ITV

Tag: C&S channels

  • Pearl Media launches operations in South India with Sun TV soap

    Pearl Media launches operations in South India with Sun TV soap

    MUMBAI: Multiple media solutions provider Pearl Media will launch its South India operations with a primetime soap Chidambara Rahasiyam to be aired on Sun TV. The half hour soap will air every Wednesday at 8.30 pm from 30 June onwards.

    Directed by Naga, who has a number of popular programs to his credit, Chidambara Ragasiyam is based on the ancient art of Nadi and is a suspense thriller set in contemporary Tamil Nadu, says an official release.

    Pearl Media has plans to collaborate with both C&S Channels and the national broadcasters and is close to signing up new programmes in the Hindi Language space, adds the release.

  • Nimbus’ Khurana to target C&S channels, films for growth

    Nimbus’ Khurana to target C&S channels, films for growth

    MUMBAI: The newly appointed Nimbus MD and CEO Dr Akash Khurana has already starting initiating the process of making Nimbus a “creative powerhouse” as well as “lean, mean and keen” – the new Nimbus mantra.
     

    Buoyed with the success that Nimbus achieved in the last financial year – a turnover of Rs 1.5 billion that was partly due to the World Cup cricket deals – the company has plans to replicate the “successful sports marketing” model to other areas of operations.

    Dr Khurana has created the road map for the next two or three years wherein growth will be driven by expanding the presence in the television sphere – especially in cable and satellite (C&S) channels in addition to Doordarshan’s affiliate channels; expanding off-shore presence in international TV sales by leveraging the Nimbus catalogue and outsourcing other content from independent producers; and feature films involving collaborations with foreign partners. Sports will still remain a major area of focus.

    Speaking to indiantelevision.com, Dr Khurana says: “It is critical that we expand our presence in the C&S space. I have plans to create a separate cell within Nimbus and bring in a lot of talent on board.”

    The mandate clearly is to convert novel ideals into content offerings that would be lapped by the audiences. However, Dr Khurana adds that he would ensure that every new project is backed by substantial research.

    Dr Khurana is also bullish about the movie entertainment business. He has ambitious plans to tie-up with foreign production houses and make films that would have a global audience. Nimbus already has some projects on the floor – Sarhad Paar starring Sanjay Dutt, another Hindi film and a Telugu film starring Venkatesh. “We are aiming to emerge as a strong player in the motion picture business in the global arena. Already, we have a foothold in two of the most lucrative domestic film markets – Hindi films and Telugu films. The success that we have obtained in the field of sports, or rather cricket, will be replicated in the feature film arena.”

    Nimbus also has plans to set up satellite offices in several metros (apart from it’s traditional strongholds in Mumbai, Delhi, Chennai).

    “The vision is to consolidate our existing operations and develop revenues from new opportunities. We plan to grow exponentially. But, success isn’t merely a graph on the wall that depicts growth and profits. Success has to create wealth that will make a useful contribution to the company even in the future,” says Dr Khurana.

    It looks as if the man in the driver’s seat is seriously planning to carry on the good work of his predecessor. And to prove the point he was wearing a “Nimbuster” T-shirt while working in his office on a Saturday.

  • “The recent success of Aap Beeti has given a fillip to DD’s declining viewership and set new standards”: Ravi Chopra BR Films managing director

    “The recent success of Aap Beeti has given a fillip to DD’s declining viewership and set new standards”: Ravi Chopra BR Films managing director

    A second generation scion belonging to a family of successful film makers has adapted to the small screen with ease! Ravi Chopra's drive, passion and talent helped him to emerge from the shadows of his illustrious father Dr BR Chopra and famous uncle Yash Chopra. BR Chopra, one of most celebrated movie mavericks of the Indian celluloid scene has been the architect of a golden era of the Indian film industry which created immortal classic like Waqt, Naya Daur, etc. Ravi Chopra started as an assistant to Yash Chopra and his father in films such as Aadmi & Insaan, Ittefaq, Dastaan and Dhund.

