ITV

Tag: SPT

  • 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.”

  • Keith Le Goy named chairman of Sony Pictures Television

    Keith Le Goy named chairman of Sony Pictures Television

    MUMBAI: Sony Pictures Entertainment (SPE) has announced the promotion of Keith Le Goy to chairman of Sony Pictures Television (SPT). In his expanded role, Le Goy will oversee all domestic and international television production, including the game show division and Game Show Network (GSN). He will continue to report directly to Ravi Ahuja, who was appointed president and CEO of SPE earlier this month.

    Le Goy previously led the studio’s combined television and home entertainment distribution and marketing divisions, in addition to overseeing SPE’s cable networks in Latin America and Europe. His tenure has been marked by notable achievements, such as securing landmark distribution deals for Seinfeld and major film output agreements with Netflix and Disney in the United States.

    Under his leadership, SPE achieved record-breaking global revenue for its digital home entertainment business in 2024, while its anime streaming service Crunchyroll reached 15 million paying subscribers. Le Goy also spearheaded the launch of innovative projects like SPE’s in-car entertainment service, Ridevu, and the Sony Pictures Core app for PS5 and PS4 consoles.

    Commenting on the appointment, Ravi Ahuja said: “Keith has a remarkable track record at SPE, excelling in both distribution and the businesses he has led. He is strategic, growth-focused, and an outstanding colleague. I look forward to collaborating with him in this new role.”

    Le Goy expressed his enthusiasm for the promotion, stating: “It is a privilege to lead the television group at such a transformative time for the industry. With Ravi’s support and our incredible teams, SPT is well positioned to build on its rich legacy in this dynamic marketplace. I am energised by the opportunities ahead.”

    Le Goy joined Sony in 1999 after serving as vice president of sales for Europe at Disney. Throughout his career, he has championed innovative distribution models, emphasised local-language productions in Latin America, and played a key role in expanding SPE’s global footprint.

    Sony Pictures Television is behind some of the world’s most popular programmes, including Wheel of Fortune, Jeopardy!, The Boys, Cobra Kai, The Last of Us, Outlander, Shark Tank, 90-Day Fiancé, and Twisted Metal. The division’s diverse portfolio continues to cement its position as a leader in premium entertainment.
     

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • Exclusive: SPT chairman Steve Mosko plans India visit on Sony’s 20th Anniversary

    Exclusive: SPT chairman Steve Mosko plans India visit on Sony’s 20th Anniversary

    CANNES: Even as the picturesque French Riviera was hit by deadly flash floods, the global market for entertainment content across all platforms – Mipcom 2015 kicked off in Cannes. 

     

    As Sony Entertainment Television completes 20 years in India this October, Sony Pictures Television chairman Steve Mosko is planning a visit to the country.

     

    Speaking exclusively to Indiantelevision.com on the sidelines of Mipcom, Mosko said that he would be coming down to India soon to celebrate the 20th anniversary of Sony Pictures Television in the country and possibly even make a few big announcements around that time. Sony Entertainment Television (SET) launched in India in October 1995.

     

    At Mipcom this year, the company unveiled a sneak peek preview episode of Sony Pictures Television’s The Art of Morestarring Dennis Quaid, Christian Cooke, Kate Bosworth and Cary Elwes.

     

    For the Indian market, The Art of More has been acquired by Colors Infinity.  

     

    Mosko said, “This is just the beginning. There are very big plans going ahead and we are very confident that our future slate of shows is going to be loved by one and all around the world.”

     

    This new series will unveil the truth behind how the world of auctions work. Samuel Brukner (Dennis Quaid) is a man with the money and has the thirst to collect the most exquisite art from around the globe. While Graham Connor (Christian Cooke) is the man who wants to make it big in life and has to win the trust of Brukner to get there. 

     

    The preview at Mipcom was followed by a discussion by the cast along with Sony Pictures Television president – international distribution Keith Le Goy and Sony Pictures Television EVP – digital networks and Crackle GM Eric Berger.

     

    “The story was the biggest hero for me and the way my character has been written is simply amazing, I couldn’t say no,” said Quaid.

     

    The first episode, which was screened at Cannes tonight, was well received by the audience in attendance. 

     

    The stellar cast, crisp editing, gripping storytelling and a plot that keeps thickening as the show proceeds is everything that works in the favour of this series, which is set to premiere on various networks globally mid November this year.

     

    The show makers are confident that the series will be a certain hit and have major plans in rolling out more seasons based on the response received in its first season.

