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Tag: Leslie Lewis

  • IPRS marks 54th anniversary with launch of “IPRS Learn & Earn – Indie Edition”

    IPRS marks 54th anniversary with launch of “IPRS Learn & Earn – Indie Edition”

    Mumbai: The Indian Performing Right Society (IPRS) is delighted to announce the launch of the IPRS Learn & Earn – the Indie Edition on 23 August. Building upon the success of the previous IPRS knowledge series ‘Learn And Earn,’ which gained remarkable momentum among IPRS members nationwide last year, this year’s initiative aims to take the program to new heights. Designed to engage budding creators and independent artists, the event’s launch on IPRS’s anniversary day holds special significance.

    Expanding from its role as a copyright society, IPRS is dedicated to nurturing and promoting fresh talent. The objective of the IPRS Learn & Earn – the Indie Edition is to empower budding musicians by offering them an exclusive avenue to interact with industry experts and established creators. Through this event, IPRS reaffirms its commitment to fostering emerging talent, facilitating the growth of music creators, and advocating for essential causes within the music community.

    The initiative is not just about copyright protection; it’s also about shaping the future of music. The event is a testament to IPRS’s pivotal role in uniting music creators, industry pioneers, and stakeholders. This dynamic platform strengthens the music community while highlighting IPRS’s contribution to promoting creativity, growth, and positive transformation.

    The event’s diverse line-up includes knowledge sessions tailored for independent artists, covering the Art of Songwriting, Establishing a Career as an Independent Artist, and Managing Rights as a Creator. Moreover, the event will feature a Creators Showcase & Music Listening session, providing emerging talents the opportunity to present their original works directly to influential A&R representatives and industry experts.

    Event Details

    Learn & Earn – Connecting New Age Creators

    Date: 23rd August

    Time: 3 pm – 7 pm

    Location: Versova SOCIAL, Mumbai

    This event offers an unparalleled chance for creators at all stages of their journey to be part of something truly extraordinary. Whether an aspiring musician eager to forge a successful music career or an experienced creator seeking fresh insights, this event is tailor-made to elevate their musical journey and equip them with invaluable knowledge.

    Event Highlight

    Crafting Melodies and Words – The Art of Songwriting: Led by singer-songwriter producer Shashaa Tirupati and renowned lyricist and screenwriter Mayur Puri, this workshop is a deep dive into the heart of songwriting. Participants will explore the intricate interplay between melodies and lyrics, mastering the art of music production that resonates with the audiences.

    Mastering The Indie Music Scene by Leslie Lewis: New-age creators get an opportunity to join music maestro Leslie Lewis to unlock the secrets of thriving as an independent musician and gain invaluable advice, proven strategies, collaboration insights, and a dose of inspiration to flourish in the competitive music landscape.

    Managing rights as a creator: The session is designed to arm the artists and songwriters with the knowledge needed to safeguard their creations, ensuring they receive the recognition, credit, and value they deserve.

    Creator showcase & networking: The event will offer a platform for budding talent to present their original compositions to influential A&R representatives and forge connections with fellow musicians, leading creators, and industry experts, laying the foundation for future collaborations and opportunities.

    IPRS CEO Rakesh Nigam commented on the event stating, “As we assemble under one roof on August 23rd, we’re not only commemorating a milestone; we’re celebrating the spirit of innovation and transformation that defines IPRS. As the music industry evolves, IPRS continues to lead this change, steadfast in creating a dynamic and inclusive community for music creators. With a focus on education, collaboration, and empowerment, IPRS reaffirms its role as a driving force behind the success of creators in the ever-evolving landscape of the Indian music industry. I take this opportunity to thank all distinguished guests, mentors, and our panel of experts, without whose wholehearted support this event wouldn’t have been possible.”

  • Fremantle Media India forays into digital; launches web series ‘Confessions-It’s Complicated’

    Fremantle Media India forays into digital; launches web series ‘Confessions-It’s Complicated’

    MUMBAI: Fremantle Media India is known for its successful Indian Idol franchise, which has been running for several seasons. The content creator is now pushing the envelope on digital  and has launched its first web series titled Confessions –It’s Complicated. The launch was done at the hands of film actress Richa Chadda on 29 March.

