ITV

Tag: Fast and Furious 7

  • Sony Pix spends between Rs 7 to 9 crore for Fast & Furious franchise

    Sony Pix spends between Rs 7 to 9 crore for Fast & Furious franchise

    MUMBAI: Gear up and get ready for a thrilling ride this month. Standing true to its ‘Stay Amazed’ tagline, Sony Pix will quench the viewers thirst for some high speed action on 19 June with the premiere of action film Furious 7 (FF7) at 1 pm with a repeat at 9 pm. 

    Starring Vin Diesel, the late Paul Walker, Dwayne Johnson, Michelle Rodriguez, Tyrese Gibson, Chris Bridges, Jordana Brewster, Kurt Russell, and Jason Statham, the movie collected approximately Rs 141 crore in India and has grossed over $1.5 billion worldwide, making it the third highest-grossing film of 2015.

    Directed by James Wan and written by Chris Morgan, the movie is a touching tribute to the Paul Walker. Amidst all the noise and the action lies the ferocity of friendship as the entire family re-unites. FF7 features gravity-defying stunts giving rise to a number of exciting and well-choreographed fight sequences with some stunning car chases. It’s a bittersweet feeling for the fans on seeing Paul Walker on screen again.

    The channel has movie deals in place with NBCUniversal International Distribution under which it will now have access to movie titles from Universal Pictures. With this new deal in place, the three mega box office blockbusters of 2015 namely Jurassic World, Furious 7 and Minions will have television premieres on Sony Pix.

    Pushing it further, the channel is extensively marketing the premiere of the movie. Marketing professionals are of the opinion that the channel has already spent between Rs 14 to 15 lakhs promoting FF7. 

    Industry experts have estimated that the deal between the channel and NBCU is between Rs. 7 to 9 crore for the entire Fast & Furious franchise. An industry expert opines, “The deal between Sony Pix and Universal for the entire Fast and Furious franchise cannot be for more than Rs 100 million (Rs 10 crore).” The channel has exclusive one year TV rights for FF7.
    With a pervasive marketing strategy across print, TV and digital, the movie will also be promoted outside the network. It has routed a 360 degree approach which includes a strong outdoor campaign. Apart from this, social media is also buzzing with fans reminiscing about Paul Walker and gearing up for the premier of Furious 7.

    Speaking about this, Sony Pictures Networks India EVP and business head – English cluster Saurabh Yagnik says, “For a blockbuster of this magnitude, we’ve adopted a 360 degree marketing approach which includes a television and print plan, innovative outdoor and an engaging social media campaign. Apart from Furious 7, we have movies like Jurassic World and Minions up next, both having crossed the $1 billion mark worldwide. This is truly a very amazing year for Sony PIX.”

    Targeted at the young affluent mass comprising predominantly of males residing in towns, FF7 is presented by Motorola G4 Plus and is driven by Ford. Sony Pix managed to lasso99acres.com, Idea 4G, Myntra and Gillette as the associate sponsors. The channel has also partnered with Bollywood actor Ali Faizal who played an integral part in the Hollywood blockbuster and had quite a lot of memorable stories to share.

    The movie is the highest grossing film in the Fast and Furious franchise and is Universal Pictures’ highest grossing film of all time in India. It is the second highest grossing Hollywood movie in India after The Jungle Book’s 2016 edition.

    On the content front, the channel has also acquired exclusive rights to the biggest franchises like Hunger Games, Star Wars, Rocky, James Bond, Spider-man, Twilight and Ironman to name a few.

    On 19 June Furious 7 will compete with other movies like the Robert Downey Jr and Chris Hemsworth starrer Avengers: Age of Ultron at 1:30 pm and Baby’s Day Out at 9 pm on Star Movies while on the other hand, Movies Now will broadcast another hit from the same franchise, Fast and Furious 6 at 1 pm and 9 pm. HBO will broadcast Final Destination 3 at12:52 pm and Jupiter Ascending at 9 pm. Hotel Transylvania will air at 1 pm while Samuel L. Jackson and Onni Tommila starrer Big Game will be broadcasted at 9 pm on Zee Studio.

  • Sony Pix spends between Rs 7 to 9 crore for Fast & Furious franchise

    Sony Pix spends between Rs 7 to 9 crore for Fast & Furious franchise

    MUMBAI: Gear up and get ready for a thrilling ride this month. Standing true to its ‘Stay Amazed’ tagline, Sony Pix will quench the viewers thirst for some high speed action on 19 June with the premiere of action film Furious 7 (FF7) at 1 pm with a repeat at 9 pm. 

    Starring Vin Diesel, the late Paul Walker, Dwayne Johnson, Michelle Rodriguez, Tyrese Gibson, Chris Bridges, Jordana Brewster, Kurt Russell, and Jason Statham, the movie collected approximately Rs 141 crore in India and has grossed over $1.5 billion worldwide, making it the third highest-grossing film of 2015.

    Directed by James Wan and written by Chris Morgan, the movie is a touching tribute to the Paul Walker. Amidst all the noise and the action lies the ferocity of friendship as the entire family re-unites. FF7 features gravity-defying stunts giving rise to a number of exciting and well-choreographed fight sequences with some stunning car chases. It’s a bittersweet feeling for the fans on seeing Paul Walker on screen again.

    The channel has movie deals in place with NBCUniversal International Distribution under which it will now have access to movie titles from Universal Pictures. With this new deal in place, the three mega box office blockbusters of 2015 namely Jurassic World, Furious 7 and Minions will have television premieres on Sony Pix.

    Pushing it further, the channel is extensively marketing the premiere of the movie. Marketing professionals are of the opinion that the channel has already spent between Rs 14 to 15 lakhs promoting FF7. 

    Industry experts have estimated that the deal between the channel and NBCU is between Rs. 7 to 9 crore for the entire Fast & Furious franchise. An industry expert opines, “The deal between Sony Pix and Universal for the entire Fast and Furious franchise cannot be for more than Rs 100 million (Rs 10 crore).” The channel has exclusive one year TV rights for FF7.
    With a pervasive marketing strategy across print, TV and digital, the movie will also be promoted outside the network. It has routed a 360 degree approach which includes a strong outdoor campaign. Apart from this, social media is also buzzing with fans reminiscing about Paul Walker and gearing up for the premier of Furious 7.

    Speaking about this, Sony Pictures Networks India EVP and business head – English cluster Saurabh Yagnik says, “For a blockbuster of this magnitude, we’ve adopted a 360 degree marketing approach which includes a television and print plan, innovative outdoor and an engaging social media campaign. Apart from Furious 7, we have movies like Jurassic World and Minions up next, both having crossed the $1 billion mark worldwide. This is truly a very amazing year for Sony PIX.”

