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  • BECIL to audit Mumbai’s Home Systems, Star directed not to disconnect signals: TDSAT

    BECIL to audit Mumbai’s Home Systems, Star directed not to disconnect signals: TDSAT

    NEW DELHI: The Broadcasting Engineering Consultants (India) Ltd (BECIL) has been directed to examine the headend of Mumbai’s Home Systems Pvt Ltd following a petition filed by it against Star India.

     

    Telecom Disputes Settlement and Arbitration Tribunal (TDSAT) chairman Aftab Alam and members Kuldip Singh and B B Srivastava said BECIL will find out whether the Conditional Access System (CAS) and the Subscribers Management System (SMS) at the petitioner’s headend are properly integrated on the date of the audit.

     

    It would also examine, on the basis of the historical data available in the system, whether the systems were properly integrated during the period April 2014 to November 2014, when the commercial audit was made by Star.

     

    It will be open to the Star to submit to BECIL the report of its audit and the data collected from the Home System in course of the audit. Home Systems will bear the cost of the audit.

     

    It is expected that the BECIL will submit its report to the Tribunal within four weeks and so the case has been listed for 6 November.

     

    The petition had been filed by Home Systems against a disconnection notice issued by Star India based on non-payment of dues. The dues are under two heads – one relates to the licence fee and the other relates to the demand made by Star on the basis of a commercial audit of the petitioner’s headend. The licence fee dues as shown in the notice amount to Rs 56 lakh.

     

    After the notice Home Systems paid a sum of Rs 27,37,690 and according to it, the licence fee dues upto 31 August amounts to Rs 26,74,536, apart from the fee for September. 

     

    According to Star, in course of audit it was found that at the petitioner’s headend the CAS and the SMS were not properly integrated and hence, the data generated by SNS was incorrect. Home Systems disputed this.

  • Indian thriller web-series collects Rs 9 lakh via crowd-funding

    Indian thriller web-series collects Rs 9 lakh via crowd-funding

    NEW DELHI: Indian crowd-funding thriller web series Hankaar, has successfully received Rs 9 lakh, which is more than a lakh of its initial target, with the help of 157 backers.

     

    Hankaar had set a target of Rs 8 lakh in 50 days. The series is slated for release in January next year.

     

    Set in Mumbai in the backdrop of drugs, real-estate dirty deals and prostitution, Hankaar is ‘realistic fiction’ content in the thriller and drama genre. It explores the stories of five ordinary people who go through extraordinary life changing experiences. 

     

    The cast includes Sanjay Bhatia, Rajesh Balwani, Ankur Vikal, Ram Menon, Sharda Nand Singh, Priyadarshi P and Yogini Chowk.

     

    The makers say they chose the Internet and not TV channels as these do not look beyond saas-bahu sagas. The content and theme of the series is realistic but not accepted as content to be viewed on mainstream television.

     

    Hankaar went live on Wishberry.in a month ago and surpassed their funding goal with the help of 157 backers who will now be named as co-producers and will also have the chance to give their inputs in the making of the series.

     

    Hankaar director and producer Ravi Iyer said, “We are overwhelmed by the support we got and hope to entertain the audience. We plan to make not one but three seasons of Hankaar.”

     

    With the average Indian spending more than eight hours on the internet and the majority of TV content being aimed at women over 35 years, Iyer felt the time was right to launch the first ever tech thriller web series.

     

    Writer Yogi Chopra said, “As producers we realise that Indian television is not ready for this kind of content. But we are keen to create not just one, but at least three seasons of this series. It is certain that the audience for this type of content is there, but because it is deemed non-commercial, it is difficult to find required funding.”

  • China’s maiden ‘Big Brother’ shot on Endemol Shine India’s sets

    China’s maiden ‘Big Brother’ shot on Endemol Shine India’s sets

    MUMBAI: The Indo-China memorandum of understanding (MoU), which was signed between the two countries while Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited China earlier this year probably showed its first practical prominence as Endemol Shine shot China’s maiden Big Brother season in India.

     

    Big Brother’s Indian adaptation – Bigg Boss is shot in Lonavala, which is in the outskirts of Mumbai. The sets in Lonavala are erected at a factory leased by Endemol. However, the set, which was used to shoot for the first ever Chinese edition was that of the Kannada version of Big Boss. It was on these sets, which were rebuilt to suit the international version where Chinese contestants dramatically fought to win the first ever title.

     

    Endemol Shine India, which has a rich experience of producing eight seasons of Bigg Boss so far with the ninth season set to launch in October, facilitated the Chinese branch of the production house with a 400 member crew. There were 40 representatives from China and together they executed the first edition of Big Brother China, which will be telecast by online platform Youku Tudou.

