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Tag: SonyLiv

  • Diwali for poor: SonyLiv, UNICEF call for #FairStart

    Diwali for poor: SonyLiv, UNICEF call for #FairStart

    NEW DELHI: A #FairStart campaign which seeks to offer a better future to the underprivileged children through financial empowerment has been launched by the digital entertainment platform SonyLiv in collaboration with UNICEF for a short film on the subject.

    The film invites viewers to make contributions towards the goal of equal opportunity in whichever way they can. The poignant film sheds light on how many grudge the circumstances until they see someone who is less fortunate yet more content with the smaller joys of life.

    The video explores how street children revel in Diwali festivities and a small gift by an onlooker can enhance their joy manifold. It underlines the fact that the true spirit of Diwali lies not in extravagant spending, but in sharing the festive joy with others. The video ends with a heartfelt appeal to the viewers to donate to the #FairStart campaign and share their good fortune with those less privileged than them.

    With #FairStart, UNICEF has joined hands with SonyLiv to address the persisting inequities that large groups of children in India face and is aimed at engaging public debate and ensuring every child can have a fair chance in life. SonyLiv’s Diwali video supports this noble initiative by fostering greater public involvement and raising awareness about issues affecting the survival, growth and development of children in India. The heart-warming video can be viewed on YouTube, as well as on SonyLiv’s web and mobile platforms.

    Make India, Ek India Happywala.

    Link: http://www.sonyliv.com/details/short%20film/5187347703001/

    Donate here: http://bit.ly/FairStartLIV

    SonyLiv EVP and head – digital business Uday Sodhi said, “Children are the future; they are the builders of tomorrow’s India, the cornerstones of a better nation. This year, we at SonyLiv are focussing on sharing the festive joy with those who need it the most – the children. Through our Diwali video, we aim to highlight how just a small donation can bring untold happiness and joy in the life of an underprivileged child. We would urge all viewers to contribute to this initiative and truly help in giving a #FairStart to children across the country. As a specialised content provider, SonyLiv has taken initiatives on special occasions in the past e.g. Independence Day, Diwali – last year, reaching out to the millennials by leaving behind a social message.”

  • OTT players spend exceeds traditional broadcasters; Netflix weighing Indian content to drive growth

    OTT players spend exceeds traditional broadcasters; Netflix weighing Indian content to drive growth

    MUMBAI: Online platforms such as Amazon and the streaming giant Netflix have ramped up their investment in programming, investing US$ 7.5 billion last year which is more than HBO, Turner and CBS in most countries including Australia and South Korea.

    Netflix invested over twice as much on original programming as the entire Australian TV market, a new report stated. In India, it could look at licensing deals and produce more local language content as it seeks to strengthen its presence here.

    The US-based company, which expanded into over 130 markets, entered India a few months ago and rivals streaming sites or platforms such as Star India’s Hotstar, SonyLiv, YuppTV, Spuul, Ditto TV, Eros Now, and Hungama. All these are betting on growing smartphone and Internet use to drive growth. Netflix could soon be introducing ‘download-and-go’ offline streaming.

    Between 2013 and 2015, Amazon and Netflix doubled their annual investments on programming. In 2013, Amazon spent US$ 1.22 billion, that jumped to US$ 2.67 billion in 2015. In the corresponding period, Netflix investments rose from US$ 2.38 billion to US$ 4.91 billion, a IHS Markit report stated while examining how TV programme producers are adapting to the era of internet TV.

    “Netflix and Amazon investments are only topped by Disney ($11.84 billion) and NBC ($10.27 billion),” said IHS Technology senior principal analyst Tim Westcott,.

    Netflix added over 50 per cent more subscribers than expected in the third quarter as original shows such as “Stranger Things” drew new international viewers and kept US customers despite a price hike, according to FactSet StreetAccount.

    Other online platforms such as China’s Youku Toudu, iQifyi, Tencent and Hulu in the US have also increased their investment in original programming and acquisitions.

    “More and more consumers are watching content online, shaking the foundations of the traditional TV industry,” Westcott said. “However, it’s premature to declare that the era of linear TV is over,” he added.

    Westcott estimated that, in 2015, the US represented 33 per cent of worldwide expenditure on TV programming, with US$ 43 billion invested across free-to-air, pay TV and online.” “Netflix and Amazon, though they are US companies, are now commissioning for multiple territories, so we have treated them as global platforms.”