    Targeted at the young affluent mass comprising predominantly of males residing in towns, FF7 is presented by Motorola G4 Plus and is driven by Ford. Sony Pix managed to lasso99acres.com, Idea 4G, Myntra and Gillette as the associate sponsors. The channel has also partnered with Bollywood actor Ali Faizal who played an integral part in the Hollywood blockbuster and had quite a lot of memorable stories to share.

    The movie is the highest grossing film in the Fast and Furious franchise and is Universal Pictures’ highest grossing film of all time in India. It is the second highest grossing Hollywood movie in India after The Jungle Book’s 2016 edition.

    On the content front, the channel has also acquired exclusive rights to the biggest franchises like Hunger Games, Star Wars, Rocky, James Bond, Spider-man, Twilight and Ironman to name a few.

    On 19 June Furious 7 will compete with other movies like the Robert Downey Jr and Chris Hemsworth starrer Avengers: Age of Ultron at 1:30 pm and Baby’s Day Out at 9 pm on Star Movies while on the other hand, Movies Now will broadcast another hit from the same franchise, Fast and Furious 6 at 1 pm and 9 pm. HBO will broadcast Final Destination 3 at12:52 pm and Jupiter Ascending at 9 pm. Hotel Transylvania will air at 1 pm while Samuel L. Jackson and Onni Tommila starrer Big Game will be broadcasted at 9 pm on Zee Studio.

  • FY-2015: Comcast Cable’s Q4-2015 video subscriber additions retard video subscriber decline

    FY-2015: Comcast Cable’s Q4-2015 video subscriber additions retard video subscriber decline

    BENGALURU: Comcast Corporation’s (Comcast) cable communications segment reported its best ever video results in terms of subscriber decline over nine years for the year ended 31 December, 2015 (FY-2015, current year). Video subscriber increase or retard, at least for the current quarter, seems to be a trend in the US, if one were to go by the results declared by a couple of other television signal carriers.

    Note: 100,00,000 = 100 lakh = 10 million =1 crore

    Comcast Cable numbers

    Comcast Cable reported net additions of 89,000 in the quarter ended 31 December, 2015 (Q4-2015, current quarter) as compared to net additions of 6,000 during the corresponding prior year quarter. In the previous quarter (Q3-2015), Comcast Cable had reported a decline of 48,000 video subscribers. For FY-2015, the segment reported 223.47 lakh video subscribers as compared to 223.83 lakh in FY-2014, a decline of just 36,000 as compared to the 196,000 subscribers that Comcast Cable had lost in FY-2014 vis-?-vis FY-2013.

    Customer relationships increased by 281,000 to 270.35 lakh during Q4-2015, a 57.6 per cent improvement compared to an increase of 178,000 in the fourth quarter of 2014, driven by increases in double product and triple product relationships. Video customer net additions of 89,000 were the best result for a quarter in eight years, high-speed Internet customer net additions of 460,000 were the best result for a fourth quarter in nine years, and Voice customer net additions improved to 139,000.

    For FY-2015, customer relationships increased by 666,000, an 85.9 per cent improvement compared to net additions of 358,000 in FY-2014. Video customer net losses of 36,000 improved by 81.7 per cent year-over-year and were the best result in nine years. High-speed Internet customer net additions of 1.4 million marked the tenth consecutive year of more than one million net additions, and were the best result in eight years. Voice customer net additions slowed to 282,000.

    Revenue for Cable Communications increased 5.9 per cent to $11,980 million in Q4-2015 compared to $11,313 million Q4-2014, driven by increases of 9.8 per cent in high-speed Internet, 4.4 per cent in video and 18.9 per cent in business services, partially offset by a 9.3 per cent decline in advertising due to lower political advertising revenue. Comcast says that the increase in Cable revenue reflects increased customer relationships (see below), customers receiving higher levels of service, customers taking additional services, as well as rate adjustments.

    For FY-2015, Cable revenue increased 6.2 per cent to $46,879 million compared to $44,140 million in FY-2014, driven by growth in high-speed Internet, business services and video.

    Company speak

    Comcast chairman and chief executive officer Brian L. Roberts said, “I am exceptionally proud of our results this year, which were driven by strong performances in each of our core businesses. At Comcast Cable, our focus on delivering the most innovative products and improving the customer experience led to fantastic operating metrics, including our best video customer results in nine years, and our best high-speed Internet customer results in eight years. NBCUniversal had a remarkable year, with record-breaking results at both Theme Parks and Film, and continued success at NBC, which was number one in primetime for the second consecutive season. As we enter 2016, the momentum we see across our portfolio is truly exciting. We are executing at the highest level, investing prudently, and energized and focused on driving growth and shareholder value. Underscoring our confidence in our company, we are increasing our dividend by 10 per cent to $1.10 per share and we also plan to repurchase $5.0 billion of our stock this year.”

    Overall numbers

    Consolidated Revenue for Q4-2015 increased 8.5 per cent to $19,245 million as compared to $17,732 million in Q4-2014. Consolidated Operating Cash Flow increased 6.7 per cent to $6,272 million from $5,877 million in Q4-2014. Consolidated Operating Income increased 5.7 per cent to $4,002 million as compared to $3,787 million in the previous year. On 13 November, 2015, Comcast acquired a 51 per cent interest in the Universal Studios theme park located in Osaka, Japan (Universal Studios Japan). Q4-2015 and FY-2015 results include $169 million of revenue and $80 million of operating cash flow attributable to Universal Studios Japan from its acquisition date.

    Consolidated revenue for Q4-2015 excluding Universal Studios Japan increased 7.6 per cent. Consolidated operating cash flow excluding Universal Studios Japan, as well as $22 million of costs associated with a change in the presentation of amounts payable for a contractual obligation in Q4-2015 and $99 million of Time Warner Cable and Charter transaction-related costs in Q4-2014, increased four per cent.

    For FY-2015, consolidated revenue increased 8.3 per cent to $74,510 million as compared to $68,775 million in FY-2014. Consolidated operating cash flow increased 7.7 per cent to $24,678 million as compared to $22,923 million in FY-2014. Consolidated operating income increased 7.3 per cent to $15,998 million as compared to $14,904 million in the prior year. Consolidated revenue for FY-2015 excluding Universal Studios Japan, as well as $376 million of revenue generated by the broadcast of the NFL’s Super Bowl in the first quarter of 2015 and $1.1 billion of revenue generated by the Sochi Olympics in the first quarter of 2014, increased 9.3 per cent. Consolidated operating cash flow excluding Universal Studios Japan, as well as $178 million of transaction-related costs in 2015 and $237 million in 2014, and $22 million of costs associated with a change in the presentation of amounts payable for a contractual obligation4 in the fourth quarter of 2015, increased 7.1 per cent.

