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Tag: discovery+

  • #Retrace2021: How streaming wars re-shaped the global M&E industry in 2021

    #Retrace2021: How streaming wars re-shaped the global M&E industry in 2021

    Mumbai: Beginning with the blockbuster M&A deal between Discovery and AT&T in May which created the world’s second-largest media company by revenue after Disney, intensifying streaming wars reshaped the global media and entertainment industry through 2021. At the heart of this transformation was the mindboggling demand for content.

    According to research led by European economic consultancy Frontier Economics manager Clive Kenny, OCC (Online Curated Content) providers directly invested $25.7bn (Rs 1.8trn) in OCC content worldwide in 2019, including original and licensed titles. This sum is likely to soar to $61bn (Rs 4.3trn) by 2024. Significant increase in content investment in the pipeline includes: The Walt Disney Company’s plans to invest $14bn-16bn (Rs 985bn-1,126bn) per year in global OCC content by 2024; ViacomCBS’s plans to ramp up investment in OCC content to $5bn (Rs 352bn) in 2024; WarnerMedia’s parent company, AT&T’s, pledge to invest $4bn (Rs 282bn) in HBO Max in the three years through 2022; and, Netflix will spend $28bn (Rs 1.97trn) a year by 2028.

    Driven by tech, worldwide changes in viewers’ media consumption habits in the context of more genres, newer formats, and platform choices are here to stay and grow further, and the scope for this growth is immense. The importance, as well as the urgency of sourcing content to satiate this rather ravenous appetite for entertainment, will continue effecting similar shifts in the sector going ahead. The equation will balance out between global giants wanting to create worldwide media behemoths and (comparatively) ‘local’ players striving to maintain their individuality and independence in the market.

    Here’s a look back at some of the biggest industry deals that made news in 2021. Even though not driven by the streaming wars, the $5 bn acquisition of Yahoo (formerly Verizon Media) by Apollo Global Management finds a place in this list for being the culmination of Verizon’s persistent efforts to establish itself in the online media space.

    AT&T and Discovery: Announced in May 2021 through an all-stock transaction called the Reverse Morris Trust, the AT&T, and Discovery merger deal aimed at giving rise to a content powerhouse to be led by Discovery president and CEO David Zaslav. The merged entity will bring together brands like Warner Bros., HBO, Discovery, DC Comics, CNN, Cartoon Network, HGTV, Food Network, the Turner Networks, TNT, TBS, Eurosport, Magnolia, TLC, Animal Planet, and ID.

    The emphasis on the D2C aspect of the business was clearly spelled out in the official statement which read “the new company will compete globally in the fast-growing direct-to-consumer business, bringing compelling content to D2C subscribers across its portfolio, including HBO Max and the recently launched discovery+.”

    Televisa and Univision: In April, Mexican and Latin American media giant Televisa and US Hispanic network Univison merged their media, content, and production assets to create a global Spanish-language powerhouse. The combined entity Televisa-Univision will be led by Univision CEO Wade Davis. It will have the largest Spanish-language library of owned content, serving two of the world’s largest Spanish-speaking markets the US and Mexico.

    According to the Television Business International, the “merger was designed to enable the new company to address what it believes is the relatively nascent global Spanish-language streaming market. The pair said that the Spanish-language market, which represents around 600 million people globally, and an aggregate GDP of about $7 trillion, is significantly underserved from a streaming perspective relative to other major markets. They cited the stat that fewer than 10 per cent of the Spanish speaking population currently use an OTT video product, compared with the English language market where nearly 70 per cent of the population has at least one streaming service.”

    The deal brought together Televisa’s four free-to-air channels, 27 pay-TV networks channels and stations, Videocine movie studio, Blim TV SVOD service, and the Televisa trademark with Univision’s assets in the US including the Univision and UniMás broadcast networks, nine Spanish-language cable networks, 61 television stations, 58 radio stations in major US Hispanic markets and Puerto Rico, and digital assets, notably the recently launched AVOD streaming service PrendeTV.

