ITV

Tag: OTT

  • Netflix snaps up global rights to India’s ‘Brahman Naman’

    Netflix snaps up global rights to India’s ‘Brahman Naman’

    MUMBAI: Netflix has acquired the exclusive global rights of the hilarious coming-of-age comedy Brahman Naman,from Indian indie director Q. 

     

    The film will be available exclusively for Netflix members around the world later this year. 

     

    Set in Bangalore in the 1980s, Brahman Naman follows the exploits of Naman, a quick witted, high school quiz champ who leads his hopelessly nerdy friends on a trip to Calcutta to win a major college prize. Young, smart and full of heart, the trio are determined to win the quiz – and to lose their virginity along the way.

     

    Revered internationally as one of India’s most vital and provocative indie filmmakers, Q’s latest cinematic cocktail takes the classic American teen comedy, sharpens it with bawdy British word play, and hurls it in the face of the establishment with a fresh Indian cast. The film premiered last week at the prestigious World Drama Competition at the 2016 Sundance Film Festival.

     

    “Brahman Naman is Indian cinema at its boldest; fast, furious and raucously funny. It’s a movie that will delight adolescents of all ages, and we’re excited to bring this hilarious tale to our members around the world,” said Netflix chief content officer Ted Sarandos.

     

    Written by Naman Ramachandran and produced by Steve Barron and Celine Loop, Brahman Naman is Q’s latest film, following Gandu, Tasher Desh and Ludo. Brahman Naman stars Shashank Arora as Naman, Tanmany Dhanania and Chaitanya Varad as his sidekicks, and features Vaiswath Shankar, Sindhu Sreenivasa Murthy and Sid Mallya.

  • Netflix snaps up global rights to India’s ‘Brahman Naman’

    Netflix snaps up global rights to India’s ‘Brahman Naman’

    MUMBAI: Netflix has acquired the exclusive global rights of the hilarious coming-of-age comedy Brahman Naman,from Indian indie director Q. 

     

    The film will be available exclusively for Netflix members around the world later this year. 

     

    Set in Bangalore in the 1980s, Brahman Naman follows the exploits of Naman, a quick witted, high school quiz champ who leads his hopelessly nerdy friends on a trip to Calcutta to win a major college prize. Young, smart and full of heart, the trio are determined to win the quiz – and to lose their virginity along the way.

     

    Revered internationally as one of India’s most vital and provocative indie filmmakers, Q’s latest cinematic cocktail takes the classic American teen comedy, sharpens it with bawdy British word play, and hurls it in the face of the establishment with a fresh Indian cast. The film premiered last week at the prestigious World Drama Competition at the 2016 Sundance Film Festival.

     

    “Brahman Naman is Indian cinema at its boldest; fast, furious and raucously funny. It’s a movie that will delight adolescents of all ages, and we’re excited to bring this hilarious tale to our members around the world,” said Netflix chief content officer Ted Sarandos.

     

    Written by Naman Ramachandran and produced by Steve Barron and Celine Loop, Brahman Naman is Q’s latest film, following Gandu, Tasher Desh and Ludo. Brahman Naman stars Shashank Arora as Naman, Tanmany Dhanania and Chaitanya Varad as his sidekicks, and features Vaiswath Shankar, Sindhu Sreenivasa Murthy and Sid Mallya.

  • TRAI releases consultation paper on tariff issues for TV services

    TRAI releases consultation paper on tariff issues for TV services

    MUMBAI: The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) has issued its latest consultation paper on tariff issues related to television services.

     

    The regulator has also invited comments and counter-comments on the Consultation Paper from stakeholders by 4 March and 18 March, 2016 respectively.

     

    From the state-owned Doordarshan (DD) to cable and satellite television to advanced delivery platforms like direct-to-home (DTH), Headend-in-the-Sky (HITS), Over-the-Top (OTT) and Internet Protocol Television (IPTV), television has come a long way since DD first beamed its signals in India in 1959. The evolution of the broadcast industry has been driven largely by satellite TV distribution business and unorganised growth of cable TV.

