ITV

Tag: Ellen DeGeneres

  • Discovery partners with Ellen DeGeneres to produce natural history content

    Discovery partners with Ellen DeGeneres to produce natural history content

    MUMBAI: Multiple Emmy Award winner and renowned talk show host Ellen DeGeneres has joined the Discovery family, where she will collaborate on a slate of content. Exclusive to Discovery in the natural history space, DeGeneres will develop and produce a variety of specials, series, and documentaries that will bring her unique charm, passion and wit both in front of and behind the camera.

     

    The exciting line-up will highlight the many wonders of the natural world and the incredible wildlife who inhabit it for both Discovery Channel and its subscription streaming service discovery+, launched earlier this year.

    “Ellen’s dedication to the environment and her love for all animals, including the most endangered creatures who call our planet home, is unmatched… We welcome Ellen and her team to the Discovery family as she brings her humour, her voice, and her ability to inspire to these important passion projects,” says Discovery and Factual chief brand officer Nancy Daniels.

     “I’m so excited to partner with Discovery. I’ll get to discover all kinds of things about incredible animals. For instance, did you know the Ring-Tailed Lemur’s tail is longer than its body? I think that’s his tail. I hope that’s his tail. I have so much to discover with Discovery,” quips Ellen DeGeneres.

     From Discovery and the BBC Natural History Unit, Endangered follows the effort of dedicated wildlife conservationists across the globe as they work to compile the latest version of The Red List – the most comprehensive record of the state of the world’s wildlife that has ever been created. In addition to serving as an executive producer, DeGeneres also narrates the documentary, the first time she has done so on a project. Endangered is the BBC Studios Natural History Unit’s first non-BBC commission and launches on discovery+ on Earth Day, 22 April 2021.

     The slate will be executive produced by Jeff Kleeman, president of Ellen’s AVGP company, and Howard Swartz, SVP Documentaries and Specials, Discovery.

  • Saavn Expands Original Programming with New Genres and A-List Entertainers

    Saavn Expands Original Programming with New Genres and A-List Entertainers

    MUMBAI: Saavn today revealed an entirely new slate of original programming to debut in August and September. The new collection of shows includes Film Companion with Anupama Chopra and #NoFilter Neha hosted by Neha Dhupia. Additionally, Raghu Dixit, internationally acclaimed Indian Indie musician & music director, joins Saavn’s Artist-in-Residence (AiR) program. These exciting announcements follow the launch of Saavn’s Original Programming in April 2016, which marked the evolution of India’s largest music streaming service into a multimedia entertainment streaming platform.

    Starting August 11th, Saavn Originals will premiereFilm Companion with Anupama Chopra. In addition to movie reviews, Film Companion will feature interviews with A-list film stars, as well an in-depth look at what’s worth watching in India’s ever-growing movie scene. “I’m very excited to be on Saavn,” said Anupama Chopra, “I’ve never done a long form audio show before and this is both an exciting and challenging opportunity. I hope to learn and grow with Saavn.”

    In Film Companion’s special premiere episode, Anupama talks to the who’s who of Bollywood music in a power-packed panel including music director duo Vishal-Shekhar, well-known Indian film composer, musician, singer and lyricist Amit Trivedi, and the famous music composer and a guitarist, Ehsaan Noorani, on the changing landscape and future of Bollywood and the music industry. Following this premiere, Film Companion with Anupama Chopra will stream twice weekly every Thursday and Friday on Saavn.

    Saavn also adds tongue-in-cheek talk show#NoFilter Neha with Neha Dhupia to the Saavn Originals lineup. Neha, a well-known Indian Bollywood actor and former Femina Miss India Universe 2002, will be in conversation with celebrities from Bollywood, fashion, sports, and music in her notoriously wicked style. “A big inspiration for me are Tina Fey, Ellen DeGeneres, Madonna and other dynamic strong women who are constantly pushing themselves and doing so many things,” said Neha Dupia. “For me having an audio chat show is another exciting challenge which I hope gives me another opportunity to show my quirky side. Saavn to me is a place where the talented meet the cool and vice-versa and I am happy to get on board with them as a content creator.”