    Other segments

    NBCUniversal

    Revenue for NBCUniversal increased 13.0 per cent to $7,477 million in Q4-2015 compared to $6,615 million in Q4-2014. For FY-2015, NBCUniversal revenue increased 11.9 per cent to $28.5 billion compared to $25.4 billion in FY-2014.

    Cable Networks

    For Q4-2015, Cable Networks segment revenue increased 3.4 per cent to $2,407 million as compared to $2,327 million in Q4-2014. These results reflect a 6.8 per cent increase in distribution revenue, partially reflecting NASCAR Comcast’s sports network, NBCSN, which was more than offset by a modest 0.3 per cent decline in advertising revenue and an increase in sports programming costs, reflecting the impact of NASCAR and higher programming costs for the English Premier League.

    For FY-2015, revenue from the Cable Networks segment increased 0.7 per cent to $9,628 million from $9,563 million in FY-2014.

    Broadcast Television

    For Q4-2015, revenue from the Broadcast Television segment increased seven per cent to $2,498 million compared to $2,335 million in Q4-2014, reflecting a seven per cent increase in advertising revenue, primarily driven by higher rates, a 34.9 per cent increase in content licensing revenue, and higher retransmission consent fees.

    For FY-2015, revenue from the Broadcast Television segment was stable at $8,530 million as compared to $8,542 million in FY-2014. Excluding $376 million of revenue generated by the NFL’s Super Bowl in the first quarter of 2015, as well as $846 million of revenue generated by the 2014 Sochi Olympics, revenue increased six per cent, reflecting a 13.7 per cent increase in content licensing revenue, a 4.1 per cent increase in advertising revenue, and higher retransmission consent fees.

    Filmed Entertainment

    For Q4-2015, revenue from the Filmed Entertainment segment increased 25.8 per cent to $1,6 29billion compared to $1,295 million in Q4-2014, reflecting a 74.9 per cent increase in home entertainment revenue driven by the strong performances of Minions and Jurassic World, as well as a 22.7 per cent increase in content licensing revenue, partially offset by a 37.5 per cent decline in theatrical revenue.

    For FY-2015, revenue from the Filmed Entertainment segment increased 45.5 per cent to $7,287 million compared to $5,008 million in FY-2014, driven by higher theatrical revenue from the record performances of Minions, Jurassic World, and Furious 7. Operating cash flow increased 73.5 per cent to $1.2 billion compared to $711 million in 2014, reflecting higher revenue, partially offset by a 40.9 per cent increase in operating expenses, primarily driven by an increase in the amortisation of film costs and higher advertising, marketing and promotion expense due to a larger film slate.

    Theme Parks

    For Q4-2015, revenue from the Theme Parks segment increased 38.6 per cent to $1,019 million compared to $735 million in Q4-2014. These results reflect higher guest attendance and per capita spending, driven by the continued success of Orlando’s The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Diagon Alley, Hollywood’s Fast and Furious: Supercharged, as well as Halloween Horror Nights at the Orlando and Hollywood parks, partially offset by an increase in operating costs to support new attractions.

    For FY-2015, revenue from the Theme Parks segment increased 27.3 per cent to $3,339 million compared to $2,623 million in FY-2014.

  • FY-2015: Comcast Cable’s Q4-2015 video subscriber additions retard video subscriber decline

    FY-2015: Comcast Cable’s Q4-2015 video subscriber additions retard video subscriber decline

    BENGALURU: Comcast Corporation’s (Comcast) cable communications segment reported its best ever video results in terms of subscriber decline over nine years for the year ended 31 December, 2015 (FY-2015, current year). Video subscriber increase or retard, at least for the current quarter, seems to be a trend in the US, if one were to go by the results declared by a couple of other television signal carriers.

    Note: 100,00,000 = 100 lakh = 10 million =1 crore

    Comcast Cable numbers

    Comcast Cable reported net additions of 89,000 in the quarter ended 31 December, 2015 (Q4-2015, current quarter) as compared to net additions of 6,000 during the corresponding prior year quarter. In the previous quarter (Q3-2015), Comcast Cable had reported a decline of 48,000 video subscribers. For FY-2015, the segment reported 223.47 lakh video subscribers as compared to 223.83 lakh in FY-2014, a decline of just 36,000 as compared to the 196,000 subscribers that Comcast Cable had lost in FY-2014 vis-?-vis FY-2013.

    Customer relationships increased by 281,000 to 270.35 lakh during Q4-2015, a 57.6 per cent improvement compared to an increase of 178,000 in the fourth quarter of 2014, driven by increases in double product and triple product relationships. Video customer net additions of 89,000 were the best result for a quarter in eight years, high-speed Internet customer net additions of 460,000 were the best result for a fourth quarter in nine years, and Voice customer net additions improved to 139,000.

    For FY-2015, customer relationships increased by 666,000, an 85.9 per cent improvement compared to net additions of 358,000 in FY-2014. Video customer net losses of 36,000 improved by 81.7 per cent year-over-year and were the best result in nine years. High-speed Internet customer net additions of 1.4 million marked the tenth consecutive year of more than one million net additions, and were the best result in eight years. Voice customer net additions slowed to 282,000.

    Revenue for Cable Communications increased 5.9 per cent to $11,980 million in Q4-2015 compared to $11,313 million Q4-2014, driven by increases of 9.8 per cent in high-speed Internet, 4.4 per cent in video and 18.9 per cent in business services, partially offset by a 9.3 per cent decline in advertising due to lower political advertising revenue. Comcast says that the increase in Cable revenue reflects increased customer relationships (see below), customers receiving higher levels of service, customers taking additional services, as well as rate adjustments.

    For FY-2015, Cable revenue increased 6.2 per cent to $46,879 million compared to $44,140 million in FY-2014, driven by growth in high-speed Internet, business services and video.

    Company speak

    Comcast chairman and chief executive officer Brian L. Roberts said, “I am exceptionally proud of our results this year, which were driven by strong performances in each of our core businesses. At Comcast Cable, our focus on delivering the most innovative products and improving the customer experience led to fantastic operating metrics, including our best video customer results in nine years, and our best high-speed Internet customer results in eight years. NBCUniversal had a remarkable year, with record-breaking results at both Theme Parks and Film, and continued success at NBC, which was number one in primetime for the second consecutive season. As we enter 2016, the momentum we see across our portfolio is truly exciting. We are executing at the highest level, investing prudently, and energized and focused on driving growth and shareholder value. Underscoring our confidence in our company, we are increasing our dividend by 10 per cent to $1.10 per share and we also plan to repurchase $5.0 billion of our stock this year.”

