ITV

Tag: EVP

  • NBC-Universal buys ‘paranormal’ series from Bomanbridge

    NBC-Universal buys ‘paranormal’ series from Bomanbridge

    MUMBAI/ SINGAPORE: Bomanbridge Media, a Singapore-based content distribution and production agency, announced a series of paranormal series programme sales to NBC-Universal’s Syfy and Celestial.

    NBC Universal’s Syfy acquired the iconic series A Haunting – a paranormal anthology television series that depicts eyewitness accounts of possession, exorcism, and ghostly encounters. They also acquired RIP Files a series that follows paranormal investigators, based in Washington DC, who use their psychic abilities and their deep knowledge of metaphysical techniques to interact with the entities they encounter at haunted locations. These investigators encourage the spirits to share their stories in their own words through amazing EVPs and other evidence that is bridging the gap between the worlds of science and spirituality.

    Celestial, Thrill channel, took another season of the long-running Most Haunted series. The multiple award-winning paranormal investigation series seeks the truth into whether ghosts really do exist. The team, led by Yvette Fielding, spends 24 hours investigating infamously haunted locations to uncover mysteries and bring an honest account of reported paranormal activity. Most Haunted has been shown in more than 80 countries, reached over 200 thrilling episodes and is one of the UK’s longest-running and most successful series.

    “Bomanbridge carries great paranormal content within the catalogue and with the expansion of paranormal genre and channels in Asia, we hope to maintain our edge in this entertaining genre,” said Bomanbridge Media CEO Sonia Fleck.

  • Superdry collaborates with Pepsi MTV Indies for music property

    Superdry collaborates with Pepsi MTV Indies for music property

    MUMBAI: British brand Superdry has partnered with Pepsi MTV Indies for a unique music property – Superdry Krunk Live Sessions, which will brings together some of the hottest young musicians in the country alongside some of India’s best visual artists.

     

    This first of its kind show, which will launch on 29 October at 7 pm and will be aired from 7 – 7:30 pm. Superdry Krunk Live Sessions aims to showcase how visuals, when combined with music, can accentuate the whole experience, making it truly unique.

     

    The show is a six episode series, where each episode will feature three – four original collaborations between musicians and visual artists. This will be followed by musicians and visual artists talking about their background, musical inspirations and their collaborations on the show.

     

    The show will also have an on-ground extension as every episode will also be followed up with a gig featuring the artists in the respective episode. These performances will be held across cities like – Mumbai, Pune, Delhi, Chandigarh, Hyderabad and Bangalore.

     

    Some of the well-known Indie music artists to be seen on the show will be – Kumail, Ox7gen, Nicholson, Donn Bhat, Madboy/Mink, Alowala, AquaDominatrix and Your Chin. The visual artists who will be collaborating with these musicians include – Moebius, Wolves, Transhuman Collective, Godgamut and Oblique.

     

    The show will be hosted by DJ Mo City aka Mohammed Abood, a music entrepreneur and DJ with a passion for authentic music from all around the world. DJ Mo City will also interact with these artists while they create these sounds and visuals, taking the audiences on a Visual Musical Extravaganza.

     

    Superdry business head Manu Sharma said, “Superdry globally, has a long standing association with music. We have always believed in curating the freshest sounds from across the planet and making them accessible to our customers through our in store and sound cloud playlists #SuperdrySounds. With Superdry Krunk Live Sessions we are extending our global philosophy to the Indian Independent music scene and are very excited to collaborate with MTV Indies on the property.”

     

    Pepsi MTV Indies EVP and business head Aditya Swamy added, “We play in the world of subcultures and with his brand new production we are bringing together the world of electronic music beyond EDM and a form of art that’s beyond graffiti. Stylized and futuristic, this is brand new chapter in the space of collaborations, a space where sound and sight meet. It is hugely encouraging to have the support of a cult brand like Superdry in bring this cutting edge content to urban audiences across India. Step Up and Discover.”

  • TS Panesar quits Star India as EVP Distribution

    TS Panesar quits Star India as EVP Distribution

    MUMBAI: Star India’s EVP for distribution TS Panesar has decided to move on to the company sources told indiantelevision.com.

    He is currently serving his notice period and will move out of the company at the end of the month.

