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Tag: National Geographic

  • R. Madhavan joins National Geographic’s quest to unravel whether some of India’s greatest Icons are ‘Born or Made’

    R. Madhavan joins National Geographic’s quest to unravel whether some of India’s greatest Icons are ‘Born or Made’

    MUMBAI: National Geographic announced today, the final list of India’s biggest personalities that it will feature in its upcoming series, ‘Mega Icons’. The brand had announced earlier in July, that cricketer Virat Kohli and politician & actor Kamal Haasan would be two personalities it will showcase in this new series, which has a unique format. The complete set of Icons that has been released now, brings together some of the most inspiring personalities, selected carefully from varied walks of life. This includes former president of India – APJ Abdul Kalam, spiritual leader & Nobel laureate Dalai Lama, and social activist & India’s first women IPS officer Kiran Bedi. Additionally, the brand has roped in R. Madhavan, who will be the host of the series.

    Premiering in September with Virat Kohli’s life story, each episode of the 5-part series will dig deep into the lives of these five Icons. In the series, National Geographic and R. Madhavan, with the help of acclaimed scientists and expert psychoanalysts, will scratch beneath the surface to magnify milestone instances in the Icons’ lives. This new format to look into the lives of Icons who inspire millions, will be used to question whether these personalities were born to be different, or were moulded into greatness by their life experiences. 

    Commenting on the series, R. Madhavan said, “We enjoy watching each ball rushing towards the fence from Virat’s bat. And the excellence that Kamal Hassan brings to the silver screen. But sometimes, we all sit back and wonder -what really has made these Icons what they are today? Were these personalities just born to be great, and their success defined from day one? Or did their journey through life, their experiences and hard work, really shape them into the giants we revere. I am excited to join National Geographic to decode this mystery, and bring to viewers a completely new and incredible perspective of what really goes into making an Icon.”

    Commenting on the show, Shruti Takulia, Head – Productions, National Geographic & FOX Networks Group India said, “National Geographic has always been driven by the power of exploration and curiosity to unravel the mysteries of our world. With Mega Icons, we aim to dive deep into the lives of India’s most exalted men and women to find the answer to an elusive question – are geniuses born or made? To start this conversation, we are glad to bring R. Madhavan on board as the host for the series. Having appeared in films from seven different languages, donned multiple hats of actor, writer, producer and television host, Madhavan has a national appeal and an astute and curious mind. We are certain that he, along with the scientists and experts featured in our series, will be able to feed the curiosity of our viewers, who are always on a look out for unique ways to comprehend the power of science and exploration.

  • National Geographic’s new show to tell success stories of India’s icons

    National Geographic’s new show to tell success stories of India’s icons

    MUMBAI: National Geographic will be coming up with a unique show called Mega Icons which will see the success stories of inspiring personalities of India from different platforms. To start off the show, Virat Kohli and Kamal Hasaan have been selected from two of the biggest obsessions of the country  – cricket and movies. 

    The series will be premiered this September. Each episode of this new series would be a journey into the life of an iconic personality, with help of not only intimate interviews of the icons and their families but also through scientific research and analysis by experts.

    National Geographic and Fox Networks Group head productions Shruti Takulia said, “For Mega Icons, I could talk about the cinematic brilliance of the dramatic recreations we have shot. Or the intimate stories that come out through the interviews with India’s biggest icons and their closest ones. However, what is really important about the show, is the unique lens we have used to analyse the lives of these icons using science to decipher if such inspirational personalities are born or made great.”

    “This unique format is what we believe will appeal to the National Geographic’s loyal viewer. A discerning viewer, who is fueled by curiosity, and wants to deepen his understanding about the science and reason behind everything,” she added.

    The upcoming series is all about brand’s latest endeavour to marry exclusive access with spectacular storytelling. Mega Icons will showcase the milestone events and incidents in the life of these people. Events and incidents which might have had an incredible impact to set their lives onto a path of greatness. These incidents will be brought to life through powerful storytelling using cinematic recreations, along with intimate interviews with the icons and the ones closest to them.

