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Tag: Sanjog Gupta

  • ICC to launch the sport’s first-ever vertical video production at Men’s Cricket World Cup

    ICC to launch the sport’s first-ever vertical video production at Men’s Cricket World Cup

    Mumbai: In a first for the sport, the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2023 world feed match coverage which is supported by Disney Star, will see ICC TV produce an additional vertical video feed, that will revolutionize fans’ viewing experience of the biggest Cricket World Cup ever.

    The ICC’s vertical feed will be a first-of-its-kind coverage for the sport across all 48 World Cup matches. The technological innovation will provide fans with an easier and more intuitive viewing experience on mobile phones that allows them to consume content on-the-go in the most convenient handheld position.

    For fans, this transformative approach to consuming ICC events will provide more access to World Cups than ever before. The vertical feed will provide a special experience with the addition of split-screens in its coverage. With a focus on building more context to the on-field action, the split-screen feature will unlock an additional dimension for the viewers and provide a further sense of proximity to the action and their heroes.

    The production will use a carefully curated array of dedicated vertically oriented cameras, whilst utilising the world feed cameras for split screens. The production will also feature match graphics and bespoke production enhancements to enhance the vertically oriented coverage.

    The vertical video feed will also make use of traditional technical and editorial storytelling tools to further elevate the coverage. Key features like ball tracking, player tracking and field plot will be tailored to fit the vertical format. The coverage will also have a world-class commentary panel calling the action.

    ICC chief commercial officer Anurag Dahiya said, “Cricket fans always look forward to the high-quality broadcast coverage of ICC events. With this in mind, the ICC TV team continuously strives to tailor our coverage to fan preferences. We are very excited to launch cricket’s first-ever vertical video production at the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2023. This game-changing initiative promises to transform the fan viewing experience. It is an innovative approach to cricket coverage that will place fans at the centre of the action bringing them closer to the game than ever before and providing a world-class production to the biggest Cricket World Cup ever.”

    Disney Star head – sports Sanjog Gupta said, “Consumers’ preferences and habits are evolving more rapidly than ever before, catalyzing the emergence of new user experiences. Disney Star has always played a pioneering role in taking cricket viewing experiences forward and is now proud to collaborate with the ICC to bring to sports fans for the first-time ever the ‘vertical feed’, on ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2023. The ‘vertical feed’ aims to deliver to digital users, enhanced convenience, engagement and immersion, beyond the differentiated screen orientation. With its uniquely designed production style entailing cameras, graphics, direction, replays and other enhancements, it promises to change the way cricket is watched.”

    The ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup kicks off on 5 October with a repeat of the 2019 final as England face New Zealand in Ahmedabad. Across 10 world class venues, 48 matches will be played in 46 days culminating in the Men’s Cricket World Cup Final on 19 November in the biggest cricket stadium in the world.

  • Disney Star deploys new technologies to enhance IPL 2022 broadcast

    Disney Star deploys new technologies to enhance IPL 2022 broadcast

    Mumbai: Disney Star has announced a slew of technological innovations to enhance IPL 2022 broadcast on the network.

    These technologies, adopted across Star Sports network and streaming platform Disney+ Hotstar, have been spearheaded by Disney Star’s R&D arm – Star Lab which develops innovation in emerging technologies.

    The broadcaster has brought the immersive sound of Dolby Atmos to fans, unique online voting, and polling platform, enhanced analytics in the commentary box, mixed reality analysis, a behind-the-scenes (BTS) technology venture and the robot assistant ‘Cricko.’ However, only Star Sports1 HD and Star Sports1 Hindi HD will be integrated with the Dolby Atmos experience. “Viewers will experience multidimensional sound with incredible clarity that allows them to hear details never heard before during the live sporting action,” according to the statement.

    “Disney Star has been committed to elevating the experience of Tata IPL, bringing millions of viewers closer to the game, the heroes, and the action,” said Disney Star head – sports Sanjog Gupta. “With fans being allowed in the stadium, we wanted viewers to get as close to the real feel of the atmosphere at the venues and this is why we decided to produce the Tata IPL 2022 in Dolby Atmos for the first time. The Star Lab has also enhanced the presentation of the tournament by deploying AR and VR across match coverage and programming initiatives. We will also experiment with the world’s first interactive cricket show in the metaverse, in our ambition of making this the most interactive and immersive season of Tata IPL.”

    Online voting and polling platform through megaphone: 

    Star Sports is introducing a new online voting and polling platform. It will deliver a live and interactive experience that will allow viewers to shape the editorial discourse during shows and build a connection between the opinions of Star Sports’ experts and audiences.