    The biggest markets in Western Europe were the UK with $10.7 billion, Germany ($7.3 billion), France ($6.6 billion) and Italy ($4.6 billion). “Notably, China is now the second largest market in Asia Pacific, with $8.4 billion invested last year,” Westcott said. Japan is the largest in the region with $9.8 billion, followed by South Korea ($2.6 billion), Australia and India—both on $2.4 billion.

    Netflix considers pouring money into building its stable of licensed and original movies and TV shows. Content spending will rise to $6 billion next year, a $1 billion increase from 2016, its CEO Reed Hastings has said.

    It faces competition from the likes of Amazon and Hulu. Figures released in the World TV Production Report 2016 claim Netflix spent US$ 4.91bn on new programming the last year, compared to Australia’s total market spend of US$2.4bn. Amazon, which may reportedly launch in Australia in a few months, increased its programming investment in 2016 to US$ 2.67bn from US$ 1.22bn in 2015, although far below Disney’s spend of US$ 11.84bn in 2016.

    In India however Netflix has branded itself in the premium bracket and therefore has some disadvantage as far as pricing is concerned. A majorly English language content makes business difficult for Netflix in India. More local language content and licensing deals could help in this context. Netflix, which has not disclosed its subscribers base in India, may need to adopt a localisation strategy for growth in the country.

  • OTT players spend exceeds traditional broadcasters; Netflix weighing Indian content to drive growth

    OTT players spend exceeds traditional broadcasters; Netflix weighing Indian content to drive growth

    MUMBAI: Online platforms such as Amazon and the streaming giant Netflix have ramped up their investment in programming, investing US$ 7.5 billion last year which is more than HBO, Turner and CBS in most countries including Australia and South Korea.

    Netflix invested over twice as much on original programming as the entire Australian TV market, a new report stated. In India, it could look at licensing deals and produce more local language content as it seeks to strengthen its presence here.

    The US-based company, which expanded into over 130 markets, entered India a few months ago and rivals streaming sites or platforms such as Star India’s Hotstar, SonyLiv, YuppTV, Spuul, Ditto TV, Eros Now, and Hungama. All these are betting on growing smartphone and Internet use to drive growth. Netflix could soon be introducing ‘download-and-go’ offline streaming.

    Between 2013 and 2015, Amazon and Netflix doubled their annual investments on programming. In 2013, Amazon spent US$ 1.22 billion, that jumped to US$ 2.67 billion in 2015. In the corresponding period, Netflix investments rose from US$ 2.38 billion to US$ 4.91 billion, a IHS Markit report stated while examining how TV programme producers are adapting to the era of internet TV.

    “Netflix and Amazon investments are only topped by Disney ($11.84 billion) and NBC ($10.27 billion),” said IHS Technology senior principal analyst Tim Westcott,.

    Netflix added over 50 per cent more subscribers than expected in the third quarter as original shows such as “Stranger Things” drew new international viewers and kept US customers despite a price hike, according to FactSet StreetAccount.

    Other online platforms such as China’s Youku Toudu, iQifyi, Tencent and Hulu in the US have also increased their investment in original programming and acquisitions.

    “More and more consumers are watching content online, shaking the foundations of the traditional TV industry,” Westcott said. “However, it’s premature to declare that the era of linear TV is over,” he added.

    Westcott estimated that, in 2015, the US represented 33 per cent of worldwide expenditure on TV programming, with US$ 43 billion invested across free-to-air, pay TV and online.” “Netflix and Amazon, though they are US companies, are now commissioning for multiple territories, so we have treated them as global platforms.”

    The biggest markets in Western Europe were the UK with $10.7 billion, Germany ($7.3 billion), France ($6.6 billion) and Italy ($4.6 billion). “Notably, China is now the second largest market in Asia Pacific, with $8.4 billion invested last year,” Westcott said. Japan is the largest in the region with $9.8 billion, followed by South Korea ($2.6 billion), Australia and India—both on $2.4 billion.

    Netflix considers pouring money into building its stable of licensed and original movies and TV shows. Content spending will rise to $6 billion next year, a $1 billion increase from 2016, its CEO Reed Hastings has said.

    It faces competition from the likes of Amazon and Hulu. Figures released in the World TV Production Report 2016 claim Netflix spent US$ 4.91bn on new programming the last year, compared to Australia’s total market spend of US$2.4bn. Amazon, which may reportedly launch in Australia in a few months, increased its programming investment in 2016 to US$ 2.67bn from US$ 1.22bn in 2015, although far below Disney’s spend of US$ 11.84bn in 2016.

