ITV

Tag: France Télévisions

  • IBC 2025: Media moguls and tech titans converge as Amsterdam buzzes with AI ambition

    IBC 2025: Media moguls and tech titans converge as Amsterdam buzzes with AI ambition

    AMSTERDAM: Amsterdam’s RAI convention centre became the epicentre of media’s digital revolution last week as 43,858 industry professionals descended on IBC2025, the world’s largest broadcasting and entertainment technology show. From global media giants to plucky start-ups, 1,300 exhibitors and 600 speakers gathered to chart the future of an industry in the throes of transformation.

    The event’s success reflects an industry caught between disruption and opportunity. Visitors from 170 countries—from veteran broadcasters to streaming insurgents—came seeking answers to questions that keep chief executives awake at night: how to harness artificial intelligence without losing the human touch, and how to stay relevant as viewing habits fragment across countless platforms.

     IBC chief executive Michael Crimp declared the event had “delivered real business outcomes” with “overwhelmingly positive feedback.” 

    What struck him most, he said, was the prevailing “sense of optimism and purpose”—a notable sentiment in an industry more accustomed to existential dread.

    The debut of Future Tech in Hall 14 captured much of this optimism. Here, punters could witness live demonstrations of generative and agentic AI, immersive media experiences, and cloud-native workflows. France Télévisions showcased a 5G-enabled aircraft, whilst others explored private networks and sustainable innovation—all buzzwords that would have seemed like science fiction a decade ago.

    “We’re witnessing a pivotal moment of innovation,” said Tata Communications global business leader Brijesh Yadev. The hyperbole may be familiar, but the underlying sentiment rings true: the industry is scrambling to reinvent itself before others do it for them.

    This urgency was palpable in the quality of conversations on the show floor. Gone were the days of casual networking; exhibitors reported “more strategic” discussions focused on “future-looking solutions” and “next-phase investments.”

    The conference programme reflected these concerns, with packed sessions on AI, new business models, and sustainability. Icons like Thelma Schoonmaker, the Oscar-winning editor who worked with Martin Scorsese, provided creative inspiration alongside more prosaic technical papers on practical innovation.

    Perhaps most tellingly, the industry is finally acknowledging that technology alone won’t save it. IBC2025 emphasised people and talent, with initiatives focused on skills development and inclusion. 

    The show floor itself told the story of an industry in flux. Established giants like Amazon Web Services, Microsoft, Sony, and Samsung rubbed shoulders with newcomers such as Baron Weather, Momento, and Remotly. Each hall showcased advances in production, distribution, and streaming—the building blocks of tomorrow’s entertainment ecosystem.

    For all the talk of transformation, IBC2025 proved that some things endure. The event remains the world’s essential meeting place for media professionals. In an increasingly digital world, the value of face-to-face connection—and the deals that flow from it—appears undiminished.

    Whether this optimism translates into sustainable business models remains to be seen. But for four days in Amsterdam, at least, the industry felt confident about its ability to shape its own destiny rather than have it shaped by others.

  • Prime Video strikes deal with France Télévisions as streamers forge unlikely alliances

    Prime Video strikes deal with France Télévisions as streamers forge unlikely alliances

    PARIS: Streaming is making for some unlikely bedfellows. After Netflix’s recent tie-up to carry TF1’s linear channels in France, Amazon Prime Video has now inked a landmark pact with France Télévisions. The move brings the public broadcaster’s full arsenal of content—France 2, France 3, France 4, France 5 and France Info—onto Prime Video in France, available to all subscribers.

    The partnership opens up access to preview and replay programming, exclusive content and marquee events including the Tour de France, Women’s Euro, Women’s Rugby World Cup, plus drama, docs, entertainment, kids shows and rolling news.

    “With this unprecedented distribution method, our group is taking a historic step toward strengthening the visibility of its public service offering,” said France Télévisions president & CEO  Delphine Ernotte Cunci. “It allows audiences to rediscover the richness of france.tv in new digital environments.”

    “Following Max, Paramount+, Ciné+OCS, Universal+ and MGM+, alongside 43 additional channels, we are delighted to have reached this agreement and to be able to make France Télévisions’ extensive catalog available to all our Prime customers in France,” added Prime Video France general manager Christophe Deguine. “We are constantly looking for new ways to expand the quality content offering to our customers and confirm Prime Video as the number one entertainment destination

    As streamers across the globe cosy up to traditional broadcasters, eyes now turn to India. Netflix is already showing Sony’s evergreen cop drama CID.; JioHotstar is the home of HBO, Peacock and other global players. 

