ITV

Tag: discovery+

  • TiVo renews IP licence with Foxtel, deliver ultimate experience in Australia

    MUMBAI: TiVo Corporation, a leader in entertainment technology and audience insights, has announced that Foxtel, Australia’s leading pay-TV platform, has signed a multi-year intellectual property (IP) licence renewal. This agreement offers Foxtel ongoing access to TiVo’s industry-leading entertainment discovery patent portfolios.

    “Our relationship with Foxtel demonstrates how pay-TV providers around the world use TiVo’s intellectual property to reach consumers in more innovative ways,” said Samir Armaly, executive vice president, Intellectual Property and Licensing, Rovi Corporation, a TiVo company. “We are proud to continue working with Foxtel, one of Australia’s most innovative media companies, to enable the next-generation of entertainment discovery.”

    The TiVo companies have spent decades investing in research and development to create market-leading technologies for the media and entertainment industry. TiVo’s innovative solutions touch practically every aspect of consumers’ day-to-day interaction with their entertainment, enabling customers to build customized, next-generation digital entertainment solutions for users around the globe.

  • Doordarshan in talks with Disney for kiddy content in evening slots

    MUMBAI: Doordarshan, which is gearing up to launch a kiddy channel as part of its bouquet, is said to be in talks with Disney for content aimed at youngsters in evening time-slots, according to a senior executive of the pubcaster.

    Speaking to Indiantelevision.com, Doordarshan DG Supriya Sahu, while asserting the organisation is planning a kids’ channel, confirmed that there’s a plan afoot to open a time-slot for such programming. “Some work is already on with Disney for the kids content,” she said, but hastily added, “It is (still) early to talk about it right now and an announcement would be made once things are finalized on this front.”

    This time-slot on a DD channel is being created, probably, to test waters and see the appetite for kids content before the launch of a full-fledged kids channel as part of its over 30-channel bouquet. Disney India could not be contacted for comments.

    According to earlier media reports, which quoted Sahu, India’s national broadcaster had drawn up a blueprint for FTA kids channel early 2017 made up of largely original and country-focused programming. She had said that the kids channel was part of pubcaster’s plans to launch FTA sports and kids channel for mainly viewers of DD FreeDish, a satellite-based service comprising DD and private FTA TV channels.

    However, some independent observers opined that DD wading into the kids’ content area is also part of the government’s plans to showcase programming that would reflect the Indian culture in a better fashion compared to mostly foreign content consumed by Indian children presently.

    At present, kids’ content available in India is from the stable of foreign players such as Nickelodeon, Turner, Disney, Discovery and lately Sony Pictures Network apart from some TV channels from India media companies such as Sun TV.

    ALSO READ:

    Doordarshan D-G Supriya Sahu says studying tie-ups & models as kids channel launch nearing

    DD’s kids channel could partner private players, launch this year

  • Discovery Jeet commissions ‘Still and Still Out of the Box’ for ‘Gabru’ Punjabi rapper

    MUMBAI: Amritpal Singh Bindra and Anand Tiwari, the dynamic duo behind Still & Still Media Collective, one of the reputed content creators across Web, Films and Advertising, are all set to foray into television production with Still and Still Out of the Box.

    Still and Still Media Collective has produced television commercials for popular brands like Amul, Maruti and Ching’s amongst others. The company has also made their place in the digital space by producing web series like Bang Baaja Baarat, Sex Chat with Pappu and Papa and the recent Girl in the City.

    With a focus on creating original and innovative content for the television audiences, the young media entrepreneurs are all set to begin shooting their first TV show titled ‘Gabru’, which will be aired on Discovery’s new Hindi GEC Discovery Jeet. The duo, known for their popular web series Bang Baaja Baaraat, Girl in the City, and Official Chukiyagiri have recently made their way into film production with Love Per Square Foot, in association with Ronnie Screwvala’s RSVP.

