ITV

Tag: Sri Lanka

  • Mipcom Online Plus attracts sizeable Indian presence

    Mipcom Online Plus attracts sizeable Indian presence

    MUMBAI: Mipcom began its virtual edition of the annual content syndication get together on 12 October. Titled Mipcom Online+, it is based on a high end artificial intelligence driven platform called Grip, developed by a sister tech firm under Relx group, of which organiser Reed Midem is a part.

    The virtual exhibition has proved to be a smash hit with more than 6,000 professionals – including 800 virtual exhibitors and 26 country pavilions – and 2,200 buyers participating virtually from 100 countries.

    Reed Midem was initially considering to run both digital and physical versions in Cannes like it has done for decades, but dropped the idea because of the continuing Covid2019 menace. It pivoted quickly and, over a month, attracted sizable participation – probably the most by a trading market in its online avatar in 2020.

    Read more news on Mipcom 

    “We are very pleased to be receiving strong support from the industry which is quite excited about meeting online in the current international environment when meeting in person from around the world is not yet possible,” said Reed Midem TV division director Laurine Garaude. “We are, of course, sad not to be meeting in Cannes for the 36th Mipcom. But we are also excited about the new Mipcom experience that we are creating online.”

    Mipcom Online Plus has attracted several initiatives and partners such as Korea Country of Honour, A&E Networks, Nippon TV, Sony and Televisa.

    The highlight of this year’s edition is the continued presence from the Services Export Promotion Council (SEPC) virtual pavilion, with more than 12 companies coming under its umbrella and taking advantage of the cost benefits it offers.

    “Mipcom is one of the important markets we have identified to help push Indian entertainment exports,” says SEPC chairman Manek Dawar. “We wanted to be aggressive, but we will wait for next year’s edition in Cannes and really fire on all cylinders.”

    SEPC has roped in content export veteran Hirachand Dand to spearhead its entertainment division. The online SEPC initiative is being headed by SEPC deputy director general Abhay Sinha.

    Overall, more than 70 executives from India’s media and entertainment sector – covering TV, TV production, animation, distributors of TV shows and films, dubbing services – are taking part in Mipcom Week which is slated to end on 16 October. However, the platform will be open for screenings, virtual meetings, networking and matchmaking till 17 November.

    “I am really delighted with the India presence at Mipcom Online Plus,” says India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh representative Anil Wanvari. “Content syndication and trading has been at a low because of Covid2019. For many companies it is a crucial revenue stream. I am really hoping the next few days and weeks will help kickstart this engine for India’s content folks.”

  • Dentsu Grant Group partners news channel to fight negativity during lockdown in Sri Lanka

    Dentsu Grant Group partners news channel to fight negativity during lockdown in Sri Lanka

    MUMBAI: Dentsu Grant Group, Sri Lanka, the local Dentsu Aegis Network office and largest integrated communication group in the country, and popular local TV channel Swarnavahini launched ‘Happy News’, a special, two-minute news segment that broadcasted stories of optimism and moments of joy, to counter negativity around local Covid2019 news stories with stories of positivity and hope.

    Sri Lankans spent 52 days in a government-enforced curfew and lockdown to protect its citizens from the global Covid2019 pandemic. This proved to be an extremely difficult time for people across the country, made more acute by constant news of the virus spreading and extensions of lockdown to ensure the safety of the society at large.

    Dentsu Grant Group, Sri Lanka approached the popular local TV channel Swarnavahini on Live@8, their main news bulletin, to counter this negativity. Together, they launched ‘Happy News’, a special, two-minute news segment that broadcasted stories of optimism and moments of joy; to bring a smile to the face of the viewers during their newscast. This local industry-first media innovation has been crafted to counterbalance the surge of negative stories related to the ongoing global pandemic and encourage Sri Lankans to share their positive moments at home, with the rest of the country.

    “Being one of the leaders in the communications industry in the country, we decided to do our part,” said Dentsu Grant Group chairperson-MD Neela Marikkar. “We wanted this to be an authentic segment to uplift people with some ‘happy moments’ during these dark times devoid of any commercialism. Swarnavahini also bought into this platform with enthusiasm and partnered us on this journey.”