    Could a wider wave of streamer-broadcaster tie-ups be on the cards with Netflix, JioHotstar, Z5, SonyLiv  or Prime? Watch this space.

  • Liz Clarke joins Fabric as director of sales & business development

    Liz Clarke joins Fabric as director of sales & business development

    MUMBAI: Fabric, the entertainment industry’s powerhouse for data and operations solutions, has shaken up its sales and business development team by appointing Liz Clarke as director of sales and business development, EMEA. With over two decades of experience in media, entertainment, and post-production, Clarke is stepping in to steer Fabric’s growth strategy across the region, ensuring that media companies cut through the operational chaos and tap into new revenue streams with ease.

    Fabric, fresh off its integration with Xytech, continues to redefine media management by consolidating workflows, from quote-to-invoice to project management and content metadata. In other words, it’s taking the industry’s messy backend and tidying it up into one smart, seamless platform. And Clarke, with her extensive expertise, is stepping in at precisely the right moment to help drive that transformation.

    Before joining Fabric, Clarke served as EVP of strategy and development at Bitmax, where she championed business growth initiatives and streamlined workflows across international teams. Her journey has also included a pivotal role as VP of client operations at Mirriad, working with major broadcasters like Channel 4, Channel 5, RTE.ie, TF1, France Télévisions, Prosiebens, and RTL. Having previously held senior positions at Ascent Media, Deluxe, and Prime Focus Group, Clarke is no stranger to building and executing world-class media strategies.

    Fabric CRO Kira Baca expressed enthusiasm for Clarke’s arrival, “We are thrilled to welcome Liz to Fabric. Her impressive industry expertise, incredible reputation, and proven ability to drive business growth align perfectly with our mission to help media companies scale and succeed. Liz’s leadership will be instrumental in expanding our footprint across EMEA, ensuring that more organisations can leverage Fabric’s solutions to meet their content goals.”

    Fabric’s goal is simple but ambitious: unify media operations, streamline data, and help teams worldwide deliver seamless content experiences. The company’s solutions integrate operations and catalogue management, resource scheduling, data enrichment, and AI-powered workflow insights—effectively eliminating operational bottlenecks that have long plagued media companies.

    According to Clarke, the opportunity to be part of this mission was too compelling to pass up. “Fabric is focused on providing solutions that deliver provable value, from simplifying and streamlining operations to maximising content revenue potential globally. I am excited to join the team and bring my experience in business development and sales, along with my understanding of the M&E industry, to drive growth across the EMEA region. I look forward to working with the teams to unlock new opportunities and enhance operational efficiencies with Fabric’s innovative solutions.”

    With global digital ad spending projected to reach $667.6 billion in 2025, the demand for integrated, AI-driven media solutions has never been greater. The media landscape is shifting, and companies must adapt to stay relevant. Fabric’s integrated approach offers a competitive edge by eliminating inefficiencies, optimising workflows, and giving businesses a crystal-clear view of their content pipelines.

    Fabric’s expansion into EMEA comes at a time when media companies are grappling with increasing operational complexity. As advertisers pour more dollars into programmatic and AI-driven content personalisation, Fabric’s solutions provide the agility needed to navigate this rapidly evolving landscape.

    With Clarke leading the charge, expect Fabric to strengthen its presence across Europe, the middle east, and Africa, proving once again that smart, data-driven operations are the future of media management.

  • Sports innovation efforts lead at IBC2024 Innovation Awards

    Sports innovation efforts lead at IBC2024 Innovation Awards

    AMSTERDAM –The winners of the IBC Innovation Awards – which recognise collaborative efforts to develop solutions that address real-world industry challenges – were announced on 15 August at the Rai Amsterdam. They consisted of five categories: content creation, distribution, content everywhere, social impact, and environment and sustainability. 

    With 2024 being the year of big sporting events like the Olympics and UEFA European football championships, four of the five winners were those who had innovated in this area. 

     “Recognising and fostering industry innovation at every level is core to what IBC does, and these awards play a critical role in honouring and encouraging truly ground-breaking work,” said IBC CEO Michael Crimp. “This year’s expanded awards spotlight the fact that there are many areas in which we are seeing the media community collaborate to take us in new, exciting directions. I congratulate this year’s winners for demonstrating the co-operation, imagination and determination needed to really impact our industry.”

    The winners in the five IBC Innovation Awards categories were: 

    Content Creation
    * Olympic Broadcasting Services and partners for live broadcast production with more than 200 smartphones contributing video for the Paris 2024 opening ceremony and a sea-based 5G network for sailing competitions in Marseille.