    TF1 and M6: With a view to providing a “French response to the challenges from global platforms” Groupe Bouygues and RTL Group announced the $4bn merger of leading French commercial broadcasters TF1 and M6 to form a new “French total video champion” in May. The resulting entity will bring together the strengths of the companies’ D2C streaming businesses operating under the brand names MyTF1 and 6play.

    Said the companies, “This market where linear TV remains a powerful media is undergoing a structural transformation with a strong shift towards on-demand consumption. The combination of these two players, of the know-how of their employees and of their strong brands, would allow the new group to invest more and to step-up innovation. The proposed merger is critical to ensure the long-term independence of French content creation and to continue to offer diversified and premium local content to the benefit of all viewers.”

    Amazon acquires MGM: In the same month, global tech giant Amazon acquired Hollywood studio MGM for $8.45 Bn. MGM is behind classics such as ‘Gone with the Wind’, and ‘Rocky’, the famous Bond franchise, ‘Singin’ in the Rain’, ‘12 Angry Men’,  as well as popular reality TV shows like ‘The Voice’ and ‘Shark Tank’.

    Amazon has been ramping up its content spend to stay competitive amidst the fare being churned out by Netflix and Disney. “The real financial value behind this deal is the treasure trove of IP in the deep catalogue that we plan to re-imagine and develop together with MGM’s talented team,” said Amazon Studios and Prime Video SVP Mike Hopkins. 

    Fox Entertainment buys MarVista: With an aim to develop content for its digital outlets including the ad-supported streaming platform Tubi, Fox Entertainment closed the year with acquiring MarVista Entertainment in December. Founded in 2003, MarVista specialises in production for digital platforms. Having created an average of 80 titles across different genres, the studio boasts a content catalogue of over 2500 programming hours.

    “With these key strategic advantages, acquiring and investing in MarVista aligns perfectly with Fox Entertainment’s long-term vision for streaming and diversifying our in-house capabilities and infrastructure, as we expand our portfolio,” said CEO of Fox Entertainment Charlie Collier.

    The deal was most recently in the series of Fox’s attempts this year to bolster its streaming and digital capabilities. It follows the September acquisition of celebrity-focused news outlet TMZ from WarnerMedia and the launch of Studio Ramsay Global, a production entity focused on culinary and lifestyle programming with restaurateur Gordon Ramsay.

    RTL Group and Talpa Network: The merger of RTL Nederland and Talpa Network assets was announced in June this year with the intention of creating a strong Dutch cross-media group across TV, streaming, radio, print, and digital, as well as to the benefit of audiences and the Dutch creative industry. The plan spelled out a “clear ambition to further expand Videoland” –  the leading Dutch streaming service with one million paying subscribers.

    According to the agreements, Talpa Network will contribute its TV, radio, print, digital, e-commerce, and other assets to RTL Nederland and will receive a 30 per cent stake in the enlarged RTL Nederland in return.

    In addition, Talpa Network’s content units (Talpa Concepts, Talpa Entertainment Producties) – which are not part of the deal – and RTL Nederland will enter into a content agreement for newly developed formats for linear TV channels and for the streaming service Videoland.
    The annual content spend of the combined group amounts to more than €400 million.

    ZEEL-SPNI merger: The Zee Entertainment Enterprises Ltd (Zeel) and Sony Pictures Networks India (SPNI) mega-merger announced in September combined the two media giants’ linear networks, digital assets, production operations, and programme libraries to create one of India’s largest media and entertainment entities (close to $2 billion in revenue) in terms of market share.

    In an investor call, Punit Goenka, managing director, and chief executive officer of the merged entity, revealed that it will target overall growth with a focus on sports and digital. As part of the deal, Sony agreed to infuse $1.6 billion cash which will enable the merged entity to accelerate its digital platform and significantly invest in premium content including sports.

