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  • CCTV set to launch business reality series ‘Win in China’

    CCTV set to launch business reality series ‘Win in China’

    MUMBAI: Looks like it is the season for business-oriented reality format shows. Soon after Zee TV launching Business Baazigar — a distant cousin of the popular business reality show The Apprentice — in India, China’s national television network CCTV has announced its plans to launch a reality series on the similar lines

    Set for a May 2006 launch, the series Win in China will offer would-be Chinese entrepreneurs from around the world a chance to become bosses of new businesses. According to its producers, participants in the eight-month show will face rigorous tests of their tenacity, business acumen and street savvy.

    About 110 competitors will gather in Beijing for the preliminary contest after being chosen from among 3,000. Twelve participants will enter the semi-final, adjudicated by judges including academic experts and successful entrepreneurs. One competitor will be eliminated in each episode until five remain.

    The winner will run a new business with a registered capital of no less than 10 million yuan (US$1.2 million); the runner-up, 7 million yuan (US$863,000); and other three, 5 million yuan (US$617,000).

  • Japan launches digital TV broadcasts for mobile phones

    Japan launches digital TV broadcasts for mobile phones

    MUMBAI: After South Korea, Japan has become the second Asian power to launch free-to-air digital TV for mobile phones through terrestrial digital broadcast system.

    Digital TV broadcasts for mobile phones equipped with special receivers began in Japan’s major urban areas on Saturday, following several months of test broadcasts.

    But the new service in Japan, which is free, will potentially reach the broadest market yet through the country’s terrestrial digital broadcast system, which relays images through the air via TV towers, not satellites.

    It also uses broadcasting air waves, rather than an Internet connection, to relay streaming video.

    Although South Korea has offered the service since the end of last year, Japan is a frontrunner in the new technology, popularly known as ‘One Seg,’ after ‘One Segment.’

    One Seg takes its name from the one frequency segment out of 13 allocated to terrestrial digital broadcasting that is reserved for mobile phones.

    Users with a TV tuner-equipped cell phones, car navigation systems and portable game players will be able to watch the broadcasts free of charge.

    If one considers how embedded mobiles are in Japanese life, the service has the potential to be the biggest of its kind in the world, by reaching more subscribers than in any other country.

    Handsets have been on the market in Japan for several weeks that are equipped with the service, which can also broadcast programmes onto laptop computers, high-end video-game machines and other terminals.

    Mobile operators have lined up agreements with television networks to develop the service. NTT DoCoMo has tied up with Nippon Television and Fuji Television. DoCoMo’s main rival, KDDI, has forged a partnership with TV Asahi.

    Kazunori Higuchi, a spokesman for NTT, describing how the service works, was quoted in Japan Times as saying: “A viewer is watching a drama and decides she likes the dress the lead actress is wearing. At the bottom of the screen is a link to an online shopping mall. She clicks on the link and buys the dress. Or maybe she just likes the show’s catchy theme song and downloads a ring tone of the opening bars.”

    One major drawback that may hold back the penetration of the service in Japan though, is that handsets with tuners are still scarce and expensive.

    Japan has 90 million mobile phone users who already play video games, download music files, exchange e-mail, read news, trade stocks, store digital photos and surf the Web.

  • Spice Media Vision Announces Five Regional Movie Projects

    Spice Media Vision Announces Five Regional Movie Projects

    Strengthening its hold in regional Cinema in Tamil, Telugu, Bengali, Marathi and Bhojpuri.

    Mumbai, 1st April, 2006: Spice Media Vision, in association with Pen & Camera International proudly announced their Five regional movie projects at a press meet held at Time & Again, Andheri West, on 31st March ’06 in the presence of the Directors and Star Cast of the movies. Continuing its commitment to provide good, meaningful, Spice Media Vision, aims to produce the best form of entertainment in every Genre, Language and subject, the project are:

    1) Screenplay Films Pvt. Ltd. in association with Spice Media Vision’s “ANURANON” (Bengali Movie) is a beautiful modern story on relationships between two couples and on urban loneliness in the society today. Directed by Aniruddha Roy Choudhury, it has Rahul Bose, Rituparno Sengupta, Rajat Kapoor and Raima Sen as main artists. Sunil patel, who has earlier done movies like Hum Tum & Salaam Namaste is the cameraman for this project. The story travels from London to Kolkatta, to eastern Himalayas, exploring various facets of human relationships with its twists and turns and the society’s outlook towards it.

