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Tag: OTT

  • ZEE5 makes user registration mandatory to augment segmentation and targeting capabilities

    ZEE5 makes user registration mandatory to augment segmentation and targeting capabilities

    KOLKATA: ZEE5 today announced its plans to enrich its audience data by building quality and diverse audience clusters with engagement capabilities in a cookie less world. The ConTech platform takes a strategic step towards making ‘user registration mandatory’ and thus augmenting astute audience segmentation and targeting capability.

    Brands are slowly shifting their marketing budgets to digital platforms as the digital medium becomes all pervasive and consumers increase time spent on this medium. Taking cue from that, ZEE5 with its futuristic Ad:tech construct, promises to build rich customer profiles, serve hyper-personalised content recommendations and ad targeting, based on the holistic personas of these customers to improve experiences and deliver precise targeting for advertisers in a brand safe environment.

    ZEE5 India expansion projects business head and product head Rajneel Kumar said, “Data enrichment is the way forward. We are cognizant of the cookie less future and want to reduce dependencies on using third party data significantly. Rise of a new data-driven world, addressable, accountable and increasingly automated is upon us, and brands are longing to create more individualized experiences that can tap into the targeting and personalisation capabilities available within the digital video realm. With a robust Ad:tech architecture at play, we want to empower the advertiser to do end to end optimisation on the back of cutting-edge technology coupled with ZEE5’s massive reach and rich consumer profiles.”

    ZEE5’s indigenous CDP platform ‘Infonomix’, a key offering from ZEE5 Ads, will allow brands to leverage the flexibility and the prowess of Ad Suite to target precisely and harness segmentation for very measurable results. The convergence of data from various sources including, social data from the recently launched HiPi – a short video platform, will allow Infonomix to not only power the content discovery on the platform but also support CLM team to devise a personalised push notification strategy.

    With the uncertainty on when the lockdown will end, ZEE5, India’s Entertainment Super-app foresees not only increased consumption from existing customers but also many new customers joining the platform for the first time in the coming months. ZEE5 aims to ramp up their content strategy but also, their consumer insight data points for hyper-accurate and hyper-relevant content and ad optimization.

  • Decoding the influence of IPL 2020 on Disney+Hotstar’s paid subscriber base

    Decoding the influence of IPL 2020 on Disney+Hotstar’s paid subscriber base

    KOLKATA: Most of the Indian sports enthusiasts consider cricket as their religion. The upcoming season of the Indian Premier League will not only overwhelm the audience but will fill the void which has been due to the absence of major cricket tournaments in the last few months. There is no doubt that the official broadcaster Star Sports’ viewership will witness a rise during the league, but how Disney+Hotstar will benefit from it in terms of paid subscriptions is something to watch out for..

    The media giant Walt Disney Company, which owns Hotstar after the acquisition of 21st Century Fox, planned a grand entry of its streaming service Disney+ in March. Utilising the fandom for IPL, the company decided to integrate it with Hotstar to exploit the existing users. The pandemic had forced them to launch it in the absence of the cricket showbiz. However, despite all the odds, the platform has been able to garner 8.63 million subscribers as of 30 June. Now, most of the experts believe IPL is going to boost the number further.

    SBICap Securities institutional equity research head Rajiv Sharma is of the opinion that all the content available at this moment is on
    predictable lines despite having differentiated storytelling, but live sports are completely off the shell. “Earlier, IPL used to have at least some competition with other cricket tournaments before or after the event. The dearth of enough good events may lead to a 2x-3x increase in viewership and brand participation for IPL,” adds Sharma.

    Sharma, who is highly optimistic about IPL’s impact on Disney+Hotstar subscriber base, says that the number of new subscribers coming because of IPL will be 50 per cent higher as compared to earlier years. Moreover, the retention rate after the event will be 20-30 per cent higher; thanks to the library of Disney+.

    Elara Capital VP – research analyst (media) Karan Taurani states that the platform’s viewership will be negative this season. According to him, TV viewership will increase at a much higher rate as most of the people will be at home during the matches. He adds that he does not see any fresh subscribers coming to the platform for IPL specifically. 