    The unique format would be hosted by an acclaimed personality who along with the panel of experts will scratch beneath the surface to magnify the unseen in an icon’s life in a never-seen-before format. The brand will announce the second set of Icons along with the show host and panel of experts later this month.

  • Comcast deal riskier than Disney, says Fox

    Comcast deal riskier than Disney, says Fox

    MUMBAI: Everyone is keeping an eye out to know when Fox will pick a partner in the tug of war between Disney and Comcast.

    Now, the American multinational mass-media corporation, 21st Century Fox is telling its shareholders that the deal with Comcast carries higher risk than the deal with Walt Disney. Fox said that risk of the deal being delayed or denied lies due to antitrust regulators. 

    In a SEC filing, Fox outlined eight concerns about the potential Comcast deal. The filing read: “While a potential Disney transaction was likely to receive required regulatory approvals and ultimately be consummated, a strategic transaction with Comcast “a strategic transaction with Comcast would be subject to a greater degree of regulatory uncertainty, including the possibility of an outright prohibition and a higher risk of divestitures and delay to closing, as compared to a strategic transaction with Disney.”

    The board for Rupert Murdoch led company, had stated that a strategic transaction with Comcast continued to carry higher regulatory risk leading to the possibility of significant delay in the receipt of merger consideration as well as the risk of an inability to consummate the transactions.

    Fox has been consistently trying to avoid selling its business to Comcast as Fox officials are of the opinion that a merger with the largest US cable company, Comcast, may not be approved by the federal government.

    According to the  SEC filing, Disney’s bid would have a smoother route to closing as the entertainment company has a mix of businesses.

    Disney’s deal with Fox will include the 20th Century Fox film and TV studios, along with the FX cable channels, Fox’s stakes in Hulu, Sky, National Geographic Partners and more. 

    Fox plans to spin off all its news assets into “News Fox” which will include all Fox broadcasting network and stations, Fox News Channel, Fox Business Networks and others. 

    The good news for Disney comes after the Fox board agreed to Disney’s higher offer of $71.3 billion last week. This was after Comcast made an all cash bid of $65 billion for Fox’s assets. 

    Comcast first approached 21st Century Fox about buying the network’s properties in November 2017, which was just a month before Fox had already struck its first deal with Disney. 

    Also Read:

    What next with Fox-Disney-Comcast ?

    Hulu signs deal for Viacom series

    Endemol Shine hires banks for a possible sale 

    Lachlan Murdoch to lead New Fox after Disney sale, James is out

  • National Geographic and the ministry of environment, forest and climate control join hands in the fight against single-use plastic

    National Geographic and the ministry of environment, forest and climate control join hands in the fight against single-use plastic

    MUMBAI: National Geographic and the Ministry of Environment, Forest & Climate Control have joined forces to support each other’s initiatives aimed at addressing the perils of single-use plastic. National Geographic has partnered with the Ministry for its campaign around the World Environment Day Programme, while the Ministry is supporting National Geographic’s ‘Planet or Plastic’ initiative.

    Worldwide, a trillion single-use plastic bags are used each year. Globally, we are consuming a million plastic bottles every minute! The main challenge in all of this consumption is the fact that unfortunately more than 40% of the plastic produced is used only once, and then discarded. To address this complex issue National Geographic has launched a multiyear global campaign – ‘Planet or Plastic’; which seeks to not only spread awareness, but also educate and inspire action against single-use plastic.

    Realizing that consumer education and action may not enough to bring about the change required, the 130 year old brand today calls upon various Industries to come together to support this cause, and has decided to lead by example. From the month of June onwards, the plastic wrapping of National Geographic Magazine in India, UK & US editions has been eliminated. This move will enable the brand to save more than 2.5 million single-use plastic bags every month. Additionally, the organization has pledged to reduce its usage of single-use plastic for all its production shoots in India, as well as across its offices in the country.

    Endorsing National Geographic’s commitment, the Union Minister for Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Dr. Harsh Vardhan, along with Ms Swati Mohan, Business Head, National Geographic & FOX Networks Group – India, unveiled the first ever plastic free issue of the magazine during the State Environment Ministers’ Conference at the World Environment Day Programme on 4th June, 2018.

