ITV

Tag: Stanley Fernandes

  • Archie Panjabi joins BBC Studios as EP for ‘Anisha Accidental Detective’

    Archie Panjabi joins BBC Studios as EP for ‘Anisha Accidental Detective’

    Mumbai: Emmy award-winning actress, Archie Panjabi, has teamed up with BBC Studios Kids & Family to develop the new comedic mystery series, Anisha Accidental Detective.  

    Based on the successful book series of the same name, written by Serena Patel and illustrated by Emma McCann, the ten-part live-action series follows strong-willed ten-year-old, Anisha Mistry, whose life is upended when her auntie’s fiancé disappears a few days before their big Bollywood-style wedding.

    Anisha must use her super sleuthing skills to uncover what’s happened to her Uncle Tony and get him to the wedding on time. Utilising the framework of classic detective dramas, this is a binge-able whodunnit series for audiences aged seven plus, bursting with intrigue, laughs, twists and turns. Anisha’s race for the truth is set against the backdrop of a lavish, glamourous Bollywood-style wedding.

    Archie Panjabi, who was the first South Asian woman to win an Emmy award for acting and is best known for her work on The Good Wife, Blindspot, Bend It Like Beckham, and currently starring in Under The Bridge, has come on board as executive producer of the series.

    Archie said: “BBC Studios Kids & Family have pulled together an amazing team to bring these utterly delightful books to life. With a British Indian family at the heart, it’s a wonderful celebration of British Indian culture. Anisha was the character I yearned to see on screen when I was a ten-year-old. The series is a refreshing comedy mystery about friendship, family and growing up, packed with vibrant characters. It’s delightfully intriguing and will keep the whole family craving for more – just like Anisha’s granny’s parathas!”

    BBC Studios VP distribution South Asia Stanley Fernandes commented: “This announcement is really exciting news for our audiences in India who can already catch a fantastic variety of our BBC Kids and Family content on BBC Kids and BBC Player on Amazon Prime Video Channel. We’re really looking forward to seeing more detail on this show as it develops.”

    Serena Patel, author of the Anisha Accidental Detective books, which are published by Usborne and have been a success across countries including the UK, Australia and India, said: “I was thrilled when I heard that Archie Panjabi was coming on board as Executive Producer for the series. I have huge admiration for her career as an actor and for her to be involved in bringing my books to the screen feels like a dream come true.”

    The series is being developed by BBC Studios Kids & Family in a deal optioned by Emily Hayward-Whitlock at The Artist Partnership and Kate Shaw at The Shaw Agency, with up-and-coming screenwriter and children’s novelist Nikesh Shukla. Nikesh is the writer of the multi-award winning Two Dosas and the author of The Council of Good Friends and several YA novels. He is also co-founder of The Good Literary Agency, as well as working on a Spider-Man comic book miniseries for Marvel.  

    BBC Studios Kids & Family VP of development, Edward Barnieh, said: “We’re thrilled to be working with industry leaders like Archie Panjabi, alongside exciting new talent like Serena and Nikesh, to bring Anisha Accidental Detective to a global audience. The series will feature fresh, diverse characters and will be bursting with clues, suspects and hilarious mishaps and, with a ticking clock counting down to a big family wedding, it’s sure to keep audiences on the edge of their seats.”

  • BBC Studios inks content partnership with BookMyShow Stream

    BBC Studios inks content partnership with BookMyShow Stream

    Mumbai: BookMyShow Stream, the video on-demand (TVoD) service, announced an exclusive content partnership with BBC Studios India. This inaugural partnership will see the launch of a BBC first: a dedicated branded space in the form of a widget on BookMyShow Stream, enhancing its portfolio with a dose of premium, bold, and British drama. Pre-bookings for these coveted titles are now live on BookMyShow Stream.

    Sherwood: It was launched to over six million viewers on the BBC (seven-day consolidated) and has been hailed by critics as one of television’s greatest dramas of recent years. The drama, which follows a tense and heart-wrenching investigation into two shocking and unexpected killings that shatter an already fractured community, is award-winning playwright and dramatist James Graham’s most personal work, having been inspired, in part, by real events that occurred in the Nottinghamshire mining village in which he grew up.