    Mirum India joint CEO Sanjay Mehta differs from Taurani’s view. Mehta opines that lockdown has accustomed viewers to consume content through OTT services. According to him, many people have now formed a habit of enjoying OTT services on Smart TVs or using devices like Chromecast to enjoy it on a large screen. Coupled with the starvation of premium cricket events or other
    live sports, the new trends of consumption will benefit Disney+Hotstar subscription directly.

    He says the focus should be on highlighting the fact that Disney+Hotstar gives access to a huge amount of other premium content along with IPL.

    “Prima-facie, the decision to move IPL streaming to a premium account will see a decline in the overall digital audience. While I believe the core IPL fans will stick to Hotstar or the ones who don’t have a subscription may get onto the platform for the duration of the event. So we may see a spike for sure in short-term,” Isobar India COO Gopa Kumar comments. Notably, Jio has introduced new packs of Rs 499 monthly and Rs 799 quarterly plans giving access to Disney+Hotstar, which makes it clear that any Jio users will not enjoy IPL at zero cost this year.

    As the majority of people will be at home, there might be a slight dip. However, owing to single TV per household phenomenon at
    many places, you may see people logging in Disney+Hotstar to watch IPL,” he adds.

    Kumar thinks the platform will come up with a marketing campaign for IPL very soon. According to him, the engagement story, the real-time response from the audience and interactive formats will be the key narrative of communication. 

  • Industry welcomes I&B ministry’s guidelines to restart Film, TV and OTT production

    Industry welcomes I&B ministry’s guidelines to restart Film, TV and OTT production

    MUMBAI: Yesterday, Information and Broadcasting Minister Prakash Javadekar released a comprehensive set of standard operating procedures (SOPs) aimed at the resumption of production for film, television, and OTT originals. The announcement came in as a sigh of relief for many in the industry. The SOPs are in line with the protocols followed across the globe, which also specifies safe distances on shooting locations, in edit rooms, studios, and others. It includes rules on sanitization, fumigation, face masks, and availability of PPE kits. The SOPs also mention the need for an appointment of an on-set Covid2019 coordinator. Javadekar said, “Today we are laying out standard operating procedures as per the international experience and with the consultation of the health ministry and the home ministry.”

    He further explained that contact minimisation is at the core of the SOPs. It will be ensured by minimal physical contact and sharing of props and PPEs for hairstylists and make-up artists, among others. Javadekar also highlighted that the characters in front of the camera would be exempted from wearing masks. Making this announcement on Doordarshan Javadekar said that formulating SOP measures as part of the overall decision to revive economic activities. He added, “For the last six months, this industry had come to a standstill, and many people had lost their jobs. We hope all States will adopt these SOPs.”

    For a detailed list of the SOPs, click here. In a special interaction with indiantelevision.com film producer, Ramesh Taurani said, “I think it is a very good step from the government. Shoots have already started, but now they can be done in other locations as well, as the new SOPs will benefit everyone. These are practical and manageable SOPs, and the film industry is very happy. Now things will happen at a macro level. As the film shooting has started workers, actors, technicians can start work with full protection. It is a good step towards restarting the economy, as more people will get employment. The announcement came from the central government, and now it is up to the respective state government to take it forward.” Apart from laying down the social distancing norms, the ministry has also asked the production houses to ensure extensive planning. It also states that physical distancing of at least six feet is to be followed as far as feasible at all locations at all times, while sitting, standing in queues, etc. FICCI official spokesperson said, "It is a welcome move and the industry has been looking forward to this. It will help open the industry in a phased manner with all the necessary precautions . We are looking forward to working with the government to ensure we get back to business with all the norms that have been put in place. This move from central government is the umbrella document for state governments to adopt so that there is basic uniformity across the country . This is one plan laid out by the central government for the state government to follow and they can add some important details as per the specific requirement." Aspects such as scenes, sequences, set-ups, camera locations, positions of various crew members, seating arrangements, food and catering arrangements, staggered meal timings, etc. shall be planned while giving due consideration to physical distancing norms. According to the guidelines, measures shall be taken by the production team to involve a minimum number of cast and crew members during the shoot. IFTPC chairman TV wing JD Majethia shares, “It is a very welcome move. We all have been waiting for this for a very long time. It is a relief that the centre has eased out the restrictions. As shooting is now allowed across India, it would be easier for film, television, and OTT shows to shoot in different locations and studios, which was difficult to do earlier. Many people will get their employment back, hopefully in Maharashtra. If trains are allowed from next month onwards, a lot of people will get their jobs back.” He further added that the guidelines laid down by the I&B ministry are more detailed, and they have included a lot of aspects. “The measures are clear in nature. Everyone will know what to do in these circumstances. However, the state government can add or modify policies as per their requirement. States with less number of cases can ease out restrictions, whereas things will be stricter in areas where there are a higher number of cases,” adds Majethia. The Ministry has also advised that no visitors or audiences are to be allowed. In the case of outdoor shootings, necessary coordination has to be done with local police and administration to minimize spectators.