  • Turner International hires Ricky Ow as Marcopoto’s replacement

    Turner International hires Ricky Ow as Marcopoto’s replacement

    MUMBAI: Turner International’s Turner Broadcasting System Asia Pacific has been beset with some bad news or the other emerging from it over the past couple of years. Restructuring, layoffs and the sudden stepping down of its long serving boss Steve Marcopoto earlier this year all caught the headlines.

     

    A hunt for his successor was on, the company had stated at the time of Marcopoto’s announcement.

     

    The good news now is that the company has announced his replacement. And it is international television executive Ricky Ow who will be joining Turner International as President of Turner Broadcasting System Asia Pacific effective January 2014. The announcement was made by Gerhard Zeiler, President of Turner Broadcasting System International.

     

    Most recently Executive Vice President & General Manager for Sony Pictures Television (SPT) Networks Asia, Ow will lead Turner International’s portfolio in the Asia Pacific region, based in Hong Kong.

     

    As President of Turner APAC, Ow will have executive oversight for all entertainment and kids networks, the digital and media services offered, the distribution of CNN’s services in that region, and all licensing and merchandising activity in APAC.

     

    “We are delighted that Ricky is joining us and look forward to the leadership and wealth of international media experience he will bring to one of the most strategically important areas of Turner International,” said Zeiler in a press release. He continued: “His vast experience in the region, his successes in launching and establishing channel brands both locally and regionally, his experience in local content production, as well as his deep understanding of sales and marketing, make him the ideal choice to lead our business in the Asia Pacific region into the next stage of growth. Looking with fresh eyes at our business as a true leader, he will be a strong addition to Turner International. We all look forward to working with him to extend our core brands and build international scale.”

     

    “I am very excited to join Turner and it is an honour to work with Gerhard and the team that has built some of the most valuable media brands in the world including CNN, TNT, Cartoon Network, Pogo and Turner Classic Movies,” said Ow. “This is an opportunity to leverage on our incredible heritage of creativity and innovation to grow a dynamic portfolio of iconic brands, to develop new ventures and to strengthen relevance and value for our viewers, partners and the business community.”

     

    Ow joins Turner after a 14-year career at Sony Pictures, most recently as Executive Vice President & General Manager for Sony Pictures Television (SPT) Networks Asia. In that role, Ow was responsible for overseeing the networks business across Asia as well as developing new channel opportunities in the region. He also had oversight of SPT’s two Korean joint ventures, AXN Korea and Animax Korea. Prior, Ow was the Senior Vice President & General Manager, Networks Asia, overseeing the company’s channel brands, including AXN India and Animax India. He joined SPT in 1999 as Head of Sales and Marketing. Under his leadership, AXN became the leading English language general entertainment channel in Asia while SPT Networks Asia grew into a bouquet of entertainment brands including “One”, the leading Asian language channel in Southeast Asia. Additionally, Ow has led SPT’s networks in Asia to pioneer various award-winning pan-regional entertainment productions. Prior to joining SPT, Ow held positions at SBC Enterprises (now Mediacorp TV), Asia Business News, and CNBC.

  • Value 360 communications to manage the PR mandate for Sony LIV

    Value 360 communications to manage the PR mandate for Sony LIV

    MUMBAI: Sony LIV, the online entertainment destination, owned and operated by Multi Screen Media (MSM), has appointed Value 360 Communications as its official PR agency in India. Sony LIV is the latest addition to the list of industry leaders for whom the leading PR firm offers communications strategy and messaging services.

    Sony Pictures Television (SPT) backs Multi Screen Media Private Limited, which is one of India’s leading television network. It comprises of Sony Entertainment Television (SET), one of India’s leading Hindi general entertainment television channels; MAX, India’s premium Hindi movies and special events channel; SAB, a family comedy entertainment channel; PIX, the English movie channel; MIX a refreshing Hindi music channel, SIX, India’s Premier Sports Entertainment Channel and Sony LIV, the digital channel. Multi-Screen Media’s channels are available across the Globe and influence over 400 million viewers in the Indian sub-continent, and the South Asian Diaspora worldwide.