    Ragdoll: A gruesomely imaginative serial killer thriller, Ragdoll captures the fascinating but flawed friends struggling with the consequences of institutionalisation and trauma. Starring Henry Lloyd-Hughes, Thalissa Teixeira, and Lucy Hale, Ragdoll is executive produced and commissioned by AMC and UKTV’s Alibi, and executive produced by Sid Gentle Films with Freddy Syborn as lead writer and executive producer.

    Unforgotten Season 1: This crime drama focuses on a cold case reopened after 39 years. When the body of a young man is discovered in a derelict building, DCI Cassie Stuart-one of the Met’s smartest detectives-is called in to investigate. There are four suspects, each with a secret to hide. As their lies unravel, the people they love most begin to wonder what else they might be capable of. Unforgotten brings together one of the most accomplished acting ensembles seen on British television in years. The multi-award-winning cast includes Nicola Walker, Sanjeev Bhaskar, Bernard Hill, Trevor Eve, Ruth Sheen, Golden Globe and Bafta-winner Tom Courtenay, and Bafta-winner Gemma Jones.

    BookMyShow Stream will feature other titles, including Smother (seasons 1-2), Traces (seasons 1-2), The Chelsea Detective, Happy Valley (seasons 1-2) and Unforgotten (seasons 1-4) on its platform over the next two quarters.

    BBC Studios’ VP for distribution in South Asia Stanley Fernandes said, “BBC Studios is known for its premium content that is backed by powerful storytelling and the ability to connect with a global audience. We are constantly looking at innovative ways to complement the evolving consumption habits of our audiences and are delighted to embark on this new partnership with BookMyShow Stream to reach new audiences in the dynamic and vibrant streaming landscape of India.”

    BookMyShow COO-cinemas Ashish Saksena said, “The TVOD space is gaining traction as more and more entertainment enthusiasts are imbibing the culture of ‘Pay for what you want to watch’, rather than having multiple subscriptions. With BBC Studios taking cognizance of the mammoth opportunity this category holds, we are excited to see this exclusive partnership scale it further. We are thrilled to bring coveted BBC Studios titles into the BookMyShow Stream fold, furthering our aspiration to bring compelling international content to Indian audiences. The BBC First widget on our platform will attract audiences gunning for purposeful content, bringing the best of British content to India. Through this strategic partnership, we aim to take our entertainment quotient a notch higher and offer an unmatched viewing experience to our consumers.”

    Fans can ‘rent’ or ‘buy’ on the BBC First dedicated branded space in the form of a widget on BookMyShow Stream. Entertainment enthusiasts can avail a 50 per cent discount offer on Sherwood, Ragdoll, and Unforgotten (season 1) for a limited two-week period on the platform.

    With over 2,000 titles available since its launch in February 2021, BookMyShow Stream features a handpicked, specially curated library of content from around the world and India that users can rent or buy and watch. The platform uses over two decades of BookMyShow’s user understanding and data insights to focus on personalised content discovery with access to a selection of on-demand content from across the world.

  • BBC Studios inks content deal with MX Player

    BBC Studios inks content deal with MX Player

    Mumbai: BBC Studios has announced a new content deal with MX Player on Thursday. As a part of this alliance, BBC’s award-winning British dramas will be available on MX Player catering to audiences in India, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Nepal, Bhutan, Maldives and Pakistan. 

    Popular titles such as “The Watch” and “Critical” will be available on the platform to strengthen its content portfolio, said the statement.

    “BBC Studios has a track record of attracting viewers with a discerning eye for premium content through its powerful storytelling that has the ability to resonate with a global audience,” said BBC Studios’ VP for distribution South Asia Stanley Fernandes. “We are glad to embark on this partnership with MX Player and together, I am confident we will bring our bold British content to more audiences within India and beyond.”

