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Tag: discovery+

  • Discovery to premiere documentary on AR Rahman – ‘Jai Ho’

    Discovery to premiere documentary on AR Rahman – ‘Jai Ho’

    MUMBAI: Jai Ho – a documentary on music maestro AR Rahman, which has been screened at a few international film festivals earlier this year, is all set to have its television premiere in India on Discovery Channel. The channel will air the documentary on 26 October at 9 pm. 

     

    Jai Ho, which has been directed by Umesh Aggarwal, will take viewers through the unseen and unheard story of one of the finest musicians the world has ever known.

     

    Speaking to Indiantelevision.com about the documentary, Rahman says, “It’s an understated documentary. It’s not the kinds that makes a big fuss and that’s what I like about it. It has its own humour. It is about the music and its making and not just about me. Jai Ho has eminent people taking about me and it is fascinating to listen to them. I am lucky to have done a song on Jai Ho (for Slumdog Millionaire). It’s like a mantra for India, which has always been there. It fell in the place at the right time and the whole world has a portrayal of it. I am very proud of it.”

     

    Discovery Networks Asia-Pacific EVP and GM – South Asia Rahul Johri adds, “We are always looking for content that has the ability to surprise the audience. That’s our primary criteria and first preference when deciding on the channel’s content. We want people to acclaim, ‘Ohh wow, where did they get this idea from?’ And this show has that. It is different from all our other shows.”

     

    The documentary enables a window for the viewers into the personal life of Rahman from him leaving his education at a tender age to support his family to winning an Oscar as well as a Grammy. The programme depicts Rahman’s journey from working with Mani Ratnam forRoja to his first commercial break in Bollywood with Rangeela to his outstanding work in award winning movies.

    Throwing light on how he was on Rahman’s trail for almost six months to pitch the documentary idea to him, Aggarwal says, “I was in touch with his staff and I was told that Rahman would call me at 2:30 am. It was frustrating because I wasn’t getting an answer from him. So one fine day, I went to his office and met his sister. I explained the concept of the documentary to her. Precisely after five minutes, I met the man that I was trailing all this while. It took me six months to reach him and less than five minutes to talk to him about my content.”

     

    The documentary imparts details about Rahman’s personality, career, life, his love for music and his past life from the perspective of formidable personalities who have worked and observed his work and growth.

     

    The factual is shot across the world including Los Angeles where Rahman resides, London, Mumbai and Chennai which is his birthplace. When questioned about casting Rahman as the centre point of the show, he says, “He being the glory of India is just one peg. Whatever is spoken about him, it’s always a third party outlook. Rahman himself has never shared much on his own. This entire story comes from him as he narrates it and you get to know him as a person. This was my prime motive behind making this film. I think people should know that those who have reached to the top, don’t do so overnight. It takes time and that is what inspired me.”

     

    The channel has unleashed various promotional activities across its bouquet of 11 channels as well as created buzz on social media platforms.

     

    “We had started with eight channels in five languages. That is the trajectory we are on and we will speeding up our growth process. There has been a lot of localisation on our channels and going forward there will be more local and relevant content on the channel,” adds Johri.

     

    As was reported earlier by Indiantelevision.com, Jai Ho was recently screened at the 20th Busan International Film Festival (BIFF). It was also screened at the Indian Film Festival of Los Angeles (IFFLA) in April this year. 

  • Discovery eyes November launch for TLC channel in Turkey

    Discovery eyes November launch for TLC channel in Turkey

    MUMBAI: Come November and Discovery will be launching its female-skewed TLC channel in Turkey as a free-to-air (FTA) channel following its acquisition of Turkish national FTA entertainment channel CNBC-e from Dogus Media Group.

     

    With this, Discovery will have a total of four channels airing in Turkey namely TLC, Discovery Channel, Animal Planet and Discovery Science.

     

    The new channel will replace CNBC-e and offer a mix of non-scripted and scripted international entertainment and lifestyle programming. The shows that will be aired on the channel include Fear the Walking Dead, Aquarius, Poldark, Oprah Prime and Oprah’s Master Class. Additionally, the shows that were previously on CNBC-e including The Vikings, Hannibal and Mike & Molly will also find a place on the channel.

