ITV

Tag: documentaries

  • Applause Entertainment marks eight years with bigger bets

    Applause Entertainment marks eight years with bigger bets

    MUMBAI: Eight years may seem young, but Kumarmangalam Birla-owned, Sameer Nair-led Applause Entertainment has already muscled into the top tier of India’s content business. Since its 2017 launch, the studio has churned out more than 50 original series, films and documentaries across every major streamer — from Netflix and Amazon Prime Video to Disney+ Hotstar, Zee5 and Sony Liv.

    Operating on what it calls a “hub and spoke” model, Applause invests upfront in content, collaborates with producers such as Banijay Asia, BBC Studios, Rose Audiovisuals and Emmay Entertainment, and then syndicates the finished work to platforms worldwide. Its catalogue includes both original dramas and Indian adaptations of acclaimed books and international formats.

    After shaking up the digital series  market, Applause has shifted gears into films with titles like Iftikaar, The Rapist and Aruvi. It has also launched Applause Productions, whose debut project is the Indian remake of Fauda. In animation, it has struck an exclusive deal with Amar Chitra Katha to reimagine 400-plus comics for global audiences and under the Appla Toon brand on YouTube.

    It recently partnered with author Jeffrey Archer to adapt his books into series or movies. 

    Nair has built a seasoned team backing him up, with Deepak Segal as chief creative officer, Prasoon Garg as chief business officer, Sunil Chainani heading films, Maansi Darrbar heading Applause Productions,  Siddharth Khaitan heading special projects like Gandhi and Scam, and Devnidhi Bajoria overseeing marketing.

    With scores of projects in the pipeline, the studio is plotting a push beyond India into documentaries, infotainment and even gaming.

    Eight years in, Applause is just clearing its throat. And loving the viewing audience’s critics’  applause.

  • YouTube eyes the big screen as 38 per cent tune in for TV and film

    YouTube eyes the big screen as 38 per cent tune in for TV and film

    MUMBAI: YouTube’s not just for prank videos and pet fails anymore. That was a point made by YouTube global head Neale Mohan earlier this year when he talked about the platform being watched  more on TVs in the US than on handsets.  Now, this has been confirmed by the latest  consumer research from  Ampere Analysis. The only difference it is beginning to spread globally.  

    Nearly four in ten (38 per cent) of the platform’s global monthly users watch traditional TV shows, films and documentaries. The shift signals YouTube’s growing ambitions beyond the smartphone screen—right into the living room.

    Once the digital playground of vlogs and viral clips, YouTube is fast becoming a home for full-length content from major studios and broadcasters. And it’s not just padding out the platform—TV and film content now ranks among YouTube’s top five most-watched genres. Documentaries alone are pulling in 24 per cent of users each month, while 23 per cent are turning up for shows and movies.

    What’s interesting is how distinct the audiences are: only 22 per cent of viewers watch both. The rest are split between docu-devotees (41 per cent) and drama-only fans (37 per cent). And while the appeal spans age groups, there’s a slight tilt towards 35–44-year-olds and family households.

    The trend is strongest in Asia Pacific (45 per cent) and Latin America (40 per cent), but less so in Western Europe (28 per cent). North America sits bang on the global average at 37 per cent.

    Ampere analysis

    The rise of smart TVs is a game changer here. While smartphones still dominate (used by 77 per cent of long-form viewers), a hefty 34 per cent of those watching both docs and dramas are doing so on smart TVs—compared to just 22 per cent of all YouTube users.

    Ampere, senior research manager Daniel Monaghan sums it up: “YouTube has come a long way from meme montages and low-res vlogs. We’re now seeing serious, studio-backed content that’s pulling in eyeballs. Sure, there’s a risk of cannibalising traditional platforms—but the ad-share potential and massive reach make it a no-brainer.”

    Whether YouTube counts as TV may still be up for debate. But with your gran and your sis now watching documentaries on it from their smart TVs, it might just be time to drop the “user-generated” label.

