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Tag: AXN

  • SPN to discontinue AXN, AXN HD from 30 June

    SPN to discontinue AXN, AXN HD from 30 June

    MUMBAI: Sony Pictures Networks India (SPN) has decided to discontinue the operations of two of its English general entertainment channels (GECs) with effect from 30 June. The major broadcaster has circulated a letter informing the shutting down of AXN and AXN HD.

    “With reference to the aforementioned subject matter, kindly note that we will be discontinuing the operation of our channels AXN and AXN HD, Genre- General Entertainment Channel (English) w.e.f the midnight of 30 June, 2020,” SPN distribution operation associate vice president Anuj Yadav stated in a letter.

    "In keeping with our growth strategy, we are realigning our channel portfolio. Accordingly, we have decided to discontinue AXN and AXN HD. This decision comes into effect on June 30, 2020," SPN clarified when Indiantelevision.com reached the broadcaster for reaction.

    English channels were majorly hit by the new tariff order (NTO) rolled out in 2019. Several reports have indicated that English pay-TV channels would see a massive drop in their revenues post the NTO. Moreover, the emergence of OTT platforms offering English content has also spelt doom for the English channels. Adding to the cup of woes of the broadcasters, the Covid2019 crisis has badly affected the advertising revenues also.

  • ‘One World: Together at Home’ global special to air on Sony PIX, AXN, SonyLIV on 19 April

    ‘One World: Together at Home’ global special to air on Sony PIX, AXN, SonyLIV on 19 April

    MUMBAI:‘One World: Together at Home’ — a globally televised and streamed special in support of the fight against the COVID-19 pandemic – will air on Sony PIX and AXN on 19 April At 8 pm and will be live streamed on SonyLIV at 5.30 am with a repeat at 8 pm.

    Launched by international advocacy organization Global Citizen, and the World Health Organisation, ‘One World: Together at Home’ will show unity among all people who are affected by COVID-19 and will also celebrate and support brave healthcare workers doing life-saving work on the front lines.

    Curated in collaboration with Lady Gaga, the ‘One World: Together At Home’ broadcast special will include performances and appearances by Alicia Keys, Amy Poehler, Andrea Bocelli, Awkwafina, Billie Eilish, Billie Joe Armstrong of Green Day, Burna Boy, Camila Cabello, Celine Dion, Chris Martin, David & Victoria Beckham, Eddie Vedder, Ellen DeGeneres, Elton John, FINNEAS, Idris and Sabrina Elba, J Balvin, Jennifer Lopez, John Legend, Kacey Musgraves, Keith Urban, Kerry Washington, Lang Lang, Lizzo,  LL COOL J, Lupita Nyong’o, Maluma, Matthew McConaughey, Oprah Winfrey, Paul McCartney, Pharrell Williams, Priyanka Chopra Jonas, Sam Smith, Shah Rukh Khan, Shawn Mendes, Stevie Wonder, Taylor Swift, and Usher.

    ‘One World: Together at Home’ is not a telethon – it is a historic, first-of-its kind global broadcast event to celebrate the heroic efforts of community health workers, and to support the World Health Organization in the global fight to end COVID-19. The broadcast will feature stories from frontline healthcare workers on the COVID response, commitments from philanthropists, governments and corporations to support and equip frontline healthcare workers around the world, with masks, gowns and other vital equipment, and to local charities that provide food, shelter, and healthcare to those that need it most.

    According to both, Danish Khan – business head, Sony Entertainment Television, Studio Next and digital business and Tushar Shah – business head, English cluster, Sony Pictures Networks India, “The concert is reflective of our solidarity during this situation and an effort to applaud the bravery of the frontline workers. We are happy to collaborate with Global Citizen and convey this powerful message of One World to our viewers.”

  • The most loved English entertainment channel, AXN, is also the ultimate destination of reality shows

    The most loved English entertainment channel, AXN, is also the ultimate destination of reality shows

    MUMBAI: English entertainment channel, AXN’s 20-year anniversary celebration is getting bigger and better! The legacy channel continues to maintain its leadership position by having the best of reality, entertainment and drama shows. The recent announcement of Emmy, which is the equivalent of an Academy for television, is proof as 6 AXN shows have been nominated for the prestigious award. And, to commemorate this achievement, AXN kickstarted a unique campaign which culminated into a grand musical night at Hard Rock Café.