    Overall numbers

    Consolidated Revenue for Q4-2015 increased 8.5 per cent to $19,245 million as compared to $17,732 million in Q4-2014. Consolidated Operating Cash Flow increased 6.7 per cent to $6,272 million from $5,877 million in Q4-2014. Consolidated Operating Income increased 5.7 per cent to $4,002 million as compared to $3,787 million in the previous year. On 13 November, 2015, Comcast acquired a 51 per cent interest in the Universal Studios theme park located in Osaka, Japan (Universal Studios Japan). Q4-2015 and FY-2015 results include $169 million of revenue and $80 million of operating cash flow attributable to Universal Studios Japan from its acquisition date.

    Consolidated revenue for Q4-2015 excluding Universal Studios Japan increased 7.6 per cent. Consolidated operating cash flow excluding Universal Studios Japan, as well as $22 million of costs associated with a change in the presentation of amounts payable for a contractual obligation in Q4-2015 and $99 million of Time Warner Cable and Charter transaction-related costs in Q4-2014, increased four per cent.

    For FY-2015, consolidated revenue increased 8.3 per cent to $74,510 million as compared to $68,775 million in FY-2014. Consolidated operating cash flow increased 7.7 per cent to $24,678 million as compared to $22,923 million in FY-2014. Consolidated operating income increased 7.3 per cent to $15,998 million as compared to $14,904 million in the prior year. Consolidated revenue for FY-2015 excluding Universal Studios Japan, as well as $376 million of revenue generated by the broadcast of the NFL’s Super Bowl in the first quarter of 2015 and $1.1 billion of revenue generated by the Sochi Olympics in the first quarter of 2014, increased 9.3 per cent. Consolidated operating cash flow excluding Universal Studios Japan, as well as $178 million of transaction-related costs in 2015 and $237 million in 2014, and $22 million of costs associated with a change in the presentation of amounts payable for a contractual obligation4 in the fourth quarter of 2015, increased 7.1 per cent.

    Other segments

    NBCUniversal

    Revenue for NBCUniversal increased 13.0 per cent to $7,477 million in Q4-2015 compared to $6,615 million in Q4-2014. For FY-2015, NBCUniversal revenue increased 11.9 per cent to $28.5 billion compared to $25.4 billion in FY-2014.

    Cable Networks

    For Q4-2015, Cable Networks segment revenue increased 3.4 per cent to $2,407 million as compared to $2,327 million in Q4-2014. These results reflect a 6.8 per cent increase in distribution revenue, partially reflecting NASCAR Comcast’s sports network, NBCSN, which was more than offset by a modest 0.3 per cent decline in advertising revenue and an increase in sports programming costs, reflecting the impact of NASCAR and higher programming costs for the English Premier League.

    For FY-2015, revenue from the Cable Networks segment increased 0.7 per cent to $9,628 million from $9,563 million in FY-2014.

    Broadcast Television

    For Q4-2015, revenue from the Broadcast Television segment increased seven per cent to $2,498 million compared to $2,335 million in Q4-2014, reflecting a seven per cent increase in advertising revenue, primarily driven by higher rates, a 34.9 per cent increase in content licensing revenue, and higher retransmission consent fees.

    For FY-2015, revenue from the Broadcast Television segment was stable at $8,530 million as compared to $8,542 million in FY-2014. Excluding $376 million of revenue generated by the NFL’s Super Bowl in the first quarter of 2015, as well as $846 million of revenue generated by the 2014 Sochi Olympics, revenue increased six per cent, reflecting a 13.7 per cent increase in content licensing revenue, a 4.1 per cent increase in advertising revenue, and higher retransmission consent fees.

    Filmed Entertainment

    For Q4-2015, revenue from the Filmed Entertainment segment increased 25.8 per cent to $1,6 29billion compared to $1,295 million in Q4-2014, reflecting a 74.9 per cent increase in home entertainment revenue driven by the strong performances of Minions and Jurassic World, as well as a 22.7 per cent increase in content licensing revenue, partially offset by a 37.5 per cent decline in theatrical revenue.

    For FY-2015, revenue from the Filmed Entertainment segment increased 45.5 per cent to $7,287 million compared to $5,008 million in FY-2014, driven by higher theatrical revenue from the record performances of Minions, Jurassic World, and Furious 7. Operating cash flow increased 73.5 per cent to $1.2 billion compared to $711 million in 2014, reflecting higher revenue, partially offset by a 40.9 per cent increase in operating expenses, primarily driven by an increase in the amortisation of film costs and higher advertising, marketing and promotion expense due to a larger film slate.

    Theme Parks

    For Q4-2015, revenue from the Theme Parks segment increased 38.6 per cent to $1,019 million compared to $735 million in Q4-2014. These results reflect higher guest attendance and per capita spending, driven by the continued success of Orlando’s The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Diagon Alley, Hollywood’s Fast and Furious: Supercharged, as well as Halloween Horror Nights at the Orlando and Hollywood parks, partially offset by an increase in operating costs to support new attractions.

    For FY-2015, revenue from the Theme Parks segment increased 27.3 per cent to $3,339 million compared to $2,623 million in FY-2014.

  • Q3-2015: Comcast Cable revenue up 6.3%, loses 48K video subs; NBCU shines

    Q3-2015: Comcast Cable revenue up 6.3%, loses 48K video subs; NBCU shines

    BENGALURU: Comcast Corporation’s (Comcast) Cable Communications reported revenue growth of 6.3 per cent at $11,740 million in the quarter ended 30 September, 2015 (Q3-2015, current quarter) as compared to the $11,041 million in the corresponding year ago quarter. The segment’s revenue in the current quarter was almost flat (increased by 0.09 per cent) as compared to $11,729 million reported for the immediate trailing quarter.

     

    Note: 100,00,000 = 100 lakh = 10 million = 1 crore

    Subscription numbers have been mentioned in lakhs and revenue and other financial numbers in millions of US dollars.

     

    Operating cash flow of Comcast’s Cable Communications in Q3-2015 improved 6.4 per cent to $4748 million (40.4 per cent margin) as compared to the $4,464 million (40.4 per cent margin) in Q3-2014.

     

    In terms of decline in video customers, Comcast’s Cable Communication reported the best quarter among the last nine quarters. The company lost only 48,000 video customers in Q3-2015 as compared to the decline of 69,000 in Q2-2015.

     

    Comcast NBCUniversal segment reported a 20.8 per cent growth in revenue at $7,151 million in the current quarter as compared to the $5,921 million in Q3-2014. Operating cash flow of the segment in Q3-2015 improved 17 per cent to $1,657 million as compared to the $1,416 million in Q3-2014.

     

    Overall, Comcast reported a 11.2 per cent growth in consolidated revenue (excluding Olympics and Super Bowl) at $18,669 million as compared to the $16,791 million in the corresponding year ago quarter. Operating Income in Q3-2015 increased 6.9 per cent to $4001 million as compared to the $3745 million in Q3-2014, while Free Cash Flow increased 6.8 per cent to $2663 million as compared to $2494 million in Q3-2014. Earnings per share in the current quarter however declined 19.2 per cent to $0.80 as compared to $0.99 in Q3-2014.

