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Tag: PTC Network

  • TCH 2024: One Nation: Diverse Voices

    TCH 2024: One Nation: Diverse Voices

    Mumbai: Exploring the shift from regional to national content, this synopsis delves into the trends and challenges. It navigates the transformation, analyzing industry dynamics, emerging trends, and the hurdles faced. From preserving regional variation to adapting to a broader audience, it examines the multifaceted journey of regional content evolving into a national narrative. In what ways do the emerging trends and challenges influence the dynamics of the entertainment industry during this transition? How can creators navigate these changes effectively? What strategic approaches can content creators adopt to strike a balance between maintaining regional identity and fostering a cohesive national narrative in their work? How can the transition from ‘regional’ to ‘national content’ impact cultural diversity within the entertainment industry, and what measures can be taken to ensure the preservation of regional variation?

    In a rapidly evolving media landscape, seasoned industry professionals have offered valuable insights into the transformation of content consumption and production. The session was chaired by Ernst and Young partner Raghav Anand, MMTV chief executive officer P.R. Satheesh, Sony Marathi business head Ajay Bhalwankar, PTC Network chairman & MD Rabindra Narayan, Shemaroo Entertainment COO, Digital, Saurabh Srivastava esteemed voices in the field, have articulated their perspectives on the burgeoning shift towards globalised content.

    Rabindra Narayan emphasised the dissolution of regional boundaries in content consumption, attributing it to the accessibility facilitated by global platforms and connectivity options. He predicts a future where language barriers will fade, citing the potential of technology to clone and adapt voices, thus enabling seamless localization across languages.

    Saurabh highlighted the democratisation of content creation in the digital era, underscoring its empowerment and revenue potential, particularly in linguistically diverse markets like India. He emphasizes the value of culturally rooted storytelling in filling gaps in content supply, with technology enabling effective monetization, especially through OTT platforms.

    Ajay Bhalwan sheds light on the evolving landscape of Hindi and regional language content, noting a significant shift where a substantial portion of content on Hindi film channels originates from regional languages. He accentuates the importance of language in enhancing authenticity and audience engagement, exemplified by the strong resonance of Marathi content in Maharashtra.

    PR Satheesh underscored the paramount importance of content quality in driving viewership and transcending language barriers. Drawing parallels with the global popularity of Korean dramas, he advocates for leveraging technology, including AI and real-time translations, to enhance content creation and distribution.

    These insightful perspectives collectively echoed the industry’s adaptation to a globalised content landscape, where technology catalyzes innovation and accessibility. As content continues to evolve, these experts offered valuable guidance on navigating the dynamic media landscape and maximizing the impact of storytelling in diverse markets worldwide.

  • PTC Network’s Digital Film Festival and Awards conclude

    PTC Network’s Digital Film Festival and Awards conclude

    Mumbai: PTC Network’s two-days long Digital Film Festival and Awards concluded in Chandigarh on Sunday. The event, which commenced on 25 March with the screening of some very creative digital feature films by PTC Network, was inaugurated by actors Gurpreet Ghuggi and Dev Kharoud.

    On the first day, PTC Network’s thought-provoking full-length feature film “Seeto Marjani” was premiered. Apart from this, four short digital films were also screened. Film enthusiasts turned in huge numbers to watch special screenings.

    “We are proud to be a medium which provides opportunities to local film-making talent in Punjab. They no longer have to run to Mumbai to make a film or to be part of a feature film,” commented PTC Network MD and president Rabindra Narayan. “We are doing what local governments have failed to do over the years. Finally, Punjabi artists find work and showcase their talent in Punjab.”

    It was “Seeto Marjani” which attracted the attention of everyone on its launch day as the film is also streaming on the PTC Play app from Monday. The film is based on the play written by well-known Punjabi play writer Dr Charan Das Sidhu. Set in a remote village of Punjab, “Seeto Marjani” deals with the taboo subject, the right of a woman to choose her partner.

    The film exposes the duplicity of our patriarchal society where a woman is just a commodity. She has no right to choose a person with whom she is to spend her entire life. Artists like Pankaj Berry, Nirmal Rishi, Gurinder Makna, Navdeeep Bajwa, Aarzoo Jajoria, and Dhriti Goenka have given powerful performances in the film and were present at the premiere show in Chandigarh. The film is directed by Gaurav Rana for PTC Motion Pictures.

