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Tag: Grammys

  • The 2022 Grammy Awards postponed amid Omicron surge

    The 2022 Grammy Awards postponed amid Omicron surge

    Mumbai: The 2022 Grammy Awards have been postponed indefinitely, weeks before the planned Los Angeles ceremony over what organisers called “too many risks” from the Omicron variant.

    The Recording Academy on Wednesday said it made the decision to postpone the ceremony “after careful consideration and analysis with city and state officials, health and safety experts, the artist community and our many partners. Given the uncertainty surrounding the omicron variant, holding the show on January 31 simply contains too many risks.”

    The attempt at a back-to-normal show had been scheduled for 31 January at the newly renamed Crypto.com Arena with a live audience and performances, but no new date is on the books.

    Jon Batiste is the leading nominee for this year’s honours, grabbing 11 nods in a variety of genres including R&B, jazz, American roots music, classical and music video. Justin Bieber, Doja Cat and H.E.R. are tied for the second-most nominations with eight apiece.

    The Grammys move could be the beginning of another round of award-show rescheduling after another winter coronavirus surge, with the Screen Actors Guild Awards planned for February and the Academy Awards for March. The announcement was made around the same time the Sundance Film Festival cancelled its in-person programming set to begin on 20 January and shifted to an online format.

    Last year, like most major awards shows in early 2021, the Grammys were postponed due to coronavirus concerns. The show was moved from late January to mid-March and held with a spare audience made up of mostly nominees and their guests in and around the Los Angeles Convention Center, next door to its usual home, the arena then known as Staples Center.

    It was a big night for Beyonce and Taylor Swift, but the live performances that set the Grammys apart from other awards shows were set separately with no significant crowds, many of them pre-taped.

    “We look forward to celebrating Music’s Biggest Night on a future date, which will be announced soon,” the academy statement said.

    With two professional basketball teams and a hockey team occupying the arena, finding that date could be complicated. The Recording Academy made no mention of a possible venue change in its statement.

  • Guest Column: To win and how to win – The always good question in advertising

    Guest Column: To win and how to win – The always good question in advertising

    Advertising – the shiny shop front of marketing, is famously not a fixed entity.

    It moves, morphs, adapts, transfigures, gets deformed and always rests with a new face every few months.

    Cycle. Repeat.

    Whenever one tries to make an educated guess about a fundamental characteristic of something that is defined by constant variability, it's like randomly pointing a camera at a crowd and expecting to find a familiar face in the photograph.

    The more people you know, better your chances of finding a familiar face. ‘How much you know’ then becomes a coveted skill.

    The fundamental hypothetical to ponder today is
    'what will win an award?'

    Before daring to design a blueprint for this conceptual palace called ‘award-winning campaign’, I find it’s always better to first walk around the house that advertising already lives in –the house called ‘culture’.

    Every cornerstone of cultural taste-making has undergone an upheaval in the recent past. From the glamour-stricken winners of the Oscars and the Grammys to the casually serious rules of who gets to be a YouTube/Instagram celebrity and even the matter-of-fact question of which type of scientific research gets awarded the big grants and which branch of science and scientist gets more air time; we will find a thread running across and even, remotely, connecting each and every sphere – a craving for gravitas.

    Gravitas, that can lift one above the din that’s created by rote abuse of the pithy mantra 'content is king' to the extent that we are all serfs to shallow engagement.

    There's a growing awareness and an exponentially increasing proof that the mirror has finally become the subject – that society has started reflecting advertising as much as an ad poaches from society.

    With great power is supposed to come great responsibility only after one realises that responsible wielding of power is actually an option.

    The ad-world at large seems to have acknowledged and accepted its role in the cultural spotlight.

    Here are three simple thumb rules that I've found to be effective not just in creative award-thinking but also in putting every creative in a state of existential paralysis on the way to a breakthrough campaign idea.

    Strive for genuine NOT just new

    There’s no shortage of novelty ideas and innovations. If an idea is not based on ‘genuine’ insight aiming for ‘genuine’ impact, it’s just ‘new’ for ‘new’s sake

    Be transformative NOT participative

    It’s increasingly easy for everyone to participate. Not just in ones and twos but en-masse. One more participant will not make a difference and only ads that make a difference are worth their wins. The aim should be to change the way something is perceived or re-write the rules of normal

    Memorable, yes, but memorable for what?

    What is the ‘one’ thing about the ad that will stay long after the ad is over? Is that ‘one’ thing deserving of accolades?

    All of this is written with the knowledge that data will show the way, but planning, media and copy will have to walk the way together.

