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Tag: Russia

  • Moscow rolls out the red carpet for Indian filmmakers

    Moscow rolls out the red carpet for Indian filmmakers

    MUMBAI: Lights, camera, Moscow! Indian filmmakers now have a blockbuster reason to pack their cameras and head to Russia’s capital. At FICCI Frames 2025, Moskino unveiled the Moscow Film Cluster, offering a fully integrated ecosystem and up to a 45 per cent international rebate for productions.

    Designed as a one-stop shop, the Film Cluster streamlines the filmmaking process with sound stages, backlots, post-production facilities, and a central operational platform. From pre-production to premiere, Moskino ensures producers can focus on creativity, not logistics.

    The incentives are compelling: 30 per cent cash rebate on expenses, plus an additional 15 per cent value in services, visas, and accommodation discounts. And with the Moscow Film Commission providing free services: location scouting, permits, street closures, and dynamic filming support, shooting in Moscow has never been easier.

    Legendary Gorky Film Studio, the sprawling Film Park, and the futuristic Film Factory (home to Russia’s largest LED virtual production pavilion) ensure filmmakers have every tool at their fingertips. Moskino even operates 13 cinemas, offering built-in exhibition potential for completed films.

    From the Kremlin’s iconic spires to Moscow City’s sleek skyline and sprawling parks, the city doubles as multiple European or Asian capitals while retaining its own cinematic grandeur. With world-class crews and infrastructure, Moscow is positioning itself as Asia’s next major production hub for Indian cinema.

    Producers attending FICCI Frames 2025 can visit the Moscow Film Cluster booth to explore collaborations and discover how Moscow can turn their next project into an international success story.
     

  • Honda drives forward as Takashi Nakajima takes the wheel at HCIL

    Honda drives forward as Takashi Nakajima takes the wheel at HCIL

    MUMBAI: Honda Cars India Ltd (HCIL) is shifting gears at the top, with Takashi Nakajima set to take over as president & CEO from 1 April 2025. Nakajima, a Honda veteran with over 30 years of global experience, succeeds Takuya Tsumura, who will return to Japan after an impactful three-year stint at the helm of HCIL.

    During his tenure in India, Tsumura bolstered Honda’s premium brand positioning, enhanced customer-centric solutions, and steered the company toward profitable growth. His leadership saw the launch of several landmark models, including the Honda City e:HEV, India’s first mainstream hybrid model; the Honda Elevate, the brand’s new global SUV; and the 3rd Generation Amaze, a refreshed take on Honda’s popular compact sedan.  

    Under his watch, Honda’s export operations expanded, with the Made-in-India elevate hitting Japanese roads. Tsumura also focused on integrated marketing campaigns to engage a diverse audience, while implementing efficiency-driven initiatives to enhance both customer experience and dealer profitability.

    Bringing decades of expertise from markets including Japan, China, Spain, Czech Republic, and Russia, Nakajima is no stranger to strategic growth. His impressive career spans business planning, product strategy, marketing, and sales promotion, with a recent role as president of Honda Motor Russia. He also led product planning and corporate communications for Honda’s domestic automobile business in Japan.

    With Honda gearing up for its first Battery Electric Vehicle (BEV) launch in India, Nakajima’s entry signals a bold new chapter in Honda’s journey. As he prepares to take the wheel, all eyes are on how he will steer innovation, expansion, and electrification in one of the world’s most dynamic auto markets.

    As the industry shifts towards sustainable mobility, Nakajima’s leadership promises to accelerate Honda’s evolution in India. With a strong foundation laid by Tsumura, the road ahead looks primed for bigger ambitions, smarter technology, and an electrifying future.

  • Ukraine crisis: Disney and Sony suspend operations in Russia

    Ukraine crisis: Disney and Sony suspend operations in Russia

    Mumbai: Media companies Disney and Sony Pictures Entertainment have decided to suspend all business operations in Russia following the country’s invasion of Ukraine.

    Disney will cease all business including content and product licensing, Disney Cruise Line activities, National Geographic magazine and tours, local content productions, and linear channels, according to a report by Reuters.

    Sony Pictures Entertainment chairman and CEO Tony Vinciquerra shot an email to his staff that the boycott of Russia includes stopping its anime streaming service Crunchyroll as well as home entertainment releases and future TV distribution deals in the country, as per a report by ANI.

    Two weeks ago, Sony had also pulled its planned future films in Russia, including the high-profile Marvel film – “Morbius.” Disney has also halted the release of theatrical films in the country. 

