ITV

Tag: Saugato Bhowmik

  • AP Govt. signs up with Viacom18’s brand solutions arm BE Viacom18 to promote tourism

    AP Govt. signs up with Viacom18’s brand solutions arm BE Viacom18 to promote tourism

    MUMBAI: In a first of its kind initiative, media conglomerate Viacom18’s brand solutions arm BE Viacom18 has partnered with the government of Arunachal Pradesh to provide strategic consultation services to promote the tourism in the state. While BE Viacom18 had handled the strategic marketing and communication drive for Vivo when the Chinese handset brand marked its India debut, this deal with the Arunachal Pradesh government marks the company’s maiden foray into the PPP arena with a state government.

    Commenting on the partnership, Saugato Bhowmik, Business Head, Consumer Products and Integrated Network Solutions, Viacom 18, said, “We are ecstatic to have inked a deal to boost the state tourism of Arunachal Pradesh. Viacom18 has entered a PPP Model with the state government, wherein we will conceptualize and create the best possible plan of action to make Arunachal Pradesh a ‘Must Experience’ location. This unique association in the Indian Media & Entertainment sector will see Viacom18 tap into the huge potential of government Non DAVP partnerships and leverage the group’s domestic and international media platforms. ”

    BE Viacom18 will work closely with the state government to educate people about the unique highlights and various attractions of Arunachal Pradesh. In order to leverage the state tourism, BE Viacom18 will release a special Audio-visual brand film for Arunachal Pradesh tourism that will be reached out to audiences through the network’s broadcast channels. The promotions will also comprise media buys by BE Viacom18 as well as facilitating production houses from Bollywood and other film fraternities to shoot films, music videos, documentaries, television series, reality shows and also explore Strategic Business IP Partnerships on various cultural events in the state.

    Commenting on the association with Viacom18, Joram Beda, Tourism Secretary, Govt. of Arunachal Pradesh said, “Honorable Chief Minister Shri Pema Khandu firmly believes that tourism is one of the areas that can generate revenues for the state. The focus for the government this year, thus lies in boosting the tourism sector and making Arunachal Pradesh a ‘Must See, Must Experience’ state. For the success of this vision, we need like-minded partners that see and understand our vision and can help us chart this path. Being one of the biggest media houses check for the right citation again of the country, we are pleased to have Viacom18 on-board to help us reach out to the right audience through a robust campaign.”

    The partnership with Arunachal Pradesh marks yet another initiative by BE Viacom18 after being instrumental in launching global smart phone brand Vivo to Indian markets.

  • Saugato Bhowmik to head Viacom 18 Integrated Network Solutions, Jaideep Singh moves on

    Saugato Bhowmik to head Viacom 18 Integrated Network Solutions, Jaideep Singh moves on

    MUMBAI: Viacom18 has elevated Saugato Bhowmik as the head of its Integrated Network Solutions (INS) business unit. INS has been instrumental in developing brand solutions for consumers and live properties across music and entertainment genres. Bhowmik takes on the role from Jaideep Singh who will be moving on from the organization. Along with this new role, Bhowmik will continue to head the Consumer Products business line at Viacom18.

    Commenting on this development, Viacom18  Group CEO Sudhanshu  Vats said, “Saugato has rich experience in marketing and his expertise in consumer products has enabled us to monetize various brand properties through successful merchandising and licensing partnerships. We are confident that his sharp marketing sense and ability to mine consumer insights will help grow the INS business further. I would also like to take this opportunity to wish Jaideep the best for his future endeavors.”

    Vats further added, “We are taking this opportunity to build a fully ‘Integrated Network Solutions’ business with Consumer Products, BE Viacom18 & LIVE Viacom18 managed synergistically by one team for the organization”

    LIVE Viacom18 has launched successful IPs like VH1 Supersonic, MTV Bollyland, Nickelodeon Kids Choice Awards, Emerge, MTV Xtreme and Comedy Central Chuckle Festival.