    Big Data has given way to Big Culture.

    Just as an algorithm can find the most important piece of information in seeming junk data, well-intuited advertising can point to hidden sense in the most obscure and absurd piece of culture by elevating it to the heights of artistic merit and genuine impact.

    So, to all the media planners, copywriters and data scientists working unsurely on the next campaign; if you hold in your hands a thread that no one but you could have found, just give it a bold and confident tug.

    Awards will come.

    (The author is the AVP, Creative Strategy – WATConsult. The views expressed are personal and Indiantelevision.com may not subscribe to them)

  • Vh1 to air Grammys, Beyoncé leads: pub screenings in 12 cities

    MUMBAI: This February, Vh1, India’s leading international music channel, continues the award fever in India with a month long celebration of the 59th Annual Grammy Awards, on air and on ground. The biggest names in the industry will unite to recognize and celebrate the best of 2016 at Staples Center, Los Angeles on 13 February 7:30am onwards with a primetime repeat at 9pm. The viewers will get to watch the most anticipated performances and inspiring victory speeches exclusively on Vh1, India’s preferred destination for International music & pop culture.

    This year, Beyoncé leads the pack with nine nominations, making it a total of 62 Grammy nominations across her career in the music industry, and with 20 wins already in her pocket! Drake, Rihanna, and Kanye West follow soon after, with eight nominations each, trailed by Chance the Rapper with seven and Adele and Twenty One Pilots with five nods each. This year also marks Demi Lovato’s debut in the race to win the coveted award with her first-ever Grammy nomination.

    The awards, this year, will be compered by James Corden, host of the Late Late Show, following the legacy of his predecessors, LL Cool J, Queen Latifah, and the likes.

    In addition to the exclusive telecast, you can also catch the Grammys across 12 cities at Vh1 screenings at popular pubs, bars and restaurants along with special screenings at JCB and Golds Gym.

    Even the millennials are in for a treat as Vh1 is organizing special Grammy breakfast parties just for them. The celebrations don’t end there, as Vh1 and NEXA Music Lounge have given one of Vh1’s many viewers a chance to attend the ceremony live in Los Angeles through the Nexa Music Lounge presents Vh1 Grammy’s Super Access.

    Commenting on the telecast of the Annual Grammy Awards, Viacom18 programming head – English entertainment Hashim D’souza shared, “We are excited and proud to be the Nation’s premier destination for international Pop culture, and with the Annual Grammy Awards we aim to reiterate our stand as India’s go-to destination for international music and entertainment. Along with bringing quality international content to India, we are also excited to provide a money can’t buy experience by sending one lucky winner to attend the Grammys like a VIP. This year our awards season kicked off with a phenomenal response to the Golden Globe Awards and with 2017 Grammys we hope to take it up a notch by integrating live viewer reactions on-air.”

    The annual Grammy Awards are a part of an extravagant award show line-up that airs exclusively on Vh1 which includes the Annual Billboard Music Awards, the American Music Awards, the Golden Globe Awards, Video Music Awards and Europe Music Awards. This stellar line-up follows the successful live telecast of the Global Citizen Festival in Mumbai last year, reiterating Vh1’s unchallenged leadership and innovation benchmark in the country.

  • Bittree taps industry veteran Ari Baron as new GM

    Bittree taps industry veteran Ari Baron as new GM

    GLENDALE (C.A): Bittree, a leading manufacturer of high-quality audio and video patching systems, has appointed long time industry veteran Ari Baron as the general manager (GM), it was announced today by Glenn Garrard, CEO of Bittree. The company is dedicated to offering state-of-the-art patching systems that streamline signal routing and troubleshooting in media and entertainment operations of all sizes. The company offers an innovative line of audio, video, and data patchbays for use in broadcasting, postproduction, and pro A/V operations.

    With over two decades of experience in the pro audio, broadcast, and MI community, Baron will be responsible for day-to-day operations at Bittree including future planning and growth, overseeing efficient manufacturing practices, introducing new products, and developing marketing and sales strategies, effective immediately. Baron is currently based in Bittree’s U.S. headquarters in Glendale, CA and will report directly to Garrard.

    “Ari will be providing important leadership for the formative transformation of our company, throughout our immeasurable growth and expansion,” says Garrard. “ His sales and marketing acumen, combined with his lean manufacturing experience and great product knowledge, Ari truly understands the value of creating enthusiasm for the brand and product line throughout our network. I am confident that he will play a vital role in our company and our culture.”

