Tag: London

  • Dentsu to acquire Netherlands based creative agency Achtung

    Dentsu to acquire Netherlands based creative agency Achtung

    MUMBAI: Dentsu Aegis Network is planning to acquire the Amsterdam based creative agency Achtung BV.

    Founded in 2005, Achtung provides services in both the traditional mass media and digital advertising domains to a variety of companies in the information, communication, automotive and consumer electronics industries, among others. Achtung has been named “Interactive Agency of the Year” three times and won a number of Cannes Lions awards.

    Post-acquisition, Achtung will become part of creative agency mcgarrybowen, one of the Dentsu Group’s nine global network brands. This move will further strengthen and expand the mcgarrybowen network in Europe, making it the third creative hub after London and Paris, and enhance the brand’s presence in the region.

    In its September 2015 worldwide advertising expenditure forecasts, the Dentsu Group’s media communications agency Carat announced that advertising expenditures in the Netherlands grew 2.2 per cent in 2014. Further growth of 1.2 per cent is expected for both 2015 and 2016.

  • Dentsu to acquire Netherlands based creative agency Achtung

    Dentsu to acquire Netherlands based creative agency Achtung

    MUMBAI: Dentsu Aegis Network is planning to acquire the Amsterdam based creative agency Achtung BV.

    Founded in 2005, Achtung provides services in both the traditional mass media and digital advertising domains to a variety of companies in the information, communication, automotive and consumer electronics industries, among others. Achtung has been named “Interactive Agency of the Year” three times and won a number of Cannes Lions awards.

    Post-acquisition, Achtung will become part of creative agency mcgarrybowen, one of the Dentsu Group’s nine global network brands. This move will further strengthen and expand the mcgarrybowen network in Europe, making it the third creative hub after London and Paris, and enhance the brand’s presence in the region.

    In its September 2015 worldwide advertising expenditure forecasts, the Dentsu Group’s media communications agency Carat announced that advertising expenditures in the Netherlands grew 2.2 per cent in 2014. Further growth of 1.2 per cent is expected for both 2015 and 2016.

  • BBC inks ?100m deal with BT for next-gen broadcast network

    BBC inks ?100m deal with BT for next-gen broadcast network

    MUMBAI: The BBC has inked a seven year deal worth over ?100m with BT to provide its broadcast network, delivering considerable savings and paving the way for future digital innovation. This enables the BBC to move to a new, state-of-the-art network based on internet technologies from April 2017.

     

    The new network will be more efficient, flexible, and better able to support BBC innovation. For example, extra services and capacity can be added for major events, such as a general election or the Olympics, more easily and at a lower cost than with the current system. It will also make it easier for the BBC to work with and explore emerging, data-hungry formats – like Ultra HD (4K), 360-degree content, and others yet to be invented.

     

    The contract with BT is for seven years, with an option for the BBC to extend for a further three. It will save the BBC tens of millions of pounds, making a significant contribution to the BBC’s savings targets, as it capitalises on advances in technology and a competitive procurement to reduce the overall cost.

     

    BBC chief technology officer Matthew Postgate said, “This is an important step towards building an internet-fit BBC and will allow us to provide more interactive and personalised content in the future. At a time when the BBC faces serious financial challenges, it will also save us tens of millions of pounds so we can focus more of our money on the programmes and services for licence fee payers.”

     

    The new network will link all BBC UK sites, including 21 broadcasting centres and local radio stations, as well as connecting to the main overseas bureaux and partners for playout of the BBC’s TV channels. It will carry all video, audio and data traffic, as well as fixed line telephony, ISDN and broadband services.

     

    It will be operated by BT’s global media services operation, BT Media and Broadcast. The selection of BT follows a public procurement under the BBC’s Aurora Programme, which is re-sourcing all of the BBC’s core technology services as the current contract expires in April 2017.

     

    BT Media and Broadcast global vice president Mark Wilson-Dunn added, “We are delighted by the BBC’s decision to choose us as their next generation broadcast network partner. Both of our organisations have a vital part to play in making the best use of advanced technology to support and enable the ever-accelerating evolution of broadcast media.”