     

    ”Today marks a new era in our Turkish business, as we close our deal with Dogus Media Group to acquire CNBC-e and announce the launch of TLC – Discovery’s leading lifestyle and entertainment channel brand and first free to air channel in the growing Turkish market. Discovery successfully runs both Pay-TV and free to air platforms in a number of markets across Europe, and TLC Turkey will offer a diverse mix of content that adds value to our existing strong portfolio, including dedicated feeds for Discovery Channel, Animal Planet and Discovery Science. TLC is the channel Turkey has been waiting for and we look forward to presenting it to viewers and our commercial partners this November,” said Discovery Networks CEEMEA EVP and country manager, emerging business James Gibbons.

     

    Dogus Media Group chairman Erman Yerdelen added, ”As Dogus Media Group, we believe Discovery Communications will introduce the Turkish market to a totally new channel, reflecting the latest trends in various types of entertainment under a very strong brand like TLC. We look forward to working alongside Discovery on future projects and offering even more surprises for Turkish viewers.”

  • MTV president Stephen Friedman quits; Discovery’s Sean Atkins steps in

    MTV president Stephen Friedman quits; Discovery’s Sean Atkins steps in

    MUMBAI: After a seven year stint, MTV president Stephen Friedman is stepping down from his post. The move comes in the wake of ratings drop that MTV’s parent company Viacom Inc. is witnessing on many of its channels.

     

    Soon after Friedman announced his resignation, Viacom said that it had appointed Discovery Communications general manager and executive vice president of digital media and strategy Sean Atkins as MTV’s new president. 

     

    Atkins will be overseeing all creative and business operations for the youth entertainment brand and its sister networks, MTV2 and mtvU. He will report to Viacom Music and Entertainment Group president Doug Herzog.

     

    MTV’s programming co-heads, executive vice president and head of scripted development Mina Lefevre and head of reality programming and executive vice president of series development Lauren Dolgen will report directly to Atkins.

     

    “Sean is smart, creative, passionate, and remarkably energized about the sea change at hand in our industry. The strength of MTV lies in its ability to constantly reinvent, and Sean’s forward-thinking, versatile leadership will ensure our brand and business continue to evolve and deliver for our audience,” said Herzog.

     

    With experience at Discovery, HBO, and Yahoo!, Atkins has held leadership positions across development, digital media, production, strategy, marketing, product development, and consumer products. He was a driving force behind Discovery’s 2012 acquisition of millennial-focused Revision3, among the first strategic acquisitions of a multi-channel network by a major media and entertainment company.

     

    Prior to joining the digital media team, Atkins ran the West Coast for Discovery Studios, Discovery Communications’ full-service production studio that develops and produces original programming.

     

    Atkins joined Discovery from HBO where, as senior vice president of digital media. Previously, he was head of programming and development at Yahoo! Entertainment. Before that he was acting-COO for Vulcan Programming. He served concurrently as executive vice president of A. Smith & Co, overseeing development and production for the company. Previously, Atkins also held positions with Warner Bros., Mediaconnex and Disney.

     

    Meanwhile, in his parting note via an internal memo, Friedman said, “After 18 years, including seven at the helm of MTV, it reminds me of what originally inspired me to work here. When I was hired to create the pro-social department, I was told, ‘Your job will be to use MTV’s superpowers for good.’ While I had personally experienced the cultural power of MTV, it wasn’t until I started working here that I understood the true power behind the brand. Those ‘superpowers’ originate with you. Each of you brings your own calling, your own desire to take risks and make new history.”

     

    Speaking about his next move, he added, “Having been blessed to work with you and be part of this remarkable brand for the better part of my career, I am leaving to return full time to what tempts my soul to rise. My next adventure will be focused full time on giving back, on social impact, and on applying what I’ve learned from MTV about the power of brands and storytelling to create positive change. What MTV understood at its inception, a growing part of the world is now actively pursuing. We’re in the midst of a boom of mission driven companies that are redefining business while tackling some of the biggest social challenges we face.”

  • Discovery to premiere ‘The Lion Queens of India’ on 28 September

    Discovery to premiere ‘The Lion Queens of India’ on 28 September

    MUMBAI: Discovery Channel is all set to highlight the women forest guards, who are on a mission to preserve the endangered species of the Asiatic lions in the Gir National Park, in a series called The Lion Queens of India. 

     

    Discovery Channel will premiere the four-part series on 28 September at 9 pm.

     

    These courageous women risk their lives every day to rescue vulnerable lions, heal defenceless cubs, reduce human-animal conflict and assist villagers who face accidental animal attacks. The series highlights their unwavering commitment to preserve the lions and its habitat and offers an ode to their spirit and dedication.