    Speaking on the launch of their new vertical, Bindra said, “At Still and Still Media Collective, we aspire to create high quality content that engages and entertains audiences across the board. With still and still OTB we’re excited to bring our philosophy of disruptive and innovative content to the powerful medium of television.”

    Tiwari added, “After our success in digital and our foray into film, we look forward to bringing credible content to the Television space. Our maiden production Gabru is about the evolution of hip hop in India and is the first of it’s kind on Indian premium Television.”

    Gabru revolves around the lives of three distinct protagonists – Gaurav Singh aka MC Money, Bani Khurana aka Queen B and Sarfaraz Khan aka ‘Surf’. The story deals with the trials and tribulations of a Punjabi Hip Hop King, who at the peak of his career, faces a threat from a rival rapper, who also happens to be his ex-flame.

  • Discovery unveils two action series’ global premiere dates

    MUMBAI: Discovery Networks UK – president & chief content officer – international Susanna Dinnage has unveiled two high-profile commissions. The new series will air across Discovery’s networks in more than 220 countries and territories in 2017 and 2018. The commissions are part of Discovery’s commitment to find compelling new talent and to raise the profile of much-loved established talent amongst a global audience.

    “Ed Stafford: Left for dead” is a brand-new survival show featuring Ed Stafford, whose compelling portrayal of existing in extreme environments has been a hit with audiences around the world and this series sees the adventurer take on some of the most hostile locations on the planet. Joining Ed on the slate are new faces Micky Yule, Mike Goody and Will Swift who feature in a brand new series, “Men of Iron” (wt). All three have overcome challenges associated with losing limbs during their lives and relish the opportunity to take on audacious physical challenges – often with much humour and always with great determination.

    “Discovery’s audiences love talent that they can relate to and these two programmes feature great characters on real-life adventures. They bring exciting challenges to our screens, told in a compelling, first-hand narrative. It’s hard not to feel inspired and in awe of their courage,” said Dinnage.

    In addition to the two new series, Dinnage also announced that Discovery Channel’s high-impact documentary Mosquito and iconic “Shark Week” 2017 will sync up around the world with global premieres this summer (July 6 and week of July 23, respectively). Mosquito, a documentary special shot on four continents, sounds the alarm about the mounting global threat to mankind. It will serve as a call to action for the immense international efforts required to reduce their march of destruction. Notably, this marks the first time in its history that “Shark Week”, the iconic programming week that has defined Discovery Channel for almost three decades, will premiere everywhere around the world in the same week.

    The new content slate includes the following:

    “Ed Stafford: Left for dead” (Autumn 2017)

    “Ed Stafford: Left for dead” is an epic new adventure series that follows explorer Ed Stafford in his attempt to escape from some of our planet’s most extreme environments. Subtropical forests, parched deserts and desolate mountains await him. Dropped in the wilderness with no survival kit, Ed has just 10 days to reach civilization – pushing the limits of human endurance on the move. Ed carries his camera kit to film himself, but nothing else – no food, compass or even firelighters. He must rely on his survival instincts and his will to live to combat hunger, thirst, exhaustion and life-threatening obstacles. The show proves that survival is more than just a test of physical strength – it takes mental agility and unyielding determination to make it out alive. “Ed Stafford: Left for dead” is produced for Discovery Networks International by betty and Base Camp Films. Helen Hawken and Ed Sayer are commissioners, and Tom Gorham is the executive producer for Discovery Networks International. The executive producer is David Harrison for betty and the series editor is Tim Walker.

    Men of Iron (wt) (2018)

    “Men of Iron” (wt) is a unique new documentary series that follows the wild and inspirational journey of a group of amputees determined to smash any obstacle in their path. Thirsty for a huge challenge, they’re testing their limits in a sport that is both highly dangerous and virtually impossible for anyone with missing limbs – skeleton. The gang sets to work supersizing their abilities using the latest tech, in preparation to take on reigning world skeleton champion and Olympic medal-winner Martins Dukurs. This is the first time a double amputee has challenged an able-bodied world champion skeleton athlete, and they’ll compete head-to-head at the world’s fastest slide at the Whistler Sliding Centre in Canada. Along the way, these athletes will test just how far the rules can be stretched to level the playing field between able-bodied and para-athletes.