    Panesar had been entrusted with the responsibility of handling distribution for national DTH and digital addressable systems (DAS) earlier this year when the JV between Star and Zee- MediaPro was broken.

    He was earlier ESPN Software India VP for affiliate sales.

    Industry sources hinted that Panesar could be moving to Discovery Networks.

     

  • Big B fans are in for a bonanza treat on the occasion of his birthday

    Big B fans are in for a bonanza treat on the occasion of his birthday

    Mumbai, 6th October, 2014:  Commemorating the star’s 72nd birthday, SONY MAX & MAX2, India’s leading movie channels present Amitabh Bachchan fans with a movie extravaganza starting from 5th October to 11th October. MAX will premiere the supernatural comedy blockbuster, ‘Bhoothnath Returns,’ on Thursday 11th October at 8pm and MAX2 will run the a special film festival ‘Ab Tak Bachchan’ from 5th -11th October during the evening prime time.

     

    The MAX premier of ‘Bhoothnath Returns’, a sequel to the 2008 film, tells the fascinating tale of a ghost (Bhoothnath – Amitabh Bachchan) who returns to earth in his quest to scare children. Upon befriending Akhrot, a street smart boy, they form a formidable team set out to help people which sees the ghost contest elections. The film stars Amitabh Bachchan, Parth Bhalerao (Child actor) and Boman Irani in lead roles.

    The evergreen actor, who has enthralled audiences with unforgettable roles in his 45 year old career, will also be seen on television screens through carefully handpicked films showcasing him in unforgettable roles. The ‘Ab Tak Bachchan’ movie festival on MAX2 will showcase the movie icon at his versatile best portraying roles ranging from a bumbling simpleton in Yaraana to the shrewd Natwar in Mr Natwarlal, to a hardened criminal in Kaalia.

     

    Commenting on the Big B movie bonanza, Neeraj Vyas, EVP & Business Head, MAX & MAX2 stated, “Indians across all age groups and segments of society, admire and love Bachchanji. He is an iconic movie star who has left an indelible mark on the Indian movie industry.  We couldn’t have thought of honoring a more fitting actor through our movie channels which aim to provide enriching and memorable movie experience for our viewers.”

    Tune-in to catch Big B in action on MAX & MAX2 from 5th -11th October during the prime time movie slots

  • Zing launches Pyaar Tune Kya Kiya!

    Zing launches Pyaar Tune Kya Kiya!

    MUMBAI: How far would you go to save your love? If your love was at risk, what would you do? What is the line between love and passion?
    Stay tuned to Zing this Friday, 23rd May, 2014 as it answers all these queries and many more with the launch of its new television series ‘Pyaar Tune KyaKiya’. Theshow telecasts 13 original episodes depictingreal,young, burning love,with raw emotion unlike anything ever witnessed in the Indian home before!

    Set in the heart of India,the show seeks inspiration from heart throbbing love stories of everyday. Zing’s – Pyaar Tune KyaKiyadelves into the lives of star crossed lovers, played by the biggest celebrities on Indian Television. The weekly series demonstrates real love stories, where passion meets crime with a twist! Each story is bound in a rich mix of lover’s affection and devotion imprinting the minds of viewers with the question “Isne crime to kiya, lekin kuch galat nahi kiya!”

    Keeping in line with the unusual show format celebrity hosts, Meiyang Chang and SurbhiJyoti will take viewers through a journeyof the plot, background and characters during each episode. On his association with the show, Chang mentioned “Pyaar Tune Kya Kiya is very close to my heart as I believe in pursuing my dreams just like these lovers. I play the role of a Narrator and direct the audience, aiding them with necessary facts to conclude the outcome of each amorous saga. I also really appreciate that we the hosts, shoot at the plot during each episode making this format of production very innovative, bringing out more connection to each story.”

    SurbhiJyoti went on to add “Shooting Pyaar Tune Kya Kiya was so much of fun! I too am a narrator and my role is to ensure the pieces of each story are seamlessly put together for our viewers to follow. The stories are based on real love stories and are very touching. I always feel for the characters and their emotions on screen. I feel the series is unlike any show currently on television and our fans would love our new avatar!”