    Both SPNI and Zeel had been on the lookout for a partner that could bring in mutual synergies, while minimising clashes, to fend off competition amid growing consolidation in the media and entertainment industry.  With this, the Zeel-Sony merged entity will compete in the market with market leader DisneyStar India, Viacom18-RIL, and the only standalone, player Sun TV Network. Given their relative strengths in scripted, factual, and sports programming, respective distribution footprints across India, and iconic entertainment brands, the combined company will try to meet the growing consumer demand for premium content across entertainment touchpoints and platforms.

    Under the terms of the definitive agreements, SPNI will have cash balance of $1.5 billion closing, including through infusion by the current shareholders of SPNI and the promoters (founders) of Zeel, to enable the combined company to drive sharper content creation across platforms, strengthen its footprint in the rapidly evolving digital ecosystem, bid for media rights in the fast-growing sports landscape and pursue other growth opportunities.

    Content Partnerships: While there were fewer major acquisitions happening in India, multi-year content partnerships between streaming platforms and mainstream production houses emerged as a significant trend through 2021. Under the Netflix India and Excel Entertainment deal inked in September, the Ritesh Sidhwani and Farhan Akhtar-owned production house will produce a variety of stories under its series banner Excel Media & Entertainment for Netflix members in over 190 countries.

    More recently streaming platform Zee5 entered into a strategic partnership with content and IP studio Applause Entertainment, a venture of Aditya Birla Group for a multi-show association. The two content companies will collaborate to create a robust original content slate of new Zee5 originals in Hindi to entertain viewers across the globe.

    Apollo acquires Yahoo (formerly Verizon Media): The $5 bn deal involving Private equity firm Apollo Global Management’s complete acquisition of Yahoo (formerly Verizon Media) from Verizon was announced in September this year. The group’s assets including titular Yahoo properties and the TechCrunch, AOL, Engadget, and RYOT brands encompass around 900 million monthly active users globally under the umbrella brand which is currently the third-largest internet property, per Apollo’s figures.

    Even though not driven by the streaming wars, the acquisition is significant for being the culmination of Verizon’s years-long strive to establish itself in online media, specifically adtech. It was preceded by the telco’s $4.4 bn acquisition of AOL in 2015 and Yahoo in 2017 for $4.5 bn. 

  • Discovery and Samsung join forces for tiger conservation

    Discovery and Samsung join forces for tiger conservation

    Mumbai: Discovery Inc in partnership with Samsung is raising awareness among global audiences for the need to protect and conserve tigers in the wild through a content partnership around Discovery’s Project CAT (Conserving Acres for Tigers). 

     

    The collaboration entails the production of a short film “Eye to Eye with the Tiger,” which follows wildlife photographer Yashas Narayan as he journeys through India on a mission to track, and film and photograph a tiger in the wild with Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G. “The jungle is full of symbiotic relationships. It’s remarkable to see how animals depend on each other. I am delighted to have captured some raw moments that emphasise how important tigers are in the circle of life,” said Narayan.

    Directed by BAFTA Award-winning filmmaker Vikram Singh, “Eye to Eye with the Tiger” shines a light on the dangers this majestic animal faces in the wild. Guided by a local conservationist Narayan searches for tiger tracks and takes note of signs from prey species while taking video footage and still images simultaneously with the Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G. The film reaches its climax when he comes face to face with a tiger hunting prey, a shot that brings to life the mission of Project CAT.

    “Discovery is a purpose-driven company with a strong commitment to conservation and protecting wildlife. Tigers are among the most revered species on the planet and today we extend our mission to ensure a future for tigers so there will always be stories to tell through this first of its kind partnership with Samsung and Project CAT,” said Discovery global vice president – standards and social good Jessica Beatus.

    Discovery supports nearly six million acres of tiger habitat across India, Bhutan and Russia through its Project CAT. Launched in partnership with World Wildlife Fund (WWF), the initiative aims to help protect and support the conservation of a transboundary tiger landscape that is a global priority for tiger conservation. This key area also supports local economies, alternative livelihoods, and climate justice for the most marginalised. Discovery joined the ambitious goal of conservation groups to double the wild tiger population by 2022, the next Year of the Tiger in the Chinese Zodiac, said the statement.