     

    The current broadcast network is provided by Vodafone UK through the BBC’s principal technology services provider, Atos. In future, Vodafone will continue to have an important strategic relationship with the BBC, providing a key data centre, telephony services and additional connectivity in London.

     

    Over the coming year, the BBC will be working with both Vodafone and BT to ensure a smooth transition to the new network.

  • BBC inks ?100m deal with BT for next-gen broadcast network

    BBC inks ?100m deal with BT for next-gen broadcast network

    MUMBAI: The BBC has inked a seven year deal worth over ?100m with BT to provide its broadcast network, delivering considerable savings and paving the way for future digital innovation. This enables the BBC to move to a new, state-of-the-art network based on internet technologies from April 2017.

     

    The new network will be more efficient, flexible, and better able to support BBC innovation. For example, extra services and capacity can be added for major events, such as a general election or the Olympics, more easily and at a lower cost than with the current system. It will also make it easier for the BBC to work with and explore emerging, data-hungry formats – like Ultra HD (4K), 360-degree content, and others yet to be invented.

     

    The contract with BT is for seven years, with an option for the BBC to extend for a further three. It will save the BBC tens of millions of pounds, making a significant contribution to the BBC’s savings targets, as it capitalises on advances in technology and a competitive procurement to reduce the overall cost.

     

    BBC chief technology officer Matthew Postgate said, “This is an important step towards building an internet-fit BBC and will allow us to provide more interactive and personalised content in the future. At a time when the BBC faces serious financial challenges, it will also save us tens of millions of pounds so we can focus more of our money on the programmes and services for licence fee payers.”

     

    The new network will link all BBC UK sites, including 21 broadcasting centres and local radio stations, as well as connecting to the main overseas bureaux and partners for playout of the BBC’s TV channels. It will carry all video, audio and data traffic, as well as fixed line telephony, ISDN and broadband services.

     

    It will be operated by BT’s global media services operation, BT Media and Broadcast. The selection of BT follows a public procurement under the BBC’s Aurora Programme, which is re-sourcing all of the BBC’s core technology services as the current contract expires in April 2017.

     

    BT Media and Broadcast global vice president Mark Wilson-Dunn added, “We are delighted by the BBC’s decision to choose us as their next generation broadcast network partner. Both of our organisations have a vital part to play in making the best use of advanced technology to support and enable the ever-accelerating evolution of broadcast media.”

     

    The current broadcast network is provided by Vodafone UK through the BBC’s principal technology services provider, Atos. In future, Vodafone will continue to have an important strategic relationship with the BBC, providing a key data centre, telephony services and additional connectivity in London.

     

    Over the coming year, the BBC will be working with both Vodafone and BT to ensure a smooth transition to the new network.

  • History TV18 to air ‘Metropolis’ mini-series

    History TV18 to air ‘Metropolis’ mini-series

    MUMBAI: History TV18 will be airing a landmark series that captures the iconic images, emotions and the unique experiences of some of the renowned cities in the world. The series titled Metropolis will air on 25 December at 12 pm with back to back episodes all day long.

     

    The miniseries showcases six global destinations namely New York, Paris, Rome, San Francisco, London, and New Orleans. Viewers will be granted extraordinary access to each location through stunning 3D graphics and hands on knowledge from charismatic locals.

     

    The channel will also enlighten viewers with stories of how each city came into existence and how have they shaped the world’s borders changing landscapes. The show will unlock the secrets of how were these cities built and how they shape us through captivating depictions and stylised flashes of drama reconstruction.

  • CNN International expands its Asia Pacific editorial team

    CNN International expands its Asia Pacific editorial team

    MUMBAI: CNN International has announced the expansion of its Asia Pacific editorial team with CNNMoney to have a presence in New Delhi plus additional staff in its Hong Kong bureau.

     

    CNNMoney is CNN’s top destination for money news, reporting the latest business headlines and top financial stories for viewers and readers all over the world. Headquartered in New York, with a presence in London and Hong Kong, the new India position marks the next phase of CNNMoney’s expansion for Asia Pacific and further strengthens the world’s largest global business news source.