    Apart from “Seeto Marjani,” films like “Meri Bhain De Jeth De Munde Da Veah,” “Shart,” “Udeek,” “Life Cab” were also screened. On 26 March, films like “Mera Kuch Samaan,” “Jhanna De Paani,” and “Byaan” were screened for the audience. All these films are also available on the PTC OTT Platform, PTC Play app.

    On the eve of 26 March, PTC Network organised an award ceremony to honor young and veteran artists who have created such an amazing and international standard content for digital films. More than 30 stalwarts of the digital film industry were honoured for their efforts. The ceremony also witnessed the electrifying performance of Nooran Sisters.

    Celebrities like Yograj singh, Kartar Cheema, Aashish Duggal, Manav Shah, Kshitij Chaudhary, Sachin Ahuja, Gurmeet Singh, Taranvir Singh, Preet Harpal, Gagan Kokri, Tejwant Kittu, Kuljinder Sidhu, Pali Bhupinder, Raju Verma, Shamsher Sandhu, Atul Sharma, Preet Kamal, Pramod Sharma Rana were present at the ceremony to encourage the talents. Satinder Satti hosted the ceremony.

    PTC Network is an undisputed leader as far as creating Punjabi entertainment content is concerned. PTC produces more than 100 songs in a year. It has also produced more than 100 digital short films. 

    The purpose of the festival is also to showcase the potential and importance of digital technology and short films.

  • Regional TV channels ride the growth wave, show surge in ad volume

    Regional TV channels ride the growth wave, show surge in ad volume

    Mumbai: The month of October registered the highest advertising volumes for the year 2021 on TV, as per Broadcast Audience Research Council (Barc) India. But what also remained significant was the growth story scripted by the regional language channels in South, Marathi, Punjabi and Bhojpuri, with a consistent growth in ad volume, not only over 2020 but also 2019 levels.

    In the South cluster, Tamil and Telugu language channels saw the sharpest growth YoY at 17 per cent and 33 per cent, respectively, in terms of ad volumes. According to Barc India, Star Maa became the most viewed Telugu general entertainment channel (GEC) in week 42 (16-22 October) (U+R, 2+, India) and continues to be in the top three channels of India in the last four out of six weeks. Tamil GEC Star Vijay was a leader in the weekday primetime slot in three out of four weeks of October and its shows ranked number one in top fiction and non-fiction programs.

    The Marathi language genre saw a 12 per cent increase YoY in ad volumes with Star Pravah recording the highest reach in the Marathi GEC market. In week 46, Star Pravah achieved its highest-ever TV ratings at 479 GRPs (U+R 2+) for Maharashtra/Goa. Nine out of ten shows among the top 10 programs for Marathi GEC are consistently from Star Pravah for weekdays (U+R, 2+) as per data.

    Star Maa aired the latest seasons of ‘Bigg Boss Telugu’ and ‘Super Singer’ in October, similarly, Star Vijay aired the latest seasons of ‘Bigg Boss Tami’, ‘Star Music’ and ‘Cook with Comali’ during the month. Star Pravah aired its talent show ‘Me Honar Superstar Jallosh Dancecha’ and announced ‘Me Honar Superstar Chote Ustaad’ which started from 4 December.

    Punjabi genre also recorded a 28 per cent growth in ad volumes YoY. PTC Network which operates seven channels in the Punjabi entertainment and news space including PTC Punjabi, PTC News, PTC Chakk De, PTC Punjabi Gold, PTC Simran and PTC Music and accounts for 70 per cent market share in the Punjab market led the ad volume growth in October, according to PTC Network managing director and president Rabindra Narayan.

    “The market sentiment was very good this year compared to the previous two years. In fact, many manufacturers and suppliers did not anticipate the demand during Diwali and faced supply shortages. Both local and new clients increased their advertising budgets, however, for us retail clients and local advertisers grew the pie,” said Narayan.

    PTC Network also invested in launching fresh unscripted content including the second season of talent show ‘Hunar Punjab Da’ and latest season of singing show ‘Voice of Punjab’ in October. The channel is planning to launch new fiction IPs in January next year.