    Based on three spirited, vivacious girls Sameera Saxena, Raka Ghosh and Nupur Murthy from different parts of the country who live under one roof and office in Mumbai, Confessions, sheds light on their struggles, fears, dreams and adventures. Peppered with a mix of drama, love, romance and wit, the show bridges the gap between the reel and real lives of the characters.

    The title track has been crooned by Anushka Manchanda, while the upbeat soundtrack has been composed by the renowned musician Leslie Lewis.

    The 40 episode show has been conceptualised for the ‘on-the-go’ audience with each episode being of eight minute duration. Confessions – It’s Complicated begins airing on 4 April 2016 with fresh episodes being launched online every Monday, Wednesday and Thursday. A total of 10 episodes will have a confession that will be made every Saturday.

    Each installment will first be released on Facebook before moving on to Youtube. And that’s what makes Fremantle’s effort a standout. Its association with Facebook India and Facebook Live will allow viewers and fans to share their perspectives and experiences in real time. Additionally, the three leads will also reach out to audiences across key social media platforms and share with them their journey in the city of dreams.

    Estimates are that each episode is costing the production house anywhere from Rs six to eight lakh.

    Fremantle has roped in four sponsors  to help defray its costs. This includes Myntra, and Gillette Venus, as the title and powered by sponsors respectively with Miss Malini and Saavn coming in as other sponsors.

    Fremantle  Media India business head Vidyuth Bhandary highlights that every attempt has been made to integrate the sponsors into each episode so that the content and storyline looks seamless and unforced.

    It’s something that is echoed by Myntra VP marketing and head of monetisation Manish Aggawal. Says he: “Confessions does that (brand integration) beautifully. We are a fashion brand and fashion is all about choice. It is interesting to see how the three protagonists leverage fashion and their freedom in Mumbai according to their choice. They will be seen wearing Myntra clothes. Our consumers will get to see the products that we have through this.”

    Adds Myntra CMO and head of international brands Gunjan Soni: “We see digital and storytelling as a powerful way to engage with young people. The Confessions web series celebrates independent young women and hence is  close to our beliefs. We hope the viewers will also enjoy the shoppable styles the protagonists will be wearing.”

    The Myntra partnership has been extended in other ways: the show will air on the fashion outlet’s app giving it a reach of 7 million viewers even as the three faces will be seen on the application and its properties. Push notifications and pop ups will be sent to Myntra users.

    Part of the marketing plan drawn up by Fremantle includes the sponsors promoting the series on their digital platforms. Additionally, an agency to moderate social media to create buzz around the show has been signed on.

    “We are striving to develop new formats and explore innovative ways to integrate non-traditional platforms,” says Bhandary.

    The web-series has been produced in HD with the hope that it will find a telecast window in traditional TV channels, depending on its success.

    “You need a combination of high production values and good content for a show to stand tall, “ explains Bhandary. “Once we are done with the digital run, we will definitely syndicate it as it’s been made without any compromises. It’s produced equally or even better than how a TV show is produced. The amount I am paying to produce this web series, I would have to pay the same amount to produce a TV show.”

    A professional who is confident that the digital initiative will pay off is Fremantle Media India senior VP of branded entertainment and digital partnerships Ron Crasto. It was he who forged the relationship between the creatives at the content creator,  Facebook and Myntra. Says he: “We want to be at the forefront of digital content production and storytelling. This innovative series will delight audiences and deliver great results for all stakeholders.”

    Bhandary is hopeful of Confessions getting a second season. Says he:  “The idea behind a finite series is that people want a beginning and an end. If this gets successful, we might do a sequel also.”

    Amen to that!

  • Fremantle Media India forays into digital; launches web series ‘Confessions-It’s Complicated’

    Fremantle Media India forays into digital; launches web series ‘Confessions-It’s Complicated’

    MUMBAI: Fremantle Media India is known for its successful Indian Idol franchise, which has been running for several seasons. The content creator is now pushing the envelope on digital  and has launched its first web series titled Confessions –It’s Complicated. The launch was done at the hands of film actress Richa Chadda on 29 March.

    Based on three spirited, vivacious girls Sameera Saxena, Raka Ghosh and Nupur Murthy from different parts of the country who live under one roof and office in Mumbai, Confessions, sheds light on their struggles, fears, dreams and adventures. Peppered with a mix of drama, love, romance and wit, the show bridges the gap between the reel and real lives of the characters.

