ITV

Tag: HBO

  • Content a ‘Game of Thrones’; AT&T’s control over HBO, Cartoon Network, Warner Bros faces regulatory lens

    Content a ‘Game of Thrones’; AT&T’s control over HBO, Cartoon Network, Warner Bros faces regulatory lens

    MUMBAI: The global media landscape is resulting in a new juggernaut as an internet and cable behemoth yesterday purchased an entertainment conglomerate making the former unmatched in its size and reach to consumers through home broadband, smartphones, satellite television and a battery of movies and cable channels. This deal could lead to more cautionary flags than Comcast’s merger with NBCUniversal in 2009.

    The US$ 108.7-billion AT&T, Time Warner merger has been met with suspicion as analysts raised antitrust concerns that it would create unfair pricing and lead to further media consolidation. The
    cash-and-stock deal values Time Warner – with CNN, HBO, and Warner Bros Studios – at over $85 billion, and involves AT&T taking on its debt.

    AT&T, over a year ago, became the nation’s largest pay-TV operator when it acquired DirecTV. Now, Time Warner would give AT&T HBO, CNN, TBS, TNT, Cartoon Network and Warner Bros., Hollywood’s biggest television and film studio. The massive deal has become a subject of discussion in the US presidential campaign. Donald J. Trump, condemning the deal, said he would block it if he were the president, “because it’s too much concentration of power in the hands of too few.” Hillary Clinton has assured to be tough on consolidation and corporate megapowers.

    Although the latest merger is considered “vertical integration” as the two broadly do not compete against each other as compared to other “horizontal integration” of similar businesses, regulators could look at other ways AT&T might affect the media ecosystem if the deal were to consummate.

    AT&T may possibly make it more expensive for its competitors to gain access to HBO or Time Warner’s content or give preferential treatment to its own programming.

    A brief history of media/telecom deals

    1995
    Turner Broadcasting System and Time Warner announced a $7.5-billion merger, bringing together brands including Warner Brothers, CNN, Time magazine, and the Cartoon Network.

    2000
    AOL announced its plan to buy Time Warner for over $160 billion.

    2005
    SBC Corporation acquired AT&T for over $16 billion.

    2008
    Time Warner spins off its cable unit, which becomes Time Warner Cable (not a part of the current deal).

    2009
    Time Warner spins off AOL.

    2011
    Comcast receives regulatory nod for its $30-billion bid to buy a majority stake in NBCUniversal. Comcast took over NBCUniversalm completely in 2013, as GE divested its stake.

    2013
    Time Warner spins off its Time Inc magazine division.

    2014
    Verizon buys out Vodafone’s stake in Verizon Wireless for $130 billion, gaining complete ownership. Time Warner turns down $ 80-billion bid from Twenty-First Century Fox.

    2015
    Comcast drops its $45-billion bid to buy Time Warner Cable after the regulator opposes the merger over concerns of creating an Internet provider and a cable operator with too much control. Verizon purchases for $4.4 billion. AT&T gets government nod to purchase the satellite TV company DirecTV creating one of the largest pay-TV servicen providers to compete with Comcast.

    2016

    Regulators approved US$ 88-billion merger of Charter Communications with Time Warner Cable and Bright House Networks, creating the third-largest video provider and the second-largest broadband
    provider. (Comcast purchased DreamWorks Animation for $3.8 billion to compete against Disney.) Time Warner bought a 10 per cent stake in Hulu for $583 million.

    Yahoo and Verizon announced a $4.8-billion merger that would give the latter ownership of the former’s Internet assets. AT&T acquires Time Warner.

    Regulators could seek promises from AT&T and Time Warner to make content from HBO like “Game of Thrones” or cable networks like CNN available through apps or through streaming, not withholding them from competitors, which could be addressed in conditions attached to an approval.