    Lauding National Geographic’s initiative, Union Minister for Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Dr. Harsh Vardhan, said. “There are diverse environmental hazards associated with the accumulation of plastic waste and there are growing concerns about its effects on human health and our entire eco system. Therefore, how to reduce the use of Plastic and its by-products is one area which needs to be addressed and is a serious challenge facing entire humanity today. I am happy to see National Geographic’s commitment towards our ecosystem by setting an example for the industry to follow. I believe that there is a role for each citizen in this via appropriate use and disposal, particularly recycling; as well as for the industry by adopting green chemistry, and for us in the government by setting standards and targets so that we can actually manage to drive a social change. I urge everyone to join the crusade against plastic and all other environmental hazards. It is within the reach of each individual to adopt small changes in their way of life – which I term as Green Good Deeds – and to contribute towards a better environment. As a society, we have to move towards Green Good Behaviour. Our industry too has to execute its Green Social Responsibility without which we will be unable to meet this challenge that threatens our existence. I appeal to everyone to join this crusade and help to eliminate all avoidable plastic waste.”

    Commenting on the initiative, National Geographic and Fox Networks Group India, Business Head, Swati Mohan says: “We, at National Geographic, take great pride in our 130 years of change-inspiring storytelling and are pleased to continue our efforts this World Environment Day with our ‘Planet or Plastic’ initiative, in partnership with the Ministry of Environment, Forest & Climate Change. In a country where more than 40% of plastic waste remains uncollected, it is critical to understand just how severe the continued use of single-use plastic could become for the sustainability of the ecosystem. With our efforts across production shoots, office spaces and magazine distribution on removing single-use plastic we should be able to reduce our plastic consumption by about 70%. Environmental stewardship is a joint responsibility of the whole industry and hence, we will continue to welcome many more partners and ideas to help drive this critical mission.”

  • Fox Life unveils new look, content line-up

    Fox Life unveils new look, content line-up

    MUMBAI: Three years after launch, premium lifestyle channel Fox Life has given the channel a makeover with a new tagline ‘Never stop.’ Along with the new look, the network has a new brand proposition and content line-up on the cards.

    The channel has launched Masters of Taste with Gary Mehigan, a series that brings him to India to meet the top chefs in the country to get inspired by, and learn from, and get an up-close look at some of their recipes, styles and techniques. Premiering on 26 February at 9 pm, this 15-part series, which is also his first India production, will give a sneak peek into the behind-the-scenes-action at India’s best restaurants in true Fox Life style.

    National Geographic and Fox Networks Group India business head Swati Mohan said, “As we look forward to the next leg of an extremely rewarding journey, we know it is important for us to continuously give our viewer the content that leaves him wanting more. The new Fox Life and its new proposition of ‘Never stop’ will aim to go beyond the ordinary with its 2018 content line-up and bring exceptional experiences that viewers rarely sought and explored. Produced by Endemol Shine India for Fox Life, Masters of Taste with Gary Mehigan not only embodies our new brand proposition in a homegrown show and format but also underlines our commitment to bring acclaimed talent and journeys to our premium consumers.”

    The international food curator will be seen decoding exquisite innovative food concepts that are dynamically changing the consumption preferences, lifestyle and social scene in India. From food heritage walks to conversations and challenges with masters of Indian taste, the show will feature Chef Atul Kochar, Ranveer Brar, Saransh Goila, chef Kelvin Cheung, chef Shantanu Mehrotra, chef Thomas Zacharias and the culinary maestros Zorawar Kalra and AD Singh. The show will also see a lot of light hearted moments with the likes of Ileana D’Cruz, Nargis Fakhri, Vishal Dadlani, Purab Kohli, Cyrus Sahukar, Rohan and Gursimran Khamba of AIB, playing sous chefs to Gary.