  • Top shows of Sir David Attenborough to watch on Sony BBC Earth

    Top shows of Sir David Attenborough to watch on Sony BBC Earth

    Mumbai : Sony BBC Earth has been showcasing stories of curiosity and adventure taking viewers to corners of the globe otherwise unexplored. The channel’s landmark natural history shows such as the Planet Earth series have always struck a chord with the viewers for their compelling storylines and magnificent representation. A huge credit goes to Sir David Attenborough, the legendary broadcaster and naturalist who gave the wild a voice.

    Celebrating the birthday of the legend, Sony BBC Earth, the home of Sir David Attenborough, is showcasing a selection of his groundbreaking documentaries and series. Below are a few of his shows that you can add to your watchlist.

    1.    Frozen Planet I & II: The six-part series takes people on an expedition to the world’s coldest areas – the high mountains, frozen deserts, snowbound forests, and ice-cold oceans, to explore the wildlife in these regions. Filmed in the ultra-high definition using the very latest camera technology, and featuring dramatic new behaviours, intimate stories, and sensational natural spectacles captured on camera for the very first time, it gives viewers a chance to experience the wonders of our planet’s frozen realms.

    2.    Perfect Planet: The series reveals how perfectly our planet is set up to nurture life. It shows how sunlight, weather, ocean currents and volcanoes all work together in an intricate balancing act to shape and support the great diversity of life on Earth. The episode that focuses on volcanoes showcase how magma from the planet’s molten core builds land, and the mineral-rich ash from eruptions fertilises the surface.

    3.    Natural Curiosities: Sir David Attenborough presents a collection of his favorite natural curiosities found throughout the animal kingdom from armored giants to crafty insects where you can witness some new lives with adventurous mysteries in it. Each episode features two species connected by a distinctive evolutionary quirk.

    4.    Blue Planet 2: The series features a variety of revolutionary segments never seen in a video documentary. The species include cuttlefish that hypnotize crabs to stun them, giant trevally that leap out of the water to catch low flying birds, and newly discovered dancing yeti crabs.

    5.    The Green Planet: The show makes viewers dive into a world where a single life can last a thousand years. It takes them to the private, hidden existence of plants who are not as violent, competitive, and theatrical as animals, engaged in life-or-death contests for food and light, fierce territorial battles, and desperate attempts to reproduce and disperse their young.

    6.    Planet Earth II: The show is an immersive exploration of the jungles, mountains, deserts, islands, grasslands, and cities of the world. It takes viewers to the four corners of the globe to discover the extreme forces that shape life in each of these iconic landscapes and the remarkable ways animals manage to overcome the challenges of surviving in the wildest places on Earth.

    To know more, tune in to Sony BBC Earth from 2:00 pm to 6:00 pm.

  • Prakash Jha talks about filmmaking and his OTT debut at Goafest 2022

    Prakash Jha talks about filmmaking and his OTT debut at Goafest 2022

    MUMBAI: During the Goafest 2022, Indian film producer, director and screenwriter, Prakash Jha talked about foraying into films and OTT from documentaries. He shared his thoughts on his journey and experiences in the entertainment industry.

    In a conversation with film critic Mayank Shekhar during the session titled “From Films to OTT” hosted by MX Player, Jha emphasised that filmmaking is a complete package for him. From sound recording and screenwriting to placing the lights, he takes a keen interest in everything that comes with filmmaking.

    His renowned works include Mrityudand, Gangajal, Apharan, Rajneeti, Chakravyuh, Aarakshan, Satyagrah, Aashram. Jha made his web series debut on OTT with the medium’s most-watched series, Aashram. The series’ 3rd season is slated to launch soon on MX Player.

    Jha also spoke of how he realized very early on in his career that acting is the most important part, and he should be able to communicate with the actors in their language.

    So, he started attending acting workshops by the best teachers in the world. He took workshops across Vienna, Amsterdam, London, Paris, Los Angeles and New York. He said, “I would quietly go and enrol myself as a student. And that’s how I understood an actor’s language. I have performed Shakespeare and other plays in classes, which gave me a lot of confidence.”

    But he exposed Indian actors saying, “I was disgusted with actors working here in India. They don’t know what acting is about. Till date, no actor has asked me questions about shoot days, shoot timings, locations, action sequences and more. And that’s the difference between Hollywood actors and Bollywood ones. The actors there attend workshops and keep on practising and improving their art.”

