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  • Maharashtra chief minister woos entertainment industry

    Maharashtra chief minister woos entertainment industry

    Maharashtra chief minister Vilasrao Deshmukh has invited the entertainment industry to come up with suggestions to help develop Maharashtra as a bigger player in the entertainment industry. While speaking at the FICCI seminar in Mumbai yesterday, Deshmukh said he would like suggestions from captains of industry to take his state forward.

    “This region should be developed as a satellite hub,” he pointed out. “I see earth stations coming up to make this as a centre of activity for television.”

    He added that his government was going to come up with a package to allow for the setting up of cinema multiplexes in the state. “We are examining what the other states are doing on this front. Top of our minds is making the sector viable.”

    He added that his government was working on setting up a new training institute for film and television in the state.

  • Essel Propack enters medical devices; acquires Tacpro Inc and Avalon Medical Services

    Essel Propack enters medical devices; acquires Tacpro Inc and Avalon Medical Services

    MUMBAI: The Subash Chandra promoted — Essel Propack, the largest manufacturer of laminated tubes has acquired 85 per cent stake in Tacpro Inc., USA, and Avalon Medical Services Pte Ltd, Singapore.

    The companies are players in the field of advanced medical device design and development and offer over 100+ years of collective experience in the medical device industry, informs an official release.

    Essel Group chairman Subhash Chandra, while declaring the strategic intent, stated, “I have always held a firm belief close to my heart. Faith in innovation and organized growth. It is by walking this path that Essel Group has reached the position it holds today. Giving birth and nurturing Industries which no one thought would exist.

    “And today, once again Essel has proved that its Faith is as strong as ever before. This is just a humble step towards a brighter morrow. A morrow with endless opportunities, promising future and unlimited growth.”

    While announcing the acquisition in Mumbai, Essel Propack vice-chairman and MD Ashok Goel said, “Medical devices arena is our new and third horizon, after laminated tubes and plastic tubes. Our objective is to leverage our knowledge of polymers and polymer processing so as to add a new dimension to our business. While it offers endless opportunities and potential for growth, it is in sync with our knowledge & capabilities, strengths and core competence of both Essel Propack and Tacpro.”

    Tacpro CEO Nitin Matani said, “This is the coming together of two pioneering entities, with a common objective to leverage the collective strengths for global excellence. This is the first step towards realizing my vision of bringing India to the forefront of the medical device industry. By combining Essel Propack’s resources and expertise in high volume manufacturing, this partnership will also allow us to fulfill that vision by providing expanded services to our global customers.”

    Since its inception, Tacpro is a provider of innovative medical device designs, converting ideas into medical device solutions. The company pioneered as the first full-service provider of high quality medical devices specializing in catheters and delivery systems on the West Coast of USA.

    Essel Propack, Tacpro and Avalon have huge synergies notably the knowledge of polymers & polymer processing and global benchmark technology. On this significant development, Doug Wilkins, Vice President – Operations at Tacpro spoke, “This partnership will enable Tacpro to meet the high quality expectations of the medical device market while continuing on its path to be a worldwide leader in Medical Devices.”

    According to the official release, medical devices is not developed in Asia, which is a thickly populated market and a virtual Greenfield. Figuratively, the global medical devices market size is $ 172.6 billion. Of this, the contract manufacturing comprise $ 16.7 billion. The catheter market alone is about $ 5.7 billion of which the USA has $ 2.3 billion share. The industry growth is estimated at 7 per cent -10 per cent. Tacpro Jeff Kraus said,” This is an awesome opportunity to be able to provide our services to a larger and wider market.”

    The present team at the company, headed by Nitin Matani, the chief executive officer, will continue to manage the operations of the Company, under the guidance of Essel Propack.

  • The Kitchen will travel to MIPTV

    The Kitchen will travel to MIPTV

    MUMBAI: The Kitchen a media firm that positions itself as the television industry’s only ‘one stop shop’ for all language customisation requirements will have a presence at the television event MIPTV.

    The event takes place next month in Cannes, France.

    Explaining the services that The Kitchen provides the company’s president, CEO Ken Lorber says, “Typically we will take a programme sample and have it dubbed and/or subtitled in as many as ten languages as a ‘test’.

    “This serves as a vehicle for the distributor to generate programme sales in multiple languages, while providing us additional opportunities to customize programming on a global basis. We are able to provide this service for all types of content including: live action, animation, children’s programming, telenovelas, and series. It’s an opportunity for our clients to access their libraries and recycle material creating many new revenue streams.”