    Some of Sri Lanka’s biggest celebrities and influencers were featured on this two-minute segment which was aired for the first time on 25 April.  Swarnavahini’s Live@8 news programme averages a daily reach of over 1.6 million. Rarely shown to the public, an intimate, stripped back look into these personalities’ lives were featured on national television; their individual ‘take’ of how to keep positive during the lockdown; some writing songs of their experiences; others introducing their own family members who have shied away from the public – were unique ‘Happy News’ stories that were featured on this segment.

    A total of eight ‘Happy News’ segments have been aired during a span of two weeks. All segments were turned around in under two days each, produced from script to final film internally by the agency creative people, who have been working from home since the 16 March 2020 as per the Sri Lankan pandemic regulations. All the team members worked remotely from their homes and were able to deliver live news TV segments under trying working conditions. Over 15 local artists, sporting celebrities and social influencers were engaged to share their uplifting stories of Covid2019 solidarity and featured on ‘Happy News’. Viewers were encouraged to send in their own videos and moments from home too, many that were incorporated into the segments that aired. 

    In the special Vesak day segment of ‘Happy News’ legendary Kumar Sangakkara, former captain of the national team and the current president of the MCC, asked the public to join him and his family in celebrating Vesak to pay homage and to pray for the protection of those people on the frontline to keep people safe by lighting four oil lamps—each dedicated with a blessing for key workers. One for the health workers, one for the tri-forces and police, the other for those who did delivery and essential food services and the final lamp for the health and wellbeing of citizens of Sri Lanka and all over the world.

    The Dentsu Grant Group launched a multi-platform social campaign to support the news broadcast and to share Happy News stories as well as crowdsource content. Due to the nature of the project, the teams embarked on the digital campaign with very little media budget allocated to it and achieved some extraordinary results to date.  On Facebook, Happy News generated over 1.2 Million user reach. And in the last 28 days, Happy News has engaged with over 80,000 users on multiple platforms. During Vesak, Kumar Sangakkara’s video received 17,000 views on YouTube and a staggering 160,000 views on Facebook.

    To learn more about the ‘Happy News’ campaign, visit www.happynews.lk  or ‘Happy News’ on below social media platforms;

    Facebook – www.facebook.com/happynewssrilanka

    Instagram – instagram.com/

    happynewssl YouTube – www.youtube.com/happynewssrilanka

    TikTok – https://www.tiktok.com/@happynewssl

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  • PVR Cinemas launches first property in Sri Lanka

    PVR Cinemas launches first property in Sri Lanka

    MUMBAI: PVR Cinemas, the largest and most premium film exhibition company in India announced its entry into the Sri Lankan market with the opening of PVR Lanka at One Galle Face Mall, Colombo today. PVR in collaboration with the Shangri La Group introduces Colombo’s biggest entertainment destination with the launch of the new 9- screen property. Redefining movie viewing experience,

    PVR Lanka hosts premium formats like PVR LUXE, a luxury cinema format and PVR PlayHouse, a dedicated auditorium for the young ones and their family. Designed with contemporary flair blended with local influences and enabled with technological excellence, PVR aims to introduce the epitome of modern cinema in Sri Lanka.

    PVR Ltd. Chairman and Managing Director Ajay Bijli said “Entering Sri Lanka was part of our business strategy for FY 19-20 and I am happy we have been able to make it happen. The socio-cultural similarity between the two nations makes the scope for business growth opulently clear. The vision has been to introduce new concepts and make regional content more accessible for the audience in Sri Lanka. The Indian film industry has grown exponentially in last few years and has a global fan base that we aim to cater to through innovation and expansion.”

    The property spreads across two levels with an area of 38,454 sq. ft. and a seating accommodation of 1,139 audiences. It is integrated with modern technological solutions for superior cinematic experience and digital solutions for an enhanced customer experience.

    Speaking on the launch,  PVR Ltd  Joint Managing Director Sanjeev Kumar Bijli said, “We feel very happy to be able to bring PVR’s offerings to Sri Lanka. The market dynamics in Sri Lanka are very similar to that of India which helped us design our product with much more ease. The love for Indian content is huge here and we are aiming to offer a rich and diverse experience to the cine buffs.”