    Viacom18 Consumer Products has been extremely successful in creating a robust portfolio of merchandize for the kids and youth segment with products including exclusive ‘Back-to-School’ Toys & Apparel in the kids segment. And everything from footwear to a themed café under the MTV brand name for the youth. The licensing arm of the network has also inked exclusive deals with ‘FC Barcelona’ & ‘Peppa Pig’

  • Saugato Bhowmik to head Viacom 18 Integrated Network Solutions, Jaideep Singh moves on

    Saugato Bhowmik to head Viacom 18 Integrated Network Solutions, Jaideep Singh moves on

    MUMBAI: Viacom18 has elevated Saugato Bhowmik as the head of its Integrated Network Solutions (INS) business unit. INS has been instrumental in developing brand solutions for consumers and live properties across music and entertainment genres. Bhowmik takes on the role from Jaideep Singh who will be moving on from the organization. Along with this new role, Bhowmik will continue to head the Consumer Products business line at Viacom18.

    Commenting on this development, Viacom18  Group CEO Sudhanshu  Vats said, “Saugato has rich experience in marketing and his expertise in consumer products has enabled us to monetize various brand properties through successful merchandising and licensing partnerships. We are confident that his sharp marketing sense and ability to mine consumer insights will help grow the INS business further. I would also like to take this opportunity to wish Jaideep the best for his future endeavors.”

    Vats further added, “We are taking this opportunity to build a fully ‘Integrated Network Solutions’ business with Consumer Products, BE Viacom18 & LIVE Viacom18 managed synergistically by one team for the organization”

    LIVE Viacom18 has launched successful IPs like VH1 Supersonic, MTV Bollyland, Nickelodeon Kids Choice Awards, Emerge, MTV Xtreme and Comedy Central Chuckle Festival.

    Viacom18 Consumer Products has been extremely successful in creating a robust portfolio of merchandize for the kids and youth segment with products including exclusive ‘Back-to-School’ Toys & Apparel in the kids segment. And everything from footwear to a themed café under the MTV brand name for the youth. The licensing arm of the network has also inked exclusive deals with ‘FC Barcelona’ & ‘Peppa Pig’

  • We will be a significant contributor to network’s revenue in 3 years: Saugato Bhowmik

    We will be a significant contributor to network’s revenue in 3 years: Saugato Bhowmik

    MUMBAI: For a child, there are no limits to imagination. Their favourite animated characters live with them beyond the television screens or books. And following this insight, Viacom18 is strengthening its consumer products segment with two new flagship partnerships with FCBM and Rainbow International apart from its already popular merchandise. As part of these partnerships, Viacom18 consumer products has acquired the master licensing rights in India for FC Barcelona and Italian fashion brand Winx Club. 

    Says Viacom18 Media consumer products senior VP Saugato Bhowmik, “It is an exciting period for us as we are expanding our brand portfolio and all these acquisitions are in line with our growth strategy.” The network had recently inked an exclusive deal with animation and gaming firm DQ Entertainment to get the rights as a master franchise to launch the Jungle Book merchandise in India.

    The deal enables the business to design, produce and market the iconic FC Barcelona in India. Apart from this, aiming at young girls, the merchandise for Winx Club will include toys and a contemporary apparel line. Products of both will be available offline and online in the next three to four months.

    Engulfing the whole ecosystem, the consumer products segment of the network aims to contribute in double digits to the Nick’s overall revenue in India in the next three years. “Currently, I would say we are doing well and in the next couple of years we want to get in revenues in double digits by leveraging on opportunities available to us. We want to contribute significantly to network’s revenue,” says Bhowmik.

    Working with the best in the particular field of products, says Bhowmik is what has led the company to reach higher goals. “We work with over 15 licensees for different brands and have over 2000 SKUs and for each we have brought on board the best in the category. For instance, we have chosen Ballarpur Industries to present us in paper stationery partner because they are the best in that field. Similarly, we have Simba Toys, Funskool, TI Cycles etc.”

