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Tag: Interstellar

  • Indian box office flexes its muscles in Feb 2025 as Chhaava conquers all

    Indian box office flexes its muscles in Feb 2025 as Chhaava conquers all

    MUMBAI: The Indian cinema landscape is witnessing a box office bonanza in early 2025, with February continuing the strong momentum established in January. The domestic box office is flourishing, with projections indicating a cumulative haul of Rs 2,264 crore for 2025 releases thus far—a whopping 39 per cent increase compared to the same period last year, according to the  Ormax Media  The India Box Office Report for February 2025.
    grossdomestic box officeThe Hindi epic Chhaava has emerged as the undisputed champion of February, single-handedly contributing a staggering 53 per cent of the month’s total collections. The film has muscled its way into the record books with earnings exceeding Rs 650 crore, cementing its position among the highest-grossing Hindi films of all time.

     Only the Hindi language collections have been tallied in this report, as the Telugu version didn’t swagger into theatres until March 2025. The only other film to smash through the Rs 100 crore barrier in February was the Tamil action-thriller Dragon, which has proven to be a surprise package. 
     

    The film has outperformed expectations, even eclipsing the collections of the big-budget Tamil spectacle Vidaamuyarchi—proof that audiences still prefer substance over style when parting with their hard-earned cash. 

    FBERUARY 2025 GROSS DOMESTIC The re-release trend shows no signs of abating, with nostalgic favourite Sanam Teri Kasam and Christopher Nolan’s mind-bender Interstellar both featuring in the top 10 grossers of the month. It seems cinema-goers are just as keen to revisit classics as they are to embrace new narratives. 

    ACROSS ALL LANGUAGES

    With Thandel joining the party in February, Telugu cinema now boasts four entries in the list of highest-grossing films of 2025 so far. Hindi and Tamil industries are tied with three films each, suggesting a healthy competitive balance in the Indian film ecosystem. 

    Thanks largely to Chhaava’s earth-shattering performance, Hindi language films have increased their market share to 45 per cent for January-February 2025, up from 40 per cent for the entire 2024 calendar year.  

  • Something Special licenses Battle in the Box’s US rights to UK’s Interstellar

    Something Special licenses Battle in the Box’s US rights to UK’s Interstellar

    Mumbai: Seoul-based international format agency Something Special’s president Jin Woo Hwang announced that they licensed the US rights for ‘Battle in the Box’ to UK production company, Interstellar. Interstellar produced the UK version which aired this past summer with host-comedian Jimmy Carr on U&Dave TV (owned by UKTV, a subsidiary of BBC). The show was created by Nmedia and is globally represented by Something Special. It originally aired in South Korea on MBN with top ratings.

    The program is about two celebrity teams who enter an empty box divided by a movable wall armed only with a toothbrush to live with for 24 hours. Teams earn space and luxuries by conquering physical and mental challenges. Victory expands their living area, but more room for one team means less for the other. With challenges occurring around the clock, the celebrities must be strategic to secure their space.

    Hwang stated: “Something Special is thrilled how Battle in the Box was received in the U.K. and now has an opportunity to go to the U.S. This unique game show format, created by their partner Nmedia, launched in S. Korea on MBN and was a major hit. Take two pairs of celebrities and put them in an expandable box for 24 hours, what could go wrong? We love working with Interstellar and look forward to even more versions of Battle in the Box.”

    Interstellar MD David Williams stated: “Bringing the brilliant Battle in the Box to U&Dave in the UK has been an absolute joy. We cannot wait to take everything we’ve learned about this groundbreaking reality and gameshow format and apply it to a host of new famous faces in the US. American celebrities beware, the Box is coming for you!”

  • Journey Through the Reel: Discovering Europe’s Most Iconic TV and Film Locations

    Journey Through the Reel: Discovering Europe’s Most Iconic TV and Film Locations

    Europe, a continent rich in history and culture, has long been a favoured destination for filmmakers and TV producers, offering a myriad of stunning locations that have captivated audiences worldwide. From the bustling streets of London to the picturesque villages of the Mediterranean, these destinations have become more than just settings – they are characters in their own right, integral to the stories being told. For travellers seeking the best city breaks in Europe, embarking on a journey to these memorable locations offers a unique way to experience the magic of their favourite TV shows and films. This article explores some of the most iconic European settings featured in popular media, providing a guide for your next cinematic-inspired trip.

