ITV

Tag: HBO

  • HBO to air ‘Transformers 4: Age of Extinction’ on 25 July

    HBO to air ‘Transformers 4: Age of Extinction’ on 25 July

    MUMBAI: The Autobots are back in their latest and greatest battle to save the human race. Catch the television premiere of 2014’s highest grossing Hollywood movie Transformers 4: Age of Extinction on Saturday, 25 July 2015 at 9 pm on HBO.

     

    The fourth installment of Transformers is both a sequel to 2011’s Dark of the Moon and a soft reboot of the franchise. Transformers 4: Age of Extinction begins after an epic battle left a great city torn, but the world saved. As humanity picks up the pieces, a shadowy group reveals itself in an attempt to control the direction of history… while an ancient, powerful new menace sets Earth in its crosshairs.

     

    With help from a new team of humans led by Cade Yeager (Mark Wahlberg), Optimus Prime and the Autobots rise to meet their most fearsome challenge yet. In an incredible adventure, they are swept up in a war of good and evil, ultimately leading to a climactic battle across the world.

     

    Transformers: Age of Extinction, the HBO Action Blockbuster of the Year, has been aggressively promoted across OOH, radio, print, and Hathway Digital Cable.

     

    The movie is directed by Michael Bay, executive produced by Steven Spielberg and written by Ehren Kruger. The movie stars Mark Wahlberg, Stanley Tucci, Kelsey Grammer, Nicola Peltz, Jack Reynor, Sophia Myles and Li Bingbing.

  • HBO receives 126 Emmy nominations; ‘Game of Thrones’ leads

    HBO receives 126 Emmy nominations; ‘Game of Thrones’ leads

    MUMBAI: HBO has received a total of 126 Primetime Emmy nominations, the most of any network for the 15th year in a row, for the upcoming 67th Primetime Emmy Awards.

     

    Game of Thrones led all nominees with 24 nominations, while Olive Kitteridge received 13 nominations, and Bessie received 12 nominations.

     

    HBO’s Emmy nominations this year include:

    24 nominations for Game of Thrones, including Outstanding Drama Series, Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Drama Series (Peter Dinklage), two for Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Drama Series (Emilia Clarke, Lena Headey), Outstanding Guest Actress in a Drama Series (Diana Rigg), two for Outstanding Directing for a Drama Series (David Nutter, Jeremy Podeswa) and Outstanding Writing for a Drama Series (David Benioff and D.B. Weiss).

     

    13 nominations for Olive Kitteridge, including Outstanding Limited Series, Outstanding Lead Actor in a Limited Series or a Movie (Richard Jenkins), Outstanding Lead Actress in a Limited Series or a Movie (Frances McDormand), Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Limited Series or a Movie (Bill Murray), Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Limited Series or a Movie (Zoe Kazan), Outstanding Directing for a Limited Series, Movie or a Dramatic Special (Lisa Cholodenko) and Outstanding Writing for a Limited Series, Movie or a Dramatic Special (Jane Anderson).

     

    12 nominations for Bessie, including Outstanding Television Movie, Outstanding Lead Actress in a Limited Series or a Movie (Queen Latifah), Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Limited Series or a Movie (Michael Kenneth Williams), Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Limited Series or a Movie (Mo’Nique), Outstanding Directing for a Limited Series, Movie or a Dramatic Special (Dee Rees) and Outstanding Writing for a Limited Series, Movie or a Dramatic Special (Dee Rees, Christopher Cleveland, Bettina Gilois, Horton Foote).

     

    10 nominations for Boardwalk Empire, including Outstanding Directing for a Drama Series (Tim Van Patten).

     

    Nine nominations for Veep, including Outstanding Comedy Series, Outstanding Lead Actress in a Comedy Series (Julia Louis-Dreyfus), Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series (Tony Hale), Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series (Anna Chlumsky), Outstanding Directing for a Comedy Series (Armando Iannucci) and Outstanding Writing for a Comedy Series (Simon Blackwell, Armando Iannucci, Tony Roche).

