ITV

Tag: Max 2

  • Vaishali Sharma takes charge of Sab, Sony Pal marketing

    Vaishali Sharma takes charge of Sab, Sony Pal marketing

    MUMBAI: Vaishali Sharma, the marketing SVP for the Hindi movies cluster at Sony Pictures Network India (SPNI), is now taking a crack at comedy as she moves to handle marketing for Sab TV and Sony Pal. A source close to the development confirmed the news to Indiantelevision.com

    Sharma will replace Sab TV and Sony Pal SVP and head of marketing Chandramohan Mehra, who quit some weeks ago. Sharma was heading marketing for Sony Max, Max 2, and Wah.

    We tried to reach out to Sharma for but got no response from her at time of filing this story.

    As reported earlier by Indiantelevision.com, Mehra is serving his notice period and is slated to join a company in the financial sector.

    Sharma joined SPNI in 2013. Prior to this, she was working with Times Now as VP – marketing. She has also worked with BBC Global News, The Walt Disney Company, and J. Walter Thompson (JWT).

    Mehra joined Sony in July 2014 and was looking after the development of the brand, show launches, consumer engagement and digital initiatives. He led several activities and brand campaigns, including Digital Divides – SAB Unites and consumer engagement initiatives such as Fun-with-Family.

  • Sony movie cluster biz grew by 30 per cent: Neeraj Vyas

    Sony movie cluster biz grew by 30 per cent: Neeraj Vyas

    MUMBAI: 2016 has been a good and a profitable year for Sony Pictures Network’s movie cluster. In May 2016, Sony expanded its movie cluster with its first free-to-air (FTA) channel Sony Wah.

    With this addition, the channel count in Sony’s Hindi movie bouquet has reached four including Sony Max, Sony Max2 and Sony Max HD.

    During the IPL season, each year Sony Max registered highest ratings in the prime time segment, hence the property is special for the group.

    Speaking to Indiantelevision.com, Sony Max movie channel cluster senior EVP and business head Neeraj Vyas shared, “In every way, we witnessed one of the best years, from the beginning of life post the IPL as IPL is an integral part of Sony as it is essential from a reach perspective. For the first time in many years, right from IPL to the latest week, Max has retained a leadership position — for 26 consecutive weeks, we have been the leaders. Apart from that, Max 2 has held its own and we have grown in the market where we created a beautiful niche for movies of yesteryears.”

    Vyas added, “I think Max has helped a so-called retro genre look cooler, feel cooler and we brought back happy memories to the mind of viewers. Again, Max 2 is something we are very proud of.”

    SPN’s flagship movie channel Sony Max has been the leader since the last 26 consecutive weeks. Sony Max garnered 420 GVM (Avg Weekly GRPs (CS 4+) and 38.9 reach (Avg Weekly Reach% (HSM, 4+) (Viewership Nos. (HSM, U+R / Post IPL till date i.e Wk 48)

    The channel delivered 19 per cent more viewership than the no. 2 HFF Channel i.e Zee Cinema. Max was the only HFF Channel that grew over FY 16 in these last six months. Even GECs witnessed a decreasing trend during this period over last fiscal.

    SPN has a special movie channel which caters to a niche audience. The channel had been the leader for 23 out of 35 weeks in FY 17. It delivers almost five per cent more viewership than the no. 2 HFF channel. It’s Sony Max 2, of course.

    Sony Wah has been the leader since the last 23 consecutive weeks which is two weeks short of Wah’s lifetime weeks. As per BARC’s Week 44 data, WAH was the no. 1 HFF Channel @ U+R beating Pay HFF for the first time. The highest rated title by Wah, ‘Baahubali’ rated 1.8 TVR per cent (@ HSM U+R).

    “We launched Wah towards the end of May. For weeks, we led in the segment (rural). It’s been a fabulous year. We led in all the genres we operated in. More importantly, I think, we have managed to essentially create a set of channels which provide a lot of good content to the viewers, and at the same time able to reach to large critical mass of viewers across the entire HSM platform which I think something advertisers are looking for,” added Vyas.

    “Max HD is a unique channel catering to the classes, and, here again, we have seen consistent growth,” Vyas said.