    “Through our collaboration, we look forward to both showcasing the beauty of one of the world’s most majestic animals with our super high-resolution camera whilst simultaneously raising awareness around the importance of the conservation of tigers in the years to come,” stated Samsung Electronics VP and head of global digital marketing group & mobile communications business Jung Suh.

  • Discovery’s ‘Into the Wild’ featuring Ajay Devgn reaches 13.6 mn TV audiences

    Discovery’s ‘Into the Wild’ featuring Ajay Devgn reaches 13.6 mn TV audiences

    Mumbai: Discovery India’s “Into the Wild” with Bear Grylls and Ajay Devgn which premiered on 25 October on the Discovery Channel has garnered a unique reach of 13.6 million across the network channels. It became the highest-rated show in the infotainment genre this year with 605K AMAs (average minutes audiences; 2+ India).

    The show has garnered a high TSV of 19 minutes. Discovery channel alone is rated higher than all infotainment channels put together and accounts for 55 per cent channel share in the infotainment genre.

    The journey started with a special edition of “Man Vs Wild” with Bear Grylls and PM Modi which was billed as the TV event of the year. Followed by “Into The Wild” with superstars Rajinikanth and Akshay Kumar, generating record TV ratings and viewership for the cult new franchise. The latest episode of “Into The Wild” with Bear Grylls and Ajay Devgn has continued the legacy for being the most-watched show in the genre this year too.

    “Within its first-week premiere on discovery+, the show opened to rave reviews from the audience witnessing a strong momentum in subscription because of its gripping content and also with its truly out-of-the-box and disruptive marketing innovations,” said a spokesperson from the company.

    (Source: BARC India| TG: All 2+ I Market: India (U+R) |Period: Week 43’2021|AMAs)

    (Source: BARC India| TG: All 2+|Market: India(U+R) |Period: Week 43’2021 | 8pm-9pm |ATS)

    (Source: BARC India| TG: All 2+|Market: India(U+R) |Period: 25th Oct 2021 8pm-9pm |Channel Share %)

  • Discovery ends Q3 with $20 mn DTC subs, $425 mn next generation revenues

    Discovery ends Q3 with $20 mn DTC subs, $425 mn next generation revenues

    Mumbai: Discovery Inc ended Q3 with 20 million DTC (direct-to-consumer) subscribers, an increase of three million subscribers since the end of Q2. The company generated $425 million of next generation revenues (growth of approximately 100 per cent versus the prior year quarter) with global D2C ARPU of approximately $ five and $ seven blended discovery+ ARPU in the US, supported by our over $10 ARPU for the discovery+ Ad Lite product.

    Discovery Inc recently launched discovery+ in Canada and the Philippines in addition to finalising a multi-year US distribution agreements with DirecTV and Verizon. The company also successfully broadcast the Tokyo 2020 Summer Olympic Games, which reached over 372 million people in Europe across TV and digital platforms, and delivered 1.3 billion minutes of Olympics content on its streaming services, it said in a statement.

    Total US networks revenues increased 12 per cent to $1,858 million compared to the prior year quarter. Total revenue reported was $3,150 million; increased 23 per cent compared to the prior year quarter.

    Among the reporting segments, starting with the US, Q3 advertising revenues increased five per cent year-over-year. There was strong demand for discovery+ Ad Lite product, which contributed to the growth in the quarter. Distribution revenues increased 21 per cent year-over-year, largely due to the continued growth of discovery+ as well as linear affiliate rate increases, in part helped by successful renewals with DirectTV, Verizon, Hulu, and Altice.

    International advertising increased 26 per cent versus last year as the global advertising marketplace continued to recover from the pandemic. International distribution revenues grew six per cent during the quarter, primarily due to the growth in direct-to-consumer subscribers, which have nearly tripled over the past year across our footprint outside the US, in part aided by Olympics sign-ups.

    Investment losses for the quarter were in the low $200 million range, slightly better than last quarter.