     

    Comcast chairman and CEO Brian L Roberts said, ”I’m pleased to report that our businesses generated outstanding revenue and operating cash flow growth for the third quarter of 2015. At Cable Communications, overall customer relationships increased 156,000, a 90 per cent improvement compared to last year, video subscriber results were the best for a third quarter in nine years, high-speed Internet subscriber results were the best for a third quarter in six years, and churn across all product categories continues to improve. NBCUniversal also delivered terrific results, including another record-breaking box office quarter driven by Minions and Jurassic World, the highest summer attendance ever at our theme parks, and maintaining the #1 broadcast network ranking for five summers in a row. These outstanding results from our unique portfolio of complementary businesses underscore our confidence that we are well positioned to compete, continue our strong performance and drive shareholder value.”

     

    Cable Communications numbers

     

    Six sub-segments contribute to Comcast’s Cable Communications – Video; High Speed Internet; Voice; Business Services; Advertising; and ‘Other.’

     

    Growth in revenue was driven by increases of 10.2 per cent in high-speed Internet revenue, 19.5 per cent in business services and 3.3 per cent in video. The company says that the increase in Cable revenue reflects increased customer relationships, customers receiving higher levels of service and customers taking additional services, as well as rate adjustments.

     

    Customer relationships

     

    Overall, Cable Communications customer relationships in Q3-2015 increased to 274.21 lakh as compared to 268.57 lakh in Q3-2014. During Q3-2015, the segment saw net addition of 156,000 customer relationships as compared to the net addition of 82,000 in the corresponding year ago quarter.

     

    Single, double and triple play customers

     

    While the number of single product customers in the current quarter was lower at 83.67 lakh, it grew by 24,000, as compared to the 84.44 lakh in Q3-2014, which saw a decline of 66,000. Double Product customers were higher at 90.66 lakh in Q3-2015 as compared to 86.50 lakh in Q3-2014. In Q3-2015, the number of double product customers increased by 130,000 as compared to the increase of 76,000 in Q3-2014. Triple Product customers in Q3-2015 increased to 99.88 lakh as compared to 97.63 lakh in the corresponding year ago quarter. Q3-2015 saw the number of triple product customers’ increase by a mere 1,000 as compared to the increase of 72,000 n Q3-2014.

     

    Video

    Revenue from Video improved 3.3 per cent to $5,348 million in Q3-2015 as compared to the $5,179 million in Q3-2014. For the current quarter, the company reported a net loss of 48,000 customers, while its customer base declined by 118,000 to 222.58 lakhs as compared to the 223.76 lakh customers in Q3-2014.

     

    High Speed Internet

    High Speed Internet revenue in the current quarter increased 10.2 per cent to $3,129 million as compared to the $2,840 million in Q3-2014.

     

    The company added 320,000 high speed internet customers in Q3-2015 and reported a customer base of 228.68 lakh. In Q3-2014, Cable Communications had added 315,000 customers and reported a high spend internet customer base of 215.86 lakh.

     

    Voice

    Despite a higher customer base, Voice revenue in Q3-2015 declined 1.4 per cent to $900 million as compared to the $913 million in the corresponding year ago quarter.

     

    Voice customer base in Q3-2015 increased to 113.36 lakh as compared to the 110.70 lakh in the corresponding quarter of last year. In Q3-2015, Cable Communications added only 17,000 customers as compared to the 68,000 in Q3-2014.

     

    Business Services revenue in Q3-2015 increased 19.2 per cent to $1,208 million as compared to the $1,011 million in Q3-2014.

     

    Advertising revenue in the current quarter was almost flat (declined 0.2 per cent) to $593 million as compared to $596 million in the corresponding year ago quarter.

     

    ‘Other’ revenue increased 11.2 per cent to $562 million in Q3-2015 as compared to the $ 502 in Q3-2014.

     

    NBCUniversal

     

    As mentioned above, NBCUniversal division revenue increased 20.8 per cent YoY in the current quarter, while Operating Cash Flow increased 17 per cent driven by strong results at Filmed Entertainment and Theme Parks.

     

    Four sub-segments add to NBCUniversal’s revenue – Cable Networks; Broadcast Television; Filmed Entertainment; and Theme Parks.

     

    Cable Networks reported seven per cent growth in operating revenue at $2,412 million in Q3-2015 as compared to the $2,255 million in the corresponding year ago quarter, driven by an 8.6 per cent increase in distribution revenue and a two per cent increase in advertising revenue, partially reflecting the introduction of NASCAR on Comcast’s sports network, NBCSN, as well as a 17.6 per cent increase in content licensing and other revenue. Operating cash flow decreased 3.9 per cent to $835 million compared to $868 million in Q3-2014, reflecting higher revenue, more than offset by increased sports programming costs, driven by the impact of NASCAR., informs the company.

     

    Broadcast Television revenue in the current quarter increased 11.3 per cent in Q3-2015 at $1,971 million as compared to the $1,770 million in Q3-2014 reflecting a 33.5 per cent increase in content licensing revenue, higher retransmission consent fees, and a 2.8 per cent increase in advertising revenue. Operating cash flow increased 6.1 per cent to $150 million compared to $142 million in Q3-2014, reflecting higher revenue, partially offset by an increase in programming and production costs associated with the timing of content provided under NBCUniversal’s licensing agreements and studio production costs.

     

    Filmed Entertainment revenue increased 64 per cent to $1,946 million in Q3-2015  as compared to the $1,186 million in the corresponding year ago quarter driven by higher theatrical revenue from the record performances of Minions andJurassic World, continuing on the earlier success of Furious 7. Operating cash flow increased $225 million to $376 million compared to $151 million in Q3- 2014, reflecting higher revenue, partially offset by an increase in the amortisation of film costs and higher advertising, marketing and promotion expense due to a larger film slate.

     

    Theme Parks revenue increased 14.1 per cent to $876 million as compared to the $786 million in the corresponding year ago quarter reflecting higher guest attendance and per capita spending, driven by the continued success of Orlando’s The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Diagon Alley, as well as Fast and Furious: Supercharged at the Hollywood park. Q3-2015 operating cash flow increased 14.1 per cent to $458 million compared to $402 million in the same period last year, reflecting higher revenue, partially offset by an increase in operating costs to support new attractions and $18 million of transaction-related costs associated with the development of a theme park in China.

  • Cinépolis unveils 4th 3D Film Festival across India

    Cinépolis unveils 4th 3D Film Festival across India

    MUMBAI: Cinépolis has launched the fourth edition of 3D Film Festival, 3rd Dimension.

     

    Cinépolis has been hosting the film festival annually since 2012. The three-week long festival will run across all its movie theaters from 28 August to 17 September, 2015. 

