ITV

Tag: Sony Pictures Television

  • Ruhee Das appointed marketing director at Sony Pictures Entertainment

    Ruhee Das appointed marketing director at Sony Pictures Entertainment

    MUMBAI:  Ruhee Das, a prominent figure in the Indian media and entertainment sector, has been named marketing director at Sony Pictures Entertainment, effective June 2025. This promotion comes after a distinguished tenure of six years and ten months as marketing lead at Sony Pictures Television.

    In her previous role as marketing lead, Das was instrumental in promoting Hollywood films and TV series from Sony Pictures across a diverse range of content platforms, including Amazon Prime Video, iTunes, Google Play, Sony LIV, and various television channels like Colors Infinity and &Flix. Her responsibilities encompassed ideating, planning, strategising, and executing comprehensive marketing campaigns across digital, on-air, on-ground, outdoor, and print mediums. She also focused on building strong press coverage for Sony titles, securing talent interviews, and driving performance marketing for Sony Pictures Entertainment India’s social media presence. Furthermore, Das oversaw the content monetisation of Sony Pictures’ movies and TV shows on YouTube.

    Before her extensive career at Sony, Das held key marketing positions at Viacom18 Media Private Ltd for nearly four years. As marketing lead – consumer products from April 2017 to September 2018, she spearheaded the marketing efforts to extend popular brands such as MTV, Colors, and Nickelodeon into consumer products, overseeing successful BTL and ATL campaigns and 360-degree marketing strategies. Prior to this, she served as assistant manager (marketing) – consumer products at Viacom18, focusing on MTV Consumer Products.

    Her earlier experience includes a year as senior officer – revenue at Bennett Coleman and Co. Ltd. (The Times Group), where she was responsible for revenue generation through media sales and brand integration for the TV channel Romedy Now. She also held marketing roles at Propellum and Godrej & Boyce Mfg. Co. Ltd., and completed internships at Abbott and Business Standard.

    Das’s wealth of experience in content marketing, social media, and business strategy positions her to drive significant growth for Sony Pictures Entertainment in the South Asian market.

  • Charlotte Moore takes over from Andy Harries as Left Bank Pictures CEO & SPT EVP

    Charlotte Moore takes over from Andy Harries as Left Bank Pictures CEO & SPT EVP

    MUMBAI: BBC’s chief content officer Charlotte Moore and one of the UK’s most influential media executives, is making a power move. Moore has been named CEO of Sony-owned Left Bank Pictures, the powerhouse behind hit shows like The Crown. But that’s not all-she’s also stepping into a newly created role as EVP, Sony Pictures Television (SPT) International Production Group creative director.

    A career-defining transition, Moore’s appointment places her at the helm of one of the UK’s most prestigious production houses while also shaping Sony’s broader global creative vision. She takes over from the Left Bank co-founder and long-time CEO Andy Harries, who is moving into an executive chair role after 18 years steering the company’s success.

    At Left Bank, Moore will oversee its award-winning slate, ensuring the studio remains at the forefront of premium storytelling. But her remit doesn’t end there. As EVP, creative director of SPT International Production Group, she will drive the creative direction for Sony’s expanding global content strategy, influencing projects across multiple territories.

    Moore expressed her enthusiasm for the challenge ahead, stating, “The opportunity to lead Left Bank Pictures, a studio with such an extraordinary legacy, while also shaping Sony Pictures Television’s international creative vision, is truly exciting. I look forward to working with the exceptional teams at both companies to continue delivering world-class storytelling.”

    Moore’s departure from the BBC marks the end of an era. She has been instrumental in shaping the corporation’s content strategy, overseeing major successes across drama, entertainment, and factual programming. Under her leadership, the BBC launched groundbreaking hits, strengthened its digital footprint, and reinforced its position as a global content powerhouse.

    At Left Bank Pictures, she inherits a studio with an enviable track record. Founded in 2007, Left Bank has delivered acclaimed titles such as The Crown, Outlander, and Three Pines. As Moore takes the reins, expectations are high for the studio’s next wave of premium productions.

