ITV

Tag: Romedy Now

  • Romedy Now to showcase ‘The Five Year Engagement’

    Romedy Now to showcase ‘The Five Year Engagement’

    MUMBAI: In the month of March, Romedy Now will bring to its viewers a special treat with The Five Year Engagement. The Romedy of the month will be aired on Saturday, 21 March, 2015 at 9 pm.

     

    The Five Year Engagement stars American comedian actor Jason Segel as Tom Solomon – a sous chef at a fancy restaurant along with; Emily Blunt as Violet Barnes – a PhD in psychology. The movie revolves around the couples’ hilarious and never ending wait from their engagement to the final walk down the aisle. This journey extends each time they decide on a date with unexpected series of events popping up and resulting in further delay. As years go by Tom and Violet begin to wonder if they are even meant to be married.

     

    The movie is directed by Nicholas Stoller, an English-American screenwriter and director, who was previously involved with the super-hit movie Forgetting Sarah Marshall.

  • Movies Now, Romedy Now on growth trajectory; ups ad rates

    Movies Now, Romedy Now on growth trajectory; ups ad rates

    MUMBAI: The English movie and general entertainment channels’ genre is a fragmented space, where ranks keep changing every now and then. In order to maintain their position well above competition, channels adopt various strategies. Two such channels from the Times Television Network (TTN) are Movies Now and Romedy Now. While last year, the channels dipped to the number four position in the genre, the two have recently tasted some success.

     

    Speaking to Indiantelevision.com, Times Television Network senior vice president and English Entertainment cluster head Vivek Srivastava says that both the channels have been at the number one position during the last 18 to 20 weeks. “Smart acquisitions, smart scheduling and smart segmenting has been our success mantra,” claims Srivastava.

     

    When queried on how the channel increased its market share, Srivastava says that they first identified the weakness, which were poor distribution and lack of exclusive content. 

     

    “Firstly, the channels had not been distributed optimally. We plugged the leak by going city to city and getting the channels distributed on platforms targeting one cable operator after another. Secondly, on the content front, Movies Now lacked premieres. To cope with this, we signed strong output deals with studios like NBC and Sony,” informs Srivastava.

     

    The Bones series, Harry Potter series and the Battleship are some franchises that has worked well for Movies Now. The channel now aims to have one big movie premiere in a month. While Movies Now currently has 20 per cent market share, Romedy Now stands at 28 per cent, informs Srivastava.

     

    Romedy Now showcases English shows as well as movies. “It’s been one and a half years since Romedy Now was launched and the channel has been number one in the genre. We realised there is space for segmentation and the channel is a segmentation success,” opines Srivastava.

     

    The channel has seen tremendous repeat value from the popular series F.R.I.E.N.D.S. and the movie P.S. – I Love You. “Instead of simply deciding to put up a show on the channel, we follow mood segmentation where content that fits the happy and romance sphere is aired. The channel sees a good response during the 7.30 – 9 pm slot during weekdays,” says Srivastava.

     

    However, while on the one hand, the network has decided to discontinue the Romedy Now HD channel as it did not perform as per expectations, on the other it has pinned high hopes on its new baby Movies Now+, which is the HD version of the channel. Srivastava informs that the channel is available on all HD platforms and has certain content lineup that is different from the SD feed. TTN will simulcast The Wolf Of Wall Street on Movies Now and Movies Now+ soon.

     

    To cope with viewership fluctuations during the upcoming Indian Premiere League (IPL), the network will premiere a big ticket movie right in the middle of the IPL timetable. It will be simulcast on the two movie channels. Apparently the channels see a viewers dip by 15 to 20 per cent during IPL.

     

    Realising that the channels have regained their lost market share, TTN has also decided to hike its advertising rates.

     

    The network will be leveraging the muscle provided by its mother company – The Times Group – that has newspapers, radio, OOH, broadcast network and Internet companies under its umbrella, to help build its marketing campaign this year.

     

    The English movie viewership for the channels mainly comes from the eight metros and is also seeing a strong viewership pattern from one million plus towns. Moreover, the 1 pm afternoon slot is the second most important slot for the channel after the primetime. It is 15 to 24 year olds who mainly contribute towards the 1 pm slot.

     

    Outlining the challenges ahead for the channel, Srivastava lists three major factors. “First is the completion of digitisation and how it shapes up. This would ensure that the channel gets its required reach. Secondly, packaging of the content is a major challenge and we will be addressing that issue in the coming months. Finally, measurability is a key challenge. In the existing scenario, we feel that we are not represented as we should have been. We are hoping BARC should give us the depth that is needed,” he says.