  • Content a ‘Game of Thrones’; AT&T’s control over HBO, Cartoon Network, Warner Bros faces regulatory lens

    Content a ‘Game of Thrones’; AT&T’s control over HBO, Cartoon Network, Warner Bros faces regulatory lens

    MUMBAI: The global media landscape is resulting in a new juggernaut as an internet and cable behemoth yesterday purchased an entertainment conglomerate making the former unmatched in its size and reach to consumers through home broadband, smartphones, satellite television and a battery of movies and cable channels. This deal could lead to more cautionary flags than Comcast’s merger with NBCUniversal in 2009.

    The US$ 108.7-billion AT&T, Time Warner merger has been met with suspicion as analysts raised antitrust concerns that it would create unfair pricing and lead to further media consolidation. The
    cash-and-stock deal values Time Warner – with CNN, HBO, and Warner Bros Studios – at over $85 billion, and involves AT&T taking on its debt.

    AT&T, over a year ago, became the nation’s largest pay-TV operator when it acquired DirecTV. Now, Time Warner would give AT&T HBO, CNN, TBS, TNT, Cartoon Network and Warner Bros., Hollywood’s biggest television and film studio. The massive deal has become a subject of discussion in the US presidential campaign. Donald J. Trump, condemning the deal, said he would block it if he were the president, “because it’s too much concentration of power in the hands of too few.” Hillary Clinton has assured to be tough on consolidation and corporate megapowers.

    Although the latest merger is considered “vertical integration” as the two broadly do not compete against each other as compared to other “horizontal integration” of similar businesses, regulators could look at other ways AT&T might affect the media ecosystem if the deal were to consummate.

    AT&T may possibly make it more expensive for its competitors to gain access to HBO or Time Warner’s content or give preferential treatment to its own programming.

    A brief history of media/telecom deals

    1995
    Turner Broadcasting System and Time Warner announced a $7.5-billion merger, bringing together brands including Warner Brothers, CNN, Time magazine, and the Cartoon Network.

    2000
    AOL announced its plan to buy Time Warner for over $160 billion.

    2005
    SBC Corporation acquired AT&T for over $16 billion.

    2008
    Time Warner spins off its cable unit, which becomes Time Warner Cable (not a part of the current deal).

    2009
    Time Warner spins off AOL.

    2011
    Comcast receives regulatory nod for its $30-billion bid to buy a majority stake in NBCUniversal. Comcast took over NBCUniversalm completely in 2013, as GE divested its stake.

    2013
    Time Warner spins off its Time Inc magazine division.

    2014
    Verizon buys out Vodafone’s stake in Verizon Wireless for $130 billion, gaining complete ownership. Time Warner turns down $ 80-billion bid from Twenty-First Century Fox.

    2015
    Comcast drops its $45-billion bid to buy Time Warner Cable after the regulator opposes the merger over concerns of creating an Internet provider and a cable operator with too much control. Verizon purchases for $4.4 billion. AT&T gets government nod to purchase the satellite TV company DirecTV creating one of the largest pay-TV servicen providers to compete with Comcast.

    2016

    Regulators approved US$ 88-billion merger of Charter Communications with Time Warner Cable and Bright House Networks, creating the third-largest video provider and the second-largest broadband
    provider. (Comcast purchased DreamWorks Animation for $3.8 billion to compete against Disney.) Time Warner bought a 10 per cent stake in Hulu for $583 million.

    Yahoo and Verizon announced a $4.8-billion merger that would give the latter ownership of the former’s Internet assets. AT&T acquires Time Warner.

    Regulators could seek promises from AT&T and Time Warner to make content from HBO like “Game of Thrones” or cable networks like CNN available through apps or through streaming, not withholding them from competitors, which could be addressed in conditions attached to an approval.

  • OTT players spend exceeds traditional broadcasters; Netflix weighing Indian content to drive growth

    OTT players spend exceeds traditional broadcasters; Netflix weighing Indian content to drive growth

    MUMBAI: Online platforms such as Amazon and the streaming giant Netflix have ramped up their investment in programming, investing US$ 7.5 billion last year which is more than HBO, Turner and CBS in most countries including Australia and South Korea.