    IN10 Media Network’s Bhojpuri movie channel Filamchi Bhojpuri also saw a nine per cent growth in terms of viewership during the months of September-October, a time when the focus is on major events like Diwali and Chhath Puja to showcase films and devotional content. “Regional channels have seen an upward trend in viewership in the past few years. And the festival season sees a keen interest from both viewers and advertisers,” said Filamchi Bhojpuri vice president – strategy Tarun Talreja.

    A range of advertisers visible on Bhojpuri channels include categories like FMCG, retail, lifestyle and e-commerce. “The advertising trends continue to be positive for the genre with a clear focus from brands looking at Bhojpuri speaking markets as a key reach builder spiralled by both increased consumption of Bhojpuri content and wider reach,” noted IN10 Media Network head of revenue Kavita Sagar.

    The channel showcased a new world TV premiere every week of the festive month and during Chhath Puja aired devotional songs as well as movies highlighting the festival. On 14 November, Filamchi Bhojpuri streamed the film ‘Dulhan Wahi Jo Piya Man Bhaye’ on its YouTube channel which has garnered over 34 million views as of 30 November. Within 15 days of the film release, its YouTube channel grew by 3.2 lakh subscribers, said the channel.

  • Fifth edition of Content Hub 2021 all set to get underway on 28 July

    Fifth edition of Content Hub 2021 all set to get underway on 28 July

    New Delhi: Change is the force of nature. More so, when it’s catalysed by digital technology, that not only transforms the way we live, but alters the way we envision the world. The last few years have done exactly that, disrupting the world of media and entertainment and heralding a new era where content is the king.

    Streaming has taken its rightful place as the go-to option for the new-age audiences worldwide. The voracious appetite for visual content has led to a fierce competition among media businesses – both traditional and digital to look for ways to deliver the best quality content in the least possible time.

    This content revolution will take centre-stage at the much-awaited fifth edition of The Content Hub 2021- ‘TV, Film, Digital Video, and Beyond’ being organised by Indiantelevision.com from 28-30 July, 2021. The mega annual event which brings together some of the biggest names from the world of media and entertainment industry together will go virtual this year.

    The three-day summit is co-presented by IN10 Media Network and ZEE5, and co-powered by Applause Entertainment and Tipping Point, the digital content unit of Viacom18 Studios. PTC Network is the supporting partner.

    Centred on the theme – ‘The New Dynamic’, The Content Hub 20201 will witness insightful sessions with industry stakeholders deliberating on how the new forces are transforming the way content is created and stories are told. It will also delve upon the impact of these changes on the business models for the world of films, TV and OTT.

    The three-day event will provide an opportunity to people from across the media industry to know and understand the new trends. So, whether they are content creators, broadcast/OTT professionals, advertising and marketing professionals, technology content providers, writers, directors, producers, content studios, and production houses, the event line-up promises engaging sessions for all.

    There will be over 25 virtual sessions, key notes, fire-side chats, and master classes from the best in the content ecosystem spread over three days, starting Wednesday. It will also give an opportunity to the participants to listen to successful content stories in both TV and digital format from the makers themselves!

    There will be a master-class with director Amit Masurkar and writer Aastha Tiku on ‘What went into the making of Sherni’. The movie featuring Vidya Balan in the lead role debuted on Amazon Prime in June. The event will also host a special masterclass with creators of the popular web-series Scam, with director, writer, producer Hansal Mehta, co-director Jai Mehta,  filmmaker Sumit Purohit, writers Karan Vyas, Saurav Dey and Vaibhav Vishal.

     

     

    Day One will begin with invigorating discussions on the challenges and opportunities before India’s content creators, the growth of OTT, the growing relevance of language personalisation in OTT advertising and the surge of real-life programming. There will also be a session on Factual Entertainment- The rising surge with Discovery Inc, South Asia, managing director, Megha Tata.

    Day Two will begin with presentations on content and consumption trends. There will be an interesting session on building a writer’s room, and creating engaging audio content. It will also witness conversations between industry stakeholders on the new creative regime, and how remote working has altered the way production takes place now.

    Some of the key speakers include : 

    Join us on 28 July for one of the biggest annual get-togethers of content creators from across the industry.

    To register visit: https://thecontenthub.in/index.html

  • Tata Sky collaborates with PTC Network to strengthen its regional connect

    Mumbai: Tata Sky has joined hands with the PTC Network to bring back its regional service – ‘Punjab De Rang’, starting today. 

