ITV

Tag: A+E

  • History TV18 focuses on relatable local content

    History TV18 focuses on relatable local content

    MUMBAI: History TV18 has plans to woo the Indian audience with more local content. After the success of Special Operations India: Surgical Strikes, the channel launched Special Operations India: Myanmar late last month in a bid to beef up its Indian content library. A new mini series Firepower:Defending India launches next month, promos for the show are already on air.

    According to History TV18 EVP and head of content Arun Thapar, the channel is not just looking at notching up the number of hours of local content but is creating content that is relatable to its audience. “[The content] is differentiated in terms of storytelling, production values and scale. We are also experimenting with durations.” 

    The channel is investing in what audiences like and admire in the factual entertainment space. Thapar said that the channel wants to celebrate the good and great about India. “Our efforts have gained momentum over the last year and a half. The objective has been to offer differentiated content for the audience and increase our market share by creating and putting out shows that are best-in-class, from the perspective of storytelling, creative excellence and an immersive viewing experience. We want the audience to  relive the stories from the past that shape our present,” he added.

    Although hundreds of hours of content are from overseas, by targeting existing audiences and building the brand, the network believes it can keep viewers glued to the TV sets and rule the infotainment genre. 

    Special Operations India: Myanmar, which premiered on 28 March 2018, is the second instalment in the Special Operations India mini-series, the first one being the path-breaking documentary about India’s Surgical Strikes in Pakistan-Occupied Kashmir. The story is told through the experiences of the men leading the operation and the decision makers in India’s military establishment at the time.

    Thapar believes that content in this genre should not be restricted to just Indian audiences but has to be made for global citizens. Going forward, History TV18 will keep refreshing its content with foreign shows as well as locally produced and curated series.

    History TV18 garnered second position in week 14 of Broadcast Audience Research Council’s (BARC) list with 3407 impressions (000s). When BARC increased its rural India measurement in 2017, the genre took a hit because urban viewership is its bastion.

    Competition has been sprucing up its offering as well. Recently, Sony BBC Earth, which was launched less than a year ago, snatched away the genre’s top spot from week 11 to week 14. The channel has lined up activities to connect with school kids and new show launches are also on the anvil.

    In its genre, History TV18 competes with Discovery, Nat Geo, Animal Planet, Sony BBC Earth and Nat Geo Wild. With only limited audiences to attract and plenty of players, the fight for eyeballs is likely to get intense in the genre.

    Also Read :

    ‘Barbarians Rising’, Roman & Barbarian battle on History TV18

    HistoryTV18: #BossWomen to tell stories of Indian women

  • Nat Geo Asia, A+E, ABS-CBN & True Vision buy lifestyle titles from Bomanbridge

    Nat Geo Asia, A+E, ABS-CBN & True Vision buy lifestyle titles from Bomanbridge

    MUMBAI: Bomanbridge Media, a Singapore-based content distribution and production agency, announced multiple distribution sales for lifestyle titles John Torode’s Korean Food Tour, My Floating Home, Top Travel and On The Go.

    Bomanbridge sales include pan regional broadcaster National Geographic Asia, who picked up the 10-part, multi partner-funded series John Torode’s Korean Food Tour, distributed internationally by Argonon International. The series is a co-production between Denhams TV, UKTV and Korea’s Hyundai Media broadcast arm, supported by the Korea Communications Agency.

    The series follows celebrity chef John Torode on his food adventures in South Korea, as he learns about the top 100 Korean dishes and re-creating them in his own kitchen. Philippines broadcaster ABS-CBN acquired John Torode’s Korean Food Tour, together with My Floating Home, a series featuring the adventures of families who are building the ultimate waterside dream homes.

    Further pan regional sales include A+E Networks Asia who acquired lifestyle travel series Top Travel S3 and S4. Top Travel explores a unique theme from Top Hotels to Top Spas, discovering the ultimate in travel and entertainment from scuba diving off the Great Barrier Reef to gondola rides in Venice.