    It is a moment of joy for film and OTT platforms as the Covid2019 halted the shoots at other locations, especially with large crews. "It's great news for the TV and film industry. What's more interesting is that the SOPs suggest some points for the opening of the exhibition. We are now looking forward to the opening of cinemas and getting the whole movie industry back on track," says SVF Entertainment co-founder director Mahendra Soni. Juggernaut Productions chief operating officer OTT-business Samar Khan mentions that the issuance of these SOPSs is a step in the right direction. He adds, “All of us have been eagerly awaiting the resumption of shoots but are also aware that crew safety is of utmost importance, following these guidelines will ensure that we can maintain the highest standards of safety while gradually resuming work.”

    The ministry has also advised the industry to discontinue usage of lapel mics or at least to ensure that these are not shared. It also highlights that costumes, hair wigs, and makeup items for actors should not be shared. The SOPs states that artists should be encouraged to do their hairstyling and make-up remotely with the help of professionals. Panorama Studios run by  Kumar Mangat Pathak and Abhishek Pathak is  a subsidiary of Panorama Studios International. Abhishek Pathak has also directed movies like Ujda Chama and Boond. He thanked the I&B ministry for focussing  on contact minimisation. "We welcome these guidelines. Yes, shooting will be a huge challenge in the Covid2019 era, but I think with vigilance and precautions, we can make a comeback steadily. This decision brings huge relief for industry dwellers whose livelihood depends on the creation of movies, series, and other content." Planet Marathi founder and filmmaker Akshay Bardapurkar who also produced AB Aani CD said that it is great news from the I&B minister himself. “However now with the opening of the shoots it would be great also to see theatres also opening up. He mentions that more than 100 films are stalled, and producers are suffering. I hope that the central government issues SOPs for theatres soon and opens them too,” adds Bardapurkar.

  • Government announces SOPs to restart film, TV, OTT production

    Government announces SOPs to restart film, TV, OTT production

    MUMBAI: It’s all systems go for TV, film and OTT originals’ productions in India. Minister of information and broadcasting Prakash Javadekar today announced the release of standard operating procedures for productions to recommence. Tweeting the announcement Javadekar said, “The general principles behind the SOP will help create a safe working environment for cast and crew in the industry.”

    Amongst the measures the MIB has proposed include:

    ·      Minimum cast and crew to be engaged on sets during shoots.

    ·      Resting and stay over facilities to be provided.

    ·      Staggered call and packup times for production units having multiple production locations.

    ·      Older, pregnant, and comorbid technicians and artistes take extra precautions and preferable not be exposed to front line work requiring direct contact with the public.

    ·      Mandatory wearing of masks by all crew excepting the actors facing the camera for a scene.

    ·      Installation of Aarogya Setu app will be advised to be downloaded and used by all.

    ·      Exit and entry signs

    ·      Special markings to ensure social distancing is maintained at six feet for all during every stage of the film making process.

    ·      Visitors and audiences are barred from sets.

    ·      PPEs for make up technicians as well as hair stylist. Wigs and make up kits to not be shared. As far as possible, actors should do their own makeup.

