” Liddell in a wide array of diverse martial arts, including wrestling, boxing, kickboxing, judo and karate,. The show separates the men from the boys with all the blood, sweat and tears televised for all to see. The Ultimate Fighter represents the true spirit of the sport with all the real fights and real action unlike other shows on Indian television.

  • DVRs, HDTV to boost TV viewership, advertising in the US: PricewaterhouseCoopers

    DVRs, HDTV to boost TV viewership, advertising in the US: PricewaterhouseCoopers

    MUMBAI: PricewaterhouseCoopers has released its Global Entertainment and Media Outlook: 2006-2010 stating that digital video recorders (DVRs), digital television, and high-definition television (HDTV) will enhance the appeal of television, leading to increased viewership and advertising in the United States.

    The UK and Germany are the two largest markets in Europe, Middle East and Africa region at $10.7 billion and $10.1 billion respectively, in 2005. Italy ranks third, at $7.8 billion, and PwC expects it will reach the $10-billion threshold in 2010.

    Japan is the dominant country in the Asia Pacific in terms of value, at $19.7 billion in 2005, equivalent to 54 percent of total spending. Japan is slowly emerging from its long-term economic slump, and its television network market will expand at a 3.9 per cent annual rate through 2010. This marks a significant improvement compared with the 0.2 per cent growth compounded annually during the past few years.

    Venezuela will be the fastest-growing market in Latin America, at 14 per cent compounded annually. However growth will be artificially augmented by continued high inflation, a factor no longer present to a significant degree in the rest of the region.

    The television network market in Canada will expand at a relatively steady 4.3 per cent compound annual rate to $4.5 billion in 2010 from $3.7 billion in 2005.

    As far as distribution of television content is concerned in the US, video on demand will be the fastest-growing category, at 22 per cent compounded annually, and will grow to $3.9 billion in 2010.

    Italy will be the fastest-growing country in Europe, Middle East and Africa, with a 22.9 per cent compound annual growth, fuelled by a rapidly expanding satellite market and growing IPTV.

    In the Asia Pacific region, Hong Kong has been the fastest-growing market during the past two years, more than doubling as a result of the introduction of new channels and a developing IPTV market. Although Hong Kong constituted less than 1 percent of all subscription households in Asia Pacific in 2005, it accounted for 57 percent of the region’s IPTV households.

    The TV distribution market in Latin America, regardless of distribution platform, has been gaining momentum during the past three years and will post double-digit increases beginning in 2006 that will extend through 2009 before dropping to a high-single digit gain in 2010.

    In Canada, buoyed by the revitalization of cable, video on demand is taking off and by 2009 will generate more revenue than pay-per-view will.

    Sports: As far as sporting events are concerned in the US, gate revenues will total an estimated $20.7 billion in 2010, up 6.6 per cent compounded annually from $15.1 billion in 2005. In the Europe, Middle East and Africa region sponsorships, merchandising, and other revenue will rise to $10.1 billion in 2010, an 8.9 per cent compound annual gain from $6.6 billion in 2005.

    In the Asia Pacific region, large increases in TV advertising and subscription revenue will propel TV rights fees. In Latin America, an emerging broadband market and sustained economic growth will expand the sponsorship and merchandising market. The return of the NHL will propel all components of the sports market in Canada in 2006.

    Cinema: The American box office growth will average 4.3 per cent compounded annually during the next five years from a weak 2005, taking total box office spending from $9.0 billion in 2005 to $11.1 billion in 2010. However, admissions in 2010 will remain below the levels achieved during 2002-04.

    In the Europe, Middle East and Africa region online subscription services and video streaming services are entering the market. Together, they will reach $2.2 billion by 2010 from only $216 million in 2005, averaging 59.1 per cent growth compounded annually.

    In the Asia Pacific, high-definition video and reduced piracy will stimulate the sell-through market. PwC projects sell-through spending to grow at a 6.2 per cent compound annual rate to $6.2 billion in 2010 from $4.6 billion in 2005.

    Countries in Latin America are supporting local production through various subsidy programmes. As the experience of 2004-05 indicates, the success of local films can have a dramatic impact on the overall market.
    In Canada, sell-through growth will average 4.9 percent compounded annually to $3.8 billion, and rentals will be flat at $1.3 billion.

    Music: Licensed digital distribution in the US will rise from $653 million in 2005 to $4.9 billion in 2010, a 49.5 per cent compound annual increase. From a five per cent share in 2005, digital distribution will constitute 33 per cent of recorded music spending in 2010.