    Thailand public broadcaster True Visions selected On The Go, a lifestyle travel series featuring former Ms Great Britain, Amy Kitchingman, in her Middle East adventures, as she brings viewers to exotic holiday destinations and shares tips on healthy living and fitness.

    “Bomanbridge is delighted to be sharing these great lifestyle series with our partners in the region. We pride ourselves in delivering lifestyles programs that really make the audience want to see it, be there and experience themselves the adventure. We aim to bring more such high-quality programs to our Asian broadcast partners in the near future,” said Bomanbridge Media CEO Sonia Fleck.

  • Jaideep to lead Ignition’s A-Pac expansion

    Jaideep to lead Ignition’s A-Pac expansion

    MUMBAI: Ignition Creative – a leading, global integrated marketing agency headquartered in Los Angeles – has announced the development of its Asia Pacific operations, launching first in India and led by the newly appointed Ignition’s chairman APAC and Middle East Jaideep Singh.

    Ignition creates culturally relevant entertainment, offering: strategy, print, audiovisual, digital, social, motion design, music, post-production, sound, computer generated (CG) visual effects and physical production. Clients include: 20th Century Fox, Sony Pictures, TNT, Universal Pictures, Warner Bros., Amazon, A&E, AT&T | U-verse, Cirque du Soleil, HBO, Paramount Pictures, Netflix, Nike, Mattel, Yahoo and many more.

    Ignition is bringing a new realm to creative integrated marketing campaigns for brands in India. In addition, it intends to partner with leading Indian film production houses leveraging its recognized experience in creating some of Hollywood’s best integrated film campaigns.

    Ignition is a one-of-a-kind, full service marketing agency. Founded in 2003, its vision was to build an offering that combined CEO Martin Kistler’s renowned entertainment expertise with the deep strategic rigor of brand advertising. Starting as a small trailer house, Ignition quickly saw the future development of the entertainment marketing space, adding an integrated department, physical production division and cutting-edge digital and social tools to respond to clients’ evolving needs. This foresight made Ignition Hollywood’s go-to shop for driving new kinds of audience engagement through innovative, viral campaigns.

    To date, it has delivered hundreds of award-winning campaigns – from Cannes Lions to Clios – for film studios, TV networks and blue chip brands. Notable work includes Netflix and Marvel’s Daredevil, Transformers, Nike’s NIKEID: LeBron’s Homecoming, The Hunger Games, ESPN / Land Rover, LA Dodgers, Game of Thrones and 2K Games’ awaited Civilization VI, to name a few.

    Jaideep Singh’s board consists of veteran, global creatives and business leaders who will be announced over the next two months. Singh will develop, launch and guide Ignition’s expansion in to the APAC and Middle Eastern markets opening its first office in Mumbai, followed by branches opening in Delhi and Bangalore.

    “We have experienced rapid growth thanks to Ignition’s proprietary creative process, Ignite360, which led us to become recognised globally for our ability to help clients unleash new revenue streams while also meeting their marketing needs. As we’ve gained organic momentum, we have seized the opportunity to expand our international footprint, bringing the agency’s diverse talent-pool and full-service offering to more markets,” said Ignition Creative founder, CEO and chief creative officer Martin Kistler.

    “We feel fortunate to have found a perfect partner in Jaideep Singh whose relevant experience of India and solid understanding of global media industries will help us grow our international operations. His extensive knowledge of international partnerships and expertise in cultural and social trends make him an invaluable addition to Ignition’s leadership team,” added Kistler.

    Earlier this year, Singh was appointed as the managing director of creative technology innovation group, Volocity Media, to launch its India and APAC operations. He continues to spearhead Volocity’s expansion plans alongside his new role at Ignition. Singh holds to his credit 20 years of diverse experience across marketing, media and entertainment. A decorated ex-army major who for the last 15 years has worked with notable companies, including, JK Tyres, Confederation Of India Industries and Radio Mirchi. His last stint was a stellar 10-year position at Viacom India, where — as Senior Vice President and Business Head of Integrated Network Solutions — he launched hosts of domestic and global impact’s (IP’s), secured strategic media partnerships with brands, government sectors and engaged with entertainment and media divisions across the globe.