    Value 360 Communications founder director Kunal Kishore commented, “We are extremely pleased to be the partner of choice for a marquee brand like Sony LIV, an ahead-of-the-curve player in the digital entertainment space. Our key objective would be to establish thought leadership, carve a distinctive niche for the brand in the Video-On-Demand market in India and create top of mind recall amongst their target set of consumers. At Value 360, we have a team of expert consultants working in diverse areas of public relations, from traditional media to new media. We hope to successfully align this expertise into the work that we do for Sony LIV”

    Commenting on the new development, Sony Entertainment Network executive VP – New Media, Business Development and Digital/Syndication Nitesh Kripalani said, “Digital entertainment industry is on a high-growth trajectory and we are focused to establish Sony LIV as the most innovative Video On Demand Service provider that offers world class viewing experience to its users all across the world. Our motive is to fortify our position in the Indian market with a well entrenched consumer connect strategy. We chose Value 360 Communications as our preferred partner owing to the agency’s extensive experience and expertise in managing digital businesses.”

  • SPT Networks unveils second screen app to accompany ‘Hannibal‘

    SPT Networks unveils second screen app to accompany ‘Hannibal‘

    MUMBAI: Sony Pictures Television (SPT) Networks has unveiled a customised second screen viewing app to accompany the premiere of their hotly anticipated drama, ‘Hannibal’, which it co-commissioned for its global portfolio of channels.

    Developed by SPT Networks’ digital arm, the ‘Hannibal’ app will initially be made available in local languages to accompany the series on AXN channels serving pan Asia Spanish-speaking Latin America, Brazil, Spain and Portugal. It will be the first scripted second screen app in several territories.

    SPT’s second screen ‘Hannibal’ app will synchronise to each episode as it airs live, and also use audio watermarking technology that will trigger it to synchronise during any DVR and VOD playback. The app will be available through iTunes for all iOS mobile phones and tablets to accompany international premieres on AXN channels.

    Users will be able to access exclusive ‘Hannibal’ content, learn more about characters, watch relationships unfold, and access behind-the-scenes footage. Integrated social media elements will enable viewers to interact directly with the show and other fans in a hosted ‘Hannibal’ community.

    SPT executive VP – Digital Networks – Eric Berger said, “SPT’s second screen Hannibal app will be a first for drama series in many markets, breaking new ground for pay TV. ‘Hannibal’ is bursting with additional material and storylines that enrich the viewer experience through this app and which, thanks to the technology now available, we can synchronise live to any schedule, anytime.”

    SPT Executive VP Programming and Production Networks Marie Jacobson said, “‘Hannibal’ is tailor-made for this kind of real-time digital experience. We feel strongly the deep mythology and intricate character weaves of our series will drive core fans of the genre to seek out our app and engage at new levels.

  • Sony to buys out private equity firm’s residual 6% stake in MSM

    Sony to buys out private equity firm’s residual 6% stake in MSM

    MUMBAI: Sony Pictures Television (SPT) will buy out private equity firm Capital International‘s six per cent stake in Multi Screen Media (formerly known as Sony Entertainment Television India) to take full ownership of the Indian broadcasting company which is on a growth path.

    Earlier, SPT had bought out 32 per cent stake of the Indian shareholders in Multi Screen Media (MSM) for $271 million, taking its shareholding to 94 per cent.

    "We are going to buy out the six per cent stake of Capital International in MSM. We hope to do it by the end of this year," Sony Pictures Television president Worldwide Networks Andy Kaplan tells Indiantelevision.com.

    Kaplan, however, ruled out a public listing of the company.
    In 2000, Capital International had picked up eight per cent stake for $200 million.

    Sony‘s aggressive growth plans in India include the acquisition of regional broadcaster Maa Television Network. "We are working on it. It is a bit complicated. The acquisition will give us a foothold in the Telugu market," avers Kaplan.

    In 2012, SPT entered into a strategic alliance with Hyderabad-based Maa Television Network to acquire a 30 per cent stake. Maa TV Network operates four Telugu-language channels.

    Sony will also eye other regional acquisition opportunities in India. "We are looking at building on our own and acquiring companies. We are weighing both the options. We are looking at each region and trying to figure out what the best strategy is," Kaplan says.

    In 2009, SPT acquired Bengali channel, Channel 8.

    MSM‘s other new growth pillar would be its sports broadcasting business. The company launched Six, a sports entertainment channel, last year. It has the Indian Premier League (IPL), cricket‘s most lucrative property, as its driver content.

    “We are also looking at other sports in which the audience interest will grow. We have the NBA rights and UFC, among others. We will be aggressive for the right property if we feel that it will be a good fit for our channel. But we will not overbid,” says Kaplan.
    In terms of rights, he said that both cricket and movie acquisition costs from an industry perspective are on the higher side. “We try to be aggressive but disciplined at the same time. India is the only market where we are in the sports genre. So it is unique for us in that sense."

    Kaplan admits that India is a big international market for Sony. "As a TV market, India has been friendly towards outsiders," he says.