  • Anil Jhingan elevated to Discovery APAC president & MD

    Anil Jhingan elevated to Discovery APAC president & MD

    Mumbai: Discovery has named Anil Jhingan as president and MD for the Asia Pacific region. He will be based in London and report directly to Discovery president and CEO of streaming and international activities JB Perrette, said the media company in a statement.

    Jhingan joined Discovery in 2019 as executive VP of corporate development, EMEA and APAC. He was earlier associated with Sky as group director of mergers and acquisitions. His previous stints include companies like 21st Century Fox and News Corp.

    “APAC remains a key growth driver for Discovery, and Anil’s deep industry experience, impressive international track record, and strong leadership qualities, working with our expert local teams, will be central in building continued scale and differentiation in this critical region,” said Perette, as quoted by Variety.

    Discovery currently has twelve office hubs in Asia covering 52 markets, 25 channel brands in 18 languages, and streaming service Discovery+.

    “Asia Pacific offers immense opportunity for Discovery, with our focus on great local storytelling and ever-broadening distribution of our content to audiences across the region,” said Jhingan on his new role.

  • discovery+ delves into FIFA World Cup scandal in new documentary

    discovery+ delves into FIFA World Cup scandal in new documentary

    Mumbai: Discovery on Friday announced the commission of “The Men Who Sold the World Cup,” a compelling two-part film from critically acclaimed directors Daniel DiMauro and Morgan Pehme (“Get Me Roger Stone,” “The Swamp”). The film is based on the definitive story of how football’s biggest competition was sold to the highest bidders. 

    Made in partnership with award-winning producers Story Films and Calliope Pictures, “The Men Who Sold the World Cup” will premiere exclusively on discovery+ on 24 October.

    The awarding of the World Cup to countries around the world was rumoured to have been infested with bribery, corruption, global politics, backroom deals, and greed. It all came to a head when the 2022 World Cup was awarded to Qatar – a desert nation with baking summer temperatures, zero world-class stadiums, a population mostly indifferent to soccer, and lots of money, said the platform in a statement.

    With exclusive interviews from those right at the heart of the story, the documentary reveals the stranger-than-fiction truth behind how the world’s biggest sporting event was sold by some of international football’s most senior officials and how they were eventually evicted from their seats of power and luxury lifestyles, it added.

    With unique testimonials lifting the lid on the story, viewers are taken inside FIFA during the era of Sepp Blatter, the infamous ex-president who presided over world Football for decades. This was a world where, for some, normal rules didn’t apply and bribery and embezzlement were part of the business.

    The film features a cast of outrageous characters including US soccer bigwig, Chuck Blazer, and Qatari deal-maker, Mohamed Bin Hammam. Contributors include a whistle-blower from the Qatari bid team, Blatter’s former Press chief, soccer greats including Jurgen Klinsmann and Landon Donovan, and Sepp Blatter himself.

    The first episode showcases Sunday Times investigators Heidi Blake and Jonathan Calvert and follows their incredible investigation and scoop of the century that revealed rampant corruption at the heart of FIFA. The second features FBI and IRS investigators who exposed criminal behaviour at the heart of an organisation with a structure they likened to The Mob.

    The show was ordered by Discovery Group’s VP content & acquisitions EMEA and APAC Myriam Lopez-Otazu; SVP marketing, head of factual & sport Simon Downing, and VP original content – factual Victoria Noble. Executive producers for Story Films are David Nath, Peter Beard, and Jeremy Phillips at Discovery.

  • ‘India’s Space Odyssey’ is the story of ordinary people doing extraordinary work: director Pria Somiah

    ‘India’s Space Odyssey’ is the story of ordinary people doing extraordinary work: director Pria Somiah

    Mumbai: ‘India’s Space Odyssey’, the all-new discovery+ Original currently steaming exclusively on the platform celebrates the 60-year-long successful journey of India’s space programme pioneered by the Indian Space Research Organisation (Isro).

    Produced by Miditech Studios and narrated in Hindi by actor and space enthusiast R Madhavan, the documentary depicts how this mission started by Dr Homi Bhabha and Dr Vikram Sarabhai was taken forward by their able successors including the former president of India Dr APJ Abdul Kalam, Prof Satish Dhawan, and Dr G Madhavan Nair.