    “There is high demand from businesses in the Middle East, India and across Asia to work with an agency that combines data-driven strategy, purposeful creative and cutting-edge technologies to deliver measurable campaign results. Ignition offers a unique, integrated package of services plus award-winning experience marketing global brands and Hollywood blockbusters. So it’s a thrilling venture applying its success to explore new markets and push new creative boundaries,” said Singh.

  • Jaideep to lead Ignition’s A-Pac expansion

    Jaideep to lead Ignition’s A-Pac expansion

    MUMBAI: Ignition Creative – a leading, global integrated marketing agency headquartered in Los Angeles – has announced the development of its Asia Pacific operations, launching first in India and led by the newly appointed Ignition’s chairman APAC and Middle East Jaideep Singh.

    Ignition creates culturally relevant entertainment, offering: strategy, print, audiovisual, digital, social, motion design, music, post-production, sound, computer generated (CG) visual effects and physical production. Clients include: 20th Century Fox, Sony Pictures, TNT, Universal Pictures, Warner Bros., Amazon, A&E, AT&T | U-verse, Cirque du Soleil, HBO, Paramount Pictures, Netflix, Nike, Mattel, Yahoo and many more.

    Ignition is bringing a new realm to creative integrated marketing campaigns for brands in India. In addition, it intends to partner with leading Indian film production houses leveraging its recognized experience in creating some of Hollywood’s best integrated film campaigns.

    Ignition is a one-of-a-kind, full service marketing agency. Founded in 2003, its vision was to build an offering that combined CEO Martin Kistler’s renowned entertainment expertise with the deep strategic rigor of brand advertising. Starting as a small trailer house, Ignition quickly saw the future development of the entertainment marketing space, adding an integrated department, physical production division and cutting-edge digital and social tools to respond to clients’ evolving needs. This foresight made Ignition Hollywood’s go-to shop for driving new kinds of audience engagement through innovative, viral campaigns.

    To date, it has delivered hundreds of award-winning campaigns – from Cannes Lions to Clios – for film studios, TV networks and blue chip brands. Notable work includes Netflix and Marvel’s Daredevil, Transformers, Nike’s NIKEID: LeBron’s Homecoming, The Hunger Games, ESPN / Land Rover, LA Dodgers, Game of Thrones and 2K Games’ awaited Civilization VI, to name a few.

    Jaideep Singh’s board consists of veteran, global creatives and business leaders who will be announced over the next two months. Singh will develop, launch and guide Ignition’s expansion in to the APAC and Middle Eastern markets opening its first office in Mumbai, followed by branches opening in Delhi and Bangalore.

    “We have experienced rapid growth thanks to Ignition’s proprietary creative process, Ignite360, which led us to become recognised globally for our ability to help clients unleash new revenue streams while also meeting their marketing needs. As we’ve gained organic momentum, we have seized the opportunity to expand our international footprint, bringing the agency’s diverse talent-pool and full-service offering to more markets,” said Ignition Creative founder, CEO and chief creative officer Martin Kistler.

    “We feel fortunate to have found a perfect partner in Jaideep Singh whose relevant experience of India and solid understanding of global media industries will help us grow our international operations. His extensive knowledge of international partnerships and expertise in cultural and social trends make him an invaluable addition to Ignition’s leadership team,” added Kistler.

    Earlier this year, Singh was appointed as the managing director of creative technology innovation group, Volocity Media, to launch its India and APAC operations. He continues to spearhead Volocity’s expansion plans alongside his new role at Ignition. Singh holds to his credit 20 years of diverse experience across marketing, media and entertainment. A decorated ex-army major who for the last 15 years has worked with notable companies, including, JK Tyres, Confederation Of India Industries and Radio Mirchi. His last stint was a stellar 10-year position at Viacom India, where — as Senior Vice President and Business Head of Integrated Network Solutions — he launched hosts of domestic and global impact’s (IP’s), secured strategic media partnerships with brands, government sectors and engaged with entertainment and media divisions across the globe.