    Mehigan said, “It’s been a super adventure working on Masters of Taste with the folks at Fox Life. Apart from it being my first ever Indian production, it allowed me to step down as an expert and get to be a student after a really long time! I met some of the most talented chefs in the country, learnt new techniques and made some incredible friends. It truly was amazing to see how the Indian gourmet chefs work with such finesse and make use of modern and cutting-edge techniques to create magic on plates for their customers. Fox Life is synonymous with new experiences, always urging the viewers to go and explore more and want more from life. A mix of travel, extraordinary food and a lot of surprises, this is surely one of those shows that epitomises the brand’s philosophy and helps viewers re-discover the joys of great food and culinary experiments.”

    Also Read:

    Fox Life dethrones Living Foodz, Epic climbs but Star World slips

    Fox Life India turns one

  • GUEST COLUMN: From Juggle To Juggernaut: Localising content for India

    GUEST COLUMN: From Juggle To Juggernaut: Localising content for India

    There is an unassailable advantage in being the first to do something – there is so much to do that one is spoilt for choices. Opportunities lie aplenty and the emotional response is that of a kid at a candy store. All of us, in the local factual entertainment space, are that kid staring at a world full of temptations and wondering not ‘what to do’ but ‘what ALL to do’.

    In many ways, we enjoy this beautiful predicament only because we are blessed to be here at a very opportune time. Television has come a long way from showing the world in graceful grayscale to this universe of 8K video, immersive 3D and augmented reality. From a box in the village enjoying divine status to being carelessly stuffed into jeans pockets, the medium itself has morphed from a product for mass consumption to a service available en-masse with the ability to deliver packets of content with extraordinary precision. The very dynamics of ‘what ALL can be made’ from a stand-point of both feasibility and viability has grown exponentially such that ‘local factual content’ is a business reality in an industry that made its bones by constantly reinventing the meaning of ‘massy’.

    The ground rules for factual entertainment were laid decades ago with media mammoths like Discovery, National Geographic and BBC introducing a world that was still not flat and borders were both political and geographical. One may argue that ‘what ALL to do’ is an exaggeration given their long shadow of achievements. Yet, when one takes the eye away from the keyhole that introduced us to factual entertainment and takes a step back, one realises that the door is no longer there! The wide furrow that seemed never ending is but a rut with the entire planet waiting to be tilled and that the narrative even in content has shifted from globalisation to localisation. From trying to stretch and squeeze the world into one commandment, we are thankfully exploring several narratives to experience the world.

    It is this shift, in the very fabric of factual entertainment, which has made a channel like Epic a reality. Where an ever-increasing audience is eager to participate in an exploration of their own country in their own language. The urge is to discover an India they grew up seeing through a filter designed for a global audience from a lens crafted especially for them. The journey of factual entertainment has evolved from concept to context.

    And in this bountiful harvest available to the local content producer flutters the original question – what is the Indian context? It is as much a cipher as it is rhetorical. The debates, points of views and nitpicking can be endless. It is a minefield that the producer will have to navigate at every step of his creation. But perhaps, it is in this exploration that those who prefer the journey to the destination will revel?

    What to create in an Indian context of factual entertainment is an endless potluck and many will indulge; however, give form to this creation is a question that requires us to take a pause and think. The pitfall of making it to the party late is that there is a lot to catch up. From craft and technology to training of personnel in them: the worldview of the producer is fraught with tough decisions and scarce resources especially since the market is global and the competition is with the very Goliaths who invented the game. It is a delicate scenario but with the silver lining that ‘necessity is after the mother of invention’ and jugaad is very much an Indian patent.

    For the optimistic local factual entertainment industry, the words ’What next?’ are sweet chimes that may sound the death knell. In a world where exponential progress arrives regularly by leapfrogging off the shoulders of giants, will this beautiful bubble be recorded in history as one of soap or silk?

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    ( The author is a programming head of Epic Channel. The views expressed are personal and Indian television.com need not necessarily subscribe to them. )
  • DAS III extension leads to payment tiff; MSO blacks out Star channels in WB

    DAS III extension leads to payment tiff; MSO blacks out Star channels in WB

    MUMBAI: The multi-system operator in West Bengal Manthan continues to black out Star TV channels over a payment dispute since last Friday. Over five and a half lakh reported Manthan subscribers in Kolkata did not have access to over 45 channels such as Star Plus, National Geographic, Star Jalsha, and Star Sports.