    The title track has been crooned by Anushka Manchanda, while the upbeat soundtrack has been composed by the renowned musician Leslie Lewis.

    The 40 episode show has been conceptualised for the ‘on-the-go’ audience with each episode being of eight minute duration. Confessions – It’s Complicated begins airing on 4 April 2016 with fresh episodes being launched online every Monday, Wednesday and Thursday. A total of 10 episodes will have a confession that will be made every Saturday.

    Each installment will first be released on Facebook before moving on to Youtube. And that’s what makes Fremantle’s effort a standout. Its association with Facebook India and Facebook Live will allow viewers and fans to share their perspectives and experiences in real time. Additionally, the three leads will also reach out to audiences across key social media platforms and share with them their journey in the city of dreams.

    Estimates are that each episode is costing the production house anywhere from Rs six to eight lakh.

    Fremantle has roped in four sponsors  to help defray its costs. This includes Myntra, and Gillette Venus, as the title and powered by sponsors respectively with Miss Malini and Saavn coming in as other sponsors.

    Fremantle  Media India business head Vidyuth Bhandary highlights that every attempt has been made to integrate the sponsors into each episode so that the content and storyline looks seamless and unforced.

    It’s something that is echoed by Myntra VP marketing and head of monetisation Manish Aggawal. Says he: “Confessions does that (brand integration) beautifully. We are a fashion brand and fashion is all about choice. It is interesting to see how the three protagonists leverage fashion and their freedom in Mumbai according to their choice. They will be seen wearing Myntra clothes. Our consumers will get to see the products that we have through this.”

    Adds Myntra CMO and head of international brands Gunjan Soni: “We see digital and storytelling as a powerful way to engage with young people. The Confessions web series celebrates independent young women and hence is  close to our beliefs. We hope the viewers will also enjoy the shoppable styles the protagonists will be wearing.”

    The Myntra partnership has been extended in other ways: the show will air on the fashion outlet’s app giving it a reach of 7 million viewers even as the three faces will be seen on the application and its properties. Push notifications and pop ups will be sent to Myntra users.

    Part of the marketing plan drawn up by Fremantle includes the sponsors promoting the series on their digital platforms. Additionally, an agency to moderate social media to create buzz around the show has been signed on.

    “We are striving to develop new formats and explore innovative ways to integrate non-traditional platforms,” says Bhandary.

    The web-series has been produced in HD with the hope that it will find a telecast window in traditional TV channels, depending on its success.

    “You need a combination of high production values and good content for a show to stand tall, “ explains Bhandary. “Once we are done with the digital run, we will definitely syndicate it as it’s been made without any compromises. It’s produced equally or even better than how a TV show is produced. The amount I am paying to produce this web series, I would have to pay the same amount to produce a TV show.”

    A professional who is confident that the digital initiative will pay off is Fremantle Media India senior VP of branded entertainment and digital partnerships Ron Crasto. It was he who forged the relationship between the creatives at the content creator,  Facebook and Myntra. Says he: “We want to be at the forefront of digital content production and storytelling. This innovative series will delight audiences and deliver great results for all stakeholders.”

    Bhandary is hopeful of Confessions getting a second season. Says he:  “The idea behind a finite series is that people want a beginning and an end. If this gets successful, we might do a sequel also.”

    Amen to that!

  • Disney to go all out to promote ‘Beauty and the Beast’ theatrical presentation in Delhi with twelve shows

    Disney to go all out to promote ‘Beauty and the Beast’ theatrical presentation in Delhi with twelve shows

    NEW DELHI: For the first time, audiences will witness on stage the presentation of Walt Disney’s ‘The Beauty and the Beast’ with eighteen Indian actors and around one hundred other dancers.

     

    The performance is set to take place at the indoor Thyagaraja Stadium which had been built in south Delhi for the Commonwealth Games 2010. There will be twelve shows from 19 December.

     

    The shows are being presented by the Disney Theatrical Group, which marked its entry with this performance in Mumbai with 27,000 people seeing it in ten shows.

     

    The 18 artistes were selected from more than 8,000 entrants from all over the country in 1000 physical auditions.