    Across a month, AXN visited various media agencies like GroupM, Lodestar, Madison and OMD across Mumbai, Delhi and Bangalore, to indulge the employees with insightful masterclasses. Led by the best in business chefs, musicians, stylists and fitness experts, the masterclasses were a first of its kind initiative in the category, inspired by the popular AXN reality shows – Top Chef, The Voice, America’s Next Top Model and American Ninja Warrior.

    Every masterclass ended with an engaging competition where the employees got a taste of AXN’s reality shows and stood a chance to win the title of ‘AXN Reality Champion’ along with exciting gifts. Additionally, the enticing campaign concluded on a musical high as winners of various agencies participated in an unprecedented inter-agency karaoke competition at Hardrock Café to celebrate the finale of the latest season of the award-winning reality show ‘The Voice’.

    While the fierce Gurgaon competition was judged by the acclaimed musician, Subir Malik, who is the founding member of the stalwart band, Parikrama, the starry Mumbai competition was judged by ace Bollywood singer, Shilpa Surroch. Providing the ultimate closure to the most unique and engaging campaign were the enthusiastic participants who rocked the grand stage!

    Finally, after a relentless fight, GroupM and OMD took home the ‘AXN Corporate Karaoke Champions’ trophy in Gurgaon and Mumbai, respectively. This was the ideal celebration of AXN’s 20-year long success story, and the channel would have done it no other way than with the ultimate fans who deserve the best entertainment!

  • As the world celebrates 50 years of Moon landing, Sony BBC Earth, AXN and Sony PIX peek into what went behind the mission

    As the world celebrates 50 years of Moon landing, Sony BBC Earth, AXN and Sony PIX peek into what went behind the mission

    MUMBAI: 50 years ago, on July 20, 1969, millions of people around the world witnessed a trio of astronauts – Neil Armstrong, Edwin Aldrin and Michael Collin – create history, as they became the first men to step on the moon. To commemorate this historical milestone, Sony Pictures Networks India’s (SPNI) English Cluster (comprising channels like Sony BBC Earth, AXN and Sony PIX) will celebrate the big day by premiering the movie ‘First Man’ and ‘8 days to the Moon’ for the first time on Indian television.

    The Oscar and Golden Globe winning film ‘First Man’, is a biography on the life of astronaut, Neil Armstrong, and the legendary space mission that led him to become the first man to walk on the Moon on July 20, 1969. The movie, starring Ryan Gosling and Claire Foy, will air on AXN and Sony PIX this July 20 at 1:00 pm and 9:00 pm.

    In a unique initiative, Sony BBC Earth has partnered with India’s largest interactive science centre – Nehru Science Centre – to showcase its content 8 Days: To the Moon and Back. The docu-series chronicles the journey of the first man to step on the moon. Students from various schools will get to witness this grand visual spectacle and hear the original and candid cockpit audio files from fifty years ago!

    In addition to the on-ground leg, Sony BBC Earth has collaborated with leading radio channels across India to give the listeners a feel of one of the most dangerous and magnificent missions in history by airing the original conversation audio clips between the three astronauts. The channel also has an interesting digital campaign in place with games, facts and stories that will leave the viewers in awe.  

  • AXN and The Label Life launch ‘The Power Dressing Edit’ curated by Style Editors Sussanne Khan, Malaika Arora and Bipasha Basu

    AXN and The Label Life launch ‘The Power Dressing Edit’ curated by Style Editors Sussanne Khan, Malaika Arora and Bipasha Basu

    MUMBAI: AXN and The Label Life have partnered to celebrate the strong, independent, working women of today by launching ‘The Power Dressing Edit | AXN exclusive’. Curated by powerful women and Style Editors Sussanne Khan, Malaika Arora and Bipasha Basu, the special collection is inspired by the most talented, revered and versatile female protagonists on AXN.

    The special edit consists of new double-duty styles to take the women of today from 9am-to-9pm effortlessly. The Style Editors are catering to powerful role models who dress the talk, keeping their style in mind – feminine yet powerful and authoritative. One can shop ‘The Power Dressing Edit | AXN exclusive’ on The Label Life website and in-store.

    The Power dressing edit has been styled by Style Editors Sussanne Khan, Malaika Arora and Bipasha Basu. Talking about the collection, Bipasha says, “In-keeping with The Label Life Women and the strong, powerful women portrayed on AXN, comes The Power Edit. Both The Label Life and AXN make powerful women their muse; women who have long 9-to-9 days that demand impeccable style, but with comfort”.

