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Tag: Batman

  • The Indian Garage Co teams up with Warner Bros for superhero chic

    The Indian Garage Co teams up with Warner Bros for superhero chic

    MUMBAI: The Indian Garage Co (TIGC) has struck a deal with Warner Bros Discovery Global Consumer Products (WBDGCP), unleashing a new collection that’s a proper mash-up of superhero swagger and cartoon capers. It’s aiming to tickle the nostalgia bone of Gen Z, blending iconic characters with modern street style.

    Think Batman’s brooding aesthetic mixed with Looney Tunes’ lunacy, and you’re halfway there. The collection spans everything from DC superhero streetwear to Tom and Jerry’s playful designs, all aimed at the fashion-forward youth who want to wear their fandom on their sleeves – literally.

    Take a look:

    * DC Super Hero Collection: Embrace the power of Superman, Batman, The Flash, and Wonder Woman with high-quality DC Super Hero-inspired streetwear.
    * Batman Collection: Dark, minimal, and Gotham City inspired aesthetics for fans of the Dark Knight.
    * Superman Collection: Bold, powerful, and statement-making styles infused with strength and heroism.
    * Cartoon Network Collection: Nostalgic yet fashionable classics for those who love timeless characters.
    * Looney Tunes Collection: Fun, graphic-heavy streetwear featuring Bugs Bunny, Daffy Duck, and more.
    * Tom and Jerry Collection: Playful yet sophisticated styles that capture the timeless antics of this beloved duo.

    TIGC founder & chief executive Anant Tanted is quite kicked up about the partnership. “We’re pleased to bring this unique collection inspired by Warner Bros. Discovery’s IPs to our customers. This collaboration blends the magic of these iconic characters with our commitment to making high-quality, global trend-forward fashion accessible to all, especially the GenZ audience. We believe this collection will resonate with fans and fashion-enthusiasts of all ages, offering a fresh and exciting way to express their love for these timeless stories.”

    The collection boasts a smorgasbord of apparel, including comfy tees, polo shirts, shorts, jogger pants, and co-ord sets. It’s a proper wardrobe refresh for anyone wanting to inject a bit of cartoon chaos into their style.

    TIGC, established in 2012, has grown into a Rs 400 crore enterprise, with ambitions to hit Rs 1,500 crore in the next five years. It’s operating under a House of Brands  format, with menswear, womenswear, and plus-size menswear all under one roof. The aim is to be the go-to for gen-z fashion, and with this new collection, the company might just achieve it.

  • DC celebrates Batman Day with online contests, global events and much more

    DC celebrates Batman Day with online contests, global events and much more

    Mumbai: DC has announced that it will celebrate Batman Day on 17 September by providing fans with free comics at participating comic book shops. Titles available include “Batman: Hush” by writer Jeph Loeb and artist Jim Lee and “Batman’s Mystery Casebook – Batman Day Special Edition #1” by writer Sholly Fisch and artist Christopher Uminga.

    Global celebrations for DC’s Batman will once again span the globe as fans celebrate the world’s greatest detective and over 80 years of storytelling around “The Dark Knight.”

    In India, fans will get to participate in exciting social media contests hosted by partner brands like Boat, Shop The Arena, etc. and win gift hampers worth Rs 2,499 to celebrate Dark Knight’s Day.

    In the month of September, Warner Bros. consumer products and merchandise brands such as Be Young, BonKids, That Dog in Tuxedo, Redwolf and many others will offer Batman fans the chance to immerse in the world of Gotham with cool range of Batman products on sale on their websites and also have a chance to win gift hampers worth Rs 2,499 and Rs 2,999.

    DC is also releasing a special edition of 2002’s “Batman #608,” the first chapter of Jeph Loeb and Jim Lee’s 12-part mystery spanning Gotham City and the Dark Knight’s greatest foes, to get fans excited about the upcoming “Batman: Hush 20th Anniversary Edition” hardcover, available in October.