    Prakash Jha also stated that he keeps practising too as he enjoys the process and feels it’s much needed to keep the craft intact and will soon be seen in a lead role as an actor.

  • DocuBay goes live on US-based streaming service Struum

    DocuBay goes live on US-based streaming service Struum

    Mumbai: DocuBay, the global documentary platform by IN10 Media has partnered with the US-based streaming service Struum to offer the OTT’s SVOD content to the US market.

    Under this partnership, the aggregation platform created by senior-level Disney and Discovery executives will allow consumers to discover and consume content from DocuBay’s library via a credit-based exchange system with a single subscription.

    DocuBay’s premium (SVOD) factual entertainment content across multiple genres like biographies, sports, nature, science, technology, and more will be made available. Some of the flagship documentaries are “Himalayan Gold Rush”, “The Creepy Line” and “WHO is in control”.

    The partnership will enhance DocuBay’s growth plans to increase the availability to more audiences – around the world, expanding its global presence and growing its user base, it said in a media statement.

    DocuBay, vice president, strategy, Girish Dwibhashyam said, “The digital streaming ecosystem has been evolving for some time and content curation, aggregation is increasingly playing an important role in helping users to find what to watch. DocuBay’s content reaches out to a vast set of audience from across the globe and this partnership with Struum will help viewers in the US sample our premium content.”

    Struum CEO Lauren Devillier said, “Premium content like DocuBay is an excellent addition to Struum with its broad library of documentaries from filmmakers across the globe. With this new offering, Struum subscribers will have the opportunity to explore an incredible array of films they might have not otherwise been able to discover outside the Struum streaming service.” 

  • DocuBay inks distribution deal with Albatross World Sales

    DocuBay inks distribution deal with Albatross World Sales

    Mumbai: Factual video-on-demand service DocuBay has acquired multiple premium documentary titles from Germany-based distribution company, Albatross World Sales.

    The deal includes documentaries on nature, science, history, and many more genres. The 20+ titles will be available for global streaming on DocuBay in more than 170 countries, with the app available on platforms such as the Apple store, Google Play, Fire TV, and Apple TV.

    “We are pleased to partner with Albatross World Sales, whose library includes a range of unique documentaries and factual, which are in line with DocuBay’s diverse line-up,” said IN10 Media Network, senior AVP of acquisition and syndication, Adita Jain. “Our strategy has always been to provide the audience with premium content, in various genres, from across the world.”

    “Working on this deal with the DocuBay team has been a pleasure and we’re very excited that our high-quality documentaries will be available to viewers around the world! It’s also a promising start to a fruitful collaboration,” added Albatross World Sales, sales manager for Asian territories, Eleytheria Heine.

  • discovery+ unveils special content line-up for sports fans

    New Delhi: With the sporting action on a pause, fans are scrambling for ways to enjoy their favourite sports. Streaming platform discovery+ on Wednesday, unveiled its new content line-up with a host of gripping documentaries to keep the fans engaged, as they wait for the real action. 

    “We assure you these come mighty close to catching that feeling on screen whilst giving an understanding into what really goes on behind the scenes in professional sports,” said the platform on Wednesday.

    For the cricket lovers, discovery+ has a wide array of series and documentaries based on the widely popular sport. This includes Capturing Cricket: Steve Waugh in India and Bodyline: The Ultimate Test to All Access the Contenders, Forged in Fire: Cricket’s Greatest Rivalry and Two Nations One Obsession: Australia vs India. 

    Viewers can explore the world of football with Lionel Messi – the Greatest, Maradona The Greatest Ever, Pele: The Last Show, Manchester United For The Glory, What Killed Maradona, The End of the Storm, Messi Cirque or Aaron Hernandez.

    If Tennis is your favourite sport, Being Serena and Strokes of Genius would be your best bet. Being Serena shines light upon the life of America’s professional tennis player, Serena Williams. It focuses on how she takes on pregnancy and motherhood while still being the most dominant player on the court.

    For all ardent motorsport fans, discovery+ is offering MotoGP, Top Gear America, Chasing Classic Cars, James May: Cars of the People to quench your thirst for all thing’s cars.