    2) DIL DIWANA TOHAR HO GAYIL: Presented by Spectrum Media. This PEN and Camera Intl’s project is 100% complete. Directorial debut by noted Bollywood choreographer Saroj Khan. This bhojpuri movie has been shot extensively in London with all time-hit jodi of Ravi Kissen and Nagma. The tremendously popular bhojpuri pair has delivered huge hits and immense business for the earlier two projects. Other artists in the movie include Lovy Rohatgi, Kamaal, Vinod Tripathi and Asif Khan.

    3) MUNNA PANDEY BEROJGAR: This movie is directed by Manish Jain. Lead artists from the movies include the Super Hero of Bhojpuri movies,Manoj Tiwari. Bipin Bahar, singer who has to his credit several music albums by T Series, maken his acting debut in the second lead. Bollywood Popular Villian of yester years, Ranjeet also makes his debut in Bojpuri movies with this film. Other artists include Rani Chatterji, Brajesh Tiwari, Abha Parmar, Purvi, Rohail and Surendra Pal. Munna Pandey Berojgar” is a comic satire on unemployment, youth frustrations and their problems. An emotional representation of unemployed youth who are mislead and how small mistake can ruin their entire life. Unlike the typical Bhojpuri films which are family centric, this movie marks a new beginning for Bhojpuri Cinema.

    4) SATAON VACHANWA NIBHAYIB HUM: Directed by Manish Jain with popular Bhojpuri star Manoj Tiwari and Rinku Ghosh in the lead role, this movie is more than Fifty percent complete. Presented by SPICE MEDIA VISION in association with OK INTERNATIONAL, this family drama is based on a real life story.

    5) LAAGI CHHUTE NA: OK INTERNATIONAL presents this along with PEN & CAMERA INTERNATIONALS, being launched today. Directed by Sanjay Jha, it has the hit jodi of Ravi Kishan and Nagma in the lead. A thriller based on a kidnap in Lolndon. It revolves around the kidnapping scene in Bihar and the Bihar Mafia. A renowned Bollywood star will also act in the project.

    Speaking on the occasion, Ragini Sona of Spice Media Vision said, “ With Chocolate, Spice has proved its capability of producing multi-starrer (big names) big budget movie. Tamil and English movies has already been our forte and very shortly we will be announcing spate of Hindi films. We are not deviating from our original objective of making Hindi movies but on a more holistic note we are looking at promoting good, meaningful cinema in every genre and language that will create cinema with a difference.”

    She also added, “With the increased focus on regional cinema, it makes good business sense to produce movies in Bengali, Marathi, Tamil, Telegu and Bhojpuri as well. There will be a Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) for each regional movie under the umbrella of Spice Media Vision. And spice will always strive to create cinema with a difference. We have Sunil Shetty starrer AMAR JOSHI SHAHEED HO GAYA ready for release, a Marathi movie with Sachin Pilgaonkar, a Telegu movie to be finalized shortly. Apart from these few Hindi Projects with renowned Directors like Vikram Bhatt, Aditya Dutt, Lawrence D’Souza etc are in the pipeline.”

    Mehmood Ali of PEN and Camera Internationals, who has earlier released the multi-starrer Bhojpuri film “BABUL PYARE” said, “Currently, in a year around hundred Bhojpuri films are produced with every second producer in Bollywood announcing a Bhojpuri Project, we are proud to announce 4 Projects with the biggest names in Bhojpuri Cinema as Manoj Tiwari, Ravi Kissen and Nagma. Leading Bollywood stars are producing and acting in Bhojpuri films, which only indicates the attraction and profitability of this growing industry.

    For Further Details Contact:
    Svetlana / Riniki
    Perception Managers
    9867184309/ 26784640/ 41/ 42

    PERCEPTION MANAGERS
    503,Rushabh Apts,
    Veera Desai Road,
    Andheri west, Mumbai -53
    Tel: 55702361/26784640/41/42/30
    Cell: 9867184309/9820022491
    media@perceptionmanagers.net
    /press@perceptionmanagers.net

  • PRCAI elects a new managing committee

    MUMBAI: The Public Relations Consultants Association of India, (PRCAI) the apex body of agencies engaged in providing public relations services, has elected a new managing committee for 2006-2007.

    The Practice CEO Nandita Lakshmanan takes over as the PRCAI president.

    The elected positions were for secretary, VP and the four regional chapter vice chairpersons.
    PRCAI’s VP is James Zachariah. He is Text 100 MD. The secretary is Deepshikha Dharmaraj who is also the managing partner of Genesis PR

    The chairperson (North) is Chetan Mahajan who is also 20:20 Media GM finance.

