ITV

Tag: premieres

  • Sony BBC Earth shares positive insightful storytelling key milestones for 2023

    Sony BBC Earth shares positive insightful storytelling key milestones for 2023

    Mumbai: Closing an extraordinary year, Sony BBC Earth shares some key milestones of 2023. Guided by the unwavering commitment to being one of the storytellers, the channel embarked on a journey that brought forth a grand visual spectacle, positive insightful storytelling, and a fresh perspective on knowledge and entertainment. Let us rewind the tape and relive the journey of Sony BBC Earth.

    Key Tentpoles for the year

    In March, the channel premiered ‘Dynasties II’ – a visual extravaganza narrated by the legendary Sir David Attenborough. This six-part program delved into the intricate social structures of charismatic animal species, conveying the powerful message that ‘family is power.’ The channel collaborated with an Indian a-cappella band for a song around the show theme ‘Legacy Must Live On’. The composition featured a-cappella renditions of animal sounds from the series’ legendary creatures. Exclusive screenings were conducted in key metros – Mumbai (Nehru Science Centre), Delhi (India Habitat Centre), and Chennai (Dakshina Chitra). A standout moment was the integration with the critically acclaimed film ‘Mrs. Chatterjee vs. Norway’.

    In July, ‘Changing Planet’ visually explored Earth’s delicate ecosystems, showcasing innovative solutions that transcend boundaries and foster sustainability. The two-part series revealed remarkable changes in six critical territories over the past two years, featuring presenters meeting those dedicated to restoring Earth’s balance.

    As we usher in the joyous season of December, Sony BBC Earth held a grand prime-time premiere of ‘Earth’, a captivating five-episode biography of our planet, narrated by Chris Packham, unfolding Earth’s epic narrative from a barren rock to a vibrant home for eight billion people.

    Special Days, Special Impact

    Sony BBC Earth launched a PSA campaign titled ‘Care For Earth, Care For Life’ around Earth Day. Adding a dash of quirk, the channel curated three animated short films around environmental issues such as drought, global meltdown, and plastic impact on aquatic life. The videos shed light on the current scenario of the planet through animal characters such as elephants, polar bears, and blue whales. The videos were shared by Garvita Gulati the Water Girl of India, Ann Mathew (Geeks of Green), and Ekta Chaudhary (Garden UP). Mad over Marketing showcased the campaign idea and its narrative. It was supported with a relevant line-up of shows such as Water Brothers, Climate Change: Ade on the Frontline, Ocean Rescue, etc.

    In October, the channel launched a Diwali-special property ‘The Festival of Life’ premiering 12 shows. This curated line-up guaranteed a blend of entertainment, enlightenment, and inspiration. Broadcasted from 16 October to 10 November the show list included Chasing Monsters Season 3 and 4, Wild Scandinavia, Joanna Lumley’s Spice Trail Adventure, Dogs In The Wild, South Korea With Alexander, Vitamin Pills – Miracle Or Myth?, Horizon Hair Care Secrets, Serengeti Season 3, Alexander Armstrong In Sri Lanka, Panorama Are You Scared Yet, Human?, and Africa With Ade Adepitan.

    In December, the channel curated a Christmas Special anthology titled – ‘All Things Sweet’. It featured captivating shows such as ‘Inside The Factory’, delving into the intricate processes and technology of foods and goods, ‘Inside the Chocolat’, and ‘Inside The Christmas Factory’ showcasing Britain’s largest independent chocolate maker and the fascinating processes of UK’s beloved festive treats. It also included ‘Rick Stein’s Road To Mexico’, adding a flavourful touch to the holiday cheer.

    Brand IPs and Engaging Contests

    In March, the channel marked its 6 anniversary by presenting viewers with an exclusive lineup of iconic shows that captured the essence of ‘Feel Alive’ over the six years. The special programming featured shows such as Planet Earth II, Blue Planet II, Seven Worlds, One Planet, A Perfect Planet, Eden – Untamed Planet, and Frozen Planet II. Additionally, the channel utilized its social media platforms by hosting viewer contests.

    The ‘Earth in Focus 3’ online photography contest, celebrated the Pride of India. It encouraged photographers to narrate compelling stories through captivating images. The recently concluded contest witnessed an impressive turnout with 6,030 entries and garnered 124,490 votes. The channel had a 3-day activation with Doodle walls installed at the Phoenix Market City, Kurla. It saw participation from people of all ages and encouraged spot registrations for the contest. Further, building on the community engagement Doodle and Photography workshops were planned across two days.