    Fans anywhere can tune in and see that Batman’s incredible Rogue’s Gallery has hacked Batman’s social channels–and is taking over the DC Shop! DC fans can follow along on social media as iconic super-villains share their thoughts on the world’s greatest detective on Batman on Twitter, and check the DC Shop for new, super-villain themed merchandise.

    Batman Day with HBO Max

    HBO Max announced the lead voice cast behind the upcoming animated feature-length film “Batman Azteca: Choque De Imperios.”  Kids and families can also celebrate with Batwheels, DC’s first-ever Batman preschool series, which will zoom into Batman Day with a half-hour origin special premiering exclusively first on Cartoonito on HBO Max in the US and LATAM.

  • Spotify, Warner Bros and DC announce multi-year partnership to produce original podcast slate

    Spotify, Warner Bros and DC announce multi-year partnership to produce original podcast slate

    NEW DELHI: In a collaborative and innovative effort to further increase premium content offerings for consumers, Spotify, Warner Bros and DC (the home of Superman, Batman, Wonder Woman, Harley Quinn, The Joker and many more iconic DC Super Heroes and Super-Villains) today announced a new multi-year deal to produce and distribute an original slate of narrative scripted podcasts, marking the first pact of its kind between the companies. 

    Spotify, the world’s leading audio streaming subscription service, is committed to an annual slate of new dramatic and comedic podcasts that Warner Bros. will develop and produce. Under terms of the deal, Spotify will have a first look at original scripted narrative DC podcasts, including new shows based on the vast universe of premier, iconic DC characters. The initial slate of projects under the partnership will also tap into Warner Bros.’ broader collection of timeless titles for additional series. 

    In addition to producing narratives based on existing characters and established franchises from across Warner Bros. and DC, the companies will also collaborate to create new programming from original intellectual property.

    On the Warner Bros. side, the partnership will be managed through a cross-divisional effort led by Peter Girardi and Robert Steele, who will co-develop and produce the programming in collaboration with Spotify, which will be responsible for the marketing, advertising, and distribution of the shows exclusively on its platform. Girardi — executive vice president of Blue Ribbon Content and of alternative programming at Warner Bros. Animation — will serve as the creative lead, and Steele — senior vice president, business strategy and operations, Warner Bros. Digital Networks — will spearhead strategic business aspects of the partnership for the Studio.

    “As we continue to see explosive growth in podcasting around the world, we are thrilled to partner with Warner Bros. to build this slate of programming drawn from the worlds of DC and WB,” commented Dawn Ostroff, chief content and advertising business officer, Spotify, who continued: “We could not be more excited to be working with Robert, Peter and the entire Warner Bros. and DC teams to deliver new exclusive stories to the more than 286 million Spotify users.”

    “Warner Bros. has been synonymous with compelling and unforgettable storytelling for nearly a century, and we’re continuing to expand that legacy across all types of media platforms for our fans,” said Robert Steele and Peter Girardi, in a joint statement. “Spotify’s deep engagement with its consumers and commitment to prioritizing their podcast vertical makes them an ideal partner in this endeavor. We’re excited to bring beloved characters and franchises from DC and Warner Bros. into this new world and to use our storytelling prowess to redefine what’s possible in the scripted audio space.”

    The agreement with Spotify continues Warner Bros.’ commitment to storytelling across all platforms and builds upon a January 2020 first-look deal WBDN announced with Rainy Day Podcasts — a new company formed by Jagged Films partners Mick Jagger & Victoria Pearman (“Shine a Light,” “Get on Up,” “Vinyl,” “Enigma”), producer Steve Bing (“The Polar Express,” “Marley,” “Neil Young: Heart of Gold,” “Shine a Light”), and Oscar®-nominated writer Josh Olson (“A History of Violence”) — to produce a slate of original narrative podcasts.