    In India however Netflix has branded itself in the premium bracket and therefore has some disadvantage as far as pricing is concerned. A majorly English language content makes business difficult for Netflix in India. More local language content and licensing deals could help in this context. Netflix, which has not disclosed its subscribers base in India, may need to adopt a localisation strategy for growth in the country.

  • SPN India to telecast UFC 204 live in Indian sub-continent

    SPN India to telecast UFC 204 live in Indian sub-continent

    MUMBAI: Sony Pictures Networks (SPN) is all set to broadcast the highly anticipated UFC 204 event in theIndian sub-continent. The volatile fight card will see current Middleweight Champion, Michael Bisping take on Dan Hendersonin the Middleweight bout.

    The fight will be telecast live on 9 October at 07:30 pm on Sony Six, Sony Six HD, Sony ESPN and Sony ESPN HD. UFC 204 will also be available for live streaming on SonyLIV.

    The fight card also features more high profile fights as well. Brazilian mixed martial artist Vitor Belfort will take on four time world champion, Gegard Mousasi in the Middleweight bout and Ovince Saint Preux will face Jimi Manuwa inthe Light Heavyweight division. With so much tension in the ring, UFC 204 is slated to showcase some of the most explosive face-offs the Octagon will ever see.

    Michael Bisping is the first British mixed martial arts fighter to win a UFC championship which was at UFC 199. Bisping faced his present day UFC 204 opponent, Dan Henderson, a former Olympic wrestler, for the first time back in 2009 and was defeated in a brutal knockout in the second round. At UFC 204, Bisping looks to defend his title as he seeks revenge against Henderson.Henderson, on the other hand is going to give this fight his all as this may be the very last time he enters the Octagon as a fighter given his announcement of his retirement.

  • SPN India to telecast UFC 204 live in Indian sub-continent

    SPN India to telecast UFC 204 live in Indian sub-continent

    MUMBAI: Sony Pictures Networks (SPN) is all set to broadcast the highly anticipated UFC 204 event in theIndian sub-continent. The volatile fight card will see current Middleweight Champion, Michael Bisping take on Dan Hendersonin the Middleweight bout.

    The fight will be telecast live on 9 October at 07:30 pm on Sony Six, Sony Six HD, Sony ESPN and Sony ESPN HD. UFC 204 will also be available for live streaming on SonyLIV.

    The fight card also features more high profile fights as well. Brazilian mixed martial artist Vitor Belfort will take on four time world champion, Gegard Mousasi in the Middleweight bout and Ovince Saint Preux will face Jimi Manuwa inthe Light Heavyweight division. With so much tension in the ring, UFC 204 is slated to showcase some of the most explosive face-offs the Octagon will ever see.

    Michael Bisping is the first British mixed martial arts fighter to win a UFC championship which was at UFC 199. Bisping faced his present day UFC 204 opponent, Dan Henderson, a former Olympic wrestler, for the first time back in 2009 and was defeated in a brutal knockout in the second round. At UFC 204, Bisping looks to defend his title as he seeks revenge against Henderson.Henderson, on the other hand is going to give this fight his all as this may be the very last time he enters the Octagon as a fighter given his announcement of his retirement.

  • A.I.SHA | My Virtual Girlfriend to be dubbed in Tamil; S2 on cards

    A.I.SHA | My Virtual Girlfriend to be dubbed in Tamil; S2 on cards

    MUMBAI: Following the successful run of the season 1 of A.I.SHA | My Virtual Girlfriend, Arre plans to release its Tamil version. With this category, it intends to reach out to a wider audience.

    This version is presented by Gillette Flexball in association with Palo Alto Networks, Indo Nissin Foods and Dell.

    In addition, the show is also syndicated to the digital platform of one of France’s television networks, TF1 Xtra, apart from various Indian digital platforms such as Sony LIV, Yupp TV, Vodafone Play, etc.

    “The southern regional markets are growing markets from a mobile internet consumption and advertiser interest point of view. They’re also interesting future forays for Arré considering that digital media in these markets is more secular as compared to broadcasting and cable and there isn’t enough original content available currently. A.I.SHA, our first show, is possibly the best show to begin our regional foray with, given its universal appeal and the overwhelming viewer response so far,” said Arre founder B. Saikumar.