    Talking about the rural Hindi-speaking market, Vyas explained, “A lot of works needs to be done in this market. Broadcasters should deep dive into it to understand that, because we are not familiar with that market. It’s critical to understand its nuances and the viewership pattern of rural HSM. A lot of leg work needs to be done there. All of this I think will happen in next one year. Rural HSM is a large part of the country, and one can’t map it easily. But, we certainly see a lot of potential. For very long, I think, it’s been an underserved market.”

    The key advertisers for Sony movies have been HUL, P&G, Cadbury’s in FMCG, Mahindra & Mahindra, TVS, MRF in automotive, Vodafone in telecom and Axis Bank and DHFL in the BFSI category.

    Vyas added, “Revenue outlook was great till a few days ago but demonetisation has slowed down the process. But, I think, it’s a temporary setback. But, that apart, we witnessed a phenomenal growth in terms of ad revenue. We have grown by almost 30 per cent over the last year which I think is much better than the industry average.”

  • Sony movie cluster biz grew by 30 per cent: Neeraj Vyas

    Sony movie cluster biz grew by 30 per cent: Neeraj Vyas

    MUMBAI: 2016 has been a good and a profitable year for Sony Pictures Network’s movie cluster. In May 2016, Sony expanded its movie cluster with its first free-to-air (FTA) channel Sony Wah.

    With this addition, the channel count in Sony’s Hindi movie bouquet has reached four including Sony Max, Sony Max2 and Sony Max HD.

    During the IPL season, each year Sony Max registered highest ratings in the prime time segment, hence the property is special for the group.

    Speaking to Indiantelevision.com, Sony Max movie channel cluster senior EVP and business head Neeraj Vyas shared, “In every way, we witnessed one of the best years, from the beginning of life post the IPL as IPL is an integral part of Sony as it is essential from a reach perspective. For the first time in many years, right from IPL to the latest week, Max has retained a leadership position — for 26 consecutive weeks, we have been the leaders. Apart from that, Max 2 has held its own and we have grown in the market where we created a beautiful niche for movies of yesteryears.”

    Vyas added, “I think Max has helped a so-called retro genre look cooler, feel cooler and we brought back happy memories to the mind of viewers. Again, Max 2 is something we are very proud of.”

    SPN’s flagship movie channel Sony Max has been the leader since the last 26 consecutive weeks. Sony Max garnered 420 GVM (Avg Weekly GRPs (CS 4+) and 38.9 reach (Avg Weekly Reach% (HSM, 4+) (Viewership Nos. (HSM, U+R / Post IPL till date i.e Wk 48)

    The channel delivered 19 per cent more viewership than the no. 2 HFF Channel i.e Zee Cinema. Max was the only HFF Channel that grew over FY 16 in these last six months. Even GECs witnessed a decreasing trend during this period over last fiscal.

    SPN has a special movie channel which caters to a niche audience. The channel had been the leader for 23 out of 35 weeks in FY 17. It delivers almost five per cent more viewership than the no. 2 HFF channel. It’s Sony Max 2, of course.

    Sony Wah has been the leader since the last 23 consecutive weeks which is two weeks short of Wah’s lifetime weeks. As per BARC’s Week 44 data, WAH was the no. 1 HFF Channel @ U+R beating Pay HFF for the first time. The highest rated title by Wah, ‘Baahubali’ rated 1.8 TVR per cent (@ HSM U+R).

    “We launched Wah towards the end of May. For weeks, we led in the segment (rural). It’s been a fabulous year. We led in all the genres we operated in. More importantly, I think, we have managed to essentially create a set of channels which provide a lot of good content to the viewers, and at the same time able to reach to large critical mass of viewers across the entire HSM platform which I think something advertisers are looking for,” added Vyas.

    “Max HD is a unique channel catering to the classes, and, here again, we have seen consistent growth,” Vyas said.

    Talking about the rural Hindi-speaking market, Vyas explained, “A lot of works needs to be done in this market. Broadcasters should deep dive into it to understand that, because we are not familiar with that market. It’s critical to understand its nuances and the viewership pattern of rural HSM. A lot of leg work needs to be done there. All of this I think will happen in next one year. Rural HSM is a large part of the country, and one can’t map it easily. But, we certainly see a lot of potential. For very long, I think, it’s been an underserved market.”

    The key advertisers for Sony movies have been HUL, P&G, Cadbury’s in FMCG, Mahindra & Mahindra, TVS, MRF in automotive, Vodafone in telecom and Axis Bank and DHFL in the BFSI category.