    1. Dubrovnik, Croatia: The Real King’s Landing

    ‘Game of Thrones’ Phenomenon

    Dubrovnik, a stunning coastal city in Croatia, gained worldwide recognition as the filming location for King’s Landing in the critically acclaimed TV series ‘Game of Thrones’. This medieval city, with its ancient walls and historic architecture, provided the perfect backdrop for the fictional capital of the Seven Kingdoms. A 2019 survey revealed that 50% of the series’ fans expressed a desire to visit Dubrovnik, showcasing its impact on tourism.

    Exploring the City

    Visitors can explore the iconic Fort Lovrijenac, the setting for the Red Keep, and walk the city walls where pivotal scenes were shot. The nearby Trsteno Arboretum, another filming location, offers a serene escape and a glimpse into the lush gardens of King’s Landing.

    2. Edinburgh, Scotland: The Wizarding World Comes to Life

    Harry Potter’s Magical Alleys

    Edinburgh, the capital of Scotland, is intrinsically linked with the Harry Potter series. J.K. Rowling penned much of the early novels in the city, drawing inspiration from its enchanting streets and historic buildings. The picturesque Victoria Street is said to be the real-world inspiration for Diagon Alley, captivating fans with its vibrant shops and cobbled paths.

    Literary Pilgrimage

    The Elephant House café, where Rowling wrote parts of the series, has become a pilgrimage site for fans. Additionally, the Balmoral Hotel, where Rowling completed the final book, offers a special Harry Potter package, complete with a tour of locations that inspired the author.

    3. Paris, France: Romance in the City of Lights

    ‘Amélie’ and the Charm of Montmartre

    Paris, often dubbed the city of love and lights, has been the backdrop for numerous films, but none perhaps as charmingly Parisian as ‘Amélie’. Set in the bohemian Montmartre district, the film showcases the quintessential Parisian experience, from quaint cafés to scenic streets. A 2018 study found that locations featured in ‘Amélie’ saw a 30% increase in tourist visits.

    Following Amélie’s Footsteps

    Tourists can visit the iconic Café des Deux Moulins where Amélie worked, stroll through the vibrant Place du Tertre, and take in the views from the steps of the Sacré-Cœur Basilica, all pivotal locations in the film.

    4. Salzburg, Austria: A Musical Journey

    ‘The Sound of Music’ Legacy

    Salzburg, the birthplace of Mozart, is also known for its association with ‘The Sound of Music’. This beloved musical, filmed in and around Salzburg, continues to attract fans to its picturesque settings. Mirabell Gardens, where the song ‘Do-Re-Mi’ was filmed, and the Nonnberg Abbey, are must-visit spots for enthusiasts.

    Organized Tours and Festivals

    The city offers organized ‘Sound of Music’ tours, taking fans to various filming locations. Additionally, the annual Salzburg Festival celebrates the film and the city’s musical heritage, drawing thousands of visitors each year.

    5. Matmata, Tunisia: A Galaxy Far, Far Away

    ‘Star Wars’ and the Desert Planet

    Matmata in Tunisia may seem an unlikely tourist destination, but its unique landscape made it the perfect setting for Tatooine, the desert planet in ‘Star Wars’. The troglodyte dwellings of Matmata were transformed into the home of Luke Skywalker, bringing an otherworldly charm to the small Tunisian town.

    Ongoing Attraction for Fans

    Despite the decades since the original ‘Star Wars’ release, fans continue to flock to Matmata to visit the iconic Hotel Sidi Driss, which served as the interior for Luke’s home. The site remains a testament to the enduring appeal of the “Star Wars” universe.

    6. Bruges, Belgium: Medieval Backdrop of a Dark Comedy

    ‘In Bruges’ and the Medieval City

    The medieval city of Bruges in Belgium was the primary location for the dark comedy ‘In Bruges’. With its well-preserved medieval architecture, picturesque canals, and cobblestone streets, Bruges provided an idyllic yet melancholic backdrop for the film.