    The revamped service will further strengthen Tata Sky’s regional entertainment portfolio by offering a popular and diverse mix of high-quality Punjabi content, at a nominal cost of Rs 1.5 per day, the company said. This includes exclusive premieres of new Punjabi movies every month, dubbed Hollywood movies, short films, cooking shows, upbeat Punjabi music, and devotional content.

    Tata Sky’s chief commercial & content officer Pallavi Puri said, “Given Tata Sky’s focus on curating quality regional content, we are delighted to bring Tata Sky Punjab De Rang’s fresh avatar, which will further strengthen our offering in the Punjabi speaking markets. The robust content library of PTC Network will elevate the entertainment experience of our subscribers.”

    PTC Network MD & president Rabindra Narayan said, “We are proud to curate the best of Punjabi entertainment sources from USA, UK, Canada and other places besides India for the new-look Punjabi platform service of Tata Sky. The best of Punjabi movies, music, and entertainment is now going to be at the click of a button.”

    The service is also available on the Tata Sky Mobile App.

  • PTC Network Gave Wings To A New Era With World’s First Ever Online Award Ceremony: PTC Punjabi Film Awards 2020

    PTC Network Gave Wings To A New Era With World’s First Ever Online Award Ceremony: PTC Punjabi Film Awards 2020

    PTC Network actually created history by converting a regular awards show into a virtual one and beating all odds to put up a fantastic gala roller coaster ride of a ceremony held on virtual stage with hosts joining in from different cities and audience watching with open mouth, wondering how was all this becoming possible. Divya Dutta was speaking from Mumbai to Gurpreet Ghuggi in Mohali while appearing to be standing right next to him. The director was telling them what to do from Delhi. The audience was just seeing a non-stop fun extravaganza.

    While the world is battling the coronavirus pandemic and there is no way for people to resume their normal lifestyle, PTC Network’s creative team gave wings to a new digital era by using the top – notch technology and bring the world’s first-ever online award show to our audience in these tough times. We simply had to honour the great film makers and creators of the Punjabi cinema and applied mind on how to go about it,” says Rabindra Narayan, Managing Director & President PTC Network.

    The whole award ceremony was held on a virtual set bringing everyone on single screen including hosts, performers, presenters and the winners directly from their home. The ceremony got a glittering start with astounding performances by Meet Bros with Khushboo Grewal from Mumbai. Punjabi stars like Gippy Grewal and  Sunanda Sharma added sparkle to the glitter in between the awards. While Sudesh Lehri made the audience laugh with his comic timings, the show also sawyoung stars Gurnam Bhullar, Ninja and Harish Verma joining in as co-hosts. 

    PTC Network’s Managing Director and President Rabindra Narayan said “It took weeks of designing the set, plotting every move, creating virtual stage lights, moving heads, pyros and other SFX as well as the virtual LED wall where every single inch of space was meticulously plotted. Every look and gesture of the artistes waswell coordinated. More than technology, it was the mind and innovative ideas deployed to create the experience which mattered.”

    The award night had biggies from Bollywood and Punjabi cinema like Sonu Sood, Zareen Khan, Aparshakti Khurana, Karamjit Anmol, Yograj Singh, Sunanda Sharma, Vindu Dara Singh, Jasbir Jassi, Jazzy B, Harshdeep Kaur, Sukshinder Shinda, Binnu Dhillon among others as the award presenters for the grand night. 

     And the proud winners were celebrated with great applause. The big winners included Diljit Dosanjh and Gurpreet Ghuggi who shared the Best Actor award, Sonam Bajwa won Best Actress award while Ardaas Karaan won the Best Film. The Best Director award was won by Gippy Grewal for Ardaas Karaan. The winners of total 30 different categories were announced in the ceremony. 

    The award night ended on a positive note with the audience enjoying the show on the TV sets and the PTC Punjabi facebook page. The unique initiative was successfully brought to its final point as the audience was overwhelmed with the performances and how the team used the latest technology to bring entertainment to their homes.

