ITV

Tag: NBC Universal

  • Mondelez India brings Minions cheer to Cadbury Dairy Milk Lickables and Gems Surprise

    Mondelez India brings Minions cheer to Cadbury Dairy Milk Lickables and Gems Surprise

    MUMBAI: Mondelez India has rolled out Cadbury Dairy Milk in Lickables and Cadbury Gems Surprise in association with the Despicable Me Franchise. Showcasing illustrations of the lovable Minion characters, the new Cadbury Dairy Milk in Lickables highlights the Minions range and comes with 55 exciting Minions toys. Cadbury Gems Surprise will also benefit from the Minion makeover.

    This association will be supported with a new TVC along with digital activations, in-store visibility in modern trade and traditional trade stores. The Minions range of Cadbury Dairy Milk in Lickables and Cadbury Gems Surprise are priced at Rs 40 each and are available in all traditional trade & modern trade retail outlets as well as e-commerce sites.

    Commenting on this association, Mondelez India director – marketing (chocolates) Anil Viswanathan said, “We are witnessing great demand for spoonable chocolates, a trend that is catching up swiftly under this segment wherein the toy is an important category driver. Recognising this scope and the consumers’ affinity towards the Minions characters, the association with the franchise is a fitting one. With this association, we endeavour to transcend the brand love of Cadbury Dairy Milk to our donor segment products like Cadbury Dairy Milk in Lickables and Cadbury Gems.”

    This is a part of Mondelez India’s strategy to recruit the future, with the aim of making Cadbury Dairy Milk the first taste of chocolates for Indians. With a strong innovation pipeline and several global firsts, the company has been introducing newer eat formats, catering to the changing consumer tastes and preferences. Cadbury Dairy Milk in Lickables, the company’s made-in-India innovation, which has the delectable Cadbury chocolate in a spoonable format, has been received exceptionally well by all age-segments especially the younger set since its launch in 2017.

    The collaboration between the two brands has been curated by NBC Universal Brand Development Group’s licensing partner, Black White Orange.

  • Twitter appoints Rahul Pushkarna as head of content partnership, APAC

    Twitter appoints Rahul Pushkarna as head of content partnership, APAC

    MUMBAI: Rahul Pushkarna has been appointed as head of content partnership, APAC at Twitter. He confirmed his appointment through Twitter.

    Before this, Pushkarna worked with Sony Pictures Entertainment as director, sales development, Asia. Pushkarna was also the head, digital distribution and licensing, India and Southeast Asia at 21st Century Fox before Sony.

    Previously, he has also worked with Microsoft, NBC Universal Media and HSBC.

  • Sony Pix signs content licencing deal with Warner Bros

    Sony Pix signs content licencing deal with Warner Bros

    MUMBAI: Sony Pix, the Hollywood movie channel from Sony Pictures Networks (SPN) India, has signed a content licencing deal with one of the largest international television distributors — Warner Bros.

    The movie content deal will further strengthen Sony Pix’s library by bringing films like Harry Porter, Matrix, Batman Vs Superman, Dunkirk, Wonder Woman, Hangover Series, Conjuring Universe, Final Destination series, Oceans series, Shawshank Redemption and more for its viewers.

    SPN India EVP and business head English cluster Tushar Shah said, “SPN’s English cluster aims to bring the best international content for its viewers. With the new Warner Bros deal, Sony Pix – the destination for Hollywood blockbusters and premieres – will now also become the destination for biggest franchises in the genre. We will continue to invest in content that will delight our viewers.”

    Warner Bros president television distribution Jeffrey Schlesinger said, “We are pleased to have completed this deal with Sony Pix enabling SPN to bring our films to television viewers in India. We are confident that the diverse selection of films will offer something different for fans of all genres.”

    Sony Pix has exclusive rights in India to premiere all Hollywood movies released worldwide by NBC Universal. It also has strong tie ups with top studios like Lionsgate, Disney, PVR etc. The channel is home to some of Hollywood’s biggest franchises like Fast & Furious, Despicable Me, Jurassic World, The Mummy andTerminator to name a few.  

    Also Read:

    Demystifying news television viewership in 2017

    Sony Pix and Le Plex HD brings special line-up this Christmas

    Viacom18 kicks off the international award season in 2018 with the 75th Golden Globe Awards

  • MIPCOM 2017 – Content Really is King!

    MIPCOM 2017 – Content Really is King!

    Eye-opening, international, new content for multi-platform that fully embraced digital and VR were my key takeaways from MIPCOM 2017. The world may be going digital but content will always be king!

