ITV

Tag: Sony Pictures Television

  • Sony seeks partners for streaming service Crackle

    Sony seeks partners for streaming service Crackle

    MUMBAI: For getting stronger foothold in the over-the-top (OTT) market, Sony Pictures Television is looking to take a partner in Crackle, its ad supported streaming service. The aim is to make the platform more competitive in the congested market.

    “Crackle is a tremendously valuable asset for us, and with premium AVOD [advertising video-on-demand] getting more and more traction as advertisers seek high value online advertising opportunities, we feel there is room for greater growth for our OTT business,” Sony Pictures Television chairman Mike Hopkins wrote in an e-mail addressed to staffs.

    To identify potential partners, Sony has engaged investment bank Moelis & Co. Sony is looking for partners like another ad-supported VOD provider or another media and entertainment company with a large content library and TV networks for, or a telecom business with high-scale direct-to-consumer reach.

    Sony claims Crackle apps which are available in 20 countries have been downloaded more than 100 million times to date. The company acquired web-video startup called Grouper for $65 million six years back, which later became Crackle.

    “With the right partner – one that could bring additional content or users or leverage existing assets for advertising and promotion — we feel we can expand Crackle’s audience and significantly increase revenue,” Hopkins added.

  • Sony Pictures Television signs first output feature film pay TV deal with ZEEL

    Sony Pictures Television signs first output feature film pay TV deal with ZEEL

    MUMBAI: Zee Entertainment Enterprises and Sony Pictures Television (SPT) have announced that the duo has entered into a first output pay TV features firm deal.

    As part of this, Zee will have first access to Sony Pictures releases over the next few years. And this will include blockbusters like Spider-Man: Homecoming, Blade Runner 2049, Baby Driver, The Emoji Movie and Life, among others.

    “We are very excited about this new partnership with Zee in India. Given the recent box office success of films like Spider-Man: Homecoming, we are confident that Indian audiences will be thrilled to know that they can soon enjoy our premium films on Zee. From our franchise films to our big blockbusters and critically acclaimed films, we look forward to working together with Zee to entertain what is a very important and fast-growing market,” said SPT international distribution Asia Pacific SPT senior vice president Ken Lo.

    “It is our endeavor to become a formidable player within the English entertainment space in India, and this deal with SPT, will help us become the number one choice for movie lovers” said ZEEL business cluster head premium and FTA GEC Aparna Bhosle.

  • Hooq hires ex-BBC exec, to expand into new territories

    Hooq hires ex-BBC exec, to expand into new territories

    MUMBAI: Singtel’s over-the-top (OTT) service Hooq has appointed Michael Fleshman as its chief technical officer. He was the senior vice-president of consumer digital technology at BBC Worldwide until March 2015 after being CTO at FT.com and CIO at the Financial Times.

    Hooq CEO Peter Bithos welcomed Fleshman to Hooq as part of the senior leadership team. He opined that the team is ecstatic by his depth of experience in the digital media space and is confident about Fleshman leading the technical team to new heights as it expands aggressively into new territories, new products and new platforms in 2017.

    Fleshman said he looked forward to driving the company into its new phase of innovation and technology.

    Singtel has a majority stake in the project across Asia, with Sony Pictures Television and Warner Bros Entertainment being the minority shareholders.

    Also Read:

    Netflix confirms seven million subs; picks up Amazon gauntlet

    HOOQ raises US$ 25 million from Sony Pictures, others; open to outside investors

    Hooq appoints OTT veteran for Singapore business

    Hooq expands its kids offering; to add 500 hours of content

     

  • Sony AXN scripts deal with Pinewood; buys stake in SVOD service Hopster

    Sony AXN scripts deal with Pinewood; buys stake in SVOD service Hopster

    MUMBAI: Folks at Sony Pictures Television (SPT) are in a celebratory mood. Not only has it signed a six-series deal with Pinewood Television but has also acquired a minority stake in the London-based video subscription service for kids content – Hopster.