     

    The New Delhi post will be held by associate editor Charles Riley who will be responsible for reporting on key economic stories and developing new editorial content from India and expanding the network’s business coverage from the region. Riley was most recently based in Hong Kong where he pioneered CNNMoney’s coverage from Asia. His Hong Kong role will be filled by CNN Digital producer Jethro Mullen who will join the CNNMoney team in January.

     

    CNN International has also appointed an additional three new members to the Hong Kong editorial team, further cementing its position as a centre for newsgathering excellence. Juliet Perry joins as a digital producer and Natalie Leung takes on the role of associate designer – both charged with enhancing desktop, mobile and social platform capabilities. On the news desk, Zahra Ullah joins as an assignment editor bolstering the already strong line-up of senior producers.

     

    “Nothing gives me greater pleasure than finishing the year with expanding our editorial presence in India and Hong Kong,” said CNN International senior VP and managing editor Ellana Lee. “Increasing our resources shows once again our commitment to Asia-Pacific and the strength of our newsgathering capabilities.”

     

    The Hong Kong bureau will continue to grow in 2016 with further staff appointments expected to be made in the first quarter of next year.

  • Discovery Science to premiere ‘Strip the City’

    Discovery Science to premiere ‘Strip the City’

    MUMBAI: Discovery Science is gearing up to premiere Strip the City on 5 December at 9 pm. The show will showcase eight major cities and unveil the hidden technology that protect the people from the onslaught of nature’s most terrifying threats.

     

    The viewers will be taken deeper into the city, bringing to light an alien landscape of underground volcanoes, hidden rivers, subterranean cliffs, fragile fault lines, and ancient catacombs. The show will also hear from leading engineers and geologists as they will be seen examining the ingenious designs, innovative technologies and teams of forward thinking professionals who are instrumental in keeping each city alive and well.

     

    Strip the City will utilise the best of computer-generated imagery (CGI) to break down each city, layer-by-layer, to reveal a geological universe normally hidden under water, tarmacs and concrete. Each episode will peel the glass and walls off buildings, roll up the tarmac on roads, drains oceans and rivers, and slices through bedrock to look below some of the world’s major cities like Dubai, London, Rome, San Francisco, Sydney and Toronto and will also uncover what keeps them running smoothly.

     

    The show’s few episodes include Desert City: Dubai, Earthquake City: San Francisco, Harbour City: Sydney, Ice City: Toronto, Underground City: London and Ancient City: Rome.

  • O&M wins CLIO Network of the Year for 4th consecutive year

    O&M wins CLIO Network of the Year for 4th consecutive year

    MUMBAI: Ogilvy & Mather was named Network of the Year at the 56th Annual CLIO Awards held recently at the American Museum of Natural History. This is the fourth consecutive year the O&M network has topped the CLIOs.

     

    “Great creative should engage, challenge, celebrate and educate. Ogilvy & Mather continues to set the bar very high with work that encompasses these characteristics time and time again. Congratulations to the entire team on a fourth consecutive CLIO Network of the Year win,” said CLIO president Nicole Purcell.

     

    The Grand CLIO for Print went to the campaign “It Happens Here” on behalf of the anti-female genital mutilation organisation 28 Too Many, which also was named Advertiser of the Year, while the Grand CLIO for Direct was awarded for the Burger King “Proud Whopper” campaign.

     

    In addition to the two Grand CLIOs, the awards included 10 Gold, 27 Silver, 23 Bronze and 24 Shortlists across the categories of social media, audio and film technique, branded content, branded entertainment, direct, innovative, design, out of home, integrated, engagement, experiential, print and film. O&M was also awarded three Silver Healthcare CLIOs in the design, direct, and out of home categories.

     

    O&M worldwide chief creative officer Tham Khai Meng said, “I am delighted the work and results produced by Ogilvy & Mather agencies around the world on behalf of our clients have once again been recognized by our peers, the judges, and CLIOs. We couldn’t have done it without the verve of our talented people and the huge support of our courageous clients.” 

     

    Gerry Human, chief creative officer of Ogilvy & Mather London, which led the creation of “It Happens Here,” added, “Thank you CLIOs. I hope these awards inspire even more people to reach out and help 28 Too Many in their brave fight against this horrendous crime inflicted on young girls across the world. Please go to their site and donate.”