  • Time Warner FY-16 and fourth quarter numbers up

    Time Warner FY-16 and fourth quarter numbers up

    BENGALURU: Time Warner Inc. (Time Warner) reported higher numbers across all divisions and important parameters for the year (FY-16, current quarter) and the quarter (Q4-16, current quarter) ended 31 December 2016 as compared to the corresponding year ago periods.  Warner Bros, Turner and Home Box Office (HBO) all reported increase in revenues and operating incomes. The two major blips were a 1.6 percent (US19 million) decline in advertising revenue in Q4-16 to $1,187 million from$1,206 million in Q4-15; reduction in Warner Bros Videogames and other revenues for both FY-16 and Q4-16.

    Time Warner’s total revenues in FY-16 increased 4.3 percent to $29,318 million from $28,118 million reported for FY-15, while Q4-16 revenues increased 11.5 percent to $7,891 million from $7,079 million. Time Warner’s total operating income in FY-16 increased 9.9 percent to $7,547 million from $6,865 million in QFY-15. The company’s total operating for Q4-16 increased 22 percent to $1,691 million as compared to $1,386 million in Q4-15.

    Time Warner’s total adjusted operating income in FY-16 increased 9.8 percent to $7,601 million from $6,923 million in QFY-15. The company’s total operating for Q4-16 increased 25.2 percent to $1,759 million as compared to $1,405 million in Q4-15.

    Time Warner chairman and CEO Jeff Bewkes said, “We had another very successful year in 2016, demonstrating once more Time Warner’s ability to deliver strong financial performance alongside creative and programming excellence. All our operating divisions increased revenue and profits while also making investments to capitalize on the growing demand for the very best video content and new ways to deliver it to audiences around the world. Warner Bros. is once again the #1 supplier of television shows for the broadcast networks, and had its second-best year ever at the global box office, nearing $5 billion in receipts with such hits as Batman v. Superman: Dawn of Justice, Suicide Squad and Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them.”

    Bewkes continued, “Home Box Office again stood apart with its combination of the biggest Hollywood hit movies and best original programming — receiving more primetime Emmy Awards in 2016 than any other network for the 15th consecutive year and launching Westworld, which is produced by Warner Bros. and is the most-watched new series in HBO’s history. We’re also really pleased with the growth of HBO’s domestic OTT product, and we expanded HBO’s international OTT footprint with launches in Spain, Brazil and Argentina in 2016. Turner continued to strengthen its leadership with TBS, TNT and Adult Swim all ranking among ad-supported cable’s top five networks in primetime among adults 18-49 for the year. TBS was the #1 ad-supported entertainment cable network on the strength of great sports and a bold new lineup of originals, including Full Frontal with Samantha Bee, and CNN was the #1 news network among adults 18-49 in primetime and the #1 digital news destination in 2016. The deal to be acquired by AT&T Inc., which we announced in October 2016, will accelerate our efforts to spur innovation in the media industry and further strengthen our businesses. We remain on track to close the transaction later this year.”

    Warner Bros

    Warner Bros revenues for FY-16 were essentially flat at $13,037 million (12,992 million in FY-15). The company says that this reflects higher theatrical and television revenues offset by lower videogames revenues and the impact of foreign exchange rates. Theatrical revenues increased primarily due to the box office releases of Batman v. Superman: Dawn of Justice, Suicide Squad and Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them. Television revenues grew primarily due to increased production. Videogames revenues declined as the prior year benefited from the releases of Mortal Kombat X and Batman: Arkham Knight.

    Warner Bros Operating Income in FY-16 increased 22 percent ($318 million) to $1,734 million from $1,416 million in FY-15 as increased theatrical contributions and a $90 million gain on the April 2016 sale of Flixster more than offset the impact from lower videogames revenues.

    Warner Bros Revenues increased 17 percent ($563 million) to $3,868 million from $3,305 million in Q4-15 which Time Warner says was mainly due to higher theatrical revenues, which benefited from the releases of Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them and The Accountant, and higher television revenues, primarily due to higher licensing revenues and increased production.