    The series is produced by Raghu Ram and Rajiv Laxman’s production venture, Monozygotic.

    Ram added, “A.I.SHA is a special project for all of us at Monozygotic since it was our first fiction show and also the first show that Arré launched with.”

    A.I.SHA (Artificial Intelligence Simulated Humanoid Assistant) is India’s AI-based digital series. A fiction thriller, the story pivots around the widely debated and chilling premise of what happens when AI (Artificial intelligence) develops feelings and consciousness.

    Pre-production work for A.I.SHA season 2 is underway and is planned for launch later this year.

  • A.I.SHA | My Virtual Girlfriend to be dubbed in Tamil; S2 on cards

    A.I.SHA | My Virtual Girlfriend to be dubbed in Tamil; S2 on cards

    MUMBAI: Following the successful run of the season 1 of A.I.SHA | My Virtual Girlfriend, Arre plans to release its Tamil version. With this category, it intends to reach out to a wider audience.

    This version is presented by Gillette Flexball in association with Palo Alto Networks, Indo Nissin Foods and Dell.

    In addition, the show is also syndicated to the digital platform of one of France’s television networks, TF1 Xtra, apart from various Indian digital platforms such as Sony LIV, Yupp TV, Vodafone Play, etc.

    “The southern regional markets are growing markets from a mobile internet consumption and advertiser interest point of view. They’re also interesting future forays for Arré considering that digital media in these markets is more secular as compared to broadcasting and cable and there isn’t enough original content available currently. A.I.SHA, our first show, is possibly the best show to begin our regional foray with, given its universal appeal and the overwhelming viewer response so far,” said Arre founder B. Saikumar.

    The series is produced by Raghu Ram and Rajiv Laxman’s production venture, Monozygotic.

    Ram added, “A.I.SHA is a special project for all of us at Monozygotic since it was our first fiction show and also the first show that Arré launched with.”

    A.I.SHA (Artificial Intelligence Simulated Humanoid Assistant) is India’s AI-based digital series. A fiction thriller, the story pivots around the widely debated and chilling premise of what happens when AI (Artificial intelligence) develops feelings and consciousness.

    Pre-production work for A.I.SHA season 2 is underway and is planned for launch later this year.

  • Arré to reach larger audiences through SonyLiv platform

    Arré to reach larger audiences through SonyLiv platform

    NEW DELHI: Leading multi-media, multi-format digital media brand Arré today announced its partnership with digital entertainment platform SonyLIV from Sony Pictures Networks (SPN) to enable users to watch Arré’s latest web series on its web and mobile platforms.

    This partnership will also see Arré’s entire video content library available as a part of SonyLIV’s extensive catalogue in due course.

    Arré will benefit from SonyLIV’s massive reach to digital viewers across India. SonyLIV users, on the other hand, will be able to sample all the rich and entertaining current and future content developed by Arré.

    Launched earlier this month, Arré’s latest offering titled ‘Official Chukyagiri’ is a five-part slice-of-life fiction dramedy. It is targeted towards the ‘attitudinally millennial’ audience which shows life in the corporate world through h the eyes of an intern, Spandan Chukya. Apart from this series, SonyLIV users can also view shows such as ‘A.I.SHA My Virtual Girlfriend (A.I.SHA)’, ‘I Don’t Watch TV’ and ‘Arré Ho Ja Re-Gender’.

    Other content from Arré’s stable, which will be made available under the partnership includes a new comic satire titled ‘Abbas Mastan’ about two movie buffs, as well as non-fiction video originals such as‘Death by Breath’, a documentary on pollution in Delhi (in partnership with the Indian Express Group), and ‘Kashmir’s Lost Children’, a documentary about the violence that children in the Kashmir Valley face. These shows will add on to the already established library of original web-series made by SonyLIV.

    SPE Executive Vice-President and Head – Digital Business Uday Sodhi said: “SonyLIV has endeavoured to provide the best and most relevant entertainment options to our viewers, as is being aptly demonstrated by our push for more and more original, user-centric entertainment content. We have been investing a lot on creating original web-series and this partnership with Arré is another step in that direction. We are confident that SonyLIV’s massive viewership in the country will enjoy the diversity of entertaining contentwhich this association heralds. Our aim is to bridge the gap between the digital audience and relevant original quality content creators.”