    The Phase III extension of cable network, earlier set for completion by 31 December 2015, postponed by 13 months. The current blackout is the fourth one on Manthan since June 2016.

    With a number of interesting sporting events scheduled this week, the deprivation could seriously hit subscribers who felt cheated. On 15 January, Virat Kohli’s team is scheduled to face England in ODI match. Reportedly, neither Manthan nor Star India on Monday took an initiative although talks were due, and subscribers continued to be deprived of the channels for more days.

    Manthan executive Sudip Ghosh told Times that though they would like to have the channels back soon, there were issues between them to be resolved. He said they already paid 13 months’ subscription for Phase III extension of cable network in advance. But, the government deferred the extension till 31January, which meant they paid in excess. If that money was adjusted against their dues, there would be no arrears on their part. Star India however claimed an immediate payment of subscription dues from the MSO.

    Also Read:

    TV industry gives mixed reaction to MIB’s DAS III & IV extension

    DAS 4 deadline extended to 31 Mar

    Extend DAS deadline to Dec ’17 for fiber expansion, Andhra CM writes to MIB

  • DAS III extension leads to payment tiff; MSO blacks out Star channels in WB

    DAS III extension leads to payment tiff; MSO blacks out Star channels in WB

    MUMBAI: The multi-system operator in West Bengal Manthan continues to black out Star TV channels over a payment dispute since last Friday. Over five and a half lakh reported Manthan subscribers in Kolkata did not have access to over 45 channels such as Star Plus, National Geographic, Star Jalsha, and Star Sports.

    The Phase III extension of cable network, earlier set for completion by 31 December 2015, postponed by 13 months. The current blackout is the fourth one on Manthan since June 2016.

    With a number of interesting sporting events scheduled this week, the deprivation could seriously hit subscribers who felt cheated. On 15 January, Virat Kohli’s team is scheduled to face England in ODI match. Reportedly, neither Manthan nor Star India on Monday took an initiative although talks were due, and subscribers continued to be deprived of the channels for more days.

    Manthan executive Sudip Ghosh told Times that though they would like to have the channels back soon, there were issues between them to be resolved. He said they already paid 13 months’ subscription for Phase III extension of cable network in advance. But, the government deferred the extension till 31January, which meant they paid in excess. If that money was adjusted against their dues, there would be no arrears on their part. Star India however claimed an immediate payment of subscription dues from the MSO.

    Also Read:

    TV industry gives mixed reaction to MIB’s DAS III & IV extension

    DAS 4 deadline extended to 31 Mar

    Extend DAS deadline to Dec ’17 for fiber expansion, Andhra CM writes to MIB

  • Alto Delhi Comic Con 2016 begins, on till 11 December

    Alto Delhi Comic Con 2016 begins, on till 11 December

    NEW DELHI – Alto Delhi Comic Con 2016 organized by Comic Con India began today and has a lot in store for comics enthusiasts and audiences inclined towards popular culture. The 3 day fest which started today at NSIC Grounds, Okhla will be on till December 11’ 2016. This is the biggest pop culture event of the year!

    Alto Delhi Comic Con 2016 is hosting interactive and experiential programming through panels, launches, gaming, video hangouts and much more. Famous international personalities like Tom Richmond, Caricaturist, Cartoonist and humorous illustrator, for MAD Magazine, Cartoon Network, National Geographic and many more; Joe Harris, Author, X-Files Comics and Nicolas Wild, French writer and illustrator and author of the critically acclaimed Kabul Disco are attending and taking part in special sessions at DCC 2016.

    DJ Elliot, The Official Walt Disney World DJ & Gaurav Gera, Actor & Stand Up Comedian, are their at Alto Delhi Comic Con 2016on all 3 days.