    Warner Bros operating Income increased 57 percent ($208 million) to $574 million in Q4-16 from $366 million in Q4-15 primarily due to the increase in revenues, partially offset by higher associated costs of revenues.

    Turner

    Turner revenues in FY-16 increased 7 percent ($768 million) to $11,364 million from $10,596 million in FY-15, benefiting from increases of 12 percent ($630 million) in Subscription revenues and 3 percent ($126 million) in Advertising revenues.

    The company says that the increase in Subscription revenues was due to higher domestic rates and growth at Turner’s international networks, partially offset by the impact of lower domestic subscribers and foreign exchange rates. Advertising revenues benefited from domestic growth and local currency growth at Turner’s international networks, partially offset by the impact of foreign exchange rates. Domestic advertising revenues grew primarily due to Turner’s news business and sports business, including the 2016 NCAA Division I Men’s Basketball National Championship game, partially offset by lower delivery at certain entertainment networks.

    Turner Operating Income increased 7 percent ($285 million) to $4,372 million in FY-16 from $4,087 million in Fy-15 due to the increase in revenues partially offset by higher expenses, including increased programming and marketing costs. Programming costs grew 5 percent primarily due to higher sports costs and increases at Turner’s news business related to its coverage of the 2016 US Presidential election. The increase in marketing costs was primarily associated with new original series related to the TBS and TNT rebrands.

    Turner’s revenues in Q4-16 increased 6.7 percent ($177 million) to $2,838 million from $2,661 million in Q4-15, due to an increase of 14 percent ($182 million) in Subscription revenues and 9 percent ($14 million) in Content and other revenues, partially offset by a decrease of 2 percent ($19 million) in Advertising revenues.

    The company says that Subscription revenues benefited from higher domestic rates and growth at Turner’s international networks, partially offset by the impact of lower domestic subscribers. Content and other revenues increased primarily due to higher licensing revenues. Advertising revenues decreased due to declines at Turner’s international networks, partially due to foreign exchange rates. Domestic advertising was flat with growth at Turner’s news business offset by lower delivery at certain entertainment networks and lower revenues associated with the MLB postseason games.

    Turners Operating Income in Q4-16 increased 8.2 percent ($64 million) to $841 million from $777 million in Q4-15, reflecting revenue growth partially offset by higher expenses, including increased marketing costs primarily due to new original series. Programming expenses were essentially flat.

    Home Box Office (HBO)

    HBO revenues in FY-16 increased 5 percent ($275 million) to $5,890 million from $5,615 million in FY-15, due to increases of 5 percent ($255 million) in Subscription revenues and 2 percent ($20 million) in Content and other revenues. Subscription revenues grew primarily due to higher domestic rates and international growth. The increase in Content and other revenues primarily reflects higher international licensing revenues, partially offset by lower domestic licensing revenues.

    Operating Income in FY-16 increased 2.1 percent ($39 million) to $1,917 million from $1,878 million, reflecting higher revenues partially offset by increased expenses, including higher programming and restructuring and severance costs. Programming costs grew 7 percent, primarily reflecting increased original programming costs, partially offset by a reduction in amortization resulting from a longer estimated utilization period for original programming.

    HBO Revenues increased 5.6 percent ($79 million) to $1,491 million in Q4-16 from $1,412 million, due to increases of 5 percent ($64 million) in Subscription revenues and 7 percent ($15 million) in Content and other revenues. The company says that Subscription revenues increased due to higher domestic rates and international growth. The increase in Content and other revenues primarily reflects higher home entertainment revenues, partially offset by lower international licensing revenues.

    Operating Income increased 9.2 percent ($36 million) to $429 million in Q4-16 from $393 million in Q4-15, due to the increase in revenues partially offset by higher expenses, including increased distribution expenses related to the timing of home video releases. Programming expenses decreased 2 percent mainly due to lower programming charges, partially offset by increased original programming costs.