    To market the existing and upcoming merchandise, the team will leverage on the network’s offerings, both channels and digital platforms as well as create unique on-ground activities. “We will take a fashion route for Winx Club wherein you will see a fashion show which might be aired on television as well.  The blueprint is almost in place but we will create innovative methods to keep the buzz regarding our products,” he says while adding that products will be available in retails shops as well as e-commerce platforms.

    As for the future plans, the segment wants to focus on strengthening its retail space as well as market the products as it feels that it has a strong product line in the market. “We aim to double our business by next year,” he concludes.

  • Nick strengthens Motu Patlu franchise, launches new movie and merchandise

    Nick strengthens Motu Patlu franchise, launches new movie and merchandise

    MUMBAI: Nicktoons Motu Patlu are on a meteoric rise to becoming the coolest celebrities on the block. After a successful TV show, three super-hit movies, digital assets and some awesome promotional licensing deals, Nickelodeon is all set to launch the fourth action packed Motu Patlu film and trendy Motu Patlu apparel.

    This Diwali, the most popular characters of India’s number 1 kids’ channel will embark on a crazy new adventure, fighting evil for the pride of Furfurinagar, in their upcoming movie “Motu Patlu Kungfu Kings”, exclusively premiering on Thursday, 23 October at 12.15pm, only on Nickelodeon. Fans of the duo will also be able to own fashionable Motu Patlu apparel – t-shirts, sweatshirts, games & puzzles now available across leading online platforms like Snapdeal.

    The exciting new cinematic adventure ‘Motu Patlu Kungfu Kings’ will see Motu Patlu in a never before seen avatar with Motu turning into a kungfu master. All the action unfolds when Motu is challenged by an evil martial arts fighter named Tiger Chang in a competition at Furfurinagar.

    Determined to redeem the pride of Furfurinagar, Motu takes an oath to learn martial arts and defeat Tiger Chang. Will Motu succeed in mastering the challenging art of Kungfu? Will Motu Patlu defeat Tiger Chang and restore the lost pride of Furfurinagar?  The new laugh riot will answer all these question and bring alive the journey of the awesome twosome from Furfurinaar to Kungfu Land.

    Talking about the latest Motu Patlu adventure, Nina Elavia Jaipuria, EVP & Business Head, Kids Cluster said “Our dynamic duo Motu Patlu have become an intrinsic part of the daily lives of children. The franchise has grown from strength to strength, providing enhanced experiences and engaging kids across platforms like television, movies, digital assets and now consumer products. We are sure that with Motu Patlu Kungfu Kings – a movie that celebrates friendship, laughter and adventure, we will further fortify this bond between Motu Patlu, the children and their favorite channel, Nickelodeon.”

    To further increase engagement with our young viewers, Nickelodeon is now extending the Motu Patlu experience by launching an exclusive apparel line across online portals like Snapdeal.com. Motu Patlu fans can now sport cool t-shirts, shorts and sweatshirts – all in Motu Patlu’s signature dhamakedaar style.  The exclusive range, priced at Rs. 249 to Rs. 999, includes 30 different apparel options, which is now available across e-commerce platforms like Snapdeal.com.

    Speaking about the new range of merchandise, Saugato Bhowmik, Head – Consumer Products, Viacom18 Media Pvt. Ltd., said, “Motu Patlu have topped the charts and also conquered the hearts of children across the nation with their fun antics. We now want fans of Motu Patlu to further experience their favourite characters through interesting merchandise. Starting with the launch of the apparel line online, we are eventually looking at extending the Motu Patlu franchise to include other products categories like back to school merchandise, stationery as well.”

    The amazing Motu Patlu and their endearing comedy of errors has significantly contributed towards Nickelodeon becoming the No.1 kids’ entertainment channel in the country. After their last outing to Wonderland, Mission Moon and the Deep Sea, this new adventure to Kung Fu Land is sure to be a roller coaster of action and laughter. So don’t forget to be a part of Motu Paltu’s Himalayan Adventure as they fight evil and win hearts along the way.

    Catch  ‘Motu Patlu Kungfu Kings’ this Thursday, October 23rd at 12.15pm, only on Nickelodeon and make sure to buy a Motu Patlu t-shirt/sweatshirt to sport while watching the movie.