    “There is high demand from businesses in the Middle East, India and across Asia to work with an agency that combines data-driven strategy, purposeful creative and cutting-edge technologies to deliver measurable campaign results. Ignition offers a unique, integrated package of services plus award-winning experience marketing global brands and Hollywood blockbusters. So it’s a thrilling venture applying its success to explore new markets and push new creative boundaries,” said Singh.

  • Q2-16: Disney income up 10 percent aided by ESPN performance, studio entertainment

    Q2-16: Disney income up 10 percent aided by ESPN performance, studio entertainment

    BENGALURU: The Walt Disney Company Inc (Disney) reported 9.8 percent year-over-year (y-o-y) increase in operating income for the quarter ended 2 April 2016 (Q2-16, current quarter) as compared to the corresponding year ago quarter. Operating income in the current quarter was $3,822 million as compared to $3,482 million in Q2-15 (quarter ended 28 March 2015).

    The company saw an increase of $340 million in operating income in its current quarter vis-à-vis the corresponding prior year quarter. Its Media Networks segment reported operating income of $198 million, while its Studio Entertainment segment reported operating income of $115 million.
    Disney’s Media Networks segment’s sub-segment Cable Networks of which ESPN is a part saw 12.3 percent y-o-y increase in operating income. The increase at ESPN was partially offset by lower equity income from A&E Television Networks says Disney.

    Disney reported 4.1 percent y-o-y growth in revenue in Q2-16 at $12,969 million as compared to $12,461 million in the corresponding prior year quarter. Growth in revenue of $508 million was contributed to by $168 million and $377 million growth by Disney’s ‘Parks & Resorts’ and ‘Studio Entertainment’ segments respectively.

    Company speak

    “We’re very pleased with our overall results in Q2, which marks our 11th consecutive quarter of double-digit growth in adjusted EPS,” said Disney chairman and CEO Robert A. Iger. “Our Studio’s unprecedented winning streak at the box office underscores the incredible appeal of our branded content, which we continue to leverage across the entire company to drive significant value. Looking forward, we are thrilled with the Studio’s slate and tremendously excited about the June 16th grand opening of the spectacular Shanghai Disney Resort.”

    Segment numbers excerpts

    Media Networks

    Media Networks revenue in Q2-16 was relatively flat y-o-y (declined 0.3 percent) at $5,793 million as compared to $5,810 million in Q2-15. The  segment’s operating income increased 9.4 percent y-o-y to $2,299 million in the current quarter from $2,101 million during the corresponding prior year quarter.

    Disney Media Networks segment has two sub-segments – Cable Networking and Broadcasting.

    Cable Networks revenue for the quarter decreased 1.9 percent y-o-y to $3,955 billion from $4,030 million in Q2-15. Operating income in Q2-16 increased 12.3 percent y-o-y to $2,021 million from $1,799 million due to an increase at ESPN, partially offset by lower equity income from A&E. 

    The increase at ESPN was due to the benefit of lower programming costs and higher affiliate revenues, partially offset by a decrease in advertising revenue.

    Lower equity income from A&E was due to a decrease in advertising revenue, higher programming costs and a negative impact from the conversion of the H2 channel to Viceland as Viceland is in a start-up phase says Disney.

    Broadcasting revenue for the quarter increased 3.3 percent to $1,838 million from $1,780 million. Operating income of the sub-segment decreased 7.9 percent y-o-y to $278 million from $302 million due to lower operating income from program sales and higher programming and marketing costs, partially offset by advertising and affiliate revenue growth. Lower operating income from program sales was due to a significant SVOD sale in the prior-year quarter and a higher cost mix of programs sold in the current quarter. 

    The increase in programming costs was due to a higher average cost of new scripted programming and increased program cost write-offs. The increase in network advertising revenue was due to higher rates, partially offset by lower ratings. Affiliate revenue growth was primarily due to contractual rate increases.