    Exploring the City’s Charms

    Visitors can explore the Belfry of Bruges, where key scenes were shot, and enjoy a boat tour along the canals, much like the film’s protagonists. The city’s blend of history, art, and unique Flemish culture makes it a must-visit destination.

    7. Florence, Italy: Renaissance in the Spotlight

    ‘A Room with a View’ and the Italian Romance

    Florence, the cradle of the Renaissance, gained cinematic fame through movies like ‘A Room with a View’. This film showcased the city’s romantic allure, with its art-rich galleries and scenic vistas. Florence’s Palazzo Vecchio and the surrounding Tuscan countryside have since become synonymous with the film’s exploration of love and beauty.

    Walking Through Art and History

    Visitors can take guided tours highlighting locations from the film, including the Uffizi Gallery and Piazza della Signoria. The city’s blend of art, history, and cinematic nostalgia creates a deeply immersive experience, making it a top destination for film buffs and art lovers alike.

    8. London, England: A Cinematic Melting Pot

    ‘Notting Hill’ and Urban Romance

    London’s cosmopolitan vibe has been captured in numerous films, but ‘Notting Hill’ stands out for its portrayal of the city’s charming, eclectic neighbourhoods. The film’s use of Portobello Road Market and the iconic blue door of William Thacker’s house has made Notting Hill an essential stop for rom-com fans.

    Beyond the Big Screen

    London’s cinematic appeal extends beyond specific films, with landmarks like the Tower Bridge, the British Museum, and the Houses of Parliament appearing in countless movies. A tour of London offers a multifaceted experience, combining historical grandeur with modern cinematic appeal.

    9. Prague, Czech Republic: A Fairy Tale Setting

    The Magical Backdrop of ‘Amadeus’

    Prague’s historic and bohemian charm was beautifully captured in the Oscar-winning film ‘Amadeus’. The city’s baroque architecture and old-world streets perfectly depicted 18th-century Vienna, the setting for Mozart’s life story.

    Exploring the City’s Cinematic Beauty

    Visitors can explore the Estates Theatre, where scenes from ‘Amadeus’ were filmed, and wander through the ancient streets of the Old Town. Prague’s enchanting atmosphere, rich in history and culture, makes it a favourite for filmmakers and tourists alike.

    10. Barcelona, Spain: Architectural Marvels on Screen

    ‘Vicky Cristina Barcelona’ and Gaudí’s Masterpieces

    Barcelona’s unique architecture, particularly the works of Antoni Gaudí, played a starring role in Woody Allen’s ‘Vicky Cristina Barcelona’. The film’s use of locations like Park Güell and the Sagrada Família highlighted the city’s artistic flair and Mediterranean charm.

    A Tour of Gaudí’s Creations

    Tourists can embark on a journey through Gaudí’s architectural wonders, experiencing the vibrant culture and artistic spirit of Barcelona. The city’s blend of art, history, and modernity makes it an irresistible destination for movie enthusiasts.

    11. Reykjavik, Iceland: Otherworldly Landscapes

    ‘Interstellar’ and Iceland’s Extraterrestrial Terrain

    Iceland, with its dramatic landscapes, has become a popular filming location for sci-fi movies, most notably in ‘Interstellar’. The country’s glaciers, black sand beaches, and rugged terrain provided the perfect stand-in for alien planets, captivating audiences with their ethereal beauty.

    Experiencing Iceland’s Natural Wonders

    Visitors to Iceland can explore the same locations used in ‘Interstellar’, such as the Svínafellsjökull glacier and the volcanic beaches of Vik. Iceland offers a unique opportunity to experience the awe-inspiring natural settings that have become synonymous with otherworldly cinematic adventures.

    Conclusion

    Europe’s tapestry of cities and landscapes has not only provided breathtaking backdrops for some of the most memorable films and TV shows but also offers travellers a chance to immerse themselves in these cinematic worlds. From the Renaissance streets of Florence to the otherworldly landscapes of Iceland, each destination offers its own unique allure, blending art, history, and the magic of the movies. As you plan your next European adventure, consider these iconic locations for an experience that transcends the screen, bringing the stories and settings you love to life.