    Netflix invested over twice as much on original programming as the entire Australian TV market, a new report stated. In India, it could look at licensing deals and produce more local language content as it seeks to strengthen its presence here.

    The US-based company, which expanded into over 130 markets, entered India a few months ago and rivals streaming sites or platforms such as Star India’s Hotstar, SonyLiv, YuppTV, Spuul, Ditto TV, Eros Now, and Hungama. All these are betting on growing smartphone and Internet use to drive growth. Netflix could soon be introducing ‘download-and-go’ offline streaming.

    Between 2013 and 2015, Amazon and Netflix doubled their annual investments on programming. In 2013, Amazon spent US$ 1.22 billion, that jumped to US$ 2.67 billion in 2015. In the corresponding period, Netflix investments rose from US$ 2.38 billion to US$ 4.91 billion, a IHS Markit report stated while examining how TV programme producers are adapting to the era of internet TV.

    “Netflix and Amazon investments are only topped by Disney ($11.84 billion) and NBC ($10.27 billion),” said IHS Technology senior principal analyst Tim Westcott,.

    Netflix added over 50 per cent more subscribers than expected in the third quarter as original shows such as “Stranger Things” drew new international viewers and kept US customers despite a price hike, according to FactSet StreetAccount.

    Other online platforms such as China’s Youku Toudu, iQifyi, Tencent and Hulu in the US have also increased their investment in original programming and acquisitions.

    “More and more consumers are watching content online, shaking the foundations of the traditional TV industry,” Westcott said. “However, it’s premature to declare that the era of linear TV is over,” he added.

    Westcott estimated that, in 2015, the US represented 33 per cent of worldwide expenditure on TV programming, with US$ 43 billion invested across free-to-air, pay TV and online.” “Netflix and Amazon, though they are US companies, are now commissioning for multiple territories, so we have treated them as global platforms.”

    The biggest markets in Western Europe were the UK with $10.7 billion, Germany ($7.3 billion), France ($6.6 billion) and Italy ($4.6 billion). “Notably, China is now the second largest market in Asia Pacific, with $8.4 billion invested last year,” Westcott said. Japan is the largest in the region with $9.8 billion, followed by South Korea ($2.6 billion), Australia and India—both on $2.4 billion.

    Netflix considers pouring money into building its stable of licensed and original movies and TV shows. Content spending will rise to $6 billion next year, a $1 billion increase from 2016, its CEO Reed Hastings has said.

    It faces competition from the likes of Amazon and Hulu. Figures released in the World TV Production Report 2016 claim Netflix spent US$ 4.91bn on new programming the last year, compared to Australia’s total market spend of US$2.4bn. Amazon, which may reportedly launch in Australia in a few months, increased its programming investment in 2016 to US$ 2.67bn from US$ 1.22bn in 2015, although far below Disney’s spend of US$ 11.84bn in 2016.

    In India however Netflix has branded itself in the premium bracket and therefore has some disadvantage as far as pricing is concerned. A majorly English language content makes business difficult for Netflix in India. More local language content and licensing deals could help in this context. Netflix, which has not disclosed its subscribers base in India, may need to adopt a localisation strategy for growth in the country.

  • OTT players spend exceeds traditional broadcasters; Netflix weighing Indian content to drive growth

    OTT players spend exceeds traditional broadcasters; Netflix weighing Indian content to drive growth

    MUMBAI: Online platforms such as Amazon and the streaming giant Netflix have ramped up their investment in programming, investing US$ 7.5 billion last year which is more than HBO, Turner and CBS in most countries including Australia and South Korea.

    Netflix invested over twice as much on original programming as the entire Australian TV market, a new report stated. In India, it could look at licensing deals and produce more local language content as it seeks to strengthen its presence here.

    The US-based company, which expanded into over 130 markets, entered India a few months ago and rivals streaming sites or platforms such as Star India’s Hotstar, SonyLiv, YuppTV, Spuul, Ditto TV, Eros Now, and Hungama. All these are betting on growing smartphone and Internet use to drive growth. Netflix could soon be introducing ‘download-and-go’ offline streaming.