    Speaking about Zing’s foray into this newly explored genre of fiction, Mr Vishnu Shankar, Programming Head at Zing stated, “Zing as a channel is skewed towards the youth audience. This fact becomes vital when we seek to provide varied content that keeps these youngsters coming back for

     

    more. So keeping in line with our philosophy, we are proud to announcePyaar Tune KyaKiya. It’s a show that’s different involves passionate, open ended love stories leaving the viewers empathizing with the antagonist rather than succumbing him to his wrong doings. The show is very bold in nature and has an amazing start cast including Sana Khan, ShaleenMalhotra, PratyushaBanerji, Ayaz Ahmed and many more. The content is captivating even to me and we are extremely delighted to add this original series to our bucket of shows”

    Adding to the response MrAnurag Bedi, EVP & Business Head- Zing stated “We recently revamped the channel and positioned it as fun-loving and for the young. It has always been my personal belief that youth nowadays are bolder and follow their heart where ever it would lead them. Similarly for Pyaar Tune KyaKiya we drew inspiration from the confidence of this younger generation. We tried to bring alive a novel concept to the regular love-fiction already on air by adding the unique touch of letting the audience decide for themselves the conclusion of each episode. It gives me great pride to launch Pyaar Tune KyaKiya only on India’s wholly youth oriented channel”

    Relive passion like you knew it with the premiere of “Pyaar Tune KyaKiya” on Friday 23rd May, 2014 at 7 pm!

  • Sab TV to spook you with Pritam, Pyaare Aur Woh

    Sab TV to spook you with Pritam, Pyaare Aur Woh

    MUMBAI: If there’s somethin’ strange in your neighborhood. Who ya gonna call (ghostbusters). Remember these famous lines from a popular TV series called Ghostbusters?

     

    If you do, then you will see an uncanny resemblance with a new horror comedy show called Pritam, Pyaare Aur Woh. The show which promises to be a rib-tickling delight along with a few spooks & scares will debut on Sab TV at 7:30pm on 3 March.

     

    In a completely new treatment to the subject of ghosts, something that has captivated the psyche for generations across the country, the show, revolves around two endearing brothers Pritam, played by Siddharth Sagar and Pyaare, portrayed by Prasad Barve, who accidentally and unknowingly, get famous, solving ghost buster cases.

     

    Speaking about Pritam Pyaare Aur Woh, SabTV senior EVP and business head Anooj Kapoor said, “We have made Horror Comedy before & it had been very successful for us. There is a strong recall for this genre and hence we decided to bring this genre back on air in an all new & contemporary treatment. Pritam & Pyaare are all set to be India’s favorite Ghost Busters!”

     

    In the show, Pritam & Pyaare, solve a ghost buster case accidentally, at the first instance and earn appreciation for it. Taking that seriously, they then setup a laboratory where they research & create useless yet unique gadgets to solve cases involving ghosts, which though are actually of no use in trapping ghosts. However, incidents happen accidentally and the cases get solved even when their gadgets fail or are forgotten at home, which only get Pritam and Pyaare to think that this has happened because of them & their favorite gadgets!

     

    Other actors in the show are Tiku Talsania, Parineeta Bothakur, Tapasya Daljeet Soundh and Rajesh Kumar as the vampire ‘Dara Koyla’, a tall, lean, aristocratic- looking ghost, who speaks with immaculate dignity.

  • MTV gears up to spread election fever

    MTV gears up to spread election fever

    MUMBAI: For all those youngsters who are rather vocal about their disenchantment with the present administration but fail to exercise their right to vote, MTV is all set to drive political awareness and the need to vote among the country’s youth.

    ‘MTV Rock the Vote’, sponsored by Hero, sounds a wake-up call for all those above 18 years of age who have their own opinion to express. With India poised for general elections, there couldn’t have been a better time for MTV to launch the campaign in partnership with Rock the Vote, a US-based non profit, non partisan organisation founded 21 years ago which pushes political awareness among youth in USA, Canada and Chile.

    MTV India, EVP and business head Aditya Swamy says: “Apart from playing a huge role in pop culture, MTV has always led young people in the area of social activism. Young people have the power more than ever to make a difference. Hero MTV Rock the Vote is a movement that aims to make young people aware of this power, and to act on their right to be heard. Our partnership with Hero is truly special as both brands are genuinely committed to working with the youth to build an even more incredible India.”

    Having registered over five million young people to vote, Rock the Vote has become a trusted source of voting information for young people.