    ·      Rubber gloves for all working with shared equipment on sets.

    ·      Minimise the use of props, sanitise them, if essential.

    ·      Lapel mikes to be avoided and not share. Direct physical contact with the diaphragms of mikes to be avoided.

    ·      A Covid supervisor to be appointed for each production.

    ·      Permissions to be taken from local authorities.

    The announcement of the SOPs for media production should come as a relief for India’s film studios, ad film and TV and digital originals producers. The sector has for a large part been held back from producing for the past five months, leading to losses running into thousands of crore.

    For a detailed list of the SOPs, click here.

     

     

  • Customers are in an omnichannel world now, reaching them is a lot more complex: Tata Sky’s Anurag Kumar

    Customers are in an omnichannel world now, reaching them is a lot more complex: Tata Sky’s Anurag Kumar

    KOLKATA: India’s undisputed DTH leader Tata Sky unveiled a digital campaign to celebrate its 14 anniversary recently. Of all other usual campaigns, it stands out in its approach of keeping consumers at the heart of the video. Rather than boasting of success with putting a few numbers together, the company has conveyed its journey through its loyal subscribers. While it has invoked a sense of authenticity, Tata Sky chief communication officer Anurag Kumar reiterated more empathy, more authenticity, talking about community, the family in communication are making it easier to connect with consumers in the post-Covid2019 period.

    To get a sense of the campaign, Tata Sky’s challenges and opportunities going forward, we caught up with Kumar. He shared that when they were ideating about what would be the best way to reach consumers, they thought of going back to subscribers who have been a part of the brand’s journey for a long time. The subscribers spoke their mind, did not read a script given by the company, and the videos were shot on the phone. 

    According to Kumar, such pieces of content created around consumers have greater engagement on social media platforms while TVC would have been one-way. Hence, the company opted for a digital campaign. Even so, the campaign was put up on Tata Sky’s landing page for a short period of time. The video on the digital medium has garnered 23 million impressions and 5.9 million views within seven days.

    “I think what we have seen in lockdown is the desire to care about the community and the family has increased. People are more aware of who is around them, they are helping each other a lot. Hence, what we have found is that communication which will be conveyed with sympathy for consumers, authenticity in terms representing real life, what the customer is going through, how they are at home, that is connecting much better in the post-Covid2019 period than before. communication filled with more empathy, more authenticity, talking about community, the family is connecting more,” Kumar opined.

    While pandemic is accelerating an overall change, the media and entertainment industry has already started facing an overhaul of the ecosystem. Standing at the critical juncture, Tata Sky is treating OTT as a friend rather than foe. While it has forayed into the video-on-demand market through Tata Sky Binge, Kumar said the overall challenge is now how do they make the brand as phenomenal for OTT as it has been for live TV. 

    He shared their approach to counter that challenge. Tata Sky is an expert at aggregating content and brings it to consumers. Now, it is looking at bringing the same kind of convenience and aggregation to OTT. “We have to continuously innovate, try to be relevant in future, from a TV point of view and OTT point of view,” Kumar contended. He said along with opportunities in OTT, pay-TV still has opportunities with 100 million TV unpenetrated households. 

    There are challenges in the industry along with opportunities. Kumar said the regulatory uncertainty, that industry faces, is a big challenge  As a result of frequent regulatory changes, the entire relationship between the various players in the value chain has to be evolved constantly resulting in a change in the business model, customer selling strategy, customer management approach. 

    “The other challenge is a significant cost and investment which we have to spend to reach consumers via media as it is expensive in India. Earlier, it was TV and print while now there are so many platforms. The customer is actually in an omnichannel world now. If we want to reach a consumer that is a lot more complex now. It is true even for sales as they can go to e-commerce, a physical dealer can contact the call centre. Hence, reaching the consumer in an efficient way via media and physical channels is a challenge. It’s not insurmountable, but it is something which we have to keep in mind,” Kumar commented. 