    Mixed reality analysis: 

    Presenters will be able to visualise and interact with data-driven Hawkeye graphics using an MR headset, proprietary technology developed in-house by Star Lab.

    Enhanced analytics: 

    With enhanced analytics in the commentary box, commentators will be teleported from the ground to the studios.

    BTS tech venture: 

    A new BTS tech venture will be the implementation of cloud production. Cloud workflows and distributed production models have been accelerated by the global chip shortage. Eliminating hardware and geographical location dependencies means more resources can be deployed into creating quality content and storytelling and collaboration is accelerated which will result in benefits to the environment by reducing carbon emissions.

    Other enhancements include ball-by-ball fielding analysis linked to live on-ground player tracking, enabled within digital twins of stadiums as well as 3D player avatars, virtual multi-screen telestration, and a bespoke virtual studio environment that leverages a stereoscopic talent positional tracking system to create the magical illusion that the graphics are real, 3D physical objects.

    The robot assistant ‘Cricko’ is armed with a huge database of IPL facts and figures to ensure analysts are equipped with the most up-to-date and in-depth statistics to share with audiences.

    The media company will continue to leverage the power of the unreal gaming engine to create virtual studios and augmented reality graphics. AR graphics will be enabled on drone cameras flying high above the stadium, said the statement.

  • Premier League: Disney Star renews broadcast rights for next three seasons

    Premier League: Disney Star renews broadcast rights for next three seasons

    Mumbai: Disney Star has renewed its exclusive broadcast rights for the Premier League for the next three seasons until 2025 for the Indian sub-continent. With this, the broadcaster’s association with one of the world’s biggest football leagues will span over two decades now.

    “Disney Star will continue to grow the viewership of the Premier League across the Indian sub-continent by broadcasting all 380 matches across the Star Sports Network and on Disney+ Hotstar,” said the broadcaster in a statement on Monday.

    “We are delighted to continue our association with the Premier League and look forward to the collaboration over the next three seasons. Our joint efforts have seen viewership for the league grow manifold and we remain committed to widening its popularity as well as deepening the affiliation for its clubs,” said Disney Star head – sports Sanjog Gupta. “With Premier League and the Indian Super League, we are home to the two most popular football leagues in India and will continue our e

    endeavour to grow football fandom in the country.”

    Disney Star claims to have grown the viewership for Premier League over 10 times in the past six years. From making the content available in additional regional feeds — Malayalam and Bangla, to creating country-specific campaigns over the years and organising on-ground activations like Select FC Screenings and Trophy Tours, it has undertaken various initiatives to increase the League’s fan base.

    “The Premier League is delighted to announce an extension of our exciting association with Disney Star,” commented Premier League chief media officer Paul Molnar. “They will be an outstanding home for the Premier League over the next three seasons and we look forward to working together to showcase the League to new and existing fans throughout the Indian sub-continent.”

  • Star Sports celebrates Tata IPL’s return to summer window in new campaign

    Star Sports celebrates Tata IPL’s return to summer window in new campaign

    Mumbai: Star Sports, the official broadcaster of IPL has launched #YehAbNormalHai campaign featuring MS Dhoni to celebrate the return of the League to its original summer window. With a brand-new title sponsor and the addition of two new teams, the Tata IPL 2022 is all set to hit the Indian shores on 26 March.

    Directed by Vasan Bala, the campaign features MS Dhoni as a bus driver who has parked the bus in the middle of a busy road. The traffic policeman arrives at the scene and questions Dhoni’s actions, to which he responds by saying that he is watching an intense IPL game. The cop treats this as a usual occurrence, and drives away reinstating the fact that such fandom is normal for IPL matches. 

    Star Sports will release the campaign film in seven languages including Hindi, Tamil, Telugu, Kannada, Malayalam, Bengali and Gujarati.

    Disney Star head – sports Sanjog Gupta said, “The Tata IPL 2022 campaign seeks to recruit millions of TV viewers and digital users across the country. Structured in four phases, the campaign turns the spotlight on fan frenzy and unique situations typically associated with the tournament as well as the distinct proposition of this year’s edition. #YeAbNormalHai adequately represents this, tying it with the social context of people discovering a “new normal” in their lives. The launch phase of the campaign strives to create a sense of excitement for the start of the 15th season, which promises to be the biggest ever.”