    As Moore steps into this high-profile role, all eyes will be on how she shapes the next chapter for Left Bank Pictures and Sony’s international content ambitions. One thing is certain-Hollywood and beyond will be paying attention.
     

  • Sony Pictures Television appoints Jennifer Rogers Doyle as EVP of franchise management

    Sony Pictures Television appoints Jennifer Rogers Doyle as EVP of franchise management

    MUMBAI:  Sony Pictures Television (SPT) has appointed Jennifer Rogers Doyle as executive vice president of franchise management, a newly created role aimed at maximising the value of the company’s intellectual properties (IP).

    Effective immediately, Rogers Doyle will lead SPT’s franchise strategy, collaborating across divisions to drive revenue opportunities for key titles such as Cobra Kai, For All Mankind, The Boys, Outlander, Messi and the Giants, and Bewitched. She will report directly to SPT Studios president Katherine Pope and be based at the Culver City lot.

    Rogers Doyle joins SPT after a 20-year tenure at Disney, where she most recently served as senior vice president of franchise, licensing, and integrated planning. Her work spanned projects for Disney Entertainment Networks, Disney Channel, 20th Television & Animation, FX, and ABC, with content streaming across Disney+ and Hulu.

    During her time at Disney, she managed franchises for preschool favourites including Mickey Mouse Clubhouse and Doc McStuffins, tween hits like Hannah Montana and High School Musical, and adult properties including Percy Jackson, Family Guy, and The Bear. She previously held roles at Warner Bros Consumer Products and Landmark Entertainment group.

    “With our ever-expanding series universes, we are focused on enhancing fan engagement and driving long-term IP value,” said Katherine Pope. “Jennifer’s expertise in franchise development makes her the perfect fit for this role. We are thrilled to have her join the team.”

    Rogers Doyle commented: “Sony Pictures has an incredible portfolio of classic and new IP. I am excited to collaborate with Katherine and the team to extend this storytelling beyond the screen through products, experiences, and social activations that deepen fan loyalty.”

  • Banijay Asia acquires format rights from Sony Pictures Television

    Banijay Asia acquires format rights from Sony Pictures Television

    Mumbai: Banijay Asia, part of Banijay Entertainment, has inked a deal with Sony Pictures Television, the global television production and distribution company, acquiring format rights to produce Indian remakes of five of its popular international scripted series. The international favourites by Sony Pictures Television which Banijay Asia will recreate for Indian viewers include:

    1.    Drop Dead Diva: A captivating blend of comedy and drama which follows the story of a fashion model who dies in a sudden car accident and reincarnates into the body of a brilliant, plus-sized lawyer.

    2.    La Prepago: This gripping Colombian telenovela centres around a woman living a double life: one as a beautiful university student with a normal love life from a traditional family; the other as a high-class escort who is paid for companionship to support her family.

    3.    Men At Work: A hilarious comedy series that chronicles the lives of four friends navigating the complexities of work, relationships, and friendship in the bustling city of New York.

    4.    Mob Doctor: Combining elements of medical drama and organised crime, Mob Doctor tells the story of a talented surgeon who works at an upscale Chicago hospital but finds herself entangled with the mafia when she is forced to treat their wounded.

    5.    Rosario Tijeras: The series follows the journey of a vengeance-obsessed, young woman from the slums of Colombia and her love affair with two best friends who come from wealthy families.

    Expressing her enthusiasm about the partnership, Banijay Asia & Endemol Shine India group chief development officer, Mrinalini Jain said, “This collaboration allows us to bring some of the world’s most iconic and celebrated series to India by reimagining them through an Indian lens and adding a cultural twist. Each of these shows has a rich history and a massive following, and we are committed to maintaining their essence while making them relatable to our Indian viewers. Our journey with Sony Pictures Television is driven by a shared passion for storytelling, and commitment to deliver captivating content, and we look forward to bringing the best of global entertainment to the Indian market while ensuring each adaptation creates an unforgettable experience for our audiences.”