    The documentary captures landmark achievements of India’s Space Programme which help in understanding the tough circumstances under which Isro scripted its success story beginning with SLV3, and more recently the ‘Chandraayan’ and ‘Mangalyaan’ missions as well as the Organisation’s most ambitious ‘Gaganyaan’ programme which will be India’s first manned mission to space.  

    However, beyond the triumph and celebration is a story of sheer grit and determination that kept the mission going in the face of tribulations, limitations as well as condescension from certain quarters, and this is what director Pria Somiah intended to capture in the 48-minute-long documentary.  

    Somiah is an award-winning film-maker, having won a Green Oscar and several accolades at New York Festivals World’s Best Television & Film Award, UNICEF Asia Pacific Child Rights Award – Hanoi, International Gold Panda Award, Sichuan TV Festival, Cine Golden Eagle Awards, USA and World Media Festival for documentaries such as ‘Mangalyaan: India’s Mission to Mars’, ‘Megafloods: Kerala’, ‘Mumbai Attack’, ‘IC 814 Hijack’, ‘Silent Screams: India’s fight against rape’, ‘Megastructures: Mumbai’s Chattrapati International Airport’, ‘Skeleton Lake’, ‘Inside: Asia’s Largest Prison’, ‘India’s Game Changers’, ‘Undercover Asia: Girls for Sale’, and ‘Freedom to Love (Honour Killings)’.

    As the executive director at Miditech Studios, the television production company with which she has been associated for over 28 years, Somiah is responsible for content strategy and business development for a variety of content formats for internet platforms and international broadcasters such NatGeo, Discovery Channel, BBC World, Disney, Turner, UN Organisations, as well Indian Government Ministries, to name a few.

    In this candid interview, Somiah takes us through the making of ‘India’s Space Odyssey’ as well as the thrill and challenges of documenting monumental events that strengthened India’s resolution of becoming a leader in space exploration.

    Edited Excepts

    On the idea behind India’s Space Odyssey

    With new and ambitious missions like Gaganyaan being planned, and the encouragement of the private sector to enter Space Tech, India’s Space program is a highly topical issue. We felt the story of how we got here is an important one to tell.

    While documenting the Mars Mission for NatGeo a few years ago, I was involved with a lot of research during which I learnt that 1962 was when India’s space programme actually started and it’s going to be 60 years in 2022. Because this coincided roughly with 75 years of the country’s independence, it was also the perfect timing I thought. And that’s when we pitched the idea of doing a commemorative film to Discovery.

    On building the narrative

    With India’s Space Odyssey we wanted to put out not just facts, but a holistic understanding of how events unfolded at Isro through national and global events that impacted our space programme, and other significant factors such as India’s policy of non-alignment. So we built the narrative around three themes – scientific milestones, the impact of global events, and then visualising all of this through archive material, biographies, photographs etc.

    EMBED: ISO Poster

    On the process and elements involved

    We waded through archive material from different sources in India as well as Nasa and Roscosmos and interviewed experts from Isro, Nasa, and Glavkosmos to get an Indian and international perspective of how different events unfolded; a sort of anecdotal telling in parts.

    Asif Siddiqi, the space historian, and professor at Fordham University, New York, helped context the impact of global politics on India’s space program.

    As a storytelling device, hand-drawn animation was used to bring alive a moment in history. These were created by well-known animation director Prakash Moorthy. Especially composed music by Shantanu Sudame set the mood of events as they unfolded. 3D animation done by Purple Monkey was used to visualise the big missions to Moon and Mars. The script was written by Joshua Whitehead.

    On the biggest challenge of telling this story

    It’s a challenge to tell the story of 60 years in a one-hour documentary so we chose turning points in the history of India’s Space program, e.g., the choice of Thumba, Kerala, as a Rocket launch site and how it was officially designated a UN International Scientific Facility in 1968. This got the world’s space scientists to Kerala and Indian scientists greatly benefited from those interactions as one saw these relationships grow over the decades to come.

