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Tag: Big Cinemas

  • Carnival gets the green signal to acquire Big Cinemas

    Carnival gets the green signal to acquire Big Cinemas

    NEW DELHI: The acquisition by the Carnival Group of the Big Cinemas chain owned by Anil Ambani’s Reliance MediaWorks has been cleared by the Competition Commission of India (CCI).

     

    It is learnt that the South India-based Carnival Group had offered $112 million for Big Cinemas in December 2014. 

     

    In January this year, Carnival also acquired Stargaze Entertainment’s cinemas. The company now has a total of 330 screens, making Carnival India’s third largest multiplex operator. The Inox group has 361 screens while market leader PVR has 454.
     

    The proposed transaction will reduce Reliance Capital’s overall debt by Rs 700 crore and is part of Reliance Capital’s strategy to exit minority investments.

    CCI said in its order that “the proposed combination is not likely to have an appreciable adverse effect on competition in India.”

    Under the agreement executed on 14 December, 2014, the film exhibition business of Reliance MediaWorks along with the food and beverages business, which is a part of the film exhibition business (but excluding all forms of film exhibition through Internet, mobile or television of Reliance MediaWorks), would be transferred to Cinema Ventures Private Ltd (CVPL) – a subsidiary of Reliance MediaWorks.
     

    As many as 88 cinemas (72 multiplexes and 16 single screen cinemas) operated by Reliance MediaWorks having 238 screens are proposed to be transferred by Reliance MediaWorks to CVPL.
     

    Following this, Carnival will acquire 98 per cent stake in CVPL whereas a director of Carnival will acquire the remaining two per cent shareholding.
     

    “It is noted that pursuant to the proposed combination, there are overlaps between Carnival, Stargaze and Reliance MediaWorks with respect to the multiplexes in seven cities namely Indore, Mumbai, Dindigul, Ghaziabad, Dehradun, Raipur and Ajmer,” the order said.
     

    However, CCI observed that in Indore, Mumbai, Ghaziabad, Dehradun, Raipur and Ajmer, “competition concerns may not arise as there are other multiplexes in these cities exercising competitive constraint on the acquirer pursuant to the proposed combination in terms of the pricing and services offered within the cinemas.”
     

    In the case of Dindigul, it was stated that “it is unlikely that the combination would result in increase in prices or would have an adverse impact on the amenities provided to the consumers in Dindigul.”
     

    The deal struck between Carnival Cinemas and Reliance MediaWorks will exclude Imax Wadala (Mumbai) and some other properties worth Rs 200 crore.
     

    Reliance Capital is the parent firm of Reliance MediaWorks, which operates one of the largest cinema chains, under the brand BIG Cinemas.

  • World Wide Open wins the digital mandate for BIG Cinemas

    World Wide Open wins the digital mandate for BIG Cinemas

    MUMBAI: World Wide Open, digital brand partner and strategy consultants have recently bagged the digital duties for BIG Cinemas. The objective of this campaign, developed by WWO, is to increase user engagement for BIG Cinemas, utilizing all mediums of digital marketing and reaching out to the target audience in bulk, as their customers are all online. Along with helping them with designing their website, WWO will also manage and strategies the media planning and buying, social media management, developing mobile applications and the marketing campaigns for their digital audiences.

     

    Commenting on the new account win, Manish Agarwal, CEO, Reliance Entertainment Digital said, “We at WWO (World Wide Open) are extremely excited to work with BIG Cinemas, which is one of the largest chains of cinemas in India. We look forward to help them augment their brand through a delightful consumer experience across all internet connected touch points in a scalable and sustained manner.”

     

    Kushal Sanghvi, Head, World Wide Open commented, “With BIG Cinemas on board, we aim to bridge the gap between the digital and creative aspect of the brand. With some path breaking campaigns designed for them already, the team at WWO is all charged up to serve BIG Cinemas in the best way possible.”

     

    Commenting on the associating with WWO, Shirish Srivastava Sr. VP – Sales & Marketing, BIG Cinemas said, “At BIG Cinemas, we are taking a lot of path breaking initiatives to deliver business value. A robust and dynamic digital presence is critical in this regard, and so we are very happy to have WWO on board.”