    Bipasha also gives a sneak peek into her personal style statement. Here are five tips for professional women who want to ‘dress the talk’:

    1.        Invest in a pant suit. They're equal parts cool and polished and make you stand out instantly. Even make your own pant suit by mixing separates you already own. Think, an animal print shirt with tan or black pants

    2.      An over-the-knee skirt is a closet investment. Make it yours with an oversized shirt tucked in and with the cuffs rolled up

    3.      While sticking to classic office attire, don't forget to mix it up, say with a peplum shirt or pop-culottes, and even brogues for casual Fridays

    4.      Add an instant injection of chic by pairing strappy heels with well-tailored ankle-length pants

    5.      All black on-duty outfits are the perfect palette to experiment with your makeup. Think a bold red lip and nothing else!

    Get inspired by these real life powerful, talented women and for more inspiration, tune-in to Madam Secretary, every Tuesday at 10pm only on AXN.

  • AXN celebrates 20-years of entertaining viewers with marketing innovations

    AXN celebrates 20-years of entertaining viewers with marketing innovations

    MUMBAI: For 20 successful years, AXN has entertained its audience with the best in English entertainment. And to celebrate this feat, the channel is gearing up to engage viewers with multiple marketing innovations that will play out through the year. 

    To begin with, the channel has partnered with fashion & lifestyle brand The Label Life for its on-going shows on the ‘AXN Premiere Club’. This association aims to celebrate the strong, independent, working women of today by curating a special collection of power looks ahead of women’s day. ‘The Power Dressing Edit | AXN exclusive’ is inspired by the most talented, revered and versatile female protagonists on AXN.

    Next up, the channel has teamed up with Anytime Fitness, a popular health and fitness club, to carry out a specially-designed warrior workout, along with a diet, that will challenge and help people get a warrior-like body just like the Vikings! The winner of the 30-day ‘AXN Warrior Workout’ will win exciting merchandise and vouchers for their warrior-like determination.

    AXN has also got on-board specialty coffee brand, Coffee by Di Bella to curate a special menu that celebrates the channel turning 20. The exclusive menu will be available at all 20 outlets of the premium coffee brand across Mumbai and promises to sweep over the patrons with what’s in-store.

    The celebration doesn’t end here! AXN has introduced an HD special line-up ‘AXN HD Masterstroke’ to end weekday boredom. The line-up will recharge and refresh the afternoon viewers by airing the most engaging, thrilling and invigorating shows like Hannibal, Sherlock, 24 and more, every Monday to Friday from 2 to 6PM.

    There are many more surprises in store for the audiences this year so keep watching AXN!

  • AXN gives you 5 reasons to look forward to weekdays!

    AXN gives you 5 reasons to look forward to weekdays!

    Weekends are fun. But here’s AXN giving its viewers the much-needed relaxation during the week. Starting 28th January, AXN will recharge its consumers, Monday to Friday, with the new seasons of internationally bestselling shows at 10 pm with the all new ‘AXN Premiere Club’. 

    Beat the Monday Blues with Vikings: Season 5B where ‘Ivar the Boneless’ asserts his leadership over the Great Heathen Army. On Tuesdays, watch most loved political drama series, Madam Secretary: Season 5 where Tea Leoni continues to rule our hearts and the White House. Well, here is a show with few of the most astonishing mind games – Blue Blood: Season 9. Turn up the magic on your Thursdays with Supernatural: Season 14 where Sam enlists everyone’s help in trying to track down Dean. And finally, enjoy the nail-biting thriller, Hawaii Five-O: Season 9, every Friday. 

    AXN Premiere Club airs the latest and the most acclaimed international shows, handpicked for its Indian viewers. Emmy award winning show Vikings, for instance, has created ripples in the fashion industry by the novel looks created for the show characters. Bestselling shows like Madam Secretary and Supernatural have critics and audiences rooting for the latest season.  
     

  • Movie premieres, HD adoption, OTT challenge for English entertainment, movies in 2018

    Movie premieres, HD adoption, OTT challenge for English entertainment, movies in 2018

    MUMBAI:  It was a good year for English entertainment and movies channels. 2018 saw some big Hollywood premieres even as channels went the route of content segmentation and HD adoption.

    Leaving behind the concerns of GST and demonetisation, the industry did much better this year. Industry experts suggest that a small correction expected in the content acquisition cost in 2019. This will come on account of two things – revenue growth across years in the genre and the evolution of business models as some broadcasters are sharing their first output windows with SVOD players.