    Prior to his hire, Baron served as Eastman Music Company’s vice president of Marketing where he managed all Marketing, Content, Artist Relations and Creative Operations for Eastman’s global network of brands including Eastman Guitars & Mandolins, Eastman Strings, Andreas Eastman, Wm. S. Haynes Co. Flutes, S.E. Shires & Schertler Electronics. Baron also spent years with UCLA as their Creative Brand Manager under the Licensing and Trademarks apparel division. He has launched accessory lines for West Coast Choppers, Von Dutch and Ed Hardy as well as served as the Marketing Manager for STA Travel where he managed the annual marketing plans for over 60 retail outlets.

    Baron is a voting member of the Grammys, a writer and publisher of ASCAP, a NAMM member, owner of a Hollywood recording studio, and holds a certification in Lean Six Sigma manufacturing and process improvement. He studied marketing at Bentley University in Waltham, MA and Recording/Engineering at Musicians Institute in Hollywood, CA.

  • Bittree taps industry veteran Ari Baron as new GM

    Bittree taps industry veteran Ari Baron as new GM

    GLENDALE (C.A): Bittree, a leading manufacturer of high-quality audio and video patching systems, has appointed long time industry veteran Ari Baron as the general manager (GM), it was announced today by Glenn Garrard, CEO of Bittree. The company is dedicated to offering state-of-the-art patching systems that streamline signal routing and troubleshooting in media and entertainment operations of all sizes. The company offers an innovative line of audio, video, and data patchbays for use in broadcasting, postproduction, and pro A/V operations.

    With over two decades of experience in the pro audio, broadcast, and MI community, Baron will be responsible for day-to-day operations at Bittree including future planning and growth, overseeing efficient manufacturing practices, introducing new products, and developing marketing and sales strategies, effective immediately. Baron is currently based in Bittree’s U.S. headquarters in Glendale, CA and will report directly to Garrard.

    “Ari will be providing important leadership for the formative transformation of our company, throughout our immeasurable growth and expansion,” says Garrard. “ His sales and marketing acumen, combined with his lean manufacturing experience and great product knowledge, Ari truly understands the value of creating enthusiasm for the brand and product line throughout our network. I am confident that he will play a vital role in our company and our culture.”

    Prior to his hire, Baron served as Eastman Music Company’s vice president of Marketing where he managed all Marketing, Content, Artist Relations and Creative Operations for Eastman’s global network of brands including Eastman Guitars & Mandolins, Eastman Strings, Andreas Eastman, Wm. S. Haynes Co. Flutes, S.E. Shires & Schertler Electronics. Baron also spent years with UCLA as their Creative Brand Manager under the Licensing and Trademarks apparel division. He has launched accessory lines for West Coast Choppers, Von Dutch and Ed Hardy as well as served as the Marketing Manager for STA Travel where he managed the annual marketing plans for over 60 retail outlets.

    Baron is a voting member of the Grammys, a writer and publisher of ASCAP, a NAMM member, owner of a Hollywood recording studio, and holds a certification in Lean Six Sigma manufacturing and process improvement. He studied marketing at Bentley University in Waltham, MA and Recording/Engineering at Musicians Institute in Hollywood, CA.

  • Comedian Garry Shandling no more

    Comedian Garry Shandling no more

    MUMBAI: Garry Emmanuel Shandling, the famous American comedian, actor, writer, producer and director has died at the age of 66. Born in Chicago, the comedian was known for his neurotic observational humour, particularly about romantic relationships and his lancing of showbiz in his inventive TV shows.

    Los Angeles Police Department Officer Rosario Herrera has confirmed his death but the cause of death was not mentioned.

    Shandling is best known for his work in It’s Garry Shandling’s Show and The Larry Sanders Show. It’s Garry Shandling’s Show was created in 1986 and aired on premium cable satellite television network Showtime while The Larry Sanders Show was created in 1992 and aired on HBO. He was also a formidable host. Shandling hosted the Grammys in 1990, 1993 and 1994, and the Emmys in 2000 and 2004.

    Shandling has won the Primetime Emmy Award for outstanding writing for a comedy series in 1998. During his three-decade career, Shandling was nominated for 19 Primetime Emmy Awards and two Golden Globe Awards, along with many other awards and nominations.

  • Comedian Garry Shandling no more

    Comedian Garry Shandling no more

    MUMBAI: Garry Emmanuel Shandling, the famous American comedian, actor, writer, producer and director has died at the age of 66. Born in Chicago, the comedian was known for his neurotic observational humour, particularly about romantic relationships and his lancing of showbiz in his inventive TV shows.

    Los Angeles Police Department Officer Rosario Herrera has confirmed his death but the cause of death was not mentioned.