    Tata IPL 2022 will begin on 26 March, 2022.The 10 teams have been divided into two groups and will play a total of 14 league matches (seven home matches and seven away matches) totaling 70 league matches, followed by the playoffs and finals.

  • Star Sports launches campaign for PKL 8 with MS Dhoni

    Star Sports launches campaign for PKL 8 with MS Dhoni

    Mumbai: Star India, the official broadcaster of Vivo Pro Kabaddi League season 8, has unveiled its campaign #JoBhidegaWohBadhega, starring Indian cricketer MS Dhoni.

    After a two-year hiatus, Vivo Pro Kabaddi League season 8 will start airing from 22 December onwards on Star Sports network and Disney+ Hotstar.

    The ad spot cinematically envisages diverse stories featuring the youth of today, who will not bow down to any sort of pain, pressure or bullying and overcome such staunch challenges with equal aplomb. An injured player braving the pain for his team, a young girl fighting against harassment from a group of boys or junior resisting from being ragged by his seniors at a hostel are some of the stories featured in the brand film.

    Moving away from its previous caravan format, Vivo PKL Season 8 will be held at a single venue in Bengaluru. The tournament will feature Triple Panga (Triple Headers) on the first four days in the opening week. Bengaluru Bulls will square off with U Mumba in the opening match. The highly anticipated ‘Southern Derby’ between Tamil Thalaivas and Telugu Titans will be the second match followed by UP Yoddha squaring off with defending champions Bengal Warriors in the final match of the day.

    “We are thrilled to bring back Vivo Pro Kabaddi League after a two-year hiatus,” said Star and Disney India head – sports Sanjog Gupta. “Kabaddi has a strong following among millions of fans who missed the sport during the pandemic and can now re-engage with #LePanga. The campaign celebrates the indomitable human spirit which has to overcome all kinds of challenges, big and small. We believe Kabaddi exemplifies this very spirit in its gameplay as the raider dares to enter the opposition team’s half of the mat and takes on many defenders to triumph. Winning in life as in Kabaddi needs us to press forward with belief and take challenges head-on. ‘Jo Bhidega Toh Badhega’ stands for this common truth.”

    “The action-packed sport requires quick thinking, situational awareness, swift moves and a daring attitude, which combined with Disney-Star’s unrivalled and innovative coverage makes it a compelling watch,” he added.

  • Star Sports unveils ICC Men’s T20 World Cup official anthem

    Star Sports unveils ICC Men’s T20 World Cup official anthem

    Mumbai: Star Sports, in association with ICC, has released an official anthem called “Live the Game” for the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup. 

    The campaign is conceptualised by Star’s creative team and it highlights how the game of cricket transcends boundaries to bring fans across the globe together.

    International animation agencies Bat Collective and Red Knuckles were roped to execute the animation in the video along with Bollywood music director Amit Trivedi who composed the sports anthem. “Cricket has been my favourite sport and it was a pleasure to create the anthem for ICC T20 World Cup.  The track is quite upbeat, and I hope it resonates well with the youth and cricket fans,” said Trivedi.

     The cricket tournament will be available to watch on Star Sports network and Disney+ Hotstar VIP.  

    “The Men’s T20 World Cup is one of the biggest events on the global sports landscape. Its stature and allure serve as the ideal platform to recruit new fans, re-engage old ones, and bolster the game’s connect,” said  Star and Disney India head of sports Sanjog Gupta. “The USP of this campaign is the visual rendition of the invite and its trendy music amplifying the immersive #LiveTheGame proposition.”

    “Cricket has more than a billion fans around the world, and we wanted to put our young fans in the heart of the action alongside their heroes and allow them to live the game,” said ICC general manager for marketing and communications Claire Furlong. “Partnering with Star Sports and Amit Trivedi to create the animation and music for the campaign has given us a wonderful opportunity to celebrate the fact that India is our host despite the event being staged in Oman and the UAE.”

  • Star Sports launches Vivo IPL 2021 resumption campaign

    Star Sports launches Vivo IPL 2021 resumption campaign

    Mumbai: Star Sports has drawn parallels between Vivo Indian Premier League (IPL) 2021 and a blockbuster film in its latest advertising campaign called #AsliPictureAbhiBaakiHai featuring cricketer MS Dhoni in a filmy avatar.

    Conceptualised by the creative team at Star Sports, the ad film tells viewers that the second half of the tournament, airing from 19 September, is unmissable. The remaining 31 matches will be played over 27 days in the United Arab Emirates. 

