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  • Total Sports Asia, Mountain Dew launch adventure reality show

    Total Sports Asia, Mountain Dew launch adventure reality show

    MUMBAI: Mountain Dew, the drink that celebrates the adventurous pulse of the youth, has launched an adventure reality show with Mountain Dew Himalayan Challenge 2006.

    Mountain Dew has partnered with Uttaranchal Tourism and associated with co-sponsors – Ten Sports, Mentos, Hercules TI and Weekender. The event is being managed by Total Sports & Entertainment India.

    The event will see 10 teams of 3 contestants each, pitted against each other amidst the mighty range of Himalayas to win prize money worth Rs 200,000 . The Challenge will comprise of teams participating in adventure sports such as rock-climbing, rappelling, GPS navigated cross-country, white-water rafting and mountain biking.

    The event will air over five episodes on Ten Sports, from May to June 2006. Besides this, the event will be promoted through heavy activation in press and outdoors to create awareness and build participation.

    Pepsi India executive VP, marketing – flavours Pratik Pota says, “The Mountain Dew Himalayan Challenge 2006 is designed for all adventure enthusiasts who dare to challenge and showcase their competitive streak. The event exemplifies Mountain Dew’s daring imagery and we are positive that this will help strengthen Mountain Dew’s association with adventure sports as well as enhance consumer connect in India”.

    Total Sports Asia director business development Shail Kapri says, “We are proud to associate with Mountain Dew and launch the mega ‘Mountain Dew Himalayan Challenge 2006’ in India. Adventure sports is fast gaining popularity in India and the event is a reflection of the adventurous spirit that has caught the attention of the youth. We are positive that such initiatives will give a boost to the competitive sport segment in India”.

    The event will be held in Auli and Rishikesh from 23 to 25 April. On the first day, the teams will compete across rock-climbing, rappelling and cross-country in Auli. On the 25th, they will raft down from Kaudiyala to Laxman Jhoola in Rishikesh, followed by mountain biking through Rajaji National Park till end at Rishikesh Barrage. The prize presentation ceremony will take place on the eve of 25 April, which will also see the winners of the ‘Runner-Up Trophy’ and the ‘Mentos Trophy’ for the ‘quick thinking’ team.

    To participate in the event consumers can fill entry forms, available at any of the 52 Weekender stores across the country. They can also log on to www.dewdares.com and enter the challenge. The last date for entries is 18 April. The teams will be selected from across 40 cities and will comprise of 3 members each. The nationwide selection will be on the basis of various parameters such as fitness, health, past experience etc. Entry is open to all above 18 years of age and is free of cost.

  • GSN’s doc series ‘Anything To Win’ features the competitive world of daytime soaps

    GSN’s doc series ‘Anything To Win’ features the competitive world of daytime soaps

    MUMBAI: On Easter Sunday, 16 April, US broadcaster GSN, which deals with games will air the special Anything To Win: Soap Operas Wars.

    The channel notes that soap operas are legendary for going to extremes and creating the most outlandish storylines with their characters, doing anything from afflicting them with amnesia to bringing them back from the dead. This is never more evident than during “Sweeps” when, in an effort to boost ratings, soap producers pull out all the stops.

    GSN’s special gives viewers a glimpse into this competitive world, focussing specifically on a ground breaking stunt orchestrated by the producers and writers of Days of Our Lives where they unleashed a serial killer on to the town of Salem and, when it was all over, half of the beloved cast was dead.

    Soap Opera Digest editor Stephanie Sloane said, “Soap operas are misunderstood and underappreciated. As any actor who has joined a soap after doing prime time or films will tell you, there isn’t a more demanding job in the business. Daytime is filled with talented performers whose fans are fiercely loyal, and storylines that are complicated and compelling. It’s no wonder so many prime time shows draw talent and plots from the genre”.

  • NeuLion to demonstrate IPTV platform at NAB 2006

    NeuLion to demonstrate IPTV platform at NAB 2006

    MUMBAI: NeuLion will demonstrating its IPTV platform at NAB 2006 in Las Vegas from 22-27 April.

    The platform connects the Internet to the TV, delivering high-quality streaming content that the consumer can watch on wither the TV or PC. NeuLion says that it is is leading the evolution of video distribution with its patented iPTV Platform and will be demonstrating at NAB 2006 how it delivers high quality video to the home or business using existing high-speed Public Internet connections.

    NeuLion executive VP and co-founder Chris Wagner says, “iPTV is the hottest technology and is the future of home entertainment and business applications. NAB is the ideal venue to showcase the transformation that this technology will bring to the media industry.”

    The company adds that the market opportunities for IP based video services are exploding with new revenue opportunities. The convergence of broadband and broadcast delivery will inevitably disrupt existing telecommunications and television industries as they collide and collapse conventional boundaries.

    Today’s distribution/broadcasting of multimedia content is predominantly based on transmission over satellites, cable and terrestrial transmission systems. With these existing systems the interactivity is difficult to provide. By accelerating the introduction of fast data networks to end-users, a fourth method of direct access to users becomes possible, i.e. broadcasting via public broadband IP networks.