    Arré Co-Founder and CEO Ajay Chacko added: “We are delighted to partner with SonyLIV for ‘Official Chukyagiri’ to begin with, and look forward to hosting other shows from the Arré stable on the platform. Our model is to create highly engaging original content that can be distributed over a wide range of linear and non-linear platforms. SonyLIV’s wide and highly engaged premium audience base is a great fit to provide the reach, distribution and exposure for our shows.”

  • Arré to reach larger audiences through SonyLiv platform

    Arré to reach larger audiences through SonyLiv platform

    NEW DELHI: Leading multi-media, multi-format digital media brand Arré today announced its partnership with digital entertainment platform SonyLIV from Sony Pictures Networks (SPN) to enable users to watch Arré’s latest web series on its web and mobile platforms.

    This partnership will also see Arré’s entire video content library available as a part of SonyLIV’s extensive catalogue in due course.

    Arré will benefit from SonyLIV’s massive reach to digital viewers across India. SonyLIV users, on the other hand, will be able to sample all the rich and entertaining current and future content developed by Arré.

    Launched earlier this month, Arré’s latest offering titled ‘Official Chukyagiri’ is a five-part slice-of-life fiction dramedy. It is targeted towards the ‘attitudinally millennial’ audience which shows life in the corporate world through h the eyes of an intern, Spandan Chukya. Apart from this series, SonyLIV users can also view shows such as ‘A.I.SHA My Virtual Girlfriend (A.I.SHA)’, ‘I Don’t Watch TV’ and ‘Arré Ho Ja Re-Gender’.

    Other content from Arré’s stable, which will be made available under the partnership includes a new comic satire titled ‘Abbas Mastan’ about two movie buffs, as well as non-fiction video originals such as‘Death by Breath’, a documentary on pollution in Delhi (in partnership with the Indian Express Group), and ‘Kashmir’s Lost Children’, a documentary about the violence that children in the Kashmir Valley face. These shows will add on to the already established library of original web-series made by SonyLIV.

    SPE Executive Vice-President and Head – Digital Business Uday Sodhi said: “SonyLIV has endeavoured to provide the best and most relevant entertainment options to our viewers, as is being aptly demonstrated by our push for more and more original, user-centric entertainment content. We have been investing a lot on creating original web-series and this partnership with Arré is another step in that direction. We are confident that SonyLIV’s massive viewership in the country will enjoy the diversity of entertaining contentwhich this association heralds. Our aim is to bridge the gap between the digital audience and relevant original quality content creators.”

    Arré Co-Founder and CEO Ajay Chacko added: “We are delighted to partner with SonyLIV for ‘Official Chukyagiri’ to begin with, and look forward to hosting other shows from the Arré stable on the platform. Our model is to create highly engaging original content that can be distributed over a wide range of linear and non-linear platforms. SonyLIV’s wide and highly engaged premium audience base is a great fit to provide the reach, distribution and exposure for our shows.”

  • SPN India telecasting Rio para-athletes strive for excellence

    SPN India telecasting Rio para-athletes strive for excellence

    MUMBAI: Sony Pictures Networks India (SPN) has further cemented its commitment towards the cause of games with the acquisition of the broadcast and digital broadcast rights of Rio 2016 Paralympic Games.

    As a continuation of its endeavour to support India’s sports talent, SPN will showcase regular updates and highlights of the Indian contingent’s performance at the Rio 2016 Paralympic Games on Sony SIX and Sony ESPN channels as well on its digital platform SonyLIV. The telecast has begun and will continue till 19 September, 2016.

    SPN will telecast the highlights of the day sessions and night sessions in two separate 60-minute capsules.

    Rio 2016 Paralympic Games, a major international multi-sport event for athletes with disabilities, governed by the International Paralympic Committee is taking place in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Adding on to the massive level of interest, India is represented by its largest-ever contingent of 19 Indian athletes that will compete across 10 disciplines. Viewers will get a chance watch and support the Indian para-athletes strive for sporting excellence.

    SPN Sports and distribution president Rajesh Kaul said, “The sports cluster of SPN has continued to show its support to the cause of differently-abled sports in India”.

    “India is proudly rooting for the 19 para-athletes who are in Rio right now and there is an increasing public interest to watch how they perform at this International event. We will telecast the highlights of both sessions so that viewers can watch a round-up of the Paralympian’s performance.”

    “Ek India Happywala” is the theme under the aegis of which SPN runs its CSR programme. It focusses on creating a positive impact in our ecosystem and is built on three pillars: empowerment, education and environment.