  • Chrome Data: English Entertainment channels gain in week 9

    Chrome Data: English Entertainment channels gain in week 9

    MUMBAI: In week nine of opportunity to see (OTS) collated by Chrome Data Analytics & Media, English Entertainment channels in the eight metros gained the maximum.

     

    With 6.2 per cent growth, the genre saw AXN leading the chart with 56.2 per cent OTS.

     

    On the other hand, English Movie channels across eight metros gained 1.7 per cent. Romedy Now topped the chart with 65.8 per cent OTS.

     

    Next in the line were Sports channels across India with 0.6 per cent jump and Kids channels across India with 0.4 per cent jump. Cartoon Network was the chart leader in the kids category with 81 per cent OTS.

     

    As for the losers, Business News channels across eight metros saw the maximum drop of 2.9 per cent followed by Religious channels in Hindi Speaking Markets (HSM) with 1.1 per cent drop.

     

    CNBC Awaaz with 77.0 per cent OTS and Aastha with 94.9 per cent OTS topped in their respective genres.

     

    Last but not the least, Hindi News channels and Music channels in HSM markets too witnessed a fall of one per cent and 0.9 per cent respectively.

     

    ABP News topped the chart with 93.5 per cent OTS, while 9XM in the music category noted 90.4 per cent OTS.

  • Romedy now presents The Middle – a whacky family series filled with laughter and craziness

    Romedy now presents The Middle – a whacky family series filled with laughter and craziness

    MUMBAI: If everything were prim, proper and ideal, life would be no fun. Nothing to add spice, nothing to add laughs, nothing to make life more interesting. Fortunately, one doesn’t need to look far. Romedy now – India’s exclusive destination for love and laughter presents yet another sidesplitting series to its audience The Middle.

    This series is an entertaining family comedy series starring Neil Flynn and Patricia Heaton as ‘The Hecks’. Tune in to watch the family as they face the day-to-day struggles of home life, work and raising children at 8:30pm every Monday to Friday only on Romedy now.

    Frankie Heck (Patricia Heaton) is a middle-class wife and mother of three – Brick, Sue and Axl living in the middle of suburban Orson, Indiana with her husband Mike Heck (Neil Flynn). She’s quickly approaching middle age and is committed to keeping her highly dysfunctional family in sync. Meanwhile, her overworked and aloof husband continues to drown under the responsibility of his job as a manager at a local quarry and his role as father.

    All three children are severe under-achievers and socially awkward in their own respective ways. Though, it is Brick, Sue and Axl’s endearing charm and canny personalities that adds an undoubtable sense of quirkiness to the series.

    This rollicking family comedy has a no-nonsense approach to social class, money and adolescence. The Middle features witty dialect and makes for a sophisticated, realistic imitation of the average, modern-day family. A healthy sense of madness and craziness is what knits a jovial family together. It keeps one on their toes and abuzz. Such madness comes as a blessing. The Middle is in complete sync with the channels’ core positioning giving viewers a variety of choice within the genres of love and laughter.

    The entire series oozes irresistible warmth and the casts’ comedic timing is impeccable. Created by Eileen Heisler and DeAnn Heline, The Middle is the ultimate series, perfect for a night in with the whole family.

    Tune into to The Middle every Monday – Friday at 8:30pm only on Romedy now!

  • Romedy Now lines up films with love and laughter for Valentine’s

    Romedy Now lines up films with love and laughter for Valentine’s

    MUMBAI: Romedy Now invites its viewers to celebrate love this Valentine’s Day and enjoy the whole weekend with hand-picked selection of the most passionate and lovable movies.

     

    The weekend’s features includes a dreamy line-up love stories like Valentine’s Day, The Break-Up, A Walk to Remember, The Lucky One, Two Weeks’ Notice and Message in a Bottle.

     

    Just like on a first date, Romedy Now’s Valentine’s Day programme will have you smiling from ear to ear with exciting flicks like Pride and the Prejudice, The Five-Year Engagement, Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind, Notting Hill, My Big Fat Greek Wedding, The Perfect Man, Leap Year, Forgetting Sarah Marshall and other titles.

     

    Romedy Now also invites its loyal viewers to capture the perfect moment with their partner this Valentine’s Day, in a cheeky new online competition. Introducing ‘Romfie’, Romedy Now’s very own version of the ‘Selfie’. Fans of the channel are asked to upload a picture of them along with their significant other, in order to go in the running to win an iPad each. Couples who wish to participate and stand a chance to win an iPad, must tell Romedy Now in one sentence why you and your loved one make the ‘Perfect Couple’.