     

    The growth of multiple digital addressable platforms will inevitably lead to a sunset of analog cable TV system in the country. This sheer number and diversity of platforms delivering digital TV signals in an increasingly converged scenario requires an overhaul of the tariff regulatory framework.

     

    TRAI said that in order to cater to innovative growth while protecting the interests of the stakeholders across the value chain, there is a need to institute a consolidated technology neutral regulatory framework for digital addressable systems.

     

    “This consultation is an attempt to create an enabling environment for growth of the sector in the light of various developments related to technology, emergence of multiple distribution platforms, evolving business models, and enhanced addressability across platforms. The consultation process also looks at futuristic issues and emerging challenges,” the Authority said.

     

    In view of the emerging trends in the TV broadcasting sector and changing consumption patterns of the consumers, TRAI said that there was a need to examine the tariff dispensation in a holistic manner.

     

    TRAI listed the objectives of current consultation as below:

     

    1) To carry out a review of existing tariff arrangements and developing a Comprehensive Tariff Structure for Addressable TV Distribution of “TV Broadcasting Services” across Digital Broadcasting Delivery Platforms (DTH/ Cable TV/ HITS/ IPTV) at wholesale and retail level.

    2) To ensure that the tariff structure is simplified and rationalised so as to ensure transparency and equity across the value chain.

    3) To reduce the incidence of disputes amongst stakeholders across the value chain encouraging healthy growth in the sector.

    4) To ensure that subscribers have adequate choice in the broadcast TV services while they are also protected against irrational tariff structures and price hikes.

    5) To encourage the investment in the TV sector

    6) To encourage production of good quality content across different genres.

     

    Issues covered in the consultation paper:

     

    1) Tariff models at wholesale and retail levels

    2) Channel pricing mechanism and methodologies

    3) Issues related to Niche Channels

    4) Pricing of High Definition (HD) channels

    5) Ease of channel or bouquet subscription

    6) Channel visibility on Electronic Program Guide (EPG)

    7) Pay-per-program viewing and tariff options

    8) Variants of channels

    9) Carriage, Placement and Marketing fees.

  • TRAI releases consultation paper on tariff issues for TV services

    TRAI releases consultation paper on tariff issues for TV services

    MUMBAI: The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) has issued its latest consultation paper on tariff issues related to television services.

     

    The regulator has also invited comments and counter-comments on the Consultation Paper from stakeholders by 4 March and 18 March, 2016 respectively.

     

    From the state-owned Doordarshan (DD) to cable and satellite television to advanced delivery platforms like direct-to-home (DTH), Headend-in-the-Sky (HITS), Over-the-Top (OTT) and Internet Protocol Television (IPTV), television has come a long way since DD first beamed its signals in India in 1959. The evolution of the broadcast industry has been driven largely by satellite TV distribution business and unorganised growth of cable TV.

     

    The growth of multiple digital addressable platforms will inevitably lead to a sunset of analog cable TV system in the country. This sheer number and diversity of platforms delivering digital TV signals in an increasingly converged scenario requires an overhaul of the tariff regulatory framework.

     

    TRAI said that in order to cater to innovative growth while protecting the interests of the stakeholders across the value chain, there is a need to institute a consolidated technology neutral regulatory framework for digital addressable systems.

     

    “This consultation is an attempt to create an enabling environment for growth of the sector in the light of various developments related to technology, emergence of multiple distribution platforms, evolving business models, and enhanced addressability across platforms. The consultation process also looks at futuristic issues and emerging challenges,” the Authority said.

     

    In view of the emerging trends in the TV broadcasting sector and changing consumption patterns of the consumers, TRAI said that there was a need to examine the tariff dispensation in a holistic manner.

     

    TRAI listed the objectives of current consultation as below:

     

    1) To carry out a review of existing tariff arrangements and developing a Comprehensive Tariff Structure for Addressable TV Distribution of “TV Broadcasting Services” across Digital Broadcasting Delivery Platforms (DTH/ Cable TV/ HITS/ IPTV) at wholesale and retail level.

    2) To ensure that the tariff structure is simplified and rationalised so as to ensure transparency and equity across the value chain.

