Tag: House of Cards

Netflix to raise $2 bn for original content

MUMBAI: American media services provider, Netflix, is planning to raise an additional $2 billion through bond offering. Netflix will borrow the amount in order to pay for the exclusive series and movies that its management credits for helping its video streaming service.

With the 2013 release of House of Cards, the company expanded into original programming and since then the company has been spending more money than its business generates.

According to AP, Netflix is expected to burn through $3 billion this year. The additional $2 billion will be raised through bond offering which will be lopped onto its existing debt of $11.8 billion. That also includes another $1.9 billion debt offering that Netflix completed earlier this year.

Since September 2013, Netflix has witnessed a growth of nearly 100 million subscribers. 7 million subscribers joined Netflix in the past quarter. By the end of this year, the company foresees to add another 9.4 million subscribers.

Netflix has been the clear favourite of investors as they have been betting on the company to win. The world’s leading subscription service company’s stock is worth seven times more than it was five years ago, giving the company a current market value of $146 billion.

October 23, 2018
Here’s what Netflix has to offer in ’17

MUMBAI: Netflix subscribers are in for a treat. The subscription based video-on-demand service has announced the premiere dates for its original shows in 2017. The shows include new seasons of popular titles like Orange Is The New Black and House of Cards.

The streaming service has also upped the amount of original programming this year. More than a dozen shows will return or debut on the platform this year, joining an expanding slate of original movies and stand-up specials.

Project MC2 (February 14)

Chef’s Table (February 17)

Buddy Thunderstruck (March 10)

Marvel’s Iron Fist (March 17)

Love (March 10)

Julie’s Greenroom (March 17)

Grace and Frankie (March 24)

Bill Nye Saves The World (April 21)

Girlboss (April 21)

Casting JonBenet (April 28)

Dear White People (April 28)

Anne (May 12)

House of Cards (May 30)

Orange Is The New Black (June 9)

Netflix has also renewed The OA for a second season. Though, a release date has not yet been announced yet. The OA is about a woman named Prairie Johnson who returns to her family after vanishing for seven years. She comes back changed: she had been blind, but her sight has been restored, and she now calls herself The OA. Upon her return, she gathers a group of four teenagers and a high school teacher to talk about her experiences, then asks them to help save several other people, whom she claims are trapped in another dimension.

February 9, 2017
View Netflix offline now, or YouTube & Amazon

MUMBAI: Netflix fans in India are in a state of euphoria. The subscription-based VOD service will now allow its users to download some of its shows and films, and watch them offline.

Users can download and keep select television shows and movie for offline viewing. Not every show and movie in its catalogue is included, however. Considering the poor internet connectivity issues in India, this addition by Netflix comes as a boon for its subscribers. According to an official announcement, the feature is rolling out worldwide, and Netflix won’t be charging anything extra for the download.

Many of its series and films are available for download, including originals like Stranger Things, Orange Is the New Black, The Crown and House of Cards.

Though, shows like BBC’s Sherlock series or the Disney’s animated hit Zootopia or Netflix originals like The Little Prince film, etc. aren’t available to watch offline. Netflix said more downloadable titles are on the way.

Rivals with offline viewing such as YouTube, Amazon Prime and Hungama Play have become more competitive. Hungama Play offers the same feature where viewers can enjoy content on the go and offline which was introduced in August 2016. Apart from its diverse content library, the video-on-demand platform aims to add five original series by March 2017.

As for Netflix, members need to update their app and look for an arrow symbol next to a title to indicate downloading. Subscribers can also look to a new category on the Netflix app’s side menu called “Available for Download,” which collects all the programs you can watch offline.

The app update is available for both Apple iOS and Google Android devices.

December 1, 2016
View Netflix offline now, or YouTube & Amazon

MUMBAI: Netflix fans in India are in a state of euphoria. The subscription-based VOD service will now allow its users to download some of its shows and films, and watch them offline.

Users can download and keep select television shows and movie for offline viewing. Not every show and movie in its catalogue is included, however. Considering the poor internet connectivity issues in India, this addition by Netflix comes as a boon for its subscribers. According to an official announcement, the feature is rolling out worldwide, and Netflix won’t be charging anything extra for the download.

Many of its series and films are available for download, including originals like Stranger Things, Orange Is the New Black, The Crown and House of Cards.