     

    Seven nominations for Going Clear: Scientology and the Prison of Belief, including Outstanding Documentary or Nonfiction Special, Outstanding Directing for Nonfiction Programming (Alex Gibney) and Outstanding Writing for Nonfiction Programming (Alex Gibney).

     

    Seven nominations for Kurt Cobain: Montage of Heck, including Outstanding Documentary or Nonfiction Special, Outstanding Directing for Nonfiction Programming (Brett Morgen) and Outstanding Writing for Nonfiction Programming (Brett Morgen).

     

    Seven nominations for Silicon Valley, including Outstanding Comedy Series, Outstanding Directing for a Comedy Series (Mike Judge) and Outstanding Writing for a Comedy Series (Alec Berg).

     

    Six nominations for The Jinx: The Life and Deaths of Robert Durst, including Outstanding Documentary or Nonfiction Series and Outstanding Directing for Nonfiction Programming (Andrew Jarecki).

     

    Four nominations for Citizenfour, including Exceptional Merit in Documentary Filmmaking and Outstanding Directing for Nonfiction Programming (Laura Poitras).

     

    Four nominations for Foo Fighters: Sonic Highways, including Outstanding Informational Series or Special and Outstanding Directing for Nonfiction Programming (Dave Grohl).

     

    Four nominations for Last Week Tonight with John Oliver, including Outstanding Variety Talk Series and Outstanding Writing for a Variety Series.

     

    Two nominations for The Case Against Eight, including Outstanding Documentary or Nonfiction Special.

     

    Two nominations for Girls, including Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series (Adam Driver) and Outstanding Guest Actress in a Comedy Series (Gaby Hoffman).

     

    Two nominations for Hello Ladies: The Movie, including Outstanding Television Movie and Outstanding Writing for a Limited Series, Movie or a Dramatic Special (Stephen Merchant, Gene Stupnitsky, Lee Eisenberg).

     

    Two nominations for Mel Brooks Live at the Geffen, including Outstanding Variety Special and Outstanding Writing for a Variety Special (Mel Brooks).

     

    Two nominations for Nightingale, including Outstanding Television Movie and Outstanding Lead Actor in a Limited Series or a Movie (David Oyelowo).

     

    Other HBO nominees include Alan Alda and the Actor Within You: A YoungArtsMasterclass, Beyonce and Jay Z On the Run, Bill Maher: Live from D.C., The Comeback, Getting On, The Newsroom, Sinatra: All or Nothing at All, True Blood and Vice.

     

    In addition, the Cinemax series The Knick received five nominations, including Outstanding Directing for a Drama Series (Steven Soderbergh).

     

    The Primetime Emmy Awards will be announced on 20 September.

  • ‘Into the Storm’ to premiere on HBO on 28 June

    ‘Into the Storm’ to premiere on HBO on 28 June

    MUMBAI: Catch the HBO Blockbuster of the Month Into the Storm scheduled to premiere on Sunday, 28 June 2015 at 1 pm and 9 pm only on HBO.

    As a new day begins in the town of Silverton, its residents have little reason to believe it will be anything other than ordinary. Mother Nature, however has other plans. In the span of just a few hours, an unprecedented onslaught of powerful tornadoes ravages Silverton. Storm trackers predict that the worst is still to come, as terrified residents seek shelter, and professional storm-chasers run toward the danger, hoping to study the phenomenon close up and get a once-in-a-lifetime shot.

    The film was released by Warner Bros. Pictures. Directed by Steven Quale and Written by John Swetnam.

    Into the Storm stars Richard Armitage, Sarah Wayne Callies & Matt Walsh.

  • HBO Defined brings two new comedy series

    HBO Defined brings two new comedy series

    MUMBAI: Two brand new comedy series, The Brink and Ballers, are all set to premiere back to back in India, just within 24 hours of their US premiere – on Monday, June 22nd exclusively 100% ad-free on HBO Premium Channel, HBO Defined.