  • 8 Movies to Write an Analysis Paper on

    8 Movies to Write an Analysis Paper on

    Not all the movies and serial movies you watch are suitable for an analysis paper. Unfortunately, professors are often a little old-fashioned, and you should choose a movie remembering that. We have collected eight very different movies that you can find suitable for this assignment. If you need to present your teacher with several options to choose from – you can use this list right away. You can write papers with help of expert essay writers from WriteMyPaperHub, for example, or on your own, but make sure to choose the best movies not to get bored.

    12 Angry Men

    Twelve jurors sit in a stuffy room and talk. Lighting one cigarette after another, they argue whether a teenager with a flimsy alibi is guilty of killing his father. "12 Angry Men" is a society pressed into one room, where drama is played over an hour and a half of screen time, the end of which will inevitably become a unanimous decision. The film "12 Angry Men" is being studied and will be studied for a long time at the legal, psychological, and, of course, screenwriting, directing, and camera departments of universities around the world. Immortal masterpiece and unconditional classic.

    Interstellar

    In the near future, people face a terrible problem. Despite the fact that everyone has a TV and a computer, and high technology has become commonplace, because of the drought, humanity is corny enough food. The governments of different countries solve this issue in their own way, but no one can provide the inhabitants of the planet with the necessary amount of products.

    Scientists who have studied the Solar System have come to the conclusion that on no planet can humans survive. But a miracle happened, and a strange "hole" was noticed near Saturn – a transition to another galaxy. Once, a group of pioneer scientists went there, who were supposed to explore the mysterious transition and discover new planets.

    The idea to make a film based on scientific theory was invented by the American physicist Kip Thorne. He actively helped Christopher Nolan write the script for Interstellar, and he did it so well that even Stephen Hawking and Neil Degrass Tyson did not find contradictions in the scientific component of the film. Kip Thorne later wrote a book explaining the physical and astronomical foundations of Interstellar.

    The Pianist

    The masterpiece of Roman Polanski's "Pianist," based on real events, tells the audience the story of a Polish musician of Jewish origin. This film opened the name of Adrian Brody to the whole world, received three Academy Awards, and ten more prestigious cinema awards in the USA and Europe. Children and grandchildren of a real pianist Vladislav Shpilman also took part in the movie.

    Vladislav Shpilman is a fragile Polish boy with Jewish roots. Since childhood, he has been fond of music and eventually becomes a virtuoso pianist. But the years of Nazism come, and Shpilman falls into the Warsaw ghetto. There he has to forget about a brilliant career and to know the bitterness of humiliation and the pain of loss. But he does not break, continuing to fight for his life. Already during the retreat of the German army, one of the fleeing officers finds Vladislav among the rubble of the destroyed building and helps him escape from death.

    Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children

    Eva Green, Judy Dench, Samuel L. Jackson, and Rupert Everett in the new film of the main Hollywood storyteller Tim Burton "Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children". Young Jacob believes in the magical tales of his eccentric grandfather and does not pay attention to his peers, who, of course, laugh at a boy who is completely different from them, typical teenagers. After the death of his beloved grandfather, he inherits a strange book on the pages of which he finds the address of Miss Peregrine, the governess who took care of her grandfather in childhood. She knew how to turn into a bird, and under her wing lived a boy who could not be seen, mysterious twins, a girl who controlled the air and a baby who could carry enormous burdens. Jacob persuades his father to go to the island where this shelter is located. Finding it, the boy discovers that the house was destroyed in 1943 by a fascist shell… But he believes he can turn back the clock.

    Casablanca

    An American who has left his homeland, Rick Blaine, the owner of a casino in Casablanca, accidentally meets his girlfriend, Ilsa, who left him a few years ago, who arrived in the city with her current husband, anti-fascist resistance fighter Viktor Lazlo. The Germans are following in their wake, and Ilse is trying to persuade Rick to give him the important documents that will allow Victor to flee from Casablanca in order to continue his struggle.

    Avengers: Endgame

    The Avengers team last confronts Thanos, the most powerful villain in the universe. For the sake of victory, they will have to join forces and finally lay out all the hidden trump cards. The epic blockbuster of the film directors of Russo's brothers "Avengers: Final" concludes the story of the alliance and exploits of the old guard of superheroes performed by Robert Downey Jr., Chris Evans, Scarlett Johansson, and others.