    Sony Pictures Television VP, distribution, India, Sonika Bhasin said: “We are pleased to collaborate with Banijay Asia to bring international favourites to Indian audiences in new and exciting ways. These shows have garnered immense popularity worldwide, and we are excited to see them adapted for Indian audiences. We believe Banijay Asia has the expertise to deliver high-quality adaptations that capture the essence of the original series while offering a fresh perspective that appeals to the local audience. This is an exciting opportunity to showcase the universal appeal of Sony’s rich content library while embracing the vibrant culture and storytelling techniques of India, which has emerged as a key market for the global entertainment sector. With our combined expertise and creative vision, these adaptations will achieve the same level of success and appreciation across South Asia.”

    Banijay Asia & Endemol Shine India have successfully delivered several hit scripted adaptations including The Night Manager, and The Trial alongside successful originals like Aarya, Dahan, Matsya Kaand, Bombay Begums and Trial By Fire.  The companies are also behind strong non-scripted productions including MasterChef, Big Boss, Temptation Island and Into The Wild with Bear Grylls.

  • Prime Video & Sony Pictures Television launch Sony Pictures – Stream

    Prime Video & Sony Pictures Television launch Sony Pictures – Stream

    Mumbai: Prime Video has entered a distribution agreement with Sony Pictures Television (SPT), a division of Sony Pictures Entertainment (SPE), to launch Sony Pictures – Stream on Prime Video Channels. Curated for Indian customers, Sony Pictures – Stream offers a vast and exciting repertoire of entertainment including SPE’s outstanding international selection of iconic, blockbuster movies, timeless classics and highly popular TV shows available on Prime Video Channels. Prime members can purchase an annual add-on subscription to Sony Pictures – Stream at a special introductory price of ₹399 per year.

    With an add-on subscription to Sony Pictures – Stream on Prime Video Channels, Prime members can enjoy an extensive slate of multi-genre content offerings including action-packed blockbusters, heart-warming dramas, rib-tickling comedies, suspenseful thrillers, evergreen classics, and much more. Some of the movies include Charlie’s Angels, Men in Black, Peter Rabbit, Ghostbusters, Jerry Maguire, My Best Friend’s Wedding, Taxi Driver, A Few Good Men, Legends of the Fall, Spotlight, The Bridge on the River Kwai, Terminator, Groundhog Day, I Know What You Did Last Summer, Step Mom, Book of Eli, Seven Pounds, Legend of Zorro, Anaconda and Evil Dead, among others. TV aficionados will find timeless classics such as I Dream of Jeannie, Bewitched, Mad About You, and Diff’rent Strokes and recent hit shows including A Very English Scandal and Loudermilk.  

    “We are delighted to launch Sony Pictures – Stream, a new Prime Video Channel curated specifically for our customers in India. The collaboration allows Sony Pictures Entertainment to make their vast and beloved library available in India at a single destination, reaching customers across the length and breadth of the country via Prime Video Channels,” said Prime Video Channels, India head Vivek Srivastava. “Within a short span of time, Prime Video Channels has offered the perfect launchpad for several international streaming services and studios, helping them reach an incredibly wide audience across India. In sync with our philosophy of super-serving our customers with choice, access and convenience, we have worked towards offering a wide variety of content, making it all available at a single destination – Prime Video. We are sure that with its vast and diverse library Sony Pictures – Stream will offer something for everyone, delighting Prime members with their favourite movies and series.”

    “We’re thrilled to work with Prime Video to super-serve Indian audiences with content from SPE’s extensive library of award-winning films and critically acclaimed television series while simultaneously offering a bespoke experience that is easily accessible to viewers across the region. Additionally, in celebration of the 100th Anniversary of Columbia Pictures, a part of Sony Pictures Entertainment, Sony Pictures – Stream spotlights the studio’s history and incredible film legacy by offering customers an incredible array of films from the studio’s beloved vault spanning the decades.” said Sony Pictures Television VP – South Asia Sonika Bhasin.

    Prime members in India can subscribe to Sony Pictures – Stream through Prime Video Channels at an introductory price of ₹399 per year.