    Parks and Resorts

    Parks and Resorts revenue for the current quarter increased 4.5 percent y-oy- to $3,928 million from $3.760 million. Segment operating income in Q2-16 increased 10.2 percent y-o-y to $624 million from $566 million. Operating income growth for the quarter was due to an increase at Disney’s domestic operations, partially offset by a decrease at its international operations.

    Studio Entertainment

    Studio Entertainment revenue for the current quarter increased 22.4 percent to $2,062 million from $1,685 million in Q2-15. Segment operating income increased 26.9 percent to $542 million from $427 million. 

    Disney says that higher operating income was due to an increase in theatrical distribution results and growth in TV/SVOD distribution, partially offset by the impact of foreign currency translation due to the strengthening of the US dollar against major currencies, decreased home entertainment results and higher film cost impairments.

    The increase in theatrical distribution results was due to the strong performance of Star Wars: The Force Awakens and Zootopia in the current quarter compared to the continuing performance in the prior year quarter of Big Hero 6 and Into the Woods, both of which were released domestically in the first quarter of the prior year. Higher TV/SVOD distribution results were driven by international growth. The decrease in home entertainment results was primarily due to lower unit sales reflecting the performance of Big Hero 6, Frozen and Marvel’s Guardians of the Galaxy in the prior-year quarter compared to The Good Dinosaur, Inside Out and Marvel’s Ant-Man in the current quarter. The decrease from lower unit sales was partially offset by the benefit from Star Wars Classic titles that are distributed by a third party.

    Consumer Products & Interactive Media

    Consumer Products & Interactive Media revenue for the current quarter decreased 1.7 percent to $1,186 million from $1,286 million. Segment operating income decreased 8 percent to $357 million from $388 million. 

    Lower operating income was primarily due to the impact of foreign currency translation due to the strengthening of the U.S. dollar against major currencies, lower operating margins and comparable store sales at Disney’s retail business and lower results for Infinity. 

    These decreases were partially offset by higher licensing revenues. Increased licensing revenues were driven by higher revenue from Star Wars  merchandise, partially offset by an adverse impact from the timing of minimum guarantee shortfall recognition and a decrease in revenue from merchandise based on Frozen.

     

  • Q2-16: Disney income up 10 percent aided by ESPN performance, studio entertainment

    Q2-16: Disney income up 10 percent aided by ESPN performance, studio entertainment

    BENGALURU: The Walt Disney Company Inc (Disney) reported 9.8 percent year-over-year (y-o-y) increase in operating income for the quarter ended 2 April 2016 (Q2-16, current quarter) as compared to the corresponding year ago quarter. Operating income in the current quarter was $3,822 million as compared to $3,482 million in Q2-15 (quarter ended 28 March 2015).

    The company saw an increase of $340 million in operating income in its current quarter vis-à-vis the corresponding prior year quarter. Its Media Networks segment reported operating income of $198 million, while its Studio Entertainment segment reported operating income of $115 million.
    Disney’s Media Networks segment’s sub-segment Cable Networks of which ESPN is a part saw 12.3 percent y-o-y increase in operating income. The increase at ESPN was partially offset by lower equity income from A&E Television Networks says Disney.

    Disney reported 4.1 percent y-o-y growth in revenue in Q2-16 at $12,969 million as compared to $12,461 million in the corresponding prior year quarter. Growth in revenue of $508 million was contributed to by $168 million and $377 million growth by Disney’s ‘Parks & Resorts’ and ‘Studio Entertainment’ segments respectively.

    Company speak

    “We’re very pleased with our overall results in Q2, which marks our 11th consecutive quarter of double-digit growth in adjusted EPS,” said Disney chairman and CEO Robert A. Iger. “Our Studio’s unprecedented winning streak at the box office underscores the incredible appeal of our branded content, which we continue to leverage across the entire company to drive significant value. Looking forward, we are thrilled with the Studio’s slate and tremendously excited about the June 16th grand opening of the spectacular Shanghai Disney Resort.”

    Segment numbers excerpts

    Media Networks

    Media Networks revenue in Q2-16 was relatively flat y-o-y (declined 0.3 percent) at $5,793 million as compared to $5,810 million in Q2-15. The  segment’s operating income increased 9.4 percent y-o-y to $2,299 million in the current quarter from $2,101 million during the corresponding prior year quarter.