    #NoFilter promises to shock, awe, and delight Saavn’s 18 million listeners starting mid-September.

    “This is a breakthrough moment for us,” said Gaurav Wadhwa, VP of Entertainment and Originals at Saavn. “In addition to widening our fan base, these new shows will help to solidify Saavn’s transition from music streaming to becoming a global entertainment streaming hub. We’re ecstatic to bring these shows to our growing audience and can’t wait to bring them even more fantastic programming.”

    Apart from these new shows, Saavn announces internationally renowned artist Raghu Dixit as the next musician to join Saavn’s Artist-in-Residence program, Saavn’s in-house program for independent and breakthrough artists. Building on AiR’s successful launch with popular electronic artist Nucleya, Dixit will create new music, playlists, collaborations and audio shows exclusively for Saavn, expanding Saavn’s already diverse Indie music and Regional music offerings.

    “I’m really excited about my partnership with Saavn for the Artist-in-Residence initiative,” said Raghu Dixit, “I love the freedom that Saavn gives the artist and the trust they display in giving artist full control over content being created. I know that with their diverse and highly engaged listeners, this partnership will be a great step forward in taking quality Indian independent music around the world.”

    Having previously performed for the Queen of England at the Diamond Jubilee Celebrations in Windsor, as well as the largest festival in Glastonbury, Dixit is no stranger to the world stage. On August 5th, Dixit embarks on the most extensive tour of his career – the “Masterplan for Happiness” tour taking place in the U.S., Canada, Ireland and the U.K. To kick off Dixit’s debut as Saavn’s AiR, Saavn will be backing Dixit’s global tour by promoting the tour through Saavn’s app and social channels.

    The full slate of Saavn Originals, debuting this August and September, includes:

    1. Passport Approved with Sat Bisla, launching on 2nd August.

    2. Film Companion with Anupama Chopra, launching on 11th August.

    3. Ek Kahaani Aisi Bhi launching on 19th August.

    4. Audioboom syndicated shows launching in the first week of August:

    • Like-minded friends

    • The Comedy Score

    • Hip Hop saved my life with Romesh Ranganathan

    • The Cricket Podblast

    • Official Leicester City Podcast

    • United We Stand

    • The Football Forum

    • Walsh on Film

    • Undisclosed – State vs Adnan Syed

    5. #NoFilter Neha by Neha Dhupia launching mid-September

  • Saavn Expands Original Programming with New Genres and A-List Entertainers

    Saavn Expands Original Programming with New Genres and A-List Entertainers

    MUMBAI: Saavn today revealed an entirely new slate of original programming to debut in August and September. The new collection of shows includes Film Companion with Anupama Chopra and #NoFilter Neha hosted by Neha Dhupia. Additionally, Raghu Dixit, internationally acclaimed Indian Indie musician & music director, joins Saavn’s Artist-in-Residence (AiR) program. These exciting announcements follow the launch of Saavn’s Original Programming in April 2016, which marked the evolution of India’s largest music streaming service into a multimedia entertainment streaming platform.

    Starting August 11th, Saavn Originals will premiereFilm Companion with Anupama Chopra. In addition to movie reviews, Film Companion will feature interviews with A-list film stars, as well an in-depth look at what’s worth watching in India’s ever-growing movie scene. “I’m very excited to be on Saavn,” said Anupama Chopra, “I’ve never done a long form audio show before and this is both an exciting and challenging opportunity. I hope to learn and grow with Saavn.”

    In Film Companion’s special premiere episode, Anupama talks to the who’s who of Bollywood music in a power-packed panel including music director duo Vishal-Shekhar, well-known Indian film composer, musician, singer and lyricist Amit Trivedi, and the famous music composer and a guitarist, Ehsaan Noorani, on the changing landscape and future of Bollywood and the music industry. Following this premiere, Film Companion with Anupama Chopra will stream twice weekly every Thursday and Friday on Saavn.