     

    World Wide Open is Reliance Group’s new vertical under Reliance Entertainment Digital. Positioned as digital brand partners and digital strategy consultants, WWO aims to fulfill the gap of Digital Brand partner who can help in brand building primarily via digital, by having under one roof, combination of skill sets namely deep consumer insights, strategic brand thinking, conceptualization ability of digital products & services, knowledge of technology to drive innovations and content creativity to engage consumers with contextual and innovative content.

     

    BIG Cinemas, is India’s largest cinema chain with about 516 screens spread across India, US and Malaysia. After pioneering the IMAX experience in India, it recently launched 3D and 6D technology and is the only cinema chain to screen films in all three formats. It is also launching the first megaplexes in the country.

  • Indian screen community celebrates cinema on world IP day

    Indian screen community celebrates cinema on world IP day

    MUMBAI: In recognition of innovation and creativity in content industries, the MPDA is partnering with local screen associations and industry bodies to organize events in support of World IP Day, this year designated Movies: A Global Passion.

    On April 26, 2014, in association with strategic alliance partner, the Andhra Pradesh Film Chamber of Commerce (APFCC) and leading multiplex chains across the country, the MPDA launched an online quiz for multiplex staff entitled ‘Be A Movie Cop’. This initiative attempts to raise awareness on the threats and challenges of camcording in cinemas, while rewarding theatre staff with exciting prizes, including a ‘Movie Cop’ badge in recognition of their efforts to curb content theft in their cinemas.

    “We are happy to collaborate with the Motion Picture Dist. Association, India and the APFCC on this interactive and educative initiative. Cinema staff are the frontline of defense and need to be equipped with the right understanding and tools to help combat camcording in cinemas,” said Ashish Saksena, Chief Operating Officer, Big Cinemas.

    “As the leading multiplex chain in the country, we at INOX take ample measures to curb piracy across all our multiplexes. We are happy to be a part of this initiative of MPDA, India and the APFCC to combat this menace and will continue our efforts to uproot and eradicate this threat out of our industry.” said Daizy Lal, Chief Operating Officer, Inox Leisure Ltd.

    On April 26, in celebration of the global passion for movies, the American Center, New Delhi in association with MPDA (India) will host special screenings of three Hollywood blockbuster films – Captain America: The Winter Soldier, Disney – UTV, Noah – Viacom 18 and Rio 2 – Fox Star Studios, India which will also feature an IP quiz. Over 150 guests comprising Government of India officials, the U.S. Embassy and students from various universities will attend the event.

    “India and the United States both have diverse and incredibly vibrant film industries,” says Joshua W. Polacheck, Cultural Attache for north India at the U.S. Embassy in New Delhi, “and we are proud to work together with MPDA, India and our partners across India to promote intellectual property rights. The creative workers in both countries deserve these protections and consumers must understand the very real negative implications of piracy on the cinema we all love.”

    MPDA, India will also participate in a conference organized by FICCI’s IPR division in association with the Department of Intellectual Property Office (IPO). The conference on ‘Fostering Innovations and Creativity in Indian Industry through Intellectual Property for Higher Growth Trajectory’ will focus on the role of IP in boosting creativity, the economic impact and challenges of online content protection in a digital economy.

    Hollywood and Indian cinema both value films as products of Intellectual Property (IP). Audiences are often unaware of the creative process that goes into creating music, lyrics and screenplays and the value of the talent and skill of technicians, composers, lyricists, editors, producers, cinematographers, sound designers, animators, and creators of special effects.

    Cinema is a global passion today and plays a significant role in creating jobs in addition to contributing to the economy of a nation. According to a study commissioned by the Motion Picture Dist. Association, India (MPDA) in association with the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FICCI), the Film Federation of India (FFI) and the Film and Television Producers Guild of India (FTPGI), the Indian motion picture and television industry is one of the largest and fastest growing sectors, contributing c. USD 8.1 billion (c. INR 50,000 Cr.) to the country’s economy, equating to 0.5% of GDP, in 2013, and supports a significant 1.8 million (18.8 lac) jobs.

    “The opportunities to increase potential and growth in this industry would be significant, if content was better protected. Content theft through camcording in cinemas and rogue/ illegitimate websites continues to undermine profits and threatens jobs in our creative industries. As we join our partners on World IP Day to increase awareness and respect for creative works in a digital age, creating a legislative framework that promotes and protects the film industry which supports millions of jobs, while recognizing the challenges of a digital economy is the need of the hour,” said Uday Singh, Managing Director, MPDA, India.