    Disney Media Networks segment has two sub-segments – Cable Networking and Broadcasting.

    Cable Networks revenue for the quarter decreased 1.9 percent y-o-y to $3,955 billion from $4,030 million in Q2-15. Operating income in Q2-16 increased 12.3 percent y-o-y to $2,021 million from $1,799 million due to an increase at ESPN, partially offset by lower equity income from A&E. 

    The increase at ESPN was due to the benefit of lower programming costs and higher affiliate revenues, partially offset by a decrease in advertising revenue.

    Lower equity income from A&E was due to a decrease in advertising revenue, higher programming costs and a negative impact from the conversion of the H2 channel to Viceland as Viceland is in a start-up phase says Disney.

    Broadcasting revenue for the quarter increased 3.3 percent to $1,838 million from $1,780 million. Operating income of the sub-segment decreased 7.9 percent y-o-y to $278 million from $302 million due to lower operating income from program sales and higher programming and marketing costs, partially offset by advertising and affiliate revenue growth. Lower operating income from program sales was due to a significant SVOD sale in the prior-year quarter and a higher cost mix of programs sold in the current quarter. 

    The increase in programming costs was due to a higher average cost of new scripted programming and increased program cost write-offs. The increase in network advertising revenue was due to higher rates, partially offset by lower ratings. Affiliate revenue growth was primarily due to contractual rate increases.

    Parks and Resorts

    Parks and Resorts revenue for the current quarter increased 4.5 percent y-oy- to $3,928 million from $3.760 million. Segment operating income in Q2-16 increased 10.2 percent y-o-y to $624 million from $566 million. Operating income growth for the quarter was due to an increase at Disney’s domestic operations, partially offset by a decrease at its international operations.

    Studio Entertainment

    Studio Entertainment revenue for the current quarter increased 22.4 percent to $2,062 million from $1,685 million in Q2-15. Segment operating income increased 26.9 percent to $542 million from $427 million. 

    Disney says that higher operating income was due to an increase in theatrical distribution results and growth in TV/SVOD distribution, partially offset by the impact of foreign currency translation due to the strengthening of the US dollar against major currencies, decreased home entertainment results and higher film cost impairments.

    The increase in theatrical distribution results was due to the strong performance of Star Wars: The Force Awakens and Zootopia in the current quarter compared to the continuing performance in the prior year quarter of Big Hero 6 and Into the Woods, both of which were released domestically in the first quarter of the prior year. Higher TV/SVOD distribution results were driven by international growth. The decrease in home entertainment results was primarily due to lower unit sales reflecting the performance of Big Hero 6, Frozen and Marvel’s Guardians of the Galaxy in the prior-year quarter compared to The Good Dinosaur, Inside Out and Marvel’s Ant-Man in the current quarter. The decrease from lower unit sales was partially offset by the benefit from Star Wars Classic titles that are distributed by a third party.

    Consumer Products & Interactive Media

    Consumer Products & Interactive Media revenue for the current quarter decreased 1.7 percent to $1,186 million from $1,286 million. Segment operating income decreased 8 percent to $357 million from $388 million. 

    Lower operating income was primarily due to the impact of foreign currency translation due to the strengthening of the U.S. dollar against major currencies, lower operating margins and comparable store sales at Disney’s retail business and lower results for Infinity. 

    These decreases were partially offset by higher licensing revenues. Increased licensing revenues were driven by higher revenue from Star Wars  merchandise, partially offset by an adverse impact from the timing of minimum guarantee shortfall recognition and a decrease in revenue from merchandise based on Frozen.

     

  • Prime Focus Technologies completes acquisition of DAX

    Prime Focus Technologies completes acquisition of DAX

    MUMBAI: Prime Focus Technologies (PFT), the technology subsidiary of Prime Focus today announced that it has completed the acquisition of DAX, a leading provider of cloud-based production workflow and media asset management applications to the entertainment industry.