    Accompanied with gastronomic extravaganza and best-in-class hospitality services in plush and luxurious seating arrangements, PVR Lanka presents itself as a one stop entertainment destination to the cinema goers. The integration of modern décor with intricate design adds to the grandeur of the new multiplex.  An exquisitely designed, bespoke lounge is created for our LUXE audience.

    He further added, “Our endeavor was to introduce eagerly awaited, world class cinema formats to offer holistic entertainment to the market. We are very confident that we will be successful in offering unique experiences to the people of Sri Lanka.”

  • Dentsu Grant Group launches Amnet operations in Sri Lanka

    Dentsu Grant Group launches Amnet operations in Sri Lanka

    Dentsu Grant Group has announced the launch of Amnet, the programmatic expert from Dentsu Aegis Network, in Sri Lanka. Amnet is a trusted source for programmatic buying and audience management solutions. Amnet comprises a team of programmatic experts from the Dentsu Aegis Network, who specialize in programmatic buying, programmatic media planning, data analytics and audience data. Amnet’s mission is to build and leverage data, in order to deliver more meaningfuland personalized messaging insights.

    With the launch of Amnet, Denstu Grant Group is once again set to disrupt the status quo of digital advertising through expanding local media inventory and offering more sophisticated, customized campaigns to clients. Among othermarkets, Amnet has a presence in India, USA, UK, France, China and Hong Kong. For the record, Dentsu Grant Group is the oldest serving advertising group in Sri Lanka that was acquired by Dentsu Aegis Network, the global media and marketing communications conglomerate, in 2017.

    Speaking on the launch, Shamsuddin Jasani, Group MD, Isobar South Asia and Executive Sponsor AMNET South Asia states, “Sri Lanka’s advertising trends have considerably shifted from traditional to digital advertising behaviour within a short span of time. As a leading global player in digital, we wanted our clients to get the best of global standards in this important area; hence, the decision to bring Amnet to Sri Lanka.”

    "It's been an incredible year for Dentsu Aegis Network in Sri Lanka…constantly innovating and disrupting the local advertising industry. After successfully becoming the fastest growing digital agency in the country this year, we asked ourselves, what could we do next? Embracing data is in the DNA of our network and what we have been spearheading here in Sri Lanka as a business. So, we are thrilled to announce the launch of Amnet, one of the premier programmatic platforms available in the world to-date. This is the next wave in media planning and buying in this country and is yet another achievement we can add to our long history of establishing industry firsts," commented Neela Marikkar, Chairperson and Managing Director, Dentsu Grant Group. 

    "With client needs evolving for quicker turnarounds and data-driven marketing at scale, we needed to get the best of global standards in this important area; hence, the decision to bring Amnet to Sri Lanka. This is head-and-shoulders above anyone else in the market on Programmatic media buying," said Chamith Buthgumwa, Director Isobar, Sri Lanka & Response at Dentsu Aegis Network.

    Nisal De Silva from the Dentsu Grant Group will head the operations for Amnet in Sri Lanka and will operate from the Colombo office.

  • ZEE5 and Dialog announce a strategic partnership to bring the largest bouquet of premium regional content to Sri Lanka

    ZEE5 and Dialog announce a strategic partnership to bring the largest bouquet of premium regional content to Sri Lanka

    MUMBAI: ZEE5, the largest digital entertainment platform for language content announced its very first international partnership in the SAARC region with Dialog Axiata PLC, Sri Lanka’s premier connectivity provider. The partnership will provide Dialog ViU app users with over 100,000 hours of premium regional content. Dialog ViU customers will be able to subscribe at a charge of LKR 350 per month to access one of the region’s best content libraries.

    Dialog customers will be able to access ZEE5 Originals like Karenjit Kaur, Zero Kms as well as recent crime thrillers Rangbaaz and Abhay, scintillating Bollywood hits like Veere Di Wedding and Toilet; an extensive Tamil content library including top shows like Sembaruthi, Poove Poochoodava and Yaaradi Nee Mohini, ZEE5 Tamil Originals including Kallachirippu, America Mapillai and D7 as well as recent blockbusters like Mersal.