    “There is a great deal of anticipation for the resumption of VIVO IPL 2021,” said Star and Disney India, head – sports, Sanjog Gupta. “Teams and players typically up the ante on the field, play top cricket and are at their competitive best in the final weeks of VIVO IPL, which means fans can look forward to higher intensity, impossible heroics and nail-biting finishes in the month-long spectacle. And this is the proposition of our campaign – #AsliPictureAbhiBaakiHai. That, like a blockbuster, there are many twists and turns, highs and lows, thrills and spills in store. So, whether you watched the first ‘half’ or not, the second half from September 19 is unmissable. Star and Disney India is also committed to continue delivering the most engaging and immersive broadcast of the tournament across TV and digital platforms. Multiple regional feeds, world class presentation, enhanced viewing experiences and technology innovations will delight millions of viewers.”

    The TVC campaign will be released in multiple languages including Hindi, Tamil, Telugu, Kannada, Bengali, Malayalam and will reach a national audience.

  • Star Sports Select celebrates Wimbledon’s return with new promo

    KOLKATA: Star Sports Select, the official broadcaster of the premier Grand Slam event has launched a promo #GreatnessResumes that brings to the fore how the toughest setbacks lead to the greatest comeback. Wimbledon 2021 will be live and exclusive on Star Sports Select from 28 June- 11 July, 3:30 PM onwards.

    Wimbledon was cancelled last year, for the first time since the Second World War, due to the pandemic. However, this year’s men’s and women’s singles final will be played with full capacity crowds in attendance on Centre Court, while the tournament will begin with 50 per cent capacity across the grounds, the AELTC announced.

    Star and Disney India sports head Sanjog Gupta said, “Wimbledon is the most revered of all Grand Slams with rich history and strong appeal amongst fans. Through #GreatnessResumes, we look to further the excitement for the return of this iconic championship after two years. Fans are eagerly anticipating the return of Federer, Serena, and Djokovic along with the new generation of top players, to the grass at AELTC. And with history at stake, the occasion has assumed greater proportions, which fans can experience on SS Select.”

    Federer, who left the clay courts at Paris midway, will hope to make a strong return, and extend his winning record at Wimbledon. World No. three Rafael Nadal pulled out of The Championships and the following Tokyo Olympics to prolong his career. The Spaniard, who lost to eventual champion Novak Djokovic at the French Open, said that that the two-week gap between Roland Garros and Wimbledon “didn’t make it easier on my body to recuperate after the always demanding clay-court season”.

    Nadal’s absence now puts the World No. one Serbian in a prime position to notch up another title-winning run at London. Djokovic will draw level with Federer and Rafael Nadal on 20 Grand Slam singles titles if he retains his Wimbledon crown.

    Meanwhile, in the women’s field, veteran Serena Williams along with World No. one Ashleigh Barty will be the cynosure of all eyes. World No. three Simona Halep, and two-time champion in London, Petra Kvitova will also be of key interest to fans as they could pose tough competition to their opponents. In a big delight for Indian tennis fans, superstar Sania Mirza, who has not played on tour since the WTA 1000 Dubai Open in March, returns to action in the doubles event. 

  • #IndiaKaApnaMantra is Star Sports’ new IPL campaign

    #IndiaKaApnaMantra is Star Sports’ new IPL campaign

    KOLKATA: The year 2020 threw up unprecedented challenges but the nation endured the impact and found innovative ways to overcome them. The year saw India dig deep into its reserves of enterprise and "can do" spirit to bounce back. The IPL stands as a reflection of India's "can do" spirit, of resilience, enterprise and innovation, as a brand itself and in the stories it has brought to the fore over the years. Inspired by this thought, Star Sports is kick-starting the Vivo IPL 2021 with its new campaign – India Ka Apna Mantra. Through the aperture of IPL, the campaign is seen saluting the attitude of a generation that is redefining conventional rules of the game to overcome seemingly insurmountable challenges.

    IPL stars too, faced with on-field challenges, have set aside conventional wisdom to devise their own 'mantra' to achieve glory. From Rohit Sharma's hunger for continued success to Virat Kohli channelling his aggression to be called 'King', the league has spawned many such mantras.