    With the advent of television and satellite revolution BR Group's forey into television serial production started in 1985. Today BR TV is one of India's leading television software production houses, having produced a bouquet of popular serials like Bahadur Shah Zafar, Chunni, Mahabharat, Sauda, Kanoon, Ek Se Badkar Ek, Crown Old Melodies, Jhansi Ki Rani, Rangoli, Mahabharat – Katha, Aurat, Main Dilli Hoon, Teri Meri Kahani (telefilm), Dharti – Aakash, Beta, Ghazal.

    Ravi Chopra himself has a masters degree in English literature from Mumbai University. He is a voracious reader and is passionate about fast cars. For TV shoots, he starts as early as 7 am and works till 8 pm. He loves to play badminton every night for at least an hour. In spite of being busy with the hectic production schedules of multi-starrer Baghban and three new serials for DD and C&S channels, Chopra spoke to indiantelevision.com's Ashwin Kotian. Excerpts:

    How has BR Films managed to be successful on the big screen as well as the small screen?
    BR Chopra formed BR. Films in 1955 with a vision which culminated into a trailblazing celluloid odyssey. His life-long commitment to social themes and family values is reflected through his classic films.

    BR TV has been an extension of the above mentioned philosophy. Our content combines entertainment with a social message that is apt for the existing social framework. Our serials have something different to say irrespective of the genre they belong to. My father dreamt of capturing the magnificence, the grandeur and the drama of the greatest epic of all times. Rated as the most popular TV programme on India's national network DoordarshanMahabharat had a viewership of 96 per cent – a record in the Guinness Book.

    The recent success of Aap Beeti has also actually given a fillip to DD's declining viewership. The ratings were languishing at lower levels with TVRs touching a low of seven. Currently, Aap Beeti had seven slots in the Top 10 list of DD's programmes in week 1-46 of 2002. The programme has themes pertaining to supernatural powers, spirits and souls peppered with social awareness messages. Our characters have something different to say. The "spirits" within the stories are either fighting some injustice or tacking a social evil.

    None of the characters are frivolous and we refrain from the avoidable pitfalls such as garish make-ups or weird costumes. There is no attempt to frighten the wits out of the viewers.
    "Mythos have succeeded in all the possible slots and will continue to do well. They will make a big comeback!"

    Do you think that mythos succeed in today's context?
    I feel that the mythological genre has been squeezed dry by the multitude of serials that have been aired on DD and the C&S channels. Even today, there is a market for repeats and new extensions of age-old themes. However, they don't create the same frenzy that they used to create in the earlier days. Mythos have succeeded in all the possible slots and will continue to do well. I firmly believe that mythological serials will make a big comeback.

    As a producer, why do you prefer DD to the satellite channels?
    There is no preference for either. We have worked with both DD and satellite channels in the past. We have some projects with satellite channels in the near future – Sahara TV and Zee TV. In the past we have had some bad experiences with C&S channels because they tend to interfere with the creative aspects. We didn't have any problems with others such as Star TV. But, we would like to own the rights of our programmes and will not compromise on the same. Therefore, we are comfortable working with DD as we can capitalise on the repeat value of our programmes. We have got a very good response from the US and UK markets. We shall not be tied down to any particular group.

    Has DD changed its unflinching stance in recent times?
    DD officials have realised the market realities and are positioning themselves to increase revenues and assert their leadership position on the terrestrial front. After all, statistics show that DD has an edge over the C&S channels. The huge number of players have succeeded in offering a wide spectrum of choices for the viewers. DD is open to new ideas and never inteferes with creativity. It also gives producers a chance to experiment with different themes. Reviews happen at regular intervals and extensions are granted on the basis of the reponse.

    Will you produce more television serials and thereby reduce the focus on films?
    We shall continue producing serials as well as films. We are launching four new serials as well as our multi-starrerBaghban starring Amitabh Bachchan. The entertainment aspect is common to both mediums – home entertainment or big screen. Ultimately it is the quality of content that determines success. In both the mediums, we would like to be on top of all the production aspects.