     

    The four-part series brings alive some of the most daring wildlife action sequences on television for the first time. From rescuing a lion stuck in an open well, healing a badly injured lioness with three little cubs in the middle of the night, retrieving a wayward leopard from a farmer’s house or catching and releasing a deadly Russell’s viper are all part of their daily job. 

     

    Discovery Networks Asia-Pacific EVP & GM – South Asia Rahul Johri said, “Discovery Channel recognises Indian women forest guards who are holding one of most dangerous and impactful professions. The Lion Queens of India captures an inspirational journey of skilled women team in the wild and highlights riveting real-life challenges they face during the course of their duty.”

     

    The rescue team is headed by Junagadh Forest Division deputy conservator of forests Raj Sandeep, assisted by Trupti A. Joshi (in-charge range officer) and Rasila P. Vadher (in-charge rescue team). An exceptional 28 year old forest guard, Vadher, along with many other gallant women have carried out over 600 rescue missions last year – perhaps amongst the highest number in any wildlife park in the world. 

     

    The channel will also air the series on 5 October. 

  • Alfred Haber Television crisscrosses globe with numerous sales for its two series

    Alfred Haber Television crisscrosses globe with numerous sales for its two series

    MUMBAI: Having announced the acquisition of the two new series Dead Again (9 x 60’) and You Can’t Like Your Elbow (6 x 30’) earlier this year, Alfred Haber, President of Alfred Haber Television, Inc. (AHTI), today unveiled a number of key sales for both titles.  The sales cover every corner of the world from the UK to Africa, and from Latin America to Thailand.

     

    For Dead Again, the addictive, nine-episode series produced by Wolf Reality and Left/Right (Mob Wives) for A&E, sales include A&E (United Kingdom), NBC Universal (Germany), Planete Thalassa (France) and Foxtel (Australia). The series, which aired in primetime on A&E in the U.S., follows an elite team of detectives as they re-examine controversial and mysterious murder cases in which unresolved questions still linger…long after the verdict was reached

     

    You Can’t Lick Your Elbow, the remarkable, family-friendly series from producer Authentic Entertainment (Ace Of Cakes, Toddlers & Tiaras), has seen sales success with Discovery (CEEMEA), Rogers (Canada), Discovery (Latin America), NGC Network (India), and BEC World (Thailand). You Can’t Lick Your Elbow uses familiar, ordinary examples, brought to life with cutting-edge CGI and easy-to-understand explanations, to show viewers the amazing, uncnny and often extraordinary things of which the human body is capable. Segments reveal mind-boggling techniques and cool bodytricks people can employ to help them maneuver through their day-to-day lives. 

     

    “These are two very different, yet very successful shows as evidenced by our recent sales,” commented Haber. “Between the thrilling detective stories of Dead Again and the fascinating knowledge collected in You Can’t Lick Your Elbow, these programs are truly international in their appeal and our sales from around the globe certainly support that.”

  • Sky TV and Discovery ink exclusive long-term deal

    Sky TV and Discovery ink exclusive long-term deal

    MUMBAI: Sky TV and Discovery Networks Asia-Pacific (DNAP) have inked a long-term exclusive partnership for Discovery Networks programming in New Zealand, underscoring a commitment to providing viewers with the most comprehensive entertainment offering in the market.

     

    The multi-year agreement includes the addition of two brand new channels for New Zealand – TLC and Discovery Turbo – which will be available to all Sky’s domestic customers over the next few months as part of the basic subscription package.

     

    DNAP’s current New Zealand portfolio includes localised versions of global brands Discovery Channel and Animal Planet and much-loved local lifestyle channels Food TV and Living Channel. The additions of TLC and Discovery Turbo allows for distribution of an even greater variety of premiere programming that will be embraced by Kiwi audiences.

     

    “Our commitment to driving value for subscription television audiences has been seen through strong investment in high quality and engaging programming, dedicated NZ schedules and local productions. The launch of TLC and Discovery Turbo – together with the recent acquisition of Food TV and Living Channel – increases our local offering and further strengthens our partnership with Sky TV,” said Discovery Networks Asia-Pacific, ANZ & Pac Islands EVP and general manager Mandy Pattinson.