    Between 2013 and 2015, Amazon and Netflix doubled their annual investments on programming. In 2013, Amazon spent US$ 1.22 billion, that jumped to US$ 2.67 billion in 2015. In the corresponding period, Netflix investments rose from US$ 2.38 billion to US$ 4.91 billion, a IHS Markit report stated while examining how TV programme producers are adapting to the era of internet TV.

    “Netflix and Amazon investments are only topped by Disney ($11.84 billion) and NBC ($10.27 billion),” said IHS Technology senior principal analyst Tim Westcott,.

    Netflix added over 50 per cent more subscribers than expected in the third quarter as original shows such as “Stranger Things” drew new international viewers and kept US customers despite a price hike, according to FactSet StreetAccount.

    Other online platforms such as China’s Youku Toudu, iQifyi, Tencent and Hulu in the US have also increased their investment in original programming and acquisitions.

    “More and more consumers are watching content online, shaking the foundations of the traditional TV industry,” Westcott said. “However, it’s premature to declare that the era of linear TV is over,” he added.

    Westcott estimated that, in 2015, the US represented 33 per cent of worldwide expenditure on TV programming, with US$ 43 billion invested across free-to-air, pay TV and online.” “Netflix and Amazon, though they are US companies, are now commissioning for multiple territories, so we have treated them as global platforms.”

    The biggest markets in Western Europe were the UK with $10.7 billion, Germany ($7.3 billion), France ($6.6 billion) and Italy ($4.6 billion). “Notably, China is now the second largest market in Asia Pacific, with $8.4 billion invested last year,” Westcott said. Japan is the largest in the region with $9.8 billion, followed by South Korea ($2.6 billion), Australia and India—both on $2.4 billion.

    Netflix considers pouring money into building its stable of licensed and original movies and TV shows. Content spending will rise to $6 billion next year, a $1 billion increase from 2016, its CEO Reed Hastings has said.

    It faces competition from the likes of Amazon and Hulu. Figures released in the World TV Production Report 2016 claim Netflix spent US$ 4.91bn on new programming the last year, compared to Australia’s total market spend of US$2.4bn. Amazon, which may reportedly launch in Australia in a few months, increased its programming investment in 2016 to US$ 2.67bn from US$ 1.22bn in 2015, although far below Disney’s spend of US$ 11.84bn in 2016.

    In India however Netflix has branded itself in the premium bracket and therefore has some disadvantage as far as pricing is concerned. A majorly English language content makes business difficult for Netflix in India. More local language content and licensing deals could help in this context. Netflix, which has not disclosed its subscribers base in India, may need to adopt a localisation strategy for growth in the country.

  • ‘Game of Thrones’ breaks record, bags 38 Emmys

    ‘Game of Thrones’ breaks record, bags 38 Emmys

    MUMBAI: The HBO fantasy drama, Game of Thrones (GoT) has broken records by winning a total of 38 awards at the 68th annual Emmy Awards. The previous all-time record holder, Frasier, had pocketed 37 awards.

    GoT has picked up awards for best writing in a drama series, best directing in a drama series, and best drama on Sunday night. The series became the most-honored drama series after winning nine Emmys at the Creative Arts ceremony, surpassing longtime title holders Hill Street Blues and The West Wing.

    It has only been on six seasons, while Fraiser was on for 11 which makes it stand out.

  • ‘Game of Thrones’ breaks record, bags 38 Emmys

    ‘Game of Thrones’ breaks record, bags 38 Emmys

    MUMBAI: The HBO fantasy drama, Game of Thrones (GoT) has broken records by winning a total of 38 awards at the 68th annual Emmy Awards. The previous all-time record holder, Frasier, had pocketed 37 awards.

    GoT has picked up awards for best writing in a drama series, best directing in a drama series, and best drama on Sunday night. The series became the most-honored drama series after winning nine Emmys at the Creative Arts ceremony, surpassing longtime title holders Hill Street Blues and The West Wing.