  • VOOT Select subscribers coming mainly from top 6 metros: Ferzad Palia

    VOOT Select subscribers coming mainly from top 6 metros: Ferzad Palia

    KOLKATA: Production houses have been able to resume the shooting schedule for shows since July, four months after the lockdown, but the fate of large scale projects still remains cloudy. Amid the backdrop of this uncertainty, the OTT players are innovating to churn out content.

    VOOT Select, the subscription-based premium service of  VOOT, that was introduced a few days before the lockdown, has launched a new show – The Gone Game. Interestingly, the show has been shot remotely and entirely in isolation during the lockdown. Directed by Nikhil Nagesh Bhat, The Gone Game is a one of a kind and a never-seen-before concept that puts creative freedom in the hands of the cast of the series to innovate while shooting from their homes. 

    Although some of the projects have been delayed during the lockdown, VOOT Select, Viacom18 Youth, Music, and English Entertainment head Ferzad Palia is confident of its content pipeline thanks to the mix of originals, international content and before TV.

    The lockdown has given a huge surge to all streaming services. VOOT Select did not have a chance to compare its traffic to pre-Covid period but shelter-at-home directive has helped it to beat in terms of subscription, watch time.

    Palia said the subscribers are consuming all sort of content with its originals like Asur, The Raikar Case, and Illegal creating a good buzz. Talking about the subscribers, Palia mentioned that they are mostly coming from top six metro cities followed by significant inflow from the top 15 cities as well.

    While lockdown has created an opportunity for streaming services, it has also impacted the marketing strategy due to the absence of the outdoor medium. Palia said while they have not been able to effectively use the outdoors after the first few days of launch, they have diverted marketing spends towards digital and TV. VOOT Select is evaluating all options around the outdoor medium with lockdown ending in a few parts of the country but currently keeping the focus on digital and television.

    During these last four-five months, many of the large OTT platforms have struck deals with movies lined up for theatrical release. Palia said the platform needs to focus on its own product now as it has a strong original slate and international content slate. He mentioned that no opportunity is off the table but timing is important.

    “We are very clear that our distribution strategy is not to be necessarily available with every single partner. We are very selective about the partner that we choose and Tata Sky Binge is the first announcement that we have made. There are others in the pipeline. It's important for us to build reach and for that distribution to increase. While the heart of our business is d2c, if there are opportunities which will help consumers access us through partners and that is relevant for them, we will take a call,” Palia commented on distribution strategy.

    As several parts of the country are reopening, experts believe there might be a slowdown in the growth of OTTs. But Palia said that subscribers have discovered new content and a new way of consumption. Hence, they are not seeing any slowdown in subscription growth or any reduction in time spend; both are growing day-by-day.      

  • ShemarooMe collaborates with Sony India

    ShemarooMe collaborates with Sony India

    KOLKATA: ShemarooMe has today announced its association with Sony India to expand the Smart TVs content library, further enhancing the accessibility and convenience for consumers. With this association, the ShemarooMe app will now be available for streaming exclusively on select BRAVIA Smart TVs. The all-in-one platform offers a wide range of multi-genre, multi-regional content, including Bollywood Premieres, Bollywood Classics, Shemaroo Kids, and the best of Devotional, Comedy and Regional content.

    Online content consumption has increased rapidly as consumers are confined to their homes due to the lockdown and are accessing streaming services from multiple screens such as tablets, laptops, mobile phones and smart TVs. During these unprecedented times, this partnership further deepens ShemarooMe’s reach by providing seamless access to BRAVIA’s vast number of consumers in the country as well as enables the latter to expand its Hindi and regional entertainment portfolio with the OTT platform’s exciting slate of popular shows and movies.

    Talking about this announcement, Shemaroo Entertainment digital COO Zubin Dubash said, “We are extremely delighted to have partnered with Sony India to help expand their entertainment portfolio with ShemarooMe’s diverse content catalogue. Over the years, Sony’s BRAVIA television has truly revolutionized the way Indians watch content. With this strategic association, we aim to expand our OTT distribution and transform the TV viewing experience for consumers, giving them access to our rich legacy with the added convenience of streaming blockbuster Bollywood as well as regional movies and live events, seamlessly on their television sets.”