    Sony BBC Earth’s property ‘Earth Champions’ saw a quirky makeover with the channel showcasing the journey of real-life heroes in a rap format. The 3-minute capsules reflected the work of the changemakers. The debut episode featured ‘ Jadav Payeng,’ the Forest Man of India, recognized for his selfless efforts in environmental conservation. The same featured on-air along with extensive social media promotions.

    Sony BBC Earth’s 6 edition of ‘Feel Alive Hours’ concluded in 2023 along with the launch of the 7 season. As an industry first initiative, a nationwide quiz was launched in a digital format where students participated in batches of two, in senior and junior categories. The 7 season allows students to register as individual participants. Feel Alive Hours also includes a school contact programme providing an immersive experience through science experiments, interactive adventures, and diverse content genres. Content-viewing sessions on science, wildlife, adventure, etc., and DIY activities to spark creativity and curiosity add to the engagement of the sessions.

    On-Ground Integration and Metaverse Magic

    Sony BBC Earth organised a Science Movie Festival at Nehru Science Centre in October. The 3-day fest ignited students’ passion for science, immersing them in the vast expanse of space over three days. With participation from more than 1000 students across Mumbai, the event became an educational odyssey.

    Blurring the lines between reality and imagination, Sony BBC Earth’s Metaverse experience offered a virtual walkthrough of two worlds – Polar Regions and the Tropical rainforest at The Lil Flea (MMRDA Ground, BKC). From small kids to senior citizens, all had firsthand experience of it, leaving a lasting impact on them. The channel also extended the Metaverse experience to underprivileged children of the Udaan Foundation, making the festive season special for them.

    Upcoming Premieres

    As wrap up the extraordinary journey of 2023, Sony BBC Earth, with its diverse array of stories, competitions, and on-ground engagements, stays dedicated to making people Feel Alive. Moving into 2024, January brings exciting offerings, including ‘World’s Most Dangerous Roads’ and the enchanting exploration of ‘Ancient Powers’. Delve into the depths with ‘Spy in the Ocean’, and don’t miss the Republic Day Special. Here’s to a future filled with more captivating stories and shared experiences. 

  • MIP Junior unveils rich line-up of keynotes & premieres

    MIP Junior unveils rich line-up of keynotes & premieres

    MUMBAI: MIPJunior yesterday unveiled a stellar line-up of conferences, screenings, and events, headlined by keynotes from Deirdre Brennan, VP Content at Corus Kids, and Catherine Balsam-Schwaber, CCO at Mattel.

    MIPJunior, the world’s leading screenings and conference for the kids’ entertainment community, takes place in Cannes, France, on 15-16 October, ahead of the MIPCOM entertainment content market.

    The first keynote, scheduled for 4.45pm (local time) on Saturday 15 October, will be delivered by Deirdre Brennan, Vice President Content for leading Canadian kids’ broadcaster Corus Entertainment . Fifteen years after attending her first MIPJunior, Brennan will share some of her adventures in the world of children’s broadcasting, on both sides of the pay wall. The former Australian Broadcasting Corporation exec will discuss her perspective on the risks and opportunities facing the industry today, and raise some important questions around our responsibility to audiences of the future.

    The following day at 4.30pm, Catherine Balsam-Schwaber, Chief Content Officer for toy giant Mattel , will use her keynote speech to discuss global trends and innovations shaping the future of the kids’ industry. Balsam-Schwaber leads global teams to develop, implement and maximize Mattel’s integrated strategy for content creation and distribution, digital development and media to connect consumers with the company’s brands in meaningful and innovative ways.

    Two MIPJunior World Premiere TV Screenings are scheduled. On Saturday, “Splash and Bubbles ” from The Jim Henson Company and Herschend Enterprises, a series of 80 x 11-minute episodes to debut this autumn in the US on PBS KIDS, will be screened. On Sunday, “Grizzy and the Lemmings” from Hari International will be exclusively shown to MIPJunior delegates. Set in a vast natural reserve lost in an untamed wilderness, a bear called Grizzy feels it’s only natural that the forest ranger’s house becomes his territory as soon as its owner is away – except he has to share it with some annoying lemmings.