    Other Hollywood studios such as Warner Bros has also stopped business operations following the actions of Russia.

  • Spotify registers 320 million monthly active users in Q3

    Spotify registers 320 million monthly active users in Q3

    NEW DELHI: Audio streaming service Spotify has reached 320 million monthly active users in the third quarter with a 29 per cent year-on-year growth. Successful marketing campaigns in India, as well as the July launch in Russia, have driven the growth.

    “From a content consumption standpoint, global consumption hours surpassed pre-COVID levels during the quarter, and all regions have fully recovered. Consumption trends by the platform have returned to normal usage, including in-car listening hours which is now above the pre-COVID peak. Usage on connected devices inside the home, which saw a spike during the lockdown, also remains above pre-COVID levels.,” the company stated.

    Its premium subscribers base grew by 27 per cent year-over-year to 144 million in the quarter. The platform saw strong subscriber growth across all regions, with added benefit from new market launches in Russia and surrounding territories. Russia has been the most successful new market launch to date and represented the largest portion of subscriber outperformance for the quarter.

    Total revenue of $1,975 million grew 14 per cent year-over-year in Q3; premium revenue grew 15 per cent to $1,790 million while ad-supported revenue rebounded nicely, growing 9 per cent. Within premium, average revenue per user (“ARPU”) of $4.19 in Q3 was down 10 per cent year-on-year.

  • Twitter announces new labels for government, state-affiliated media accounts

    Twitter announces new labels for government, state-affiliated media accounts

    NEW DELHI: Twitter has announced that the micro-blogging site has started labelling accounts of government officials and state-affiliated media.

    The blog read that it will focus on labelling ‘Senior officials and entities who are the official voice of the state abroad.’

    For the time being, this will be applicable only to accounts from China, Russia, France, United Kingdom and the United States — the five permanent members of the United Nations Security Council (UNSC).

    The blog further emphasised that this new feature is for transparency and practicality, Twitter is starting with a limited and clearly-defined group of countries before expanding to a wider range of countries in the future. “At this time, we're not labeling the personal accounts of heads of state, as these accounts enjoy widespread name recognition, media attention, and public awareness. Institutional accounts associated with their offices that changeover depending on election results will be labeled, however.”

    “We believe that people have the right to know when a media account is affiliated directly or indirectly with a state actor. As part of the development of this process, we consulted with a number of expert groups, including members of the Digital and Human Rights Advisory group in Twitter’s Trust & Safety Council,” the blog post said.

    Twitter will no longer amplify state-affiliated media accounts or their tweets through recommendation systems including on the home timeline, notifications, and search.

  • SPN India renews UEFA Euro Championship rights for Indian subcontinent

    SPN India renews UEFA Euro Championship rights for Indian subcontinent

    MUMBAI: Sony Pictures Network (SPN) India has renewed the media rights deal for the UEFA Euro Championship to telecast in the Indian subcontinent according to Insidesports.co. On the flip side, the broadcaster has lost one of its precious football properties, La Liga, to Facebook. The social media giant bagged the rights for the next four-year cycle.

    The 2020 European Championship edition will be played across 12 European nations between 12 June and 12 July.

    Sony in the earlier UEFA media rights cycle was also the official broadcaster for the UEFA Champions League and the UEFA Europa League, which were not the part of the UEFA Euro Championship deal.

    The UEFA Euro 2020 qualifying draw will be held on 2 December 2018 at the Convention Centre Dublin in Dublin, Republic of Ireland.

    Recently, UEFA has also renewed its worldwide master licensing deal with global sports and talent management agency IMG. The extended terms of the agreement will see IMG continue to serve as the exclusive master licensee for UEFA Euro 2020 and other major national team tournaments through to the end of 2022.

    The deal provides Sony Pictures Network with the right to broadcast the UEFA Euro 2020 Championship matches and the Championship Finals. In the previous three-year deal SPN aired 546 UEFA international matches over three years in the run-up to the 2016 finals in India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Bhutan, Nepal and Maldives.

    The media right for La Liga was acquired by SPN for $32 million in 2014 till May 2018.