     

    This is the first time in the show’s global history that it will beam on a digital platform. China’s Youku Tudou platform garners traction of 580 million unique visitors every month and was the ideal choice to showcase the show in order to get maximum eyeballs.

     

    According to sources close to the development, the planning was going on for a very long time and the two counterparts held rounds of talks before the final execution. The decision to shoot in India under the guidance of experienced people who have been associated with various editions of Bigg Boss was primarily to use the infrastructure and expertise, which will eventually result in huge cost savings.

     

    The Chinese team brought in their creative directors, story editors, and remote camera operators, whereas the rest was executed by the Indian crew. The huge lingual differences within the team comprising members from the two respective countries were erased by translators. “Most of the communication were happening in English,” a source present on the sets of Big Brother China in India informs Indiantelevision.com.

     

    According to a senior official in the production fraternity, the two most populous country of the world shaking hands to execute an entertainment project is massive boost for the media and entertainment industry. “I hope this is just the beginning and we have many more such collaborations going forward. Such associations are rejuvenating and certainly a matter of pride for the industry,” the official said on condition of anonymity.

     

    In India, Bigg Boss 9 is set to unveil soon on Colors and the show with Salman Khan as the host is eagerly awaited. “It was not the Bigg Boss India sets, which were used for the Chinese edition shoot. The India set is exclusively used only for India edition,” said a source close to the development.

     

    Endemol Shine China managing director William Tan, Youku Tudou senior director Amy Shundong Xu, Rebecca De Young, who was once a producer of Big Brother UK and Endemol India CEO Deepak Dhar were amongst those spotted around the sets. Big Brother China shoot got over on 18 September, 2015 and the Chinese team will be flying back immediately.

  • Razorfish India names Dinesh Swamy as senior creative director

    Razorfish India names Dinesh Swamy as senior creative director

    MUMBAI: Razorfish India has appointed Dinesh Swamy as senior creative director, based out of Mumbai.

     

    Speaking on the appointment, Razorfish CEO Charulata Ravi Kumar said, “With his credentials already preceding him, what struck me most about Dinesh was his childlike curiosity and energy that evidently add interesting dimensions to his creative ideas. His passion for photography and dancing tell me that he sees beyond the obvious and uses the insight for a story worth swinging to.”

     

    Razorfish India COO Gaurav Pathak added, “Dinesh is not only an excellent creative talent but also brings with him the strategic bent of mind that makes his work stand out with an innovative relevance that aligns perfectly with our philosophy at Razorfish.”

     

    Swamy said, “Razorfish has always inspired me and been on my list; it’s a great opportunity to breathe pure Digital. Razorfish has the passion to blend idea and technology to create innovative solutions. I want to take it ahead and showcase great case studies along with the team and be part of taking it to its next level of creative excellence that transforms business.”

     

    Swamy’s portfolio spans strategic innovations and integrated solutions across CRM, Social Media and Online Integrated campaigns for multiple clients. He has previously worked with companies like Flip Media Corp, Tribal DDB India and Digital Law & Kenneth. Most recently he was with BBDO Proximity as digital creative leader.

  • AccorHotels & Adlabs to open integrated hotel & resort on 16 September

    AccorHotels & Adlabs to open integrated hotel & resort on 16 September

    MUMBAI: AccorHotels is all set to open an integrated hotel and resort property – Novotel Imagica Khopoli on 16 September. Located in the Sahyadri Hills near theme parks of Adlabs Imagica and Aquamagica in Maharashtra, the hotel, which is accessible via the Mumbai – Pune Expressway, is owned by the Adlabs Group and managed by AccorHotels. 

     

    In its opening phase, the hotel features 116 rooms, which overlook the park, pool as well as the Sahyadri Hills. The hotel plans to add another 171 rooms and suites later this year, which will also comprise rooms for specially-abled patrons. By the first quarter of 2016, the hotel plans to have an inventory of 287 rooms. Additionally, there are 20 interconnected rooms on each floor catering to larger family groups.

     

    Novotel Imagica Khopoli also features a large meeting space with a pillar-less ballroom that can accommodate approximately 460 guests. The hotel is also home to a bar and four restaurants, which offer a selection of cuisines.  

     

    AccorHotels India senior vice president – operations Jean-Michel Cassé said, “The opening of Novotel Imagica Khopoli strengthens our position in the Indian market in line with the brand’s growth strategy. The launch follows the growing trend of integrated hotels with theme parks, along with the brand’s assurance and service standards.”

     

    Adlabs Imagica’s Pooja Shetty Deora added, “We are delighted to be associated with the Novotel brand in India, and are confident that the first theme park property under AccorHotels will prove to be the preferred choice for families and holiday makers. Guests can re-live their childhood memories and treat their children to numerous marquee characters around the hotel.”