    Like Stars on the Earth

    Ishan is not good at expressing thoughts. Inside, a rainbow shines, and his parents see a lazy boy in a boy. The father sends his son to a boarding school, providing him with the ground for depression. This uncharacteristic theme for Indian cinema was chosen by Bollywood star Aamir Khan for his directorial debut.

    The film caused a serious resonance, collected a bunch of prestigious Indian film awards, was nominated, although it did not enter the short list of the Oscars, and took 119th place in the list of 250 best films according to IMDb. For Darsheel Safari, the role of Ishan was the first work in the movie. The second violin was performed by Aamir Khan himself. The duet of a boy suffering from dyslexia and a drawing teacher who saw his deep inner world turned out to be very touching.

    The Ghost Writer

    The political thriller "Ghost" by Roman Polanski after the release of the screens received favorable reviews from critics and viewers who can distinguish and appreciate good directing. In his eighty years, Polanski continues to make interesting films based on his own scripts, verified to the smallest detail. One of these works, the film "Ghost", is dedicated to the profession of "literary Negro" – the ghost of a pen, ingloriously selling his talent. The protagonist without a name or past receives a tempting offer – to work for the former Prime Minister Adam Lang. An unknown writer is hired to finish the manuscript of the previous author, who died under strange circumstances. Studying the materials presented, the hero gradually realizes that he has become a participant in the most dangerous game, inexorably leading to the deadly finale.

  • HBO lines up X’mas treat for viewers

    HBO lines up X’mas treat for viewers

    MUMBAI: Come December, people don their party hats to usher in the New Year. From decorations on the streets, lighting, singing Christmas carols to gorging on the diverse range of cakes, this month of the year is much awaited by one and all. To add to this devil-may-care season, English entertainment channel HBO has planned a power packed December with the best Hollywood blockbusters.

     

    The lineup titled as Rewind 2015 starts from 7 December to 31 December, 2015 and will air from Monday to Thursday in the prime time slot of 9 pm.

     

    The star studded action packed movies for this campaign include blockbuster movies like Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, Transformers Age of Extinction, Spy Kids 2: Island of Lost Dreams, Ghost Rider, Riddick, Noah and Interstellar to name a few.

     

    The channel will promote the property mostly on-air via promos with digital support and trade. “We believe in providing the best to our viewers. This is our yet another endeavour for our audience to give them an extra reason to celebrate Christmas with more elation. We are already experiencing a lot of buzz about this campaign across all the social platforms. We strive to stick to our vision of keeping the audience entertained with our blockbuster lineup,” says a channel spokesperson.

     

    The campaign is also being promoted on all social media platforms via fun facts, trivia and contests. As far as the marketing strategies for this campaign goes, HBO has chosen the off-air marketing route, which includes digital promotion on the channel’s Facebook and Twitter pages with promoted posts and a contest. The channel will also be releasing a trade mailer.

     

    “The advertisers were quite impressed with our concept and have been a good support to us. We hope and expect that through this initiative, we will go that extra mile to get a smile on the faces on our loyal viewers,” adds another channel spokesperson.

     

    The channel’s property will also be promoted on Instagram.

     

    “I always watch HBO because of the bouquet of various movie genres, which makes my evening lively. I look forward to what HBO is going to offer us this Christmas special,” says a loyal media follower.

     

    However, HBO is not planning any on-ground or print marketing campaigns and will majorly focus on the metro and non-metro cities through the fans that are available on Facebook and Twitter.

  • FY-2015: Lower Filmed Entertainment numbers drag Viacom revenue down 3.7 percent

    FY-2015: Lower Filmed Entertainment numbers drag Viacom revenue down 3.7 percent

    BENGALURU: Viacom Inc (Viacom) reported 3.7 percent drop (reduced by $515 million) in revenue for the year ended September 30, 2015 (FY-2015, current year) at $13,268 million as compared to $13,783 million in FY-2014. Viacom says that the fall in revenue was due to due to lower revenues across the distribution windows. Of the two segments that the company has, Filmed Entertainment reported 22.6 percent (reduced by $842 million) lower revenue in FY-2015 at $2,883 million as compared to $3,725 million in the previous year.