    Rock the Vote USA president Heather Smith says: “Rock the Vote is thrilled to be partnering with MTV India in this effort to encourage young people to get engaged in the upcoming elections. Rock the Vote has a long standing history with MTV and has worked to elevate the voice and concerns of young people in the United States for over 20 years. We are excited to bring this partnership to India to ensure that young people in this country are being heard by those they elect.”

    Young people have the power more than ever to make a difference, says Aditya Swamy

    MTV India head – marketing, media and insights, Sumeli Chatterjee believes youngsters today are very vocal and expressive and have a very strong point of view on things happening around them. “If they see something and are influenced by certain trends, they talk it out in social media,” she says. “Look at MTV, the way we are positioned, we entertain, we lead, we educate the youngsters about the trends that are happening across the world. We have launched this campaign to further educate people to vote in India, to further believe that you have the power to vote and bring about a change in India.”

    Apparently, the findings of a survey conducted by MTV include:

    ·  In 2014, 12 crore first-time voters will be eligible to vote, which is more than the votes won by any party during the last election.

    ·  While 32 per cent of the Indian electorate is under 30 years of age, less than 12 per cent voted during the last election.

    ·  While 97 per cent of youth agree they can bring about a change in the society, only 15 per cent claim they have a say in choosing the government

    Rocking the boat
    With a cheeky tagline that reads ‘Dabao na… button’, ‘MTV Rock the Vote’ puns on the voting button to urge first time voters to cast their vote.

    The channel has launched a series of hard-hitting, satirical five short films that re-emphasise on the need to vote; the first of which was aired on 6 December on the website  http://mtv.in.com/rockthevote/  and on Facebook and Twitter with hashtag #RockTheVote. Plans are afoot to release a new short film every Friday online and on the following Monday from 7am onwards on MTV and will be played almost every hour. 

    All the films and creatives are done by MTV’s in-house team. The funny creatives include: ‘Aur Khilao Suar ke bachon ko’, ‘You could either hand it over or show them the finger’ and ‘Sharing an ice-cream is cool but only when you can afford it’ among others.

    Sumeli Chatterjee believes youngsters today are very vocal and expressive

    Explains Chatterjee: “We will be discussing issues that are strictly confronts the youth and what is affecting their life – corruption being one. If freedom and social media is one thing that they want in India, we will discuss that. If we are saying women’s security really affects them, then we will discuss that.”

    But how is the campaign different from other election-based ad message? “If you look at our campaign and the whole movement, we have built it on three pillars of popular youth culture – Bollywood, music and humour. Humour is something which is weaving the entire campaign together,” replies Chatterjee.

    In the coming weeks, MTV plans to take its “vote” message across multiple cities through college festivals, concerts and panel discussions with policy makers. The target: 300 colleges nationwide.

    “Music is something that really brings this youth community together.  We are creating a music video with Yo Yo Honey Singh which will be released early next year and will be about the issues that the youth face. It will be out the whole power of youth coming together. They can decide the future of the nation; they can come in and vote together,” says Chatterjee.

    ‘MTV Rock the Vote’ will run till the end of the general elections 2014 and even after that. “This is the campaign which has been created only to ensure that the youth community is conversing about elections, conversing about the biggest thing that is happening next year and participating in it,” says Chatterjee.

    “The communication at this stage is focused on urging the youth to register for voting; we are telling them that it is the only way you can actually go and cast your vote. Closer to the date when the general elections are on, it will be a reminder to vote, and after the elections, it will be a gratification for all those who have actually fulfilled their responsibility and gone and voted.”

    As part of the initiative, MTV plans to host a series of panel discussions with the youth on one side and spokespersons from political parties on the other. But it will have a fun flavour to it, according to Chatterjee, who says: “This is going to be fun. It is going to be light-hearted, a very informal way because that is the younger way of discussing issues. However, at the core it is essentially a very serious discussion where we are saying that these are the issues that are given by the youth, can we find answers.”

    Youth icons Rannvijay Singh and Yo Yo Honey Singh will encourage the youth to go to their nearest voting booths and vote through a music anthem. This will be a crowd-sourced music video, and will imbibe the essence of the initiative. Many celebs have come on board as supporters. The channel hopes that rock the vote initiative will serve as a call to action. Will the fickle youth respond?