    Shandling is best known for his work in It’s Garry Shandling’s Show and The Larry Sanders Show. It’s Garry Shandling’s Show was created in 1986 and aired on premium cable satellite television network Showtime while The Larry Sanders Show was created in 1992 and aired on HBO. He was also a formidable host. Shandling hosted the Grammys in 1990, 1993 and 1994, and the Emmys in 2000 and 2004.

    Shandling has won the Primetime Emmy Award for outstanding writing for a comedy series in 1998. During his three-decade career, Shandling was nominated for 19 Primetime Emmy Awards and two Golden Globe Awards, along with many other awards and nominations.

  • Vh1 to live telecast Grammy Awards 2016

    Vh1 to live telecast Grammy Awards 2016

    MUMBAI: Vh1 will live telecast the 58th Annual Grammy Awards in India from the Staples Centre in Los Angeles, California on 16 February at 7.30 am.

    The channel will air a repeat at 9 pm on the same evening.

    The 58th edition of the Grammys will witness rapper LL Cool J host the evening for the fifth consecutive time. This year’s awards will be graced with performances by artistes such as 11 time Grammy nominee Kendrick Lamar, seven time nominee The Weekend and 10 time Grammy award winner Adele, to name a few.

    “After an overwhelming response to the airing of Golden Globe Awards, we take pride in carrying forward the awards fever ever further with simulcast of the Grammys on Vh1. Keeping the promise of showcasing only the best of English entertainment, we are excited to showcase the grand edition of the biggest music night in the world for our viewers once again,” said Viacom18 EVP and head of English and youth entertainment Ferzad Palia.

    This year, Lifetime Achievement Award recipient David Bowie will be honoured with a tribute by six-time Grammy winner and current nominee Lady Gaga. The tribute will mark Lady Gaga’s fourth appearance on the Grammy Awards telecast. She has been nominated for the category Best Song Written for Visual Media for Till It happens to You with Diane Warren.

    This year, Kendrick Lamar leads nominations with 11, followed by Taylor Swift and The Weekend. Additionally, music producer Max Martin received six nominations and engineer Tom Coyne, rapper Drake, and engineers Serban Ghenea and John Hanes each earned five nominations.

    The channel has leveraged the Grammys through various associations and tie-ups. Vh1 has associated with 15 hangouts across 10 cities in India, including Hard Rock Café to screen the awards in 15 outlets across eight cities. Jean Claude Biguine has been roped in to create the Grammy red carpet look. Vh1 will also be conducting college activation where a Grammy branded car will be travel to college campuses across Mumbai, Delhi and Pune.

  • Vh1 to live telecast Grammy Awards 2016

    Vh1 to live telecast Grammy Awards 2016

    MUMBAI: Vh1 will live telecast the 58th Annual Grammy Awards in India from the Staples Centre in Los Angeles, California on 16 February at 7.30 am.

    The channel will air a repeat at 9 pm on the same evening.

    The 58th edition of the Grammys will witness rapper LL Cool J host the evening for the fifth consecutive time. This year’s awards will be graced with performances by artistes such as 11 time Grammy nominee Kendrick Lamar, seven time nominee The Weekend and 10 time Grammy award winner Adele, to name a few.

    “After an overwhelming response to the airing of Golden Globe Awards, we take pride in carrying forward the awards fever ever further with simulcast of the Grammys on Vh1. Keeping the promise of showcasing only the best of English entertainment, we are excited to showcase the grand edition of the biggest music night in the world for our viewers once again,” said Viacom18 EVP and head of English and youth entertainment Ferzad Palia.

    This year, Lifetime Achievement Award recipient David Bowie will be honoured with a tribute by six-time Grammy winner and current nominee Lady Gaga. The tribute will mark Lady Gaga’s fourth appearance on the Grammy Awards telecast. She has been nominated for the category Best Song Written for Visual Media for Till It happens to You with Diane Warren.

    This year, Kendrick Lamar leads nominations with 11, followed by Taylor Swift and The Weekend. Additionally, music producer Max Martin received six nominations and engineer Tom Coyne, rapper Drake, and engineers Serban Ghenea and John Hanes each earned five nominations.

    The channel has leveraged the Grammys through various associations and tie-ups. Vh1 has associated with 15 hangouts across 10 cities in India, including Hard Rock Café to screen the awards in 15 outlets across eight cities. Jean Claude Biguine has been roped in to create the Grammy red carpet look. Vh1 will also be conducting college activation where a Grammy branded car will be travel to college campuses across Mumbai, Delhi and Pune.