    At The Kitchen, the language services division of TM Systems, developers of end to end language localisation software solution, there is no more shipping of videotapes and no more customs delays. All masters are digitised and time coded, files are encrypted and then sent via secure Internet and FTP sites to a global language network of approved ‘partner facilities’ in territories throughout the continents.

    An original language ‘template’ is created, which is then distributed to the countries requested to complete the job, time codes and digitized scripts are sent immediately, review of casting and QC can be done from any PC and all material may be QC’d and mixed back at The Kitchen and/or in territory.

    In addition to language transcription, translation, dubbing and subtitling, The Kitchen services include closed captioning, Sap services and graphics customisation.

  • IL&FS acquires 26% in E-City Entertainment for Rs 1 billion

    IL&FS acquires 26% in E-City Entertainment for Rs 1 billion

    MUMBAI: Subhash Chandra-promoted E-City Entertainment has diluted 26 per cent stake to Infrastructure Leasing & Financial Services Ltd (IL&FS) for Rs 1 billion.

    The funds will be used for real estate development in two new projects which will require a total investment of Rs 2 billion. “IL&FS has acquired 26 per cent stake in E-City for Rs 1 billion. We will be investing Rs 2 billion in two projects, for which we are also raising a debt of Rs 1 billion,” E-City Ventures CEO Atul Goel tells Indiantelevision.com.

    E-City hived off its multiplex business into a company called Fun Multiplex Pvt Ltd last year, Goel said. The real estate business is being handled by E-City Entertainment and is setting up malls. “We decided to hive off the multiplex and real estate businesses into separate companies. We felt that the investors in real estate would not necessarily want to take exposure to the multiplex business,” Goel said.

    E-City hived off its multiplex business into a company called Fun Multiplex Pvt Ltd last year, Goel said. The real estate business is being handled by E-City Entertainment and is setting up malls. “We decided to hive off the multiplex and real estate businesses into separate companies. We felt that the investors in real estate would not necessarily want to take exposure to the multiplex business,” Goel said.

    The company has already invested Rs 2.17 billion in developing five projects. E-City Entertainment has put in Rs 600 million for the Andheri property (130,000 sq ft) in Mumbai, Rs 750 million in Lucknow (400,000 sq ft), Rs 550 million in Ahmedabad (160,000 sq ft) and Rs 270 million in Chandigarh (90,000 sq ft). “Three of our properties are already operational while the one at Lucknow will stand up by July. In Coimbatore we have acquired 350,000 sq ft and it should be operational by the end of next year. We are yet to identify another property but it could preferably be in the southern region,” Goel said.

  • ‘The Simpsons’ to have live title sequence

    ‘The Simpsons’ to have live title sequence

    MUMBAI: A live-action main title sequence of The Simpsons will be unveiled on 26 March on US broadcaster Fox.

    The live-action show opening is a homage to American television’s longest-running sitcom. From the Simpsons parting through the clouds to the infamous Bart writing on the chalkboard, Homer pulling the nuclear rod out of his shirt, Maggie scanned at the supermarket and the always-anticipated ‘couch gag’ conclusion, the live-action opening mirrors each element of the animated sequence.

    The greatest attention to detail was paid in this recreation by a British team, as conceived and commissioned by the UK network Sky One. From wardrobe to location settings to character mannerisms, it’s all translated with uncanny accuracy via real, flesh-and-blood actors.

    The show’s executive producer Al Jean says, “I am just amazed there are people who want to be known for looking like the Simpsons.”

    The centerpiece of Sky One’s new Simpsons campaign in the UK, the short will make its American debut in the all-new episode, Homer Simpson, This Is Your Wife guest-starring yet another British import, Ricky Gervais. In the episode, Homer’s obsession with Lenny’s new plasma TV causes Marge to enter the family in a sweepstakes, where they win a prize to the Fox studio lot.

    Against Marge’s judgment, Homer signs the family up for a “Trading Spouses”-type show and is forced to take in a controlling wife, while Marge moves in with a beaten-down husband, Charlie (guest star Gervais), and his perfect son. Charlie quickly develops a crush on Marge, while she’s just trying to give him the strength to stand up to his own wife.

  • MTV Video Music Awards returns to New York in August

    MTV Video Music Awards returns to New York in August

    MUMBAI: The 2006 MTV Video Music Awards (VMAs) will return to New York City. The 23rd annual awards show will air live in the US from Radio City Music Hall on 31 August. The return of the VMAs marks the 13th time that the star studded music awards show will be held in New York and the 10th time at the Radio City Music Hall.