    Speaking about the association, Archana Anand, Chief Business Officer- ZEE5 Global said, “We are thrilled to announce our partnership with Dialog Axiata for our launch in Sri Lanka. With over 1,00,000 hours of content across multiple genres and 12 languages, Dialog’s subscribers now have access to the largest library of Indian content that’s available in one single destination. Sri Lanka is rapidly developing into an exciting market for entertainment content, and we look forward to jointly exploring this opportunity with Dialog Axiata.”

    Commenting on the partnership, Mangala Hettiarachchi, Senior General Manager – Global and Content Services, Dialog Axiata PLC said, “We are extremely proud to have partnered with ZEE5 so soon into their international launch.  This affiliation strengthens the content portfolio offered by Dialog ViU by opening one of the region’s best content libraries to our customers. Dialog customers can now watch the best content on the best video network in Sri Lanka at any time, from anywhere, on any internet-connected screen without commercials.”

    ZEE5 offers over 1,00,000 hours of Indian TV Shows, Movies, Videos etc.  across 12 languages to South Asians across the globe. ZEE5 is available on Google Play Store, iOS App Store, www.ZEE5.com and on Samsung Smart TVs, Apple TV, Android TVs and Amazon Fire TV.

  • Sri Lanka, Australia lock horns on Ten Sports

    Sri Lanka, Australia lock horns on Ten Sports

    India's tour of Pakistan next month promises to bring in ratings and revenue bonanza for Ten Sports. As an appetiser as it were, the broadcaster will show the World Cup champions Australia touring Sri Lanka from 20 February.

    Ponting's men will face a triple test with the oppressive heat, slow pitches and the wily off spinner Muttiah Muralitharan. Australia will play five one-dayers and three tests in Sri Lanka during February and March. The schedule for the one day matches is as follows:

    Date Match Time Venue
    20 February 1st ODI 2 pm Dambulla
    22 February 2nd ODI 9:30 am Dambulla
    25 February 3rd ODI 2 pm Colombo
    27 February 4th ODI 2 pm Colombo
    29 February 5th ODI 9 am Colombo
  • ZEE5 gallops to the top in Bangladesh, Sri Lanka and Pakistan

    ZEE5 gallops to the top in Bangladesh, Sri Lanka and Pakistan

    MUMBAI: Just a month after launching its campaign #Sharethelove for Pakistan and Bangladesh, ZEE5 summits the charts to become the No. 1 entertainment platform in both Bangladesh and Sri Lanka, and No.2. in Pakistan*. With this quick climb up the charts, ZEE5 becomes the fastest growing OTT platform across these markets, and as Amit Goenka, CEO, ZEE International and Z5 Global puts it “We intend to replicate this winning streak across the globe.”

    ZEE5 offers 1,00,000 hours of Indian Movies, TV Shows, News, Videos and a slew of exclusive Originals, across 12 languages – English, Tamil, Hindi, Malayalam, Telugu, Kannada, Marathi, Bengali, Oriya, Bhojpuri, Gujarati and Punjabi, along with 60+ Live TV channels. It offers audiences in Pakistan and Bangladesh a range of relevant content including Hindi and Bengali originals like Rangbaaz, Kaali and the upcoming Sharate Aaj, original movies like Aranyadeb and Tigers and digital premieres like Namaste England.

    ZEE5 also offers a range of Tamil content to Sri Lanka, including popular shows from ZEE Tamil like Sembaruthi, Yaaradi Nee Mohini, Poove Poochoodava etc. and ZEE5 Originals like Sigai, Kallachirupu and America Mapillai. Also available is the upcoming Tamil Original movie – D7, along with a range of content dubbed in Tamil, including recently launched Original, Rangbaaz. 