    Saavn also adds tongue-in-cheek talk show#NoFilter Neha with Neha Dhupia to the Saavn Originals lineup. Neha, a well-known Indian Bollywood actor and former Femina Miss India Universe 2002, will be in conversation with celebrities from Bollywood, fashion, sports, and music in her notoriously wicked style. “A big inspiration for me are Tina Fey, Ellen DeGeneres, Madonna and other dynamic strong women who are constantly pushing themselves and doing so many things,” said Neha Dupia. “For me having an audio chat show is another exciting challenge which I hope gives me another opportunity to show my quirky side. Saavn to me is a place where the talented meet the cool and vice-versa and I am happy to get on board with them as a content creator.”

    #NoFilter promises to shock, awe, and delight Saavn’s 18 million listeners starting mid-September.

    “This is a breakthrough moment for us,” said Gaurav Wadhwa, VP of Entertainment and Originals at Saavn. “In addition to widening our fan base, these new shows will help to solidify Saavn’s transition from music streaming to becoming a global entertainment streaming hub. We’re ecstatic to bring these shows to our growing audience and can’t wait to bring them even more fantastic programming.”

    Apart from these new shows, Saavn announces internationally renowned artist Raghu Dixit as the next musician to join Saavn’s Artist-in-Residence program, Saavn’s in-house program for independent and breakthrough artists. Building on AiR’s successful launch with popular electronic artist Nucleya, Dixit will create new music, playlists, collaborations and audio shows exclusively for Saavn, expanding Saavn’s already diverse Indie music and Regional music offerings.

    “I’m really excited about my partnership with Saavn for the Artist-in-Residence initiative,” said Raghu Dixit, “I love the freedom that Saavn gives the artist and the trust they display in giving artist full control over content being created. I know that with their diverse and highly engaged listeners, this partnership will be a great step forward in taking quality Indian independent music around the world.”

    Having previously performed for the Queen of England at the Diamond Jubilee Celebrations in Windsor, as well as the largest festival in Glastonbury, Dixit is no stranger to the world stage. On August 5th, Dixit embarks on the most extensive tour of his career – the “Masterplan for Happiness” tour taking place in the U.S., Canada, Ireland and the U.K. To kick off Dixit’s debut as Saavn’s AiR, Saavn will be backing Dixit’s global tour by promoting the tour through Saavn’s app and social channels.

    The full slate of Saavn Originals, debuting this August and September, includes:

    1. Passport Approved with Sat Bisla, launching on 2nd August.

    2. Film Companion with Anupama Chopra, launching on 11th August.

    3. Ek Kahaani Aisi Bhi launching on 19th August.

    4. Audioboom syndicated shows launching in the first week of August:

    • Like-minded friends

    • The Comedy Score

    • Hip Hop saved my life with Romesh Ranganathan

    • The Cricket Podblast

    • Official Leicester City Podcast

    • United We Stand

    • The Football Forum

    • Walsh on Film

    • Undisclosed – State vs Adnan Syed

    5. #NoFilter Neha by Neha Dhupia launching mid-September

  • Jay Leno Receives Mark Twain Prize for Humor

    Jay Leno Receives Mark Twain Prize for Humor

    MUMBAI: Jay Leno has been awarded the nation’s top humor prize, ‘Mark Twain Prize for American Humor’. The comedian was feted in a ceremony which took place on 19 October at the Kennedy Center in Washington.

     

    Jimmy Fallon, Jerry Seinfeld and Wanda Sykes celebrated with the former ‘Tonight Show’ host as he received the honour. The show will be broadcast nationally on 23 November on PBS.

     

    According to media reports, accepting the awards, Leno said that The Tonight Show years were the best of his life and also praised his successor Jimmy Fallon for bringing a new dynamic to the show, adding that it’s fun to see the show change.

