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Tag: PVR

  • PVR acquires minority stake in US luxury theatre chain

    PVR acquires minority stake in US luxury theatre chain

    MUMBAI: PVR Ltd (PVR) will acquire a minority stake in US-based luxury restaurant and theatre iPic-Gold Class Entertainment (iPic).  

    Upon completion of its initial public offering (IPO), iPic will appoint PVR chairman and managing director Ajay Bijli to the board of directors.

    iPic owns and operates 16 luxury theaters with 121 screens across 10 States in the US.

    The company informed the Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE) that the board of directors has approved  the proposed investment and the strategic partnership between PVR and iPic,  which will give PVR valuable exposure in  the  American cinema exhibition market.  

    The  completion of the proposed investment is subject to receipt of relevant corporate and regulatory approvals.

    iPic  had previously announced its intention to file a Regulation A+ IPO that would allow all  of  its loyal   fans  and  theater  goers, along with everyone else, the opportunity to  invest in  its luxury restaurant-and-theatre concept.

    Serving 75 million patrons annually, PVR acquired Cinemax in 2012 and had taken over DT Cinemas in the year 2016. Currently, the theatre chain operates a cinema circuit of 600 screens at 131 properties in 51 cities (18 states and 1 Union Territory).

  • BMS & PVR empower you to pick movies that play in theatres

    BMS & PVR empower you to pick movies that play in theatres

    MUMBAI: BookMyShow (BMS) has joined hands with PVR Pictures for Vkaao, a web-platform that enables individuals to choose the films that play in their local cinemas.

    People can pick the films they like, its screening time and even a particular PVR theatre they want it to be shown. PVR will give a variety of options and BMS will use its analytical capabilities to target the right audience.

    Since its inception in January 2017, Vkaao has screened hundreds of shows, including exclusive paid previews. Vkaao currently has a library of over 400 studio and independent titles and plans to grow this collection manifold over the next 12 months.

    BookMyShow VP-marketing and business intelligence Marzdi Kalianiwala said, “Over the last decade, BookMyShow has redefined the access to movies for millions of its users and through Vkaao, we are excited to bring them a curated selection of niche and exclusive films. This will be coupled with Vkaao’s cinematic experience that is highly personalised, and driven by people themselves, empowering them to share it with others with similar interests. Our analytical capabilities will definitely be able to bring together a new generation of cinema lovers and create a community that shares love for such films.”

    With this strategic tie-up, Vkaao will have the capability to be the turnkey theatrical distribution arm for filmmakers, providing promotional services, campaign strategy, advertising and theatre booking services. Vkaao will continue to provide its standard theatre on-demand model for films not positioned for traditional theatrical release.

    PVR Pictures COO Deepak Sharma said, “Our successful association with BookMyShow spans decades and we are really excited to work with them on Vkaao. As we continue to grow the Vkaao collection of films, our mission is to enable audiences to share an endless selection of films with friends, families and local communities, and to provide for a rich and engaging experience at PVR Cinemas. This new collaboration will help create a more seamless relationship between the theatrical and the digital experience. As part of this association, Vkaao, which is currently run as an independent platform will soon be integrated with PVR’s native digital platforms and BookMyShow.”

  • PVR sub-brand in tier-III towns on anvil, engages fans with interactive card

    PVR sub-brand in tier-III towns on anvil, engages fans with interactive card

    NEW DELHI: Rs 21.8-billion multiplex chain PVR, which is aiming to touch 1000 screens by 2020 having crossed 600 recently, is likely to form another brand to tap tier-III towns.

    PVR sources confirmed to indiantelevision.com that the aim was to cater to every price category, and extend its reach to the entire country.

    However, PVR chairman and managing director Ajay Bijli said the plan was still in early stages and, it may take some time to work out the right model.

    Meanwhile PVR, which has completed 20 years of its existence, has launched a scheme to attract regular cinegoers by launching a PVR Privilege loyalty programme which will offer its estimated 75 million loyal visitors an enriched array of first-class redemption opportunities and enhanced benefits.

    To support the launch, PVR is offering food and beverage vouchers of the same value as the activation fee, so that the membership is at zero cost to new members at its 131 properties nationwide comprising 600 screens.

    The new loyalty programme was launched at an event in Delhi where the versatile actor Aamir Khan – whose latest film ‘Secret Superstar’ directed by Advait Chandan is being released next week — became the first member of this programme.

    Actress Zaira Wasim was also present at the event. ‘Secret Superstar’ has a unique storyline revolving around Insu (Zaira), a young Muslim girl, who aspires to become a singer but faces restrictions from her conservative father. She happens to cross paths with a musician, which unfolds into an exciting journey.