    3) To reduce the incidence of disputes amongst stakeholders across the value chain encouraging healthy growth in the sector.

    4) To ensure that subscribers have adequate choice in the broadcast TV services while they are also protected against irrational tariff structures and price hikes.

    5) To encourage the investment in the TV sector

    6) To encourage production of good quality content across different genres.

     

    Issues covered in the consultation paper:

     

    1) Tariff models at wholesale and retail levels

    2) Channel pricing mechanism and methodologies

    3) Issues related to Niche Channels

    4) Pricing of High Definition (HD) channels

    5) Ease of channel or bouquet subscription

    6) Channel visibility on Electronic Program Guide (EPG)

    7) Pay-per-program viewing and tariff options

    8) Variants of channels

    9) Carriage, Placement and Marketing fees.

  • Sky invests $10 million in DataXu

    Sky invests $10 million in DataXu

    MUMBAI: After recently investing in OTT video company TV4 Entertainment and online video aggregator Pluto TV, Sky has now invested $10 million in Boston based programmatic marketing analytics, data management and media activation software company DataXu.

     

    DataXu partners with advertisers and media agencies to help them engage more efficiently and effectively with consumers across all of their devices. DataXu’s expertise in programmatic marketing – the automated, data-driven planning and trading of advertising across multiple media devices and formats – benefits Sky as both an advertiser and investor. The DataXu platform has the capability to analyse and optimise buying decisions on over 100 billion digital advertising opportunities every day around the globe.

     

    Sky’s advertising sales division, Sky Media, will also work closely with DataXu to explore a number of new opportunities, including: extending the reach of Sky Media’s revolutionary product, Sky AdVance; leveraging DataXu’s market-leading experience in helping advertisers to buy addressable TV ads programmatically; and harnessing the power of data and analytics to drive superior marketing results. 

     

    Sky Media has a strong track record of innovation. In 2014, it launched Sky AdSmart, a product designed to make TV advertising effective for niche or smaller brands. Sky AdSmart serves different ads to different households watching the same programme, showing the most relevant ads as guided by data from profiling experts.

     

    This was followed in 2015 with the introduction of Sky AdVance, which allows advertisers to connect journeys across screens so that audiences see the right ad, at the right time, in the right sequence and on the right screen. 

     

    Sky Media deputy MD Jamie West said, “This investment will help us develop a deeper understanding of programmatic advertising, and play our part in shaping the market as it progresses. Combining Sky’s knowledge, experience and innovation in advertising with DataXu’s programmatic marketing expertise will provide exciting opportunities for both businesses, and most importantly, for Sky’s advertising partners.”

     

    “This strategic investment allows DataXu to partner with a true, global leader in television and media. DataXu and Sky have strong alignment on the future of programmatic and advanced television; and this investment ensures our two companies continue to learn and grow together,” added DataXu co-founder and CEO Mike Baker.

     

    Sky also has investments in US technology companies, including the online sports network Whistle Sports, IP streaming service provider Roku and cinematic virtual reality company Jaunt.

  • Sky invests $10 million in DataXu

    Sky invests $10 million in DataXu

    MUMBAI: After recently investing in OTT video company TV4 Entertainment and online video aggregator Pluto TV, Sky has now invested $10 million in Boston based programmatic marketing analytics, data management and media activation software company DataXu.

     

    DataXu partners with advertisers and media agencies to help them engage more efficiently and effectively with consumers across all of their devices. DataXu’s expertise in programmatic marketing – the automated, data-driven planning and trading of advertising across multiple media devices and formats – benefits Sky as both an advertiser and investor. The DataXu platform has the capability to analyse and optimise buying decisions on over 100 billion digital advertising opportunities every day around the globe.

     

    Sky’s advertising sales division, Sky Media, will also work closely with DataXu to explore a number of new opportunities, including: extending the reach of Sky Media’s revolutionary product, Sky AdVance; leveraging DataXu’s market-leading experience in helping advertisers to buy addressable TV ads programmatically; and harnessing the power of data and analytics to drive superior marketing results. 