    Times Network EVP & head-entertainment cluster Vivek Srivastava said, “We had a strong festive season and are now set for an aggressive Q4 to end the year. We have driven premiums, sponsorships and managed to deliver great value to our advertisers. The highlight for us would be the success of MNX. With it, we now have two brands in top 4 (Movies Now and MNX) and that’s a healthy space to be in. We command more than one third of the total English entertainment viewership and are poised to drive our fair share from the market.”

    Two of its channels out of the four are in the top 5 list of BARC ratings week 49. Movies Now led the chart with 2769 impressions ‘000 and MNX was at the third position with 2213 impressions ‘000.

    Times Network’s newest brand MNX has been dangling above HBO in six metro markets. The group has close to 1500 titles and 25-30 shows for its movie channels. The content comes from four major production houses Disney, MGM, NBC and Warner Bros which are long term deals. The network holds the second output of NBC after SPN India.

    Sony Pictures Network India’s (SPNI) English cluster grew by 34 per cent in FY19 (17 per cent till date) as compared to FY18 (13 per cent). The legacy brand AXN, in 2018, emerged as the leader in all India 15+ market with 25 per cent market share according to the broadcaster. The channel introduced two new properties in 2018- AXN Premiere Club and AXN Bestsellers.

    In 2018, Sony Pix witnessed some big Indian television premieres like Jurassic World Fallen Kingdom, Mortal Engines, First Man, Skyscraper. SPNI business head English cluster Tushar Shah said, “We believe that content will continue to be the driving force. We at SPN offer best-in-class entertainment to viewers across all our platforms. Our programming and marketing initiatives are driven by clear consumer insight and deep market research. We are extremely happy with our content performance and are bullish about a bright future.” The English cluster of SPN picks up content from Disney, Warner Bros, NBC Universal, Lionsgate and PVR Pictures.

    The English movies genre is a tough nut to crack with many players vying for a small viewership pie. But that didn’t deter Zee Entertainment Enterprises Ltd (Zeel) from launching a new channel to wow viewers. On 3 June, &flix was launched under its separate ‘&’ brand identity. The channel claimed that it was meant for those who are in search of new experiences and wanting to take quantum leaps. This also saw the shutdown of Zee Studio, an 18-year-old brand.

    Zeel’s English cluster brings content from a large library of exclusive titles sourced from many independent Hollywood players and studios such as Paramount, PVR, Sony and Disney.

    This year also saw &Prive HD cement its base in the market. The channel had upped its list of top rated movies to show during primetime. In early 2018, it had 450 titles to boast of, just a few months after launch, from names like Paramount, Reliance, Tanvir and PVR. &Prive HD is taking the non-conformist route, just like its target audience of 22-50, by even picking up films from independent producers in Europe.

    Launching an exclusively HD channel and that too for the crème-de-la-crème of Indian viewers was a risk. High net worth homes are the target of &Prive HD but this is also the segment that can afford many other quicker options like OTT.

    Turner India, which holds two channels HBO and WB also had a list of premieres to enthral viewers including Dunkirk, Wonder Woman, The Lego Batman movie, Annabelle 2, Transformers: The Last Knight, Baywatch, Justice League, Kong: Skull Island etc. In the start of the year, the network had its aim as engaging its fans deeper with personal communication through mediums that they are comfortable with such as WhatsApp.

    According to the KPMG in India’s M&E report 2018, the English GEC genre saw an 8.5 per cent growth in advertising expenditure from 1.7 per cent in FY17 to 1.8 per cent in FY18, despite pressure on relative positioning in English viewership on account of the change in the measurement methodology. English Movies genre also witnessed an increase of 3.33 per cent in FY18 compared to FY17.

    “2019 is expected to start on a good note with Q4 carrying forward the positivity and excitement of the festive season. The fact that we have some of our biggest properties – ‘100 Mania’ on Movies Now and ‘Kings of Hollywood’ on MNX only strengthens the proposition. Also with the elections coming up in 2019 and the economy going strong, we are likely to have a strong exit to this financial year,” Srivastava added.

    Times Network estimated that the genre grew by 15-20 per cent more than the previous year’s figure which was Rs 700 crore.

    There was an increase in the uptake of HD channels with 10-12 million subscribers availing HD services at the end of FY18. This number is likely to have gone up by the end of the calendar year 2018. The DTH players have been the front-runners in up-selling HD services to their customers with MSOs only managing to garner about 1-1.5 million HD subscribers. On an average, an HD subscriber results in a 1.5-1.7x ARPU as compared to SD subscribers.