     

    The Mark Twain Award honours people who have had an effect on American society in the tradition of Samuel Clemens, the writer, satirist and social commentator, better know as Mark Twain. Past recipients of the award include Ellen DeGeneres, Carol Burnett, Will Ferrell and Bill Cosby.

     

    Leno built his career in standup comedy and still makes more than 100 live performances each year. During his time on The Tonight Show, he remained the top-rated late-night host for years, before stepping down from the show for the second time this year. He stepped down for the first time in 2009 and finally in February this year.

     

    Leno is currently developing a new TV show from his Los Angeles garage about on cars. Named Jay Leno’s Garage, the show will premiere on CNBC in 2015. He will also continue his live performances and start a new comedy series next year at the Kennedy Center.

     

  • Brands piggyback the selfie

    Brands piggyback the selfie

    MUMBAI: When Oscars 2014 host Ellen DeGeneres posted a selfie co-starring some of Hollywood’s finest stars, it went on to crash the record hitherto held by President Barrack Obama. At the end of the awards’ ceremony, DeGeneres’ “Best photo ever” stood at 2,070,132 retweets and counting; a milestone in social media history. More importantly, the fact that Degeneres had clicked the iconic selfie using a Samsung Galaxy Note 3 (given to her by the brand itself) wasn’t lost on the teeming tweeple. In fact, various international reports stated that 37 million people worldwide tuned in to the broadcast to view DeGeneres’ tweet while 43 million tuned in just to view the Samsung snap.

    Taking a cue from Samsung and other such international brands, home-grown brands too are increasingly tapping into the marketing potential of the selfie, allegations of narcissism notwithstanding. For instance, Dove and Ponds from the house of HUL are running a large-scale social media contest incorporating the selfie element even as we speak. When contacted, company officials refrained from sharing any details. However, it is learnt that along with cross promotions, these products are creating a lot of noise across social media platforms.

    Click here to watch the video

    At least a dozen Indian brands are putting the selfie to good use. ”Selfies are the latest fad and something that would instantly connect with our customers. From celebrities to teenagers to even middle-aged people, everyone today is suddenly using their phone cameras to not only click their surroundings but themselves,” said Lenskart CEO & founder, Peyush Bansal. Recently, Lenskart rolled out a social media campaign, asking for selfies from its fan base. “The idea was to see how involved our customers are in our products. We wanted to engage the online customers in a fun Lenskart selfie contest by asking them to take a selfie, share it on our and their social media pages by linking and tagging Lenskart through all platforms and using the hashtag – #mylenskartselfie. They had to ask all their friends to ‘like’, ‘favourite’ their selfies and the ones with the maximum number of likes won the contest,” said Bansal.

    Force-fitting selfie-ness

    Using selfies to market products is fine but the general perception is that all brands, from beauty to surrogate, are looking to engage social media by calling for selfies. We spoke to a few social media experts for their views.

    “Not every brand can pull off a selfie stunt and hope to make it an instant social media hit. It needs to connect with the audiences; it should come across as something natural or on the spur of the moment and not staged. Unless one makes no bones about it but does it in style,” said Grey Digital executive creative director Navin Kansal.

    On the other hand, Digital Quotient COO Vinish Kathuria, expressed the view that curated content really works for brands these days. “It is interesting to see that various brands are thinking in terms of crowd sourcing techniques while rolling out contests on social media,” he said.  

    Whether the continued use of selfies will work for brands or it will reach a point of saturation, only time will tell.

  • Oscars to broadcast exclusively on STAR Movies for the 15th year consecutively

    Oscars to broadcast exclusively on STAR Movies for the 15th year consecutively

    MUMBAI: Star Movies announced that it will broadcast the eminent awards ceremony honoring achievements in the film industry, Oscars Live and Exclusive’, in India. Known as the Hollywood destination of India, Star Movies will be airing the Oscars for the 15th year in succession reinforcing its commitment to bringing its viewers the very best of American cinema.  Set to take place on 2 March, 2014, at the Dolby Theatre in Hollywood, Los Angeles, the 86th Academy Awards ceremony will honor the actors, technical achievements, and films of 2013.