     

    The film festival will exhibit 1,470 shows of recent 3D blockbusters. Cinépolis has collaborated with global visual technology company RealD Inc. to provide 3D technology for the film festival.

     

    The film festival will take place in Cinépolis theaters equipped with RealD 3D technology.

     

    Cinépolis has also collaborated with Northstar as media partner and Spiritual Yatra.com as associate partner for the festival.

     

    Cinépolis India head – strategic initiatives Devang Sampat said, “The second innings of 3D cinema has begun in India. The success of Avatar by James Cameron opened the floodgates of 3D films in Hollywood and Haunted by Vikram Bhatt managed to spark greater interest amongst the Indian filmmakers for this genre. With 3rd Dimension, we wish to usher in an era of an even more enhanced 3D experience in India and introduce the cinema lovers in the country to a more superior way to enjoy 3D films in the future.”

     

    “RealD is proud to support 3rd Dimension, a showcase of extraordinary movie-making as well as movie experiences. We look forward to this wondering event in bright, realistic and immersive RealD 3D,” added RealD VP and general manager Asia Pacific Edman Chan.

     

    The film festival will screen blockbusters such as Fast and Furious 7, The Hobbit, Big Hero 6, Guardians of the Galaxy, Gravity and Avengers: The Age of Ultron for its patrons to re-experience the rush with its superlative 3D features and help them recognise a genuine 3D experience.

  • Q2-2015: Comcast reports 11% revenue growth, loses 69,000 video customers

    Q2-2015: Comcast reports 11% revenue growth, loses 69,000 video customers

    BENGALURU: Comcast Corporation (Comcast) reported 11.3 per cent growth in consolidated revenue in Q2-2015 (quarter ended 30 June, 2015) to $18,743 million as compared to the $16,844 million in the corresponding year ago quarter. 

     

    In Q1-2015, the company had reported consolidated revenue of $17,853 million. The company’s Cable Communications and NBCUniversal segments reported a y-o-y increase in revenue.

     

    Comcast consolidated operating income increased 7.9 per cent in Q2-2015 to $4105 million as compared to the $3804 million in Q2-2014 and was 5.5 per cent more than the $3890 million Q1-2015. Year to date (YTD, 6M-2015), the company’s consolidated revenue grew 6.8 per cent to $36,596 million from $34,252 in the corresponding year ago period. 

     

    Though the company’s Cable Communication segment reported a fall of 69,000 video customers in Q2-2015, video revenue grew 3.7 per cent in Q2-2015 to $5431 million from $5239 million during the corresponding year ago quarter. YTD, video revenue increased 3.3 per cent to $10,762 million as compared to $10,417 million in 6M-2014.

     

    Comcast Chairman and CEO Brian L Roberts said, “Our second quarter results, including 11.3 per cent revenue growth and eight per cent operating cash flow growth, demonstrate the strength and momentum we are seeing across our businesses. In Cable, high-speed Internet and business services continued to perform extremely well, and, significantly, this was the best second quarter video customer results we’ve had in nine years. Our focus on accelerating the deployment of our transformative X1 platform, as well as efforts to improve customer service, are clearly making a difference, with lower churn across all product categories. NBCUniversal had an exceptional quarter, led by the record-breaking box office performances of Jurassic World and Furious 7 and continued strong momentum in our theme parks. In addition, NBC won the 2014-2015 broadcast season for adults 18-49. Our teams are executing incredibly well across our strong and diversified portfolio, and I am excited for what we can deliver in the rest of 2015 and beyond.”

     

    Note: 100,00,000 = 100 lakh = 10 million = 1 crore

     

    Let us look at the numbers reported by Comcast

     

    Cable Communications

     

    Comcast’s Cable Communications segment has three products – video, high speed internet and voice.  Five streams add to the segment’s revenue – video, high speed internet, voice, business service and advertising.

     

    This segment’s revenue in Q2-2015 grew 6.3 per cent to $11,729 million as compared to the $11,029 million in Q1-2014. YTD also, the segment’s revenue increased 6.3 per cent to $23,159 million as compared to $21,786 million in 6M-2014. 

     

    Cable Communications customer relationships increased to 272.65 lakh in Q2-2015 as compared to 267.75 lakh in Q2-2014.

     

    Single product customer relationships declined in Q2-2015 to 83.43 lakh from 85.10 lakh in Q1-2014; double product customer relationships in Q2-2015 to 89.36 lakh from 85,74,000 in Q2-2014; triple product customer relationships increased in Q2-2015 to 99.87 lakh from 96.91 lakh in the corresponding year ago quarter.

     

    Operating Cash Flow for Cable Communications increased 5.1 per cent to $4798 million Q2-2015 compared to $4564 million in Q2-2014, reflecting higher revenue, partially offset by a 7.2 per cent increase in operating expenses primarily related to higher video programming costs, as well as an increase in technical and product support expenses driven by an acceleration in the deployment of X1 and investments to improve the customer experience. As a result, this quarter’s operating cash flow margin was 40.9 per cent compared to 41.4 per cent in the prior year period.

     

    For the six months ended 30 June, 2015, Cable operating cash flow increased 5.7 per cent to $9472 million compared to $8964 million in 6M-2014. YTD operating cash flow margin was 40.9 per cent compared to 41.1 per cent in 2014.

     

    Video 

     

    Video revenue has been mentioned above. The company lost 69,000 video customers in Q2-2015, much lower than the 144,000 customers it lost in Q1-2014. Total video customer relationships in Q2-2015 stood at 223.06 lakh as compared to the 224.57 lakh in the corresponding year ago quarter.

     

    High speed Internet

     

    High speed internet revenue in Q2-2015 grew 10 per cent to $3101 million from $2819 million in Q2-2014. YTD, revenue from this stream grew 10.3 per cent to $6145 million from $5569 million in 6M-2014.

     

    High speed internet customer relationships in Q2-2015 improved by 180,000 as compared to the improvement of 203,000 in Q2-2014. The total number of high speed internet customer relationships in Q2-2015 stood at 225.48 lakh, in Q2-2015, the corresponding number was 212.71 lakh.

     

    Voice

     

    Voice revenue in the current quarter at $903 million declined 2.1 per cent as compared to the $921 million in Q2-2014. YTD, revenue from this stream declined 1.8 per cent to $1809 million as compared to the $1842 million in 6M-2014.

     

    Voice customer relationships increased to 113.19 lakh as compared to the 110.03 lakh in Q2-2014.

     

    Business services, Advertising and Other

     

    Business services revenue grew 20.4 per cent to $1161 million in Q2-2015 as compared to $961 million in Q2-2015. Business services revenue in 6M-2015 increased 20.9 per cent to $2275 million as compared to the $1883 million in 6M-2014.