  • Regional market contributes 12 per cent to Cartoon Network Enterprises

    Regional market contributes 12 per cent to Cartoon Network Enterprises

    MUMBAI: It was a big deal for a 90s kid from non-metro India to get hands on a Batman or Superman figurine. A Justice League T-shirt would have bowled them over because authentic merchandise shopping was a ‘city’ thing, for the sheer lack of access. Hence, counterfeits thrived.

    Since then, the merchandising industry in the country has come a long way given that consumers can now access their favourite character-driven consumer products at the click of a button online, sitting at home. As Cartoon Network Enterprises (CNE) director Anand Singh rightly pointed out, e-commerce has helped Cartoon Network expand the licensing and merchandising business to the regional and Tier I and Tier II markets as well.

    CNE is the licensing and merchandising arm of Turner Broadcasting System Asia Pacific.

    “Earlier, there was a restriction of location, one could have limited inventory per character, pilferage and cost of carrying inventory, and promoter cost added to very high overheads, which made the business difficult. But, e-commerce has revolutionised the process, by adding another distribution channel. The cash-on-delivery proposition has allowed the assortment of products to be exposed to potential consumers in newer markets,” Singh informed.

    Singh shared that 30 per cent of the business done by CNE comes from e-commerce with double-digital growth rate. The merchandising and licensing division itself has grown three times since 2014, thereby identifying e-commerce as one of the key growth drivers.

    Close to 12 per cent of CNE’s business currently comes from the emerging regional markets, including a significant chunk from the north-eastern states.

    “We have recently tied up with a brand called Dukes from Hyderabad.
    There is a company called Kishna Snacks from Guwahati which has done amazing work with the promotional license for Batman Vs Superman, and Tom and Jerry,” Singh said.

    While ease of access through online shopping has been a major boon to the business made in regional markets, it’s the willingness of local and regional brands that have augmented growth. The country’s new-found love for Hollywood superhero movies can be credited for this acceptability.

    And, since CNE also represents the Warner Brothers Consumer Products IP portfolio for south Asian markets, its proposition for the regional markets has only increased. The portfolio includes hit favourites like Tom & Jerry, Looney Tunes, Scooby Doo, Superheroes from the DC portfolio such as Batman, Superman, Flash, along with various WB movie franchises such as Harry Potter series and TV shows such as F.R.I.E.N.D.S. and Big Bang Theory, etc.

    “We see a lot of interest from the regional FMCG and food and beverage players. It all comes down to the resonance with these classical franchises. Brands have come to realise that buying licenses to these properties is not as expensive as they thought it was. There was a general assumption in those markets that being regional players it would be too much to go after global franchises. But, that mindset is changing and more and more regional players are opening up to the idea,” he said.

    According to industry guesstimates, currently, licensed merchandised market for character IPs or franchises for kids stands at Rs 5000 crore, growing from Rs 3500 crore, last year. Without sharing any figure, Singh asserted that, though CNE may not add huge numbers to the network’s top line, it’s a highly profitable business.

    In 2012, Cartoon Network Enterprises was expecting a turnover of Rs.1,650 crore in the next three years as against a Rs.850 crore turnover previously, according to media reports (source:
    licensing.org)

    Of the major 500 licensees, CNE handles close to 135 across India and south Asian markets with more than 5000 SKUs on retail across mass distribution, modern trade and e-commerce. Currently, CNE South Asia looks after the territories of India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka and Nepal, which will be added later this year.

    CNE’s most recent tie-ups include strategic partnerships with Myntra for apparel and fashion accessories and a DTR (direct to retail) deal with Future Group across product categories.

  • Regional market contributes 12 per cent to Cartoon Network Enterprises

    Regional market contributes 12 per cent to Cartoon Network Enterprises

    MUMBAI: It was a big deal for a 90s kid from non-metro India to get hands on a Batman or Superman figurine. A Justice League T-shirt would have bowled them over because authentic merchandise shopping was a ‘city’ thing, for the sheer lack of access. Hence, counterfeits thrived.