    Another turning point came with the ability to launch our own satellites. The SLV 3 story, with its initial problems and subsequent success, exemplifies the dedication and innovative, never-say-die spirit of Isro’s scientists.

    On the most elating experience while making the documentary

    Through this documentary, we have tried to capture the spirit of Isro and the culture of critical analysis it has nurtured over the years where even a junior scientist can question the project director.

    These are people without fancy degrees; they come from provincial engineering colleges and have really worked their way up. They have grown within the Isro system working with indigenous technology. The most well-known example is that of one of Isro’s most senior scientists and directors – SATCOM, TK Anuradha who began as a graduate. ‘India’s Space Odyssey’ is thus the story of ordinary people doing extraordinary work.

    On the role of media in India’s Space Diplomacy

    Whether it’s putting up a fleet of satellites or sending a mission to Mars, these are huge scientific endeavours involving mindboggling complexity. India’s space story is pretty unique in that, unlike certain other organisations we did not have large resources at our disposal. Despite these challenges we are among the top six space agencies in the world today – a victory considered impossible by some around the world.

    So, yes, these stories need to be told. After IT, space tech is one of our strengths, and now with the Prime Minister encouraging private players, it will definitely emerge as a big growth area for India. The media has a very big role to play in documenting successes like these. 

  • Discovery set to premiere ‘Into The Wild with Bear Grylls and Ajay Devgn’

    Discovery set to premiere ‘Into The Wild with Bear Grylls and Ajay Devgn’

    Mumbai: Discovery India is all set to premiere “Into The Wild with Bear Grylls and Ajay Devgn” on 25 October on Discovery channels and digitally on 22 October via streaming platform discovery+.

    The broadcast premiere of the show is scheduled at 8 p.m IST on 14 linear channels including Discovery Channel, Discovery HD, Discovery Tamil, Animal Planet, Animal Planet HD, TLC, TLC HD, Discovery ID, Discovery ID HD, Discovery Science, Discovery Turbo, Discovery Kids, Eurosport, and Eurosport HD. 

    The broadcaster has also released a trailer giving a sneak peek into the episode.

    “This is my first ever expedition into the wild and I can tell you it wasn’t child’s play!” said Devgn. “My father was an action director and in my career span of 30 years in the Indian industry, I have had the fortune to play several roles including some dangerous action ones too. And, this was one of those times when I had to put those learnings to the test again.”

    The special episode has attracted marquee advertisers including Vini Cosmetics and Citroen as ‘co-powered by’ sponsors. While Dell, Omron Healthcare, Spotify, and Amazon Alexa have come on board as ‘associate’ sponsors, LIC is the ‘partner’ sponsor for the title.

    “Into the Wild with Bear Grylls is one of our most acclaimed and loved series and with the new episode, the motive was clear – to make it bigger, better and widen our audience base. The show has been appreciated worldwide and we expect to land big with this special season,” said Discovery Inc managing director – South Asia Megha Tata.

    Produced by The Natural Studios and Banijay Asia, the show will be available in seven languages including English, Hindi, Tamil, Telugu, Bangla, Malayalam, and Kannada. The episode will exclusively premiere on discovery+ India and the Philippines followed by other EMEA regions, including the United Kingdom, Netherlands, Poland, Italy, Denmark, Finland, Norway, and Sweden. It will also be showcased on Discovery’s network of channels in over 140 countries.

    “To get to take the legendary Ajay into the wild and have an adventure with him was a privilege,” said Bear Grylls. “Desert islands are always tough to survive on and Ajay showed total commitment to do what we needed to get out in one piece. He was also incredibly honest, sharing so many insights into his life and career and I value that honesty so much.”

    “Into The Wild with Bear Grylls” has featured many recognised faces in the Indian film industry including Rajinikanth, Akshay Kumar, and also featured India’s prime minister Narendra Modi.

  • discovery+’s new original documents India’s space programme

    discovery+’s new original documents India’s space programme

    Mumbai: Streaming platform discovery+ is coming up with its all-new original titled “India’s Space Odyssey.” The documentary premiering on 7 October, celebrates the 60-year-long successful journey of India’s space programme. 