     

    Both the shows will premiere back to back, launched by “The Brink”, which is a ten episodic season on Monday, June 22 at 9:00 p.m. followed by BALLERS, which is also a Ten-episodic season at 9:30 p.m.

     

    The new comedy series THE BRINK begins its Ten-episode season on Monday, June 22 (9:00 -9:30 p.m.). This epic dark comedy focuses on a geopolitical crisis and its effect on three disparate, desperate men: Secretary of State Walter Larson, lowly Foreign Service officer Alex Talbot and ace Navy fighter pilot Zeke Tilson, who must pull through the chaos around them to save the planet from World War Three. The series stars Jack Black, Tim Robbins, Pablo Schreiber, Aasif Mandvi, Maribeth Monroe, Eric Ladin, Esai Morales and Geoff Pierson. Executive produced by Jerry Weintraub, Roberto Benabib and Jay Roach and created by Roberto Benabib and Kim Benabib.

     

    The new comedy series BALLERS will follow with its Ten-episode season on Monday, June 22 (9:30 -10:00 p.m.).Looking at the lives of former and current football players, the show follows former superstar Spencer Strasmore (Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson) as he gets his life on track in retirement while mentoring other current and former players through the daily grind of the business of football. It also stars Rob Corrdry, Omar Benson Miller, John David Washington, Donovan Carter, Troy Garity, Jazmyn Simon, and Arielle Kebble. Created and executive produced by Steve Levinson; executive produced by Mark Wahlberg, Peter Berg, Dany Garcia, Julian Farino, Evan Reilly and Rob Weiss.

  • FremantleMedia bags distribution rights to Jude Law’s ‘The Young Pope’

    FremantleMedia bags distribution rights to Jude Law’s ‘The Young Pope’

    MUMBAI: From the Academy Award-winning director, Paolo Sorrentino comes one of the most exciting projects, which was announced at last week’s Cannes Film Festival, The Young Pope.

     

    Starring the two-time Academy Award nominee Jude Law, The Young Pope tells the controversial story of the beginning of PIUS XIII’s Pontificate. With the exclusive international distribution (outside of partner territories) handled by FremantleMedia International (FMI), The Young Pope is set to begin production this summer.

     

    Born Lenny Belardo, PIUS XIII is a complex and conflicted character, so conservative in his choices as to border on obscurantism, yet full of compassion towards the weak and poor. He is a man of great power who is stubbornly resistant to the Vatican courtiers, unconcerned with the implications to his authority. During the series, Belardo will face losing those closest to him and the constant fear of being abandoned, even by his God.

     

    FremantleMedia International CEO Jens Richter said, “The Young Pope combines a fantastic story with a brilliant pedigree of talent in the form of a world-renowned director in Paolo Sorrentino, an outstanding production team in Wildside and an extraordinary lead man in Jude Law. The series has all of the ingredients to become a hallmark drama and FMI is thrilled to have secured the rights for its catalogue.”

     

    The series is a joint production of Sky, HBO and Canal +. All eight episodes will be directed by Sorrentino and written by Sorrentino in collaboration with Tony Grisoni, Umberto Contarello and Stefano Rulli.

     

    The series is being produced by Wildside, and co-produced by Haut et Court TV.

  • King of Monsters ‘Godzilla’ to rule on HBO

    King of Monsters ‘Godzilla’ to rule on HBO

    MUMBAI: HBO will soon be home to the biggest, baddest and most terrifying monster of all time. Godzilla, the 2014 movie will premiere on Indian television on 23 May 2015 at 9pm exclusively on HBO.

     

    In 1999, Janjira nuclear plant supervisor Joe Brody loses his wife when the plant was mysteriously destroyed. Fifteen years later, Joe and his son US navy officer Ford Brody discover the truth behind the Janjira accident and are swept up in an escalating crisis when a “Massive Unidentified Terrestrial Organism” (MUTO) escapes from the plant to unite and breed with another female MUTO in San Francisco. With the creatures leaving colossal destruction in their wake, the survival of humanity is at the mercy of the King of Monsters – Godzilla!