    The launch of new digital distribution services and growth in the number of broadband Internet subscribers in the Europe, Middle East and Africa region will fuel digital download spending. In the Asia Pacific, piracy will continue to cut into sales. On a more positive note improved enforcement, combined with an increasingly more sophisticated and enabled economy, will lessen its incremental impact as antipiracy efforts begin to yield results.

    In Latin America, anti piracy initiatives are beginning to yield results, and although still a major problem, piracy will have less of an adverse incremental impact on unit sales. New services and an expanding broadband market in Canada will boost licensed digital distribution services.

    Radio and Out-of-Home Advertising: In the US, satellite radio will increase from $1 billion in 2005 to $5.4 billion in 2010, a 39.5 per cent compound annual increase.

    PwC projects the radio and out-of-home market in the Europe, Middle East and Africa region will expand from $23.1 billion in 2005 to $29.2 billion in 2010,growing at a 4.8 percent compound annual rate.
    In the Asia Pacific, region the radio and out-of home market will increase from $11.0 billion in 2005 to $14.1 billion in 2010, growing at a 5.0 percent compound annual rate. Excluding Japan, growth for the remainder of the region will average 8.2 per cent compounded annually.

    In Latin America, rising employment will boost commuting and lead to increased exposure to out-of-home media. In Canada, the digital broadcasting market will boost the number of stations and expand the potential market, but increased audience fragmentation will dampen ad rates.

    Video Games: In the US, wireless games will experience the fastest rate of growth, increasing from $646 million in 2005 to $2.3 billion in 2010, a 28.6 percent compound annual increase.

    In the Europe, Middle East and Africa region the online game market will be driven by increased penetration of the broadband subscriber market as well as by the new consoles, which will emphasize online play.

    In the Asia Pacific region, online games became the second-largest category in 2005, passing the PC game total, and will increase by 23 per cent compounded annually, reaching $4.4 billion in 2010 as compared with $1.6 billion in 2005.

    As a result of lack of competition from the newer online and wireless technologies, PC games are relatively more important in Latin America and are not exhibiting the declines evident elsewhere in the world. Canada has one of the highest broadband penetration rates in the world, spurring growth in the online game segment.

    Magazine Publishing: In the US, advertising in this area will total $29.2 billion in 2010, up 4.5 per cent on a compound annual basis, with consumer magazines reaching $16 billion, growing by 4.5 per cent compounded annually, and business magazines rising to $13.2 billion, a 4.4 percent average annual increase.

    The UK has the largest magazine advertising market in the Europe, Middle East and Africa region and ranks second in circulation spending. The market has been bolstered by new titles targeting men.

    New regulations will encourage international publishers to invest in China and India, thereby stimulating magazine publishing in these territories.

    Brazil is the dominant market in Latin America, at $1.3 billion, 48 per cent of the total, followed by Argentina, at $606 million, and Mexico, at $598 million. Circulation spending in Canada rebounded in 2005 with a 0.9 per cent increase following five years of decline.

    Newspaper Publishing: In the US, newspaper web sites will drive advertising growth as online distribution becomes a significant delivery channel.

    In Europe, Middle East and Africa new formats and giveaways will boost circulation temporarily–largely at the expense of competitors utilizing traditional approaches while increased investment in presses will improve the appearance of newspapers and help attract readers over the longer run.

    Japan is the largest market in Asia Pacific, at $21.1 billion in 2005 and 45 per cent of the total. The market has been essentially flat during the past three years, which represented an improvement compared with low- to mid-single-digit declines during 2001-02.

    PwC projects newspaper publishing in Latin America will increase from $5.4 billion in 2005 to $7.0 billion in 2010, a compound annual gain of 5.4 percent. In Canada, cutbacks in household delivery together with competition from free papers will adversely affect paid circulation, but strength among smaller papers will limit the decline.

    Book Publishing: In the US, professional books are migrating to electronic formats, leading to a decline in print spending. The print book market in Western Europe will rise to $46.8 billion in 2010 from $43.2 billion in 2005, a 1.6 per cent compound annual increase.

    Japan and China are the dominant countries in the Asia Pacific region, at $9.0 billion and $6.8 billion, respectively. Together, they constituted 71 per cent of the print market in 2005.

    In Latin America, improved economic conditions will help consumer book sales, but low readership levels and piracy will restrain the market. Rising college enrollments and increased school spending will boost the educational book market in Canada.