    The Euro Championship games will be played at London, Munich, Rome, Baku, Saint Petersburg, Bucharest, Amsterdam, Dublin, Bilbao, Budapest, Glasgow and Copenhagen. Each city will host three group stage matches and one match in the round of 16 or quarter-finals. London will host the Group Stage matches, a round of 16 game, semi-finals, and final. Munich (Germany), Baku (Azerbaijan), Saint Petersburg (Russia) and Rome (Italy) Group Stage games and the quarter-finals. Copenhagen (Denmark), Bucharest (Romania), Amsterdam (Netherlands), Dublin (Republic of Ireland), Bilbao (Spain), Budapest (Hungary) and Glasgow (Scotland) will host Group stage and the round-of-16 matches.

  • How Sony is bringing the FIFA World Cup 2018

    How Sony is bringing the FIFA World Cup 2018

    MUMBAI: Sports broadcasting is no ordinary business. Just ask Star India and Sony Network Pictures (SPN) India – who often slug it out against each other for the rights of premium sporting properties. The two high rollers of Indian sports broadcasting play by one simple rule: high risks, high rewards. From bidding for and executing marquee sporting events, the gamut of sports broadcasting is fuelled by the compulsion of making bold plays.

    That’s exactly what SPN has attempted with its coverage of the ongoing FIFA World Cup. The N.P Singh-led broadcaster has upped its game to boost consumer engagement through studio-driven innovations that involve a high impact sports analysis screen and acclaimed football pundits who give a local perspective to the football field action in Russia.

    SPN’s panel of experts includes Sunil Chhetri, Bhaichung Bhutia, Luis Garcia, Louis Saha and David James, Ashley Westwood, Gurpreet Singh, Robin Singh and Novy Kapadia.

    The channel’s coverage of the World Cup also comprises shows like Football Extraaa and Kick-Off for match build-up and analysis.

    SPN studios are housed in its headquarters in the northern Mumbai suburb of Malad. Designed by an in-house team, the 14-camera facility was erected in just 85 days.

    Indiantelevision has learnt that the company has invested heavily in the floors and shooting gear (guesstimates are upwards of Rs 30 crore going up to about Rs 100 crore). With noiseless air-cooling and conditioning systems, the experts seated in well designed sets give viewers insights through the pre, mid and post match shows.

    Piero, a 3D software delivering high impact sports analysis for TV broadcasters  on a 85-inch touch screen, is being used by the in-studio experts to explain the teams’ strategy to viewers. Piero can mark and track players, draw off-side lines on the pitch, and produce a unique ‘virtual view’ of the match from a viewpoint where an actual camera could never be used.

    Piero can also extract the players from the pitch, allowing them to be placed in a ‘virtual stadium’ model that can be seen from any location, to give the best viewpoint to talk about the game.

    Using Piero, the football experts can break down complex positional plays by moving the players as they like on the screen. All this happens live, with a person in the production control room (PCR) as a back up. ,

    The downlinking of the world feed happens either in Mumbai, Chennai or Singapore, while the uplinking of signals is executed from Singapore, Hong Kong or Germany.

    The studio has European (Stype) and Japanese (Shotoku) technology working in tandem to offer an easy, seamless and in-depth experience to viewers.

    Shotoku’s full range of robotic gear comprises of fully robotic pedestals, height drives, pan/tilt heads and control systems for live studio production in traditional or VR/AR applications.

    Stype provides camera tracking hardware, software and integration for real-time augmented reality and virtual studio broadcasting.

    The Stype kit (system for tracking the camera position in 3D space), the company’s flagship, is currently being used by global sports broadcast leaders such as Fox Sports Australia, the BBC, Sky, Viasat sport and many others.

    The world feed for all 64 matches is being produced on the basis of a 34-camera plan with increased coverage, content and features in HD 1080p, in UHD and 4K HDR.

    SPN’s production investments have been made keeping in mind its OTT strategy for the quadrennial event. The second screen experience (prediction, emotion meter, polls and contests), a marriage between the company’s OTT platform SonyLIV and TV, is bound to boost fan engagement.

    Also Read :

    Sony partners with Markscan to tackle illegal streaming during FIFA World Cup

    SPN’s digital play for the FIFA World Cup

    SPN launches first campaign for FIFA WC 2018 Russia

  • Hyundai launches #SaveMyGame campaign for football fans

    Hyundai launches #SaveMyGame campaign for football fans

    MUMBAI : Hyundai Motors India is one of second largest manufacturer of cars and number one exporter. Hyundai today announced the newly launched of a unique and creative digital campaign #SaveMygame for all the football fans in allover country. The campaign will be live from 14th June to 15th June of 2018

    The FIFA World Cup is one of the biggest sporting event that unites millions of fans in a collective exhilarating football experience across the world and Hyundai’s ‘Save My Game’ will provide lucky winners a Brilliant Experience while cheering for their favorite teams

    Football fans can give a missed call on FOOTBALL 36682255 Helpline number to participate and win an opportunity to free themselves from any interruption like family member or a friend for an uninterrupted FIFA experience. Hyundai Motor India will invite the nominated family member or friend of the ‘Save My Game’ lucky winner and engage them in exciting activities such as Interactions with well-known Radio Jockeys, TV stars or an E-voucher which can be used to avail a movie ticket, Spa, Dine out, or Test drive of a Hyundai model during the selected match timing. More than 100 Fan Helpline dialers will get a chance to ‘Save Their Game’ on each match day.