    This year, the MIPJunior conference programme will explore the future of kids’ content and new storytelling, including sessions on: international coproductions, licensing and merchandising, and the MIPJunior International Pitch, which is backed for the second year in a row by Majid Entertainment, a subsidiary of Abu Dhabi Media Company. This will take place on Saturday 15 October at 2.30pm.

    Among the high profile speakers scheduled to attend MIPJunior panels are: Arne Lohmann, Vice President ZDFE.JUNIOR, ZDF Enterprises (Germany); Lisa Olfman, CEO and Co-Founder, Portfolio Entertainment (Canada); Sean Chu, Founder and CEO, WeKids Asia (China); Layla Lewis, Vice President Global Acquisitions, Nickelodeon (USA); Hitendra Merchant, Founder and CEO, YoBoHo HooplaKidz (India); Pontus Torpvret, Head of Acquisitions, Children, SVT (Sweden); Catherine Fulton, Creative Director for Marketing Strategy and Engagement, Viacom Media Networks (USA); Henrietta Hurford-Jones, Director of Children’s, BBC Worldwide (UK); Helene Juguet, VP Business Development, TV & Digital Production, Ubisoft Motion Pictures (France) and Finn Arnesen, SVP International Distribution & Development, Hasbro Studios (UK).

    “New distribution platforms are changing the game, playing by different rules and creating a new dynamic in the whole kids’ content industry. Through this vibrant conference programme, matchmaking and networking events, and an extensive screening library, MIPJunior allows industry executives to identify and promote innovative content capturing the hearts of young viewers across cultural borders,” said Lucy Smith, Director of MIPJunior.

    As an appetizer for MIPCOM 2016, we’ve put together this short film . If you haven’t already signed up for free media accreditation – or even if you are already booked to come to Cannes, check out what’s going to be taking place.

  • MIP Junior unveils rich line-up of keynotes & premieres

    MIP Junior unveils rich line-up of keynotes & premieres

    MUMBAI: MIPJunior yesterday unveiled a stellar line-up of conferences, screenings, and events, headlined by keynotes from Deirdre Brennan, VP Content at Corus Kids, and Catherine Balsam-Schwaber, CCO at Mattel.

    MIPJunior, the world’s leading screenings and conference for the kids’ entertainment community, takes place in Cannes, France, on 15-16 October, ahead of the MIPCOM entertainment content market.

    The first keynote, scheduled for 4.45pm (local time) on Saturday 15 October, will be delivered by Deirdre Brennan, Vice President Content for leading Canadian kids’ broadcaster Corus Entertainment . Fifteen years after attending her first MIPJunior, Brennan will share some of her adventures in the world of children’s broadcasting, on both sides of the pay wall. The former Australian Broadcasting Corporation exec will discuss her perspective on the risks and opportunities facing the industry today, and raise some important questions around our responsibility to audiences of the future.

    The following day at 4.30pm, Catherine Balsam-Schwaber, Chief Content Officer for toy giant Mattel , will use her keynote speech to discuss global trends and innovations shaping the future of the kids’ industry. Balsam-Schwaber leads global teams to develop, implement and maximize Mattel’s integrated strategy for content creation and distribution, digital development and media to connect consumers with the company’s brands in meaningful and innovative ways.

    Two MIPJunior World Premiere TV Screenings are scheduled. On Saturday, “Splash and Bubbles ” from The Jim Henson Company and Herschend Enterprises, a series of 80 x 11-minute episodes to debut this autumn in the US on PBS KIDS, will be screened. On Sunday, “Grizzy and the Lemmings” from Hari International will be exclusively shown to MIPJunior delegates. Set in a vast natural reserve lost in an untamed wilderness, a bear called Grizzy feels it’s only natural that the forest ranger’s house becomes his territory as soon as its owner is away – except he has to share it with some annoying lemmings.

    This year, the MIPJunior conference programme will explore the future of kids’ content and new storytelling, including sessions on: international coproductions, licensing and merchandising, and the MIPJunior International Pitch, which is backed for the second year in a row by Majid Entertainment, a subsidiary of Abu Dhabi Media Company. This will take place on Saturday 15 October at 2.30pm.