    Theme Parks and Amusement Parks: New rides and attractions will lead to modest attendance growth, but only one major new regional park is planned in the US. France is the major theme park market in Europe, Middle East and Africa and has the most popular park in the region: Disneyland Paris. Disneyland Paris and Walt Disney Studios Park attract more than 12 million visitors annually.

    Improved economic conditions will lead to a rebound in Japan and South Korea, while increased investment and rising domestic tourism will stimulate the market in Australia.

    In the Latin America, more-stable economies will increase disposable income, which will contribute to growth in attendance and per capita spending.

    In Canada, the top two parks will grow slightly faster than the smaller parks, averaging 4.2 per cent compounded annually compared with 3.9 per cent annually for the smaller parks.

  • William Holt to oversee MTV US’ digital initiatives

    William Holt to oversee MTV US’ digital initiatives

    MUMBAI: US broadcaster MTV has announced that Courtney William Holt is the group’s executive VP of digital music and media.

    A recognised expert in the convergence of new media, music and marketing, Holt will oversee digital initiatives for MTV’s Music and Logo Group, including the MTV: Music Television, VH1 and CMT music brands; Logo, the network for the LGBT audience; and Urge, the digital music service recently launched to strong industry support.

    Holt will partner with the teams who direct the day-to-day operations of each brand’s online and wireless properties such as MTV’s Overdrive, VH1’s VSpot, mtvU’s Uber and CMT’s soon-to-launch Loaded.

    Holt joins MTV Networks from Interscope Geffen A&M, where he was executive vice president of new media, creative and strategic marketing. At Interscope Geffen A&M, Holt embraced emerging technology to break new marketing ground, galvanizing communities of fans around top musical artists.

    At MTV, Holt will be responsible for continuing to expand the reach of MTV Networks’ premier music brands, engaging audiences across a spectrum of touchpoints – on air, online, on the handset and through its new digital music service.

    MTV US president Van Toffler says, “It’s only fitting to have a creative music executive like Courtney – who started his career producing videos that appeared on our channels – join our stable of talent. Courtney’s background and experience is a perfect fit for our brands, which deliver innovative short- and long-form music entertainment that connects with our audience on many screens.

  • Sky launches a free broadband service for customers

    Sky launches a free broadband service for customers

    MUMBAI: UK pay TV service provider BSkyB has launched free broadband for Sky customers. The company says that the launch sets new standards in quality, ease and savings.

    Unveiling its new broadband internet access service, Sky Broadband, at an event for analysts and investors the Company disclosed some information:

    Operating and Financial outlook
    • Pay-TV business on track to achieve 2010 targets
    • Clear strategy to build a scale broadband customer base, targeting revenues from high growth opportunities in online advertising, search and content and increasing penetration of additional products
    • Anticipated investment of £400 million of EBIT to be invested over the next three years
    • Broadband expected to be earnings enhancing in the year to 30 June 2010 independent of any Pay-TV benefits
    • Capital expenditure of approximately £250 million in first two years
    • Targetting broadband ROCE of 15 per cent for the year ended 2011 including initial cost of Easynet acquisition
    • Progressive dividend policy to be maintained across investment phase.

    BSkyB CEO James Murdoch said, “Sky Broadband is a compelling product which rewards our 8 million customers with a quality service offering flexibility and great value. Sky is ideally equipped to enter the large and growing markets of broadband and telephony and by pushing the boundaries of the home entertainment market, we will help our customers realise the full potential from technological convergence.

    “The business case is clear; we believe our investment will enhance top-line growth, be earnings enhancing from 2010 and with the benefits of scale, deliver increasingly attractive returns thereafter whilst offering substantial savings and compelling value to customers. This is a transformational new initiative for Sky.”

  • Speculation runs high on Echostar DirecTV merger

    Speculation runs high on Echostar DirecTV merger

    MUMBAI: Last few days, the American media industry has been full of speculation over a potential move that could change the dynamics of that country’s pay TV industry.

    The news is that DirecTV in which News Corp has a stake is looking at buying rival Echostar. However, the two companies have refused to comment on reports that have appeared in several publications.

    The two parties account for almost all viewership of satellite television in the US. Rumour mongering escalated at the recently held Allen & Co. media and technology conference in Idaho. Charlie Ergen who owns Echostar had attended the conference and The New York Times had reported on the rumours.