    It has only been on six seasons, while Fraiser was on for 11 which makes it stand out.

  • Q2-16: Warner Bros pulls down Time Warner revenue 5.4 percent

    Q2-16: Warner Bros pulls down Time Warner revenue 5.4 percent

    BENGALURU: Lower videogames, home entertainment and television licensing revenues pulled down Warner Bros revenue by 19.4 percent year-over-year (y-o-y) and operating income by 9.4 percent y-o-y for the quarter ended 30 June 2016 (Q2-16, current quarter). Warner Bros contributed 38.2 percent to Time Warner Inc. (Time Warner) in Q2-16, and hence pulled down its parent’s consolidated revenue by 5.4 percent y-o-y to $6,952 million from $7,348 million in the corresponding year ago quarter.

    Time Warner operating income was almost flat y-o-y (declined 0.7 percent) in the current quarter at $1,846 million as compared to $1,849 million in Q2-15. Adjusted operating income in Q2-16 declined 5.5 percent y-o-y to $1,760 million from $1,862 million in Q2-15.

    Company speak

    Time Warner chairman and CEO Jeff Bewkes said, “We had a strong first half of 2016, which puts us ahead of our original goals for the year. Our performance reflects the creative excellence resulting from investments we’ve been making in the very best content. At the same time, we’re capitalizing on new distribution opportunities to take advantage of the growing demand for high-quality video content around the world. As an example of our creative excellence, Time Warner received 148 Primetime Emmy nominations – more than any other company – with HBO’s 94 again setting the pace for the industry. In the second quarter, TNT and TBS finished as the two highest rated ad-supported cable networks in primetime among adults 18-49, and Warner Bros. once again came out of the upfront as the leading supplier to broadcast television. Warner Bros. also gained momentum in film with recent successes, such as Central Intelligence and The Conjuring 2, and anticipation is running high for Suicide Squad, which debuts this week.”

    Bewkes continued, “Today, we also announced our 10 percent investment in Hulu LLC and that Turner has separately signed an affiliate agreement for its full suite of networks to be carried on Hulu’s live-streaming service slated for launch early next year. These are just the latest examples of our commitment to supporting innovative digital services that allow consumers to access high-quality content however they want it across a variety of platforms. We’re confident the multiple investments we’re making in these types of services position the Company to benefit from growing global demand for the strongest network brands and very best video content.”

    Segment numbers

    Time Warner has three segments – Turner – which contributed the most to revenue (43.3 percent in Q2-16), Home Box Office – the smallest segment in terms of revenue contribution (21.1 percent in Q2-16) and Warner Bros which contributed 38.2 percent to Time Warner’s revenue Q2-16.

    Turner

    Turner reported 6.5 percent y-o-y increase in revenue in Q2-16 at $3,010 million as compared to $2,827 million in Q2-15. Revenues due to increases of 11 percent ($142 million) in Subscription revenue and 6 percent ($73 million) in Advertising revenue, partially offset by a decline of 15 percent ($32 million) in Content and other revenue says the company.

    Turner’s operating income in Q2-16 was flat y-o-y at $1,130 million, while adjusted operating income increased marginally y-o-y (0.3 percent) to $1,133 million from $1,130 million. The company says that operating income was flat as the growth in revenues was offset by higher expenses, including increased programming and marketing costs.

    Home Box Office (HBO)

    HBO revenue in the current quarter increased 2 percent y-o-y to $1,467million from $1,438 million in Q2-15. Time Warner says that HBO revenue increased due to an increase of 6 percent ($72 million) in Subscription revenues partially offset by a decline of 17 percent ($43 million) in Content and other revenues.

    The segment reported 5.3 percent y-o-y decline in operating income and adjusted operating income in the current quarter to $481 million from $508 million in Q2-15. Operating income declined because the growth in revenues was more than offset by higher expenses, including increased programming and restructuring and severance costs says the company.

