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Tag: Adlabs

  • ADAG-Reliance to focus on movie, radio operations; work on DTH goes `slow’

    ADAG-Reliance to focus on movie, radio operations; work on DTH goes `slow’

    MUMBAI: Anil Ambani’s Reliance group has decided to concentrate on movie and FM radio businesses in the media and entertainment sector for the time being instead of DTH television service.

    A top source in the group admitted that plans to start a DTH service in the country are going “slow”.

    Anil Dhirubhai Ambani Group (ADAG) had applied for a DTH licence under the brand name Reliance Bluemagic, which is yet to get all governmental clearances.

    A recent failure of Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) to put a new generation communication satellite in orbit could also have some bearing on Ambani’s go-slow approach as far as DTH is concerned, a media industry analyst opined.

    ISRO’s recent failure has also put a question mark in the short term over Sun TV group’s plans to start a DTH service in the absence of transponder space on India satellites, which is a pre-requisite government norm.

    Sources in the Ambani-controlled ADAG also confirmed that present focus is on movie and radio business where scales of operation need to be ramped up considerably.

    Anil has controlling holding in Adlabs Films, which was started by film industry veteran Manmohan Shetty who still looks after the business.

    In recent times, Adlabs has signed up with several successful directors like Ram Gopal Verma and Kunal Kohli for a string of film productions over the next 24 months.

    Acquisition of some existing production houses could have been an easy way out for Adlabs to increase scale of operations, but existing big production houses are not in sale mode at present, media analysts observe.

    According to industry sources, Adlabs is looking at co-productions of films, bagging overseas distribution rights for big ticket Hindi movies, Indo-foreign country co-productions and ramping up the number of multiplex within the Adlabs fold so in future digital distribution of films could add some jazz to the business.

    Meanwhile, Reliance Radio, helmed by former Sony India honcho Tarun Katial, has started fine-tuning its operations for a flag off.

    Sources said that over the next 45-60 days a spate of private radio FM stations, which got licence in the second phase early this year, are likely to start operations. This would include Reliance’s stations too.

  • Disney & Adlabs give family entertainment a ‘Movie Magic’ experience

    Disney & Adlabs give family entertainment a ‘Movie Magic’ experience

    MUMBAI: The weekend is fast approaching and the family and kids are all geared up for some fun! What if you could catch a movie, play some games and maybe even watch a magic show, all in just a couple of hours? Well, Disney has given the family entertainment experience a new meaning, as they unveiled the Disney and Adlabs Movie Magic experience.

    Known for their story telling heritage, Disney has now tied up with Adlabs to bring to their audience what they call “experiential engagement.” The Disney Movie Magic experience is primarily based on getting kids to use their “pester power” to drive the whole family into the theatre every weekend. Adlabs across six cities including Mumbai, Pune, Nashik, Mangalore, Meerut and the National Capital Region (NCR), will be dedicated to showing classics from the Disney stable such as The Incredibles, Finding Nemo, The Lion King, Aladdin, Tarzan, Chicken Little, The Princess Diaries, 102 Dalmatians and many more.

    This new initiative was kicked off here in Mumbai with newly launched animated feature Cars. What’s more, for this special screening about 150 kids from NGO’s including Make-a-Wish Foundation and St. Katherine were invited. From games, tattoos, face paint to a magic show, all the kids sported various Disney characters on their arms and faces and it seemed like they had a frolicking time. Also, Rand De Basanti star and avid Disney fan, Kunal Kapoor was present to pep up the kids.

    Keeping up this spirit every weekend, kids will be able to avail of special food and beverage offers along with monthly in-cinema contests and a chance to win Disney merchandise. The branding experience is taken a step further with specially designed movie tickets incased in Disney’s Movie Magic branded envelope, which will contain a token gift related to Disney movies. Adlabs locations will also be decorated in keeping with the fantasy world of Disney.

    Unveiling the new logo and commenting on their efforts to enhance the Disney entertainment experience, The Walt Disney Company (India) managing director Rajat Jain said, “There is no such concept as a children’s movie, but rather a family viewing experience. The endeavor of the brand will be to build the emotional connect between the content and the consumer and we are working on constant innovations to deliver this.”

    “‘We’re pleased to provide families with a new weekend entertainment option that engages the whole family together. Disney’s Movie Magic is a unique wholesome entertainment experience for families, which will be available through leading multiplex chains across India,” adds Jain.

    Disney’s Movie Magic will be promoted extensively through a comprehensive marketing campaign including television, in-cinema and print advertising bolstered by onground, ATL and online initiatives. Going forward, this initiative will include a loyalty programme, special schemes with schools and more exciting offerings to add the magic of Disney to special festivals and holidays.

    Adlabs Films Limited COO Tushar Dhingra said, “Movie going is a social activity and an emmersive experience and we attempt to create an experiential journey for the family. We should never underestimate the repeat power of this segment of the audience. The before and
    after experience will keep them coming back for more.”

    Commenting on their marketing efforts, Dhingra added, “We have the advantage of an in house inventory, that will produce advertisements to attract the kids segment and apart from the media mix, word of mouth should give it a good start.”