     

    Anselmo Ramos, chief creative officer and founder of David, a WPP company that is part of the Ogilvy & Mather network, said of the “Proud Whopper” campaign that his agency created, “Proud Whopper is young, smart and brave work. I thank our client for being fearless in helping to bring its message to life, our team for creating it and the CLIOs for celebrating it.”

     

    The CLIO Awards is one of the world’s most recognized international awards competitions for advertising, design, digital and communication.

  • J. Walter Thompson launches new global talent program

    J. Walter Thompson launches new global talent program

    MUMBAI: As innovative ideas increasingly come from outside traditional agency confines, J. Walter Thompson has launched a new global talent development program called Jump/Start.

    The program is aimed at helping young creative thinkers from all backgrounds break into the advertising industry.

    The program aims to collapse boundaries by attracting and retaining students and recent graduates who have diverse and multidisciplinary backgrounds. Jump/Start is inclusive of disciplines spanning theater, film, creative writing, technology, product design, innovation and more.

    “Across the board, one of the biggest trends we’re seeing in our industry is the convergence of traditional categories. With Jump/Start, we’ve designed a program that supports creative talent from beyond these traditional confines. Growing a diverse talent pool is essential to our ability to deliver better and more innovative ideas to our clients,” said J. Walter Thompson worldwide chief creative officer Matt Eastwood.

    Jump/Start is designed to bridge the gap between classroom education and hands-on application. Participants will have the opportunity to work in an active agency setting, while collaborating with teams of experienced and award-winning professionals. They will also have the chance to work on live briefs and enhance their portfolios with real client work. Participating students will receive a monthly stipend for the duration of the three-month internship.

    The program will kick off in Beirut, Dubai, Hong Kong, London, Melbourne, New York, S?o Paulo and Sydney. Students, recent graduates and young professionals will be eligible to apply.

    “I owe great thanks to the many people and agencies that helped me throughout my career, and especially as a young university graduate. That’s the sort of support we want to replicate for the next generation of great creative minds,” said Eastwood.

    The program will be led by J. Walter Thompson worldwide head of creative talent Britt Hayes and by the respective chief creative officers in the participating offices.

    Applications will be accepted for three-month rotations, and regional Jump/Start programs began accepting their first groups of participants in Fall 2015.

  • Kyoorius concludes the Fourth Edition of FYIday

    Kyoorius concludes the Fourth Edition of FYIday

    MUMBAI: Kyoorius – a not-for-profit initiative by Transasia Fine Papers today concluded the fourth edition of KyooriusFYIday: Future of Branding with Michael Johnson.

     

    The seminar featured Creative Director – Michael Johnson, who is at the forefront of brand thinking worldwide, responsible for changing the way we look at brands.

     

    Based out of London, he shared insights on branding’s past, present and future. There are certain things about branding that are irrefutable; companies, products and organizations will always need to position or reposition themselves in a market, yet many of the ‘truths’ that we took for granted are being refuted as brands look to the future.

     

    Sharing case studies he discussed how Johnson banks re-positioned legacy brands such as Virgin Atlantic & Science Museum, in addition to turning brand theory on its head with examples culled from his global portfolio from projects spanning Japan, New York, Paris and London.

     

    Michael Johnson, Creative Director and Principal, Johnson Banks said, “I feel Kyoorius FYIDay is a great learning opportunity and platform for exchange of new and innovative ideas. In this day and age the brand is more powerful than advertising. This has led to a paradigm shift across the USA and UK. However in India and China, I still feel the Indian creative minds need to find their Indian voice and not look at selling the international style. Having said that there is immense scope in a young nation like India with lots of interesting times ahead.”

     

    Rajesh Kejriwal, Founder CEO, Kyoorius said, “India is becoming a place where the best of design in Asia is coming alive and it is imperative to nurture this talent. We are in a developing stage when it comes to branding and I am sure the learning’s from this FYIDay would help benefit the industry and budding talent four fold.”

     

    Across the FYIday format, Kyoorius are working closely with D&AD’s young blood program to create value for young creative minds through an annual series of seminars and workshops.