     

    On 11 March, PFT announced a definitive agreement to acquire DAX for a base consideration of $ 9.1 million in a uniquely structured performance linked transaction. PFT through its US subsidiary will acquire all the assets of DAX for an upfront payment with balance payable over three years primarily from cash flows from the North American operations.

    The acquisition gives PFT ownership of DAX’s patented technology (US Patent No: 7,660,416/ 8,218,764) and products including the Primetime Emmy award winning Digital Dailies solution which is the de-facto industry standard in television production.

    It also sets the course for PFT’s strategic expansion in North America. PFT will significantly enhance the value proposition to DAX’s marquee customers including major studios and broadcast networks (Warner Bros. Television Studios, CBS Television Studios, 20th Century Fox Television Studios, Legendary Pictures, Fox Television Studios, A&E, Showtime, Starz, Relativity Media and Lionsgate) and many independent production and distribution companies.

    The combination now creates an unrivaled industry leader, offering a uniquely robust and dynamic stack of enterprise-class Media ERP solutions to broadcasters and studios claims the technology arm of Prime Focus.

  • Prime Focus Technologies to acquire US-based DAX for Rs 56 crore

    Prime Focus Technologies to acquire US-based DAX for Rs 56 crore

    MUMBAI: Prime Focus Technologies (PFT), the technology subsidiary Prime Focus, today announced that it has signed a definitive agreement to acquire DAX, a leading provider of cloud-based production workflow and media asset management applications to the entertainment industry for a base consideration of $ 9.1 million (about Rs 56 crore) in a uniquely structured performance linked transaction.

     

    Prime Focus is a global leader in providing media and entertainment industry services.

     

    PFT through its US subsidiary will acquire all the assets of DAX for an upfront payment and with balance payable over 3 years such that cash flows from the North American operations will support the payment.

     

    This acquisition gives PFT ownership of DAX’s patented technology and products including the Primetime Emmy award winning Digital Dailies solution which is the de-facto industry standard in television production. This acquisition also sets the course for PFT’s strategic expansion in North America. PFT will significantly enhance the value proposition to DAX’s marquee customers including major studios and broadcast networks (Warner Bros. Television Studios, CBS Television Studios, 20th Century Fox Television Studios, Relativity Media, Legendary Pictures, Fox Television Studios, A&E, Showtime, Starz Media and Lionsgate) and many independent production and distribution companies.

     

    “Our vision is to build the best enterprise platform for Production on the Cloud by taking a fresh look at media workflows through the lens of a studio that wants to efficiently collaborate across divisions with its entertainment content before, during and after the production phase,” said Ramki Sankaranarayanan, Founder and CEO, PFT.

     

    “Digital Dailies is one of the first significant entry points to Production on the cloud. PFT’s CLEARTM Media ERP platform combined with DAX’s team and products will accelerate the realisation of this vision”.

     

    “PFT has tremendous resources at its disposal,” said Patrick Macdonald-King, CEO, DAX who will now assume the role of President and be part of the executive leadership team at PFT responsible for North America. “Beginning with its 250-person strong R&D and product development team dedicated to a single platform with rare media-centric IT skills. This marriage allows DAX to fulfill its vision and extends DAX’s support of file-based workflows across the enterprise. PFT’s arsenal of media-centric technology tools will drive the DAX product offering to a new level. For DAX customers, it’s important to note that all tech support, client services, product design and account management will remain in Los Angeles, but also expand to the PFT offices in New York and London to better service the East Coast and Europe.”

     

    The global market for media asset management, workflow management, collaboration and media processing services is approximately $10 billion. With content enterprises like broadcast networks faced with flat top lines and rising operating costs, organisations are increasingly attentive to solutions like virtualisation of content supply chain operations, and media process outsourcing to enhance overall profitability as well as top line by realising new media monetisation opportunities in the multi-screen world.

     

    “PFT’s CLEAR platform is the most scalable and feature rich application I have seen in the market and its laser like focus on servicing the media industry is unique,” said Macdonald-King. “Most of the competition is focused on single point solutions that further cement the siloed approach which is detrimental to long term agility and sustainability of media businesses.”