  • Tata Sky launches 9X Jhakaas for its subscribers

    Tata Sky launches 9X Jhakaas for its subscribers

    MUMBAI: Tata Sky has added one more channel to its bouquet. 9X Jhakaas, the Marathi music channel of 9X Media will now feature on number 798 for Tata Sky’s eight million subscribers.

    “The launch of the channel 9X Jhakaas on Tata Sky is all about striking the right chord with our Marathi subscribers. Our commitment has always been to offer the best blend of channels. As music is the universal language, this channel will complement others in our channel portfolio,” said Tata Sky vice president-content Mukund Sharma.

    Customers can subscribe to the channel by sending an SMS <9xjh> to 56633 from their registered telephone number (RTN).

    Speaking about this development 9X Media EVP and new business head Punit Pandey said, “We are delighted to announce that Tata Sky subscribers can now enjoy nonstop hit Marathi music and humorous short format shows round the clock on 9X Jhakaas. We hope that our viewers on Tata Sky will also enjoy our new show – Jhakaas Khaas and the popular programming Lai Bhari which gives a great insight into the Marathi Film and Music industry.”

  • Star readies for Sachin mania; hopes to create world record

    Star readies for Sachin mania; hopes to create world record

    MUMBAI: Come 14 November and that will be the time when Cricket fans world over will be glued to their TV sets to witness “the little master” wield his bat for the Indian cricket team one last time at his home ground in Mumbai – Wankhede stadium.

    This will mark the end of Sachin Tendulkar’s 24 year long career in the great sport of Cricket. Once Tendulkar had requested the BCCI to play his last competitive game at his home ground, the decision with regard to his farewell Test – also his 200th – was a mere formality earlier this month. As a result, the Cricket Association of Bengal, which had been promised Tendulkar’s 200th before he announced his decision to retire after the Test, was awarded with Tendulkar’s penultimate Test.

    Star India has launched a unique campaign ‘Cheer for Sachin’ to pay tribute to arguably the best cricketer in the world as he gets ready to play the series against the West Indies early next month. The broadcaster is targeting to break the world record for maximum ‘Cheers’ garnered by any campaign ever across the world. Star India has invited Sachin’s fans to cheer “Sachin-Sachin” and break the world record for a hero who has always broken records for India! And the cheer will be played on the broadcast network (Star Sports) as a tribute for the hero.

    The Participants may register his/her telephone number to participate in the activity by calling the number, 505782717, which is valid on Vodafone (Rs 6.00/min), Airtel (Rs 6.00/min), Tata Indicom (Rs 6.00/min), Idea (Rs 6.99/min), Reliance (Rs 6.00/min), BSNL (Mobiles) (Rs 5.00/min) and BSNL (Landline) (Rs 2.40/min) telephone networks only.

    According to the terms and conditions given on starsports.com – The activity opened from 25 October 2013 at 00:00 hours (IST) and will end on 19 November 2013 at 00:00 hours (IST), or on such other dates and times as shall be indicated by ESPN Star Sports India. No entries from before or after the activity period will be accepted.

    The response has been very encouraging with stars from Bollywood, Cricket as well as TV recording their cheers. Stars like Priyanka Chopra, Prosenjit Chaterjee, Kapil Dev, Ravi Shastri, Wasim Akram, Rameez Raza and protagonists from the leading serials on Star Plus like Diya Aur Baati Hum and Yeh Rishta Kya Kehlata Hai have already recorded their cheers. The broadcaster has also reached out to Sudhir Kumar Chaudhary (The guy who is often seen in the stadiums in body paint cheering for Sachin) – regarded by many as the biggest Sachin fan to record a special cheer for this campaign.

    Speaking on the occasion, Star India EVP – marketing and communications Gayatri Yadav says: “For 24 years, the legend has stood for a billion…and now it’s time for a billion to stand for one.  It’s our time to cheer for the little master. We are honoured that Sachin’s farewell series will be played on our network. Our philosophy has been to take fans closer to their heroes because as the official broadcasters we play the critical role of an enabler. We are extending the invitation to all Sachin fans through this campaign to come out and thank the little master for a wonderful career in which he took Indian cricket to newer heights.”