    With its partnership with Pinewood, Sony plans to develop and produce shows for their English entertainment channel AXN. The channel will carry the resulting drama originals across Asia, Australasia, Europe and Latin America. Co-financed by the two ventures, the creative director Helen Gregory will lead the initiative. The drama deal was brokered by SPT Networks (SPTN) executive VP, programming and production, Marie Jacobson, and Pinewood Television director Peter Gerwe.

    Jacobson said that they were looking for alternative paths to expand original series development, and Pinewood TV made for ideal partners. She said she was looking forward to developing projects that play both, in the UK and on our channels around the world.

    As for their investment in the digital service, the financial details weren’t disclosed. But, with this, Sony will become a strategic equity investor and take a seat on the company’s board. SPT Western Europe EVP Kate Marsh said that investing on this platform will offer an advantage to the entire network in this rapidly growing subscription led kids space. Additionally, this deal will also provide an opportunity to the network for its expansion in the on-demand services.

    Hopster provides service for the preschool crowd at a cost of $4.99 per month and is available on iPad, Android and selects TV-connected devices. The company claims to have more than 800,000 users and aims to differentiate itself from the competition by offering videos, TV shows and interactive content. Kids can also use the app to play learning games and listen to nursery rhymes. The platform also makes it possible for parents to download shows for their kids for offline viewing.

  • Sony AXN scripts deal with Pinewood; buys stake in SVOD service Hopster

    Sony AXN scripts deal with Pinewood; buys stake in SVOD service Hopster

    MUMBAI: Folks at Sony Pictures Television (SPT) are in a celebratory mood. Not only has it signed a six-series deal with Pinewood Television but has also acquired a minority stake in the London-based video subscription service for kids content – Hopster.

    With its partnership with Pinewood, Sony plans to develop and produce shows for their English entertainment channel AXN. The channel will carry the resulting drama originals across Asia, Australasia, Europe and Latin America. Co-financed by the two ventures, the creative director Helen Gregory will lead the initiative. The drama deal was brokered by SPT Networks (SPTN) executive VP, programming and production, Marie Jacobson, and Pinewood Television director Peter Gerwe.

    Jacobson said that they were looking for alternative paths to expand original series development, and Pinewood TV made for ideal partners. She said she was looking forward to developing projects that play both, in the UK and on our channels around the world.

    As for their investment in the digital service, the financial details weren’t disclosed. But, with this, Sony will become a strategic equity investor and take a seat on the company’s board. SPT Western Europe EVP Kate Marsh said that investing on this platform will offer an advantage to the entire network in this rapidly growing subscription led kids space. Additionally, this deal will also provide an opportunity to the network for its expansion in the on-demand services.

    Hopster provides service for the preschool crowd at a cost of $4.99 per month and is available on iPad, Android and selects TV-connected devices. The company claims to have more than 800,000 users and aims to differentiate itself from the competition by offering videos, TV shows and interactive content. Kids can also use the app to play learning games and listen to nursery rhymes. The platform also makes it possible for parents to download shows for their kids for offline viewing.

  • Sony Pictures Networks India to foray into TV production

    Sony Pictures Networks India to foray into TV production

    MUMBAI: Last month, in an interview to deadline.com, Sony Pictures Television (SPT) presidents of programming and production Zack Van Amburg and Jamie Erlicht had stated that India could be the top notch production studio’s destination following the success it had achieved in China producing television.

    Speaking to the website about growth for SPT, Amburg had said: “…Where does growth come from and where does profitability come from? I think it comes from being a smart, thoughtful, global company. And more importantly, are there still growth markets internationally? I would say a hundred percent yes. China is a very interesting market, I think a lot of people have been examining that. We’re already producing a hit series there, Mad About You, we have two or three other projects that are in the mix right now. We had a dynamic conversation today about India. We have a huge networks footprint there.”

    The network he was referring to is of course Sony Picture Networks (SPN) India, which is headed by CEO NP Singh. SPN India, has a motion picture division in India which is headed by Sneha Rajani, and which produced the successful Amitabh Bacchan-starrer Piku last year. This apart, Sony Pictures Entertainment Films has been releasing international films from its parent stable in the country.