     

    HBO is pulling out all stops to promote the movie on a gargantuan scale. Spotting Godzilla is a rarity and hence, the Spot Godzilla contest on the HBO official website asks fans to locate sightings of the monster across the world to win prizes. On Instagram, #OhMyGodzilla contest awards the fan with the most terrified selfie of encountering Godzilla. Lastly, viewers can also win prizes like X-Box 360 by tuning in to the repeat telecast of the movie on 31st May at 1pm and 9pm on HBO. The movie is also being promoted via HBO’s Facebook page and Twitter handle, print advertisements, multiplex branding, mobile advertising and digital disruptions on YouTube and Google ad words.

     

    Directed by Gareth Edwards, Godzilla is a co-production between Legendary Pictures and Warner Bros. Pictures, with the latter also distributing the film worldwide. Godzilla ranks amongst the top 20 highest grossing films of 2014.

  • Q1-2015: Turner record results overcome Warner Bros, HBO downturn for Time Warner

    Q1-2015: Turner record results overcome Warner Bros, HBO downturn for Time Warner

    BENGALURU: Turner’s record adjusted operating income growth of 26 per cent to $1128 million for Q1-2015 as compared to the $895 million in Q1-2014 was offset in part by declines at Warner Bros. and Home Box Office (HBO) says Time Warner Inc.

     

    Time Warner’s adjusted operating income grew 11.6 per cent to a record $1814 million during the quarter ended 31 March, 2015 (Q1-2015, current quarter) as compared to the $1626 million in Q1-2014. Time Warner revenue was up 4.8 per cent to $7127 million in Q1-2015 as compared to the $6803 million during the corresponding quarter of last year. The revenue increase was due to growth in all divisions says the company.

     

    Time Warner chairman and CEO Jeff Bewkes said, “We got off to a very strong start in 2015, with revenues up five per cent, and adjusted operating income growing 12 per cent to a quarterly record of $1.8 billion. This led to a 23 per cent increase in adjusted EPS and puts us on track to achieve our goals for the year. We accomplished a lot in the quarter, led by Turner, which had its best quarter ever, with audience growth across a number of its networks. The NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament was a huge multiplatform success, with its highest average television viewership in over two decades helping make TBS the #1 ad-supported cable network in primetime among adults 18-49 in the quarter. And March Madness Live served more than 80 million live video streams and grew its usage by almost 20 per cent over last year’s tournament. Warner Bros. led the domestic box office for the quarter on the strength of American Sniper, which brought in well over $500 million globally. Warner Bros. also continued to lead the industry in television production, including the #1 comedy and unscripted series among adults 18-49 on television this season. HBO once again grew domestic subscribers in the quarter while continuing to gain acclaim for groundbreaking programming such as the recent documentaries Going Clear: Scientology and The Prison of Belief and The Jinx: The Life and Deaths of Robert Durst. The return of Game of Thrones reached a new premiere high, while also providing the backdrop for the highly-anticipated launch of HBO Now, our standalone streaming version of HBO – which is off to a great start. Reflecting our strong commitment to provide direct returns to shareholders, we returned more than $1.4 billion in dividends and share repurchases year-to-date.”

     

    Segment Results

     

    Turner

    Turner reported 4.5 per cent growth in revenue to $2710 million in Q1-2015 from $2593 million in Q1-2014. Turner’s adjusted operating income has been mentioned above.

     

    The company says that Turner benefited from growth of four per cent ($42 million) in advertising revenues, three per cent ($38 million) in subscription revenues and 25 per cent ($37 million) in content and other revenues.

     

    Turner advertising revenues benefited from growth at Turner’s domestic businesses mainly due to the 2015 NCAA Division I Men’s Basketball Championship tournament (NCAA Tournament) and growth at Turner’s news businesses. Subscription revenues grew due to higher domestic rates partially offset by lower domestic subscribers. Both international advertising and international subscription revenue growth were more than offset by the impact of foreign exchange rates. The increase in content and other revenues was due to higher subscription video-on-demand revenues.