    Warner Bros

    As mentioned above, Warner Bros declined 19.4 percent y-o-y to $2,658 million from $3,298 due to lower videogames, home entertainment and television licensing revenues.

    The segment reported 9.7 percent y-o-y decline in operating income in Q2-16 to $308 million from $341 million.  Adjusted operating income in the current quarter declined 36.9 percent to $217 million from $344 million in Q2-15. Time Warner says that operating income declined due to the decline in revenues, partially offset by lower associated costs of revenues due to the number and mix of film and videogames releases, a $90 million gain on the April 2016 sale of Flixster and lower film valuation adjustments.

  • Q2-16: Warner Bros pulls down Time Warner revenue 5.4 percent

    Q2-16: Warner Bros pulls down Time Warner revenue 5.4 percent

    BENGALURU: Lower videogames, home entertainment and television licensing revenues pulled down Warner Bros revenue by 19.4 percent year-over-year (y-o-y) and operating income by 9.4 percent y-o-y for the quarter ended 30 June 2016 (Q2-16, current quarter). Warner Bros contributed 38.2 percent to Time Warner Inc. (Time Warner) in Q2-16, and hence pulled down its parent’s consolidated revenue by 5.4 percent y-o-y to $6,952 million from $7,348 million in the corresponding year ago quarter.

    Time Warner operating income was almost flat y-o-y (declined 0.7 percent) in the current quarter at $1,846 million as compared to $1,849 million in Q2-15. Adjusted operating income in Q2-16 declined 5.5 percent y-o-y to $1,760 million from $1,862 million in Q2-15.

    Company speak

    Time Warner chairman and CEO Jeff Bewkes said, “We had a strong first half of 2016, which puts us ahead of our original goals for the year. Our performance reflects the creative excellence resulting from investments we’ve been making in the very best content. At the same time, we’re capitalizing on new distribution opportunities to take advantage of the growing demand for high-quality video content around the world. As an example of our creative excellence, Time Warner received 148 Primetime Emmy nominations – more than any other company – with HBO’s 94 again setting the pace for the industry. In the second quarter, TNT and TBS finished as the two highest rated ad-supported cable networks in primetime among adults 18-49, and Warner Bros. once again came out of the upfront as the leading supplier to broadcast television. Warner Bros. also gained momentum in film with recent successes, such as Central Intelligence and The Conjuring 2, and anticipation is running high for Suicide Squad, which debuts this week.”

    Bewkes continued, “Today, we also announced our 10 percent investment in Hulu LLC and that Turner has separately signed an affiliate agreement for its full suite of networks to be carried on Hulu’s live-streaming service slated for launch early next year. These are just the latest examples of our commitment to supporting innovative digital services that allow consumers to access high-quality content however they want it across a variety of platforms. We’re confident the multiple investments we’re making in these types of services position the Company to benefit from growing global demand for the strongest network brands and very best video content.”

    Segment numbers

    Time Warner has three segments – Turner – which contributed the most to revenue (43.3 percent in Q2-16), Home Box Office – the smallest segment in terms of revenue contribution (21.1 percent in Q2-16) and Warner Bros which contributed 38.2 percent to Time Warner’s revenue Q2-16.

    Turner

    Turner reported 6.5 percent y-o-y increase in revenue in Q2-16 at $3,010 million as compared to $2,827 million in Q2-15. Revenues due to increases of 11 percent ($142 million) in Subscription revenue and 6 percent ($73 million) in Advertising revenue, partially offset by a decline of 15 percent ($32 million) in Content and other revenue says the company.

    Turner’s operating income in Q2-16 was flat y-o-y at $1,130 million, while adjusted operating income increased marginally y-o-y (0.3 percent) to $1,133 million from $1,130 million. The company says that operating income was flat as the growth in revenues was offset by higher expenses, including increased programming and marketing costs.

    Home Box Office (HBO)

    HBO revenue in the current quarter increased 2 percent y-o-y to $1,467million from $1,438 million in Q2-15. Time Warner says that HBO revenue increased due to an increase of 6 percent ($72 million) in Subscription revenues partially offset by a decline of 17 percent ($43 million) in Content and other revenues.