     

    Viacom says that excluding an unfavourable 2 percent impact of foreign exchange, revenues declined 2 percent, while excluding an unfavourable 2 percent and 4 percent impact of foreign exchange, Filmed Entertainment revenues declined 19 percent.

     

    The company’s operating income fell 22.8 percent (reduced by $970 million) to $3,112 million from $4,082 reported for last year. Adjusted operating income decreased 5 percent ($205 million) to $3,920 million in FY-2015. Adjusted results exclude the impact of restructuring and programming charges totalling $784 million and a non-cash pension settlement loss of $24 million in 2015 and a non-cash impairment charge of $43 million in 2014. Including the impact of these items, operating income decreased $970 million, as mentioned above.

     

    Filmed Entertainment segment’s adjusted operating income reduced 45.9 percent (reduced by $94 million) in the current year to $111 million as compared to $205 million in the company’s previous fiscal. The lower adjusted operating income for this segment reflects lower contribution from films in release across the distribution windows says Viacom. Last quarter (Q3-2015), also lower results from the Filmed Entertainment segment had pulled down the company’s revenues by 11 percent.

     

    The company’s other segment, Media Networks reported 3.1 percent (increased by $319 million) increase in revenue in FY-2015 to $10,490 million from $10,171 million, driven primarily by higher affiliate fees and advertising revenues. Media Networks adjusted operating income reduced by 3 percent (reduced by $128 million) in the current year to $4,143 million from $4,271 million in FY-2014. Viacom says that higher revenues from the segment were more than offset by an increase in programming and marketing expenses.

     

    Viacom Executive Chairman Sumner M Redstone said, “Viacom continues to create some of the most compelling and entertaining content in the world. I am confident that Viacom’s leadership team will continue to lead through our industry’s period of transition and succeed well into the future.”

     

    Viacom President and Chief Executive Officer Philippe Dauman said, “Viacom’s fourth quarter and year-end results are indicative of our progress in key areas, including recent ratings improvement and renewals of important distribution agreements. Our strategy of increasing and accelerating investment in original content and expanding our profitable international footprint are among the major factors driving this success, which we believe will continue in 2016 and beyond. We are making great progress in tackling industry-wide inefficiencies in audience measurement, while expanding our audience reach with landmark distribution agreements.

     

    “Viacom’s family of Media Networks are the most watched by highly coveted younger audiences, and we are building engagement on all platforms, leading to first-of-their-kind marketing opportunities with our advertising partners. Our investment in content continues to grow, supporting an unprecedented amount of quality original programming and a more robust slate of films. In addition, in fiscal 2015 we launched 21 channels overseas – including six in India – fuelling the fastest international growth in our history.”

     

    Segment Performance

     

    As mentioned above, two segments contribute to Viacom’s numbers-Media Networks, which has three components – Advertising, Affiliate Fees and Ancillary; and Filmed Entertainment which has four components-Theatrical, Home Entertainment, License Fees and Ancillary.

     

    Media Networks

     

    Excluding an unfavourable 2 percent impact of foreign exchange, worldwide revenues increased 5 percent. Domestic revenues were $8,635 million, an increase of $10 million. International revenues were $1,855 million, an increase of $309 million, or 20 percent, primarily due to the acquisition of Channel 5 Broadcasting Limited (Channel 5), partially offset by foreign exchange, which had a 10 percentage point unfavourable impact on international revenues says Viacom.

     

    Advertising

     

    Worldwide advertising revenues increased $54 million, or 1.1 percent, to $5,007 million in FY-2015 . Domestic advertising revenues decreased 7 percent. The company says that while pricing remained essentially flat, softer ratings caused lower audience delivery, reducing impressions and associated revenue. International advertising revenues increased 60 percent, reflecting growth in Europe driven by the acquisition of Channel 5, partially offset by the impact of foreign exchange, which had a 10 percentage point unfavourable impact on international advertising revenues.