    Content Distribution
    * The National Hockey League, in partnership with Verizon, AWS, Zixi, Vizrt and Evertz, for producing a 5G and Edge compute framework for assembly, control and delivery of live broadcast.

    Content Everywhere
    * LaLiga for working with Play Anywhere and Ease Live to enable true fan interactivity for itself and its worldwide broadcast and streaming partners.  

    Social Impact
    * Sesame Workshop for its Watch Play Learn Distribution Hub, which allows government agencies and aid organisations to preview and request videos for children in crisis settings.

    Environment & Sustainability 
    * France Télévisions for reducing CO2 emissions by 300 tonnes via a pioneering 100 per cent glass-to-glass cloud production and private 5G network, as it broadcast a 24/7 channel providing coverage of the Olympic torch relay for Paris 2024.

    Also at the 2024 Innovation Awards, this year’s IBC International Honour for Excellence (IHFE) – announced in August – was formally presented to Ukraine’s Mstyslav Chernov for his work as a video journalist and filmmaker. Chernov directed 20 Days in Maripoul, the multi-award-winning documentary chronicling the siege of the city by Russian forces in 2022, when he and his Associated Press (AP) team were among the last journalists there. He previously covered conflicts in Iraq, Syria, and Nagorno-Karabakh (in Azerbaijan) and the return of the Taliban to Afghanistan after the US withdrawal.
    The Best Technical Paper Award, another pre-announced honour presented at the Innovation Awards, was given to Joshua Maraval, Nicolas Ramin, and Lu Zhang for their paper Advancements in Radiance Field Techniques for Volumetric Video Generation: A Technical Overview. The authors, who are from the Institut de Recherche Technologique,  and the Institut d’Electronique et des Technologies du numéRique, were seeking an efficient solution to the complex problem of capturing and rendering volumetric video for three-dimensional VR experiences.

     

  • Sony BBC Earth to premiere ‘Frozen Planet’ in India

    Sony BBC Earth to premiere ‘Frozen Planet’ in India

    Mumbai: The second season of the flagship television series Frozen Planet from Sony BBC Earth is about to make its Indian debut.

    Frozen Planet II is narrated by Sir David Attenborough and produced by the acclaimed Natural History Unit of BBC Studios in association with BBC America, the Open University, Migu Video, ZDF, and France Television. After an eleven-year hiatus, the eagerly anticipated six-part series is back on television.

    Sony Pictures Networks chief marketing officer & business head (English cluster & Sony AATH) Tushar Shah said, “Frozen Planet II is one of the biggest properties to make its way to Sony BBC Earth this year. While the first season of the show received a positive response from viewers, we hope that with this release we can provide an unparalleled experience of the frozen world and the life that thrives in it despite all odds. We are committed to offering the best to our viewers. We look forward to bringing more of this exclusive and premium content to the channel.”

    On 17 October, Frozen Planet II will have its world premiere. It will take viewers on an exploration of the fauna found in the globe’s highest mountains, frozen desserts, snow-covered forests, and ice-cold waters. This six-part series offers an opportunity to discover the wonder of our planet’s frozen realms like never before. It was shot in ultra-high definition using the most advanced camera technology, and it features dramatic new behaviours, intimate stories, and sensational natural spectacles captured on camera for the very first time.

    Frozen Planet II executive producer Mark Brownlow added, “With Frozen Planet II, we want to captivate viewers through new stories, breath-taking drama, and stunning landscapes to drive home the message that these true wildernesses on earth are literally vanishing right before our eyes at a speed faster than we can imagine and how these changes are impacting wildlife.”

    The first season of Frozen Planet, which has received a total of 10 awards and nine nominations, including four Primetime Emmys overall, takes viewers on an unprecedented trip around the polar areas of our planet. The channel hopes to increase viewers’ visual gratification with the debut of its sequel, Frozen Planet II, by providing them with yet another captivating glimpse into the frozen world, this time focusing on a planet that is about to undergo a significant transformation.

    Sony BBC Earth has also started an on-air contest in conjunction with the premiere of the series, and the winners will receive special invitations to the celebrity screenings taking place in several major cities. Additionally, lucky winners will have the chance to win food and drink coupons that may be used at affiliated businesses.

  • 2022 International Emmy Award announces gala & nominations from 23 countries

    2022 International Emmy Award announces gala & nominations from 23 countries

    Mumbai: Nominations for the 2022 International Emmy Awards were announced by the International Academy of Television Arts & Sciences. There are 60 nominees across 15 categories, spanning 23 countries.