     

    Sky Media has a strong track record of innovation. In 2014, it launched Sky AdSmart, a product designed to make TV advertising effective for niche or smaller brands. Sky AdSmart serves different ads to different households watching the same programme, showing the most relevant ads as guided by data from profiling experts.

     

    This was followed in 2015 with the introduction of Sky AdVance, which allows advertisers to connect journeys across screens so that audiences see the right ad, at the right time, in the right sequence and on the right screen. 

     

    Sky Media deputy MD Jamie West said, “This investment will help us develop a deeper understanding of programmatic advertising, and play our part in shaping the market as it progresses. Combining Sky’s knowledge, experience and innovation in advertising with DataXu’s programmatic marketing expertise will provide exciting opportunities for both businesses, and most importantly, for Sky’s advertising partners.”

     

    “This strategic investment allows DataXu to partner with a true, global leader in television and media. DataXu and Sky have strong alignment on the future of programmatic and advanced television; and this investment ensures our two companies continue to learn and grow together,” added DataXu co-founder and CEO Mike Baker.

     

    Sky also has investments in US technology companies, including the online sports network Whistle Sports, IP streaming service provider Roku and cinematic virtual reality company Jaunt.

  • Audioboom partners ErosNow for India foray

    Audioboom partners ErosNow for India foray

    MUMBAI: Prepping up for its launch in the Indian market, audio content providing on-demand platform Audioboom has entered into an agreement with Eros International’s digital OTT platform  ErosNow. 

     

    The two companies will operate on an advertising revenue share arrangement.

     

    Under the deal, ErosNow will equip its 30 million registered users with access to exclusive Audioboom local and global podcasts and entertainment, comedy, sports, news and current affairs content.

     

    Through the partnership, ErosNow users will be able to personalise their own listening experience within the ErosNow app, with access to music and spoken word audio on-demand as well as films and TV shows. Eros will provide Audioboom with access to the very best of Bollywood acting talent for the creation and distribution of exclusive spoken-word audio content for the Indian market and beyond.

     

    A key element of the proposed partnership will see Audioboom responsible for all audio content curation (music and spoken word), ad sales and ad campaign delivery within the audio section of the ErosNow mobile and web applications. 

     

    Pending the signing of a long form agreement, the parties will work together closely around technical integration and ad sales implementation.

     

    Audioboom CEO Rob Proctor said, “I am excited to be partnering with Eros and continue our global expansion with the leading entertainment company in India. We’re delighted to bring Audioboom’s extensive audio content to Eros’ massive audience, and to be creating high-quality audio with some of Eros’ biggest Bollywood stars. The opportunity to create highly-sought after on-demand audio, along with the potential revenue opportunities that this brings, gives us significant first mover advantage in this very important and lucrative market.”

     

    Eros Digital CEO Rishika Lulla Singh added, “We’re always looking for new ways to engage and connect our users to their favorite celebrities on ErosNow, offering behind the scenes exclusives and star cast interviews. With their focus on sharing content and social network integration, the Audioboom platform is the perfect partner for ErosNow, providing a new medium for our talent to connect with their fans.”

  • #NetflixEverywhere: India launch amongst 130 countries; subscription priced at Rs 500-800

    #NetflixEverywhere: India launch amongst 130 countries; subscription priced at Rs 500-800

    #NetflixEverywhere: India launch amongst 130 countries; subscription priced at Rs 500-800

     
    MUMBAI: After months of speculation, over the top (OTT) player Netflix has finally made its big bang launch in India simultaneously with another 129 countries.
     
    In a rapidly crowding Indian OTT space, Netflix will be offering subscribers three monthly subscription plan options. 
     
    The Basic plan is priced at Rs 500, the Standard at Rs 650, whereas the Premium plan is priced at Rs 800. The different subscription plans offer viewers the choice of viewing the content in different formats including HD as well Ultra HD and on multiple screens and devices. What’s more, the first month’s subscription is being offered for free to subscribers.
     
    It may be recalled that the Singtel, Sony Pictures Television and Warner Bros’ JV OTT venture HOOQ, which launched in India last year priced its monthly subscription at Rs 199. On the other hand, ErosNow is planning to adopt the quasi-premium two-tiered subscription service priced at Rs 50 and Rs 100 per month in India. Moreover, with most other players offering content for free on their platforms, Netflix’s entry level subscription might come across as slightly steep, especially for the Indian audience, who is used to watching content for free.
     