    About the film, Khan said he took up a subject that excited him and not by the trends prevalent at that time.

    Bijli said: “Watching movies becomes a one-sided affair. The aim of the loyalty programme is to involve every cinegoer who will send in his views about the film, and about the facilities in the theatre premises. This will make it more engaging for the cinegoer.”

    Joint MD Sanjeev Kumar Bijli said: “This is designed to be one of the most rewarding programme in cinemas. It will enable members to enjoy a remarkably simple and a fast way to free tickets or F&B offerings. He told indiantelevision.com that it could also customise diets for viewers who may have diabetes or are glutton-allergic.

    PVR chief of strategy Kamal Gianchandani, who designed the loyalty programme, said the phone number of a viewer becomes his entry into the programme. He said the +1 Approach is to increase visitation as well as make the theatre relevant to advertisers. Every point earned by a member is equivalent to Rs 50. There is no entry fee by a five per cent benefit on becoming a member. He added that PVR releases around 900 films a year, and will attempt to ensure that it is able to cater to each member individually to inform him or her in advance about the kind of films being released. The programme works best on a smartphone but can also be used on a feature phone, he added.

    Guests can inquire at their local PVR cinema, at pvrcinemas.com or can download the PVR mobile app.

    The Privilege programme is India’s first fully digital cinema loyalty programme and offers the following consumer benefits:

    · Reward points on each purchase of tickets or food and beverages

    · Automated conversion of Reward points into vouchers that can be used to pay for tickets and F&B

    · Personalised offers, and services at cinemas

    · Bonus points during special occasions

    · Easy to use, with a QR-code based virtual card in App, Website and at Cinemas

  • PVR watermark and trained staff help detect piracy, says Sanjeev Bijli, targets 1000 screens by ’20

    PVR watermark and trained staff help detect piracy, says Sanjeev Bijli, targets 1000 screens by ’20

    NEW DELHI: It had always been a favourite meeting place until it closed down over a decade ago, and it was sorely missed. The Chanakya cinema was the only theatre in Chanakyapuri — the capital’s diplomatic enclave — and so it exhibited either English or blockbuster films. But, an unseemly dispute with the New Delhi Municipal Corporation forced the lease-holders to shut shop.

    However, the theatre has reopened in a new avatar – and helped the PVR Cinemas touch the 600-screen mark with PVR Cinema CMD Ajay Bijli confident of touching the 1000-screen mark by 2020.

    The property was later acquired on a 15-year lease by DLF who have developed it as a shopping complex and PVR developed a part of it as a three-screen theatre.

    PVR joint managing director Sanjeev Bijli told Indiantelevision.com that around 3.5 per cent of the budget of the PVR chain has been set aside for publicity and promotion. In a brief talk on the sidelines of a press meet to unveil the new theatre, he said, answering a question relating to piracy, that every frame appearing on the screen carried the PVR watermark and so piracy could be easily detected.

    Bijli also said that the staff had been trained to keep a watch on viewers using mobiles to ensure the screen image was not copied. He said the tagline ECX meant Enhanced Cinema Experience — a greater emphasis on the latest sound technology, and silver screens which ensured a better viewing experience.

    In its new incarnation, PVR ECX Chanakya unveils the most opulent cinema format in India with its 4K projection system, next-generation 3D-enabled screens with ultra HD picture quality and Dolby ATMOS surround-sound system in all auditoriums. The new cinema also offers Quick Tix, PVR’s digital ticketing solution to promote cashless transactions and reduce ticket-wait times. The cinema also offers an automated F&B kiosk Quick Bites for the first time ever, wherein patrons’ can either pick up their order from the counter or get it served on their seat.

    Being a PVR ECX property, there is special emphasis on ambience manifested by a deep focus on design, colours and lighting in each cinema. Designed by the Madrid-based STUDIO GRONDA, the revamped PVR ECX has magnificent lobby spaces, custom-made chandeliers, prime marbles, dynamic auditorium lights, and unparalleled technological integrations.

    Sanjeev Bijli said the chain had started out in 1997 after an agreement between Priya from India and Village Roadshow of Australia, and begun with Anupam PVR in Saket in South Delhi and grown in 20 years to its present capacity and along the way acquired the Cinemax and DT chains.

    Earlier, at the press meet, Ajay Bijli regretted that the cinema had been treated as a luxury item despite fact that ticket prices varied between Rs 125 and Rs 550 and the blended tax under GST had been fixed at 28 per cent despite a demand for keeping it low at 18 per cent.