    Vyas added, “Revenue outlook was great till a few days ago but demonetisation has slowed down the process. But, I think, it’s a temporary setback. But, that apart, we witnessed a phenomenal growth in terms of ad revenue. We have grown by almost 30 per cent over the last year which I think is much better than the industry average.”

  • MSM rebrands as Sony Pictures Networks; trains eyes on GECs, sports & digital

    MSM rebrands as Sony Pictures Networks; trains eyes on GECs, sports & digital

    MUMBAI: Multi Screen Media (MSM), which was earlier known as Sony Entertainment Television (SET) India, has now rebranded itself as Sony Pictures Networks (SPN) India as the company marks its 20th year of operations in the country.

     

    The rebranding, which also signifies a complete alignment with its parent company Sony Pictures Entertainment, comes as a shot of adrenaline as the company has now trained its eyes on three key levers namely general entertainment, sports and digital.

     

    “With a comprehensive bouquet of varied channels and aggressive growth plans, including new genres and expansion of our distribution footprint, we are equipping ourselves to serve our viewers in urban areas, in rural areas and across global geographies. Overall, our focus will remain on becoming the first choice in television & digital entertainment,” said Sony Pictures Networks India CEO NP Singh.

     

    The rebranding was announced earlier but as the company was awaiting due approvals, the network continued to operate as MSM. From today (14 December, 2015), the network will use its new identity.

     

    “After 20 years of successfully experimenting with many firsts including redefining how cinema and cricket are viewed on Indian television, Multi Screen Media has renamed itself as Sony Pictures Networks India. The new name reflects an integrated brand alignment as it allows us to leverage the strength of the Sony parentage. Naturally, we are guided by a new wave of optimism as we set forth on a journey of exploring new vistas of entertainment,” added Singh.

     

    Singh went on to say that the company will adopt a six-fold path to serve the multitude of viewers with more channels, more genres, more content, more movies, more digital and more television.

     

    “This is our six-fold path to serve the multitude of viewers whose hopes and expectations, we are aiming, to exceed. Our focus will remain on becoming the first choice in television and digital entertainment in the country,” he said.

     

    It may be recalled that earlier this year, the company also clinched a joint venture deal with sportscaster ESPN, under which Sony Kix will be rebranded as Sony ESPN. The two companies will also jointly launch other new channels as well as a co-branded localised multi-sport website and app in the coming months.

     

    Today, SPN’s bouquet includes a range of channels like Sony Entertainment Television (SET), Max, Max 2, Sab, Pix, AXN, Aath, Mix, Six and Kix as well as the digital entertainment channel Liv.

     

    “We are priming ourselves to become the first choice of entertainment in the country. So, there is a new surge wave of optimism that is guiding us. We’re now poised to leverage our experiential credibility to do more for our audiences,” Singh says.

  • Multi Screen Media rebrands as Sony Pictures Networks

    Multi Screen Media rebrands as Sony Pictures Networks

    MUMBAI: Multi Screen Media, which was earlier known as Sony Entertainment Television (SET) India, has rebranded as Sony Pictures Networks (SPN) in India as the company marks its 20th year in the country. SPN will be a division of Sony Pictures Entertainment.

     

    It was back in December 2007 that SET India was renamed as Multi Screen Media (MSM). The then CEO of the company Kunal Dasgupta had said that the new name was reflective of the company’s evolution from a pure television broadcaster to a multimedia one. And that was exactly what the company did. Today, SPN’s bouquet of channels includes a range of channels like Sony Entertainment Television (SET), Max, Max 2, Sab, Pix, AXN, Aath, Mix, Six and Kix as well as the digital entertainment channel Liv.

     

    PlNow, as Sony completes its two decade run in the country, Sony Pictures Television (SPT) president of worldwide networks Andy Kaplan said of the re-branding, “Our channels in India represent an important part of Sony Pictures Television’s global portfolio and we are proud to be part of the fabric of the diverse Indian culture. As we celebrate bringing the best entertainment to viewers in India for 20 years, it’s only fitting that these networks be branded as part of our Sony family. Like the Sony brand, which stands for innovation, creativity and delight, SPN brings the same qualities to our viewers.”