    Sony India BRAVIA Business head Ranvijay Singh added "We are glad to partner with Shemaroo Entertainment and help amplify their diverse content portfolio across India. BRAVIA Televisions have a legacy of offering the most immersive viewing experience and with a rapid increase in the online content consumption, we are positive that this partnership will offer wholesome entertainment to our consumers.”

  • VOOT Select launches The Gone game, a show shot remotely during lockdown

    VOOT Select launches The Gone game, a show shot remotely during lockdown

    KOLKATA: Voot Select is all set to launch its next big original The Gone Game. As a service that launched just on the heels of the Covid-19 pandemic, Voot Select has truly unleashed the potential of OTT. Backed with its critically and commercially acclaimed shows like Asur, Marzi, The Raikar Case and Illegal, the next from  VOOT Select – made for stories is The Gone Game – a show that breaks the barriers of space and location to deliver on a gripping and compelling story.

    Voot Select has noted a stellar growth trajectory and with offerings such as the upcoming season of Bigg Boss being available on the platform before TV, launch of premium content in regional languages and originals like The Gone Game, the platform is all set to further accelerate its growth in the next few months. 

    Speaking about the journey of Voot, Viacom18 Digital Ventures COO Gourav Rakshit said: “Voot has had a tremendous growth trajectory since launch. Being the last entrant in the broadcaster backed OTT category, we quickly catapulted to being the second largest AVOD player. We launched Voot Select on the heels of the ongoing pandemic, however the lockdown truly unlocked the value of a premium service and in a very short time frame we have grown to be home to some of the best original and international content.”

    “Voot Select has witnessed tremendous growth since the launch in early March of 2020. Being the most recent SVOD entrant in the broadcaster backed OTT category, it's heartening to see how much ground we've been able to cover in such quick time. Beyond subscription numbers we've also grown in reputation to become home to some of the finest original web series in the country. I have no doubt that "The Gone Game” will join the list of celebrated stories from Voot Select," Rakshit added.

    Shot entirely in isolation during the lockdown, The Gone Game has been executed through remote direction, ingenious cinematography and limited equipment. Marked by nuanced performances and inimitable viewing experience, the show will build intrigue and unravel a mystery at every step of the way. Directed by Nikhil Nagesh Bhat, The Gone Game is a one of a kind and a never-seen-before concept that puts creative freedom in the hands of the cast of the series to innovate while shooting from their homes.  

    Commenting on the launch of The Gone Game, Voot Select, Viacom18 Youth, Music and English Entertainment head Ferzad Palia said, “Voot Select has had a tremendous first 150 days. Subscriber growth has surpassed all estimates by a long, long way. This spectacular success of the platform comes on the back of Originals, Before TV Content & our International offering. The lockdown has provided a further boost to the rapid rise in subscriber growth. We have innovatively navigated through the challenges of the lockdown and continued to create the best in content and viewing experience for our audience. The Gone Game has a gripping storyline, top drawer cast, and has been shot entirely from home with utmost precision and skill. The thrill and excitement of the show will deliver top-notch entertainment.”  

    Set in a global pandemic, with a nation in lockdown, the story starts amidst a mysterious disappearance.  Sahil Gujral is gone. Did he fall prey to the virus? Or is something more sinister at play? 2020 has changed the world forever, but for the Gujral family, the nightmare has just begun.Backed with a power-packed cast including Sanjay Kapoor, Arjun Mathur, Shriya Pilgaonkar, Shweta Tripathi Sharma, Rukhsar Rehman, Lubna Salim, Indraneil Sengupta, Dibyendu Bhattacharya and produced by Bodhi Tree Multimedia, The Gone Game will stream on Voot Select from 20 August.

    Sukesh Motwani of Bodhi Tree Multimedia said, “It will not be wrong to say that we made it from scratch as we were working with very limited resources and shooting entirely from home. It was challenging but our entire team in association with Voot Select and Nikhil Nagesh Bhat built the concept and storyline of the show creatively without compromising on the output. We were lucky to have a fantastic cast and crew that collectively helped us put a great show together. We are certain that the audience are in for a thrilling ride.” 