     

    Star Movies gives its viewers another reason to look forward to the Oscars this year with the return of Ellen DeGeneres as host of the celebrated ceremony for the second time. DeGeneres hosted the 79th Academy Awards in 2007, for which she received a Primetime Emmy nomination for “Outstanding Individual Performance in a Variety or Music Program.”  Star Movies has aired a special video that the affable daytime chat show host has made for her fans in India. The promo has her donning a tux and putting on a special Oscars themed performance.

     

    Star Movies will exclusively showcase all the celebrity interviews and excitement from the Red Carpet to the performances of the most coveted awards night to the winners of the most prestigious trophy. The channel is dedicated to bringing an authentic Oscars experience right into their viewers living rooms. The channel will also be broadcasting the entire ceremony in Dolby 5.1 surround sound to create the best audio experience possible. In addition to this, the channel has introduced a month long movie festival featuring Oscar winning movies titled, ‘Oscar Fever’. The ‘Oscar Fever’ segment will air from Monday to Friday, at 7 pm and presents its audiences a spectacular Oscars experience with a variety of films nominated for the prestigious awards in the past years.

     

    The channel has also conducted a Predict and Win contest where the winners are given an chance to win a once in a lifetime opportunity to watch the Oscars Red Carpet 2015 in LA from the bleacher seats! To participate all the viewers need to do is log on to the STARMovies.in/Oscars2014 and predict the winners for this year’s categories.

     

    Commenting on the occasion, Kevin Vaz, General Manager – English channels, Star India said, “Star Movies is the go-to destination for Hollywood in India and we want to ensure that our viewers get the best of the Oscars experience possible. The Oscar Fever festival will air a host of excellent Oscar nominated films and the Predict and Win contest will grant two lucky winners a chance to attend the grand event in person.”

     

    The star-studded 86th Academy Awards will be telecast ‘Live’ on March, 3 February at 5:30am and a repeat telecast at 8 pm.

  • Jennifer Lawrence to present at this year’s Oscars

    Jennifer Lawrence to present at this year’s Oscars

    MUMBAI: Academy Award winner Jennifer Lawrence (The House at the End of the Street) will return to present at the 86th Annual Academy Awards this year, show producers Craig Zadan and Neil Meron announced today in a press statement. Lawrence took home the golden statuette for her lead performance in Silver Linings Playbook. She is nominated this year for her supporting role in American Hustle. Previously Lawrence was nominated for her leading role in Winter’s Bone. Her other credits include X-Men: First Class and The Hunger Games series. 

     

    Awards for outstanding film achievements of 2013 will be presented on Sunday, 2 March, at the Dolby Theatre at Hollywood & Highland Center, Los Angeles and televised live on American Broadcasting Network (ABC). The Oscars, produced by Craig Zadan and Neil Meron, will be televised live in more than 225 countries and territories worldwide.

     

    The Oscars, hosted by Ellen DeGeneres, will air in India on Monday, 3 March live on Star Movies at 5:30 am with a repeat telecast at 8:00 pm.

  • First ever Saudi Arabia entry in Oscar – ‘Wadjda’

    First ever Saudi Arabia entry in Oscar – ‘Wadjda’

    MUMBAI: Wadjda is the first film that is shot entirely in Saudi Arabia as well as by a female director Hanifaa Al Mansour, has earned the name of being the first ever Oscar entry from the kingdom. Produced by Rotana Studios, the film debuted in Venice last year.

    Mansour said that at times she had to give instructions through the phone to direct because as per Saudi law she cannot be interacting with men outside.  The film talks about a young girl in the country who is out to challenge deep rooted traditions to buy a bicycle.

    The picture was acquired by Sony Pictures Classics. The movie has won several awards since release. Oscar 2014 will be held on 2 March with Ellen DeGeneres as host.

