ITV

Tag: London

  • Archana Kanade quits Zee TV UK

    Archana Kanade quits Zee TV UK

    MUMBAI: Folks attending MipCom and MipTV were pretty familiar with the petite Archana Kanade. Until she stopped attending the world’s leading TV content markets after being appointed as the business head of Zee Network UK’s free to air channels around three years ago. Now Archana has decided to part ways with Zee after six years with the company. Apparently, the lady is taking up an independent assignment.

     

    She has had a good innings with the network, and was running both Zing and Lamhe (a classic programming channel)  in the UK. At the time of her departure, Zing looks healthy ranking as  England’s No 1 Brit-Asian Bollywood channel. Archana had the responsibility of localizing programming in the UK and introduced shows such as Brit’s Bollywood, Cloud 9, Grinds My Teeth, and Rock the Vibe.

     

    Says the ever-smiling Archana in a press release issued by the network: “Working with Zee and its initiatives has been a great pleasure. I’ve had the opportunity to work on Zee’s channels at the perfect time when the FTA business was still budding – giving me the chance to turn around the channels for growth, focusing on the gaps in the market. I wish Zee Network continues to do well and reaches even newer heights.”

     

    Adds Zee Network CEO Europe Neeraj Dhingra in the same press release: “Archana’s contribution has been valuable to the progress of the organisation at key points in its history. Her experience of 19 long years in the industry has added to the strength of how the network’s products now stand. Her vigour and vision has been a great asset and I offer her my whole-hearted support in her future ventures.”

     

  • 2nd BAFTA Film Talent Showcase in NY, LA

    2nd BAFTA Film Talent Showcase in NY, LA

    MUMBAI: The British Academy of Film and Television Arts (BAFTA) has today announced that it will profile BAFTA-winning director Amma Asante (A Way of Life, Belle) in April at the first of this year’s ‘Brits to Watch: The Screenings’, a series of showcase events hosted by BAFTA in New York and Los Angeles, in partnership with British Council, that introduce outstanding British film talent to the US film industry.

     

    On Tuesday 1 April in New York, and on Thursday 3 April in Los Angeles, director Amma Asante will be introduced at a screening of her second feature film Belle, which premiered at the 2013 Toronto International Film Festival to strong reviews, and opened this year’s Palm Springs International Film Festival. Belle is inspired by the true story of a mixed race girl raised as an aristocratic Lady in England around the time of the abolition of slavery. The film will be released by Fox Searchlight in the US on Friday 2 May, and in the UK on Friday 13 June.

     

    In 2005, BAFTA awarded Asante the Carl Foreman Award for the Most Promising Newcomer for her debut film A Way of Life. She was also named Best Director – Drama at the BAFTA Cymru Awards in Wales in the same year.

     

    At each ‘Brits to Watch: The Screenings’ event, a British actor, director, writer or producer who shows great promise presents a sample of recent work to an exclusive audience of film industry professionals. BAFTA also arranges a number of follow-up meetings for the individuals to meet with key industry figures in both cities.

     

    Amanda Berry OBE, Chief Executive of BAFTA exclaimed his delight on continuing our ‘Brits to Watch’ activity in 2014. Three years ago, with the support of The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, he launched their very first ‘Brits to Watch’ event in Los Angeles. Since then, BAFTA introduced a range of activity to support up-and-coming British talent and, now in its second year, ‘Brits to Watch: The Screenings’ – a strand that BAFTA is uniquely placed to deliver – introduces British rising stars to the US film industry. “I am thrilled that Amma Asante, a very talented film maker, and a BAFTA winner – is our next ‘Brit to Watch’.”

     

    Nigel Daly, Chairman of BAFTA Los Angeles, added: “The Brits to Watch: The Screenings series is central to BAFTA’s mission, and here in Los Angeles we are in a privileged position to offer a platform for the best British talents as they break through to the US marketplace. There is a long tradition of talent exchange between the US and UK, and we are honored to showcase the new generation of talents and support Amma as she furthers her career in the US.”

     

    Charles Tremayne, Chairman of BAFTA New York, added: “This is the second year of our Brits to Watch: The Screenings program in New York and we are delighted that we have been able to bring such talented up and coming individuals to showcase their considerable work in America. It’s a vital role for BAFTA as New York is clearly where Britain meets America so it’s even more important that we continue to encourage directors, producers, writers and actors from both sides of the pond to work together to create excellence in a truly globalized entertainment world.”