    A copy of the Deloitte Economic Contribution of the Indian Motion Picture and Television Industry 2013 full report and infographic summary are available to view and download at www.mpaa-india.org.

  • 9X Jhakaas to foray into reality space with ‘Heroine’

    9X Jhakaas to foray into reality space with ‘Heroine’

    MUMBAI: 9X Jhakaas, in collaboration with Video Palace, a leading production house that has created Marathi blockbusters like Duniyadari and Hee Porgi Konachi, is all set to premiere Lux Jhakaas Heroine, a grooming reality series that will mark the channel’s foray into the reality space.

     

    Lux Jhakaas Heroine, which has been in the making for the past two months, will see the winner getting an opportunity to play the lead in Mitwaa, an upcoming Marathi film starring Swapnil Joshi (Fu Bai Fu) and Sonalee Kulkarni (Natrang). The film is produced by Meenakshi Sagar Productions and Nanubhai Jaisinghani of Video Palace, and directed bySwapna Waghmare-Joshi (Damadamm).

     

    “We want to bring the youth back in the theatres! The Marathi entertainment industry has created a niche of its own, with a dedicated viewership and growing popularity. There is new talent coming in, and this is the new talent that the country needs,” says 9X Media Group EVP and content head Amar Tidke “We are a regional channel, and a regional channel will do what the region wants; widen the reach of our audience as much as we can. And since we are a music channel, music will play an extremely significant role in Lux Jhakaas Heroine. We will not deviate from music.”

     

    Registrations for Lux Jhakaas Heroine have begun and will be on till 26 March, 2014. Those interested can also register by auditioning on digital platforms. Of the entries received, 60 will be shortlisted and finally pared down to 30 contestants, who will undergo training and grooming before an eminent jury selects the Jhakaas Heroine from among them. Within ten days of announcing the winner, she will start shooting for Mitwaa.

     

    The channel is betting big on the upcoming show which is being promoted extensively across print, radio and digital platforms. Promos are being played in Big Cinemas and UFO screens across Maharashtra. 9X Jhakaas is also promoting the talent hunt across colleges, housing societies and CCD outlets in the state. A brand integration with Radio City is part of the marketing strategy.

     

    “If Heroine is as successful as we are confident it will be, we will consider venturing into similar formats in the near future,” concludes Tidke.

  • Big Cinemas associates with Maniyar Market

    Big Cinemas associates with Maniyar Market

    MUMBAI: Big Cinemas, a division of Reliance MediaWorks and a member of Reliance Group, has announced its association with Maniyar Market – a multi brand retail store into provisions and grains. This association will culminate into the launch of a 7,730 sq ft supermarket inside Big Cinemas. In addition to this, Maniyar Market will also be opening Quick Service Restaurants (QSRs) and eateries inside the premises, catering to the local flavour needs of Aurangabad.

     

    Harihar Maniyar said: “We felt that both Big Cinemas and Maniyar Market follow a format that attracts high footfalls and bringing these together would definitely result in a win-win situation for both. We are extremely glad to be associated with the Reliance Group.”

     

    Big Cinemas, with over 410 screens across the country, has a strong reach in the interiors and metros alike and is gradually adopting a retail model, thereby encouraging F&B as well as lifestyle brands to come together and offer an enhanced experience to customers. 

     

    Big Cinemas head – sales and marketing Shirish Srivastava said: “The association with Maniyar Market is in alignment with our goal to adopt a retail model at Big Cinemas. We are here to integrate cinema viewing along with retail therapy and hope Aurangabad enjoys this pilot project.”

  • Big Cinemas launches a multiplex in Ajmer, Rajasthan

    Big Cinemas launches a multiplex in Ajmer, Rajasthan

    MUMBAI: BIG Cinemas continues with its expansion plans with carefully chosen revenue centers and launches yet another property in Ajmer, Rajasthan in association with Ansal A.P.I. The Big Cinemas Multiplex is located at the Ansal Courtyard Mall.  The Big Cinemas, multiplex in Ajmer is Reliance MediaWorks 98th multiplex in India, and 7th in Rajasthan.  The new Big Cinemas multiplex provides a perfect venue for the inaugural run of new movie releases in Ajmer.