    And today confirmation came in from SPN India that it was indeed foraying into TV production. “SPN has decided to produce fiction shows in-house for our network. While we are starting with one show, we will scale up as we go forward,” said a company spokesperson in an email response to a query from Indiantelevision.com.

    No further details were forthcoming on who would be heading the production initiative, at the time of writing.

    SPT in has an envious slate of shows to its credit: The BlackList, Jeopardy, Wheel of Fortune, Night Shift, Days of our Lives, The NightShift, BloodLine, Drop Dead Diva, The Art of More, Rules of Engagement, Dr Ken, Preacher…

    This is not the first instance that a broadcast network is getting into TV production. The Zee Network has its Essel Vision, which has been involved in many of its marquee properties. Then Star India had taken a 25.99 per cent stake in Balaji Telefilms April 2004, only to exit it on 5 August 2015 at a price of Rs 108 crore.

  • Sony Pictures Networks India to foray into TV production

    Sony Pictures Networks India to foray into TV production

    MUMBAI: Last month, in an interview to deadline.com, Sony Pictures Television (SPT) presidents of programming and production Zack Van Amburg and Jamie Erlicht had stated that India could be the top notch production studio’s destination following the success it had achieved in China producing television.

    Speaking to the website about growth for SPT, Amburg had said: “…Where does growth come from and where does profitability come from? I think it comes from being a smart, thoughtful, global company. And more importantly, are there still growth markets internationally? I would say a hundred percent yes. China is a very interesting market, I think a lot of people have been examining that. We’re already producing a hit series there, Mad About You, we have two or three other projects that are in the mix right now. We had a dynamic conversation today about India. We have a huge networks footprint there.”

    The network he was referring to is of course Sony Picture Networks (SPN) India, which is headed by CEO NP Singh. SPN India, has a motion picture division in India which is headed by Sneha Rajani, and which produced the successful Amitabh Bacchan-starrer Piku last year. This apart, Sony Pictures Entertainment Films has been releasing international films from its parent stable in the country.

    And today confirmation came in from SPN India that it was indeed foraying into TV production. “SPN has decided to produce fiction shows in-house for our network. While we are starting with one show, we will scale up as we go forward,” said a company spokesperson in an email response to a query from Indiantelevision.com.

    No further details were forthcoming on who would be heading the production initiative, at the time of writing.

    SPT in has an envious slate of shows to its credit: The BlackList, Jeopardy, Wheel of Fortune, Night Shift, Days of our Lives, The NightShift, BloodLine, Drop Dead Diva, The Art of More, Rules of Engagement, Dr Ken, Preacher…

    This is not the first instance that a broadcast network is getting into TV production. The Zee Network has its Essel Vision, which has been involved in many of its marquee properties. Then Star India had taken a 25.99 per cent stake in Balaji Telefilms April 2004, only to exit it on 5 August 2015 at a price of Rs 108 crore.

  • HOOQ appoints Manish Kapoor as Brand Head, India Operations

    HOOQ appoints Manish Kapoor as Brand Head, India Operations

    MUMBAI HOOQ has appointed Manish Kapoor as the Brand Lead of its India operations. As the Brand Lead Kapoor will further push the company’s goals of getting India HOOQ’d by revolutionizing video-on-demand service landscape in India.

    HOOQ — a joint venture by Singtel, Sony Pictures Television and Warner Bros — will be leveraging Kapoor’s vast experience spanning over 15 years to drive the growth of the brand as a leading over-the-top video service in the region.

    Commenting on his new role, Kapoor said, “I am extremely excited be associated with HOOQ and lead its Brand Narrative in India . Over the Top is a very interesting Industry to be in and in my new role I look forward to creating exclusive brand experiences that will fuel the subscriber growth of HOOQ in the coming years”

    HOOQ India MD Salil Kapoor also added, “We’ve been scouring the country for the right person for this role. I’m delighted and extremely thrilled to have Kapoor on –board at HOOQ India. He is one of the most seasoned brand and marketing professionals. Kapoor brings with him a deep understanding of the Indian demographics that will help us co-create some interesting campaigns for our growing customer base at HOOQ. “

    Prior to HOOQ, Kapoor had worked with Havells India handling the entire group’s portfolio for 17 categories across three brands. He was also associated with JWT where he worked as the Associate Vice president and drove multiple brand portfolios such as Lay’s , Mountain Dew, Kurkure , Cheetos, Uncle Chipps, Timex , Central Parc, jeevansaathi.com, naukri.com , 99acres.com and Hero Motors.