    Since then, the merchandising industry in the country has come a long way given that consumers can now access their favourite character-driven consumer products at the click of a button online, sitting at home. As Cartoon Network Enterprises (CNE) director Anand Singh rightly pointed out, e-commerce has helped Cartoon Network expand the licensing and merchandising business to the regional and Tier I and Tier II markets as well.

    CNE is the licensing and merchandising arm of Turner Broadcasting System Asia Pacific.

    “Earlier, there was a restriction of location, one could have limited inventory per character, pilferage and cost of carrying inventory, and promoter cost added to very high overheads, which made the business difficult. But, e-commerce has revolutionised the process, by adding another distribution channel. The cash-on-delivery proposition has allowed the assortment of products to be exposed to potential consumers in newer markets,” Singh informed.

    Singh shared that 30 per cent of the business done by CNE comes from e-commerce with double-digital growth rate. The merchandising and licensing division itself has grown three times since 2014, thereby identifying e-commerce as one of the key growth drivers.

    Close to 12 per cent of CNE’s business currently comes from the emerging regional markets, including a significant chunk from the north-eastern states.

    “We have recently tied up with a brand called Dukes from Hyderabad.
    There is a company called Kishna Snacks from Guwahati which has done amazing work with the promotional license for Batman Vs Superman, and Tom and Jerry,” Singh said.

    While ease of access through online shopping has been a major boon to the business made in regional markets, it’s the willingness of local and regional brands that have augmented growth. The country’s new-found love for Hollywood superhero movies can be credited for this acceptability.

    And, since CNE also represents the Warner Brothers Consumer Products IP portfolio for south Asian markets, its proposition for the regional markets has only increased. The portfolio includes hit favourites like Tom & Jerry, Looney Tunes, Scooby Doo, Superheroes from the DC portfolio such as Batman, Superman, Flash, along with various WB movie franchises such as Harry Potter series and TV shows such as F.R.I.E.N.D.S. and Big Bang Theory, etc.

    “We see a lot of interest from the regional FMCG and food and beverage players. It all comes down to the resonance with these classical franchises. Brands have come to realise that buying licenses to these properties is not as expensive as they thought it was. There was a general assumption in those markets that being regional players it would be too much to go after global franchises. But, that mindset is changing and more and more regional players are opening up to the idea,” he said.

    According to industry guesstimates, currently, licensed merchandised market for character IPs or franchises for kids stands at Rs 5000 crore, growing from Rs 3500 crore, last year. Without sharing any figure, Singh asserted that, though CNE may not add huge numbers to the network’s top line, it’s a highly profitable business.

    In 2012, Cartoon Network Enterprises was expecting a turnover of Rs.1,650 crore in the next three years as against a Rs.850 crore turnover previously, according to media reports (source:
    licensing.org)

    Of the major 500 licensees, CNE handles close to 135 across India and south Asian markets with more than 5000 SKUs on retail across mass distribution, modern trade and e-commerce. Currently, CNE South Asia looks after the territories of India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka and Nepal, which will be added later this year.

    CNE’s most recent tie-ups include strategic partnerships with Myntra for apparel and fashion accessories and a DTR (direct to retail) deal with Future Group across product categories.

  • Warner & DC Entertainment launch websites for kids

    Warner & DC Entertainment launch websites for kids

    MUMBAI: Warner Bros. Consumer Products (WBCP) and DC Entertainment have launched three new entertainment destinations for kids namely ScoobyDoo.com, LooneyTunes.com and DCKids.com that will engage fans with all their favorite Warner Bros. characters and DC Comics Super Heroes in a dynamic immersive experience, featuring original new content.