  • Now Showing: Himalayan woman power documentary at IFFLA’s 19th edition

    Now Showing: Himalayan woman power documentary at IFFLA’s 19th edition

    Los Angeles : The Indian Film Festival of Los Angeles (IFFLA) returns on 20-27 May with a line-up of narrative and documentary features and shorts for the festival’s 19th edition where 40 documentaries, including shorts, will be virtually released. While the festival is geo-focused to California, special India passes will be available to enjoy the film festival by remote.

    “This is a very special year for IFFLA. Taking the festival online has given us the freedom to curate programs we would not have been able to otherwise present in a physical setting. We have (effectively) expanded our reach,” according to Christina Marouda, executive director, who added, “Once you accept the fact of going virtual you start to realize all the new things that you can do, which is very exciting.”

    The IFFLA devotes itself to a greater appreciation of Indian cinema and culture by showcasing films, supporting emerging filmmakers and promoting diverse perspectives of the Indian diasporas. The 19th edition of the festival boasts an impressive total of 40 films, including three World, eight North American, five U.S. and 17 Los Angeles premieres, spanning 17 languages and includes the works of 16 women directors.

    IFFLA will open with the Los Angeles premiere of the powerful female-centric film, Fire in the Mountains, the 2021 Sundance-selected debut feature by Ajitpal Singh that immerses the audience into a village amidst the backdrop of the breath-taking beauty of the Himalayan mountains. Marouda said, “It’s a region that you normally don’t get to see in terms of the life and struggles (in the backdrop of its) culture.”

    In addition, Marouda explained, “This film is a great example of what IFFLA is all about. And that is about supporting those new emerging voices that really have something to say with their first feature and we want to support the filmmaker in this journey that is starting for them right now.”

    IFFLA’s closing will similarly showcase, Sthalpuran, (Chronicle of Space) by Akshay Indikar, the Marathi film that has won the hearts of audiences at festivals around the world for its breath-taking, poetic exploration of the inner life of its protagonist, a young boy named Dighu, after being featured at the ‘Berlinale 2020’. “It’s very profound and beautifully shot”, Marouda said of the film. 

    Long-time IFFLA alumni Anurag Kashyap (of Sacred Games and Gangs of Wasseypur fame) will join Indikar in an interactive session that sets up an emergent upcoming independent filmmaker with one of the most celebrated independent filmmakers of our generation.

    In another tweak, aimed at lifting the spirits of the Indian population in these exceptionally dark times, IFFLA will make a section of its line up in the 2021 edition available to audiences in India, with the India Pass that is a novel feature of the festival this year. 

    The India Pass will offer access to 24 films from this year’s line up at the price of Rs. 150 (US $2.00), including six features and 18 shorts. IFFLA has coordinated with an anonymous donor who has underwritten most expenses associated with the pass.

    Selected documentaries for the viewing of India Pass holders will include the Malayalam feature ‘Biriyaani’, along with a powerhouse performance by Kani Kusruti; the poignant Rotterdam selected documentary ‘A Rifle and a Bag’; and the impressive debut feature ‘Aise Hee’ (Just Like That).

    A program curated by the legendary Uma da Cunha and themed, “Childhood on Edge”, which encompasses characters on the cusp of the momentous transformation from childhood to adulthood will be a special attraction at the IFFLA this year. This program includes three diverse features, Bridge, The Tenant, and Vanaja besides one short film, Kanya.

    Among the shorts in the India Pass, highlights include the riveting National Award winning ‘Custody’; a Nagaland-set period drama ‘Angh’, which won a prize at Clermont-Ferrand 2021; the bold and mysterious ‘Catdog’, which won the Grand Prix at Cannes’ la Cinefondation segment; the Gujarati film ‘Anita’, featuring a memorable performance by Aditi Vasudev; the dystopian animated masterwork ‘Wade’, winner at the Annecy Film Festival; the Rotterdam selected ‘Letter From Your Far-Off Country’, whose potent exploration of history, memory and oppression is more relevant than ever; ‘Annual Day’, a striking student debut from the Satyajit Ray Film Institute; the enchanting ‘The Song We Sang’, a riveting story about two young women in the streets of Ahmedabad during the Navratri festival; and ‘For Each Other’, the latest film by Rima Das.