    The show’s host, performers, nominees, and presenters for the show will be announced soon.

    The 2006 VMAs will be a multi-screen experience for fans that will live and breathe on every single MTV platform — MTV, MTV2, mtvU, mtvUber, MTV.com, MTV Overdrive, wireless, and more! More details on the VMAs’ multi-screen elements will be announced shortly.

    MTV US president Christine Norman says, “We will take the VMAs show to unprecedented levels with fans interacting with music and stars through every single screen of MTV.

    “The 2006 VMAs will take advantage of the new ways the MTV audience is connecting with entertainment — broadband, wireless, online — these additional platforms will make this year’s show even more interactive and engaging, beaming the insanity directly to fans.

    “New York is our hometown and we are really looking to showcase the music, culture, and people from every borough of this amazing city on TV, online, broadband, and wireless to fans around the globe.”

    New York Mayor Michael R. Bloomberg says, “We are proud that MTV has made New York its home for the past 25 years, and once again has selected the Big Apple as host for the 23rd Annual MTV Video Music Awards. An event of this magnitude and cultural importance will generate tremendous media exposure and with the thousands of visitors expected will yield a positive economic impact projected in excess of $25 million.”

    New York City Big Events president, Maureen J. Reidy says, “We welcome the MTV Video Music Awards back to world’s most powerful and commanding stage. With New York City’s passion and enthusiasm and our planned celebrations, this year is sure to be the best ever.”

    Utilising the business model created by NYC Big Events, a series of events and promotions is being planned for the months and weeks leading up to the live telecast. Extending far beyond the walls of Radio City Music Hall, all New Yorkers and visitors alike will have the opportunity to participate in special MTV performances, exhibits, educational and sporting activities.

  • Sun TV sets IPO price band at Rs 730-875

    Sun TV sets IPO price band at Rs 730-875

    MUMBAI: Sun TV has fixed the price band of its initial public offering (IPO) at Rs 730 to 875 per share. The issue will open for subscription on 3 April and close on 7 April.

    The company aims to raise Rs 6.03 billion at the top end of the price band. Sun TV will offer a fresh equity issue of 68,89,000 equity shares of Rs 10 each for cash, to be made entirely through the book building route.

    The issue will constitute 10 per cent of the fully diluted post issue paid-up capital of the company. Following the issue, the shareholding of Sun TV Ltd principal promoter Kalanithi Maran will reduce to 89.99 per cent from 99.99 per cent (61,999,969 shares).

    The company has mandated Kotak Mahindra Capital Company and DSP Merril Lynch for the issue. The proceeds of the issue will be used to beef up its subsidiaries, launch more television channels and construct its own corporate office. Investments will also be made in setting up studio facilities and up-linking infrastructure, purchasing new equipment and upgrading the existing ones.

    Sun TV Ltd is part of the Sun Network, which runs 14 TV channels, four FM Radio stations, two daily newspapers and four magazines. Sun TV Ltd comprises four Tamil channels — Sun TV, Sun Music, KTV and Sun News — and two Malayalam channels — Surya TV and Kiran TV.

  • Murdoch: Still hungering for DTH

    Murdoch: Still hungering for DTH

    There was great speculation whether Rupert Murdoch would do it again – raise the DTH issue, which has got Star TV into trouble time and again in the past, what with rivals rushing to ministers and getting them to unenthuse over-excited information and broadcasting ministers about allowing it in India. But Murdoch apparently seems to have been undeterred by the past, when he met with I&B minister Arun Jaitley. He popped the same proposal: allow DTH. In a different garb though.

    The minister – in a meeting with journos – said that Murdoch has proposed that he will use DTH for long-distance education in India in conjunction with the Internet, a proposal former ISkyB number 2 Urmilla Gupta has been flaunting for some time now. Jaitley said that Murdoch told him that he was considering tying up with some Indian Universities to promote distance education and health training.

    In a forty minute discussion with the Minister, Murdoch said that he was in favour of an open skies policy wherein he expected the Govenment’s whole-hearted support. Murdoch also highligthed the fact that Ku-band broadcasting is not harmful and it is the wave of the future and India cannot be left out of it. True, because even a so-called totalitarian (in Murdoch’s words) state like China is experimenting with DTH.

    When asked about the restructuring of Star TV, he said that the process was still on but there was no time-frame for its completion. Mr Murdoch further revealed that he had picked up a small stake in a Bangalore based IT company about which no details were disclosed by him.