     

  • Nick opens up Motu Patlu for promotional licensing; launches toys with yellow diamond rings

    Nick opens up Motu Patlu for promotional licensing; launches toys with yellow diamond rings

    MUMBAI : Following the roaring success of Domino’s Junior Joy Box Meal with SpongeBob SquarePants, Viacom18 Consumer Products has signed up with Prataap Snacks Pvt. Ltd., makers of Yellow Diamond Rings to launch three exciting flavors of corn rings – Masala, Chilli Cheese and Tomato with exclusive Motu Patlu toys such as spinners, charms, sling-shooters, snakes and ladders and much more. Strategically choosing to take up the promotional licensing route for growth, Viacom18’s Consumer Products Business is leveraging the popular Nick toons by taking them beyond television and bringing them closer to their target audience.

     

    Motu-Patlu, the No. 1 characters on the No. 1 Kids’ channel Nickelodeon, are two simple but lovable adventurers from a small town in the heartland of India, known as Furfuri Nagariya. The awesome two some have an uncanny ability to attract trouble which only lands them in entertaining and hilarious situations.

     

    Fans of the coolest duo on television will now have the opportunity to bring home Motu Patlu with a pack of their favourite Yellow Diamond Rings. Priced at Rs. 5, the snacks will be available across retail stores, modern trade, railway stations, bus stands and cinema halls across North and East India. The tangy goodness of the corn rings combined with the excitement of discovering a new Motu Patlu toy with every pack is sure to make kids jump with joy.

     

    Speaking about this association with the snacks brand, Saugato Bhowmik, Head – Consumer Products, Viacom18 Media Pvt. Ltd., said, “Nickelodeon’s rich and diverse portfolio of characters provides us with great opportunities to connect with the consumer in new and exciting ways. Motu Patlu have topped the charts and also conquered the hearts of children across the nation with their fun antics and make for the perfect character for this kind of promotional licensing. We are happy to partner with Prataap Snacks to help our young audiences to play with their favourite characters while enjoying their snack time– the perfect combination.”

  • Viacom18 to launch exclusive Jungle Book Merchandise in India

    Viacom18 to launch exclusive Jungle Book Merchandise in India

    MUMBAI: Viacom18 Consumer Products division is all set to bring all the jungle fun associated with the iconic Mowgli, Bagheera, Balloo and Sher Khan. The company recently inked an exclusive deal with animation and gaming firm DQ Entertainment to get the rights as a master franchise to launch the merchandise in India.

     

    This would be Viacom18’s second deal into representing brands outside the Viacom portfolio. The company plans to roll out the products by end of the year.

     

    Viacom18 Consumer Products Head Saugato Bhowmik said, “The Jungle Book is a great franchise with characters that are familiar, iconic and loved by children across the world. DQ Entertainment’s Jungle Book presents the characters in a fun and livelier manner which make the products more endearing and attractive to the consumers.”

     

    The Jungle Book merchandise will cover a whole range of products from apparel to accessories and from toys to books. To be promoted through Viacom18’s distribution network, the products will be available across all leading kids and toy stores, both across malls and standalone stores.

     

    DQ Entertainment CEO Tapaas Chakravarti said, “Our partnership with Viacom18’s Consumer Products division adds to the list of best-in-class partners that The Jungle Book has attracted globally. The Jungle Book has successfully managed to increase its market for the fourth consecutive year with broadcast in more than 165 countries and over 300 product categories ranging from books, apparels, toys, plush, bags, stationary and many others. We are sure children will love the merchandise of their favorite Jungle characters, brought to them by Viacom18.”

     

    The Jungle Book, penned by Rudyard Kipling is a children’s classic that has captured the imagination of millions of children across the world over the years. The show currently airs on Nickelodeon.

  • Nickelodeon takes its toons outside TV

    Nickelodeon takes its toons outside TV

    MUMBAI: There are no second thoughts when we say that India is a significant player in the ever growing consumer products and brand licensing market.  Reports peg the brand licensing market globally at close to $ 150 billion at retail, while India contributes $450 million. And banking on this is Viacom18’s consumer products business which sees a massive growth in kids’ merchandise and products space.