    The new Big Cinemas multiplex will enhance the cinema viewing experience in Ajmer. This cinema is equipped with 2K projection system and Digital Dolby sound, along with 3D screen capabilities for both the screens. Spread across an area of approximately 9,000 sqft the new Big Cinemas multiplex has 2 screens and luxurious seating arrangements. A visit to the new Big Cinema will also be a gastronomic experience as you can choose from an array of fresh burgers, sandwiches and wraps.

    Speaking on the occasion Mr. Venkatesh Roddam, CEO Reliance MediaWorks said, “”We’re looking forward to providing the people of Ajmer a truly state-of-the-art multiplex and a fantastic new amenity that’s fitting for this excellent location.  At Big Cinemas our clients will have the best cinema experience and a great choice of movies close by.  The North West is proving to be a key area for Reliance MediaWorks and we’re very pleased that Ajmer is welcoming us and taking its place as a significant part of our national business.”

    Commenting on the launch, Mr. Ashish Saksena COO Big Cinemas said, “We want to ensure that Ajmer is at the forefront of cutting edge cinema entertainment and our investment in the city highlights our commitment and dedication to creating the ultimate entertainment experience for everyone in the area. “

    The two-screen multiplex will offer patrons the luxurious ‘Big Cinemas’ experience. Big Cinemas looks to set the bar for delivering the premium cinema-going experience to the people of Ajmer.

    At Big Cinemas ‘You Matter’, our mission is to deliver an unforgettable entertainment experiences, and we look forward to presenting the world’s biggest blockbusters in the world’s most immersive cinematic format to the people of Ajmer. Mr. Saksena added.

     

  • Big Cinemas launch a multiplex in Kundli Haryana

    Big Cinemas launch a multiplex in Kundli Haryana

    MUMBAI: Pushing up the cadence of its expansion plans, Reliance MediaWorks is all set to launch a Big Cinemas, multiplex in Kundli Haryana. Conveniently located at Ansal Highway Plaza Mall one of the most happening and widely popular places in the city. Big Cinemas multiplex in Kundli is Reliance MediaWorks 96th multiplex in India, 3rd in Haryana and 32ndin Northern India. The multiplex will be inaugurated by Shri. Mr. Chandra Shekhar, IAS (Deputy Commissioner, Sonipat) and Mr. Pranav Ansal, Vice Chairman Ansal API.

    The new Big Cinemas multiplex will enhance the cinema viewing experience in Kundli. This cinema is equipped with 2K projection system and is equipped with a 3D screen and fully digital sound. Spread across an area of approximately 28000 sqft the new Big Cinemas multiplex has 3 screens and a seating capacity of approximately 666 people. The opening of the multiplex coincides with the most eagerly awaited film of the year Dhoom 3 which will be screened at the theatre.

    Speaking on the occasion Mr. Venkatesh Roddam, CEO Reliance MediaWorks said, “Big Cinemas have consistently delivered a differentiated entertainment experience that has not only delighted our guests but offered us a competitive edge that has strengthened our business. Throughout the network, of Big Cinemas the quality of film theaters and services is constantly being improved notably through the development of digital projection to offer both higher projection quality and a greater diversity of films. We look forward to introducing audiences to a movie-going experience unlike anything they’ve experienced before.”

    Commenting on the launch, Mr. Ashish Saksena COO Big Cinemas said, “We are reinforcing our presence in North India with the expansion of our cinemas business and are extremely happy to extend the reach of our most vibrant brand, Big Cinemas to the residents of Kundli. We are confident that our new multiplex would receive a warm welcome from the discerning audience in the city because of the unparalleled movie experience and extremely enjoyable ambience that Big Cinemas offers.”

  • Reliance MediaWorks yet to conclude PE deal; in talks to extend exclusivity period

    Reliance MediaWorks yet to conclude PE deal; in talks to extend exclusivity period

    MUMBAI: For cash-strapped Reliance MediaWorks (RMW), a big relief was the promise of private equity financing. But the Anil Ambani-controlled film and entertainment services company said Monday it is yet to conclude the Rs 6.05 billion equity investment deal it had signed with a private equity firm last year.