    The helpline number will be active from 9.30am to 2.30pm on all match days.

    Hyundai Motor India Ltd GM and group head marketing Puneet Anand, said, “Hyundai has a long-standing history in football as a proud Automobile official Partner of FIFA since 1999. Football is not just a sport, it’s an emotion full of passion and joy. As a Dynamic and Modern Premium Brand Automotive Brand, Hyundai has always connected with youth and sport enthusiasts globally. The upcoming 2018 FIFA World Cup is a big moment for all football fans in India and across the world. We are committed to supporting football by providing fans with unique and enjoyable experiences in the same way as we are committed to caring for our customers by ensuring special and rewarding Hyundai Ownership Experiences. We are confident that #SaveMyGame will strike an instant chord with both the fans and their friends and family by adding ‘Brilliant Moments’ to their lives and helping us become Lifetime Partners in Automobile and Beyond.”

    Hyundai Motor has been the Official Automotive Partner of FIFA since 1999. Hyundai Motor has provided with 530 vehicles to assist with the streamlined running of the 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia

    To create more excitement of 21st FIFA World Cup and magnify the experience of the biggest football tournament in the world we will be engaging all Hyundai fans to GUESS THE WINNER right from the Quarter Finals to the Finals. Lucky winners will get a chance to Win exciting prizes like Smart TVs and Smart Speakers. In addition, Hyundai will create exciting Hyundai-FIFA ‘Home Dug Out’ experiences for 15 Lucky Football Fans across India at their homes. These home dug out zones will have live screening of a match from the 2018 FIFA World Cup, with exciting Hyundai and FIFA merchandize, cheering kit and more, made available for the fans and their fellow football enthusiasts.

  • SPN India strengthen’s regional presence with six language feeds for FIFA WC

    SPN India strengthen’s regional presence with six language feeds for FIFA WC

    MUMBAI: With the 2018 FIFA World Cup set to kick off on June 15, the official broadcaster Sony Pictures Networks (SPN) India, increased its regional outreach with the addition of Tamil and Telugu live language feeds. This will be the first time that the FIFA World Cup will be telecast in multiple languages in India. 

    The two new languages are in addition to the already announced English, Hindi, Bengali and Malayalam live feeds taking the tally to six languages.

    SPN India president, sports and distribution business Rajesh Kaul, “The telecast of 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia will be done in six languages. It is our endeavor to reach out to every football fan in the country as per our commitment to go beyond to serve best sporting action through our programming initiatives. We have congregated some of the best international football players with great experience to provide incisive insights to our viewers. The live studio show Football Extraaa and the breakfast show Kick-Off will enrich the die-hard football enthusiast’s viewing experience of 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia.”

    Additionally, SPN announced a star-studded panel for Football Extraaa, the pre, mid and post-match live studio show that will be telecast in English and Hindi. The show will feature a list of Indian and international football stars like Sunil Chhetri, Bhaichung Bhutia, Gurpreet Singh, Robin Singh, Luis Garcia, Louis Saha and David James.

    In addition to Football Extraaa, SPN India will also showcase detailed insights for its viewers with a morning dose of football through its breakfast show Kick-Off. The show will satiate the hunger of football enthusiasts with in-depth analyses on the previous night’s game along with forecast for the forthcoming matches of the day.

    The WC will also be aired live on SonyLIV. The digital arm of Sony has launched the #ScreamLoud campaign that cuts across football fans in the country who exhibit their undying passion through a light-hearted film. Fans will have a sore throat which is going to be their constant companion through the football season as they cheer and scream. 

    The film conceptualised by Publicis Ambience and produced by Offroad Films, has been inspired by those fans whose enthusiasm and fervour for the sport sees no limits. Ardent fans of the game can now stream all matches live on their mobile devices and have a truly amazing FIFA experience.