  • “The Ellen DeGeneres Show” returns in its eleventh season with happy hour at 3pm on Zee Café starting this September

    “The Ellen DeGeneres Show” returns in its eleventh season with happy hour at 3pm on Zee Café starting this September

    “The Ellen DeGeneres Show” is the daytime destination for laughter and fun on television. Slated to air weekdays at 3pm, Zee Cafe brings a refreshing perspective to daytime television. Voted the ‘funniest person in America’  Ellen’s charming personality and inimitable take on everyday life invite a relaxed and candid environment and allow her guests to engage in entertaining and thoughtful discussions on topical issues. The environment the host creates always leads to having moments of unpredictable fun, illuminating celebrities “in the moment,” and saying and doing things viewers won’t experience anywhere else! When members of Hollywood’s A-list and Ellen get together, anything can happen—from dancing with First Lady Michelle Obama to Christmas Caroling with Britney Spears to catching George Clooney after setting numerous “Clooney traps.”

     

    The show features a diverse mix of celebrity interviews, musical performers, audience participation, and segments spotlighting everyday people with extraordinary stories and talents. “The Ellen DeGeneres Show” continues to be a destination for the world’s biggest stars. In addition to Clooney, guests have included Brad Pitt, Reese Witherspoon, Justin Timberlake, Penelope Cruz, Halle Berry, Drew Barrymore, just to name a few.
    In addition to celebrity interviews, the show includes chart-topping musical performers and breaking new acts. The show has featured an eclectic catalogue of performances ranging from music legends Cher, Madonna, Paul McCartney, Prince, and Sir Elton John to pop superstars Beyonce, Lady Gaga, Pink, and Mariah Carey to smooth R&B and hip-hop artists Kanye West, The Black Eyes Peas, and Mary J. Blige .The show continues to prove itself as a leader in the daytime talk show genre by blending genuine warmth, humor, and unparalleled celebrity interviews.

     

    With the eleventh season Ellen DeGeneres continues to deliver uplifting, inspiring, and hilarious experiences to viewers. Ellen’s talent, personal warmth, and insight have earned her recognition as a global entertainer and household name. Through her show, she brings her humor and talent for tackling topical issues into viewers’ lives with her distinctive style touching every aspect of the show.
    “The Ellen DeGeneres Show” was launched in September 2003 to great success and critical acclaim.  In its launch year itself, the show won four Daytime Emmys, while Ellen has won ‘Outstanding talk show host’ four years in a row! Premiering on the 10TH of September, in its eleventh season the show airs Mondays to Fridays at 3pm exclusively on Zee Cafe.

  • Finding Nemo to release in India on 24 august in 3D

    Finding Nemo to release in India on 24 august in 3D

    Mumbai: Academy Award-winning best animated feature Finding Nemo returns to the big screen for the first time ever in thrilling Disney Digital 3D. It will release in India on 24 August, three weeks prior to its US release.
    This stunning underwater adventure, with memorable characters, humor and heartfelt emotion, Finding Nemo follows the comedic and momentous journey of an overly protective clownfish named Marlin (voice by Albert Brooks) and his son Nemo (voice by Alexander Gould) who separate in the Great Barrier Reef when Nemo is unexpectedly taken far from his ocean home and dumped into a fish tank in a dentist‘s office.
    Buoyed by the companionship of Dory (voice by Ellen DeGeneres), a friendly-but-forgetful Pacific regal blue tang, Marlin embarks on a dangerous trek and finds himself as the unlikely hero of an epic effort to rescue his son who hatches a few daring plans of his own to return safely home.
    It will be interesting to note that Finding Nemo won the 2003 Academy Award for Best Animated Feature. The film won a Golden Globe Award for Best Motion Picture-Musical or Comedy. At the time of its release, the film was the highest grossing G-rated movie of all time. In 2008, the American Film Institute named Finding Nemo among the top 10 greatest animated films ever made.