Though, shows like BBC’s Sherlock series or the Disney’s animated hit Zootopia or Netflix originals like The Little Prince film, etc. aren’t available to watch offline. Netflix said more downloadable titles are on the way.

Rivals with offline viewing such as YouTube, Amazon Prime and Hungama Play have become more competitive. Hungama Play offers the same feature where viewers can enjoy content on the go and offline which was introduced in August 2016. Apart from its diverse content library, the video-on-demand platform aims to add five original series by March 2017.

As for Netflix, members need to update their app and look for an arrow symbol next to a title to indicate downloading. Subscribers can also look to a new category on the Netflix app’s side menu called “Available for Download,” which collects all the programs you can watch offline.

The app update is available for both Apple iOS and Google Android devices.

December 1, 2016
Netflix aims at 50% original programming

MUMBAI: Challenge for few, exhilaration for many. Netflix CFO David Wells has shown a keen interest in expanding its library of original content. The streaming service is driving towards having half the content to be original production over the next five years. The rest will represent licensed TV shows and movies.

Wells said that they had been on a multiyear transition and evolution toward more of their owned content. Marking a shift in the balance between licensed and commissioned content, the service is already one-third to halfway towards reaching this target.

According to Wells, the goal for Netflix was to release something that appeals to each individual subscriber. On that front, they had got ways to go across different genres and formats. The nice thing about the platform was that it allows a lot of creative freedom, allowing for episodes of varying lengths.

It’s been three years since Netflix started making original programming with House of Cards, Daredevil and more recently Stranger Things. In the movie space, the service has Adam Sandler’s The Ridiculous 6.

Internationally, Netflix aims for about 80 per cent Hollywood content and 20 per cent local programming. Wells said that the exception was Japan, where Netflix bent more toward 50 per cent local content. About having an ad-supported model, Wells said that there was no such immediate plan.

September 21, 2016
Netflix aims at 50% original programming

MUMBAI: Challenge for few, exhilaration for many. Netflix CFO David Wells has shown a keen interest in expanding its library of original content. The streaming service is driving towards having half the content to be original production over the next five years. The rest will represent licensed TV shows and movies.

Wells said that they had been on a multiyear transition and evolution toward more of their owned content. Marking a shift in the balance between licensed and commissioned content, the service is already one-third to halfway towards reaching this target.

According to Wells, the goal for Netflix was to release something that appeals to each individual subscriber. On that front, they had got ways to go across different genres and formats. The nice thing about the platform was that it allows a lot of creative freedom, allowing for episodes of varying lengths.

It’s been three years since Netflix started making original programming with House of Cards, Daredevil and more recently Stranger Things. In the movie space, the service has Adam Sandler’s The Ridiculous 6.

Internationally, Netflix aims for about 80 per cent Hollywood content and 20 per cent local programming. Wells said that the exception was Japan, where Netflix bent more toward 50 per cent local content. About having an ad-supported model, Wells said that there was no such immediate plan.

September 21, 2016
Digital content shines at 68th Emmy Awards nominations

MUMBAI: Last night, the nominations for the 68th Emmy Awards were announced in Los Angeles amidst the collective ‘ooh’s and ‘aah’s of the world’s entertainment industry. Given the impressive lineup of content that 2015 has produced, it isn’t surprising that all eyes were on who will make it to the list.

Hosted by Television Academy Chairman and CEO Bruce Rosenblum along with Anthony Anderson from the ABC series black-ish and Lauren Graham from Parenthood and the upcoming Netflix revival, Gilmore Girls, the gala event drew in several celebrated faces—from television, Hollywood, and of course the digital world.

“Television dominates the entertainment conversation and is enjoying the most spectacular run in its history with breakthrough creativity, emerging platforms and dynamic new opportunities for our industry’s storytellers,” said Rosenblum. Having said so, one look at the nomination list and see the telling difference digital content has made.

From Game Of Thrones from HBO GO to Veep, to House Of Cards from Netflix – several original web-serieses have repeat mentions on the nomination list in various categories. While Game of Thrones again tallied the most nominations (23), limited series The People v. O.J. Simpson: American Crime Story and Fargo received 22 nominations and 18 nominations respectively.

This year’s Drama and Comedy Series nominees include first-timers as well as returning programs to the Emmy competition: black-ish and Master of None are new in the Outstanding Comedy Series category, and Mr. Robot and The Americans in the Outstanding Drama Series competition.