     

    Briony Hanson, Director of Film at British Council, said: “British Council is delighted to be continuing the series by showcasing the talents of Amma Asante. She’s a perfect fit for the programme having made a hugely confident second feature in Belle which marries a traditional view of British Cinema – period drama and a top notch cast – with a very unusual and surprising story. We really look forward to helping her connect with the US industry during her visit.”

     

    The first ‘Brits to Watch: The Screenings’ events took place in 2013 with BAFTA-nominated directors Clio Barnard (The Selfish Giant) and Richard Laxton (Burton and Taylor). As a result of their trips, Barnard has secured US representation with The Gersh Agency and is in contact with a number of US producers about future projects, while Laxton is in talks on a number of US projects, one of which is expected to be announced imminently.

     

    The series builds on the legacy of BAFTA’s 2011 ‘Brits to Watch’ initiative supported by Their Royal Highnesses The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, at which BAFTA introduced 42 promising British newcomers to leading figures in the US film, television and games industries at a black-tie gala event in Los Angeles. It is endorsed by ‘Friends of Brits to Watch: The Screenings’, a high-profile group of film professionals including: actors Damian Lewis (Homeland) Tom Hiddleston (Avengers Assemble, Midnight in Paris), Andrea Riseborough (Shadow Dancer, Brighton Rock), Simon Pegg(Star Trek, The Adventures of Tintin: The Secret of the Unicorn), Alice Eve (Star Trek Into Darkness, Men in Black 3) and Sienna Miller (The Girl, Interview), Rebecca Hall (Parade’s End, Vicky Christina Barcelona) and David Harewood (Homeland, Blood Diamond); director Edgar Wright (Shaun of the Dead, Scott Pilgrim vs. the World); screenwriter John Logan (Skyfall, Hugo, The Aviator); and writer, director and producer Armando Iannucci (Veep, In The Loop).

  • HUL reshuffles Board of Directors

    HUL reshuffles Board of Directors

    MUMBAI: The biggest Indian consumer goods company, Hindustan Unilever Limited (HUL) has announced the appointment of Sridhar Ramamurthy, presently, executive director Finance & IT and CFO of HUL, as senior vice president Finance for the Global Markets.

     

    He will be part of the Global Markets Executive of Unilever and based in London.

     

    The present Unilever Americas Supply Chain Company Finance vice president PB Balaji will succeed Sridhar as executive director Finance & IT and CFO of HUL. He will join the Board of Directors of HUL and will be part of the Management Committee of HUL.

     

    The appointment was approved by the Board of Directors of HUL, today, after the Nomination & Remuneration Committee recommended his name to the Board. The appointment approved by the Board is subject to such statutory approvals as may be applicable.

     

    Balaji had joined HUL in May 1993 and has worked in different roles in the company. Prior to moving to Unilever in 2011, Balaji was HUL Home & Personnel Care business Finance VP.

     

    The changes are effective from July 1, 2014.

     

    The Board places on record its appreciation for the contribution made by Sridhar Ramamurthy.

  • Taking news back to the floor: Outside Source launches on BBC World News TV

    Taking news back to the floor: Outside Source launches on BBC World News TV

    MUMBAI: The BBC’s new global news programme, Outside Source goes live next week, testing new ground in TV news presentation.

    The new half hour week day show will begin broadcasting live on BBC World News TV from Monday, February 17th at 12.30pm. The innovative programme, presented by Ros Atkins, embraces the technology available in the BBC’s new Broadcasting House in London, moving news presentation away from the traditional studio environment.

    Using a bespoke touch screen, Ros is able to bring audiencesthe latest on the stories of the day. From his base position in the heart of the BBC’s state of the art news room he is able to share packages as they are filed by correspondents out in the field, monitor instant reactions on social media and show live feeds of a developing story, all at the swipe of the screen.

    Outside Source will use a combination of fixed cameras and radio cameras and will be the first programme to use multiple radio cameras out of new Broadcasting House. This will allow Ros to present segments of the show live from anywhere in the building.

    Moving out of the studio means the show can tap in to the wealth of experience provided across the BBC’s language services such as BBC Persian, also based in Broadcasting House.Audiences can thenhear direct from teams as they work on developing stories and learn the latest updates.