     

    Affiliate Fees

     

    Worldwide affiliate fees increased $248 million, or 5.3 percent, to $4,908 million in FY-2015. Domestic affiliate revenues increased 8 percent, driven by rate increases as well as the benefit of distribution arrangements which are affected by the timing of available programming. Excluding the impact from the timing of product available under these distribution agreements, domestic affiliate revenues grew in the mid-single digits. International revenues decreased 7 percent, principally due to foreign exchange, which had an 11 percentage point unfavourable impact, partially offset by an increase in revenues driven by the launch of new channels and new distribution agreements.

     

    Filmed Entertainment

     

    Excluding an unfavourable 4 percent impact of foreign exchange, worldwide revenues declined 19 percent, due to lower revenues across the distribution windows reflecting the mix of films. Domestic revenues were $1,374 million, a decrease of $347 million, or 20 percent. International revenues were $1,509 million, a decrease of $495 million, or 25 percent, with foreign exchange having an 8- percentage point unfavourable impact on international revenues.

     

    Theatrical revenues :in the current year reduced 30.4 percent (reduced by $368 million) to $841 million from $1209 million due to the mix of releases, partially offset by higher carryover revenues of $54 million from prior year releases, principally from Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles. Domestic theatrical revenues decreased 26 percent and international revenues decreased 34 percent. Foreign exchange had a 10 percentage point unfavourable impact on international theatrical revenue

     

    Home Entertainment: Worldwide home entertainment revenues decreased $293 million, or 25.2 percent, to $871 million FY-2015, reflecting a decline in revenues from third-party distribution titles, carryover revenues from prior year releases and Viacom’s current year releases due to the mix of titles. Significant titles in the current year included Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles,Interstellar and The SpongeBob Movie: Sponge Out of Water, while the prior year includedTransformers : Age of Extinction, The Wolf of Wall Street, Noah and Jackass : Bad Grandpa. Domestic and international home entertainment revenues decreased 16 percent and 35 percent respectively. Foreign exchange had a 7-percentage point unfavourable impact on international home entertainment revenues.

     

    License Fees :decreased $135 million, or 12.1 percent, to $980 million FY-2015, primarily driven by the mix of available titles.

     

    Ancillary:Ancillary revenues decreased $46 million, or 19.4 percent, to $191 million in FY-2015, primarily driven by a benefit from the sale of certain distribution rights in the prior year.

  • HBO to premiere ‘Interstellar,’ launches contest

    HBO to premiere ‘Interstellar,’ launches contest

    MUMBAI: HBO will be premiering Interstellar this Diwali on 8 November, 2015.

     

    The channel will telecast the movie at 1 pm with a repeat at 8 pm.

     

    HBO is also giving viewers a chance to externalise their memories in space by participating in the #MemoriesFromEarth contest. Fans have to upload their most memorable photos and videos on the www.memoriesfromearth.com micro-site. HBO will gift one lucky winner a motorbike as the grand prize and 10 other winners Google cardboards along with a video that shows their pictures against the vastness of space. Fans can also win merchandise by participating in the #InterstellarOnHBO contest being conducted across social platforms.

     

    Interstellar shows the adventures of a group of explorers who make use of a newly discovered wormhole to surpass the limitations on human space travel and conquer the vast distances involved in an interstellar voyage. With the time on Earth coming to an end, a team of explorers undertakes the most important mission in human history; travelling beyond this galaxy to discover whether mankind has a future among the stars.

  • Paramount Pictures to stream ‘Interstellar’ on UltraFlix streaming network

    Paramount Pictures to stream ‘Interstellar’ on UltraFlix streaming network

    MUMBAI: Paramount Pictures and NanoTech Entertainment have inked a licensing agreement that will bring the award-winning movie Interstellar to UltraFlix, NanoTech’s streaming network. Under the agreement, the film will be available on UltraFlix from 31 March.

     

    Named as one of the Top Films of 2014 by The American Film Institute, Rolling Stone, Esquire, the New York Post and more, director Christopher Nolan’s masterpiece stars Matthew McConaughey, Anne Hathaway, Jessica Chastain, John Lithgow and Michael Caine. A breathtaking filmmaking achievement, Interstellar follows an ex-pilot-turned-farmer who must leave his family and a foundering Earth behind to lead an expedition traveling beyond this galaxy to discover whether mankind has a future among the stars.