    What are your latest offerings? Is BR Films departing from its tested routines such as the mythos and sitcom themes?
    BR Films is producing four new serials: Dhristi and Kaamna on Doordarshan; Asha Nai Asha on Sahara TV andShrimad Bhagwad to be aired on a C&S channel.

    The serials provide entertainment and simultaneously highlight a social issue. Drishti questions the gender bias prevailing in the Indian society and puts forth the view that woman should have equal rights as men. Kaamnaprobes whether people still listen to their inner conscience. The slots for the telecast have not yet been finalised.

    BR Films is also creating content for several C&S channels. Shrimad Bhagwad, a mythological which presents teachings from the Gita, will be telecast on a C&S channel. We are talking to several C&S channels for airing the serial. Asha Nai Asha on Sahara TV is a departure from the routine as it is built around the theme of scouting for talent. There are many talented people in different parts of the country. I had conceived the theme long back and presented it to Sahara TV. I feel as if my dream has come true.

    Do you benefit from simultaneously producing serials and films?
    BR Films is a complete production house that encompasses all the aspects of TV-film production. We like to control all the production aspects of whatever we produce – nothing should suffer due to non-availablity of cranes or cameras. Our equipment division was set up in such a way that it would assist the production department. There are synergies in everything that we do at any point for time.
    "I don't differentiate between TV stars and film stars – both of them are equally talented and evolve with experience. TV stars evolve faster."

    Do you see any kind of difference between the TV stars and the filmstars?
    I don't differentiate between TV stars and filmstars – both of them are talented and evolve with experience. TV stars evolve faster as they portray different characters everyday on a regular basis. They also learn and mature faster. We had given Aman Verma (the current host of Star TV's game show Khulja Sim-Sim) a break in our serial Aurat. We have also taken him in our feature film Baghban. He has evolved as an actor over the last five years. Amitji has also evolved with his TV stint and KBC (Kaun Banega Crorepati) has added another dimension to his wide repertoire.

    Do you make a lot of money from re-runs of your properties?
    Good content is always remunerative – it generates money in the present as well as in the future. Sony TV had bought the domestic rights of our feature films and the lease is due to expire soon. We shall renegotiate the terms and conditions and find another buyer. Various foreign channels have expressed interest in our properties and regularly buy the rights for a specified period of time. We always negotiate on a case-to-case basis. The expatriate Indian market is a huge opportunity for content manufacturers and distributors.
    "The media buying phenomenon has affected our margins and threatened the quality of production"

    How are DD producers affected by the phenomenon of media buying and aggressive negotiations by advertisers and agencies?
    The media buying phenomenon has affected the margins and also threatened the quality of production. The advertisers and the ad agencies conduct aggressive negotiations and bargain as if there was no tomorrow. Well, the cost of production and DD dues work out to Rs 5,00,000 per 30-minute episode. This puts a severe pressure on our margins. Some producers compromise on quality but we don't do so. We recover our investments from extending the revenue streams to earnings from overseas rights. The advertisers must realise that they are investing in creating quality content. If these advertisers give us leeway, the production values would definitely become better and better. C&S producers such as Balaji Telefilms can create an ambience of glamour and grandeur because they know that they will get compensated for the same. DD producers need to do a balancing act. I suppose, one cannot get everything.

    Do you have separate teams for TV serials and film production and direction?
    At BR Films, we encourage creativity. We have a full-fledged team of writers, researchers, directors and production executives who are well-versed with various aspects of film and TV production. My team of assistant directors, who work with me on films, are involved with TV serials. I am familiar with their work and they understand my requirements and deliver the same. The creative team also understands what is needed of them – for instance in the case of mythos they have to relate everything to contemporary times in terms of learnings rather than blindly project the the aspects such as miracles and mere philosophy.