  • HOOQ appoints Manish Kapoor as Brand Head, India Operations

    HOOQ appoints Manish Kapoor as Brand Head, India Operations

    MUMBAI HOOQ has appointed Manish Kapoor as the Brand Lead of its India operations. As the Brand Lead Kapoor will further push the company’s goals of getting India HOOQ’d by revolutionizing video-on-demand service landscape in India.

    HOOQ — a joint venture by Singtel, Sony Pictures Television and Warner Bros — will be leveraging Kapoor’s vast experience spanning over 15 years to drive the growth of the brand as a leading over-the-top video service in the region.

    Commenting on his new role, Kapoor said, “I am extremely excited be associated with HOOQ and lead its Brand Narrative in India . Over the Top is a very interesting Industry to be in and in my new role I look forward to creating exclusive brand experiences that will fuel the subscriber growth of HOOQ in the coming years”

    HOOQ India MD Salil Kapoor also added, “We’ve been scouring the country for the right person for this role. I’m delighted and extremely thrilled to have Kapoor on –board at HOOQ India. He is one of the most seasoned brand and marketing professionals. Kapoor brings with him a deep understanding of the Indian demographics that will help us co-create some interesting campaigns for our growing customer base at HOOQ. “

    Prior to HOOQ, Kapoor had worked with Havells India handling the entire group’s portfolio for 17 categories across three brands. He was also associated with JWT where he worked as the Associate Vice president and drove multiple brand portfolios such as Lay’s , Mountain Dew, Kurkure , Cheetos, Uncle Chipps, Timex , Central Parc, jeevansaathi.com, naukri.com , 99acres.com and Hero Motors.

  • Colors Infinity & HOOQ acquire ‘Mad Dogs’ from Sony for India

    Colors Infinity & HOOQ acquire ‘Mad Dogs’ from Sony for India

    MUMBAI: Viacom18’s English entertainment channel Colors Infinity has picked up the rights of Sony Pictures Television’s (SPT) US adaptation of the British black comedy and psychological drama Mad Dogs.

     

    Additionally, the pan-regional SVOD platform HOOQ, which launched in India last year, has also picked up the rights for the series. Apart from India, HOOQ will air the series in the Philippines, Thailand and Indonesia.

     

    SPT has sold Mad Dogs to over 140 countries around the world ahead of the series debut on Amazon in the US, UK and Germany.

     

    “Mad Dogs has been a huge hit in the UK and there is clearly an equally high appetite for the US series. Mad Dogs is a high end drama with real global appeal and brings together exceptional talent both on and off screen. Sony Pictures Television has long been producing ambitious, acclaimed and award-winning dramas which sit perfectly on traditional linear channels and new platforms – as demonstrated by the range of partners we have around the world,” said Sony Pictures Television president, international distribution Keith LeGoy.

     

    Across Europe, Movistar+ picked up the series in Spain and MTG acquired the show for Viaplay in Sweden, Norway and Denmark. Other territories include Finland (Nelonen), Belgium (Telenet), Turkey (D-Smart) as well as AXN in Central Eastern Europe.

     

    OSN picked up the series for the Middle East, Mnet will show it across Africa, and Sky bought the drama in New Zealand.

     

    Based on the format created by Cris Cole for Left Bank Pictures and British Sky Broadcasting Limited, Mad Dogs is produced by Left Bank Pictures, MiddKid Productions and Amazon Studios in association with Sony Pictures Television.

     

    Mad Dogs tells the story of a group of 40 something underachievers who gather in Belize to celebrate the retirement of one of their friends. A series of dramatic events unfold, exposing dark secrets, a web of lies, deception and murder.

     

    The series stars Ben Chaplin, Michael Imperioli, Romany Malco, Steve Zahn and Billy Zane.