     

    Disney India Managing Director Siddharth Roy Kapur told indiantelevision.comthat it had taken six months of hardcore rehearsals and three months of auditions before the first show in Mumbai.

     

    Asked why Disney Theatrical Group had come to India twenty years after its debut on Broadway, he said that finding the right kind of venues and the requisite trained talent pool had been a major constraint.

     

    When it was pointed out that reality shows had shown there was ample talent in the country, he said they were not suitably trained and were raw. There was no professional theatre group in India for English productions.  

     

    He said that Disney will go 360 degrees to promote and publicise the Delhi event, with the use of social media, newspapers, television, and websites. In addition, there may be small events to publicise the event.

     

    Declining to give any figures, he said the amount to be spent on publicity and marketing would be very small in comparison to the cost of putting up the show.

     

    He said that the decision of taking this show to other cities, or doing other plays, would be decided after a full assessment sometime next year.

     

    Speaking at the press meet, he said this was a new genre for Disney in India and was a very large production in an effort to take Disney ‘live to the people’.

     

    Disney Theatrical Group had first come on Broadway in 1994 and over 128 million had seen its performances there.

     

    He said it was a coincidence that the first production on Broadway had also been ‘Beauty and the Beast’ and it had run for thirteen years with 35 million people in 28 countries having seen it.

     

    Meher Mistry who plays Belle, Edwin Joseph (who belongs to Delhi and is from St Stephens College) and plays the Beast, and Pooja Pant who is also from Delhi presented songs on stage. Others present included the eminent music director Leslie Lewis. The choreography has been done by Terence Lewis while Varsha Jain has done the exquisite set design.

  • Disney’s theatrical production Beauty and the Beast makes an impressive debut

    Disney’s theatrical production Beauty and the Beast makes an impressive debut

    MUMBAI: When the history of Indian theatre is written sometime in the future, historians will make references to the pre- and the post Beauty and the Beast era. The date: 21 October 2015 will be enshrined as the day that changed the Indian musical theatre world.  That was the day that Disney India had an exclusive premier of its one-year in production international theatrical musical.

     

    It played to a packed house consisting of Bollywood stars, directors, producers, broadcasters, distributors and a select high net worth client list of Citibank credit cards (apparently it willingly shelled out Rs 5 crore plus to be associated with the musical) at the National Sports Club of India Dome  in Mumbai.

     

    Disney India MD Siddharth Roy Kapur  was cock-a-hoop with delight about the response to the first performance. “We have made an impression on an audience consisting of entertainers, I think the rest of the journey is going to go well,” he said. “Disney International chairman Andy Bird responded to my wanting to bring Disney’s Theatrical Production to India with Beauty and the Beast. I thank him for that.”

     

    Watching spell bound were film makers and artistes and industry barons like Subhash Ghai, Vishal Bhardwaj, Emraan Hashmi, Mini Mathur, Ashutosh Goawarikar, Kabir Khan, Vishal Bharadwaj, Rakeysh Omprakash Mehra, Vidya Balan, Soha Ali Khan, Imtiaz Ali, Anurag Basu, Nikhil Advani,Ayan Mukherji, Rajkumar Hirani, Shabhani Azmi, Aditya Roy Kapur, Madhur Bandarkar,  Anil Thadani and Raveena Tandon, Manyata Dutt, Ronnie and Zarina Screwvala, Amol Gupte, Ramesh Taurani, Nikhil Meswani, Sudanshu Vats, Tarun Katiyal, among scores of others.

     

    It’s not as if attempts at upping the ante for musical theatre have not been made in India before. We had the showman Alyque Padamsee period in the eighties during which shows like Evita (probably the longest running musical in India), Jesus Christ Superstar, Joseph and his Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, Greased Lightning,  The Wiz, sold out  in venues like the NCPA, Sophia, Homi Bhabha Auditorium in Mumbai. Then in recent times his daughter Rael Padamsee has been behind the production of  The Sound of Music and Grease. But while their efforts are praiseworthy, they pale in comparison to the scale that Beauty and the Beast was mounted upon.

     

    Estimates are that Disney India may have signed a cheque of Rs 22 crore for the production which will continue in Mumbai for 10 more shows till end this month. Delhi is slated to follow later. Most of the other Indian efforts at adaptations have budgets which are a fraction of that.