    PVR CEO Gautam Dutta said that the marketing and consumer support had helped the keep its rates steady. He said that adequate publicity would be given to show timings when the rate was as low as Rs 125 to ensure consumer support. He said art and technology make for good cinema and, with the tastes of the consumer changing, it was important to keep ahead of the curve.

    To a question, he said that both English and Indian blockbuster films would be screened at Chanakya, now.

    Ajay Bijli said that 21 other screens were ready for launching in other places but the clearances for the Chanakya heritage property came early, and so this was the first to touch 600 screens.

  • Hindware & TicketNew.com associate with SRK’s co & movie

    MUMBAI: Two brands — Hindware & TicketNew.com — have associated with Shah Rukh Khan’s company Red Chillies and his upcoming movie ‘Jab Harry met Sejal’.

    India’s online movie ticketing site Ticketnew.com announced that the company has signed-up with Bollywood’s Red Chillies Entertainment as associate sponsor for its upcoming movies starting from Jab Harry Met Sejal, which opens nationwide on 4 August. Hindware recently launched a co-branded TVC in association with brand ambassador SRK’s anticipated movie.

    Ticketnew.com meantime is also offering a flat Rs. 100 discount on the purchase of every ticket for the current Jab Harry Met Sejal on its platform through website or mobile. Ticketnew.com has also partnered with PVR, Cinepolis, Inox, Carnival Cinemas, among others, offering consumers the best state-of-the-art theatre facilities.

    TicketNew founder CEO Ramkumar Nammalvar said: “Our platform is set to offer millions of SRK fans advance tickets for Jab Harry Met Sejal.”

    The TVC will be aired at 350 cinema halls across 203 cities in India for a duration of three weeks and will be also be available online on YouTube for more than 30 days. Conceptualised with Red Chillies Entertainment, the promotional TVC brings forth common attributes between brands Hindware and Shah Rukh Khan – as both are experts in their respective fields.

    The TVC is a seamless amalgamation of memorable scenes from the movie where Khan is seen as an expert guide and explains Hindware’s expertise in building dream bathrooms. 

    HSIL Limited president – building products division Manish Bhatia said, “Our brand ambassador Khan’s movie had the right attributes of being an expert companion in one’s journey to achieve something of their dreams, which Hindware truly believes in and is also our new brand positioning.”

  • PVR Q1 profit increases 3% to Rs. 443 mn

    MUMBAI: PVR Limited announced its audited standalone and consolidated financial results for the quarter and year ended 30 June, 2017.

    The consolidated revenues for quarter ended June, 2017 was Rs 6.53 billion as compared to Rs 5.79 billion during the corresponding period of last year, up by 13%.

    Consolidated EBITDA for the quarter was Rs. 1.29 billion as against Rs 1.23 billion in the same period last year, up by 4%. Consolidated PAT for the quarter was Rs. 443 million as against Rs 432 million in the same period last year, up by 3%.

    The box office revenues for the quarter were up by 11% from Rs 3080 million to Rs 3430 million. F&B revenues were up by 12% from Rs 1.48 billion to Rs 1.65 billion led by strong growth of spend per head. Advertising revenues showed a stellar growth of 31% & increased to Rs 674 million as compared to Rs 515 million.

    During the first quarter PVR added a total of 8 screens (5 screen in Chennai & 3 screen in Kota) and currently operates a network of 587 screens spread over 128 properties in 51 cities across the country. The company intends to add approx. 65-70 screens in FY 17-18.
     
    Commenting on the results and performance, PVR Ltd CMD Ajay Bijli said, “For 20 years, we have worked ardently to take India to the movies with new and innovative offerings like Gold Class, Director’s Cut, Plush recliners, IMAX, 4DX, Playhouse, PXL, Dolby Atmos, VR Lounge, Vkaao to add more layers of excitement and joy to the cinematic experience of our customers. It has been the propeller of our growth engine over the years & it shall continue for years to come. We are the leading multiplex player in India and will soon surpass the 600 screens mark.”

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  • Autistic-friendly ‘Sing’ screening held at PVR

    MUMBAI: Vkaao, India’s first-ever ‘theatre-on-demand’ service that enables individuals to choose the films that play in their local theatres, recently celebrated World Autism Awareness Day in a special way.

    The platform collaborated with Autism Centre for Excellence (ACE) to conduct a unique sensory-friendly movie screening of the movie ‘Sing’ for individuals with autism and their families. The screening was recently held at PVR Sangam, Delhi, in a safe and comforting environment designed especially to cater to the specific viewing requirements of autistic individuals.

    Sounds and lights were paid specific attention to by Vkaao during the screening. Lights were turned up for a better viewing experience, while the sound was turned down to levels more palatable to individuals on the autistic spectrum. This attention to detail was one of the prime reasons for the success of the Vkaao screening; the show was a houseful affair and audience members were seen enjoying the movie to the fullest, singing and dancing throughout the movie.