    Amit Goenka, CEO, ZEE International and Z5 Global said, “Bangladesh, Pakistan and Sri Lanka are high priority markets for us as we start our phased rollout globally, given the huge affinity for our content in these markets. Becoming the No.1. platform in these markets in such a short period of time is great news, and we’re extremely happy to see such a strong response for ZEE5 here”

    Archana Anand, Chief Business Officer- ZEE5 Global said, “We are beyond excited to get to this leadership position so soon into our launch. This only reaffirms our decision to prioritize these markets. We’ve also closed out some huge business partnerships which we will shortly announce. It’s heartening to see ZEE5 win over hearts, one country at a time.”

    The ZEE5 App can be downloaded from Google Play Store or iOS App Store and can be accessed by visiting www.ZEE5.com. ZEE5 is also available on Samsung Smart TV, Apple TV Android TV and Amazon Fire TV.

  • Isobar launches Sri Lanka Operations

    Isobar launches Sri Lanka Operations

    MUMBAI: Isobar, the digital agency from Dentsu Aegis Network, has expanded its operations to Sri Lanka.

    Last year, Dentsu Grant Group, Sri Lanka's largest integrated communications agency with a 60-year-old legacy, disrupted the nation’s advertising industry with the introduction of the global marketing conglomerate Dentsu Aegis Network into the country.  Now, it will do so once again, reinventing Sri Lanka’s rapidly growing digital economy, with the launch of its full-service digital agency – Isobar.  

    Commenting on the prospects of Isobar in Sri Lanka, Shamsuddin Jasani, Group Managing Director – Isobar South Asia said, “I am very excited to launch Isobar in this amazing country. Sri Lanka is a rising mobile economy with smartphone penetration growing by over 20% and mobile penetration growing over 120% year-on-year. With the launch of Isobar Sri Lanka we are looking at creating a leading agency for the digital age that follows a true full service model. Under the guidance of Neela and her team, I am sure we will be a force to reckon with in this market in the years to come.”

    Speaking on the launch of Isobar Sri Lanka, Neela Marikkar, Chairperson – Dentsu Grant Group and Dentsu Aegis Network Sri Lanka states, “We are thrilled to be introducing such an iconic brand into the Sri Lankan advertising industry. We are fortunate to be working so closely with our global and regional offices; we are confident that we will be able to use their global knowledge and skills to help develop business opportunities for our clients as well as help the digital economy of the country and accelerate through Isobar’s experience led transformation and brand commerce expertise.”

    Ready to revolutionize the market, Isobar Sri Lanka will offer end to end full service digital media creative and technology services and help clients navigate the world of tangible and intangible businesses through mobile brand commerce, product innovations, artificial intelligence (AI), virtual reality (VR), the internet of things (IOT) and wearables.

  • Eros Now enters Sri Lanka with Dialog Axiata

    Eros Now enters Sri Lanka with Dialog Axiata

    MUMBAI: Dialog Axiata, Sri Lanka’s premier connectivity provider, has announced its partnership with India’s video over-the-top (OTT) platform Eros Now. This association allows users to seamlessly browse through over 20,000 hours of original Indian content in over 10 languages.

    Available via the Dialog ViU app, Eros Now gives subscribers access to a high-quality content library which comprises of over 11,000+ movies with multi language subtitles, originals, music and entertainment shows in high definition (HD). Additionally, along with a vast library of diverse content, the app will allow users to curate movie and content playlists, receive personalised recommendations, view content offline and sync all devices for a superior viewing experience.

    There will be a monthly fee of Rs 100 and taxes.

    Speaking on the launch Dialog Axiata PLC senior general manager – global and content services Mangala Hettiarachchi said, “Dialog has always strived to provide customers with the best video experience on the best streaming network in Sri Lanka. Dialog ViU has allowed approximately one million customers to access the best of local, regional and international entertainment, and we are proud to exclusively partner with Eros Now, to give Dialog ViU users further access to an impressive content catalogue of Indian blockbusters.”

    Commenting on the partnership, Eros Digital CEO Rishika Lulla Singh said, “We are delighted to announce our arrival in Sri Lanka with our partner Dialog Axiata PLC. This partnership will help us offer the subscribers in Sri Lanka a one-stop-shop where they can watch a wide variety of Indian language, Bollywood and regional content. Sri Lanka is a growing market for digital entertainment and we truly believe that Eros Now’s extensive content bouquet will appease the audiences increasing entertainment demands.”