    MIPCOM is an education and has the power to reinforce your own strategies as a business as well as support and network you to grow the future. As an individual, I was pleased to see how broadcasters and the industry are defining 360 degrees digital strategies as well as traditional TV protocol. With keynotes and sessions on how to stand out in the over the top (OTT) and mobile space as well as defining strategies for new digital commissions e.g., ViaPlay (Nordics), Vivendi’s STUDIO+ (France) and others, it was great to see how they are attracting new audiences.

    New partnerships are flourishing too as Sky Original programming and Amazon launched their co-production of Britannia, a TV series to rival Game of Thrones. Even Sean Mills, senior director of content programming, Snap INC and NBC Universal announced their JV to produce content for a digital audience. Facebook head of global creative strategy Ricky Van Veen director of video product Daniel Danker announced the launch of their video product, Facebook Watch as well as the launch and remake of a Norwegian teen video drama SKAM.

    The Palais, La Croissette and Riveria were basking in the sun as meetings, conversations and networking were taking place over lunch, crepes, bagettes, champagne and canopes. It was mind blowing to see the number of exhibitors and new content within the Palais from Zee Entertainment, BBC Worldwide, Discovery and new platforms and services like One Life Studios and Jukin Studios. I could be in a queue for lunch and meet Russian content distributors one minute and then sit outside in between sessions and openly chat with African distributors after which they invited us to parties on the Croisette. Every hour there, I gained a new learning or a new contact or a new view on the content marketplace.

    Spanish and Russian content were celebrated magnificently this year. TV Azteca CEO Benjamin Salinas Sada launched ‘Dopamine’ at the 25th anniversary celebrations and confirmed their international and new programming formats (https://www.rapidtvnews.com/2017101849301/mipcom-2017-grupo-salinas-aims-for-international-production.html#axzz4x5WNBzyd). In addition, there truly was a Russian content revolution where the spotlight was on the world premiere of Trotsky, an epic biopic of Marxist revolutionary Leon Trotsky, with his famously complicated romantic life featured as well as his political beliefs. NTV broadcasting and other Russian studios also showcased a wide array of high quality products. (http://pressroom.mipcom.com/press-release-en-2017/russian-content-revolution-set-to-shake-up-mipcom-2017-1004-5793).

    Diversity also was a huge theme this year. Sir Lenny Henry launched Diversify TV and the Diversify TV Excellence Awards evening celebrated those that had achieved brilliance in these groups (https://mipblog.com/2017/10/diversify-tv-excellence-awards-winners-mipcom-report/). The sponsors were A+E Networks, Viacom and Ebony TV and the evening paid tribute to international programming that provides a fair, accurate representation of ethnic groups, LGBTQ (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer) and disabled communities.

    In all of this, my own question as a British-born, international Indian was…where are you India? The traditional studios and broadcasters from Star India, Zee Entertainment, Eros and more were, of course, well represented and as humble as ever and welcomed meetings and future opportunities for content buyers and sellers. However, Baahubali, Dangal…the world was asking me where were you at MIPCOM! I know you very well and your content is beyond outstanding on many levels. I want to see more of the Indian industry there, coming to showcase, use and learn from MIPCOM and to then come back with more and more blockbusters. Although India has been the country of honour before at MIP, I look forward to hearing what you do next especially in the animation space (http://www.animationxpress.com/index.php/mipcom-2017/mipcom-2017-sees-signing-of-big-deals-in-india-and-asian-market) and I also look forward to producing the future with you (http://www.artsforindia.org/areas/cinema/)
    Baaaaaahhhuuuubbbhhhaaaaallllliiiii   !!!

    public://Sonal_Patel.jpgSonal Patel,  Digital Queen by Day; Charity Committee, Arts for India & Producing the Future.The views expressed are personal and Indiantelevision.com need not necessarily subscribe to them. 

     

  • Tribunal upholds tax demand, NDTV intends to challenge order

    NEW DELHI: The Income Tax Appellate Tribunal (ITAT) has upheld a tax demand raised on investments of USD 150 million by a US television network in NDTV in 2008, an order that the Indian company said has “numerous inconsistencies and contradictions”. With the tribunal’s 14 July 2017 order upholding the tax demand, penalty proceedings are likely to commence shortly.

    NDTV had assured shareholders that it would seek necessary legal advice and appeal against any adverse ITAT order. On its web site, it stated: “This is with reference to reports in certain section of the media as well as social media regarding the rejection by the Income Tax Appellate Tribunal (ITAT) of an appeal filed by the Company against the assessment order for tax demand of Rs. 450 crore for the assessment year 2009-10. The ITAT order has not yet been uploaded. Once the order is uploaded, the Company will advise shareholders of the implications thereof.”