    PVR Pictures CEO Kamal Gianchandani said, “Autism affects more than 10 million people in India but awareness about this unique disorder is very limited. Our aim to associate with ACE to host this special screening of ‘Sing’ was to raise greater awareness about the issue. Witnessing the joy on the faces of people who attended the screening was extremely gratifying. We hope this initiative will help foster a nurturing, supportive environment for individuals on the autistic spectrum in the country.”

    A school for autistic children, ACE was conceived with the vision of improving the level and quality of autism-related interventions in India. ACE aims to utilise cutting-edge research and standardised educational practices to improve the outcome for children with moderate-to-severe autism.

    Vkaao focuses on leveraging state-of-the-art technology in order to create a social, crowd-sourced movie going experience.

  • PVR Ltd: HC nod to two subsidiaries’ merger with parent

    PVR Ltd: HC nod to two subsidiaries’ merger with parent

    MUMBAI: PVR Ltd has informed the Bombay Stock Exchange and the National Stock Exchange that the Delhi High Court, vide the formal Order issued on 4 January, 2017, has approved the Scheme of Amalgamation entailing merger of PVR Leisure Limited and Lettuce Entertain You Limited with PVR Limited effective from the appointed date of 1 April, 2015.

    Justice Siddharth Mridul approved the scheme of amalgamation under which PVR Leisure Ltd — which operates in-mall entertainment, food and gaming joints, and Lettuce Entertain You Ltd — which is into the business of operating restaurants items — would merge with PVR Ltd, their parent company, PTI reported.

    In its directive approving the merger, the HC has stated that all the property, rights and powers of the two transferor companies shall be transferred to the transferee company.

    Under the scheme, the court also stated, “the entire paid-up equity and non-cumulative convertible preference share capital of petitioner company No.2 (PVR Leisure) is held by the transferee company directly, and the entire paid-up equity share capital of petitioner company No.1 (Lettuce) is held by transferee company through its wholly owned subsidiary PVR Leisure.”

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  • PVR Ltd: HC nod to two subsidiaries’ merger with parent

    PVR Ltd: HC nod to two subsidiaries’ merger with parent

    MUMBAI: PVR Ltd has informed the Bombay Stock Exchange and the National Stock Exchange that the Delhi High Court, vide the formal Order issued on 4 January, 2017, has approved the Scheme of Amalgamation entailing merger of PVR Leisure Limited and Lettuce Entertain You Limited with PVR Limited effective from the appointed date of 1 April, 2015.

    Justice Siddharth Mridul approved the scheme of amalgamation under which PVR Leisure Ltd — which operates in-mall entertainment, food and gaming joints, and Lettuce Entertain You Ltd — which is into the business of operating restaurants items — would merge with PVR Ltd, their parent company, PTI reported.

    In its directive approving the merger, the HC has stated that all the property, rights and powers of the two transferor companies shall be transferred to the transferee company.

    Under the scheme, the court also stated, “the entire paid-up equity and non-cumulative convertible preference share capital of petitioner company No.2 (PVR Leisure) is held by the transferee company directly, and the entire paid-up equity share capital of petitioner company No.1 (Lettuce) is held by transferee company through its wholly owned subsidiary PVR Leisure.”

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  • Sony Le Plex HD launches; destination for acclaimed & blockbuster movie titles

    Sony Le Plex HD launches; destination for acclaimed & blockbuster movie titles

    MUMBAI: Movie buffs are in for a treat as folks at Sony Pictures Network India (SPN) have come up with a premium fun hangout place for Hollywood film lovers. Called Sony Le Plex HD, the channel will be a house to not just from mainstream Hollywood movies but also acclaimed movies. With the brand tagline #WhereYouBelong, the channel is aimed at providing true plex experience on television.

    The channel went live on 23 August.

    SPN already has a English movie channel Sony Pix. After a 3-4 month long research, the network saw a clear need gap wherein the viewers were underserved with acclaimed movie titles. The differentiator amongst the two channels apart from their unique product packaging is unique content properties providing a clear audience demarcation between the two.

    According to SPN India English cluster EVP and business head Saurabh Yagnik, what lacks in the industry is clear distinctions between Hollywood loyalists and casonava. He says, “The two channels have different boundaries true to the consumers need gap. As viewers were not able to watch their loved movies, we thought about coming out with a perfect solution. Building a channel is not just about great titles. There also is a need to build conversations around the product so as to build a brand in mind.”