    Lakshmanan said, “It will be our endeavour to take PR to greater heights and work towards representation of issues of the industry at the right forum. With active participation of all members in PRCAI this can be achieved.” She also welcomed comments of members attending the meeting on the future working of PRCAI and she said that PRCAI would work to create a right environment for member firms to leverage the tremendous interest in India of global corporates.”

  • Richard Beaven appointed Initiative North America CEO

    MUMBAI: Richard Beaven has been appointed as Initiative North America CEO. the announcement was made by Initiative Worldwide CEO Alec Gerster.

    In this new role Beaven will be responsible for Initiative’s offices in the US and Canada and will oversee the agency’s communications planning, buying, research and business operations. He will be based in New York and report to Gerster.
    “We are extremely pleased to add such a dynamic executive to run our key North American region. Richard created, implemented and led one of the best communications planning operations in the industry and has a proven track record of success in managing client business and cultivating organic growth. He is a forward-focused nimble executive and the ideal leader for North America,” said Gerster.

    “I am thrilled to have the opportunity to lead Initiative North America. It has a great heritage and success record. This is a fascinating period in the media business, and it is filled with exciting challenges for those who embrace and anticipate the changing environment. My experience building media influence and understanding into the heart of the development and execution of communication ideas has prepared me for this role, and I am thoroughly looking forward to being a part of the Initiative team,” added Beaven.

    Beaven was most recently MediaVest New York executive vice president and managing director. In that role he held management responsibility for The Procter & Gamble company. In 2004, he led P&G’s communications planning review process, a pitch involving multiple Publicis Groupe companies in disparate locations in North America.

    Prior to working on P&G, Beaven served as senior vice president, managing director for the Coca-Cola assignment. In addition to his account duties, he was instrumental in developing and driving consumer connections competencies across emerging media and consumer context planning.

    Before relocating to the US, Beaven played a key role in the transition of Leo Burnett Media, an in-house UK media department into a separate company (Starcom) and the subsequent merger with its sister company Motive to form Starcom Motive.

  • Pop star Briteny Spears to guest star on ‘Will And Grace’

    Pop star Briteny Spears to guest star on ‘Will And Grace’

    MUMBAI: Pop star Britney Spears will guest star on US broadcaster NBC’s sitcom Will And Grace.

    She guest-stars as a Christian conservative sidekick to Jack played by Sean Hayes. In the episode, when “Out TV” is bought by a Christian Television Network, Spears is brought on to be Jack’s new religious co-host, until Will played by Eric McCormack and Jack loosen her up. Spears brings her own additions to the talk show when she decides to do a cooking segment called “Cruci-fixin’s.”

    Dubbed by MTV as “one of the last teenage pop superstars of the 20th century,” Spears enjoyed her breakthrough success at the end of 1998. She appeared in local dance revues and church choirs as a young girl, and at the age of eight, auditioned for “The Mickey Mouse Club.” Although she was too young to join the series, a producer on the show gave her an introduction to a New York agent. She subsequently spent three summers at the Professional Performing Arts School Center.

  • Viewers to help Donald Trump to decide on his next ‘Apprentice’

    Viewers to help Donald Trump to decide on his next ‘Apprentice’

    MUMBAI: For the first time in the history of US broadcaster NBC’s business based reality show The Apprentice, fans will have the opportunity to advise Trump on who he should select to be the next Apprentice.

    NBC has announced that in the penultimate week, viewers will be able to vote for one of the final two candidates via phone and on-line at www.NBC.com. The results of America’s favourite candidate will be presented to Trump during the live finale before he makes his final decision.

    www.NBC.com is hosting an ongoing weekly poll where viewers can vote for their favourite candidate and track their weekly progress.

    Trump says, “I am very anxious to see who the fans choose for their favourite finalist — their decision could have a big effect on my ultimate decision”.

    Reality TV guru Mark Burnett who created the show says, “Over the past four seasons of The Apprentice, Donald Trump has used the final episode to hire candidates with advice only from George and Carolyn . This year we thought it would be interesting to discover what America has to say about the candidates, incorporating our fans and viewers as virtual judges. While Trump will still be the final arbiter of who he hires, America’s feedback is certain to have an impact on his decision.”

    The episode on 3 April follows Gold Rush and Synergy as they take on the music world to write an original jingle for the popular restaurant chain Arby’s. Judged by Arby’s executives, the team with the most effective but creative jingle wins. The winning team enjoys a scrumptious reward and the losers face the music in the boardroom.