    Another challenge that these genres will have to face in the coming years will be that of the growing presence of OTT. With data cost coming down and access to content widening (over 30 OTT players already), viewers could be tempted to skip the remote in favour of their cell phones whenever they wish to watch an English show or movie. What still works in favour of TV is its picture consistency, which gets hampered on OTT due to unstable data, and the screen size. For now, it also looks like OTT players, including ones from SPNI and ZEEL, are more focused on creating new content rather than depend on seen ones to grow viewership.

  • AXN launches a brand new Original series ‘Twinning’

    AXN launches a brand new Original series ‘Twinning’

    MUMBAI: Lights, Camera, Fashion! AXN announces its brand-new reality home production, Twinning – a one-stop-destination for all things fashion – fashion that is relatable, easy to follow and cool to twin with. From the latest hits and misses to DIY styles, Twinning is a double doze on fashion that decodes each style element and spins it in the most wearable way.  

    The weekly show will premiere on October 14 @ 9 pm on AXN and will also stream on SonyLIV.

    An AXN Original, the series is hosted by two of India’s most sought-after, young fashion trend setters, Gabriella Demetriades and Erika Packard. While Gabriella has her own fashion label that is glamorous and edgy, Erika, on the other hand, is a fashion model with a more casual style and demeanour. Together, they will take India by storm giving viewers different looks and fashion tips stemming from their unique sensibilities and individual style.

    Produced by Condenast, each episode of the 10-part series will have a distinct fashion theme and a tete-a-tete with the most influential men and women achievers who have redefined fashion. Personalities like Neeta Lulla, Pooja Dhingra, Elton Fernandes, Alisha Abdullah and others give a peek into their personal style.

    Mia by Tanishq has come onboard as the presenting sponsor and will play an important part by helping the hosts accessorise their looks. 

  • SPN India launches its second cookery show ‘AXN Ultimate Cook-Off – The Marriott Challenge’

    SPN India launches its second cookery show ‘AXN Ultimate Cook-Off – The Marriott Challenge’

    MUMBAI: Sony Pictures Network India’s English entertainment channel AXN has partnered with Marriott International, one of the largest hospitality chains in the world, for a unique culinary show ‘AXN Ultimate Cook-Off – The Marriott Challenge’. This show is one-of-its kind as the channel will exclusively premiere it on 12 October with a single 45-minute long episode. The show is produced by Foodlooking’s Ashraf Abbas and directed by Bibartan Ghosh. The production house specializes in food-based shows.
    The channel will have its second cookery-based show Top Chef, which is currently in its 14th season. Marriott International will also be the presenting sponsor for Top Chef Season 14, scheduled to air this month on AXN – Monday-Friday 9 pm.

    SPN India business head English cluster Tushar Shah said: “English entertainment and movie genres are growing as the entire measurement base is increasing. We have seen 8 per cent growth from FY16-17 to FY17-18. In both the genres, there is no specific prime-time because the viewership by nature of the channel doesn’t happen with appointments, unless there is a big premiere that is coming.”
    Marriott International area VP South Asia Neeraj Govil said, “At Marriott International Inc., we aspire to be leaders in every aspect. Culinary experiences always have and will continue to drive focus for us. This association gives us yet another platform to showcase our cooking styles, abilities and innovations in the F&B domain, while offering diverse, culinary experiences of the highest standards and celebrating the progressive culinary talent of our chefs across Marriott.”

    Marriott International and AXN’s partnership will bring to life innovative content as well as memorable guest experiences. Viewers will also get to know five celebrated Marriott chefs through vignettes aired on AXN showcasing their expertise and passion for food.
    “The time spent and the reach on both the genres has been extremely good. With 32 channels in our network and with digital footprints of 5.5 to 6 million we will utilize all these platforms. Not only the show is going to air on AXN but it will be streamed on SonyLiv around the same time,” Shah added.

    Marriott International senior culinary director Asia Pacific chef Toine Hoeksel who leads more than 30 brands under the Marriott family, visited India to judge the cook- off. Other judges included chef Himanshu Taneja, Culinary Director, India, Marriott International and famed actor-cum-producer, Chitrangda Singh.
    The show will be a head-to-head face off between four celebrated chefs from various brands within the Marriott portfolio. The contestants will display their skills through different culinary challenges and will be scored on their versatility, proficiency and creativity. The winning dish will make it to the menu of more than 100 Marriott International hotels across India.