John Oliver fans would be delighted to know that HBO’s flagship variety show, Last Week Tonight with John Oliver too has secured itself nominations in seven categories including Outstanding Directing For A Variety Series and Outstanding Writing For A Variety Series

Other favourites include, previous three-time Emmy winner Laurie Metcalf (for her supporting role on Roseanne) emerged a multiple-nominee: in the lead comedy category for Getting On, as well as for her comedic guest work in The Big Bang Theory and her dramatic guest work in Horace and Pete. Contenders for Outstanding Lead Performer in a Limited Series or Movie category (actor and actress), include twice-nominated Sarah Paulson in The People v. O.J. Simpson: American Crime Story (as well as in American Horror Story: Hotel), and first-time nominees Tom Hiddleston in The Night Manager, Courtney B. Vance and Cuba Gooding, Jr. in The People v. O.J. Simpson: American Crime Story, and Kirsten Dunst in Fargo.

The awards itself has undergone a digital transformation. After fully transitioning to an online voting system last year, the Academy saw a 22 percent increase in participation for this year’s nomination round. Final-round online voting begins August 15. The 68th Primetime Emmys will be simulcast live in India on Star World, Star World HD and Star World Premiere HD on September 19.
Here are the nominees in some of the important categories:

Lead Actor in a Drama Series

Kyle Chandler – Bloodline
Rami Malek – Mr. Robot
Bob Odenkirk – Better Call Saul
Matthew Rhys – The Americans
Liev Schreiber – Ray Donovan
Kevin Spacey – House of Cards

Lead Actress in a Drama Series

Claire Danes – Homeland
Viola Davis – How to Get Away with Murder
Taraji P. Henson – Empire
Tatiana Maslany – Orphan Black
Keri Russell – The Americans
Robin Wright – House of Cards

Lead Actor in a Limited Series or Movie

Bryan Cranston – All The Way
Benedict Cumberbatch Sherlock
Idris Elba – Luther
Cuba Gooding Jr. – The People v. O.J. Simpson: American Crime Story
Tom Hiddleston – The Night Manager
Courtney B. Vance – The People v. O.J. Simpson: American Crime Story

Lead Actress in a Limited Series or Movie

Kirsten Dunst – Fargo
Felicity Huffman – American Crime
Audra McDonald – Lady Day at Emerson’s Bar and Grill

July 15, 2016
Digital content shines at 68th Emmy Awards nominations

MUMBAI: Last night, the nominations for the 68th Emmy Awards were announced in Los Angeles amidst the collective ‘ooh’s and ‘aah’s of the world’s entertainment industry. Given the impressive lineup of content that 2015 has produced, it isn’t surprising that all eyes were on who will make it to the list.

Hosted by Television Academy Chairman and CEO Bruce Rosenblum along with Anthony Anderson from the ABC series black-ish and Lauren Graham from Parenthood and the upcoming Netflix revival, Gilmore Girls, the gala event drew in several celebrated faces—from television, Hollywood, and of course the digital world.

“Television dominates the entertainment conversation and is enjoying the most spectacular run in its history with breakthrough creativity, emerging platforms and dynamic new opportunities for our industry’s storytellers,” said Rosenblum. Having said so, one look at the nomination list and see the telling difference digital content has made.

From Game Of Thrones from HBO GO to Veep, to House Of Cards from Netflix – several original web-serieses have repeat mentions on the nomination list in various categories. While Game of Thrones again tallied the most nominations (23), limited series The People v. O.J. Simpson: American Crime Story and Fargo received 22 nominations and 18 nominations respectively.

This year’s Drama and Comedy Series nominees include first-timers as well as returning programs to the Emmy competition: black-ish and Master of None are new in the Outstanding Comedy Series category, and Mr. Robot and The Americans in the Outstanding Drama Series competition.

John Oliver fans would be delighted to know that HBO’s flagship variety show, Last Week Tonight with John Oliver too has secured itself nominations in seven categories including Outstanding Directing For A Variety Series and Outstanding Writing For A Variety Series

Other favourites include, previous three-time Emmy winner Laurie Metcalf (for her supporting role on Roseanne) emerged a multiple-nominee: in the lead comedy category for Getting On, as well as for her comedic guest work in The Big Bang Theory and her dramatic guest work in Horace and Pete. Contenders for Outstanding Lead Performer in a Limited Series or Movie category (actor and actress), include twice-nominated Sarah Paulson in The People v. O.J. Simpson: American Crime Story (as well as in American Horror Story: Hotel), and first-time nominees Tom Hiddleston in The Night Manager, Courtney B. Vance and Cuba Gooding, Jr. in The People v. O.J. Simpson: American Crime Story, and Kirsten Dunst in Fargo.