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  • Eros STX Global forecasts 50 mn monthly paid subscribers for Eros Now by 2022

    Eros STX Global forecasts 50 mn monthly paid subscribers for Eros Now by 2022

    KOLKATA: Eros International and STX Filmworks completed the big Bollywood-Hollywood merger last month. The newly combined company Eros STX Global Corporation forecasts 50 million monthly paid subscribers for Eros Now and generate $1 billion in revenue for the calendar year 2022.

    Eros Now reached 33.8 million paid monthly subscribers and 205.8 million registered users as of 30 June. “Despite the business challenges arising from the pandemic, Eros STX has seen a substantial increase in both new subscriptions and consumer engagement on the Eros Now platform driven by increased time spent at home as well as fewer out-of-home entertainment options available,” Eros STX Global co-chairman and CEO Robert Simonds said.

     “Eros Now has a strong slate of films and original series scheduled for release over the coming quarters, and the Company expects this to help drive continued growth in the paying subscriber base in India and around the world. Consumers are watching more content on the platform than ever before, an acceleration of growth that will provide strong tailwinds to the combined business for the coming quarters,” he added.

    Simonds seems extremely optimistic about Eros Now as he said it has one of the largest libraries of local and regional language content in the Indian marketplace which would take a significant investment of capital for a competitor to even try to replicate it. He also cited the independent, third-party valuation that was done in February which valued Eros library at $1 billion approximately. 

    Other than Eros Now, Eros STX’s co-production with some of the largest global players like Amazon and Netflix also opens another growth window for the company. 

  • Lionsgate Play celebrates one year anniversary, geares up to launch an exclusive app

    Lionsgate Play celebrates one year anniversary, geares up to launch an exclusive app

    KOLKATA: The global content leader and Hollywood studio house Lionsgate entered Indian OTT market in August 2019 with its premium streaming service product, Lionsgate Play. The brand launched its operations in the country by forming a strategic alliance with Vodafone Idea. With this collaboration, subscribers of Vodafone Play and Idea Movies and TV gained access to Lionsgate Play's enormous library of Hollywood content, which is populated by renowned franchises and films like La La Land, Twilight series, John Wick series, Wonder, Dirty 30, Knives Out, American Pie and many more.

     Correspondingly, for unparalleled distribution, Lionsgate Play strategically formed alliances with other telecom partners having enormous reach in India like Airtel for Airtel Xstream app and Jio for JioFiberJioTV+ to give customers of the Indian telco access to Lionsgate’s portfolio of feature film content. Further, Lionsgate Play made itself available on JioTV+ and what began as a smart phone-led content revolution transitioned and expanded to encompass consumer televisions and other large screens in the home.

     With the tremendous response received from the Indian viewers, Lionsgate Play launched Blockbuster Friday series – releasing one new film every Friday. Blockbuster Friday series showcased films from various genres such as horror, comedy, drama, action, thriller, sci-fi and romcoms. This resulted in the rise of viewership and increased stream time per user. Lionsgate Play also hosted Digital Movie Premiers of the Oscar nominated films like Knives out and Bombshell along with John Wick 3to name a few.In addition, Lionsgate Play dubbed many of its popular titles in Hindi, Marathi, Tamil, Telugu, Kannada and Bhojpuri for regional-speaking cinema lovers, for them to enjoy Hollywood movies in their preferred language.

    Now having tested the Indian waters and receiving great response from viewers, Lionsgate Play is all geared up to launch an exclusive app very soon. The app will house Cult Hollywood Movies, Popular Global TV shows and a few premium Original Indian shows that are being currently developed. All and all the company is further strengthening its offering as a premium content provider to Indian users.

     Commenting on the partnership,  Lionsgate South Asia managing director Rohit Jain said,“Lionsgate Play’s collaboration with telecom partners in India has witnessed surge in viewership with each passing month. As a premium Hollywood content brand, we introduced fresh quality content for our consumers and provided content as per demands whether it was for action thrillers or romcoms. We made sure there is content for everybody. We are ecstatic about Lionsgate Play’s success on these platforms. We will continue to invest in technology and expand our library for our userbase in India.”

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