    “When you look at the geographic spread, diversity, and quality of our nominees, it becomes obvious that great television knows no borders and is emerging around the world,” said International Academy President & CEO Bruce Paisner. “We look forward to recognising these outstanding programmes and performances on our global stage with the International Emmy.”

    The International Academy will present a new sports documentary category for the first time at its gala in New York.

    Founded in 1969, the International Academy is a non-profit, membership organisation based in New York City, with over 700 members from over 60 countries and 500 leading media and entertainment companies representing all industries of television, including internet, mobile, and technology.

    “This year is our 50th annual ceremony, and it’s particularly important because we are back at full strength after the pandemic. Last year, we had an in-person ceremony, but it was limited to half of our usual attendance,” stated Paisner. “Especially important to note as well, we are also resuming our in-person World Festival, highlighting the nominated programs from around the world.”

    The International Academy is a unique organisation because it serves as a platform for international television and media leaders to come together to exchange ideas, discuss common issues, and promote new strategies for the future development of quality global television programming.

    “The International Emmys provide an incredible opportunity for media companies from around the globe to build bridges and connect with one another,” stated Narendra Reddy, Chief Operating Officer of The Africa Channel. “We’ve worked with the Academy to raise the profile of African content and media companies. We organised two juries in South Africa with the heads of media companies from all around the continent, which was very successful.”

    Each year, the leading television producers from around the world showcase their programming and compete to be recognised at the prestigious International Emmy Awards, where over one thousand international broadcasting, production, and distribution executives convene to celebrate the best in global television produced outside of the United States, as well as U.S. primetime programmes produced in languages other than English.

    In 2021, nominees from India included Nawazuddin Siddique for best performance by an actor in Serious Man, Vir Das: For India for best comedy, and Aarya for best drama series.

    “The quantity and quality of TV production is exploding around the world,” said Paisner. “It is clear to me that the International Academy and the Emmys play a vital role in recognising the importance of international television.”

    In addition to the International Emmy Awards, the Academy’s yearly schedule of events includes the International Emmy Kids Awards at Mip and a series of industry events such as Academy Day, the International Emmy World Television Festival, and panels on substantive industry topics.

    Winners will be announced at the 50th International Emmy Awards Gala in New York City on Monday, 21 November 2022.

    2022 International Emmy Awards Nominees:

    Arts Programming

    “Bios: Calamaro”

    Buena Vista Original Productions (Disney) / Nat Geo

    Argentina

    “Charlie Chaplin, Le Génie De La Liberté” [Charlie Chaplin, The Genius Of Liberty]

    France Télévisions / Kuiv Productions

    France

    “Freddie Mercury: The Final Act”

    Rogan Productions

    United Kingdom

    “Wonderful World: A New York Jazz Story”

    NHK

    Japan

    Best Performance by an Actor

    Sverrir Gudnason in “En Kunglig Affär” [A Royal Secret]

    SVT

    Stellanova Film / SVT / Film i Väst / Stockholm Film Fund

    Sweden

    Scoot McNairy in ”Narcos: Mexico”

    Netflix / Gaumont

    Mexico

    Dougray Scott in “Irvine Welsh’s Crime”

    Cineflix Media Inc. / Buccaneer Media / Off Grid Film & TV

    United Kingdom

    Lee Sun-Kyun in “Dr. Brain”

    Bound Entertainment / Kakao Entertainment / Studioplex / Dark Circle Pictures / Apple

    South Korea

    Best Performance by an Actress

    Celine Buckens in “Showtrial”

    World Productions

    United Kingdom

    Leticia Colin in “Onde Está Meu Coração” [Where My Heart Is]

    Globoplay

    Brazil

    Kim Engelbrecht in “Reyka”

    tpf london / Quizzical / Serena Cullen Productions / MNET South Africa / Fremantle / Heromotives

    South Africa

    Lou de Laâge in “Le Bal des Folles” [The Mad Women’s Ball]

    Légende Films / Amazon

    France

    Comedy

    Búnker [Bunker]

    HBO Latin America / WarnerMedia Latin America / Dopamine

    Mexico

    Dreaming Whilst Black

    Big Deal Films

    United Kingdom

    On The Verge

    The Film TV / Canal+ Creation Originale

    France

    Sex Education

    Netflix / Eleven Film

    United Kingdom

    Documentary

    “Enfants De Daech, Les Damnés De La Guerre” [Iraq’s Lost Generation]

    Cinétévé / France Televisions / LCP / RTS / DR / NRK / SVT / Région Ile-de-France / CNC / PROCIREP – ANGOA

    France

    “Myanmar Coup: Digital Resistance”

    NHK

    Japan

    “O Caso Evandro” [The Evandro Case: A Devilish Plot]