    The list of winners is:

    S. No.

    Category

    Winners

    1

    Best EDITING

    Bharat S Raawat

    2

    Best BACKGROUND SCORE

    Amar Mohile

    3

    Best DIALOGUES

    Rana Ranbir

    4

    Best SCREENPLAY

    Gurjeet Singh

    5

    Best STORY

    Rupinder Inderjit

    6

    Best CINEMATOGRAPHY 

    Ravi Kumar Sana

    7

    Best DEBUT – FEMALE

    Sharan Kaur

    8

    Best DEBUT – Male  

    Gurnam Bhullar

    9

    Best Action

    K Ganesh

    10

    Best Performance In Negative Role

    Manav Vij

    11

    Best Performance in a Comic Role

    Jaswinder Bhalla

    12

    Best Music Director 

    V Rakx Music

    13

     Best Playback Singer (Female)

    Mannat Noor

    14

    Best Playback Singer (Male)

    Nachhatar Gill

    15

    Popular song of the Year

    Wang Da Naap

    16

    Best SUPPORTING ACTRESS

    Anita Devgan

    17

    Best SUPPORTING ACTOR

    Pavan Raj Malhotra

    18

    Best Debut Director   

    Janjot Singh

    19

    Best COMEDY FILM

    Chal Mera Putt

    20

    PTC Promising Star of the Year

    Dev Kharoud

    21

    Filmi Yaar of the year

    Ninja / Jassie Gill / Ranjit Bawa

    22

    Best DIRECTOR

    Gippy Grewal

    23

    Best ACTRESS

    Sonam Bajwa

    24

    Best ACTOR

    Diljit Dosanjh / Gurpreet Ghuggi

    25

    Best Film     

    Ardaas Karan

    26

    Critics Award for Best Actress

    Roopi Gill

    27

    Critics Award for Best Actor

    Amrinder Gill

    28

    Critics Award for Best Film

    Guddiyan Patole

    29

    Life Time Achievement Award

    Preeti Sapru

    30

    Best Entertainer of the Year

    Shadaa

    31

    PTC Child Star Award

    Gurfateh Singh Grewal

    32

    Most Popular Punjabi Film Star on Facebook (Female)

    Sargun Mehta

    33

    Most Popular Punjabi Film Star on Facebook (Male)

    Gippy Grewal

  • PTC Punjabi Film Awards – Celebrating Punjabi Cinema in a “World’s First” style

    PTC Punjabi Film Awards – Celebrating Punjabi Cinema in a “World’s First” style

    Amid the dark clouds of the Corona virus pandemic tightening their noose over the globe, PTC Network and its creative team are all set to commemorate a decade-long journey of the PTC Punjabi Film Awards. The commemorative event would indeed prove to be a whiff of fresh air for Punjabi cinema fans, besides being another feather to the PTC Network’s cap in the public entertainment category. And, this time it is being done in a world’s first unique initiative. The whole awards ceremony would be hosted on a virtual set with artistes and performers being in different cities, getting together virtually online on one single set.

    “Nobody has attempted this ever anywhere”, says Rabindra Narayan, Managing Director & President of PTC Network. “Gurpreet Ghuggi is in Mohali, Divya Dutta is in Mumbai and they are hosting it together on a virtual set created in Delhi. Similarly Gippy Grewal and Sunanda Sharma are in Mohali, Meet Bros in Mumbai but the dancers are in Delhi and they will perform on the same set,” he elaborates. The entire awards ceremony will be totally online and on air with artistes taking part from wherever they are. It sure sounds quite a mind boggling effort.

    The 10th year of the eventful journey of PTC Punjabi Film Awards in a row would be, surely than not, inimitable, engaging and entertaining in many ways than one. There is no denying the fact that organizing such mammoth events amid corona-induced restrictions of social distancing and ban on ground events, is an arduous task. But, PTC, which has carved out a niche for itself in innovative programming, is all poised to create history of sorts with its innovative and creative approach.

    PTC has been instrumental in implementing the state-of-the-art technology to its optimal use and is known for making the best efforts to entertain countless viewers across the world. The organization believes in the age-old adage ‘When the going gets tough, the tough get going’, and as a segment leader and responsible media conglomerate, PTC understands well the duty to continue the journey in the realm of entertainment, howsoever hard the time might be.

    The world’s number one Punjabi television network has finally announced this unique initiative to honor the best among the Punjabi cinema. The network is on its way to rewriting history on July 3, 2020.