    Outside Source aims to open up the news process, enabling people to discover the latest on the stories that matter to them. A version of the programme began broadcasting on BBC World Service Radio in October and following the launch of the TV show work will begin on developing the online offer for BBC.com

    Recognising the impact social media now plays in journalism, Outside Source will also connect with BBC Trending (#bbctrending), the new online and radio offering which explains the stories the world is sharing.Plus audiences will be encouraged to engage with Outside Source both during and outside of the broadcasts, using the twitter handle @bbcos.

    Outside Source presenter Ros Atkins said:

     
    “I’m incredibly excited this show has come together. It’s taking BBC News into new territory and allowing us to maximise the vast resources of New Broadcasting House. We have journalists working in 28 different languages, and because I am broadcasting in the newsroom, I can reach the right people on the most important stories as quickly as possible. It will be real-time news in which stories evolve as we combine our latest information and expertise with everyone else’s. The OS touchscreen also allows me to share exactly what information, pictures and analysis is available to us at any one time. It’s like no other TV news programme I’ve seen, and I’m thrilled to be hosting it.”

    Richard Porter, Controller of English, Global News, said: “Outside Source is about opening up the process of telling stories. It moves away from the news reader presenting to the audience in a traditional studio environment towards engaging with viewers and inviting them to be part of what is going on; sharing what they know about the stories that matter to them. We are breaking new ground by deconstructing a news bulletin, while still providing the reliable and authoritative coverage our global audience expects.”

    Outside Source will launch on BBC World News on Monday February 17th at 12.30pm and will be broadcast live Monday to Thursday.

    Notes to Editors: The BBC attracts a weekly global audience of 256 million people to its international news services including BBC World Service, BBC World News television channel and bbc.com/news.

    BBC World Service is an international multimedia broadcaster, delivering a wide range of language and regional services on radio, TV, online and via wireless handheld devices. It uses multiple platforms to reach its weekly audience of 192 million globally, including shortwave, AM, FM, digital satellite and cable channels. Its news sites include audio and video content and offer opportunities to join the global debate. BBC World Service offers its multilingual radio content to partner FM stations around the world and has numerous partnerships supplying content to news websites, mobile phones and other wireless handheld devices as well as TV channels. For more information, visit bbc.com/worldservice

    BBC World News and bbc.com/news, the BBC’s commercially funded international 24-hour news and information platforms, are owned and operated by BBC Global News Ltd, a member of the BBC’s commercial group of companies.  BBC World News is available in more than 200 countries and territories worldwide, and over 360 million households and 1.8 million hotel rooms. The channel’s content is also available on 173 cruise ships, 53 airlines and 23 mobile phone networks. For further information on how to receive BBC World News, download schedules or find out more about the channel, visit bbc.com/tvschedule. bbc.com is one of the most respected brands on the internet and the global news content on the site offers up-to-the minute international news and in-depth analysis  for PCs, tablets and mobile devices to more than 58 million unique users each month.

     

  • Sterling 2 Ent unveils its next project with Sylvester Stallone

    Sterling 2 Ent unveils its next project with Sylvester Stallone

    Sterling 2 Ent, the multi-entertainment production and investment agency established by the UK based media entrepreneur Teji Singh, has announced its second high-profile global entertainment project for 2014: An Evening with Stallone, taking place on 11 January, at Central Hall, Westminster, London.

     

    Demand had soared to see the action hero of the silver screen c on stage. Famed for his roles in cult classics like Rocky, Rambo, Demolition Man and The Expendables, Stallone will treat the audience to an intimate evening of anecdotes about his illustrious career, private insights from his life.

     

    The event is presented by leading entertainment impresario and event organiser Rocco Buonvino and entrepreneur Joe Ricotta, in association with film producer and founder of entertainment company Sterling 2 Ent Teji Singh.

     

    Rocco Buonvino in association with Sterling 2 Ent recently presented the sell-out event An Evening with Al Pacino. Rocco Buonvino is aninternationally-renowned events and promotions supremo who has been at the forefront of staging some of the biggest world-wide entertainment events. He has worked with global superstars such Robin Gibb, Cliff Richard, Rod Stewart, Beverley Knight, Susan Black and now Sylvester Stallone.