    Netflix will offer drama, action, comedy, documentaries and TV shows personalised for viewers. The OTT player will keep adding new movies and TV shows all the time and will also provide options for subtitles or dubbing.

    The much anticipated big announcement was made by Netflix CEO Reed Hastings at the ongoing Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in Las Vegas.
     
    Apart from India some of the other countries where the service was launched are: Vietnam, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, Turkey and Indonesia amongst others. However, a major market that was missing was China.
     
    With Netflix’s entry into the Indian market, it’s game on as existing OTT players like Hotstar, Sony Liv, ErosNow, DittoTV, Spuul and HOOQ gear up to face the competition.
     
    How 2016 will shape up for the OTT players, only time will tell but one thing’s for sure, the ones with the correct content, marketing and revenue generating strategies as well as with deep pockets will survive in the long haul.
     
  • Netflix launches in India; three pricing packages on offer

    Netflix launches in India; three pricing packages on offer

    MUMBAI: In one fell swoop, it is hoping to change the world of audio visual consumption. Netflix co-founder & chief executive Reed Hastings today announced the launch of the Internet TV network or OTT service in 130 countries all over the world at the CES show in Las Vegas. And India figures amongst the list, taking its footprint to 190 nations. 

     

    The price: Rs 500 for the basic service, Rs 650 for the standard package and Rs 800 for the premium one. The Rs 500 tag allows viewers to watch the content in standard definition on one screen only at one time. For Rs 650 viewers get access to HD content and can watch on two screens simultaneously. The Rs 800 package brings in the full monty with subscribers being able to watch both HD and Ultra HD content on four screens at the same time. 

     

    However, the first month is being offered free for trial to new subscribers.

     

    “Today you are witnessing the birth of a new global Internet TV network,” said Hastings in Las Vegas. “With this launch, consumers around the world — from Singapore to St. Petersburg, from San Francisco to Sao Paulo — will be able to enjoy TV shows and movies simultaneously — no more waiting. With the help of the Internet, we are putting power in consumers’ hands to watch whenever, wherever and on whatever device.”

     

    Viewers in India will get to watch Netflix original series such as Marvel’s Daredevil and Marvel’s Jessica Jones, Narcos, Sense8, Grace and Frankie, and Marco Polo, as well as a catalog of licensed TV shows and movies.

     

    While largely available in English in most new countries, Netflix has added Arabic, Korean, Simplified and Traditional Chinese to the 17 languages it already supports. He added that newer languages will be added from hereon.

     

    “From today onwards, we will listen and we will learn, gradually adding more languages, more content and more ways for people to engage with Netflix,” said Hastings. “We’re looking forward to bringing great stories from all over the world to people all over the world.” 

     

    He emphasised that the consumption on Netflix is on the up. “Our 70 million members consumed 12 billion hours of Netflix in Q4 of this year as compared to 8.5 billion last year,” he said. He also announced that Netflix will be adding high dynamic range (HDR) video delivery later this year, adding to the 4K or Ultra HD, which it produces most of its series in currently.

     

    Netflix chief content officer Ted Sarandos revealed that 600 hours of original programming will be delivered to its members in 2016. This will include 31 new and returning original series, two dozen original feature films and documentaries, a wide range of stand-up comedy specials and 30 original kids series — available at the same time to members everywhere. 

     

    Amongst the highlights are The Crown, which is about the young Queen Elizabeth while Baz Luhrmann will be directing a series called The GetDown about New York at a time when its crime scene was crumbling and giving way to the disco,  graffiti and hiphop culture. 

     

    Sarandos explained that Netflix is making a difference to piracy wherever it goes because it does not trap viewers in frustrating business models and linear viewing experiences in which television operates. 

     

    “We deliver all episodes at one go so viewers can watch when they want to watch and we are constantly improving our compression technologies to allow for a better viewing experience. We helped create binge viewing,” he said. 