The awards itself has undergone a digital transformation. After fully transitioning to an online voting system last year, the Academy saw a 22 percent increase in participation for this year’s nomination round. Final-round online voting begins August 15. The 68th Primetime Emmys will be simulcast live in India on Star World, Star World HD and Star World Premiere HD on September 19.
Here are the nominees in some of the important categories:

Lead Actor in a Drama Series

Kyle Chandler – Bloodline
Rami Malek – Mr. Robot
Bob Odenkirk – Better Call Saul
Matthew Rhys – The Americans
Liev Schreiber – Ray Donovan
Kevin Spacey – House of Cards

Lead Actress in a Drama Series

Claire Danes – Homeland
Viola Davis – How to Get Away with Murder
Taraji P. Henson – Empire
Tatiana Maslany – Orphan Black
Keri Russell – The Americans
Robin Wright – House of Cards

Lead Actor in a Limited Series or Movie

Bryan Cranston – All The Way
Benedict Cumberbatch Sherlock
Idris Elba – Luther
Cuba Gooding Jr. – The People v. O.J. Simpson: American Crime Story
Tom Hiddleston – The Night Manager
Courtney B. Vance – The People v. O.J. Simpson: American Crime Story

Lead Actress in a Limited Series or Movie

Kirsten Dunst – Fargo
Felicity Huffman – American Crime
Audra McDonald – Lady Day at Emerson’s Bar and Grill

July 15, 2016
What to Stream with Dad this Father’s Day

MUMBAI: Whether your dad is the strong silent type, or just won’t stop questioning you about what you’re doing with life – there’s a better way to spend quality time with him this Father’s Day.

Enjoy each other’s company and check out these shows/movies on Netflix – there’s something for every type of dad out there.

Master Chef Dad – Chef’s Table

For the dad that loves whipping up a meal for the family – get inspired by the talented chefs from around the world by watching their personal journeys.

Super Dad – Marvel’s Daredevil

For the dad who does it all – kick-back and relax by watching one of Marvel’s superhero series.

Authoritative Dad – The Dictator

For the dad that is a little strict but has his heart in the right place – get some laughs out of him by watching this hilarious comedy poking fun at a dictator.

Joker Dad – Master of None

For the dad who gets his kicks making others laugh – get a break from his jokes by watching Aziz Ansari navigate life and all its curve balls thrown his way.

Political Dad –House of Cards

For the dad who is obsessed with country politics- get him to binge on the engrossing political drama series that revolves around the journey of a ruthless politician who will stop at nothing to conquer Washington, D.C

Protective Dad- Piku

For the dad who is overly shielding, give him a dose of his own self with the emotional tale of an ageing but nagging father Bhaskor Banerjee and his loving daughter, Piku.

June 17, 2016
What to Stream with Dad this Father’s Day

MUMBAI: Whether your dad is the strong silent type, or just won’t stop questioning you about what you’re doing with life – there’s a better way to spend quality time with him this Father’s Day.

Enjoy each other’s company and check out these shows/movies on Netflix – there’s something for every type of dad out there.

Master Chef Dad – Chef’s Table

For the dad that loves whipping up a meal for the family – get inspired by the talented chefs from around the world by watching their personal journeys.

Super Dad – Marvel’s Daredevil

For the dad who does it all – kick-back and relax by watching one of Marvel’s superhero series.

Authoritative Dad – The Dictator

For the dad that is a little strict but has his heart in the right place – get some laughs out of him by watching this hilarious comedy poking fun at a dictator.

Joker Dad – Master of None

For the dad who gets his kicks making others laugh – get a break from his jokes by watching Aziz Ansari navigate life and all its curve balls thrown his way.

Political Dad –House of Cards

For the dad who is obsessed with country politics- get him to binge on the engrossing political drama series that revolves around the journey of a ruthless politician who will stop at nothing to conquer Washington, D.C

Protective Dad- Piku

For the dad who is overly shielding, give him a dose of his own self with the emotional tale of an ageing but nagging father Bhaskor Banerjee and his loving daughter, Piku.

June 17, 2016