    In a stock exchange filing, NDTV said it was surprised at ITAT dismissing the appeal it had filed against the tax demand, according to a PTI news report, which quoted the company as saying, “It is important to note foremost that the ITAT has accepted that there was no round-tripping or money laundering, as was alleged by income tax department.”

    The tax department had alleged that Rs 218.30 crore (Rs. 2183 million) was the tax that was sought to be evaded on investment of Rs 642.54 crore (Rs. 6425.4 million). It had sought a penalty of Rs 436.8 crore (Rs. 4368 million) at the rate of 200 per cent of tax evaded.

    It confirmed invocation of Sec 69A of Income tax Act (dealing with ‘unexplained money’ addition) and upheld that “transaction used principally as a devise for the distribution/ diversion of sum to the Indian entity” and that “the beneficial owner of the money is the assessee”.

    PTI quoted NDTV as saying: “Surprisingly, the ITAT has dismissed the appeal filed by the company as not being maintainable but at the same time adjudicated the appeal filed by the income tax department (ITD) against the same assessment order. It is inconceivable how appeal filed by the ITD against the assessment order is maintainable before the ITAT but the company’s appeal emanating from the same order is not maintainable.”

    “Surprisingly, the ITAT has upheld the addition under Section 69A of the Act, purely on conjectures and surmises, ignoring the evidence adduced by the company including the annual reports of the investors,” NDTV was quoted as having said, “The legal advice received is that a consistent view has to be taken and it appears that the order had been passed in a haste and the above inconsistencies have arisen because of a hurried order. We have been advised that Section 69A of the Act is applicable only when money is found in possession of a taxpayer but not accounted for in the books of accounts.

    “However, the said section has no application in the present case since admittedly, investment made by NBC Universal (admittedly then subsidiary of the GE Group) through its step down subsidiary, Universal Studios International BV, was duly recorded in the books of accounts of the company’s subsidiary, viz, NDTV Networks International Holdings BV.”

    Stating that it will continue to fight the “misguided case” made by income tax department, NDTV said it is “exploring all options available to it in accordance with law.

    ALSO READ:

    NDTV issues response to govt charges

    NDTV gets slapped with higher tax dues notice

     

  • NBC-Universal buys ‘paranormal’ series from Bomanbridge

    NBC-Universal buys ‘paranormal’ series from Bomanbridge

    MUMBAI/ SINGAPORE: Bomanbridge Media, a Singapore-based content distribution and production agency, announced a series of paranormal series programme sales to NBC-Universal’s Syfy and Celestial.

    NBC Universal’s Syfy acquired the iconic series A Haunting – a paranormal anthology television series that depicts eyewitness accounts of possession, exorcism, and ghostly encounters. They also acquired RIP Files a series that follows paranormal investigators, based in Washington DC, who use their psychic abilities and their deep knowledge of metaphysical techniques to interact with the entities they encounter at haunted locations. These investigators encourage the spirits to share their stories in their own words through amazing EVPs and other evidence that is bridging the gap between the worlds of science and spirituality.

    Celestial, Thrill channel, took another season of the long-running Most Haunted series. The multiple award-winning paranormal investigation series seeks the truth into whether ghosts really do exist. The team, led by Yvette Fielding, spends 24 hours investigating infamously haunted locations to uncover mysteries and bring an honest account of reported paranormal activity. Most Haunted has been shown in more than 80 countries, reached over 200 thrilling episodes and is one of the UK’s longest-running and most successful series.

    “Bomanbridge carries great paranormal content within the catalogue and with the expansion of paranormal genre and channels in Asia, we hope to maintain our edge in this entertaining genre,” said Bomanbridge Media CEO Sonia Fleck.

  • NBC-Universal buys ‘paranormal’ series from Bomanbridge

    NBC-Universal buys ‘paranormal’ series from Bomanbridge

    MUMBAI/ SINGAPORE: Bomanbridge Media, a Singapore-based content distribution and production agency, announced a series of paranormal series programme sales to NBC-Universal’s Syfy and Celestial.

    NBC Universal’s Syfy acquired the iconic series A Haunting – a paranormal anthology television series that depicts eyewitness accounts of possession, exorcism, and ghostly encounters. They also acquired RIP Files a series that follows paranormal investigators, based in Washington DC, who use their psychic abilities and their deep knowledge of metaphysical techniques to interact with the entities they encounter at haunted locations. These investigators encourage the spirits to share their stories in their own words through amazing EVPs and other evidence that is bridging the gap between the worlds of science and spirituality.