     

    Advertising revenue in Q2-2015 declined by 0.9 per cent to $582 million from $589 million in Q2-2014, while for 6M-2015, revenue declined 0.8 per cent to $1086 million as compared to $1094 million in 6M-2014.

     

    ‘Other’ revenue in Q1-2015 increased 10.9 per cent to $551 million as compared to the $497 in the corresponding year ago quarter. YTD, ‘Other’ revenue increased 10.2 per cent to $1082 million as compared to the $982 million in 6M-2014.

     

    NBCUniversal 

     

    Cable Networks, Broadcast television, Filmed Entertainment and Themed Parks contribute to NBCUniversal segment’s revenues.

     

    NBCUniversal revenue in Q2-2015 at $7230 million increased 20.2 per cent as compared to the $6016 million in the corresponding year ago quarter. For 6M-2015, revenue from this segment increased 7.3 per cent to $13,834 million from $12,892 million in the corresponding year ago six month period.

     

    Operating cash flow increased 19.4 per cent to $1712 million in Q2-2015 as compared to the $1434 million in Q2-2014. During 6M-2015, operating cash flow from this segment improved 16.8 per cent to $3206 million as compared to the $2745 million in 6M-2014 driven by strong results at Filmed Entertainment and Theme Parks.

     

    Cable Networks

     

    Cable Networks revenue in Q-2015 declined 4.6 per cent to $872 million as compared to the $914 million in Q2-2014, reflecting a 26.3 per cent decrease in content licensing and other revenue due to the timing of content provided under licensing agreements and a three per cent decline in advertising revenue, partially offset by a 5.6 per cent increase in distribution revenue. Operating cash flow decreased 4.6 per cent to $872 million compared to $914 million in Q2-2014, reflecting lower revenue and modest increases in other operating and administrative expenses.

     

    For 6M-2015, revenue 2.2 per cent to $1170 million as compared to the $1809 million in 6M-2014. Operating cash flow decreased 2.2 per cent to $1.8 billion in 6M-2015.

     

    Broadcast Television

     

    Broadcast Television revenue increased 3.7 per cent in Q2-2015 to $240 million as compared to the $231 million in Q2-2014 reflecting a slight increase in advertising revenue and higher retransmission consent fees, which were offset by lower content licensing revenue. Operating cash flow decreased 3.7 per cent to $231 million compared to Q2-2014, primarily reflecting increases in other operating and administrative expenses, which were largely offset by a decrease in programming and production costs associated with the timing of the airing of certain shows in our primetime schedule.

     

    YTD, Broadcast Television revenue increased 14 per cent to $413 million as compared to $352 million in 6M-2014. Excluding $376 million of revenue generated by the NFL’s Super Bowl in the Q1-2015, as well as $846 million of revenue generated by the Sochi Olympics in Q1-2014, revenue increased 2.6 per cent. Operating cash flow increased 14 per cent to $413 million compared to $362 million in 6M-2014.

     

    Filmed Entertainment

     

    Filmed Entertainment revenue in Q2-2015 more than doubled (up 2.17 times) to $422 million as compared to the $195 million in Q2-2014 driven by higher theatrical revenue from the record performances of Furious 7 and Jurassic World. Operating cash flow increased $227 million to $422 million, reflecting higher revenue, partially offset by an increase in the amortization of film costs and higher advertising, marketing and promotion expense due to a larger film slate.

     

    For 6M-2015, revenue increased 48.1 per cent to $715 million as compared to $483 million in 6M-2014. Operating cash flow increased 48.1 per cent to $715 million compared to $483 million in 6M-2014.

     

    Themed Parks

     

    Themed Parks in Q2-2015 increased 44.9 per cent to $354 million as compared to the $244 million in Q2-2014 reflecting higher guest attendance and per capita spending, driven by the continued success of Orlando’s The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Diagon Alley. Q2-2015 cash flow increased 44.9 per cent to $354 million compared to $244 million in the same period last year, reflecting higher revenue, partially offset by an increase in operating costs to support the new attractions.

     

    For 6M-2015, revenue increased 48.9 per cent to $616 million as compared to the $414 million in 6M-2014. Operating cash flow increased 48.9 per cent to $617 million compared to $414 million in 6M-2014.

  • Q1-2016: Inox y-o-y box office collections up 53%, PAT more than quadruples

    Q1-2016: Inox y-o-y box office collections up 53%, PAT more than quadruples

    BENGALURU: Inox Leisure Limited reported 53 per cent increase in box office collection (GBO) to Rs 239.38 crore (68.7 per cent of Total Revenue or TR) in the quarter ended 30 June, 2015 (Q1-2016) as compared to the Rs 156.56 crore (67.4 per cent of TR) in Q1-2015 and a whopping 77.5 per cent more than the Rs 134.80 crore (61.9 per cent of TR) in Q4-2015, hence reversing falling GBO trend in FY-2015.

     

    Performance of movies like Tanu Weds Manu Returns (GBO Rs 31.11 crore, 19 lakh footfalls); Piku (GBO Rs 21.80 crore, 13 lakh footfalls), Furious 7 (GBO Rs 18.93 crore, 11 lakh footfalls), ABCD2 (GBO Rs 18.45 crore, 10 lakh footfalls) and Avengers-Age of Ultron drove the resurgence in revenue as well profit after tax (PAT).

     

    Note: (1) 100,00,000 = 100 lakh = 10 million = 1 crore

             (2) Figures include Satyam Cineplexes Limited, which became wholly owned subsidiary of the company on 8 August, 2014.

    The company’s PAT in Q1-2016 more than quadrupled (up 4.52 times) to Rs 25.26 crore (7.2 per cent margin) as compared to the Rs 4.52 crore (two per cent margin) in Q1-2015. Inox had reported a loss of Rs 4.06 crore in the immediate trailing quarter.

     

    The company’s TR in Q1-2016 at Rs 348.68 crore was 50 per cent more than the Rs 232.38 crore in Q1-2015 and was 60 per cent more than the Rs 217.75 crore in Q4-2015.

     

    Footfalls, occupancy rates and average ticket price:

     

    Inox reported 1.45 crore footfalls in Q1-2016 and an occupancy rate of 33 per cent as compared to the 0.99 crore footfalls and an occupancy rate of 26 per cent in Q1-2015 and 0.82 crore footfalls and an occupancy rate of 20 per cent in the immediate trailing quarter.

     

    Average ticket price (ATP) in Q1-2016 increased to Rs 165 as compared to Rs 159 in the corresponding year ago quarter and Rs 164 in the previous quarter.

     

    Advertising, food and beverages and other operating revenues:

     

    The company reported 38.5 per cent higher advertising revenue in Q1-2016 at Rs 20.72 crore (5.9 per cent of TR) from Rs 14.96 crore (6.4 per cent of TR) in Q1-2015 and was 4.7 per cent more than the Rs 19.79 crore (9.1 per cent of TR) in Q4-2015.