     

    To celebrate its opening, the hotel is offering one Superior room night stay with breakfast for two and theme park entry to Adlabs Imagica and Aquamagica park at Rs 10,500 on weekdays and Rs 13,300 on weekends.

  • Cartoon Network & Pogo target 1 million kids via school contact program

    Cartoon Network & Pogo target 1 million kids via school contact program

    MUMBAI: Turner India is set to launch its annual Cartoon Network and Pogo School Contact Programs (SCPs) across the country. With innovative and engaging themes, both SCPs will not only entertain students with games, trivia and prizes but also impart valuable lessons.

     

    Cartoon Network and Pogo SCPs, which kick-started on 3 August, 2015, will run till mid-September targeting over one million students (between standards 1 to 8) in approximately 1000 schools. Combined, the SCPs will be conducted across 12 cities including Mumbai, Delhi, Bangalore, Chennai, Pune, Lucknow, Kolkata, Ludhiana, Hyderabad, Kanpur, Ahmedabad and Amritsar.

     

    The Cartoon Network SCP called ‘Adventure Camp’ is themed around the channel’s latest international series Adventure Time with lead characters Finn and Jake. The SCP aims to bring adventure and an outdoorsy spirit of camping into schools through physical activities, mental games, sports, team building exercises and other activities.

     

    On the other hand, Pogo, through its ‘Bheem ka Fitness Formula’ SCP, is on a nationwide spree to make children fit and healthy like their superhero Chhota Bheem. Along with other popular Pogo characters like Mighty Raju, Tom and Jerry and Bean, kids will learn about the importance of physical and mental exercises during their daily lives and how this will help them stay sharp and fit.

     

    Children in other parts of the country, can also be a part of all the action. On Cartoon Network, they can win exclusiveAdventure Time merchandise by participating in the Adventure Camp contest from Monday-Friday at 4 pm. Pogo is giving out tips to be healthy and fit like Bheem. All kids have to do is tune-in to the new episodes of Chhota Bheem every Sunday at 9:30 am. 

  • Razorfish names Bharatesh Salian as Mumbai & Bangalore head

    Razorfish names Bharatesh Salian as Mumbai & Bangalore head

    MUMBAI: Razorfish vice president Bharatesh Salian has been given the additional responsibility to oversee the agency’s Mumbai and Bangalore operations.

     

    The move comes in the wake of Razorfish India senior vice president Manoj Mansukhani’s recent resignation. Salian will take over from Mansukhani with immediate effect.

     

    Razorfish India CEO Charulata Ravi Kumar said, “It has been less than two months since Bharatesh joined Razorfish. However, his exemplary experience, meticulous planning and fine leadership abilities makes him the perfect candidate for taking over our Mumbai and Bangalore branches. I believe he will excel at the new role, which he in spirit was already performing since day one.” 

     

    “I am excited about this new role and leading the Mumbai and Bangalore offices. It is truly motivating to be given such immense responsibility and I am confident that I will be able to deliver Razorfish’s ambitious plans for India,” Salian added.

     

    Prior to joining Razorfish, Salian was with VivaConnect as chief strategy officer.

     

  • MIB appoints Mukesh Sharma as director general of Films Division, Mumbai

    MIB appoints Mukesh Sharma as director general of Films Division, Mumbai

    MUMBAI: The Information and Broadcasting (I&B) Ministry has appointed Mukesh Sharma as director general of Films Division, Mumbai. This is in addition to his regular responsibilities as Doordarshan additional director general (WZ & CRD).

     

    Sharma’s career took flight from the Children‘s Film Society in 1980 under the chairmanship of stalwarts like Dr. V Shantaram, ShabanaAzmi, Jaya Bachchan and AmolPalekar, who shaped his thinking and work ethic. He produced over 50 films during his tenure with CFSI. He also directed the film AnokhaAspatal, which won a special mention at the National Awards in 1990 from the President of the Republic of India, during the sixth International Children’s Film Festival.

     

    The nation’s first Indo-Mauratius co-production venture was initiated by Sharma and this film on Operation Pink Pigeon –  Ankur Maina Kabutar won him the National Award in the best Children’s Film category in1990, from P. Venkataraman, the then President of India.

     

    Sharma is also responsible for organizing various children‘s film festivals in India and abroad and was actively associated with the marketing of these children‘s films.

     

    Under his leadership, in 2001 Doordarshan Mumbai Kendra received the Best Doordarshan Kendra (T.V. Station) Award, which was presented to him by the former vice president of India Krishna Kant and DD Sahyadri became a household name in every nook and corner of Maharashtra.