    Celestial, Thrill channel, took another season of the long-running Most Haunted series. The multiple award-winning paranormal investigation series seeks the truth into whether ghosts really do exist. The team, led by Yvette Fielding, spends 24 hours investigating infamously haunted locations to uncover mysteries and bring an honest account of reported paranormal activity. Most Haunted has been shown in more than 80 countries, reached over 200 thrilling episodes and is one of the UK’s longest-running and most successful series.

    “Bomanbridge carries great paranormal content within the catalogue and with the expansion of paranormal genre and channels in Asia, we hope to maintain our edge in this entertaining genre,” said Bomanbridge Media CEO Sonia Fleck.

  • NBC Universal names Turner’s Josh Feldman as EVP, Network Partnerships

    NBC Universal names Turner’s Josh Feldman as EVP, Network Partnerships

    MUMBAI: NBCUniversal has appointed Josh Feldman to the newly created role of executive vice president – network partnerships reporting to NBCUniversal’s Advertising Sales division chief marketing officer John Harrobin.

    Feldman will lead the Network Partnerships group whose goal is to drive revenue across the entire portfolio through strategic sponsorship opportunities. He will be responsible for partnering with the leadership of each NBCUniversal network across every platform to execute client-focused marketing efforts. Feldman will work closely with the Client Partnerships team to develop custom marketing solutions that deliver data-driven insights for each campaign.

    “Josh’s impressive career in entertainment media sales and client relations is exactly what we need as we strengthen our efforts to serve our advertisers better,” said Harrobin. “Josh has a proven track record of consistently delivering some of the most creative ways for marketers to reach consumers, particularly millennials, in meaningful ways. We’re excited to have him on board.”

    Prior to joining NBCUniversal, Feldman served as senior vice president and national sales manager of Turner Emerging Consumer Ad Sales for Turner Broadcasting, overseeing client relationships for Cartoon Network, Adult Swim and truTV.

    Previously, Feldman was vice president and New York sales manager for Cartoon Network and Adult Swim. He started his sales career with Turner and worked as an account executive for sister networks TBS and TNT before moving over to the animation group and Turner’s emerging consumer media business.

  • NBC Universal names Turner’s Josh Feldman as EVP, Network Partnerships

    NBC Universal names Turner’s Josh Feldman as EVP, Network Partnerships

    MUMBAI: NBCUniversal has appointed Josh Feldman to the newly created role of executive vice president – network partnerships reporting to NBCUniversal’s Advertising Sales division chief marketing officer John Harrobin.

    Feldman will lead the Network Partnerships group whose goal is to drive revenue across the entire portfolio through strategic sponsorship opportunities. He will be responsible for partnering with the leadership of each NBCUniversal network across every platform to execute client-focused marketing efforts. Feldman will work closely with the Client Partnerships team to develop custom marketing solutions that deliver data-driven insights for each campaign.

    “Josh’s impressive career in entertainment media sales and client relations is exactly what we need as we strengthen our efforts to serve our advertisers better,” said Harrobin. “Josh has a proven track record of consistently delivering some of the most creative ways for marketers to reach consumers, particularly millennials, in meaningful ways. We’re excited to have him on board.”

    Prior to joining NBCUniversal, Feldman served as senior vice president and national sales manager of Turner Emerging Consumer Ad Sales for Turner Broadcasting, overseeing client relationships for Cartoon Network, Adult Swim and truTV.

    Previously, Feldman was vice president and New York sales manager for Cartoon Network and Adult Swim. He started his sales career with Turner and worked as an account executive for sister networks TBS and TNT before moving over to the animation group and Turner’s emerging consumer media business.

  • WPP’s Landor acquires majority stake in UK motion design studio

    WPP’s Landor acquires majority stake in UK motion design studio

    MUMBAI: WPP’s strategic brand consulting and design firm Landor has acquired a majority stake in the UK based motion design studio ManvsMachine.

     

    ManvsMachine is based in London and has worked on a range of global campaigns for clients that include Nike, Microsoft, Honda and Audi, as well as identity campaigns for broadcasters such as Channel 4, Discovery, NBC Universal and ITV2.

     

    The acquisition is part of an ongoing strategy at Landor to broaden its creative capabilities, in this instance in screen-based and multi-channel branding.

     

    ManvsMachine’s unaudited revenue for the year ended 31 May, 2015 was ?3.4 million, with gross assets of ?1.9 million as at the same date. 

     

    This acquisition continues WPP’s strategy of developing its services in fast-growing and important sectors and markets.