ITV

Tag: content syndication

  • One Life Studios brings in syndication veteran Govind Shahi as strategic advisor to sharpen global playbook

    One Life Studios brings in syndication veteran Govind Shahi as strategic advisor to sharpen global playbook

    MUMBAI: In a plot twist worthy of its own primetime drama, One Life Studios has just cast a syndication superstar in a key behind-the-scenes role. The content licensing and syndication powerhouse has brought on board industry heavyweight Govind Shahi as strategic advisor. And no, this isn’t just another boardroom shuffle—it’s a strategic power move with its eyes on the global prize.

    Announced on 24 March 2025, the appointment comes as One Life Studios doubles down on its mission to take Indian storytelling to far-flung corners of the globe. With a legacy of distributing epic serials like Mahabharat, Porus and RadhaKrishn, the company is already India’s leading ambassador of mythological multiverses.

    Shahi, previously international business head at Viacom18’s Indiacast, knows the international syndication game like the back of his remote control. Under his watch. And now, with Shahi in the driver’s seat, One Life Studios plans to fast-track its global conquest.

    “At One Life Studios, our mission has always been to take powerful Indian stories to the world while curating exceptional global content for Indian audiences. Govind’s deep understanding of international markets and his strategic expertise make him the perfect partner to help us accelerate this vision. We are excited to have him join us as we continue to push boundaries and bring great stories to viewers everywhere,” said One Life Studios CEO & founder Siddharth Kumar Tewary.

    Clearly, the company isn’t looking to paint by numbers. With a robust content library featuring short films, infotainment, movies, digital and television shows, One Life Studios has been building a content arsenal since 2017 that could rival any OTT behemoth.

    Shahi, in his new role, stated: “I am excited to collaborate with the team at One Life Studios. As the company expands its boundaries and enters a further growth phase, my focus will be on leveraging my experience to elevate its global presence and accelerate expansion into emerging markets, forging key partnerships. I look forward to bringing the studio’s creative vision to international audiences and pioneering new standards in the industry.”

    If the strategy pans out, this won’t just be a boost for One Life Studios—it’ll be a win for Indian storytelling across continents. With the global content bazaar more crowded than a Mumbai local, this is a well-timed wicket.

    With Shahi’s appointment, One Life Studios is eyeing expansion with a sharper, savvier playbook. Acquiring, licensing, and distributing premium content isn’t just their business model—it’s their battleground. And now, with a seasoned general on board, they’re ready to win the next global content war.

  • Prashant Gaonkar gets appointed as CEO of Alpha Pictures

    Prashant Gaonkar gets appointed as CEO of Alpha Pictures

    MUMBAI: Prashant Gaonkar, a seasoned media professional with over 25 years of experience, has been appointed chief executive officer at Alpha Pictures Pte Ltd. Gaonkar, who joined the company this month, brings extensive expertise in content syndication, inflight and maritime entertainment, digital media distribution, and music licensing.

    Throughout his career, Gaonkar has held key leadership positions at major media organisations, driving strategic growth and forging innovative partnerships across global markets.

    Prior to his current role, he served as head of business development at NH Studioz, where he managed India’s largest film library with over 2,500 titles. His responsibilities included content syndication across linear and non-linear platforms, digital business operations on platforms such as YouTube and social media, and leveraging ancillary rights for inflight, maritime, and surface transport sectors.

    Earlier in his career, Gaonkar held the position of vice president, content syndication, and revenue head for music and digital at Eros International. His tenure saw significant achievements, including expanding ErosNow’s music portfolio through partnerships with global streaming platforms such as Amazon Music, Spotify, and YouTube Music. He played a pivotal role in content licensing for broadcast TV and OTT platforms, as well as launching successful AVOD ventures on YouTube.

    Gaonkar’s contributions to inflight entertainment are particularly noteworthy. He spearheaded content syndication initiatives for Eros, securing partnerships with over 59 international airlines and establishing a strong presence in African and European markets.

    He also held the role of head of inflight entertainment at Crest Animation Studios, where he specialised in supplying programming to prominent airlines, including Air India, Emirates, and Gulf Air. Prior to that, he gained valuable experience as client services manager at both Dattaram Advertising and Shells Advertising, as well as marketing officer at Jasubhai Group.

    A physics graduate from K J Somaiya College of Science and Commerce, Gaonkar has consistently demonstrated a strategic approach to media and content distribution, with a focus on scalability and sustainability.