     

    Speaking about bringing Stallone to London, Rocco Buonvino said in a release: “I’ve had the pleasure to work with many major artists around the world, many of whom are dear friends. None come bigger than Sylvester Stallone, a true heavyweight of the silver screen, who is responsible for some of the world’s most iconic, cult film hits of our time.”

     

    Founder of Sterling 2 Ent Teji Singh, said: “We are delighted to be part of this event. Sylvester Stallone is a global icon and seeing him in London is going to be very much a once in a lifetime opportunity.”

     

    Seen as one of Hollywood’s most iconic stars, Sylvester Stallone will be seen at Christmas 2013 starring in Grudge Match with Robert DeNiro. In March, 2014, Rocky the Musical will open at The Winter Garden on Broadway. The musical is based on the original film written by Sylvester Stallone with music by Stephen Flaherty and lyrics by Lynn Ahrens.

  • Stephen Fry to host BAFTA for the ninth time

    Stephen Fry to host BAFTA for the ninth time

    MUMBAI: Writer, broadcaster and comedian Stephen Fry is returning as the host of BAAFTA, 2014.

     

    “The awful truth is out — in 2014 l’ll be hosting the @BAFTA Film Awards for the 9th year,” Fry tweeted.

     

    The British Academy of Film and Television Arts (BAFTA) will dish out its movie honors on 16 February, 2014 at the Royal Opera House in London’s Covent Garden.
    Last year’s BBC One show enjoyed its highest ratings since 2004. The ceremony will be broadcast exclusively on BBC One in the U.K. and in all major territories around the world.

  • CNN launches new Executive Innovator business segment sponsored by panasonic

    CNN launches new Executive Innovator business segment sponsored by panasonic

    MUMBAI :  CNN International has launched ‘Executive Innovator’, a new on air and online segment which profiles inspiring business leaders who are challenging perceptions, pushing the boundaries and creating fresh ideas. The segment is sponsored by leading electronics manufacturer Panasonic.

    ‘Executive Innovator’ airs fortnightly during ‘World Business Today’, a round-up of the day’s global business news, marketing trends and economic developments. The launch segment featured Lexus International’s President Kiyotaka Ise explaining why his new luxury stores sell everything but cars.

    As well as being seen in millions of home around the globe, ‘Executive Innovator’ will also feature on CNN.com at http://business.blogs.cnn.com.
    Vice President of News Advertising Sales for CNN Asia Pacific, William Hsu, commented: “CNN’s core audience are some of the most influential business decision-makers around, so we are delighted to partner with Panasonic to deliver these genuinely inspiring stories to our viewers around the world.”

    Groupwide Brand Communication Division General Manager for Panasonic, Senju Kobayashi, commented: “We are pleased to present innovative ideas and thoughts from leading business executives through this partnership with CNN. Panasonic provides business solutions across various fields, and we look forward to learning from the stories that these innovators will share in this series.”

    ‘Executive Innovator’ airs every second Monday during ‘World Business Today’ at 1830 IST
    ‘World Business Today’ brings viewers around the world the day’s global business news with a particular focus on international market trends, economic developments, stock market trading, bids and take-overs. It is anchored from the key financial centers of Hong Kong, London and New York

  • Havells eyes 11% growth in FY14

    Havells eyes 11% growth in FY14

    KOLKATA: FMCG and electrical company, Havells India is looking at a growth of 10-11 per cent in the current fiscal 2013-14.

     

    The company is investing a whopping Rs 50 crore for new home appliance facility at Neemrana – Rajasthan, said Havells associate director Y K Gupta in Kolkata on Thursday, on the sidelines of launching a range of products including, new air-fryer.

     

    Tollywood actress Rituparna Sengupta launched a new range of home appliances.

     

    The company said the total debt in the books of London based Havells Sylvania, subsidiary of Havells India, has come down to close to € 80 million and the loan had been rescheduled this year.

     

    “The initial loan was € 220 million when we acquired it in 2007 and that has been reduced to € 80 million now. The repayment will be done through internal accruals of Havells Sylvania and there is no stress in that,” Havells officials said.

     

    The company already has a large scale lighting fixture plant at Neemrana and is now expanding into new products. The plant is expected to be operational from February next year. Home appliances business which stood at Rs 200 crore is projected to jump to Rs 500 crore by 2015, the company said.

     

    The company’s revenue accounted for Rs 7,248 crore while Rs 3,000 crore was the turnover came from overseas during the last fiscal.