    The company clarified that “no definitive agreement has been executed in respect of the proposed transaction.” RMW has not yet named the private equity firm.

    RMW said it is in talks with the private equity firm to extend the exclusivity term-sheet period for Rs 6.05 billion investment for a minority stake in the company. The window expired on 15 October 2012.

    The company and the fund are in the process of extending the exclusivity period, RMW clarified.

    The company had last year announced that it had signed a term-sheet with an unnamed PE fund to get an investment of Rs 6.05 billion for the debt-ridden company, whose entire net worth got eroded due to consecutive losses.

    The investment was to be made in a subsidiary company of RMW under which the media services division would be housed.

    While Reliance has declined to divulge the name of the PE firm, a report in a business daily had speculated that the company was in talks with L Capital, the private equity arm of the world‘s biggest luxury company LVMH.

    Meanwhile, the company which had extended its financial year till 30 September 2012, has narrowed its net loss to Rs 1.16 billion in the quarter ended 31 December, from Rs 1.5 billion a year earlier.

    RMW’s income from operations for the third quarter remained flat at Rs 2.02 billion against Rs 2.07 billion a year ago. The company also contained its expenses in the third quarter at Rs 2.6 billion against Rs 2.89 billion a year earlier.

    RMW operates three businesses — film distribution under BIG Cinemas, TV production unit under Big Synergy, and a film and media services segment.

    The company‘s loss from film services division before tax and interest widened to Rs 386.3 million in the third quarter from Rs 85.23 million a year earlier, while the revenue from this segment declined to Rs 322.1 million from Rs 534.3 million a year earlier.

    Its loss from theatrical exhibition declined to Rs 220.9 million from Rs 510.3 million a year earlier. However, its revenue remained flat at Rs 1.42 billion against Rs 1.47 billion a year earlier.

    The television/film production and distribution business, the only profitable segment for the company, posted a profit of Rs 98.88 million in the third quarter, up from Rs 17.39 million a year ago. The division’s revenue grew to Rs 334.4 million in the third quarter from Rs 128.8 million in the earlier year.

  • RMW divests stake in Malaysian exhibition circuit to focus on India

    RMW divests stake in Malaysian exhibition circuit to focus on India

    MUMBAI: As part of the ongoing strategic reorganisation, Reliance MediaWorks has announced the divestment of 100 per cent stake of the Big Cinemas‘ exhibition circuit in Malaysia to MGO NAF VI Cinematic Holdings Limited (Navis), a private equity fund.

    According to RMW, the divestment will help it bring greater focus to its high growth potential exhibition business in India.

    The circuit has been consistently profitable and contributes a market share of eight per cent of the box office in Malaysia, with strong parameters in admits revenue per customer and experience. Navis recently acquired MBO Cinemas in Malaysia, and the Big Cinemas‘ portfolio complements the MBO circuit well in terms of location and coverage.

    Reliance MediaWorks intends to further enhance its focus on the Big Cinemas network in India, to benefit from the buoyant growth opportunity in the domestic market.

  • Documentary on Rat killers releasing 20 April

    Documentary on Rat killers releasing 20 April

    MUMBAI: Filmmaker Miriam Chandy Menacherry‘s documentary on rat killers titled The Rat Race is set to release in theatres on 20 April.

    Said Menacherry, “The theatre release in India is an emotional moment for it is here in my own country that I want the film to be seen.”

    The film is a true-life account of the city‘s rat killers. Every night as the rest of the city sleeps, young boys armed with torches and sticks set out to bring back 30 dead rats that are counted every morning. The rats are then disposed in the Deonar dumping ground where they are either incinerated or just dumped.

    Dark, disturbing yet humourous, the entire film was shot over two years amidst the city‘s changing seasons and circumstances of rat killers. However, the filmmaker could not capture the happenings at the dumping ground as the unit was refused permission to shoot there.

    The film has been made in such a way that it allows ex-supervisor Pest Control Department of Mumbai, BMC Behram Harda run through the film with a sort of narration.

    Interestingly, Harda, who dreamt of becoming a Bollywood dancer when he was just 16, will see his dream come true with the release of the film.

    The film is being released by PVR and Big Cinemas.