     

    “Now, more than ever, providing universal access to a world of content is key to engaging even our youngest fans. We are excited to offer this new entertainment experience that delivers fun and engagement for kids across multiple digital platforms,” said Warner Bros. Consumer Products executive vice president Karen McTier.

     

    With key interactive features designed to offer exciting content to kids any time they want from any Internet-connected device in the format they have grown to expect in today’s digital environment, ScoobyDoo.com, LooneyTunes.com and DCKids.com are now launched and will allow kids to experience immersive worlds 24/7 and connect with Warner Bros.’ beloved franchise animation characters and the famed universe of DC Comics.

     

    The WB Kids character driven environments, ScoobyDoo.com and LooneyTunes.com, will inspire imagination and encourage interaction with many of Warner Bros.’ most recognizable franchise animation characters, including Bugs Bunny, Daffy Duck, Scooby-Doo, Shaggy and the Gang, engaged through fan-favorite content, exclusive videos, interactive and downloadable activities, comics and exciting games.

     

    “With DCKids.com our goal is to provide a kids-focused online destination that delivers unparalleled access to our iconic characters such as Batman, Superman and Wonder Woman in a way that is fun, engaging and appropriate for our younger fans. We know kids have an affinity for our characters, and that interacting with DC Super Heroes can be inspirational and a powerful source of imagination and play,” said DC Entertainment SVP marketing and global franchise management Amit Desai.

     

    DCKids.com will feature DC Comics’ Super Heroes, including Batman, Superman, Wonder Woman and more, in exciting games and interactive ways to play. Original digital shorts from Batman Unlimited and DC Super Friends will be featured on the site.

     

    Developed for kids aged 4-11, the discoverable digital ecosystem offers relatable entertainment for kids through these immersive worlds that feature components such as original content, videos, downloadable activities, games, quizzes and contests. Additionally, an international market rollout in Australia, Brazil, France, Germany, Italy, Mexico, Portugal, Russia, Spain and the UK is planned for the coming months.

  • DMG Entertainment invests in Valiant; to make new superhero movies

    DMG Entertainment invests in Valiant; to make new superhero movies

    MUMBAI: Watch out Spiderman, Superman and Batman. The superhero universe just got bigger. Valiant Entertainment has secured an undisclosed nine-figure investment from Chinese entertainment company DMG, the co-producers and co-financiers of Iron Man 3. The investment will be for feature-film financing as well as publishing, television and licensing opportunities.

     

    DMG chief executive officer Dan Mintz said, “Comic superheroes are profitable and highly sought intellectual properties for film franchises so taking a stake in the last indecent massive comic universe is a strategic investment for DMG that will produce movies and TV that are both appealing and relevant to a global audience.”

     

    Current projects under development at Valiant include Shadowman, Bloodshot and Archer & Armstrong. Bloodshot is in development with Sony Pictures and Neal Moritz’s Original Film (producers of the Fast and the Furious and Jump Street franchises). Shadowman, with a script by J. Michael Straczynski, and Archer & Armstrong, being written by Bendavid Grabinski, are also in development.

     

    In addition to developing films for release in the United States and China, Valiant and DMG will develop the former’s characters for new audiences in China and the Asia-Pacific region. DMG and Valiant will also be pursuing Chinese licensing for Valiant properties beyond film in publishing, animation and theme parks, as well as toys and apparel.

  • Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment unveils multiple mobile games

    Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment unveils multiple mobile games

    MUMBAI: Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment has unveiled its slate of upcoming mobile game releases, showcasing diverse free-to-play and premium gaming experiences and leveraging some of the world’s most powerful franchises, including Batman, DC Comics, Mortal Kombat, the Lego brand and Game of Thrones.

     

    “Our mobile business has been a key priority for the company, and we are utilizing our incredibly talented internal development teams to create games with marquee franchises. We’ve seen tremendous growth with our mobile business and expect to increase our market share by applying our best in class development, publishing and brand marketing to this impressive slate of games,” said Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment EVP and general manager David Haddad.