     

    Turner’s adjusted operating income increased 26 per cent primarily due to higher revenues and lower expenses, including lower marketing, programming and general and administrative costs, largely as a result of operational efficiency initiatives and timing. Programming costs declined three per cent due primarily to timing and lower syndicated programming expenses as a result of the abandonment of certain programming in 2014.

     

    HBO

     

    Home Box Office revenue in Q1-2015 was up 4.4 per cent to $1398 million as compared to the $1339 million in Q1-2014. Adjusted operating income fell 1.3 per cent to $458 million in Q1-2015 from $468 million in the corresponding year ago quarter.

     

    According to the company, HBO revenues grew four per cent and reflect increases of four per cent ($49 million) in subscription revenues and five per cent ($10 million) in content and other revenues. Subscription revenues increased primarily due to higher domestic rates, partially offset by the transfer to Turner of the operation of HBO’s basic cable network in India. The increase in content and other revenues reflected higher home entertainment revenues and higher international licensing revenues.

     

    HBO adjusted operating income declined one per cent ($6 million) to $458 million, as higher revenues were more than offset by higher programming, distribution and marketing costs. Programming costs grew nine per cent, primarily due to increased expenses for original programming. Distribution costs increased primarily due to higher participation expenses. The increase in marketing costs was primarily related to the launch of HBO Now.

     

    Time Warner informs that through the first two weeks, the fifth season premiere of Game of Thrones totalled 18.1 million gross viewers, over one million more viewers than the prior season’s first episode after the same period of time. In April 2015, Home Box Office launched HBO Now, its stand-alone streaming service, in the US.

     

    Warner Bros

     

    Warner Bros revenue grew 4.3 per cent to $3199 million in the current year from $3066 million in Q1-2014. Adjusted operating income declined 13.2 per cent to $330 million in Q1-2015 from $380 million reported in the corresponding year ago quarter.

     

    Warner Bros revenue increase, reflects higher television licensing revenues primarily due to the subscription video-on-demand sale of Friends and higher revenues from videogames. Revenues also benefited from growth in theatrical revenues led by the strong performance of American Sniper. The increase was partially offset by the effect of foreign currency exchange rates.

     

    Adjusted Operating Income declined 13.2 per cent, as higher revenues were more than offset by higher film and advertising costs due to the mix of theatrical releases and videogame product.

     

    Through 27 April, American Sniper grossed over $540 million at the worldwide box office. On 9 April, Warner Bros., its TT Games business and The Lego Group announced Lego Dimensions, a videogame experience that combines physical Lego brick building toys based on multiple franchises, including Warner Bros.’ DC Comics, The Lord of the Rings and The Lego Movie, with interactive console gameplay.

     

  • WPP buys Medialets to measure mobile campaign ROI for clients

    WPP buys Medialets to measure mobile campaign ROI for clients

    MUMBAI: WPP has acquired US based mobile ad serving and measurement company Medialets Inc.

     

    Medialets offers software tools to help marketers manage and measure the complete return on investment of mobile ad campaigns.

     

    This acquisition continues WPP’s strategy of investing in fast growing sectors such as digital. WPP’s digital revenues were $6.9 billion in 2014, representing 36 per cent of the Group’s total revenues of $19 billion. WPP has set a target of 40-45 per cent of revenue to be derived from digital in the next five years.

     

    Medialets’ clients include American Express, HBO, Johnson & Johnson and Sky Sports television. The company employs almost 50 people and is based in New York with sales operations in Los Angeles, Chicago and London. Medialets was founded in 2008.

  • HBO Defined launches campaign around ‘Game of Thrones’ new season

    HBO Defined launches campaign around ‘Game of Thrones’ new season

    MUMBAI: As HBO Defined counts down to the premiere of the fifth season of the iconic TV series Game of Thrones, it has activated a unique virtual game to engage with the growing number of followers.