    In addition to the films and their corresponding Q&A sessions with the filmmakers, the India Pass will also give audiences in India access to special panel discussions which include engaging conversations with successful industry executives who navigate the world of film and television development, both in the US and in India.

  • BBC elevates Charlotte Moore as chief content officer

    BBC elevates Charlotte Moore as chief content officer

    In her new role, Moore will be the senior leader for BBC content and audiences across all genres and platforms, with the exception of news and nations and regions. Her responsibilities include television commissioning for all BBC network TV channels and BBC iPlayer, radio commissioning and production for all ten national radio networks and BBC Sounds, multiplatform commissioning and production for all children’s and education content, and BBC Proms and Orchestras.

    BBC chairman Sir David Clementi said: “It is a great pleasure to welcome Charlotte Moore to the BBC Board. Charlotte has made a huge success of bringing audiences to our television portfolio—resulting in record-breaking figures for iPlayer and ensuring the BBC can reach audiences beyond the critical linear channels. She will do a brilliant job as Chief Content Officer and be an important asset to the BBC Board.”

    Moore joined the BBC in 2006 as commissioning executive for documentaries. She has held such roles as acting controller of BBC Daytime Television, controller of BBC One and controller of TV channels and iPlayer. Since 2009, she was the commissioning editor for documentaries where she was responsible for strategy and commissioning for in-house and independents across all four channels. Charlotte transformed the genre to produce a huge breadth of original programming, seeking out the best talent to bring the most compelling and inspiring documentary content to a broad audience. From Bafta-winning titles Protecting Our Children, 7/7 One Day In London, Between Life and Death, The Great British Bake Off, Terry Pratchett’s Choosing To Die, The Choir and Welcome To Lagos to hit series like Inside Claridges, The Call Centre, Lambing Live and The Tube.

    In January 2016, she was appointed as controller of TV channels and iPlayer, where she was the creative, editorial and strategic lead for BBC One, BBC Two, BBC Four and BBC iPlayer, ensuring the channels work in a complementary way while enhancing their distinctive positioning. In July 2016, Moore was elevated as the director of BBC content and controller of BBC One. She was responsible for the creative vision across the portfolio of channels, BBC iPlayer and genres and took on oversight of BBC Sport.

    Prior to joining the BBC, Charlotte was director of contemporary factual at IWC Media focusing on high-profile contemporary narrative documentaries and series for all major UK channels, including BBC Two’s landmark series Stephen Fry: The Secret Life Of A Manic Depressive.  

  • Population First launches Awards for Gender Sensitivity; signs MoU with Colors

    Population First launches Awards for Gender Sensitivity; signs MoU with Colors

    MUMBAI: Population First, the communication and advocacy initiative working towards gender sensitivity, today launched the 8th edition of the Laadli Media and Advertising Awards for Gender Sensitivity (LMAAGS) 2015-16 in partnership with Colors These awards recognize and celebrate the efforts of the media and advertising community to promote gender sensitivity in India.

    The MoU signed with Colors as the exclusive Cause Partners is in keeping with the channel’s vision to highlight a woman’s strength and gumption in the society-at-large. The last date for receiving entries is 15th December 2016, and the awards will be announced soon thereafter.

    Colors CEO Raj Nayak said, “Gender equality and empowerment are tangible issues faced by the Indian population today. As we steadily move towards adopting Western cultural themes, there is a section of the media and advertising industry that is working diligently towards rehabilitation of various strata in our society.”

    According to Population First director Dr. A. L.Sharada, “From a mere 100 entries in 2007 to more than 1500 entries in 2015, Laadli Media Awards have come a long way in acknowledging the media’s contribution in women empowerment and gender issues. The increasing volume of discussion in public domain on gender issues is an indication that we are witnessing the beginnings of change.”

    The Laadli Media and Advertising Awards for Gender Sensitivity have been instituted to acknowledge, highlight and celebrate the commendable efforts undertaken by Print and Electronic media (TV, Radio and Web) and Advertising Agencies, to promote gender sensitivity as an integral part of their work.