     

    The following are five new games under development with Warner Bros.’ wholly-owned development studios:

     

    • Mortal Kombat X, NetherRealm Studios: The game blends fighting and card collection for a whole new way to experience Mortal Kombat on mobile platforms. Featuring cinematic gameplay and visceral Fatalities, play as legendary and all-new fighters created for Mortal Kombat X. Players who also own a forthcoming console or PC version of the game will have the ability to unlock content in the mobile game and vice versa.

     

    • Batman: Arkham Underworld, Turbine: Rule Gotham City! Build your hideout, then recruit and train an army of henchmen to do your bidding. Command iconic super-villains from the Batman: Arkham universe, including the Riddler, Harley Quinn and Killer Croc, to become Gotham City’s next criminal kingpin. Sign up for beta at www.arkhamunderworld.com.

     

    • Lego Batman: Beyond Gotham, TT Games: The Caped Crusader joins forces with the super heroes of the DC Comics universe in this premium game and blasts off to outer space to stop the evil Brainiac from destroying Earth. Now the greatest super heroes and the most cunning villains must unite and stop Brainiac before it’s too late.

     

    • DC Comics Legends, WB Games San Francisco: Gamers will grow their collection of legendary DC Comics super heroes and villains, customizing super teams with the right heroes for each encounter in this mobile RPG.

     

    • Game of Thrones, Turbine: Conquer Westeros in an epic combat strategy game based on the hit television series from HBO. Prove the wit of your spies and the might of your forces on the battlefield as you extend your dominance across the seven Kingdoms. Join an alliance, rise to power, and then try to take the Iron Throne if you dare!

     

    “In just four years, we have launched 25 games with more than 150 million installs worldwide across diverse fighting, strategy, puzzle and action adventure genres, and we will focus our business on a strong games-as-a-service model in 2015. Our line-up of strong titles will deliver deep player engagement, as well as innovation like console game connectivity with games including Mortal Kombat X and Batman: Arkham Underworld,” said Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment senior vice president, mobile, social and emerging platforms Greg Ballard. 

     

    This line-up of forthcoming games is accompanied by two titles launched earlier in 2015: WWE Immortals, which has achieved more than seven million installs since going live on15 January, and The Lego Movie Videogame for mobile devices, which delivered one of WBIE’s highest grossing launch weeks ever for a Lego mobile game.

  • Turner India expands kids portfolio with Toonami

    Turner India expands kids portfolio with Toonami

    MUMBAI: In order to provide an extra dose of entertainment, Turner International India is expanding its kid’s entertainment portfolio with the launch of a new action-adventure channel – Toonami. 

     

    The channel aims to bring high-octane animated action to kids, superhero fans and their families across the country.

     

    The new channel, which is based on the programming block of the same name on Cartoon Network in the US, is a 24-hour English action and anime destination designed for viewers seeking a full tilt, rollercoaster ride of adventure, quips, drama and a whole lot more. 

     

    The channel has a significant presence in Asia Pacific across 14 countries including Singapore, Philippines, Thailand, Hong Kong, Indonesia and Sri Lanka amongst others.

     

    In India, Toonami complements Turner’s kids’ entertainment portfolio of Cartoon Network and Pogo.

     

    Turner International India managing director, South Asia Siddharth Jain believes that it will meet the growing demand for premium quality action-adventure and superhero content. 

     

    “It is a real proud moment for Turner to bring in a channel like Toonami to our young Indian audiences – we now offer a robust entertainment experience for all ages and interests,” he said.

     

    The channel will feature superhero franchises such as Batman, Superman, Transformers: Robots in Disguise, Justice League, Inazuma Eleven Go, Dragon Ball Z and many more.

     

    Toonami is being distributed by Taj Television and is available on digital cable platforms like Siticable, Indusind Media (Incable), ICNCL, Home Cable and JPR Cable Network across Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata and Bangalore.