    “Our vision has always been to entertain India, the way India wants,” said MX Player SVP and head – content acquisitions and alliances Mansi Shrivastav. “Adding International shows to our library, dubbed in local Indian languages is our attempt at democratising content for our large and diverse audience base. We’re delighted to partner with BBC Studios that will see their compelling British narratives being added to our rich catalogue of shows and we look forward to expanding this slate further in the near future.”

  • BBC Studios looks to partner with local platforms to bolster India presence

    BBC Studios looks to partner with local platforms to bolster India presence

    MUMBAI: India has become a fiercely contested territory for major streaming players as they look to drive sub-growth outside the maturing North American and western European markets.  

    BBC Studios, from the stable of the British public service broadcaster, recently unveiled a new content catalogue deal with new kid on the OTT block, Lionsgate Play. Under the agreement, five of BBC Studios' scripted dramas have been selected for the streaming service, with the shows subtitled into multiple regional Indian languages. The new deal, while bolstering the premium Lionsgate Play content portfolio, is tweaked to suit the tastes of the vastly diverse Indian audiences.

    BBC Studios South Asia distribution VP Stanley Fernandes revealed that the partnership with Lionsgate Play was nurtured when the pandemic was at its peak.

    “This augurs well for the state of the OTT industry. It’s good to see that there is demand and a growing audience for quality English-language entertainment. BBC Studios as a brand attracts its own set of audiences and we are happy to see that our programmes will now settle into Lionsgate Play amongst a rostrum of popular US shows,” said Fernandes.

    At the heart of good content is storytelling, for which the BBC is well-known. The series covered under the deal are an eclectic mix of contemporary genres, including Brexit: The Uncivil War, starring Benedict Cumberbatch, which dives into the activities and strategies behind the 2016 "Vote Leave" campaign in the U.K. Also included is the eight-episode series Class, set in the universe of Doctor Who; Les Misérables, starring Dominic West and Oscar winner Olivia Colman; Pure, about a 24-year-old woman coping with obsessive-compulsive disorder; and the epic period drama SS-GB, which tells an alternative history set in 1941, where the Germans have won the Battle of Britain.

    Fernandes is confident that the line-up will attract, engage and be appreciated by the discerning Indian viewer on Lionsgate Play. Said he: “We cater to a global audience and our aim is to bring world-class entertainment, with British sensibilities, to audiences locally. Thus far we have been successful with our content partnerships, branded blocks, and with our own branded channels which are appealing to Indian audiences. Our content is particularly viewed and enjoyed by audiences who invest time and money into their interest in content. This is a segment of the audience that Lionsgate is reaching out to, and we are confident that our content profile proposition will make for a successful partnership.”

    Asked how he plans to distribute the content, he quipped that it’s not about mass appeal, rather it’s about targeted appeal. “It is a partnership – it’s a two-way process. As owners of our intellectual property, we know our content best and our partners understand their audiences. Finding that right mix of shows to not only attract audiences but sustain them is what makes a deal successful.”

    Fernandes pointed out that BBC Studios’ content spans the bandwidth of, without being limited to, drama, comedy, natural history, science, children, lifestyle, documentaries, among others. This range of genres assists the content studio in supporting its partners to curate the right mix of shows that will garner audiences to their platforms by meeting targeted viewing requirements.

    “In India, for now, our business plans are to align with local platforms and it’s in these platforms that we see our best partnerships. Having said that, this is an ever-evolving space and we are always on the lookout for opportunities to increase our brand outreach and audience share,” he explained.

    But is the studio planning to target other Asian countries like Bangladesh, which is another big market in terms of content consumption? Fernandes shared that the aim is to reach out to as many audiences as it can, across platforms and territories. He further revealed that local partnerships in other South Asian markets are in sight.

    “However, currently there is so much to focus on in India; our key business agenda is to grow existing partnerships and create new relationships across both linear and digital services with India as our priority market. Having said that, most of our licensing deals with key partners extend to territories within South Asia, covering territories such as Bangladesh, reaching out to our audiences within these bases,” he detailed.