    Murdoch told reporters that Star TV is considering going in for an for an Initial Public Offering but a time frame for it has not been set as yet. He later met Information Technology Minister Pramod Mahajan with whom he discussed infotech policy outlines, and also discussed the old bubear, DTH, and convergence in India.

    Later at night, Murdoch attended a bash thrown by Star TV on behalf of Janata Ki Adalat host Rajat Sharma where even Prime Minister Atal Behari Vajpayee was supposed to turn up.

    After the party, he flew into the night in his private jet, headed for Hong Kong to ensure his partnership with C&WHKT is fine fettle and sort out other issues relating to Star TV in Asia.

  • E-City Digital to invest Rs 1 billion, have 500 theatres by FY 2008

    E-City Digital to invest Rs 1 billion, have 500 theatres by FY 2008

    MUMBAI: Subhash Chandra-promoted E-City Digital Cinemas Pvt Ltd plans to invest Rs 1 billion in digitising 500 cinema theatres by 2007-’08.

    The company will start delivering movies to the theatres via satellite by next month. Currently, the hard disk is physically distributed to the 22 theatres in Gujarat which it has taken on hire basis. “We will be using the uplinking facility of Essel Shyam at Noida near Delhi. We are investing Rs 1 billion and plan to have 500 digital theatres by FY 2008 in Mumbai, Delhi and Uttar Pradesh territories,” says E-City Ventures CEO Atul Goel. Zee channels are also uplinked from Essel Shyam teleport at Noida.

    Each theatre will have to invest Rs 2 million on the digital technology. E-City will make the investments and will pay fixed weekly theatre hire charges to the exhibitors. The contracts will be for a minimum period of five years. The company will also do deals with film distributors.

    E-City is using Real Image’s encryption technology so that piracy is safeguarded. The movie is first converted into digital master using the telecine machine, after which it can be taken on to D5 tape or captured directly on the encoding server. After encryption and compression, the movie is uplinked to the satellite via transmission server and downloaded at the playout local server which is installed at the theatre. A digital projector is used for screening of the film.

    E-City Digital Cinemas will target A-class towns where the current net collections are over Rs 100,000 per week. Part of the Essel Group of Industries, the company has current earnings of Rs 14 million from the 22 theatres it has recently started digitising. “As we aim to ramp up theatre acquisitions, we expect our revenues to touch Rs 2.5 billion by March-end 2009,” says Goel.

    Digital cinema reduces industry costs by eliminating expensive prints that constitute 15-20 per cent of a film’s cost. It also attacks piracy as every show can have watermark indicating theatre, time and date, making it a customised copyright property. Exhibitors will also get first run movies and a simultaneous nationwide release is possible without distributing prints.

  • FremantleMedia launches ‘The X Factor’ in the Middle East

    FremantleMedia launches ‘The X Factor’ in the Middle East

    MUMBAI: Format creator and production firm FremantleMedia has announced that it is launching a local version of The X Factor in the Middle East.

    The X Factor, XSeer Al Najah (The X Factor, The Essence of Success) will be produced by Lebanese production company Studiovision and will premiere on 26 March on music channel Rotana TV, culminating in the grand finale on 4 June.

    The 14 episode series will be broadcast in 22 Arabic speaking countries. Global interactive digital broadcaster Cellcast will handle telephony and will be responsible for mobile content across all 22 countries.

    FremantleMedia regional manager, Middle East and North Africa Isabelle Garcia said, “We are really excited about bringing this format to the Middle East. Not only do we have fantastic judges with great backgrounds but also the acts coming forward are something the Arabian public has never seen before.”

    FremantleMedia adds that thousands of hopefuls with dreams of becoming the next Arabic singing sensation have turned up to perform at auditions in The Lebanon, Jordan, Syria, Kuwait, Egypt, Dubai and Tunisia. Judging the talent are Michel Elefteriades, owner of the celebrated Music Hall in Beirut; Nelly from Egypt, a performer in both the acting and singing fields and Khaled El Sheikh, a Bahraini producer and composer. Following in the footsteps of the UK production, the three categories will comprise younger and older contestants and groups.

    The X Factor has been broadcast in five territories to date: the UK, Belgium, Colombia, Australia and Russia. In the UK, series two of The X Factor attracted audiences of up to 10 million and was voted the most popular entertainment programme of 2005 at the National Television Awards. The second series achieves shares of up to 60 per cent for all individuals, 91 per cent above the broadcaster’s primetime average.