    SPN India head marketing, subscription and content licensing- digital business Abhishek Joshi said, “FIFA is one of the biggest sporting events in the World and the excitement from fans is palpable. While conceptualizing this film, we realised that visual humour and story-telling isn’t being used much in advertising and hence we created a light-hearted film. The story is filmed from the perspective of football die-hards who lose their voices while cheering for their favourite country. This campaign will connect with fans across India and unify them for the love of the game. all types of football fans can enjoy the game on their personal devices anywhere on SonyLIV.”

    Also Read:

    SPN launches first campaign for FIFA WC 2018 Russia

    Sony bets big on 2018 FIFA World Cup

  • SPN launches first campaign for FIFA WC 2018 Russia

    SPN launches first campaign for FIFA WC 2018 Russia

    MUMBAI: Despite losing several big ticket sporting properties to rivals in India, Sony Pictures Network (SPN) is gung-ho as it gears up to showcase the 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia. With just about a month left for the action, it has unveiled a new campaign titled ‘Meri Doosri Country’. The campaign was launched in the presence of India’s football icon and former national football team captain Bhaichung Bhutia.

    Culture Machine is the brain behind it with a creative team of five members. The production house involved in the making was Radhika Produces Films. The campaign is directed by Jigar Fernandes and produced by Radhika Sawhney.

    Telecast will be in four languages: English, Hindi, Bengali and Malayalam. The world feed in English will be on Sony TEN 2 SD & HD channels, the Hindi feed will be aired on Sony TEN 3 SD & HD channels while Bengali and Malayalam feed will be available on Sony ESPN SD channel. Adding to this, a fantastic line-up of renowned international football panellists will hone in on their knowledge and insights to enhance the viewing experience.

    SPN India president, sports and distribution Rajesh Kaul said, “Sony Pictures Network has been associated with FIFA, one of the most prestigious sporting bodies in the world, since the last world cup in 2014. The 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia is definitely one the biggest and most exciting sporting events this year, and we are extremely proud to bring it to the football fans across the Indian subcontinent. Our campaign #MeriDoosriCountry, captures the ethos of how Indian football fans root for their favourite country as if it’s their own. With multiple language feeds and unique programming initiatives, we are committed to giving our audience a truly holistic 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia experience.”

    As seen from the FIFA U-17 World Cup India 2017, football continues to grow by leaps and bounds in India and is the second most viewed sport in the country after cricket. While football viewership is already high in India, FIFA-led events tend to enjoy an increased viewership due to their enormous popularity. The FIFA World Cup is one of the few sporting events that draws in both fans and fringe-viewers to root for their favourite countries, which temporarily become their ‘Doosri Country’ (second country).

    SPN senior VP marketing and OAP Kedar Teny told Indiantelevision.com, “If you look at the data, four markets that obviously consume football are English speaking markets from the North East, South and Goa. Hindi is only to bring in new viewership from Hindi speaking markets (HSM). The sports genre isn’t strong in the HSM, but the campaign is nudging you to be a part of the party.”

    “We have been holding the rights for all the premium football tournaments and known as the home of football. The campaign will be on all 31 channels of SPN. The feel and look of the stadium will be done in VR to enhance the viewers’ experience,” Kaul added.

    The #MeriDoosriCountry campaign film has been inspired by countless Indian fans who exhibit their undying passion by adopting their favourite football team once every four years during the World Cup. The film showcases snapshots of fans cheering and flaunting their support for their ‘Doosri Country’ by wearing the team jerseys, waving their team flags and even painting their faces with their team colours.

    The master brand campaign highlights the passion and excitement with which Indian fans support their favourite teams at this mega-event. The brand campaign also explains what really happens to the football fans in India when the World Cup kicks in and how we pledge loyalty of another country. The film was shot across the country, especially in football-crazy states like Goa, Kerala and West Bengal.

    The campaign will entail a 360-degree approach, including augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR) technologies. It will also be spread across TV, digital, print, and radio.

    Indian Football team former captain Bhaichung Bhutia said, “The 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia is one the most awaited tournaments for all of us and I am excited to show my support for the #MeriDoosriCountry campaign. The film gives Indian audience a sense of belonging to one of the most significant sporting events in the world. While I am confident that we will see our football team in the World Cup one day, Meri Doosri country will be Argentina this year.”

    Also Read :

    Sony to be ahead of the curve in regional penetration: Kedar Teny

    SonyLIV aims to provide comprehensive CWG coverage