    Prime Video Channels benefits for Prime members include:

    ●    No hassle login & billing: Customers do not have to juggle between multiple usernames, passwords and billing due dates. With Prime Video Channels, all premium content subscriptions are managed within a single destination – Prime Video apps and website.

    ●    More time watching, less time deciding: Customers don’t have to spend time toggling between their favourite services to discover what’s new and popular. With Prime Video Channels they can browse in one place, search across all their premium subscription and get personalized recommendations. All of this without ever having to leave the Prime Video app or website.

    ●    Enjoy your favourite features, no matter which service: Customers can enjoy IMDb’s X-Ray feature and a single consolidated watch list and download library for offline viewing. Subscribers can also manage data consumption and much more across all their premium channel subscriptions.

    ●    More choice: With Prime Video Channels, Prime members can access thousands of additional titles across 22 OTT channels, including Sony Pictures – Stream.

  • Sony strengthens its international format IP portfolio in India

    Sony strengthens its international format IP portfolio in India

    Mumbai: Following the success of “Shark Tank India,” Sony Pictures Television (SPT) is looking at introducing some of its most popular formats such as nine-time Emmy award-winning show “The $100,000 Pyramid,” “Raid The Change,” and “Can’t Touch This” in India.

    “These three formats are not just well-liked by audiences worldwide, but also bring an array of brand and product placement opportunities,” said the media company in astatement.

    SPT is one of the key players in the Indian reality television space, with its bouquet of marquee shows such as “Kaun Banega Crorepati” (KBC) and “Shark Tank India.” KBC is the Indian version of the Emmy award-winning game show “Who Wants To Be A Millionaire.” SPT also has a vast repertoire of scripted formats such as “Damages,” “The Big C,” “The Nanny,” “Mad About You” and “Chosen” which cater to audiences of different demographics and tastes.

    “Shark Tank India” is a show that focuses on India’s booming start-up economy and became a big hit in Indian households, captivating the attention of non-business linked members, including men, women and youth alike. Launched in 2001, as “Tigers of Money” in Japan, created by Nippon TV, the format is distributed in over 40 countries by SPT.

    “With the evolution of content consumption patterns across the globe, media, and entertainment leader SPT has been playing an important role in growing and adapting to the new landscape. For over a decade, SPT has been bringing pathbreaking unscripted and scripted formats and shows that have enthralled audiences globally, including India,” said the statement.

    “The most significant aspect of curating unique entertainment offerings for the Indian audience is to take the right programming decisions at the right time to be able to connect with the masses,” said SPT South Asia VP for sales and distribution Sonika Bhasin. “We aim to create a space for innovation by bringing our popular international formats to India, which will add value to our clients’ platforms and have high success rates. We are optimistic about the scope of extending our iconic formats to leading broadcasters and OTT platforms who are equally committed to bringing global properties to the native audience.”

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  • Sony Pictures Networks launches Sony Kal in the US

    Sony Pictures Networks launches Sony Kal in the US

    Mumbai: Sony Pictures Networks India (SPNI), in association with Sony Pictures Television (SPT), has launched Sony Kal Hindi, its first free, ad-supported streaming television (FAST) channel in the US. Sony Kal is SPNI’s new general entertainment destination featuring celebrated and award-winning drama and comedy television series direct from India.

    The channel is now available on Sling TV, LG Channels and Plex, and will be available on additional platforms and services in early 2022, said the statement.

    “With Sony Kal, anyone in the US can get free access to more of our rich and vibrant premium programming on a smart TV, computer or phone,”  said SVP of international business- head of the Americas Jaideep Janakiram. “As our business continues to evolve, this launch follows the successful integration of SonyLIV on SLING and is part of our ongoing commitment to offer the best family-oriented South Asian content in high quality to viewers across multiple platforms and devices.”

    Sony Kal is available on Sling Free and as an addition to Sling international language packages at no extra cost from 26 January. It has iconic shows such as “Jassi Jaissi Koi Nahin” and “Bade Achhe Lagte Hai.” The channel’s programming lineup also includes popular shows such as “Mann Mein Vishwaas Hai,” “Dr Bhanumati on Duty,” “Super Sisters,” “Shankar Jai Kishan,” and “Band Baja Bandh Darwaza.”