     

    SPN CEO NP Singh added,  “As MSM, we’ve served television audiences worldwide for the last 20 years, during which time we pioneered new formats, new shows and actually set the trends for television entertainment. We changed the dynamics of how cricket and cinema were viewed on Indian television and contoured a variety of genres in TV entertainment. So while Kaun Banega Crorepati and Dus Ka Dum created new waves in television gaming, and Boogie Woogie and Indian Idol brought the commoner’s talent on the telly, we were also the first ones to embrace the cultural fabric of India by providing Sab – an out-and-out family humour channel.”

  • MAX 2 hops on to Tata Sky DTH platform

    MAX 2 hops on to Tata Sky DTH platform

    MUMBAI: Multi Screen Media’s second Hindi movie channel – MAX 2 has hopped on to the Tata Sky DTH platform.

     

    The channel has been made available for Tata Sky subscribers from 1 February, 2015 on channel number 324.

     

    Besides Tata Sky, MAX 2 is available on other DTH platforms namely Videocon d2h, Airtel, Dish TV and Reliance Digital TV. The channel is also available on leading cable operators like DEN, Siti Cable, Hathway and InCable.

     

    MAX and MAX2 senior EVP and business head Neeraj Vyas said, “We are pleased to announce the availability of MAX 2 on India’s leading DTH platform – Tata Sky, which widens the channel’s reach. We have received numerous requests from Tata Sky viewers for showcasing MAX 2 and are convinced that our association will help us reach out to a larger audience. We are sure the subscribers will love the channel and will enjoy savouring the timeless films of Indian cinema.”

     

    MAX 2 is the second Hindi movie channel from the stable of Multi Screen Media (MSM) and was launched in 2014.

  • Fall in love 1000 times over with DDLJ on Max2

    Fall in love 1000 times over with DDLJ on Max2

     MUMBAI:  Max 2, India’s iconic Hindi movie channel brings back Indian cinema’s most iconic love story ‘Dilwale Dulhaniya Le Jayenge’ on Friday, 12th December at 8pm with a simulcast on Max. The blockbuster hit of the 90’s is synonymous to channel’s positioning of ‘Kuch filmon ka jaadu kabhi kam nahin hota’. Whilst taking its viewers on a nostalgic trip it also is giving the viewers a chance to relive the moments of the movie by initiating a contest where lucky winners can stand to win memorabilia signed by the stars of the film.

    The trans-continental romance which helped popularize locales like Switzerland was declared an all-time blockbuster and remains the longest-running film in the history of Indian cinema, completing 1000 weeks at the Maratha Mandir theatre in Mumbai. Produced by Yash Chopra and written and directed by his son Aditya, the film stars Shahrukh Khan and Kajol in lead roles.

    Commenting on the movie Max & Max 2 Sr. EVP & business head Neeraj Vyas says, “It is a timeless classic which has charmed Indian audiences through the decades and is the reason why it is longest-running film in the history of Indian cinema. We would like to bring this magic alive for our viewers and what better way to do this than have a simulcast of this iconic film on both our channels.”

    Participate in the 1000 weeks celebrations by tuning-in to ‘Dilwale Dulhaniya Le Jayenge’ on 12 December, Friday at 8pm on Max 2 and Max.

     

  • Max 2 celebrates evergreen Indian cinema

    Max 2 celebrates evergreen Indian cinema

    MUMBAI: Bringing alive the magic of great Indian cinema, MAX 2 is all set to get evergreen films to its viewers that are fresh and enjoyable to watch. With a differentiated brand positioning of ‘Jab dekho tab naya’, it will showcase iconic films that have an eternal appeal.

     

    With a rich selection of plots, dialogues, characters and music, the channel will handpick films for its viewers that will never cease to delight.  Moreover, MAX 2 seeks to establish an emotional connect with viewers through an appreciation and understanding of great Indian cinema.

     

    The objective of the channel is to not only cater to the needs of millions of Indian audiences who appreciate rich Indian cinema but also to inspire newer audiences to recognise and admire what went into creating such magnificent cinema.

     

    On the programming front, a fresh spin has been given to the movie wrap around programming called ‘Take 2’. Detailed research has been put into gathering authentic and never heard before movie trivia to make it relevant and appealing across generations.