     

    The transaction is subject to customary closing conditions and is expected to close in the coming weeks. PFT and DAX will be exhibiting together at the upcoming NAB Show 2014, and will showcase a number of CLEAR and DAX product releases.

     

    “The biggest broadcast networks in the world run CLEAR Media ERP platform to manage their content supply chain,” informs Ramki. “Managing 200 TV shows every day and over 350,000 hours of content has made CLEAR a world leader in the Media Cloud solutions market. We would like to extend this leadership to Production by tapping into the creative process in a more holistic way, empowering studios to truly transform the entertainment paradigm. DAX takes us closer to this goal,” concluded Ramki.

  • A+E Networks launches video watch apps

    A+E Networks launches video watch apps

    MUMBAI: US infotainment media company A+E Networks has launched the company‘s first ever video watch apps for iPad® today.

    A&E, History and Lifetime network apps are available for free from the App Store.

    The apps enable users to watch full episodes, full movies and exclusive clips of their favorite A+E Networks programming, including current and previous seasons of ‘Storage Wars‘ and ‘Duck Dynasty‘ on A&E; ‘Pawn Stars‘ and ‘Swamp People‘ on History and ‘Dance Moms‘ and ‘Project Runway‘ on Lifetime.

    Users who sign in to verify Xfinity TV from Comcast as their video provider will have access to even more content, including full previous seasons of some of their favourite series. The app will support additional distributors in early 2013.

    A+E Networks executive VP of digital media, business development Dan Suratt said, "By offering the A&E, History and Lifetime watch apps, we are giving fans of our networks an opportunity to consume our leading libraries of original quality content wherever and whenever they want it".

    A+E Networks president of distribution David Zagin said, "With our new apps, A+E Networks will be on the forefront of supporting the industry‘s efforts toward TV Everywhere. We are looking forward to partnering with our distributors in the future to bring their customers more of our great programming."

    Comcast Cable senior VP, digital and emerging platforms Matt Strauss said, "In partnering with A+E Networks, Comcast continues to build on its industry-leading TV Everywhere offerings, and yet again positions Xfinity TV customers at the forefront to access great programming on multiple devices. We‘re pleased to be the first provider to offer our customers A+E Networks‘ compelling content on its app, and also online at Xfinity.com/TV."

    The apps, powered by Bottle Rocket feature a video offering. The watchlist in the app offers "Continue Watching" and "Queue" functionality for a seamless viewing experience between visits. Users who start watching a video and have to step away will see all videos in progress in the "Continue Watching" section of the watchlist. If they add a series to their "Queue" in the watchlist, all new full episodes for their favorite series automatically appear as they are published to the app.

    iPhone and iPod touch versions of all three apps will launch in January 2013 and an Android version is expected to be out some time in the first quarter. The A&E, HISTORY and Lifetime apps are available for free from the App Store on iPad® or at www.itunes.com/appstore.

  • Alan Hodges named managing director, Asia-Pacific for AETN international

    Alan Hodges named managing director, Asia-Pacific for AETN international

    MUMBAI: AETN international vice president and managing director, Europe and Asia Simon Pollock has announced Alan Hodges as the managing director Asia-Pacific for AETN international, a division of A&E television networks (AETN).

    Hodges joins AETN international from Zone Media Group where he served as managing director Asia Pacific.

    Based in Singapore Hodges is responsible for managing and growing AETN’s Asian portfolio of businesses. He serves as a point person for existing and new business development in the region, including current and future channel partnerships, program sales, digital media distribution opportunities, and future local productions.

    AETN channel brands include The History Channel, A&E, The Biography Channel, and Crime & Investigation Network.

    “We are aggressively moving to expand the footprint of our channel brands throughout the Asia-Pacific region, via both traditional linear television channels and on digital media platforms,” said Pollock.

    “Alan’s strategic and operational experience will be crucial as we move forward in choosing our new partners, and we are very pleased to have him join our staff,” he added.