    NeuLion works with content partners to develop end-to-end solutions for multimedia IPTV services. The NeuLion IPTV platform encodes, delivers, stores and manages an unlimited range of multimedia content, and the Operational Support System (OSS) maintains all billing and customer support services.

  • 3G adoption to broadband economy: CII

    3G adoption to broadband economy: CII

    NEW DELHI: A new study projects that India will have 21.3 million 3G users (11 per cent of total mobile lines) by 2010.

    Within two years, India will take over Japan to become the third largest mobile market in the world after China and the US, the study, `Enabling India’s Broadband Economy-The 3G Way’, says.

    Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) has carried out the survey in association with the US-based research firm The Yankee Group.

    The report tends to highlight migration from 2G to 3G is inevitable, which makes it imperative for India to get prepared at the earliest to boost its economy.

    This, in turn, is also likely to help the country’s economy achieve double-digit growth, which at present is approximately 7-8 per cent.

    “3G services will usher in greater range of handsets, services and applications that will positively impact the growth of India’s broadband market,” The Yankee Group programme manager (wireless /mobile), Asia-Pacific Farid Yunus said while unveiling the report.

    Yunus added: “India’s mobile market is growing at an impressive rate and will only be bettered with improved coverage in rural areas and mobile penetration. Regulatory bodies and policy makers will have to address contentious issues like spectrum, which are critical for growth.”

    If both CDMA and GSM operators launch 3G in 2006, the report states, 0.2 per cent of total mobile users or 0.3 per cent of the total urban mobile users in the next six months.

    Interestingly, the CII-Yankee study lauds the government-controlled BSNL’s decision to show interest in 3G in its latest GSM tender. Pointing out that it’s a key development, the report says most Indian operators will launch 3G services in quick succession.

    “Based on international experience and early adopter profiles, 3G ARPU (average revenue per user) should be roughly three times (of) 2G ARPUs in the first year. This will gradually decline as lower spending late adopters migrate to 3G,” the study points out.

    The report provides valuable insights into rural coverage, mobile penetration, handsets, services and applications, alternate technologies, regulations and policies and related issues. The present study is an attempt to leverage and use ICT tools for sustained economic growth of India.

    Keeping in view that there are only one million broadband customers in India at present, against a target of 3 million by December 2005, there is a need to exploit the 3G technologies to better broadband penetration, particularly in the congested urban areas, the report emphasizes.

    Industry representatives present during the unveiling of the report agreed that key factors needing attention include 3G license and handset costs, quality of service, content and the rate of technology advancements, which is presently higher than the rate of deployments.

  • Tivo announces winner of ambassador competition in the US

    Tivo announces winner of ambassador competition in the US

    MUMBAI: TiVo, which creates television services for digital video recorders (DVR), has announced the winner of a contest to crown the top TiVo enthusiast in the US.

    As the winner of the Tivo Ambassador contest, San Diego resident Matt Ward will enjoy $50,000 in cash and prizes — including a new Mini Cooper convertible — and a once in a lifetime opportunity to help spread the word about the joys of owning a Tivo DVR.

    Tivo VP consumer marketing Katie Ho says, “We have seen an unprecedented loyalty and passion for TiVo since the company’s inception. Through this contest we have heard from a growing fan base eager to share how TiVo has transformed the way they watch TV. With the Tivo ambassador contest, we wanted to put our top enthusiasts in the spotlight — and honour their contribution to the TiVolution.”

    Ward, who is currently working on his first children’s novel, won the award through a clever and humorous depiction of how Tivo has transformed the way he watches television. His winning video shows Ward running for the office of the TiVo Ambassador, and features a TiVo DVR as a valued real-life member of the family. Viewers see the box playing board games with the kids, consuming milk and cookies, and snuggled beside Ward on the sofa.

    He says, “It is amazing to be named the Tivo Ambassador and to win these prizes. But it’s also really nice to be honoured by this organization, whose product I am so passionate about. And the timing couldn’t be more perfect — my earnings will allow me to continue work on a children’s novel, a project that has been a dream of mine for many years.”

    The contest, announced in September 2005, was open to all Tivo Rewards members who had earned 25,000 points in the programme by referring friends to the TiVo(R) service prior to the contest start date. Those vying for the top spot submitted personal essays and creative videos showcasing their passion for Tivo. In just over a year and a half, more than 350,000 TiVo subscribers have enrolled in the company’s rewards programme.

    The programme grants points redeemable for great rewards to Tivo owners who refer new subscribers. As the TiVo Ambassador, Ward will gather with legions of fans throughout the year to spread the word about the celebrated ability of Tivo to deliver the best way to watch television.

  • Vijay TV schedules auditions for ‘Airtel Super Singer’

    Vijay TV schedules auditions for ‘Airtel Super Singer’

    MUMBAI: There is an opportunity for talented Chennaities to walk in to the video booths at Chennai and register their voice to compete in the upcoming Vijay TV talent hunt initiative, the Airtel Super Singer.