     

    He stated that peer-to-peer torrent downloading via Bittorrent has dropped by 14 per cent in the first six months of the service’s launch in Australia. 

     

     

    A Netflix press release explained that the service is available on virtually any device that has an Internet connection, including personal computers, tablets, smartphones, Smart TVs and game consoles, and automatically provides the best possible streaming quality based on available bandwidth. Many titles, including Netflix original series and films, are available in high-definition with Dolby Digital Plus 5.1 surround sound and some in Ultra HD 4K. Advanced recommendation technologies with up to five user profiles help members discover entertainment they’ll love.

  • ‘Content innovation to govern English movie channels’ landscape:’ Kevin Vaz

    ‘Content innovation to govern English movie channels’ landscape:’ Kevin Vaz

    MUMBAI: As 2016 rolls in after an action packed 2015, people are now rolling up their sleeves setting tougher goals to meet new challenges and touch greater heights in the new year. And amongst them is Star India business head – English cluster Kevin Vaz.

    According to Vaz, the English movie channels’ landscape will be governed by content and experience that will be led by innovation. And that’s exactly what Star Movies and Star Movies Select HD plan to do this year.

    Vaz tells Indiantelevision.com, “The industry landscape will be governed by content and experience that will be led by innovation. The invitation to our viewers is not just the promise of top-of-the-line Hollywood premieres on TV, but a marketing story to match its grandeur. Advertisers are well informed and believe in the power of great content and innovations and are willing to partner on something that will drive the viewers. At Star, we have also invested in creating a very strong brand extension in the form of Star Movies Secret Screening that engages and involves viewers beyond TV and makes them a part of the brand community. Understanding the consumer psychographics and creating stories that appeal to them will continue to the motivation for the team.”

    With an edge over its competitors with the rights to the Oscars, this year the 88th Academy Awards will be simulcast live for the first time on Star Movies as well as Star Movies Select HD on 29 February, 2016.

    While Star believes in curating content with content filters that appeals to the audience, Vaz is not perturbed by the advent of over the top (OTT) platforms offering content to viewers at their convenience. Opining that the mushrooming OTT platforms are not something that will affect acquisition cost of content, Vaz says, “At Star, we have some of the longest running studio deals giving us access to the biggest blockbusters and franchises. Our acquisition model has always been content based and continues to focus on ensuring that our viewers get the best of Hollywood.”

    Nowadays, marketing is not just about spending more, but spending smart and driving impact for viewership and perception of brands. For the premiere of Captain America, the channel initiated a first of its kind activity giving viewers a chance to win Captain America’s Harley Davidson bike. Going a step further in content innovation, for X-Men: Days of Future Past, Star Movies had joined forces with Farhan Akhtar, Vishal Dadlani & SKRAT to create a music video for the TV premiere.

    Additionally, the network has strategically invested in creating a strong brand extension in the form of Star Movies ‘Secret Screening’ that involves viewers beyond the television and makes them a part of the brand community.

    When queried as to how viewership impacts advertisers and agencies when it comes to English entertainment channels, Vaz says, “Advertising does depend on viewership, as that’s how the format of the TV business operates in India.” However, he is quick to add that Star has a competitive edge over its rivals with the strategic content deals with 21st Century Fox and Disney, which gives it access to some of the biggest blockbusters and franchises. “Our library strength is exhaustive and cannot be replicated by anyone. These facts alone make us a natural choice for our partners. The responsibility of having the best premieres and the biggest library is well shouldered with thought through marketing stories and festivals,” he adds.

    From a content perspective, Vaz is bullish about 2016. “This year will be spectacular for our viewers as they will get to see some of the biggest titles like Avengers- Age of Ultron , Birdman, Boyhood, Fantastic Four and Ant Man being showcased as an offering month on month between Star Movies and Star Movies Select HD. We will continue with our radical content innovations like premiering unreleased movies month on month on Star Movies Select HD, something no other channel can offer,” he informs.

    Beyond the premieres, the channel will continue to offer viewers unique movie festivals on book adaptations, critically acclaimed animation and Select 7+ to name a few, which brings some of the highest rated movies together.