     

    This short format programming will also draw a parallel between these iconic films and current consumer trends to make it appealing to the younger movie audience. ‘Sitaare’, another short format interstitial will be presented as mini biography. Featuring superstars of Indian cinema, these interstitial will take the viewers through an unseen, unknown and magical journey of their life. These will be presented in motion comic’s style making it contemporary, unique, visually appealing and relatable to the current generation of movie lovers.

     

    Sony Max EVP and business head Neeraj Vyas believes that no matter what day and age, great stories, legends and music has eternal appeal. “MAX 2 has been conceptualised as a contemporary place for great Indian cinema. It attempts to give that due pedestal to great Indian cinema.”

  • Max to telecast film dedicated to R D Burman on his 75th birth anniversary

    Max to telecast film dedicated to R D Burman on his 75th birth anniversary

    NEW DELHI: The genius maestro and singer Rahul Dev Burman aka Pancham Da, son of the veteran maestro Sachin Dev Burman, is being remembered by most radio and television channels this week to mark his 75th birth anniversary.

     

    While Big FM has already announced a concert, ‘Yaadon mein Pancham’ and is devoting some time to his films, other channels have planned similar programmes.

     

    One of the most creative music directors of Bollywood, ‘Pancham Da’ is being featured on special programmes on Sony Max on 27 June at 9.00 pm, Sony Mix on 28 June at 9.00 pm and Max 2 on 29 June at 7.00 pm.

     

    The programme ‘Pancham – Mujhey Chaltey Jaana Hai’ attempts to bring out hitherto never seen before nuggets.

     

    R D Burman, probably the only composer who could play all the musical instruments available during that time; brought with him the colour of modern sound unlocking a path to new and original sounds which created history in Bollywood, despite the fact that his father Sachin Dev was steeped in folk music. 

     

    The film will feature celebrities from the Bollywood industry who were an intrinsic part and had the opportunity to be up close and personal with the enigmatic Pancham Da. Stalwarts sharing the intricacies of what went into making a genius called RD Burman and will feature in the film are Gulzar, Javed Akhtar, Pyarelal, Asha Bhosle, Shantanu Moitra, Vishal Bharadwaj, Vidhu Vinod Chopra, Randhir Kapoor, Rishi Kapoor, Shammi Kapoor and Manna Dey. 

     

    The film will give viewers an insight into Pancham Da’s inner being through an incisive look into his genius artistry.

     

    “R.D Burman was a legend who still rules the hearts of millions all across the globe. It is our honour to salute a man of such stature by showcasing his classic work and his journey to become an idol through the distinctive film ‘Puncham – Mujhey Chaltey Jaana Hai. I am certain that the visuals and anecdotes of the mega star will inspire audiences of all age groups,” said Sony Max senior EVP and business head Neeraj Vyas.

     

    Rahul Dev Burman (27 June 1939 – 4 January 1994) composed musical scores for 331 films between the 1960s and the 1990s. The best songs of Kishore Kumar and Asha Bhosle, were composed by Pancham Da.

     

    Perhaps Pancham Da is the only music director whose songs and music inspired the making two Hindi feature films, both following in quick succession. 

     

    While Dil Vil Pyar Vyar directed by actor-filmmaker Anant Mahadevan came in 2002, Jhankaar Beats directed by Sujoy Ghosh came a year later. Both films are about aspiring musicians who owe their inspiration to Pancham Da and even gain fame singing his songs.  

  • Indian regional cinema finds home in Max 2

    Indian regional cinema finds home in Max 2

    MUMBAI: It was in April that indiantelevision.com broke the news of Multi Screen Media (MSM) planning to launch a second movie genre channel, christened Max 2. The channel which is already on air currently runs movies from the MSM library. But plans are much bigger.

     

    The tagline for the newly launched channel is ‘Jab Dekho Tab Naya’. “The channel currently airs movies which our viewers have grown up watching. From the older movies to the most recent ones. But this is not all,” informs MSM India CEO NP Singh.

     

    Max 2 will be a clear differentiator from its competition. Says Singh, “The objective of the movie channel is to get good cinema made in India to our viewers.”

     

    He elaborates, “While a lot of the movie genre channels air Hindi dubbed Telugu action movies, other regional language movies like, Marathi, Gujarati among others, do not reach mainstream media. And they are beautiful movies. Our aim is to bring those to Max 2.”

     

    The network is surely going an extra mile to differentiate its new movie channel from the rest.