    This 10th year of honoring and recognizing the remarkable work kick started in the month of May with a call for nominations in 25 different categories, in which more than 150+ nominations were received under different categories. The initiative started getting a humongous response from the appreciative audience and hardcore lovers of Punjabi films across the globe from day one since the announcement was made and thousands of votes started pouring in. PTC Network also gets a big push from some big brands like Facebook, Instagram & MYFM, joining in to create more buzz of this unique initiative. The whole event shall be streamed live on Facebok and Instagram simultaneously with the TV telecast worldwide.

    On this 3rd of July PTC Network is also set to spring a surprise for the industry by getting its two celebrity hosts together on the virtual set straight from their homes. They are joined by Ninja, Gurnam Bhullar and Harish Verma co-hosting various segments. Shining stars Gippy Grewal, Sunanda Sharma, Meet Bros and Sudesh Lehri are going to add zing to the electrifying bonanza with their glittering performances.
     

  • PTC Network embraces Amagi’s cloud technology for broadcast

    PTC Network embraces Amagi’s cloud technology for broadcast

    MUMBAI: PTC Network, a Punjabi TV content provider, has selected Amagi’s cloud platform to centralise all its operations. Amagi provides cloud-based technology for TV and over the top (OTT) broadcasters.

    As part of the engagement, PTC Network will transition its existing seven channels to the Amagi platform, and additionally launch eight new feeds as part of its global expansion.

    Over the last decade, PTC Network has grown significantly reaching audiences in the UK, US, Canada, Australia, New Zealand and parts of Europe, apart from India. “Till now, we were using traditional broadcast models to run our playout and delivery operations. These are not only CAPEX-intensive, but they also limit our ability to scale our global operations and manage it centrally,” said PTC Network MD and president Rabindra Narayan.

    Using Amagi Cloudport, PTC Network can move its content assets to the cloud, store and manage them centrally. Through a single web user interface, PTC Network can configure multiple feeds, define playlists, create schedules, add dynamic graphics, deliver and monitor all its feeds without having a large physical infrastructure.

    “This transition will be a game-changer for us as we can now launch new channels on the cloud instantly, and deliver it to any region, any platform and any device in the world. We are absolutely excited to partner with Amagi as we continue on our global expansion,” added Narayan.

    “PTC Network’s aspirations are truly global. Their decision to embrace cloud technologies is in line with the global trend, and we are very delighted at the opportunity to lead this transition for them,” said Amagi CEO Deepakjit Singh. “They can now reach new audiences with shorter lead time, and can launch linear channels on both traditional TV and OTT without investing in additional infrastructure.”

    Amagi will continue to deliver PTC Network channels to leading operators and teleports including Dish TV, Sling, and SKY Broadcasting among others, across DTH and cable platforms.

    Also Read:

    Amagi names Deepakjit Singh as CEO

    Amagi debuts machine-learning powered content-preparation suite

  • Sunny Deol evinces interest to act in a Punjabi film

    Sunny Deol evinces interest to act in a Punjabi film

    Mumbai: Sunny Deol has evinced interest to act in a good Punjabi film, cashing in on the popularity he enjoys in the state of Punjab.

    "I‘ve just learnt that the PTC Network has now decided to produce Punjabi feature films. I have asked Ms Rajiee M Shinde, promoter and CEO of PTC Network to tell me about a good concept; I would be happy to act in a Punjabi film," Deol said.

    "As you know, our family hails from Punjab. We have immense love for Punjab. And also these awards for the Punjabi Film Industry. Last year, my father (Dharmendra) was here to inaugurate the awards, this year I have come," he added. Deol was recently in Punjab to attend the PTC Punjabi film awards along with Raveena Tandon.

    The kind of popularity Sunny enjoys in the Punjab, a strong role in a Punjabi film produced by PTC could well be a confirmed ticket to blockbuster success.

    A trade analyst who did not want to be named said: "They will obviously offer him a great film concept and if Sunny paaji gives the nod, it will be a big hit, because the PTC network is a huge platform to promote Punjabi films in Punjab and not just in India but worldwide."

    The actor paid a tribute to two other icons of Punjabi entertainment – veteran thespian Dara Singh and satirist and actor Jaspal Bhatti, who died last year. Both were presented posthumous Lifetime Achievement awards, presented by Sunny and Raveena to Vindu Dara Singh and Savita Jaspal Bhatti respectively.