     

    “We have enjoyed a long and successful partnership with Discovery Networks Asia Pacific and today’s announcement is an exciting one as we further cement our partnership. We are proud to have Discovery Channel as a pillar of our basic offering having broadcast the channel since our UHF days in the 90’s.  Now we are able to share six great Discovery Networks channels with all of our domestic customers, each offering the quality content they’re renowned for,” added Sky CEO John Fellet.

     

    Launching on 1 September as part of Sky’s basic package is TLC, the exclusive home of programming from the Oprah Winfrey Network as well as great female factual entertainment programming.

  • Chrome wk 27 sees no gainers

    Chrome wk 27 sees no gainers

    MUMBAI: The week 27 of opportunity to see (OTS) collated by Chrome Data Analytics & Media, witnessed no gainers.

     

    On the losers’ front, English movie genre in the eight metros witnessed 3.8 per cent drop. Movies Now topped the category with 59.8 per cent OTS. It was followed by business news genre with 2.7 per cent fall in the eight metros. CNBC Awaaz garnered the top spot with 77.4 per OTS.

     

    The kids channel genre too observed a 2.5 per cent drop in All India with Cartoon Network at number one with 78.7 per cent OTS. Infotainment genre occupied the fourth position across All India. Discovery led the top slot with 82.3 per OTS. 

  • Chrome Week 22: Hindi News genre the only loser

    Chrome Week 22: Hindi News genre the only loser

    MUMBAI: Week 22 of opportunity to see (OTS) data collated by Chrome Data, Analytics and Media observed only the Hindi News genre in the Hindi Speaking markets (HSM) as the most affected with a drop of 0.1 per cent. ABP News topped the category with 95.2 per cent OTS.

     

    On the gainers front, English Entertainment genre in the eight metros topped the category with 6.5 per cent growth. Comedy Central stayed happy at number one with 51.2 per cent OTS. With 3.5 per cent growth noted English Movies category in the eight metros with Movies Now leading the genre with 61.5 per cent OTS.

     

    Infotainment in all India stood at number three with 1.1 per cent. Discovery recorded 83.7 per cent OTS. Last but not the least, Religious genre in the HSM markets garnered 0.9 per cent growth with Aastha channel registering 96.3 per cent OTS. 

  • Chrome data week 18: English News genre the only loser

    Chrome data week 18: English News genre the only loser

    MUMBAI: The week 18 of opportunity to see (OTS) data collated by Chrome Data, Analytics & Media witnessed only one loser. English News channels in the eight metros dropped by 0.4 per cent with Times Now being on the top with 74.4 per cent OTS.

     

    As far as the gainers are concerned, this week the English Movies genre saw a growth of 4.8 per cent with Movies Now leading the category with 63.9 per cent OTS.

     

    Next was the Music genre in the Hindi speaking markets (HSM) by 4.5 per cent. MTV led the space with 90.3 per cent OTS. It was then followed by Infotainment channels in all India with Discovery registering the top position with 84 per cent OTS.

     

    Last but not the least, English Entertainment genre in the eight metros went up by 3.8 per cent with Comedy Central at number one with 51.3 per cent OTS.

  • Chrome Data: English Entertainment channel genre sees growth in OTS

    Chrome Data: English Entertainment channel genre sees growth in OTS

    MUMBAI: Week 15 of opportunity to see (OTS) collated by Chrome Data Analytics & Media, observed a spike in English Entertainment channels genre in the eight metros. With 1.1 per cent growth, the genre was topped by Comedy Central with 52.5 per cent OTS.

     

    This was followed by the Business News channels genre in the eight metros with 0.9 per cent growth and CNBC Awaaz led the category with 76.9 per cent OTS. Infotainment genre too witnessed a hike in all India with Discovery at number one spot with 82.1 per cent OTS.

     

    English News channels genre in the eight metros saw a growth of 0.4 per cent. Times Now topped the space with 73.7 per cent OTS.

     

    Talking about the losers this week, English Movies in the eight genre dropped by 1.4 per cent with Romedy Now being affected the most with 62.4 per cent OTS. 

     

    Hindi News in the Hindi Speaking Markets (HSM) observed a drop of 0.8 per cent. ABP News topped the category with 94.8 per cent OTS.

     

    Next in the list was Sports in all India, which saw a dip of 0.6 per cent. Last but not the least, Hindi general entertainment channels (GECs) in the HSM markets dropped by 0.2 per cent. Star Plus was affected the most with 96.9 per cent OTS.