    Yadav adds: “We are aiming for the World Record. Sachin has made innumerable records during his memorable career; it’s time that his fans make this record as a grand tribute. We believe there cannot be a bigger opportunity for Sachin fans to show support and be a part of history in making as he gets ready for one last time to play for India.”

    The campaign will run across the Star Sports network as well as Star India network of channels. There will be huge focus on the digital media as well to aggregate all fans for the campaign. The official Facebook and Twitter pages of Star Sports has been buzzing with fans commenting and posting nostalgic moments from the “little master’s past”.  The Star Sports website has also created a separate section dedicated to Sachin on his 24 year long journey in Cricket for India.

    Star India will donate its share of proceeds from the incoming call revenues to an NGO for sports development amongst youth. (As a norm the telcos in India normally share revenues with their partners in a 60:40 or 70:30 ratios. The estimated figure for the donations going towards the NGO could well be running into a few million rupees)

    Star India is pulling out all the stops to make the India West Indies series memorable. Additionally, the broadcaster will use a special FanCam enabling fans to say “I was there” as they enjoy the historic moment.

    The Fan Cam is capable of generating 360 degree extremely high resolution photo of the stadium therefore each and every fan who will be fortunate to be at the stadium on any of the Test match days will be able to zoom into his picture and keep this memory with him for posterity.

    On the programming front, a 10 part documentary series will be dedicated to Sachin – Sachin Ka Safar and The Sachin Journey in Hindi and English language respectively which will be telecast in the month of November. There will be a live show on Sachin – Sachiiiiiiin… Sachin – that will be telecast during the series. A special 24 segment series Sachin Years will also be showcased in the run-up to the historic series. A segment will be dedicated to each of Sachin’s 24 years of international cricket.

  • SETs new look embodies hope and happiness

    SETs new look embodies hope and happiness

    MUMBAI:  Sony Entertainment Television has revamped itself to reaffirm its creative vision and content innovation.

    With design and thought converging to reinforce the vibrant cultural and thematic identity of the channel, the result is a refreshed, modern and distinctive new channel. The new look and feel will officially be seen by viewers across the world from primetime on 11 October 2013 i.e today.

    MSM COO NP Singh said, “Sony Entertainment Television is a brand which has always challenged itself to define the category through fresh content, appealing characters and powerful storylines all packaged in a vibrant look. The journey so far has been a well chalked out one, in terms of how we have evolved the brand and as a brand we have always endeavoured to give our viewers what they want to watch, not just what we want them to watch.”

    SET’s new look embodies “hope and happiness” symbolising progressiveness and grace, while being traditional and cultured, thus reflecting the smart and contemporary confidence of SET and its viewers. Embracing red, blue and green as their signature colors, the new look gives a very lively and emotional touch to SET that is spontaneous, humane and warm.

     

    We have evolved the brand and as a brand we have always endeavoured to give our viewers what they want to watch, not just what we want them to watch says MSM COO N P Singh

    Renowned design studios, Ink Project based in Australia has helped create and advise the channel on its new look. Through its powerful shows, refreshing content and iconic characters, SET has successfully delivered its brand promise of providing a wholesome viewing experience for its consumers. This revamped look further propagates its brand philosophy of being fresh, innovative and progressive.

    SET senior EVP and business head Sneha Rajani said, “At Sony, we believe that this is the right time to infuse renewed vigor into the brand and reflect an identity which truly articulates our spirit. This revamped look is a celebration of hope and happiness thus reflecting the inherent ideology of the channel – being proud of our heritage yet living life to the fullest. We anticipate that our new look will only strengthen engagement & connect with our audiences.”

    We anticipate that our new look will only strengthen engagement and connect with our audiences believes SET senior EVP and business head Sneha Rajani

    In the new brand identity spot, SET stars, are weightlessly captured against a dynamic backdrop of color and sound. The sparkle frames encircle the human action creating a bold, fresh look for SET. Red, blue & green colored particles converge to one point and dynamically sparkle to create the SET brand logo.

    Since its launch in October 1995, SET has created significant marquee properties through an impressive lineup of programs ranging from the light-hearted to the supernatural, exploring various genres complemented by an explosive mix of glamorous events and Bollywood blockbusters. Known for its innovative concepts and exciting formats, Sony Entertainment Television reaches more than 95 million households in India.