     

    Food and Beverages (F&B) revenue in Q1-2016 increased 45.5 per cent to Rs 73.89 crore (21.2 per cent of TR) as compared to the Rs 47.21 crore (20.3 per cent of TR) in Q1-2015 and almost doubled (up 97.4 per cent) as compared to the Rs 37.43 crore (17.2 per cent of TR) in Q4-2015.

     

    Other operating revenue increased 7.8 per cent to Rs 14.70 crore (4.2 per cent of TR) in Q1-2016 from Rs 13.64 crore (5.9 per cent of TR) in Q1-2015, but fell 42.9 per cent as compared to the Rs 25.73 crore (11.8 per cent of TR) in Q4-2015.

     

    Entertainment Tax, distributors’ share, F&B costs, rents, et al:

     

    Inox paid 61.8 per cent higher entertainment tax in Q1-2016 at Rs 42.63 crore (13.3 per cent of TR) as compared to the Rs 28.57 crore (12.3 per cent of TR) in Q1-2015 

    and more than double (2.03 times) the Rs 22.76 crore (10.5 per cent of TR) in Q4-2015.

     

    Distributors’ share in Q1-2016 at Rs 85.21 crore was (24.4 per cent of TR, 35.6 per cent of GBO) was 45.9 per cent more than the Rs 58.40 crore (25.1 per cent of TR, 37.3 per cent of GBO) in Q1-2015 and was 78.5 per cent more than the Rs 47.75 crore (20.5 per cent of TR, 37.7 per cent of GBO) in Q4-2015.

     

    F&B costs in Q1-2016 increased 50 per cent to Rs 18.38 crore (5.3 per cent of TR) as compared to the Rs 12.25 crore (5.3 per cent of TR) and was 77.6 per cent more than the Rs 10.35 crore (4.8 per cent of TR) in Q4-2015.

     

    Inox paid 26.9 per cent higher property rent, conducting fees and common facility charges (rent) in Q1-2016 at Rs 49.05 crore (14.1 per cent of TR) as compared to the Rs 38.64 crore (16.6 per cent of TR) in Q1-2015 and 5.2 per cent more than the Rs 46.63 crore (21.4 per cent of TR) in Q4-2015.

  • Abu Dhabi restructures film industry; to invest $100+ million

    Abu Dhabi restructures film industry; to invest $100+ million

    MUMBAI: Abu Dhabi’s Media Zone Authority is restructuring its film business and has set aside a corpus of over $100 million (AED 400 million) for the next five years for the same.

     

    The money will be used for film and TV production in Abu Dhabi. Additionally it is also shutting down the Abu Dhabi Film Festival to make way in order to focus on for future targeted initiatives to further support local and Arab filmmakers and attract more film productions to Abu Dhabi in the region via the Sanad Fund. The move marks the next phase in the Abu Dhabi’s maturing film industry. 

     

    The Media Zone Authority will continue its efforts in supporting Emirati and Arab filmmakers through the Sanad Fund, which provides financial support for film projects during their development and post-production stages. The Fund enables filmmakers to develop and complete feature narrative or documentary films. Details of the next session of submissions for Sanad will be announced soon. Additionally, twofour54’s creative lab will continue its role in supporting local talent in the UAE.

     

    Going forward, the Media Zone Authority will focus on promoting Abu Dhabi and the UAE as a regional hub for film and TV productions through Abu Dhabi Film Commission’s 30 per cent cash-back rebate on all qualifying spend of films and projects shot in Abu Dhabi.

     

    Media Zone Authority CEO Noura Al Kaabi said, “Over the last few years we have built a strong foundation for a self-sustaining film and television industry. It is now the right time to deepen our commitment and further develop programmes to take the local industry to the next level. We attracted several major international and regional productions to shoot in the Emirate over the past two years alone, which brought large-scale investment, further built the film industry infrastructure in the region, and created significant opportunities for local talent. These projects include Universal Pictures’ Fast and Furious 7 and Disney’s Star Wars: Episode VII, as well as regional productions Al Ikhwa, Iftah Ya SimSim and ET Bil Arabi.”

     

    Al Kaabi also noted that the UAE is represented at international film festivals through Dubai International Film Festival and Sharjah International Children’s Film Festival.

     

    Image Nation Abu Dhabi chairman Mohamed Al Mubarak added, “Now that Image Nation Abu Dhabi has become part of the Media Zone Authority, our efforts towards building the media sector can be more coordinated and effective. Image Nation’s combination of Hollywood film relationships and its local talent and production knowledge is uniquely valuable to this new phase of our industry.”

     

    Image Nation Abu Dhabi invested approximately AED 30 million ($8.2 million) towards local production last year. Over the next five years, the Media Zone Authority partner anticipates injecting over AED 400 million ($108 million) into the UAE economy through direct spending in the country on film and television production and jobs creation.

     

    Local feature film production has hit a new stride with an impressive and aggressive slate. From A to B, directed by Ali Mostafa and co-produced by twofour54 and Image Nation, topped iTunes charts across the Middle East last week and is set to release theatrically in the UK and Italy this year. And Zinzana, helmed by Emirati first-time feature director Majid Al Ansari, is currently in post-production with a launch in the UAE planned later this year.

     

    twofour54 upgraded its post-production centre this month – the most advanced facility in the region with the latest editing, audio and colour correction capabilities. This first one-stop-shop for post-production will further enhance the industry ecosystem in Abu Dhabi.

     

    Training and development programs continue to expand for Emirati and regional filmmakers. In its fourth year, Arab Film Studio now includes both documentary and narrative programmes, and a new programme for Emirati high school students launches this summer at New York University’s Tisch School of the Arts.

  • ‘Avengers: Age Of Ultron’ nets Rs 36 crore in opening weekend

    ‘Avengers: Age Of Ultron’ nets Rs 36 crore in opening weekend

    MUMBAI: Marvel’s Avengers: Age Of Ultron is on its path to break box office records with a record-breaking three day opening collections.

     

    Trade and industry expert sources claim that the film, which opened to glowing critical reviews, amassed approximately a Friday opening of Rs 10.98 crores coming after unprecedented advance openings and theater bookings.

     

    Saturday’s figures were pegged at Rs11.85 crores net, and adding to the grand tally was Sunday’s collection of Rs 12.91 crores taking the total three day collections to Rs 35.74 crores.

     

    Trade experts peg this as the highest three-day Hollywood film box office collection till date in India and is almost three times bigger than 2012’s Avengers.

     

    Avengers: Age Of Ultron’s box office performance was despite it being a non-holiday weekend. The movie saw a limited release on 1500 screens across India, which is lesser than Fast and Furious 7 that released across 2500 screens.