    Fans who come dressed as their favorite comics characters always steal the show. And this year as always, COSPLAYERS are grabbing tons of prizes under these 5 categories created to increase one’s chances of winning gifts. Each day, one winner is being chosen from each of five categories: Each day, winners get chosen from five categories – 1. Comic book/graphic novel 2. Animated Series/Movie 3. Manga/Anime 4. Sci-Fi/Fantasy and 5. Gaming. Also, on each day, One lucky winner out of the chosen 5 wins INR 50000 (Cash Prize) and a chance to enter‘Indian Championships of Cosplay’! 5 Cool Cosplayers get a voucher of Rs 2500 (each) for their Spirit of Cosplay.

    Comic Con India has set up Exclusive Experiential and Gaming Zones at the event. Maruti Suzuki Alto K10 is not only the presenting sponsor for the show, but also have set up the biggest Art & Gaming zone ever at a Comic Con show, with tons of freebies given out to fans. It is the biggest draw at the show.

    Alto Delhi Comic Con features ESL India Premiership, where Eight teams are playing game titles – CS:GO, DOTA 2 and Clash Royale in an intense Single Elimination format to emerge as victors. The winners of this Grand Finale will grab a share of Rs. 19,58,000 prize pool.

    One of the other main attractions of the event are the Baahubali Zone & first of its kind WWE Zone. At the Bahubali Zone, the team from the super hit Franchise is showcasing a VR Experience called The Sword Of Baahubali, based on the World of Baahubali depicted in the movies. And at the WWE Zone, fans can walk the grand stage on their favorite WWE Superstar’s entrance music. The zone is giving fans a never-before, unmatched experience; a chance to feel, act, and enter the ring just like their favorite WWE Superstar!

    Not just that, other exclusive Experiential Zone at Alto Delhi Comic Con includes AXN Zone. It has lots of fun engagements. Fans can witness some of their favorite characters like Sam & Dean, Sherlock, Heisenberg, Dexter etc come alive. Also, Rogue One – A Stars Wars Story, is celebrating their upcoming movie.

    Fans will find an “Artist Alley” at the DCC 2016. It is a zone, exclusively featuring artists from all over India and Delhi. It gives fans an opportunity to interact with awesome artists, illustrators, designers working for comics and related fields. The alley features artists like Rajeev Tamahakar, Sumit Kumar, Parmi Jethwani, Reshmi Chandrashekhar, Nikita Das Gupta, Rohit Soni, Rohan Bhatia and many more.

    Well known creators like Akshay Dhar from Meta Desi Comics, Aniruddho Chakraborty from Chariot comics, Vivek Goel from Holy Cow Entertainment, Shamik Dasgupta from Yali Dreams and Saumin Patel are there too!

    For the sheer love for Comics, 3 new Comic book titles got launched on day 1 at the convention. These included, Ved & The Puppet Master & Shivaay 2 by TBS Planet, The Legend of Azad by Zaponga and Adhish Epiphany by Red Streak Publications.

    For fans, DCC had many surprises on day 1. At the convention Creator Jayzl Homavazir took the audience through the latest in the Beast Legion Web Comic Series. Wacom also conducted a fun session where they showcased their interactive Pen Displays & digital drawing tablets.

    At the convention, fans can buy merchandise from the best and most exclusive International merchandisers from across the globe. Also, there are exclusive Indian merchandisers including Planet Superheroes, Crazy Ant, The Souled Store, Frog,Wild child, Anime Pop Mall, Graphicurry, Macmerise, MC Sid Razz, Bushirt.com, Wear Your Opinion, Aha Stuff, G2A.com, Vivid Swans, Supervek and many more.

    The main participants at Alto Delhi Comic Con 2016 are Garbage Bin, Harpercollins Publishers India, Campfire Graphic Novel, Viz Media By Simon & Schuster, Graphic India, Vimanika Comics, DC, Darkhorse & Vertigo Comics By Random House India, Dorling Kindersley India, Red Streak Publications, TBS Planet, Sirji Comics, ICBM Comics, Holycow Entertainment, Yali Dream Creations and many more.

    Comic Con India is dedicated to creating unique events and giving the fans, exhibitors and partners a platform to celebrate their undying love and passion for comics & pop culture. Comic Con India is dedicated to expanding India’s popular culture by creating high profile events that cater to fans of not only comics, but also, gaming, movies, television, merchandise, toys & more.