    BBC Studios is vaunted for its premium shows; it has a huge content library and due to the pandemic, there has been a surge in content consumption. Thus, investing in the streaming platforms is an obvious step, reasoned Fernandes. He pointed to BBC iPlayer in the UK, launched in 2007, and which can be accessed by all license fee payers in the UK. Subscribers of BBC Channels in Singapore and Malaysia have been given access to BBC Player. More recently, it launched BritBox in the US and Canada, followed by Australia in the last couple of months. BritBox is its JV partnership with ITV, bringing the best of British content to one dedicated service. 

    Additionally, BBC Studios all is set to launch a new, ad-free subscription streaming channel, BBC Select, in early 2021 on Amazon Prime video channels and the Apple TV app. BBC Select will offer a rich range of programs from the UK covering three main topics – culture, politics, and ideas. 

    Apart from Lionsgate Play, the studio is in talks with content players in both the digital as well as the linear space with new and innovative deals and business models. These deals are under contractual discussions and will be unveiled when formalised. For now, Fernandes mentioned the studio’s content is well received across both of its operated channels –CBeebies, which provides fun learning through play for pre-school kids, and on its JV partnership channel Sony BBC Earth, showcasing the best of factual entertainment. BBC Studios’ content is also seen across various digital platforms such as Netflix, Amazon, Discovery Plus, Disney+HotStar, Hungama, Tata Sky, Voot, and Voot Kids.

    Shedding light on licensing and merchandising, Fernandes highlighted that content sales over the years have changed from pure fixed-fee license deals. Audiences know and understand content and brands, a key factor for BBC Studios’ businesses. For him, it’s all about adding value. In India, BBC brands and branded content are important to its audiences. The studio’s branded blocks such as BBC First on Zee Café, the cult following for shows such as Top Gear on Discovery Plus, Doctor Who on Amazon Prime Video attract core fan audiences. BBC Studio will also adapt BAFTA-nominated series One of Us in Telugu for Disney+ Hotstar.

    He concluded, “Branded partnerships have been key in shaping our businesses, bringing our audiences closer to the best of world-class, bold, British entertainment in India.”

  • BBC Studios inks deal with Lionsgate Play in India

    BBC Studios inks deal with Lionsgate Play in India

    NEW DELHI: BBC Studios has signed a new content catalogue deal with Lionsgate Play, marking the first-ever partnership between the streaming service in India and the British production powerhouse. The new deal bolsters the premium Lionsgate Play content portfolio with a fresh raft of bold, British drama.

    Lionsgate Play recently made its independent foray in the Indian OTT landscape. The streaming service is currently available on Google Play Store, Apple App Store, Amazon Firestick and via Airtel Xstream, Jio Fiber and Vi Movies and TV.

    Under the agreement, viewers will receive five exciting scripted dramas selected for the Lionsgate Play platform, spanning science fiction, period and contemporary genres to cater to a wide range of viewing interests:

    ·       Brexit: The Uncivil War – Starring Benedict Cumberbatch and an ensemble cast of British talent, the show dives into the activities and strategies behind the ‘Vote Leave’ campaign building up to the European Union referendum of 2016. Produced by House Productions.

    ·       Class – Written by stalwart Young Adult novelist Patrick Ness and set in the iconic universe of Doctor Who, the eight-episode series centres around the Coal Hill School and a group of four classmates-turned-unlikely allies, as they battle against the invasion of the alien Shadow Kin. Produced by BBC Studios and executive-produced by Steven Moffat.

    ·       Les Misérables – An extraordinary cast of A-list actors, including Dominic West (The Wire) and Oscar winner Olivia Colman (The Favourite), bring this epic adaptation of Victor Hugo's classic novel Les Misérables to life, telling the story of fascinating characters caught up in poverty and the unrest of post-revolutionary France. It is produced by Lookout Point and BBC Studios.