  • MipTV: Docubay to double content offering via content partnerships

    MipTV: Docubay to double content offering via content partnerships

    Mumbai: The longest-running global TV market MipTV kicked off on Monday. Major international production companies, distributors and buyers showcased their ‘wares’ at the industry event that includes programming such as drama, documentary, kids, and factual formats.

    Last year’s edition of MipTV took place virtually and there is a bit of excitement about returning to the on-ground festival this year, according to the industry. The trade event that is held in the Palais de Festivals in Cannes, France brings together a rich conference programme, matchmaking events, and a dedicated co-production marketplace for international producers, buyers, commissioners, and distributors.

    This year, Zee Entertainment Enterprises, Docubay (IN10 Media Network) and GoQuest Media Ventures are attending the event on the buyers’ side whereas IndiaCast, Zee Entertainment Enterprises, One Life Studios, and IndianTelevision.com are attending on the exhibitor’s side.

    As per media reports, Zee Content Sales, the licensing and distribution arm of Zeel, is bringing 40 new shows launched over the last two years to the marketplace. Zee’s lineup includes Bollywood films such as “Sooryavanshi,” “Sanak,” “Squad,” “Uri – The Surgical Strike,” “Rashmi Rocket” and drama series such as “Bhagya Lakshmi,” “Kundali Bhagya,” “Kashibai Bajirao Ballal” and “Baker’s Table.”

    On the buyer’s side, IN10 Media Network senior AVP acquisition and syndication Adita Jain said, “We are excited to meet our colleagues from the industry after two years. This year we wish to expand our content offering by 2X through content partnerships.”

    IN10 Media Network operates several TV channels and OTT platforms. It operates a factual entertainment streaming service called ‘Docubay’ and a recently launched kids’ entertainment channel called Gubbare.

    “We are looking to engage with new emerging aggregators and studios to find a home at our OTT platform, Docubay, for their latest releases. We are also hoping to renew existing partnerships and sign a few new ones,” said Jain.

    “We also hope to find the latest and innovative kids animation series for our kid’s channel – Gubbare. We are very keen to showcase anime, slapstick comedy, chase and adventure series,” she added.

    Post pandemic, Jain remarked that documentaries that find favour with audiences are the ones that are about world leaders, technology, electric cars, digital currencies, e-commerce, sports and adventures, and world politics. She will also be attending the session on ‘Factual and Documentary Trends’ on Monday presented by K7 Media.

    Recently, broadcasters have started developing unscripted shows based on a range of international formats and adapting them to suit Indian viewers. The most successful example is “Shark Tank India” televised on Sony Entertainment Television which is based on a TV format developed by Nippon TV called “Dragon’s Den.” Last year, Zee Tamil had launched the show “Survivor” based on the popular CBS unscripted series of the same name. This year, Viacom18 is launching a bold new unscripted format with “The Inventor Challenge” on its English entertainment channel Colors Infinity based on the American series “Everyday Edisons.” In the previous year, it had launched a reality series “The Big Picture” helmed by actor Ranveer Singh as the host that was based on a format owned by British production and distribution company ITV Studios.

    TV production accounts for 97 per cent of the content in India at 1,55,820 hours of content produced annually excluding 400,000 hours of news bulletins, as per FICCI-EY media and entertainment Report 2022. This is followed by 2512 hours of OTT content and 1972 hours of film content.  

  • Debkumar Dasgupta joins Merzigo Asia as VP & business head of content

    Debkumar Dasgupta joins Merzigo Asia as VP & business head of content

    Mumbai: Debkumar Dasgupta has joined Turkey-based Merzigo as vice president and business head – content for Asia. He was previously with media distribution company IndiaCast as media syndication head for the Middle East and Africa.

    Merzigo provides a range of services including digital curation, directly for broadcasters, distributors and producers including Fox, The Walt Disney Company and KanalD.

    In his new role, Dasgupta will be responsible for the syndication of Turkish drama series in the Asia region focusing on India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, South Korea, Malaysia and Indonesia. He will be leading the content planning, governance, acquisition and delivery operations of the company in the region. 

    Over a career spanning 35 years, Dasgupta’s longest stint was at Viacom18 Media and IndiaCast Media Distribution where he worked for 24 years. He initially managed the domestic distribution of the TV channel Colors and was later appointed to manage the Asia Pacific channel distribution and global content sales and syndication. Later, he was elevated to manage the channel business including subscription, ad sales, syndication in the Middle East and Africa.