    “Sling and Sony have a long history of partnering to deliver compelling South Asian content to consumers in the US,” said Sling TV – VP of international Liz Riemersma. “The launch of Sony Kal on Sling is another milestone in that partnership. We are excited to provide this engaging new channel as a valuable addition for all Sling Desi customers.” 

  • Prime Video drops ‘Wheel of Time’ trailer; starts streaming on 19 Nov

    Prime Video drops ‘Wheel of Time’ trailer; starts streaming on 19 Nov

    Mumbai: Prime Video has released the official trailer of its upcoming fantasy series “The Wheel of Time” based on the best-selling book series.

    The first three episodes of season one will premiere on 19 November. New episodes will be available each Friday following, leading up to the season finale on 24 December, it said on Thursday.

    Prime Video debuted the trailer with an immersive experience that allowed fans to view the 2-D trailer in a virtual three-dimensional wheel on YouTube. “The Wheel of Time” will be streaming in English, Hindi, Tamil, and Telugu.

    Based on Robert Jordan’s best-selling fantasy novel, ‘The Wheel of Time’ was adapted for television by executive producer/showrunner Rafe Judkins. Larry Mondragon and Rick Selvage of iwot productions, Mike Weber, Ted Field of Radar Pictures, Darren Lemke, Marigo Kehoe, and Uta Briesewitz will also serve as executive producers, with Briesewitz set to direct the first two episodes. Rosamund Pike will serve as producer and Harriet McDougal and Brandon Sanderson as consulting producers. “The Wheel of Time” is co-produced by Amazon Studios and Sony Pictures Television.

    ‘The Wheel of Time’ books are one of the most popular and enduring fantasy series of all time, with more than 90 million books sold. They are set in a sprawling, epic world where magic exists and only certain women are allowed to access it, the story follows Moiraine (Rosamund Pike), a member of the incredibly powerful all-female organization called the Aes Sedai, as she arrives in the small town of Two Rivers. There, she embarks on a dangerous, world-spanning journey with five young men and women, one of whom is prophesied to be the Dragon Reborn, who will either save or destroy humanity.  

  • Mike Hopkins departs Sony Pictures; joins Amazon as head video entertainment

    Mike Hopkins departs Sony Pictures; joins Amazon as head video entertainment

    MUMBAI: Jeff Bezos has scored a coup of sorts. The Amazon chairman & CEO has signed up Sony Pictures Television (SPT) chairman Mike Hopkins as leader of the video entertainment business – including Prime Video and Amazon Studios – reporting directly to him. Hopkins who joined SPT- with oversight of its TV production, distribution and marketing operations globally for the studio –  in November 2017 after serving as CEO of Hulu will be leaving the Japanese company on 24 February 2020.

    The anouncement was made by Sony Pictures Entertainment (SPE) chairman & CEO Tony Vinciquerra in an internal note to staff.  Said Vinciquerra in the memo: “I want to thank Mike for his outstanding leadership since arriving at the studio in late 2017. From day one he was charged with rethinking the way we run our television businesses. Under his watch, SPT has been transformed into a stronger and more nimble organization, able to pivot and change course quickly in today’s rapidly evolving entertainment landscape. As part of our ‘Reimagine’ efforts, SPT has undergone essential structural change and realignment—such as combining our networks operations with distribution/home entertainment into a new territory management model and refocusing our network portfolio. Additionally, SPT has made several significant deals on the M&A front and forged new relationships with top creators and talent. These were not small tasks and would not have been possible without the outstanding work of SPT’s excellent divisional leadership and their teams, who will continue to drive our business forward.”

    During his stint at SPT, Hopkins negotiated with AT&T and helped Sony acquire 42 per cent of GSN, it did not already own. SPT also sold a majority stake in streaming service Crackle to Chicken Soup for the Soul under his watch.