     

    Sharma has contributed 35 years of his experience in working as a public service broadcaster and still feels the thirst to produce rich content informing, educating, connecting and entertaining the vast sections of population, especially those living in remote corners of towns and villages as he feels that it is the right of every citizen of India.

  • ‘Chef’ to premiere on Romedy Now

    ‘Chef’ to premiere on Romedy Now

    MUMBAI: One of the popular films of 2014, the multi-starrer feel-good comedy-drama Chef, will premiere on Romedy Now on 26 July.

     

    To involve and engage English movie loving audiences to the fullest, Romedy Now is organizing a multi-city contest, Romedy Trail, across Mumbai, Delhi and Bangalore, where teams consisting of three members each will set off for the most famous and iconic restaurants in their respective cities. 

     

    Participants can choose their own route for the trail. The winners stand a chance to win exciting prizes including an iPad. The Romedy Trail conversation can be followed on Twitter @Romedynow on 18 July.

     

    The channel will also be hosting Chef-viewing parties at the contest-hosting restaurants across the three metros where viewers can enjoy a special meal inspired from the movie while watching the film.

     

    Romedy Now also hosted a contest on Chef’s Week, where participants had to replace movie names with gourmet food (for e.g. Sarah Marshmallow). Three winners across Mumbai, Delhi and Bangalore won a meal for two at a 5-star restaurant.

     

    Times Network English Entertainment Cluster VP marketing Anup Vishwanathan said, “For Chef, which is a great family-fun film set around the love for food, we have created a very special Romedy Trail contest that takes Chef and Romedy Now’s awareness into iconic food hotspots in three cities. Romedy Now is promoting the premiere across multiple platforms to ensure greater amplification.”

     

    Romedy Now has also partnered with The Lalit Food truck in Delhi & Bangalore, Eggjactly in Gurgaon & Cafe Coffee Day outlets across Mumbai, Delhi and Bangalore for ‘Chef inspired meals’.

  • Home cooked food at click of a button…

    Home cooked food at click of a button…

    MUMBAI: Food is emerging as one of the most interesting territory in the online business world (e-commerce). If international brands like Dominos, McDonald’s and Pizza Hut amongst others had expectations of running a monopoly when it came to home delivery or accepting orders online, they must rethink and re-strategize. One who stays out of home misses home cooked food, or food cooked by home chef and it is this consumer behaviour which has laid the foundation stone for the startup Cyberchef.

     

    Just after completing her Masters in Marketing and Strategy from Warwick Business School Neha Puri (CEO and founder) teamed up with her brother Anuj Puri to start Cyberchef.

     

    The concept of Cyberchef is different than the local tiffin service providers as it delivers food, selected online by customers and then prepared by home chefs at their residency, which then is handpicked by the venture and delivered at the customers’ doorstep. Based on the demand placed by customers, orders are given to these home chefs, who then have adequate time to prepare the meal.

     

    The venture started its operation in Gurgaon and has so far roped in 55 home chefs who prepare different cuisines on a daily basis. Launched a month back, the startup delivers more than 450 orders per week in Delhi-NCR.  

     

    Speaking to Indiantelevision.com Neha Puri says, “We have a number of repeat customers which proves that they are satisfied with our service and that’s a huge encouragement for us.”

     

    In terms of marketing strategy, flyers and road shows are the areas where the venture aspires to explore. Cyberchef has already organised number of road shows in NCR to generate awareness. Apart from that it has associated with many grocery joints to explore joint marketing opportunities.

     

    Hygiene and quality of food are the major criterion for a chef to be a part of Cyberchef. “We are very particular about hygiene factor, so before roping in any chef we visit their house and inspect the cooking arena. Also we do surprise visits and chefs are aware of that so they always keep it clean and tidy. Chefs don’t need to have any professional training or certificates. What they need is just the culinary art needs to be accepted by customers,” asserts Puri.

     

    The venture follows a 60-40 revenue model where 60 per cent goes to the chefs and 40 per cent comes to the organisation. For now sales is the only source of revenue for Cyberchef. “With the help of our marketing we want to enhance our sales, also rope in corporate contracts where we will be serving orders to mass. We have already started party orders where we take bulk orders for party.”

     

    The venture has expansion in its pipeline and Mumbai and Pune are the locations they are targeting. “We already have 20 chefs registered with us in Mumbai and we are getting more entries, Mumbai is next and then we will go to Pune once the monsoon settles. Post that we are looking towards Bengaluru. We sense good opportunities in all these places. In the next two years, I want Cyberchef to be a leader in the food space and have presence in over six cities,” Puri concludes.