     

    The “different international” experience commenced at the venue itself with clear signage directing the traffic to the red carpet. And there was Siddharth Roy Kapur to greet his guests along with international Disney executives. Once you got past the gates with your bar coded ticket giving you entry you walked into a spacious dome theatre constructed for the Beauty and the Beast.  Rows upon rows of seats gave it a seating capacity of about 2,000-2,500.

     

    A half moon shaped lavish and large set (160 ft x 70 ft – normally used only for big budgeted televised awards shows) with ramps bisecting the front audience vertically and horizontally (giving it an H-shape) from those in the middle greeted the fans. Constructed by art director Varsha Jain at a cost of around Rs 1.80 crore, it is the centre-piece of Beauty and the Beast’s Indian production. It probably is the biggest stage ever constructed by Disney for the show anywhere in the world.  Then there is the attention to detail and quality that Varsha has put into the set. You are almost lulled into believing that you are in the village with its marketplace, its main street, the roadside café, the bakery, the vendors, where Belle lives in her small home with her father.

     

    A few minutes later the stage transforms itself into the dark castle wherein resides the young prince who was cursed to be a beast on account of his arrogance with a beggar. From the dark exterior to a well lit dining room to the dungeon to the balcony to the porch the shifts happen quickly.

     

    3D Projection mapping, LEDs and large curtains, focused lighting – every trick in the book has been used to make the transitions easy and seamless. Additionally the props too have a sense of realism about them as compared to the shoddy fare that we often see in use in Indian theatrical productions.

     

    It obviously is director Vikranth Pawar ‘s (he of Jhumroo and Zangaroo fame) vision. And choreographer Terence Lewis has ridden with him and made use of every inch of the stage and beyond for the sequences during the play. And he has adapted the choreography including styles such as ballet, jazz, breakdance and even classical ballroom dance depending on the scene’s requirement.  One of the most memorable ones is the opening act  with the song “Belle” wherein there are more than 60 actors and dancers on stage and you can’t seem to get enough of any of them.  Overall the production has more than 250 dancers back stage through its 130 minute duration.

     

    The musical  score  – like the original by Alan Menken  – by Leslie Lewis for the Indian edition is flawless. Recorded in Prague with a Philharmonic Orchestra and mastered in Los Angeles, it is  Lewis at his best, something that even Menken has acknowledged.

     

     

    The costumes by Gavin Miguel – around 400 of them – for both the lead and support cast  again are a class apart and make the show probably the biggest costumed theatrical show in India so far. The impeccable make up and hair design by Pallavi Devika take us back to the time and the place of the fairy tale. Vocal trainer Suzanne D’Mello  is reported to have put her heart and soul into lifting the singing performances of the cast, and it shows for almost the entire duration of the show.

     

    The technical production and direction are another highlight of the show and credit for that should go to Vikas and Vevek Menon (from Production Crew). Apparently, the lighting is being technically directed and programmed by foreign crew while it is being manned by Beckett.

     

    Onto the cast. The deep, grain rich voice of Amitabh Bachchan as he introduces the long-loved fairy taile sets the tone for its quality. Meher Mistry as Belle fits  and plays her part to the T, effortlessly becoming self-assured, vulnerable, loving, distraught and then joyous as she progresses from her ennui with the boor Gaston to meeting up with the Beast and her disgust with him transforming into love. And her singing is near perfect throughout as she easily croons the demanding tracks with lyrics from famed writers such as Howard Ashman and Tim Rice.

     

    Edwin Joseph essays the role of the Beast with finesse and a gentle touch. His agony at being trapped in an ugly body, his realization of his love for Belle, his heroic battle while saving Belle from the wolves, and then his joy at his transformation into a handsome young prince are emotion-filled scenes. The young 21 year older is someone we will hear a lot more of both for his acting and singing prowess. Veteran actor Bugs Bhargava as Cogsworth and Nichols Brown as Lumiere, Sanjiv Desai as Maurice, and the actors who play Lefou, Gaston, Mrs Potts, Ayudh Jatin Parikh (as Chip) deserve a mention for fabulous performances.

     

    In summation,  Disney India’s Beauty and the Beast was made in India but better than world class. And that was echoed by almost all those who watched it to the end. Something that should warm the cockles of Narendra Modi’s heart.