    Among the high profile speakers scheduled to attend MIPJunior panels are: Arne Lohmann, Vice President ZDFE.JUNIOR, ZDF Enterprises (Germany); Lisa Olfman, CEO and Co-Founder, Portfolio Entertainment (Canada); Sean Chu, Founder and CEO, WeKids Asia (China); Layla Lewis, Vice President Global Acquisitions, Nickelodeon (USA); Hitendra Merchant, Founder and CEO, YoBoHo HooplaKidz (India); Pontus Torpvret, Head of Acquisitions, Children, SVT (Sweden); Catherine Fulton, Creative Director for Marketing Strategy and Engagement, Viacom Media Networks (USA); Henrietta Hurford-Jones, Director of Children’s, BBC Worldwide (UK); Helene Juguet, VP Business Development, TV & Digital Production, Ubisoft Motion Pictures (France) and Finn Arnesen, SVP International Distribution & Development, Hasbro Studios (UK).

    “New distribution platforms are changing the game, playing by different rules and creating a new dynamic in the whole kids’ content industry. Through this vibrant conference programme, matchmaking and networking events, and an extensive screening library, MIPJunior allows industry executives to identify and promote innovative content capturing the hearts of young viewers across cultural borders,” said Lucy Smith, Director of MIPJunior.

    As an appetizer for MIPCOM 2016, we’ve put together this short film . If you haven’t already signed up for free media accreditation – or even if you are already booked to come to Cannes, check out what’s going to be taking place.

  • The year of big movie acquisitions

    The year of big movie acquisitions

    By Neeraj Vyas

    If we were to reflect on the landmark moments of 2013, we could proudly say that it has been an impactful year with many highs. To start off, Indian Cinema celebrated 100 years of diverse and distinctive movies. It is a momentous occasion for the world’s largest producer of feature films with over 1200 releases a year in more than 25 languages. The casts got bigger, the designing of the film got more glamorous, the locations more exotic and the technical values are at par with anywhere else in the world.  

    On the flip side, most of this additional cost was passed on the broadcaster and acquisitions became hugely expensive. Surprisingly, these high costs have not deterred many broadcasters from acquiring big banner films at pre-production stage even though it is almost impossible to gauge how well the film will be received by television audiences. In future, movie deals will probably be governed by the revenue generated at the box office.

    On the digital front too, the channel focused on building its brand equity and connect, apart from trying to keep strengthening the positioning of the brand.With competition within channels heating up to garner maximum viewership, the stakes attached to such upmarket films has evolved to be much more complicated than it has been in previous years. Marketing budgets for the television premiers of these films is something which has seen a huge increase with each channel upping the level of spends and trying to be distinctively innovative with each premier. For Aashiqui 2, the biggest romantic musical of the year, at MAX, we raised the bar for marketing innovations across all mediums of communication. The channel engaged with its viewers across all platforms – print, online and outdoors raising to a crescendo with the stars of the movie engaging with some lucky viewers thereby creating a much required stickiness for the brand. The main aim was to attract fresh viewers and entice older ones to watch the film again.

    The digital space is constantly evolving and our endeavour is to customise everything we do on the digital platform. Some of the innovations on the social platform were the IPL Jhumping Jhapak app. Also, MAX was the first Hindi movie channel to integrate live tweets on Jab Tak Hai Jaan.

    From an overall industry perspective, I feel the highpoint was the rollout of digitisation across the country in phases. Although much delayed and slower than anticipated, it opened out a whole new opportunity for channels to increase shelf space. The proposed ad cap pushed many networks to launch new channels to adequately maximise their inventory supply. At MAX, our focus was to consciously deliver better films and energise the brand to engage with our loyal viewers.  

    Looking forward, the film channels will also need to re-evaluate the way advertising is sold so that the true value is gained in return for the delivery of this product to large chunks of audiences.

    (Neeraj Vyas is senior VP and business head, Sony Max. The views expressed in the above article are the author’s personal views)

  • HBO’s ‘Hello Ladies’ debuts in India 8 October on HBO Defined

    HBO’s ‘Hello Ladies’ debuts in India 8 October on HBO Defined

    MUMBAI: In his first lead role in a comedy series, Golden Globe winner Stephen Merchant (executive producer, director, writer and actor of Life’s Too Short and executive producer of The Ricky Gervais Show) stars in a brand new HBO Original series Hello Ladies as a gawky, 6’7” tall web designer named Stuart, searching for excitement and romance in Los Angeles. This hilarious eight-episode season premieres in India on Tuesday, 8 October at 9.30 pm exclusively on HBO Defined.