    Globoplay / Glaz Entretenimento

    Brazil

    “The Return: Life After ISIS”

    Sky / Alba Sotorra Productions / MetFilm

    United Kingdom

    Drama Series

    Lupin

    Netflix / Gaumont Television

    France

    Narcos: Mexico

    Netflix / Gaumont

    Mexico

    Reyka

    tpf london / Quizzical / Serena Cullen Productions / MNET South Africa / Fremantle / Heromotives

    South Africa

    Vigil

    World Productions

    United Kingdom

    Kids: Animation

    Dapinty, Una Aventura Musicolor [Dapinty, A Musicolor Adventure]

    Silverwolf Studios

    Colombia

    Fumetsu No Anata E [To Your Eternity]

    NHK

    Japan

    “Les Lapins Cretins – Invasion: Mission sur Mars” [Rabbids Invasion Special – Mission to Mars]

    Ubisoft Motion Pictures Rabbids

    France

    “Shaun the Sheep: Flight Before Christmas”

    Netflix / Aardman

    United Kingdom

    Kids: Factual & Entertainment

    Ikke Gjor Dette Mot Klimaet! [Don’t Do This To The Climate]

    NRK

    Norway

    My Better World

    Fundi Films / Maan Creative / Impact(ed) International

    South Africa

    Newsround Special – Let’s Talk About Periods

    BBC

    United Kingdom

    “Sueños Latinoamericanos” [Latin American Dreams]

    Mi Chica Producciones / Consejo Nacional De Television De Chile / Television Nacional De Chile

    Chile

    Kids: Live-Action

    “Anonima” [Anonymously Yours]

    Netflix / Woo Films

    Mexico

    Hardball – Season 2

    Australian Children’s Television Foundation / Northern Pictures

    Australia

    Kabam!

    NPO / IJswater Films / KRO-NCRV

    Netherlands

    Lightspeed

    Oak 3 Films Pte Ltd / Mediacorp TV Singapore Pte Ltd

    Singapore

    Non-English Language U.S. Primetime Program

    2021 Latin American Music Awards

    NBCUniversal Telemundo Enterprises / Somos Productions, LLC

    United States

    Buscando A Frida

    Telemundo Global Studios / Argos

    United States

    La Suerte De Loli

    Telemundo Global Studios

    United States

    Malverde, El Santo Patrón

    Telemundo Global Studios / Equipment and Film Design (EFD)

    United States

    Non-Scripted Entertainment

    La Voz Argentina [The Voice] – Season 3

    VIACOMCBS / Telefe

    Argentina

    LOL: Last One Laughing Germany

    Constantin Entertainment GmbH / Amazon

    Germany

    Love on the Spectrum – Season 2

    Northern Pictures / ABC / Netflix

    Australia

    Top Chef Middle East – Season 5

    NBCUniversal

    United Arab Emirates

    Short-Form Series

    Espíritu Pionero [Pioneer Spirit]

    TV Pública Argentina

    Argentina

    Fly on the Wall

    Al Jazeera Digital

    Qatar

    Nissene i bingen [Santas in the Hay]

    Seefood TV

    Norway

    Rūrangi

    Autonomouse / The Yellow Affair

    New Zealand

    Sports Documentary

    “Chivas”

    Amazon Studios / Film 45 / Amazon / CobraFilms

    Mexico

    “Kiyou No Kata” [Kiyou’s Kata]

    Kansai Television

    Japan

    “Nadia”

    Federation Entertainment / Echo Studio

    France

    “Queen Of Speed”

    Sky / Drum Studios

    United Kingdom

    Telenovela

    Nos Tempos Do Imperador

    TV Globo

    Brazil

    Two Lives

    Bambú Producciones

    Spain

    YeonMo [The King’s Affection]

    KBS (Korean Broadcasting System) / Netflix / Monster Union / Arc Media

    South Korea

    You Are My Hero

    Gcoo Entertainment Co. Ltd. / China Huace Film & TV Co., Ltd / Croton Cultural Media Co., Ltd. / BEIJING LE BEN FILM MEDIA / Jindun Film & Television Culture Center of the Ministry of Public Security of China

    China

    TV Movie/Mini-Series

    Help

    The Forge / All3Media International

    United Kingdom

    Il est elle [(S)he]

    Newen Connect / And So On Films

    France

    Isabel, La Historia Íntima De La Escritora Isabel Allende [Isabel, The Intimate Story Of Isabel Allende]

    Megamedia Chile

    Chile

    On The Job

    Reality MM Studios / Globe Studios / HBO / Warner Media

    Philippines