     

    With the much-awaited new season of the adventure-fantasy series coming to Indian audiences exactly at the same time as its US premiere – 13 April at 6:30 am, and repeat telecast at 10 pm, the channel has elaborate plans to engage with its fans and followers.

     

    For the first time ever, HBO Defined has launched a Game of Thrones micro-site, which will be the focal point of its online promotional strategy. With a view to riding the hype and play up the ‘fight for the throne’, the site features an artfully designed game. Fans stand a chance to win a seat at the preview screening of the season five premiere episode and exciting Game of Thrones merchandise by participating in the Fight For Your Throne challenge.

     

    On FightForYourThrone.com, the channel plans to invite the fan to select his or her ‘army’ i.e. be one of the Starks, Lannisters, Targaryens or Baratheons. Then, with a stylised interface, the game entices the fan to delve in, either to battle against an opponent or go on a quest to earn gold – eventually seeking the grandmaster’s signature potions.

     

    Furthermore, the channel’s virtual plans are unique as in addition to three quests of different levels, one can win a chance to play the next level in the real world. In this ultimate test, fans will vouch to complete real-life quests, almost like a scavenger hunt with intriguing clues. The big prize, i.e. the ‘throne’ has been positioned as a seat at an exclusive preview screening of the new season’s first episode.

     

    HBO’s Fight For Your Throne campaign will not just rely on creative execution, but also a solid engagement through Facebook, Twitter, Comic Con and cross promo tie-ups, claims the channel.

     

    HBO India managing director Monica Tata says, “Game of Thrones isn’t just a regular TV show any more, it’s become a cult brand with a passionate base of followers. We are always looking to provide fans with new and exciting ways to experience the show. Through Fight For Your Throne, we aim create an all-round experience would simply gratify the fan’s wait for the next series and spike curiosity among many others.”

  • ‘Game Of Thrones’ actor Natalia Tena to attend Bangalore Comic Con

    ‘Game Of Thrones’ actor Natalia Tena to attend Bangalore Comic Con

    MUMBAI: Actor Natalia Tena, who has starred in HBO’s hit series Game Of Thrones as well as the Harry Potter movies, will be attending the Bangalore Comic Con 2015 on 3 – 4 April.

     

    The Bangalore Comic Con 2015 will be held at the White Orchid Convention Centre from 3 – 5 April, 2015.

     

    Tena is an actress and musician from London. She made her acting debut as Ellie in About a Boy in 2002, and shortly after appeared in Mrs Henderson Presents alongside Judi Dench. In 2007, she joined the cast of Harry Potter, playing Nymphadora Tonks: Lupin’s partner and friend of Harry in Order of the Phoenix.

     

    Tena reprised the role of Tonks in the Harry Potter films The Half Blood Prince and Deathly Hallows Parts 1 and 2. Shortly after she appeared in Bel Amiwith Robert Pattinson and the UK TV show Shameless. In 2011 she appeared in  Game of Thrones, the HBO adaptation of George R.R. Martin’s A Song of Ice and Fire as the wildling Osha. She portrayed Osha in all three series. Natalia’s upcoming projects include Spanish film 10,000 km, comedy SuperBoband BBC worldwide’s The Refugees.

     

    The Bangalore Comic Con will also be attended by another Game of Thrones actor Daniel Portman. 

     

    Portman and Tena will be attending and taking part in special sessions, signing posters and speaking to fans.

     

    Season five of Game of Thrones is slated to premiere in India on 13 April at 10 pm, within 24 hours of the US premiere exclusively on HBO Defined, 100 per cent ad-free, followed by other episodes on subsequent Mondays at the same time.

     

    Another attraction at Bangalore Comic Con 2015 will be The Game of Thrones special Photo-op Booth. Comic Con India has officially tied up with HBO to bring the Throne replica exclusively at Bangalore Comic Con, where fans and visitors can get their pictures clicked.