     

    Tweet your fun-loving ‘Romfie’ to @RomedyNow and include the hashtag #Romfie to go in the running to secure your very own iPad. Many other goodies are up for grabs such as vouchers from Café Coffee Day and exciting Romedy Now merchandise. Romedy Now’s race to find India’s ‘Perfect Couple’ starts now and will run up until 14 February, 2015.

     

    Adding to the excitement of Valentine’s Day, Romedy Now is offering its viewers in Mumbai, Delhi and Bangalore a deliciously delectable treat. Devoted fans of Romedy Now will be given an opportunity to indulge in a special combination of drinks exclusively created for the month of love. Two tantalising flavours called ‘Beloved Blend’ and ‘Couple Coolers’ will be available to taste at select Café Coffee Day outlets. As well as this, Romedy Now have additional prizes to give away to some lucky loved-up couples.

  • Romedy Now to premiere ‘The Blind Side’ for Indian viewers

    Romedy Now to premiere ‘The Blind Side’ for Indian viewers

    MUMBAI: Romedy Now will premiere John Lee Hancock directed, Sandra Bullock starrer The Blind Side in India on 24 January 2015 at 9 pm.

     

    The Blind Side is a tale of Michael ‘Big Mike’ Oher (Quinton Aaron), who was abandoned at a young age and left to wander the streets with only a plastic bag of his most treasured possessions; as he longed for a sense of familiarity and kinship. The film follows Oher from his impoverished upbringing and the many trials and tribulations he faces throughout his childhood.

     

    Leah Anne Tuohy (Sandra Bullock) is a wealthy, strong-minded Southern woman who upon seeing Michael Oher staggering along an empty Memphis Street, shivering from the cold, takes him under her wing. From their very first encounter, Leigh Anne recognizes Michael’s true potential and looks to him as one of her own. Leigh Anne’s motherly instincts and unabashed personality comforts Michael, who was separated from his drug-addicted mother at the mere age of seven.

     

    The Blind Side is a tale of friendship and family, and the close bond shared between a mother and her son.

     

    Bullock was praised for her steadfast performance in the 2009 motion picture, and went on to win both an Academy Award and Golden Globe for Best Actress.

  • Romance and laughter is Romedy Now’s agenda this New Year

    Romance and laughter is Romedy Now’s agenda this New Year

    MUMBAI: Romedy Now heralds a joyful 2015, and presents a smashing line-up of amazing movies and popular series all this month.
     
    Romedy at 9 brings an incredible line-up of the sweetest movies every night at 9pm featuring popular favorites like The Romantics, Monte Carlo, The Rebound, The Sweetest Thing, Something Borrowed, Just My Luck and many more all this month.
     
    Michael Oher (Quinton Aaron) discovers the power of a mother’s love in the uplifting film The Blindside. Which is an award-winning performance from Sandra Bullock.

     
    This New Year, Romedy at First Sight brings in a scintillating collection of heartwarming movies premiering for the first time on the channel. And the catalog consists of Something’s Gotta Give, Hitchcock, Tin Cup, Must Love Dogs, Yogi Bear and many more only on Romedy at First Sight this January.

     
    Besides a good set of movies Romedy Now also has intriguingly captivating series comprising of Dharma & Greg, F.R.I.E.N.D.S. and Better Off Ted. Whether you’re giggling at Dharma’s witty quips in Dharma & Greg or guffawing at Chandler’s inspired one-liners in F.R.I.E.N.D.S, you won’t be able to resist sharing the laughter this January.   

     
    Raising the entertainment quotient this year, Romedy Now brings in a good conglomeration of fresh and contemporary.

     

  • Times Television Network appoints Sandeep Bharadwaj as head distribution

    Times Television Network appoints Sandeep Bharadwaj as head distribution

    MUMBAI: Times Television Network (TTN) has announced the appointment of Sandeep Bharadwaj as head –distribution, all platforms. Based out of Gurgaon, Bharadwaj will lead and drive domestic subscription revenue and carriage for the various channels under the TTN portfolio – Times Now, ET Now, Movies Now, Romedy Now, Movies Now+ and ZoOm.  He will report directly to TTN CFO Jagdish Mulchandani.

    Mulchandani said, “With his extensive experience in subscription revenue and carriage, Sandeep is a welcome addition to the dynamic, motivated team at Times Television Network. We believe that with his skill-set, he will drive commendable growth for the network.”