  • Ten Sports’ Arun Poddar appointed Zee Turner CEO

    Ten Sports’ Arun Poddar appointed Zee Turner CEO

    MUMBAI: It’s all happening at Subhash Chandra’s Zee Group as the network aims to move up a gear on all fronts. Even as Zee Telefilms moves to split its broadcasting business into three entities — news operations, broadcast and content creation, and Siti Cable — there is also action on corporate hierarchy front.

    The Zee Turner distribution bouquet has appointed a new CEO in Arun Poddar, currently vice-president (distribution), Ten Sports. Poddar, who has already put in his papers at the Dubai-based sports channel, is expected to take up his new assignment by the second week of April.

    Poddar’s move to Zee was confirmed to Indiantelevision.com by a senior executive in the company who said, “Arun Poddar is a fine professional and we expect that he will take Zee Turner to greater heights.”

    As regards the present Zee Turner CEO Siddharth Jain, it is not clear at this juncture but the expectation is that he will likely be reassigned to a different position within the group.
    Poddar cut his teeth in the distribution business with ESPN Star Sports. From there he moved on to news channel India TV as vice-president (distribution). He joined Ten Sports as head of distribution in April 2005.

  • CNN.com sports new look; to offer free access to CNN Pipeline

    CNN.com sports new look; to offer free access to CNN Pipeline

    MUMBAI: CNN.com has announced the launch of a new, expanded home page designed to offer users easier and faster access to more news and information than ever before. The changes visible on the site includes horizontal navigation, most popular tabs, free video, CNN Pipeline, only on CNN (box provides a place for our producers to feature the most interesting and important news that you’ll find exclusively on CNN), CNN wire and podcasts and radio.

    CNN.com senior vice president and executive producer Mitch Gelman says, “This new home page presentation provides quicker, easier access to our extensive offering of news, video, podcasts and other multimedia packages.

    “The design also creates new ways to align our efforts with CNN’s broadcast networks, clearly presents both our free video and our premium CNN Pipeline live video service, and offers more placement opportunities for our advertisers.”

    In an official statement, the changes include placing the main site navigation bar at the top of the home page, providing easier access to general content as soon as users visit CNN.com. The new design makes a clearer distinction between CNN.com’s offering of free video and that of CNN Pipeline, a premium on-demand broadband video news service which features up to four simultaneous live feeds.

    The changes also provide ‘most popular’ tabs enabling users to click directly to the most viewed articles and videos on the site. Finally, a wider screen format allows for more content “above the fold” and creates prominent eye-catching ad placement opportunities.

    “Advertisers continue to search for alternative ways to enhance the value of their brands and messages across emerging technologies and engage with consumers,” said CNN Digital sr VP sales Joe Dugan. “The new home page design presents advertisers a clean, clutter-free environment to showcase their message while reaching the valued audience of CNN.com.”

    Westin Hotels and Resorts, a part of the Starwood Group, is among the first advertisers to take advantage of a fixed rectangular ad unit prominent on the newly designed home page.

    As the first Internet site dedicated to 24-hour news coverage, CNN.com ranks as a leading online news and information site, attracting an average of 23 million unique users each month. Launched in 1995, CNN.com draws from the resources of CNN Worldwide to provide relevant, up-to-the minute news and information. CNN.com features the latest multimedia technologies, from video streaming to audio packages to searchable archives of news features and background information.

  • Amitabh Srivastava quits Walt Disney India

    Amitabh Srivastava quits Walt Disney India

    MUMBAI: The Walt Disney Television International (India) director affiliate relations Amitabh Srivastava is quitting the company in search of news challenges.

    Today, was his last day in office.

    A company spokesperson confirmed the same to Indiantelevision.com, citing that no replacement had been found as yet.

    As director affiliate relations, Srivastava was mandated with the task of working with Disney India’s distribution partner, Star India, to manage all aspects of cable and satellite distribution and network development.

    For the last couple of months however, Srivastava was working closely with Disney India director business development Shantanu Nalavadi in strategising and executing Disney’s growth initiatives for India across television, licensing and merchandising, radio, on-line gaming, mobile and broadband content, studio, home video, publishing and animation.

    Srivastava joined Disney in January 2005 from the TV Today Network where he was head of distribution and network development. He was an integral part of the team at TV Today, which helped in launching Aaj Tak and Headlines Today.

    Prior to his stint with TV Today, Srivastava was with BBC World’s Indian operation and has also held senior management positions at MTV and The Times of India.

    On being queried as to where his next destination would be, Srivastava said, “I’m taking a break right now and have not yet decided where I am going.”