    Apart from securing deals with existing production studios, this new channel has first output deals with Sony Pictures, Universal Studios, PVR and Lionsgate.

    Sony Le PLEX boasts of 400 plus movie titles that include 200 award winning movies. In their Le Premiere slot, one can catch 52 premieres in 52 weeks of the year with one on every Sunday at 9 pm. The other slots of the channel are The Magicians slot which will showcase the movies and the magic that happens behind the camera of critically acclaimed movies such as The Inglourious Basterds, Schindler’s List, Taxi Driver, Gladiator, Philadelphia and many more.

    The Noon Show which will air movies every Monday to Friday at 1 pm, 9 o’talk aimed at inspiring conversations through listicles. 12 listicles inspired themes will connect the common elements amongst the uncommon audiences driven by a distinguished anchor. And, other spots like The Night Show and Love That Scene.

    “The growth of Hollywood cinema in India has resulted in segmentation of audiences into two distinct categories. One, being the mainstream cinema offering action and special effects movies, while the other is the non-mainstream cinema that focuses on the storyline, plot and the acclaim of the movie. The market for non-mainstream cinema is currently underserved in our country and Sony Le Plex HD aims to cater and own this segment. The channel will not only showcase critically acclaimed films but also build an ambience around them in a way that enables great conversations and will help create a common ground for people to build a community of quality movie lovers,” says Yagnik.

    Zoya Akhtar has been roped in as the community ambassador for the Sony Le Plex community. Akhtar will be talking about few premieres and will build the community. The key premieres will have conversations with her. Her role will be to reach out to all movie lovers and build a tribe that appreciates good cinema. Akhtar will also be seen actively engaging with movie buffs across various social media platforms owned by the channel.

    “Zoya represents contemporary style of filmmaking and have made beautiful movies. She is relatable with our brand and people look at out for her work. We needed a person who can create communities. She is a movies buff and loves conversation around movies. Her persona and the way we perceive our brand have many things in common,” adds the channel head.

    “Great movies and great storytelling is what I constantly chase and this is exactly what Sony Le Plex HD has to offer. It’s that perfect space where movie lovers, including me, can interact with each other over their favourite Hollywood movies. Sony Le Plex HD has an exhaustive list of quality and acclaimed films and the top three that come to my mind are Foxcatcher – which is awesome, Spotlight which is an academy award winner and Ex Machina. The channel is not just about showcasing great movies but will also create a community of movie lovers who will drive great conversations around movies. I am glad to be the Community Ambassador for Sony Le Plex HD and co-create this community of people like me who simply love watching good movies. It is indeed the perfect hangout for all movie lovers,” adds Akhtar.

    The channel is targeted on Hollywood loyalists which they classify to be dreamers, achievers, geeks, artists, etc and certainly don’t have any age boundaries. It is for premium audiences which are young at heart. The channel’s logo has been designed by MediaLuna while Leo Burnett is their creative agency partner.

    SPN rolled out this channel in HD feed because according to them there has been significant price elasticity in country. The audiences are not used to paying for content yet. But the fact that India always works on inflection point between affordability and consumption cannot be neglected. Yagnik opines that SD is about size and scale that you have to build. Its distribution has to be wider which the market needs to support. “There are certain considerations that are to be taken before launching a SD channel. The loyalists can move to SD later on. We had to come up with a differentiator in HD,” adds Yagnik.

    With this channel, Sony plans to cater to the 7 million odd HD subscribers in the country.

    The channel has almost been rolled out on DTH platforms like Airtel, Tata Sky, etc and cable TV services.

    As far as the marketing is concerned, the channel will be marketed extensively in the top 6 metros with various promotions on their own HD network on tv and will leverage print as well as social media to build the channel.

    The channel is already in talks with few premium brands to hop on board for the channel and has a separate sales team in place for the same. “Ideally revenue generation from advertisers and subscription should be 50:50. Though, it depends on the various channels as they are bundled with different networks. But, if you talk about Sony Le Plex HD, we would like to generate revenue more from the subscription than advertisers. For now the hybrid business model is working properly for us,” adds Yagnik.

    If guesstimations are to be believed, the channel will be priced high due to its unique offering at around Rs 50.

    Though, Sony Pix and Sony Le Plex HD will not have same titles, there is a possibility to have simulcasts for a few movies.

    With an array of Hollywood movie channels being launched by various networks, one conclusion that we can arrive at is that there is a clear-cut consumption of English content. The increasing number of schools providing English education, high box office collections, social media conversations, etc clearly shows significant potential for English in India.

    SPN, with this new addition, has a total of approx 700 movie titles under their umbrella. Looking at the current consumption, the English entertainment genre is only going to grow and expand in the coming years.