    Criteria for Eligibility:

    An entry to the Laadli Media and Advertising Awards for Gender Sensitivity should emphasize or highlight one or more of the following:

    • Analyze policies, programs and laws from a gender perspective

    • Highlight influence of gender perceptions on the functioning of police, judiciary, administrators and other service providers in the implementation of laws and programs

    • Challenge gender stereo-types by focusing on men and women who are redefining their gender equations e.g. changing work participation patterns of men and women, changing work distribution at home between men and women, etc.

    • Analyze the social, religious and economic factors that promote gender inequality and gender violence

    • Report on current events from a gender perspective e.g.: disasters, communal riots, elections, sports events, etc.

    • Create awareness about pre-birth sex selection and other acts of gender discrimination and violence

    • Interpret research and other reports/documents from a gender perspective e.g. census, economic survey, budgets etc.

    • Voice the experiences of survivors of gender violence

    Entries Are Invited from:

    1) Advertising: Single Advertisements and Campaigns for Print/ TV /Radio /OOH/ Digital/ Direct Mail under the categories of Services, Products and Public Services
    Categories:

    Single Advertisements and Campaigns (Though entries are invited at Regional level the Awards are given at National level)

    2) Print Media:From journalists writing for Newspapers and Periodicals in the individual category and Media Houses undertaking media campaigns on gender issues in the group category
    Categories:

    • Journalism – Print– News Reports, Features, Investigative Stories, Editorials, Op-Eds, Columns and Campaigns

    • Journalism – Electronic– News Reports, Features, Investigative Reporting, Documentaries, Topical or Issue Based Programs and Campaigns

    3) Electronic Media:

    TV and Radio: From TV Channels and Radio Stations (including Community and University Radio, Radio Plays, etc.)

    Web: E-Magazines, Blogs, Features, Social Media Campaigns

    Entry Requirements:

    • All entries should have been published/ displayed/ broadcast or telecast between July 1, 2015 to June 30, 2016

    • All entries (except from freelancers and from those applying under the web category) must include a declaration from the Editor/ Direct Supervisor or commissioning organization

    • Multiple entries in more than one category are allowed

    • All entries to be sent on laadlimediaawards@gmail.com

    Languages and States:

    Northern Region: English, Hindi, Urdu & Punjabi (Chandigarh, Chhattisgarh, Delhi, Haryana, Himachal Pradesh, Jammu & Kashmir, Madhya Pradesh, Punjab, Uttar Pradesh and Uttarakhand)

    Southern Region: English, Hindi, Urdu, Tamil, Telugu, Kannada and Malayalam (Andaman & Nicobar, Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Kerala, Lakshadweep, Puducherry, Tamil Nadu and Telangana)

    Eastern Region: English, Hindi, Urdu, Bengali, Assamese and Oriya (Arunachal Pradesh, Assam,Bihar, Jharkhand, Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Nagaland, Odisha, Sikkim, Tripura and West Bengal)

    Western Region: English, Hindi, Urdu, Gujarati and Marathi. (Daman and Diu, Goa, Gujarat, Maharashtra and Rajasthan)

    The winners will be chosen by a jury comprising of eminent personalities both from the media and social sector. All the entries should be original and comply with copyright requirements and have been published/ displayed/ broadcast or telecast between July 1, 2015 to June 30, 2016. The last date for receipt of entries is 15thDecember 2016.

    The Laadli Media Awards were instituted in March 2007 as a Mumbai centric event and were subsequently taken to the National level with the support of the UNFPA.

    Laadli,a term of endearment meaning ‘cherished daughter’ in Hindi, is a campaign by Population First, a Mumbai-based NGO is a communications and advocacy initiative for a balanced, planned and stable population. Laadli is a comprehensive communication campaign aiming to promote a positive image of women and girls in society by changing the stereotypical mindsets that undervalue women. Laadli Campaign works with communities, colleges and media towards breaking gender barriers and bringing about gender equality in society. Laadli media advocacy includes a number of activities viz., Media fellowships, gender sensitization workshops for working and student journalists, interactive sessions with Creative Directors of TV Channels, Ad analysis with advertising professionals.

    For detailed Guidelines and Entry Form please log on to www.populationfirst.org