    At the commerce giant, current Amazon Studios head Jennifer Salke will report to Hopkins. Salke is expected to drive the creative at the studio while the bespectacled Hopkins is expected to drive distribution and biz dev. The current boss of Amazon’s streaming platform senior vice president of business development &  digital entertainment Jeff Blackburn – to whom Salke has so far been reporting – is on a sabbatical. Worldwide Amazon Video vice-president Greg Hart will also report to Hopkins.

    Blackburn too sent an internal note to Amazon staff in which he said: “Mike comes to us with over 20 years of industry experience at Fox, Hulu and Sony. He has an extensive track record as a global business leader in media, film and TV — negotiating landmark content and distribution agreements, running marketing operations, leading product/tech teams, and overseeing production of breakthrough television content. I have had the pleasure of working closely with many of you as we’ve built these video businesses from the ground up. You’ve created a global streaming service and award-winning original content that our customers love. And I know you’re only getting started. I’m so excited for Mike to join Jen and Greg [Hart], and the broader video leadership team, and build upon the global momentum we’ve experienced in 2019.”

    Sony’s Vinciquerra also announced that a realignment of the leadership structure is underway at SPT following Mike’s decision.  More responsibility will come president of worldwide distribution Keith LeGoy’s way and he will now oversee Funimation and the networks operations, programming and strategy group. Jeff Frost, president of US production, will now oversee first-run television, Embassy Row and the new game-show development team run by Mike Richards. LeGoy and Frost will report directly to Vinciquerra. As will the profitable India operations headed by CEO NP Singh.

    How this will impact Sony Pictures Networks’ India’s continuing conversations with Reliance Industries to acquire its entertainment TV business under TV18 is not clear at the time of writing. With Singh directly reporting to Vinciquerra the due dilligence process which is on currently by Sony in India could speed up or take time.

  • &flix reduces Hollywood movie TV premiere window to five months

    &flix reduces Hollywood movie TV premiere window to five months

    MUMBAI: While the general time to bring a Hollywood movie to Indian TV screens has been nine to 12 months, the deal between &flix and Sony Pictures Television is changing the norm. Now, viewers can catch their favourite movies within a few months of launch.

    It will start with Sony Pictures Television’s MIB: International on 20 October 2019. It will also include some other titles from Sony Pictures Television’s library such as Spider-Man: Far From Home, Brightburn, Angry Birds 2, Jumanji: The Next Level, Charlie’s Angels (2019) and Zombieland 2.

    ZEEL English cluster business head Kartik Mahadev said, “The initiative of world television premiere will be a big disruption in the category; address the challenges of consumers and offer movies just three months after release is something that will delight our consumers.”

    He further said, “We are also building further on the Flix First premieres; it is the property where the channel offers viewers an opportunity to watch new theatrical movies before anybody else through premieres. We built on the Flix First premieres delivering the most number of premieres but now we are trying to delight our viewers by bringing movies on television before anywhere else in the world. It’s a world television premiere and it’s a disruption in the category.”

    Mahadev believes that this initiative will address the consumers’ challenge of waiting for the television premiere of their favourite movies.

    “It is to solve the consumers’ challenge. When a movie is theatrically released there is a lot of buzz and excitement around it and movie fans are looking to watch the movie as soon as they can when it reaches the theatre. But by the time it reaches television, there is usually a nine to 12 months window to reach television. So, now that’s what we wanted to solve,” he opined.

    Speaking on the deal with Sony Pictures Television, Mahadev said, “With Sony, we have the first output deal. We’ll also curate a lot of movies on &flix using the Sony library and libraries from other partners.”

    “The roadmap is to be consumer-focused given that we have got a solid franchise in the form of movies and popular marquee content. We are looking to innovate more and give a better cinematic experience as well as give more viewing options. So we are giving consumers an option to watch it in a script format or binge over the weekends,” he said.

    Sharing his thought on &flix’s journey, he said,“&flix recently completed one year and it has reached the top three channels in HD viewership and it is building on brand awareness as a destination for Hollywood blockbuster. It’s a channel which has delivered the most number of premieres in the English movies category.”