    ·       Pure – This critically-acclaimed comedy drama centres around 24-year-old Marnie, as she moves to London for the first time and struggles to control her intrusive obsessive compulsive disorder. It is based on Rose Cartwright’s book of the same name and offers a frank, sympathetic window into mental health. Pure is produced by Drama Republic.

    ·       SS-GB – An epic period drama produced by Sid Gentle Films and based on the novel by Len Deighton, SS-GB dives into a sobering alternative history. It is 1941, and the Germans have won the Battle of Britain. Detective Douglas Archer finds himself working under the brutal SS in occupied London.

    BBC Studios distribution (South Asia) VP Stanley Fernandes said, “These programmes represent the cutting-edge of both BBC and British storytelling as a whole, and we’re really excited to bring even more choice to the discerning Indian viewer, through this deal with Lionsgate. In the midst of India’s dynamic streaming and entertainment landscape, we’re pleased that British drama and formats continue to find new platforms and an enthusiastic public reception in the region, and that these stories are accessible to as wide an audience as possible.”

    Lionsgate South Asia and Networks SEA MD Rohit Jain said, “We are delighted to have partnered with BBC Studios. Indian audiences have always enjoyed British content and the unique content line up provided by BBC Studios covers various genres of entertainment. It is classic, powerful and ground-breaking. We are confident our viewers will be swooped into another world.”

  • BBC Studios’ Stanley Fernandes on his inspiration and future plans

    BBC Studios’ Stanley Fernandes on his inspiration and future plans

    MUMBAI: BBC Studios South Asia distribution VP Stanley Fernandes is currently working across affiliate sales, digital sales, and content sales, in an integrated and geographically focused approach to grow distribution business in these territories. Previously, Stanley led content sales for south and southeast Asia. He now oversees new revenue opportunities for the distribution business in a more holistic offering to the client in south Asia.

    Stanley who initially started off as a journalist has over 24 years of experience in the content business. He has produced content for UTV, he has also played an important role in Disney’s distribution team. In a candid conversation with indiantelevision.com Stanley Fernandes spoke at length about his interests, plans going forward for BBC studios and much more.

    Edited Excerpts:

    What are you reading or listening to right now?

    I am currently reading two books, ‘How Not to Diet,’ by Michael Greger, MD which is an evidence-based study on nutrition and ‘I Know Why The Caged Bird Sings,’ by Maya Angelou which is an autobiography (first in a series of seven books) illustrating her narrative in overcoming racism and trauma.

    When are you most inspired?

    There are moments when you suddenly become mindful of either the simplicity or the complexity of the mind and you learn to separate the cause and effect; new and inspiring thoughts can emerge during this time. It’s about allowing your mind to be at ease. It could happen when you're sipping your morning coffee, reading, driving or meditating.

    You have done a diploma in nutrition and dietetics, how are you utilising this expertise in your day to day life?

    During pandemic, the importance of building immunity and what we eat is of utmost importance. Understanding food and how it interacts with our body is something we know so little of. Everything we eat is a chemical and wrongly balanced food can lead to its ill effects, while a well-balanced nutritional plan can be curative. My understanding of this science aids me in making the right food choices, and eating right is all about balance and moderation. 

    You also have a great interest in painting and sketching, in today's busy world do you get time to follow your passion?

    It is important to always make time for hobbies and set your priorities right. Creative thinking comes many-a-times from not thinking about issues at hand, and hobbies provide you with that shift in mindset and perspective. We all need a break from our daily momentum and trying to make the best of being indoors.

    What is the best thing that has ever happened to you professionally?

    I have had great mentors in my career; ones who have been confident leaders and who were not afraid to be their own. A bigger part of growing is learning by example and I have been fortunate to be surrounded by professionals who have been magnanimous in encouraging me to constantly strive to be a better person and professional. Leaders and mentors have a bigger role than just the job at hand and it’s the things they don’t say and do that set an example.

    Have you taken your time to reflect what all you have accomplished in the past years and what goals you'll be setting for the coming years?