  • ‘Cristiano Ronaldo’ & ‘Sleeping Giant’ to be premiered on Discovery

    MUMBAI: Discovery is set to excite the audience in India by bringing the amazing stories of footballing legends to viewer’s screens across India. Cristiano Ronaldo – The world at his feet and Sleeping Giant – An Indian football story are the two movies Discovery will premiere under its recently launched ‘Movie Nights’ on Saturday, 29 April and 6 May 2017.

    These movies will encourage viewers to follow their dreams, and never give up. Cristiano Ronaldo-The world at his feet is based on the life of the current global Portuguese superstar who plays for Spanish club Real Madrid and the Portugal national team. The documentary reveals how he spent his childhood practicing football for hours, skipping his meals and sometime school too. The movie further showcases how he honed his natural ability, through sheer determination and commitment to his craft and shaped his attitude to conquer his fears and realize the ultimate dream – to be the best footballer in the world.

    On the other hand, Sleeping Giant – An Indian football story is about the future of Indian football. The movie features the story of two ordinary children from Mumbai who followed their passion, persevered and earned a golden chance to play for famous football clubs in England.

    Cristiano Ronaldo-The world at his feet (29th April)- The movie will follow the life of star footballer Cristiano Ronaldo from his beginnings in Portugal, breakthrough start with Manchester United and current career at Real Madrid. The movie has been narrated by award winning actor Benedict Cumberbatch and also features other footballing legends David Beckham, Wayne Rooney and Lionel Messi.

    Trailer link:

    Sleeping Giant –An Indian football story (6th May) – The movie revolves around the story of two children who were selected from 1700 contenders for once in a lifetime opportunity i.e. to be taken under the wing of a famous English Football club and be trained like pros. Shot over 2 and a half years, this documentary follows the young hopefuls from the back-streets of Mumbai to London as they embark on an incredible journey to realize their dreams and follow them. The movie has been made by the same team who made the documentary ‘The Four Year Plan’, who found out about this story whilst shooting behind the scenes at QPR.

    Trailer link:

  • FIR registered against Sudarshan TV channel

    MUMBAI: An FIR has been registered against the chief managing director (CMD) and editor-in-chief of Sudarshan news channel for allegedly instigating enmity between different groups on the grounds of religion. Sudarshan News, a satellite TV channel launched on 26 January 2007, is a Hindi news channel based in Uttar Pradesh. Suresh Chavhanke is the chairman, managing director and also the editor-in-chief.

    Sudarshan TV is among the list of channels which has applied to  the ministry of information and broadcasting for approval of two more channels.

    The FIR has been lodged under various sections of IPC including those dealing with promoting enmity between different groups on grounds of religion, race, place of birth and over content to cause, or which is likely to cause, fear or alarm to the public, or to any section of the public and other sections, Sambhal (Uttar Pradesh) police station SHO Brijmohan Giri told PTI.

    Giri said that provisions related to intended to outrage religious feelings of any class by insulting its religion, deliberate and malicious acts, and Cable Television Networks (Regulation) Amendment Act, 2000, have also been invoked, he said. It was alleged that the channel had telecast a programme in which Chavhanke mentioned objectionable content because of which tension prevailed in the city.

    The FIR was registered when the matter was raised during a meeting of the Peace Committee on 9 April, in which prominent citizens pointed to the programme aired between 6 April and 8 April.

    When contacted by PTI, the channel said that it condemned any attempt to suppress and intimidate the media. A statement issued by Chavhanke stated that they condemned any act to suppress and the intimidate the media. To protest against that, he would be reaching Sambhal on 13 April.

    Also Read:

    Zee, Bennett, Discovery, Disney, NDTV, Viacom 18, BBC & Raj TV among 112 channels awaiting clearance

     

  • Facebook exec ponders: How to hold the brain’s attention?