    When queried as to why this offer has strategically omitted other bigger metros Dhingra said that even tier 2 and tier 3 cities have reflected a great demand for such forms of entertainment however, they do plan to roll out similar initiatives in the other metros soon.

    The in-cinema promotions show a bored father and son playing table tennis in an unenthusiastic way, until they find out about the new Disney and Adlabs Movie Magic offer. The next scene catches the whole family enjoying the entertainment and fun. Similar advertisements have been rolled out in the print including the Mumbai Mirror and Bombay Times.

    This offer will be applicable to the morning shows on every weekend between 9 to10 and will be priced at a Rs. 90.

  • Adlabs bids for 3 studios in Film City

    Adlabs bids for 3 studios in Film City

    MUMBAI: Anil Ambani-controlled Adlabs Films has submitted a bid for setting up three film studios at Film City in Mumbai’s Goregaon suburb.

    “Film City had come out with a tender. We have submitted our bid and are confident of bagging it,” says Adlbas Films chairman and managing director Manmohan Shetty.

    The plan is to make studios which would match the quality of Hollywood with shooting floors, editing and processing facilities.

    Adlabs runs a chain of multiplexes and is engaged in the business of film production, processing and editing. After Ambani took a controlling stake, the company has also ventured into film distribution to spread its presence across the entire value chain.Film City has received nine bids for the Rs 300 million project, according to a report which quoted managing director Bhushan Gagrani.

    In the 90s, Film City harboured the dream of setting up three studios but had to shelve the project due to lack of financial resources. Pressed by a fast-growing film and television industry, the decision to revive the project was taken recently under the build-operate-own-transfer model. The bidder who offers to transfer the assets in the shortest period will be awarded the contract. 

  • Adlabs to foray into production of Hollywood movies

    Adlabs to foray into production of Hollywood movies

    MUMBAI: Anil Ambani-controlled Adlabs Films Ltd is entering into production of Hollywood movies through AshoK Amritraj’s Hyde Park Entertainment Group.

    “We will be making Hollywood movies only with Hyde Park Entertainment. The first co-financed movie will start production in the next 2-3 months. We are finalising the investment details. We are also working out other movie projects,” says Adlabs Films chairman and managing director Manmohan Shetty.

    The signing of the co-production, film financing deal with Hyde Park Entertainment Group comes after Adlabs Films has set up offices in UK and US. Though distribution of Bollywood movies will form the primary business activity, the overseas operations will also explore opportunities in film production and post-production activities.

    Adlabs plans to distribute 18-24 films overseas this year and has some of the biggest films lined up for release in the coming months, like Rakesh Roshan’s Krrish, Sajid Nadiadwala’s Jaanemann, Ravi Chopra’s Babul and Mani Ratnam’s Guru.

    Hyde Park Entertainment, a production, financing and international sales company privately held by American film producer Amritraj, is planning to establish a foothold in India and is in talks to form a joint venture with an Indian animation company.

  • Cannes Diary: Adlabs lounge gives indies a leg up

    Cannes Diary: Adlabs lounge gives indies a leg up

    CANNES: The Adlabs Indpendent Producers Lounge is proving to be a hit of sorts. Located in the basement of the Palais des Festivals, it has been a busy spot with almost anyone interested in Indian films dropping in over there from whichever country in the world.

    The booth, manned by AdLabs Films boss Sunir Khetrapal, has Aditya Bhattacharrya steering it most of the time. Other individuals using it quite frequently include: Grey Cells Entertainment’s copromoter Rashmi, Ruchi Narain, Amit Khanna, Sudhir Mishra.

    The stand is also being used to promote the Filmkraft new production Krishh. In a big way.
    Dharma disappointed, Johar pushes hard

    The team Dharma Productions distribution team of Vishal Patel and Cherian expressed disappointment at the way the market has been proceeding. “There have been very few footfalls,” says Cherian. “We expect an improvement by tomorrow.”

    The big title being promoted at the stand is Kabhi Alvida Na Kehna.

    Karan Johar spent many a hour at the stand today. The Johar box office magic may rub off on Dharma’s Cannes performance as well.
    Indian unity shows up at Cannes

    What is amazing about this Cannes festival is how the independents have been propping up each other. The Adlabs stand has brochures and promotional materials from almost every Indian film maker in the Palais. Handmade Films’ Sunil Doshi who has a stand in a prime location in the Palais des Festivals basement even lent a hand to the indies by stocking their promotional literature at his stand. A pat in the back for the indie Indians. In fact, a bash for the indies was planned for the evening at the Irish Quays pub.

  • Adlabs allots shares to Reliance Land

    Adlabs allots shares to Reliance Land

    MUMBAI: Adlabs Films Ltd has has allotted 38,00,000 equity shares of Rs 5/- each for a cash at price of Rs 175.20 (including a premium of Rs 170.20) per share to the promoters viz. Reliance Land Pvt Ltd. against the outstanding warrants issued on 8 August 2005.

    These shares will be subject to lock-in up to 7 August 7 2006, the company informed the BSE. The committee of directors of Adlabs met today.

    Consequent upon the said allotment, the paid-up equity share capital of Adlabs stands increased to 3,98,00,750 fully paid up equity shares of Rs 5/- each and net worth will increase to approximately Rs 4.65
    billion.