    We have had a great run over the years, from launching branded blocks such as BBC First, showcasing the best of our British drama on Zee Café, or the CBeebies block on Zee Q, to launching branded shows such as Doctor Who on StarFX, HotStar and Amazon. Top Gear and Great British Bake Off across the Sony and Viacom English GECs. Our presence can be seen on digital platforms from Netflix, Amazon, Disney+ Hotstar, Hungama, Tata Sky and soon to launch Discovery Plus.  Going forward, our emphasis is definitely going to be on employee welfare, adapting to the new work-from-home goals and being customer-focused, adapting to the dynamic changes in the market.

    Any exciting things lined up for BBC Studios in the next year?

    We are always looking for opportunities and ways to grow our brands. There is a lot happening in the pipeline and it’s a space to watch out for. We recently re-launched CBeebies – a channel dedicated to pre-schoolers with its emphasis on learning through play, which is currently present in over 30 million homes (and counting), in the country. Sony BBC Earth, our joint venture with Sony continues to showcase the best of our factual entertainment and natural history content, and of course our content can be seen across all leading digital SVOD platforms too.

    What is your number one priority for the business right now?

    Our focus is on supporting our customers right now. The pandemic has left companies and industries looking at creative ways to reinvent their businesses and we want to be there for them. We have relooked at our sales policies and adapted them to current market realities in alignment with our brands. We are in the creative business and we also want our approach to be creative with our partners and support them in the best way we can.

    Describe the BBC Studios culture? What makes it unique?

    It’s a creative place that respects individuality and puts its people first. Emotional intelligence and employee wellbeing is of utmost importance as we believe it drives productivity. BBC Studios is very much focused on promoting a diverse and varied workforce, and a workplace that empowers you to be creative in your approach towards work. It also focuses on being impartial and honest at all times, a key attribute that the BBC Group is well known for.

    What's the best and worst career advice you have been given?

    My best career advice would be, “Don’t be afraid to make a call. Nothing has ever been achieved by being paralysed with indecisiveness. Be honest to yourself and have integrity. People will always see you for who you are and who you are is also a representation of the company you work for.” The worst advice would be “fake it until you make it.”

    You can have a dinner party with any four people in the world. Who’s on your invite list?

    Vincent Van Gogh – to understand his art and life that’s shrouded by mystery.

    Steve Job – for his simplicity in coding.

    Michelle Obama – for being a role model and advocate to so many issues that matter.

    J. R. D Tata – for modernising India during its formative years and setting the standards till today.

    Can you tell me about a tough day you had at work and how you pushed through?

    It’s all a matter of perspective; the glass can be half full or half empty. It’s important to be decisive, fair and true to the moment. Create possibilities out of any given situation and the end will take care of itself. Learn to ‘believe!’.

  • BBC Studios inks licensing deal with Colors Infinity for Top Gear

    BBC Studios inks licensing deal with Colors Infinity for Top Gear

    MUMBAI: BBC Studios has announced a licensing deal with Viacom18 Media, which will see the latest series of Top Gear air on the Indian entertainment network’s premium English entertainment channel – Colours Infinity. The deal for the world’s biggest motoring entertainment show, was revealed today at Showcase, BBC Studios’ spectacular trade event held in Liverpool each year.

    This multi-platform deal with Viacom18 will make series 27 of Top Gear available to Indian viewers that are looking forward to watch their favorite motoring show.

    Top Gear is the world’s biggest and longest-running motoring entertainment show which has had a huge global following across 200+ territories, making it one of the world’s most widely watched factual TV programmes. The much-loved series features gruelling challenges, epic adventures and state-of-the-art supercars with a hint of mayhem, humour and mischief.

    Series 27 introduces a shiny new presenter line up, with comedian and TV presenter Paddy McGuinness and cricketing legend Andrew ‘Freddie’ Flintoff joining motoring journalist Chris Harris. Also back in the driving seat is the enigmatic white-suited professional driver, known across the globe as The Stig.  