  • World Cup to aid Sony’s bid to touch Rs 10b revenues this fiscal: Rajat Jain

    MUMBAI: The World Cup will drive revenues of Sony into the Rs 10 billion mark this fiscal, MAX executive vice president and business head Rajat Jain claims.
    Jain also asserted that the World Cup would ensure that the paid subscriber base of the Sony-Discovery bouquet rises from the current 10 per cent to around 20 per cent of its reach. According to Jain, Sony Entertainment has a reach of 33 million subscribers.
    Jain said that historically the trend has been that in a year when the World Cup is on, 9 to 11 per cent of the total TV ad spend is what cricket carves out. Taking the upper range of 11 per cent, the TV ad spend that both Sony and national broadcaster Doordashan can together expect to rake in would be about Rs 3520 million (factoring indiantelevision.com’s estimate of total TV ad spend this fiscal at Rs 32 billion). Jain was speaking on the sidelines of a press briefing where MAX announced its mega plans for the forthcoming World Cup
    PLAYING FOR HIGH STAKES: SET India CEO Kunal Dasgupta
    This more or less ties in with expectations from media analysts that MAX would get around Rs 2 billion and DD-Nimbus Rs 1.5 billion in ad revenues out of this tournament.
    Jain also mentioned that India accounted for 80 per cent of the entire global cricket advertising spend of Rs 10 billion per annum; a trend valid for those years in which the World Cup was being held. Little wonder why the ICC considers Indian audiences to be so important that all the match fixtures during future World Cups would be scheduled to prime time in India.
    The Indian cricket team may not necessarily win the World Cup but the Indian audiences have definitely beaten the world before the first ball has been bowled.
    Jain added that MAX was charging a hefty premium for the approximately 5000 seconds per match available for the 51 ‘live’ matches. He claimed that the premium is comparable to what Star introduced when KBC became such a rage but media analysts dispute the claims.
    Jain also debunked the threat of terrestrial channel DD easing away a substantial chunk of the total World Cup TV ad spend by claiming: “As far as TV spends are concerned, history shows that DD has always lagged behind the C&S channels. Ad agencies are also aware of the fact that DD’s higher reach has never translated into higher consumer purchases. A person who cannot afford to buy a cable connection cannot afford buy many of the products being currently advertised on TV channels,” Jain pointed out.
    The total inventory available to advertisers is around 255,000 seconds and if Sony manages to get Rs 2 billion, then the average rate at which they sell the 10-seconds spots works out to Rs 78,431 (a rate that many advertisers and agencies would settle for). Agency sources claim that MAX had initially quoted a rate of around Rs 1,25,000 for a 10 second spot as MAX had initially targeted a total revenue of Rs 3 billion.


    The Rs 3 billion mark is what Sony has publicly declared it will achieve but even according to media buyers who are more bullish on Sony’s ad toplines for the World Cup, it will take some doing for it to manage the Rs 2.5 to Rs 2.6 billion figure. 
    Thus far, Sony has been touting the fact that it will not budge on its rates, but it remains to be seen who will blink first, Sony or the advertisers. That in the end could well determine whether it comes out of this World Cup with Rs 2.5 to Rs 2.6 billion in its ad kitty or has to settle for something closer to the Rs 2 billion number some buyers are putting out.

  • MAX confident of selling inventory by mid-Jan ’03

    MAX confident of selling inventory by mid-Jan ’03

    MUMBAI: Indecisive advertisers and ad agencies had better watch out as there might not be any available spots during the World Cup 2003 cricket matches being aired on television! MAX officials have claimed that it will be able to sell 75 per cent of its World Cup cricket inventory by the first week of January. Nimbus officials have also claimed to have sold 91 percent of their total inventory.

    SET executive vice president, sales and revenue management Rohit Gupta confirms: “We are very much on target as far as the sales of inventories as well as the revenues are concerned. The large sponsorship categories will be finalised by 5 January 2003. The remaining inventories (around 25 per cent) relating to the small-spender categories will also be finalised by mid-January 2003.”