    Produced by Miditech Studios, “India’s Space Odyssey” features former chairman of the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) Dr G Madhavan Nair, along with other ISRO experts and space historians and researchers. 

    Using a combination of expert interviews, archive footage and graphic representations, the film documents India’s journey to pioneering space technology and becoming a leader in space exploration that was started by Dr Homi J Bhabha and Dr Vikram Sarabhai, and how their able successors like former president of India Dr APJ Abdul Kalam, Prof Satish Dhawan, and Dr G Madhavan Nair scripted the success story with the SLV3- India’s first individual rocket launch vehicle, and more recently the ‘Chandraayan’ and ‘Mangalyaan’ missions.

    “Since its inception the Indian Space programme has achieved significant feats, thanks to the contribution of all the people who have worked on it. We are delighted that a platform like Discovery is taking these initiatives to the people in an attempt to encourage and inspire them,” stated ISRO chairman and DOS secretary Dr K Sivan.

    The docu-film will showcase the different technologies developed by ISRO including the Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV) which recorded a success rate of 95 per cent and is the workhorse of ISRO’s satellite launch programme, and its most ambitious ‘Gaganyaan’ programme which will be India’s first manned mission to space.  

    The actor and space enthusiast R Madhavan will narrate the film in Hindi. “Curiosity has brought humans to where we are today, and it will continue to do so. I thank Discovery India for this wonderful learning opportunity, and I feel honoured to have lent my voice to a project that could inspire future generations to embark on their quest to explore space,” said the actor.

    “Discovery is invested in being a worldwide leader of original edutainment with an immersive range of space-related documentaries and is now bringing a detailed and truly inspirational documentary on the much-appreciated Indian Space Programme,” said Discovery Inc South Asia original content head Sai Abhishek. “We believe India’s Space Odyssey will delight Discovery fans and draw in all the space enthusiasts from across the country.”

  • Discovery India launches travelogue promoting Uttar Pradesh

    Discovery India launches travelogue promoting Uttar Pradesh

    Mumbai: Discovery Communications India, in association with the Uttar Pradesh government, is all set to launch an exclusive travelogue “Heritage Trails, One District, One Product.” 

    Releasing on Discovery channel and discovery+ on 25 September, the documentary highlights the states’ rich culture, diversity, and the plan to ensure livelihood to the MSME sectors and accelerate economic development under ‘One District One Product’ (ODOP) – a vital scheme set up by the government to preserve the indigenous crafts and artisans and boost the MSME economy.

    “When we speak of culture and legacy, the one word that comes to mind is India. Being a diverse and secular country, every part of India including Uttar Pradesh oozes tradition in numerous forms and it is important to protect it in every way possible,” said Uttar Pradesh chief minister Yogi Adityanath. “Our association with the Discovery for ODOP initiative is a step towards spreading awareness, protecting, and propagating the rich heritage of our country and generating self-employment.”

    The documentary is hosted by popular TV actor Gaurav Chopra who takes the audience to cities like Agra and Varanasi and gives them an immersive experience as he learns about and makes the products with the local artisans, and understands how these crafts are related to their livelihood and welfare. The documentary will reveal the true indigenous side of Uttar Pradesh while elaborating on the government’s efforts to promote and rescale its local crafts and products that give the state its identity. It also highlights crafts like Gulabi Meenakari and Marble Inlay work that is exclusive to the state.

    “We at Discovery, are delighted to partner with the government of Uttar Pradesh for this one-of-a-kind documentary which beautifully captures encouraging stories and puts a spotlight on the state’s art and rich culture,” said Discovery Inc managing director for South Asia Megha Tata. “We can’t emphasise enough on this commendable programme by the government which not just provides livelihood to the district but also showcases India’s culture and art forms in the global market. Hoping our viewers find it equally enlightening and empowering.”

    Viewers can watch the documentary on Discovery Turbo and Discovery Science as well.