    Bharadwaj joins Times Television Network after a successful stint at Star India as senior vice president where he was instrumental in increasing penetration of the channels whilst meeting annual revenue and collection objectives.  Prior to Star India, Bharadwaj was associated with renowned companies like Adinos India (ONIDA), Media Pro, Star Den and IndusInd Media.

     Commenting on his new position Bharadwaj said, “I am extremely happy to join a media conglomerate of such repute. As the network begins a new phase of growth, I look forward to working with the highly motivated individuals at TTN to build a greater network in the industry.”

     Bharadwaj holds an MBA in marketing from Pune University. With over two decades in broadcast distribution, subscription revenue and carriage, Bharadwaj will add great value to the growth of the Times Television Network.

     

  • Cuddle up with Romedy Now this December

    Cuddle up with Romedy Now this December

    MUMBAI: This Christmas season, Romedy Now brings viewers stockings full of surprises with the adorable Love Santa, who as temperatures drop across the country, invites people to cuddle up with Romedy Now – the exclusive Indian destination for Love and Laughter on television.

     

    Through various promotions across on air and digital, Love Santa will be seen inviting viewers to stay warm and toasty this winter with their favorite destination for Love and Laugher in India. The campaign includes on air promos, graphics and activities on social media where viewers will be invited to share the best way to feel warmth this winter by using the hashtag #LoveSantaSays. In addition, as a special winter treat, Love Santa will also be sharing tips on the channel’s social media pages on how to stay cozy this season and spread the love through Love Santa Photobombs and adorable quotes.

     

    Speaking on the December activities, Anup Vishwanathan, Head Marketing – English Entertainment Cluster, TTN said “Winter is the season of huddle and cuddle and Romedy NOW with its fine choice of movies is a great destination for viewers to cuddle up this December.”

     

    Gather your loved ones close this season and enjoy incredible must-watch movies like Mamma Mia, My Big Fat Greek Wedding, Garfield, Rumor Has It, All About Steve, The Lake House and The Holiday premiering for the first time on the channel in Romedy at First Sight. Catch the sweetest family movies every weeknight at 9pm with Romedy at 9.  

     

    And the Christmas cheer doesn’t end there. Start the holidays on a high note and cuddle up with Romedy NOW as they showcase two heart-warming loves stories in the Romedy of the Month – The Holiday. Catch Kate Winslet, Jack Black, Cameron Diaz and Jude Law in an endearing Christmas movie about finding oneself when you move away on Saturday 27th December at 9pm.

     

    There’s no better way to celebrate this festive season than at home with your loved ones. Celebrate the most wonderful time of the year with Romedy Bells – a splendid Christmas Day line-up featuring some of the best family movies like The Family Stone, A Very Harold & Kumar 3D Christmas, What Happens in Vegas, My Big Fat Greek Wedding and many more.

     

    Make merry with the best of the old and welcoming the new with characteristic movies like New Year’s Eve, Mamma Mia!, Before Sunrise, Nights In Rodanthe, The Romantics and much more in a special New Year’s marathon – Joysome New Year – from 31 December 2014 at 9PM until 9PM on 1 January 2015.

     

    Don’t miss the shimmering Christmas celebrations, a sparkling New Year and a whole lot more only on Romedy NOW. From a heartwarming Christmas special to wonderful must-watch premieres, Romedy fans have every reason to smile this December.

     

    Let Love Santa set the mood for romance all through December with the happiest series & movies

     

  • Times TV Network to launch another entertainment channel?

    Times TV Network to launch another entertainment channel?

    MUMBAI: Thanks to the new government, the Times Television Network has reasons to rejoice.

    The network had applied for a number of channel licences to the Information & Broadcasting Ministry which included for both entertainment and news channels.

    “Thanks to the quickness of the current government, we have got the three news licences, which were old applications,” says the network managing director and CEO MK Anand while adding that a number of licences are still pending.

    The three news channel licences are for Times Now 2, Times Now 3 and ET Now 3.

    The network currently has Times Now, ET Now, Zoom TV, Movies Now and Romedy Now channels in its kitty.

    Anand goes on to say that though the new licences have been awarded, the current plan will go on as it is. “These licences don’t impact our current strategy or my plans for the network.”

    After the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) came out with its deaggregation paper, a number of networks have applied for new licences while some have even launched a new set of channels.

    The year also saw the launch of three new Hindi entertainment channels – Zindagi, Sony Pal and Epic. TTN is the only network which doesn’t have a Hindi general entertainment channel to its list.  And with a few entertainment licenses applied by TTN pending with the MIB, one can see possibilities of a new GEC entrant in the market.