     

    In addition to Interstellar, UltraFlix now offers subscribers the largest selection of crystal-clear content, reinforcing its lead as the source for the world’s biggest and most diverse library of VOD entertainment. To appeal to a broad audience, offerings range from sci-fi, action/thriller, comedy, drama and family movies to extreme sports videos, concerts, TV shows, and special events. UltraFlix also offers over 100 hours of free content.

     

    To enhance the viewing experience, UltraFlix uses a variety of proprietary technologies with video compression, adaptive streaming and intelligent bandwidth management. These technologies enable UltraFlix to stream visually lossless video with uninterrupted viewing at under 8Mbps, making it available to most North American and European internet subscribers today.

     

    “We are delighted to bring one of the best and most critically-acclaimed films of 2014 to our UltraFlix subscribers,” said NanoTech executive vice president of sales & marketing Aaron Taylor. 

  • Oscar Frenzy on Lukup’s Hollywood ON Channel

    Oscar Frenzy on Lukup’s Hollywood ON Channel

    MUMBAI: The Oscar red carpet was recently rolled out to honour the best of cinema in the year 2014. Celebrating the spirit of Oscar, Lukup’s premier movie channel Hollywood ON brings to its viewers a special line-up of some of the best movies nominated for the Oscars in 2015. Starting March, viewers can catch these select Academy award winning movies exclusively on Lukup’s Hollywood ON channel.

     

    The exclusive selection includes The Judge, premiering 15th March on Hollywood ON. The critically acclaimed American courtroom drama hit the box office in September 2014 with a powerful star cast of Robert Downey Jr. and Robert Duvall. The duo’s fiery on-screen chemistry portraying a troubled father-son relationship, fetched an Oscar nomination for Best Performance in a Supporting Role, for Duvall.

     

    Interstellar, premiering on 1st April is an enthralling science fiction adventure which was nominated by the Oscars for Best Original Score, Production Design, Sound Mixing and Sound Editing and won the award for Best Visual Effects.

     

    The Hobbit, Battle of the Five Armies, nominated for Best Sound Editing, will also premier towards the end of April

     

    American Sniper, premiering mid-June received 6 nominations, including Adapted Screenplay, Best Picture, Best Actor, Film Editing, Sound Editing and Sound Mixing and won for Best Editing.

     

    Hollywood ON has been constantly setting benchmarks in on-demand entertainment by screening the best blockbusters, an advantage of having unrivalled library strength. Entertaining viewers across India, the channel aims to bring the best of cinema closer to its viewers, available at the click of their remote controls!

  • Prime Focus company Double Negative bags VFX Oscar for ‘Interstellar’

    Prime Focus company Double Negative bags VFX Oscar for ‘Interstellar’

    MUMBAI: VFX house Double Negative, which is a part of Prime Focus Media Services bagged the Academy Award for visual effects for their spectacular work on Christopher Nolan’s Interstellar.

     

    The award was presented to one of the founding members of Double Negative and VFX supervisors Paul Franklin and Andrew Lockley, SFX Supervisor Ian Hunter and New Deal Studios’ VFX supervisor Scott Fisher at the 87th Annual Academy Awards held on 22 February at the Kodak Theater in Los Angeles.

     

    This is the second Oscar for Double Negative and Franklin, having previously won for Nolan’s Inception. Interstellar beat other nominees that included Captain America: The Winter Soldier, Dawn of the Planet of the Apes, Guardians of the Galaxy and X-Men: Days of Future Past. A week ago Double Negative had also won the BAFTA for Special Visual Effects for the same film.

     

    Prime Focus founder, executive chairman and global CEO Namit Malhotra said, “This is an incredibly proud moment for all of us at Prime Focus and Double Negative. I want to congratulate, Alex (Hope), Matt (Holben), Paul (Franklin) and the entire team of Double Negative for bringing home this exceptional honor. I have always been a great admirer of Mr. Nolan’s films and hence it is really heartening for me to see our work on Interstellar being recognized as the world’s best. On this joyous occasion I want to reaffirm our commitment to help Double Negative continue on its path of creative excellence that is second to none.”