    The storyline follows Stuart, a recent transplant from England, in search for the woman of his dreams amidst the dazzling nightlife of Los Angeles, but his romantic aspirations far outstretch his looks or appeal. Half as charming – and twice as desperate – as he believes he is. Stuart is obsessed with infiltrating the glamorous world of beautiful people who won’t let him in.

    Other series regulars on Hello Ladies include Christine Woods (Go On, Perfect Couples) as Jessica, an unsuccessful actress unsure of both her place in the world and her on-again, off-again romance with her agent; Nate Torrence (Get Smart, She’s Out of My League) as Wade, reluctantly re-entering the dating world after being dumped by the wife he still loves; and Kevin Weisman (Alias) as Kives, who parlays disability to his advantage in picking up women. Guest stars on the show include Crista Flanagan, Jenny Slate, Sean Wing and Sarah Wright.

    Hello Ladies was created by Stephen Merchant, Gene Stupnitsky and Lee Eisenberg; executive producers, Stephen Merchant, Gene Stupnitsky and Lee Eisenberg; co-executive producers, Danny Chun and Ron Weiner; producer, Dan Kaplow. Gene Stupnitsky and Lee Eisenberg’s credits as a team include writing and executive producing Bad Teacher and writing and co-executive producing the American version of The Office, for which they were nominated for four Emmys.
    This half-hour HBO Original comedy series Hello Ladies about a bumbling English transplant who struggles to find love in the city of dreams premieres on Tuesday, 8 October at 9.30 pm on HBO Defined. Brand new episodes will air weekly at the same time.

  • Doonya premieres on Zee TV Americas

    Doonya premieres on Zee TV Americas

    MUMBAI: Zee Americas has added Doonya: The Bollywood Workout to its fall weekend schedule. The Doonya series premieres on 5 October 2013 on Zee TV, Zing and Zee Cinema in North America bringing dance and fitness (with a Bollywood twist!) to 800,000 homes.

    Doonya’s founders – Priya Pandya and Kajal Desai – have created a program that takes Bollywood inspired movements and connects them to target muscle groups. Their clear and easy-to-follow instruction allows the audience to burn calories (up to 800 per hour) and build strength and stamina through cardio and conditioning workouts.

    “We know south Asians love to dance,” says Desai, “but working out isn’t something our community is known for.”

    “Diabetes, coronary artery disease and obesity are all issues plaguing our community right now. And it can be hard to combat these diseases when working out isn’t always fun,” adds Pandya.

    “Doonya bridges that gap and provides a workout that is fun for the entire family! You’ll dance to songs you recognise using moves you already know, but will do them in a way that gives you results,” says Desai.

    Pandya finishes, “Over the last seven years we’ve been teaching Doonya, we’ve seen our students’ bodies transform through our program. We are excited to share a program that is so rooted in our culture and upbringing with our community.”  

    Zee Americas GM Sameer Targe said, “Doonya is the first of its kind fitness program that is based on Bollywood dancing.  We are very excited to partner with them as it coincides with our programming philosophy of “Entertainment with a Purpose”. A locally produced show was a natural move for us as it further strengthens our leadership position in the US.”
    Zee subscribers would be able to catch Doonya’s workouts on Zee Cinema every Saturday at 9:30 am, Zee TV on Saturdays at 11:30 am, Zee TV Canada on Saturdays at 11:30 am and on Zing every Sunday at 11:00 am.

  • Star One’s ‘Shhh… Phir Koi Hai’ premieres with a rating of 2.68

    MUMBAI: Shhh…Phir Koi Hai, the one-hour premiere episode, which aired on Friday 3 November 2006 burst through the TRP scales delivering a rating of 2.68 on CS4+.

    The premiere episode has witnessed a robust growth in channel shares touching 2.8 on CS4+ HSM, making Shh…Phir Koi Hai one of the many successful shows that have been launched on Star One, asserts an oficial release.

    Star India senior creative director Shailja Kejriwal said, “We are extremely delighted at the response that we have got from the audience for Shh…Phir Koi Hai. We hope that the line up of more exciting and varied content combined with a brilliant mix of programming will keep the viewers entertained and coming back for more.”

    Star One shows like Nach Baliye one and two, The Great Indian Laughter Challenge, Bluffmaster and Mano Ya Na Mano have diversed from the regular TV fare and Shh…Phir Koi Hai is another addition to the lot, adds the release.