    GOA: The final session of Goafest 2017 concluded with the stating of a few significant points by the head of Facebook creative shop India and global accounts APAC Juhi Kalia.

    Kalia stated, “We exist in an environment which is content-rich but the attention span is poor — a mere eight seconds. That is understandable as the amount of information an average person is fed is equivalent to 174 newspapers a day.

    “The flip side is that the human brain is adapting to this shift, and evolving. We now register information at a faster rate and process information in many (newer) ways. The brain processes visual information 60,000 times faster than text, it gets coded in long-term memory and, therefore, has more recall,” she explained.

    The way people consume content is also evolving. “Consumption is no longer linear. It is customised, frequent and fast. Even our bodies have adapted to this shift, wherein our postures reflect what kind of content we’re consuming.”

    Juhi elucidated on how the different platforms elicit different mindsets and perception. Instagram gives its users the perception of discovery, inspiration and transportation, while Facebook is known for connection and recognition. In the end though, it all boils down to: content.

    “A great creative is a great creative regardless of the platform. Her parting shot to the engrossed audience was, “What we need to understand is how to tell stories based on how people are interacting with the platform. We are at that point in time where we have to find new ways to tell stories.”

    The fast-paced and cutting-edge final session of Goafest 2017 certainly opened up a lot of minds to new technologies and usage of social media platforms. As the day came to an end and people headed to the sundowner at the lawns to unwind, one can’t help but admire the past three days of learning, and it is with a bittersweet smile that people get set for the closing party of Goafest 2017.

    AlsO Read :

    Laura Ries, Phogat sisters, Amitabh Kant impart leadership lessons: Goafest ’17 concludes

    Goafest 2017: Carat chief strategist observes data’s great tool, but gut feeling critical

  • Zee, Bennett, Discovery, Disney, NDTV, Viacom 18, BBC & Raj TV among 112 channels awaiting clearance

    NEW DELHI: Even as the government claims to have permitted 892 private satellite television channels as on 28 February 2017, applications of a total of 112 channels have been awaiting clearance, some of them since October 2010.

    Stating this, the minister of state for information & broadcasting told the Parliament that the government has no plan to place a ceiling on the number of TV channels in the country.

    Meanwhile, a list annexed to the minister’s reply showed that Cinema 24*7 leads the list of those awaiting clearance with seven channels. Bennett Coleman and Company Ltd and Zee Media come next with six channels each.

    Six companies are awaiting clearance for three channels each: Yogi Networks, Vedic Broadcasting Ltd, Eduall India, Media Worldwide Ltd, Raj TV Network and Neo Broadcast Pvt Ltd.

    Those who have applied for two channels each include Springtide Infotainment Media, Vrinda Channel, Enter 10 TV, AETN 18 Media, Viacom 18, Chaman Broadcasting, Kasthuri Media, BBC Global News India, Discovery Communications, Dev Varsha Jatropha Bio-Energy Ltd, Kamyab TV, Sowbhagya Media Pvt Ltd, and Sudarshan TV.

    All others including NDTV Lifestyle and Disney International have queued up for one channel each.  

    Also Read:

    892 pvt TV channels against 1500 targeted in 12th Plan

    Total of television channels in India rises to 892, with three cleared in June

    81 teleports permitted to uplink, downlink TV channels

     

  • Discovery establishes first-of-its-kind India advisory board

    MUMBAI: In line with its stated ambitions for the India market, Discovery Networks Asia Pacific has appointed a special India Advisory Board comprising of pioneers and experts from corporate, digital media and public policy. This first of its kind board for the company outside the US, will provide counsel and insight to the India leadership team on strategic matters pertaining to business innovation and help Discovery navigate and tap into new growth opportunities in a rapidly evolving media landscape.

    Members of the India Advisory Board include:

    • S Narayan (chairman). Former Economic Advisor to the Prime Minister and former Secretary to Government of India; currently senior public policy advisor and visiting faculty at The University of Delhi and the National University of Singapore.