     

    “We are happy to launch two of our topline products during the festive period of Durga Puja. Food has always been an integral part of our celebrations and this Puja one can enjoy healthy food with the newly launched airfryer,” ended Gupta.

  • DJ Roane spins his way to DMC World DJ Championships 2013

    DJ Roane spins his way to DMC World DJ Championships 2013

    Resident DJ at Hard Rock Cafe and Shiro, India to represent India at finale in London

     

    The perfect balance of music and cuisine – this is one of the many reasons Shiro and Hard Rock Cafe, India has maintained a special place with customers across India. The two most popular brands of JSM Corporation Ltd’s portfolio have been known to encourage talent in the music industry.

     

    Resident DJ Roane Acey has proved to be quite the superstar! He will represent India at the Disco Mix Club (DMC) World DJ Championships set to be helped in October this year.  Roane was chosen as the winner by an esteemed jury comprising Luke Kenny, DJ A-Myth and Sumit Shenoy at the India Finale held in August.

     

    One of the most popular resident DJs at Hard Rock Cafe and Shiro, India, DJ Roane has numerous loyal fans walk in on ‘Rock Your Fridays’ night at Hard Rock Cafe  for his collection of the choicest rock and an even larger following at Shiro where he knows exactly which songs get the crowds moving. Roane battled it out with 13 top DJs from all across the country to be crowned national winner.

     

    Roane began his career at the age of thirteen in the city of Mumbai, India. In his early days he experimented with hip-hop and R ‘n’B and the turntable style. His contagious energy and refreshing music earned him accolades at each platform he performed – colleges, lounges, clubs, private parties – DJ Roane had a fast growing fan base.

     

    Having a come a very long way since then, he has opened for a number of international acts such as WHY NOT, Daniel Bedingfield, Simon Webbe from the band Blue, Wyclef Jean, Jay Sean, Prime Circle, Saving Abel, a four city tour with DJ Bob Sinclair, two city tour with ‘Yves La Rock’ as the opening DJ for them, Sean Kingston, Kardinal Official, Karl Wolf, Raghav, ‘DJ Judge Jules’ and many others. His involvement with JSM had given him many golden opportunities to spread the joy of his music across the world. Things can only get louder and better. Here’s wishing our DJ all the very best for the World DJ Championships!

  • India requests IOC to retain wrestling in the category of core sports in Olympic Games

    India requests IOC to retain wrestling in the category of core sports in Olympic Games

    NEW DELHI: The Union Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports has requested full membership of the International Olympic Committee (IOC) to take up the matter of wrestling at the 125th session of IOC at Buenos Aires (Argentina) and take a decision to retain Wrestling in the category of core sports in Olympic Games.

    In a letter written to all the IOC members, Sports Secretary P K Deb has said that Wrestling, which combines Freestyle (Men and Women) and Greco-Roman events, goes back to the inaugural modern Olympics held in Athens in 1886 and has been a core sport from the first Olympics onwards. It was a part of the ancient Olympics too. The exclusion of the discipline from the core sports of Olympics is against tradition which is so much a part of Olympics.

    The letter said, in modern times, wrestling has immense popularity and fan following world-wide. Its popularity can be gauged from the fact that 71 countries participated in wrestling events in the London Olympic 2012, to full houses. The letter said the decision of the executive board of IOC not to include Wrestling in the core sports for 2020 Olympics will severely affect the sustenance of the game in future.

    The letter said, India believes that the decision to exclude the sport of wrestling from the 25 core sports needs to be reconsidered particularly in view of the fact that wrestling has got not only universal appeal, but is also very affordable.

    The letter has been written in the context of the decision of the Executive Board (EB) of the International Olympic Committee (IOC) at its meeting held on 12 February 2013 recommending that wrestling governed by the International Federation of Associated Wrestling (FILA), be not included in the list of core sports for the 2020 Olympics. The Executive Board of IOC at its meeting held at St. Petersburg (Russia) on 20 May 2013 recommended that baseball / softball, squash and wrestling be proposed to the 125th session of IOC for possible inclusion as an additional sport in the Olympic Programme for 2020 Olympic Games. The full IOC membership will meet for the 125th session in Buenos Aires, Argentina from 7th to 10th September 2013 and will vote on which of the three sports to add to the programme of the Games for 2020 Olympics in addition to the 25 core sports.