    The video booths are located different locations at Chennai on the following dates: Abirami Mega Mall – April 11 to 14, Udayam Theatre – April 11 to 14, Spencer Plaza – April 12 to 14, Satyam Cineplex – April 13 to 14.

    Interested candidates can also register through the Vijay TV Super Singer vans which would be stationed across Chennai, informs a channel communiqué.

    In case a person is not short-listed, they can still try their luck on the day of the Chennai zonal audition that is scheduled on 16 April at the Chennai Convention Center, Nandambakkam. The judges for the Chennai audition would be music director Iman, noted playback singers S.P. Shailaja and Malathi.

    Auditions are restricted to the first 600 registrations only on a first come first serve basis. One can give any number of auditions and if not selected in the Chennai zone, he or she can audition in Madurai, which is to be held on 23 April. The Madurai audition that was originally scheduled on 8 April has been postponed to 23 April due to the heightened election campaign in the region.

    The show will be on air from 28 April, Fridays and Saturdays at 8 pm. The winner of Airtel Supersinger gets to sing in a Harris Jeyaraj Movie

  • Kannada film industry doyen Dr. Rajkumar is no more

    Kannada film industry doyen Dr. Rajkumar is no more

    BANGALORE: A sad day indeed in the annals of the film industry, especially for the Kannada Film industry. The biggest and one of the first superstars of the Kannada Film industry has bid adieu. He was 77.

    Dr Rajkumar, who complained of breathlessness about a month ago, had been admitted to M S Ramaiah Hospital. He succumbed to a cardiac arrest today as per the initial reports that have come in. The thespian, a winner of the Padma Bhushan along with a host of other awards and citations has encouraged the use of Kannada language in the state.

    Though very well known in South India, he came to national light when he was kidnapped and kept in custody for 109 days by notorious sandal wood smuggler the late Veerappan in 2000.

    The city of Bangalore has literally come to a standstill, following the demise. Crowds have been thronging to his residence along with a number of top Bangalore based politicians.

  • Focus Features to distribute Iraq doc globally

    Focus Features to distribute Iraq doc globally

    MUMBAI: Focus Features has acquired the worldwide rights to Patricia Foulkrod’s documentary feature The Ground Truth: After the Killing Ends.

    The film tells the stories of a half-dozen Americans – men and women who heeded the call for military service in Iraq — as it charts recruitment and training, combat, homecoming, and the struggle to
    reintegrate with families and communities. The conflict in Iraq is a prelude for the even more challenging battles fought by the soldiers returning home — with personal demons, an uncomprehending public, and an indifferent government.

    As these battles take shape, each soldier becomes a new kind of hero, bearing witness and giving support to other veterans, and learning to fearlessly wield the most powerful weapon of all — the truth.

    Focus Features president James Schamus said, “Patricia has made a searing film, one with exclusive footage that will stun audiences. These soldiers are patriotic Americans articulating stories that must be heard, and we think filmgoers around the world are ready to watch and listen.”

    Foulkrod said, “This film has been made from the soldiers’ point of view, and it captures their shattered lives and broken hearts. My intent was to give them a voice, and to inspire viewers to reach out to all soldiers and their families.”

    Focus Features made the most critically acclaimed film of last year Brokeback Mountain.

  • Animal Planet Intl announces new programming initiatives

    Animal Planet Intl announces new programming initiatives

    MUMBAI: A search for the next great wildlife filmmaker, an eco-reality series with WWF and a three-part natural history documentary are among the new programming initiatives recently announced by Animal Planet International.

    One show is called Unearthed. It will follow six contestants on a training course as they learn the skills of natural history filmmaking from Lyndal Davies and Andrew Barron. It will be filmed at the Shamwari Game Reserve in South Africa this July and launches on Animal Planet throughout Asia, Latin America, Europe, the Middle East and Africa early next year. Animal Planet International will also broadcast the winning documentary, to be judged by a panel of experts.

    Meanwhile Planet Action is being co-produced with WWF. It launches next month on Animal Planet in Europe, Asia, Latin America, the Middle East and Africa. The series follows an international team of amateur environmentalists as they are immersed in six different conservation projects. “Animal Planet entertains people by celebrating animals, and we can think of no better way to celebrate animals than by doing our part to help protect them,” said Gibson.

    The documentary Great Savannah Race follows 1.5 million wildebeest and zebra as they fight for survival over 500 miles of plains and grassland. The series was filmed over a period of 18 months, and rolls out on Animal Planet International this summer.

  • Banff 2006 lines up speakers

    Banff 2006 lines up speakers

    MUMBAI: Ali LeRoi who co-created the television show Everybody Hates Chris and Scott Peters who created The 4400 have been added to the lineup for the Banff 2006 Master Class sessions.

    The Banff Master Class sessions feature television creators discussing the development and production of their shows. LeRoi and Peters join previously announced speakers, including CSI’s Richard J. Lewis and David Shore of House.

    The Banff World Television Festival takes place from 11 to 14 June at the Fairmont Banff Springs in Banff, Alberta.