    • Naina Lal Kidwai. Banker, past president of FICCI (India ‘s apex chamber of commerce and industry) and non- executive director on leading global and Indian company boards, deeply committed to the environment and head of the FICCI Sustainability Council and Global Commissioner for the New Climate Economy amongst others, and an active participant in public policy forums including government committees.

    • Ali Hussein. Award winning digital media evangelist and former Head of Entertainment Partnerships, South Asia at Google/YouTube; currently media tech entrepreneur and board advisor.

    “It is a privilege to chair the first of its kind Advisory Board for Discovery,” said Dr. S Narayan. “The network has been a mainstay in homes in India and around the world for decades and has looked to push the boundaries with new ideas, creative thinking and inspirational content. All of us are looking forward to the opportunity to advise a new leadership team that is energetic, entrepreneurial and innovative on strategic developments that will affect their future growth.”

    Discovery Networks Asia Pacific president & MD Arthur Bastings said, “Discovery is thrilled to have such respected industry leaders advising our India leadership team and myself on matters crucial to the design and execution of our ambitious India strategy. The insights from this eminent group will be invaluable as we look to accelerate the transformation of our business and leverage new growth opportunities across South Asia.”

  • Discovery to launch second FTA channel in UK, adds two programmes on Amazon Prime

    MUMBAI: Discovery is planning to launch its second free-to-air TV channel,Quest Red, in the UK on 15 March with new real-life entertainment. The channel follows the launch of Quest, the company’s first FTA offering in the territory, which launched in 2009.

    Quest Red will be the “home of irresistibly real TV” with genres spanning big personalities, extraordinary worlds, gritty reality, thought-provoking medical, investigative documentaries and real crime.

    With a predominantly female audience, Quest Red will invite TV fans to escape into a world of real life stories that are jaw-dropping, spine tingling and heart-warming. It launches on Freeview, YouView, BT TV, Talk Talk, Sky and Virgin Media.

    Completely new for free-to-air audience, Quest Red hits TV screens with a slate of UK premieres.

    Launch titles include six-part true crime series Is OJ Innocent? The Missing Evidence from executive producer Martin Sheen, Jo Frost: Nanny on Tour following the supernanny on a mission to save some of America’s troubled families one at a time, Long Lost Family US reuniting people who have suffered a lifetime of separation,Martin Kemp’s Detective about some of the UK’s most puzzling murders, Vogue Williams Investigates where the Irish TV presenter and DJ explores modern day issues including online trolling and Paranormal Lockdown with Nick Groff who spends 72 hours confined in America’s most haunted locations.

    “Quest Red has got real life covered. Bright, welcoming and straight talking, Quest Red is ‘the home of irresistibly real TV’ and brings something entirely new to free-to-air television for a female skewing audience,” said Discovery Networks UK and Ireland head of channels VP Clare Laycock. “With a vibrant fusion of fascinating stories, captivating lifestyles and compelling crime, we’re really excited to launch a new real life entertainment channel tailor-made for audiences who love great TV,” Laycock added.

    Quest Red is the brand new stable mate for Discovery’s single free-to-air factual entertainment TV channel Quest positioned at number 37 on Freeview. Launched in 2009, Quest is the UK’s tenth biggest TV channel excluding the terrestrials and now reaches 11.3 million people every month. In February an episode of Salvage Hunters, series 10 attracted 577,000 viewers to become Quest’s top rating show since launch.

    Discovery Communications has enlisted thousands of subscribers to its true crime channel offered via Amazon Prime Video. It has launched two of its offerings -True Crime Files and Destination Unknown- on the VOD platform.

    Discovery CEO David Zaslav said that Investigation Discovery’s subscription VOD channel on Amazon — True Crime Files — is attracting 10,000 new net subscribers at US$4 per month.

    In niche categories, Zaslav said, where they had a dominant consumer and brand advantage such as Turbo Velocity and ID, they saw huge potential to expand these genres on and off the traditional TV screen using SVOD channels, content verticals, and through partnerships, such as Amazon.