    Gupta also confirms that five out of the six major properties such as Action Replays, Fours, Sixes, Fall of Wickets have already been sold. “Predikta, the interactive game, had various levels of sponsorship. Pepsi is the principal sponsor of Predikta, whereas the other advertisers will offer prizes,” he adds.

    Media sources claim that these smaller categories include credit card companies, banks, insurance companies, cement companies, food companies and batteries, among others. Such companies need not necessarily have large budgets and could make do with buying lesser spots.

    MAX’s Gupta insists that the channel has carefully designed the advertising sales package so that advertisers will experience minimal clutter and viewers will have an enriching and satisfying experience. MAX has 4500-4800 spots whereas DD has around 6000 spots.

    Channels    Qualifying stage    Super Sixes stage
    DD    210 spots    170 spots
    MAX    140 spots    60 spots
    However, the MAX team is pretty bullish on expanding the base of advertisers for the cricket matches. MAX has devised an entertainment package that comprises several ‘softer’ and ‘not-necessarily cricket’ programmes.

    Says Gupta, “Although the purists will be interested only in viewing the matches, there could be others who could be interested in knowing more about South Africa; the culinary delights of South Africa; or the personal details of cricketers and other celebrities. “

    Gupta also feels that ‘out of home’ (OOH) viewing will increase substantially during the forthcoming World Cup. “Research agencies must make an effort to monitor the viewing patterns. These findings must eventually be shared with media planners,” he adds.

    Industry sources claim that MAX is poised to garner nearly Rs two billion out of the possible Rs 3.7 billion ad spend during the forthcoming World Cup.

    Meanwhile, Nimbus chairman and MD Harish Thawani has also claimed that the DD-Nimbus combine is on course to attaining its determined target. He however refused to give away figures of the revenues garnered thus far.

    Media planners claim that C&S channels have traditionally bagged 82 to 87 per cent of the total ad spend, whereas DD has bagged 13 to 18 per cent, a trend that has stayed constant in the last four years.

  • Balaji Telefilms shows impressive Q1 results

    Balaji Telefilms shows impressive Q1 results

    Balaji Telefilms Ltd has announced its financial results for the quarter ended ended 30 June 2001 which show impressive growth as well as a strong bottomline.

     

    The income from operations is reported at Rs 236.58 million which is quite high compared to the financial Year 2000 figure of RS 488.82 million. Net profit has been registered at RS 49.3 million which is more than the FY2000 figure of RS 43.54 million.

     

    Other income is low at RS 23,000 compared to the FY2000 figure of RS 7.9 million. When contacted, Ajay Patoria, company secretary, Balaji Telefilms said that it is because of the fact that the fund invested in mutual funds shows income only when the dividend is declared. So other income will see a rise in the coming quarters.

     

    Production costs and telecasting fees have remained more or less at the same levels. The wage bill has gone up as the company is hiring more people in programming as well as production. Other expenditure has remained at the same level as last year. Financial costs have gone down considerably as Balaji Telefilms is moves towards becoming a debt free company.

     

    The company has changed its accounting practice from last year in writing off 100 per cent cost of production of programmes in the same financial year when it is telecast. This will benefit the company in the long term to strengthen its bottomline.

     

    “Our realisation was higher in this quarter which has given a boost to income,” says Patoria. At the same time control on expenses, lower interest expenses have boosted the bottomeline.

     

    The EPS (earning per share) for the quarter is at 4.79 which is more than the annualised EPS of 4.23, which shows that company has been successful in maximising shareholders value.

     

    The share market has reacted positively to the result. The scrip touched an intraday high at Rs179.85 and closed on the higher side at RS 188 with more than 2.9 millions share being traded on the BSE.

     

    For Balaji, the future looks bright with its programmes doing exceedingly well on C&S channels, both in the north and in the south. If content be the king, Balaji certainly seems to be producing most the successful stuff on display at present.