    From the brutal heat of the Ethiopian desert to the sweltering Borneo rainforest, from the wilds of Iceland to the pedestrianised shopping district of a British market town, Top Gear is bigger than ever. The team tackle the fastest, hottest, toughest Top Gear challenges to date, pushing their cars and themselves to the limits. At the world-famous Top Gear test track, a fresh batch of celebrities demonstrate their driving prowess (or lack thereof) and face challenges set by the presenters.

    The new presenting line up has been a hit with fans and their debut series on BBC Two in June last year was particularly well received in the UK, with an average consolidated audience of 3.8 million.  Following the success of their first series together, the trio have recently returned to UK screens with even higher audience ratings, with the new series premiere opening to a consolidated audience of more than 4.3 million, the highest in over four years. In between series, they also filmed the Top Gear Nepal Special, which saw Freddie, Paddy and Chris embark on an epic high-altitude voyage from Kathmandu to the Forbidden City of Lo Manthang, thrilling UK audiences when it aired in December.

    BBC Studios South Asia distribution vice president Stanley Fernandes says, “We’re thrilled to partner with Viacom18 to bring the latest series of Top Gear to India. Audiences are going to love the new line up taking control of the wheel and taking the series to another level. Expect plenty of thrills, spills and laughs”

    Viacom18 Youth, Music & English Entertainment, VOOT Select head Ferzad Palia says, “Indian viewers are big fans of fast-paced and adrenaline-pumping automotive content. Globally, Top Gear is recognised as the most popular motoring entertainment show, and we’re thrilled to showcase series 27 of this iconic show to viewers in India. Adding another genre to our bouquet of offering, Viacom18 continues to deliver the best of English entertainment to its audience.”

  • BBC Studios Asia Pacific appoints Cheryl Png, Stanley Fernandes to head South Asia distribution

    BBC Studios Asia Pacific appoints Cheryl Png, Stanley Fernandes to head South Asia distribution

    MUMBAI: There are some top-level changes at BBC Studios' APAC team. Cheryl Png has been promoted to VP, Distribution, South East Asia and Stanley Fernandes has been promoted to VP, Distribution, South Asia. 

    This will see both Png and Fernandes working across Affiliate Sales, Digital Sales, and Content Sales, in a more integrated and geographically-focused approach to our distribution business in these territories. Previously Png headed up the Affiliate Sales business for the South East Asia region, while her counterpart Fernandes led Content Sales for South and South East Asia.  They will also oversee new revenue opportunities for the distribution business, in a more holistic offering to the client.

    BBC Studios South & South East Asia SVP & GM Ryan Shiotani said: “I’m delighted to be able to promote Cheryl and Stanley, who are first-class commercial leaders, with a passion and knowledge for BBC Studios content.  This new approach also puts the focus on our valued clients, offering them an integrated content distribution service in the hands of their local experts.”

    In addition, Sweta Sriram has been promoted to Manager, Content and Brands for the South Asia region, working to Fernandes.

  • BBC Worldwide strengthens south Asian sales team

    BBC Worldwide strengthens south Asian sales team

    MUMBAI: BBC Worldwide has promoted Sunil Joshi to head of distribution for BBC Global News in south Asia, and appointed Stanley Fernandes as sales director for south Asia.

     

    Joshi was elevated from his prior role of heading up distribution for the north and western India. In his new role, he will oversee the distribution sales of BBC Global News’ content, including television, online and mobile productions.

     

    Both will be based in Mumbai and report to Myleeta Aga, SVP and general manager for India and content head for Asia.

     

    Joshi will partner with Sirsendu Chakravarty, who handles the eastern region; Hemang Pathak, who handles the west; Sethuraman Sathyanarayanan, for the southern region as well as digital; and Sandra Fernandes, for corporate.

     

    In Fernandes’ new role, he will build and lead BBC Worldwide’s television content sales to linear channels and digital platforms in India and the subcontinent. Previously, he was the senior manager at Disney Media Distribution.

     

    “Sunil has a great depth of relationships in the distribution network and wealth of insights that will help contribute to our next phase of growth in south Asia,” said Aga. “Stanley has joined us at a very important time as we move into the new regional structure with strong market focus.”