    In a recent piece in Reuters Wall Street, analysts were of the view that the presidential election in a few years time could spur a wave of mergers including DirectTV-EchoStar due to concerns that should the Democrats come into power, it would be more difficult to merge.

    One roadblock here is that America’s media watchdog, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), had four years ago rejected a proposal for a merger saying that it contravened antithrust laws.

    Interestingly a few months ago, DirecTV CFO Mike Palkovic, had told an industry conference that his company was interested in buying Echostar. Reports also state that Ergen is reluctant to give up control of his company.

    A merger would result in cost savings that run into billions of dollars and they would be able to compete better with the cable TV industry. A report in tvpredictions.com states that both the firms are investing heavily in new satellites (and other infrastructure) to improve their HDTV offerings.

  • NGC launches a global music broadband channel

    NGC launches a global music broadband channel

    MUMBAI: National Geographic in the US has created a music initiative that offers consumers the soundtrack to the world, from traditional roots music to unexpected hybrids from the furthest reaches of the globe.

    National Geographic World Music (worldmusic.nationalgeographic.com) showcases international artists and musical performances in an interactive and immersive online environment.

    In supporting National Geographic’s (NGC) core aim of inspiring people to care about the planet, the site uses the language of music as a medium to tell the stories of the world.

    From Morocco to Indonesia, New Zealand to Sweden, Cuba to the US and Senegal, National Geographic World Music offers fans the chance to discover music by different artists, regions and genres. The site also provides rich context for music through NGC’s assets that include videos, maps, photos and features from its magazines, and other editorial platforms. Searches are enabled via artist, genre, country and region.

    Featured artists include:

    – Tinariwen: These Malian guitar-slingers are former Tuareg rebels who put down their guns, picked up guitars and changed the face of African rock ’n’ roll.

    – Sidestepper: This Anglo-Colombian collaboration is a mash-up of 21st-century salsa, cumbia, vallenato and drum ’n’ bass, direct from the developing world.

    – Seu Jorge: This Brazilian crooner made waves when he gave David Bowie classics a smooth, samba makeover.

    Musician David Beal has been working on the launch of National Geographic World Music for the past year. He says, “People come to National Geographic to read books and magazines, to watch films and television, to shop and to explore nationalgeographic.com, but they’ve never truly had a pure listening experience, until now.

    “By exposing these incredible artists to the National Geographic audience, they’ll hopefully begin to find a larger audience and receive the recognition they deserve.”

    National Geographic World Music is programmed by music experts under the supervision of Tom Pryor, former editor of Global Rhythm magazine. The Web site will feature the best artists, innovative music and emerging trends worldwide, allowing users a comprehensive experience. It will also feature guest DJs and their recommended play lists. With partner Calabash, National Geographic World Music makes thousands of tracks available for discovery as well as for purchase at 99 cents per MP3 download. Other strategic partners include LinkTV for video, and Afropop Worldwide and Global Rhythm for editorial and curatorial content.

    National Geographic digital media VP, content development and operations Betsy Scolnik says, “World music is a natural extension of nationalgeographic.com’s rich multimedia experience that entertains, informs and engages consumers who are as passionate about the world’s cultures and the environment as we are. World music fans around the world will be able to listen and learn in one digital experience.”

  • British Olympic promo to become Hollywood film

    British Olympic promo to become Hollywood film

    MUMBAI: Inspiration, the three-minute promotional film created for London’s 2012 bid, will be transformed into a full length feature film. Moongate Films’ producer and founder Caroline Rowland and director Daryl Goodrich have signed an agreement in this regard with Paramount/Nickelodeon. 

    The producers have zeroed in on the working title Legend of the Rings for the film.

    Relating the story of four young Olympic hopefuls from across the world, the short film formed part of London’s successful presentation to the International Olympic Committee in Singapore last July. It highlighted London 2012’s commitment to inspire youth to take up sport through the Games.This full-length feature is intended for release to coincide with the Beijing Games in 2008, said an official release.

    London 2012 organising committee Chair Sebastian Coe says: “We are extremely proud of the Singapore film as it brought to life so perfectly the vision we created for the London Olympic Games to inspire the youth of the world.”

    “We are delighted that vision has captured the imagination of Hollywood.” Rowland adds. “It’s a universal story of triumph, tragedy and heroism that will appeal to children and families all over the world and, hopefully, inspire many who see it to follow their dreams.”

    This will be the U.K.-based production company’s first feature. Their sister-company, New Moon, specializes in commercials, promotional films and documentaries, adds the release.