    The segment reported 5.3 percent y-o-y decline in operating income and adjusted operating income in the current quarter to $481 million from $508 million in Q2-15. Operating income declined because the growth in revenues was more than offset by higher expenses, including increased programming and restructuring and severance costs says the company.

    Warner Bros

    As mentioned above, Warner Bros declined 19.4 percent y-o-y to $2,658 million from $3,298 due to lower videogames, home entertainment and television licensing revenues.

    The segment reported 9.7 percent y-o-y decline in operating income in Q2-16 to $308 million from $341 million.  Adjusted operating income in the current quarter declined 36.9 percent to $217 million from $344 million in Q2-15. Time Warner says that operating income declined due to the decline in revenues, partially offset by lower associated costs of revenues due to the number and mix of film and videogames releases, a $90 million gain on the April 2016 sale of Flixster and lower film valuation adjustments.

  • HBO assigns Black White Orange as licencing agent for GOT

    HBO assigns Black White Orange as licencing agent for GOT

    MUMBAI: Time Warner’s television subsidiary HBO has assigned Black White Orange Brands as its official licensing and merchandising agent in India for Game of Thrones (GOT). This partnership brings new opportunities for the channel to build on the worldwide GOT fan base by developing officially licensed products for its followers in India.

    The brand licensing company will help to ensure that Indian fans are not far behind in building their own GOT memorabilia collections by paving the way for HBO to partner with companies to develop merchandising and retail opportunities for the show in a market that consumes the property on a level at par with international audiences.

    “This is a huge achievement for us at Black White Orange, and to say we are ecstatic would be underplaying the surge of emotions we’re feeling. Game of Thrones fans get transported into the world of Westeros when watching the show and are eager to extend that experience into their everyday lives. We’re honored & excited to work with HBO, who have instilled faith in a young team like ours, to make that possible for the show’s many fans across India,” said Black White Orange Brands founder and CEO Bhavik Vora.

    Internationally, HBO Global Licensing has created a robust catalog of GOT products, from conventional categories such as apparel, figures, collectibles and digital games to specialty categories such as special edition board games and a range of craft beers. Black White Orange will represent HBO in India to develop licensed products like apparel, wall décor, drinkware, stationery, and other collectibles.

    It has also signed on leading brands like NBCUniversal, Sesame Street, Brand YouWeCan, The Emoji Company and bCreative.

  • HBO assigns Black White Orange as licencing agent for GOT

    HBO assigns Black White Orange as licencing agent for GOT

    MUMBAI: Time Warner’s television subsidiary HBO has assigned Black White Orange Brands as its official licensing and merchandising agent in India for Game of Thrones (GOT). This partnership brings new opportunities for the channel to build on the worldwide GOT fan base by developing officially licensed products for its followers in India.

    The brand licensing company will help to ensure that Indian fans are not far behind in building their own GOT memorabilia collections by paving the way for HBO to partner with companies to develop merchandising and retail opportunities for the show in a market that consumes the property on a level at par with international audiences.

    “This is a huge achievement for us at Black White Orange, and to say we are ecstatic would be underplaying the surge of emotions we’re feeling. Game of Thrones fans get transported into the world of Westeros when watching the show and are eager to extend that experience into their everyday lives. We’re honored & excited to work with HBO, who have instilled faith in a young team like ours, to make that possible for the show’s many fans across India,” said Black White Orange Brands founder and CEO Bhavik Vora.

    Internationally, HBO Global Licensing has created a robust catalog of GOT products, from conventional categories such as apparel, figures, collectibles and digital games to specialty categories such as special edition board games and a range of craft beers. Black White Orange will represent HBO in India to develop licensed products like apparel, wall décor, drinkware, stationery, and other collectibles.

    It has also signed on leading brands like NBCUniversal, Sesame Street, Brand YouWeCan, The Emoji Company and bCreative.