     

    While ramping up core categories like toys, apparel, footwear, back to school, eyewear, publishing and accessories for its Nick brands, Viacom18’s consumer products aims to accelerate and build its toons outside broadcast through promotional licensing model. Reason: the network aims to leverage Nickelodeon’s popular kids’ brands to support the promotional requirements of client brands that typically have mothers or families as their media audience and kids and tweens as end consumers.

     

    To kick start this strategic thrust, Viacom18’s consumer product business has partnered with Domino’s, the fast food chain in the country, to launch the first ever ‘Junior’s Joy Box Meal’, to cater to kids’ taste buds and their love for toys alike.

     

    As part of the partnership, families that order ‘Junior’s Joy Box Meal’ for their kids from the nearest Domino’s Pizza outlet can take home Nickelodeon’s popular Nicktoon and SpongeBob Squarepants merchandises.

     

    Priced at Rs 99 per meal, the box includes a slice of pizza, a few breadsticks seasoned with oregano, a rainbow sprinkled custard desert and a mango based beverage.

     

    So why did the network lock the deal with brand Dominos? “Dominos is the number one QSR (Quick Service Restaurant) in its category. Given its reach and popularity we chose to partner with it. We wanted to go beyond the broadcast space while Dominos wanted to associate with a strong and reputed brand like Viacom18,” answers Viacom18 Media head – consumer products Saugato Bhowmik.

     

    According to him, Viacom18 is very selective while partnering with a brand. “The network’s internal preference was Dominos,” he adds.

     

    The three-month deal which was rolled out in May 2014 will be on till September. “Kids loved this since apart from the customised ready meal they are getting an attractive figurine of SpongeBob,” says Bhowmik.

     

    According to him, SpongeBob was a natural fit for the choice of merchandise, because of its happy, cheerful and optimistic characteristics. SpongeBob Squarepants is an extremely popular toon amongst both, kids and adults, “Hence this partnership with Domino’s is set to gain much traction,” hopes Bhowmik.

     

    The association is being supported by 360 degree marketing campaign. This partnership brings two brands together to deliver a product that can be enjoyed, not just by the kids but parents as well.

     

    The network has taken the route of mass marketing to promote this deal starting with a TVC that is being aired on all its channels. Going forward, they are also looking at meet and greets with the children and the toons across India.

     

    According to Domino’s Pizza India VP marketing Harneet Singh Rajpal, Junior’s Joy Box as a product was created to broaden the full meal options for kids, who are already a part of their consumer base. “With our new product, we are also giving out SpongeBob Squarepants as a package during the launch phase.”

     

    Rajpal believes that tying up with Nick gives them an added advantage as it creates higher level of engagement and attraction amongst kids.  

     

    For Bhowmik the deal has helped them go beyond television and bring the famous toons closer to kids. Moreover, the network claims to have achieved three times more business targets that it had even aimed at.

     

    The network has a global partnership out of its international office in the US for ‘Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles’ which is available with the McDonald’s Happy Meal.

  • Go stylish and funky this season with MTV Muah!

    Go stylish and funky this season with MTV Muah!

    MUMBAI: It’s time for the girls to splash it up with vibrant colours with MTV Muah, a new range of colour cosmetics from MTV that offers an enviable new collection for the youth. Entering into this category for the first time, MTV Muah consists of trendy, bright and funky products letting girls have fun with colors and jazz up their everyday look. Launched in association with Blue Heaven, the Indian cosmetic brand, this new range attends to the intrinsic need of every girl in the age group of 16-30 years who wishes for a radiant skin while experimenting with different looks.    