    Star India sports head Sanjog Gupta said, “Vivo IPL 2021 is returning to Indian soil with a lot of anticipation across the country. Fans are excitedly looking forward to what promises to be a very different IPL. Our campaign ‘India Ka Apna Mantra’ reflects the resilience, determination and enterprise of the nation. We believe IPL is a platform for expression of the same ‘nothing is impossible’ spirit on the field. Hunger for success in the IPL inspires players to take risks and challenge conventional wisdom. And it is their inner belief and indomitable ‘must do’ spirit that drives their commitment. We see this as a ‘capturing the mood of a generation’ campaign – one that reflects a more confident, enterprising, entrepreneurial attitude of the country. With the campaign launch, we are geared up to engage millions of fans and offer them high-quality content clubbed with innovative and immersive experiences.”

    Star Sports has launched two promotional films as a part of the #IndiaKaApnaMantra campaign featuring ‘Captain Cool’ MS Dhoni in two completely new avatars. The films capture the emotions and the success mantras of the players in their pursuit of excellence and success.

    Conceptualised by the creative team of Star India, the first film opens in a martial arts training camp with students playing cricket. Dhoni is seen teaching the kids how the continued hunger for success can be a driver for excellence. The Chennai Super Kings (CSK) captain cites his Mumbai Indians (MI) counterpart Rohit Sharma’s track record of winning five IPL trophies and his hunger to add on to his tally in 2021. The second promo opens in a summer camp with youngsters ready for a drill led by team leader Dhoni. Dhoni narrates the story of Virat Kohli, delivering the message that aggression when channelised in the right way, can help achieve success.

    The Vivo IPL has evoked intense emotions and exhilaration amongst its vociferous fans and this time too, Star Sports promises to bring back the same thrill as the marquee tournament returns to the country after nearly two years. 

  • Star India, Microsoft, Anil Kumble redefine fan engagement with real-time bat stats

    Star India, Microsoft, Anil Kumble redefine fan engagement with real-time bat stats

    MUMBAI: With the support of Star India and Microsoft, Anil Kumble’s technology startup, Spektacom Technologies, introduced the latest cricketing innovation – the power bat on 11 October 2018. The technology is powered by the Microsoft Azure cloud platform using Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Internet of Things (IoT) services. The technology provides players, coaches, commentators, fans and viewers with a completely new and unique way to engage with the sport and help improve their game.

    The Power Bat is a unique concept whereby a lightweight, Azure Sphere-powered sticker is stuck on the shoulder of the bat — a form factor that is completely unobtrusive.  

    Microsoft has been working closely with Spektacom and its founder Anil Kumble, former Indian captain, to incubate and launch the product, as part of its Scale up program. Star India has used the technology successfully in recent series to provide real-time statistics and insights straight off the oval.

    Microsoft executive VP Peggy Johnson said, “We’re excited to be a part of the work Spektacom and Star India are doing to enhance the cricket experience for fans, players and coaches. We’ve already seen the impact that connected devices have had in other industries, and we believe that with the advancements in our AI and cloud services, this is just the beginning of what’s possible for not only cricket but all sports.” 

    Star India senior vice-president Sanjog Gupta said, “All analytics are tools for storytelling and stories are what we engage fans with, more the stories, deeper the engagement. This technology can be used for other sports like football, kabaddi and maybe even other racket sports or where a bat is involved.

    In a live match, as soon as the batsman hits the ball, data on different parameters (speed on impact, twist on impact and quality of the shot — percentage proximity of the ball’s contact to the sweet spot of the willow) are captured in a new unit of measurement titled Power Speks. Microsoft’s Azure Sphere ensures that the data is securely captured and processed.

    As the stats will be detailed, every fan will get to see the analysis as the feed will not only be restricted to Star Sports Select but will also be on all the Star Sports channels.     

    Star India managing director Sanjay Gupta said, “Star India has always strived to redefine and elevate experiences for sports fans. From multi-language feeds and Select Dugout to VR and Watch n’ Play, the coverage of Vivo IPL demonstrates our commitment toward creating new benchmarks in how technology is deployed to deepen fan engagement. The Power Bat promises to be another step in the same direction, and we look forward to the partnership with Anil Kumble (Spektacom) and Microsoft in bringing it to our broadcasts.”

    Kumble said, “Our vision is to bring sports closer to fans through interesting ways of engagement using real-time sports analytics. At the same time, it is important that the technologies used are seamless and do not disrupt the game or obstruct the players. With Microsoft, we have been able to create a secure and effective solution, and with Star India, we have a partner that can stimulate and excite fan engagement.”

    Microsoft believes in leveraging its technology and its people to help sports teams and organisations solve their toughest challenges. By leveraging the company’s intelligent cloud and productivity solutions, sports organisations worldwide are connecting with fans, optimising team and player performance, and managing their operations in new, innovative ways.