    The entire range of MTV Muah is designed to give the girls freedom to live and look their best, without slowing down! It includes an array of products like eyeliners, mascaras, kajal pencils, foundations and a variety of lip colours. With three different kits developed to create a look – Dazzle, Punk and Pop, girls will be spoilt for choice as they have fun and sizzle from morning to night. Suitable for each look, exude oomph as you go from the girl-next-door to goth, while dabbling in neon’s and metal… all this at an affordable price range of Rs.79 and Rs. 149. The kits are priced at a range of Rs. 1929

    Speaking about this new range, Saugato Bhowmik, Head – Consumer Products, Viacom18, says, “India is a burgeoning market for beauty and cosmetic products. With the launch of MTV Muah, we attempt to explore yet another category which is in a high emotional involvement zone. As new trends in cosmetics make waves each season, the youth like to experiment and have fun. MTV MUAH helps them do just that! Also the affordable pricing makes it a great buy.”

    Ramandeep, Managing Director, Blue Heaven, says, “Blue Heaven has constantly tried to reinvent itself and keep pace with the ever-changing cosmetic trends. With the launch of MTV Muah, we reach out to young consumers who believe in constantly changing their looks depending on their mood. This range will help them don various looks and look glamorous. Also MTV being a youth leader helps us to reach out to a larger audience.”

    Funk, style and glamour… MTV Muah is an answer to every girl’s woes. The water proof and smudge proof Eye Liner by MTV Muah comes with a soft nylon brush for fine line drawing and dries quickly giving an instant matte finish. The Mascara gives the lashes a thicker and healthier look as the brush allows easy application with curl retention to last for a longer duration. A must-have in every Indian woman’s make-up kit, the Kajal is lead-free, smudge proof and retractable with the help of a sharpener. The Foundation comes with an oil-free matte finish which gives a velvety sensation to the skin and is also water proof. Also, the finely ground pigments in the foundation blend into the skin easily to give high coverage.

    The Lip Colour variants give the perfect gloss while staying longer. Complete with sunscreen and vitamins to protect lips from dryness, they come in a range of colors for every skin tone. MTV Muah also offers a wide range of Nail Paints, from matte and glitters to neons and metal.

    The launch will be supported by a 360 degree marketing campaign across print and online platforms.So girls, get your fashion fix as you look your glowing best with MTV Muah. Grab your colors now at leading lifestyle retail outlets!

     

  • Viacom18 partners with Peanuts Worldwide in India

    Viacom18 partners with Peanuts Worldwide in India

    MUMBAI: Viacom18 has announced its partnership with Peanuts Worldwide to represent the rights to Charles Schulz’s popular Peanuts characters in India as master licensee.The deal marks Viacom18’s foray into representing brands outside the Viacom portfolio. Viacom18 plans to roll out products by early next year.

    Peanuts has been one of the most  popular and influential entertainment brands for over six decades, and the classic property is now set to launch in India in multiple categories that include plush toys, apparel and accessories inspired by Snoopy,Charlie Brown and the gang. Nick Jr., the popular kids’ channel by Viacom18, will also air the Peanuts series on television in the territory in the coming months.

    Speaking about the partnership, Viacom 18 Media Sr VP – consumer products, Saugato Bhowmik said, “We are delighted to have acquired representation rights to some of the most widely popular entertainment brands across the world. The partnership with the iconic ‘Peanuts’ brand adds another milestone to our portfolio of products that we will take beyond television. We’re confident that the brand’s worldwide popularity will be replicated in India.”

    Peanuts Worldwide and Iconix Entertainment MD Leigh Anne Brodsky said, “Peanuts has immense fan following across the globe. We are thrilled to enter the Indian market with new media and content on the horizon and with a promising partner like Viacom18 that boasts of the best entertainment channel across genres and an expansive range of consumer products.”

    Viacom18 Media is a significant player in the ever growing consumer products space with its diverse portfolio. Through various associations, Viacom18 has cut beyond the conventional categories giving consumers a slice of its brands such as MTV, Vh1, Nickelodeon, Comedy Central and also non Viacom18 brands, spanning across 50 categories with over 60 licensees. Nickelodeon consumer products, has launched more than 5,000 SKU’s touching 10,000 plus retail points since its commencement in 2006. It boasts of a diverse range of products with some iconic properties like Dora the Explorer, SpongeBob SquarePants, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles and Ninja Hattori amongst others.