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Tag: TLC

  • FremantleMedia acquires stake in 495 Productions

    FremantleMedia acquires stake in 495 Productions

    MUMBAI: FremantleMedia, has signed a deal to acquire a majority stake in 495 Productions, a US-based production company, known for its cutting edge reality programming.  Under the terms of the deal, FremantleMedia will have a 75 per cent holding with the opportunity to acquire the remaining shareholding in the future.

     

    This acquisition adds another strong and prolific US production companies into FremantleMedia’s increasingly diverse group of North American holdings, alongside its subsidiary FremantleMedia North America (“FMNA”) and previous acquisition Original Productions.

     

    Founded in 2006 by SallyAnn Salsano, one of the preeminent US entertainment producers and creators, 495 Productions is a formidable hit factory specialising in riveting unscripted character-driven reality series with colourful personalities at their heart.  The company developed and produced the pop-culture phenomenon series Jersey Shore, which went on to become MTV’s highest-rated show in its history and a global hit with multiple spin-offs including Snooki and JWOWW, The Show with Vinny and The Pauly D Project.

     

    Other ground-breaking productions include Spike TV’s Tattoo Nightmares, which FremantleMedia already distributes internationally, and Repo Games; MTV’s dating show Friendzone and the daytime syndicated talk show The Real for which SallyAnn Salsano is the executive producer. 

     

    The company also produces recent ratings hits Jerks with Cameras for MTV, Tattoos After Dark for Oxygen and Party Down South, which has quickly established itself as CMT’s highest-rated series ever.

     

    FremantleMedia  CEO Cécile Frot-Coutaz in a press statement said, “495 Productions is undeniably one of the US’s leading reality production companies with a unique approach to formatted character-driven reality shows which have proved compelling TV in the US and around the world.  This deal will allow us to expand our share of the valuable US cable market and will complement and diversify our existing portfolio of content and clients.  Together, our ambition is to continue to grow 495 Productions in the US and to broaden its global footprint even further through our extensive distribution and production network.”

     

    FremantleMedia North America CEO Thom Beers added: “SallyAnn is a brilliant leader, an unstoppable creative force and one of the most successful producers in the entertainment industry. Since founding the business 2006, she and the talented creative team at 495 Productions have built the company into a powerhouse responsible for some of the most watched and talked about programming on TV at the moment. This is a key strategic acquisition for FMNA which, with both Original Productions and 495 Productions in the fold, now commands a best-in-class production slate across all family, male and female demos, and for network, cable and syndication platforms.”

     

    495 Productions has enjoyed great success in the US with shows airing across major broadcast and cable networks including a long-standing relationship with MTV and other Viacom channels such as Spike, CMT and VH1 and more recently with Fox, TLC, SyFy, Oxygen, National Geographic, TV Guide, A&E, Lifetime and History Channel.  Additionally, the company has recently signed a multi-year deal with Warners’ Telepictures Productions for SallyAnn’s services as executive producer on new shows for syndicated television, the first of which, The Real, launches this fall.  The company’s production team and the casts of its shows have been nominated for Daytime Emmy Awards and People’s Choice Awards and have won Teen Choice Awards for two years in a row.

     

    495 Productions founder SallyAnn Salsano commented: “This is a huge moment for me and the entire team at 495. That said, the decision of who to partner with and where to make my new home was easy because of my long term relationships with both Cecile and Thom. They know me, they understand how I run my business and they appreciate the way I produce my shows. I started this company with nothing in 2006 and this is proof that if you love what you do, work your ass off and want it bad enough someone will notice and it will pay off.”

  • TLC TO Premiere ‘Lorraine’s Fast, Fresh and Easy Food’

    TLC TO Premiere ‘Lorraine’s Fast, Fresh and Easy Food’

    MUMBAI: TLC, India’s favourite lifestyle channel presents a refreshing new food series LORRAINE’S FAST, FRESH AND EASY FOOD. The host of the show Lorraine Pascal will bring out her passion for cooking, love for good food and her expertise in baking after giving up her flourishing modelling career.

     

    Centred on stress-free cooking that delivers exceptional results,LORRAINE’S FAST, FRESH AND EASY FOOD willpremiere on April 7, 2014 at 6:30 PM, every Monday.

     

    In the new series, Lorraine will reveal the culinary trade secrets and demonstrate innovative kitchen shortcuts for every occasion. Lorraine will cook five inviting and accessible dishes per episode.

     

    In this busy world, there is dependence on jars, packed and readymade food to make cooking easier. LORRAINE’S FAST, FRESH AND EASY FOODwill show how easy it is to make food that is completely fresh in less time than we might think.From a sunny, summer pasta dish ready in four minutes to an indulgent three-course dinner for four in under an hour, these are quick recipes that are designed to make fresh food fit around our lives.

     

    Rahul Johri, Senior VP and General Manager- South Asia and Head of Revenue, Pan-Regional Ad Sales and Southeast Asia, Discovery Networks Asia-Pacific said, “The new show Lorraine’s Fast Fresh and Easy Food is brimming with recipes that are simple and classic with minimal efforts. It’s packed with comforting recipes that will make you smile inside and out.”

     

    From a twist on an Italian favourite, salmon saltimbocca with gremolata potatoes and crispy sage leaves: to pan fried mascarpone gnocchi with dreamy basil pesto, all are easy enough to knock up from scratch at home. Lorraine also creates irresistible port preserved cherries with cinnamon and orange. Gorgeous little warm Bramley apple pies; a tasty twister bread that anyone can have a go at; and her own twist on a traditional roast, whole roast perky periperi chicken. For those with a sweet tooth, Lorraine cooks a neat & Tidy Eton Mess with blackberries and stem ginger whipped cream.

     

  • TLC’s new offering ‘Rachel Allen’s Easy Meals’ to kick start from 3 March

    TLC’s new offering ‘Rachel Allen’s Easy Meals’ to kick start from 3 March

    MUMBAI: TLC, the pioneer of cuisine programming in India presents a refreshing food series ‘Rachel Allen’s Easy Meals’ The charismatic and famous chef Rachel Allen returns to her roots back home in Ireland to cook simple and enjoyable dishes. Whether the cupboards are bare or a fabulous fuss-free meal needs to be cooked, Rachel will have all the answers. One can always trust Rachel Allen, to help cook a delicious and doable dinner on the table.

     

    Premiering on 3 March, Rachel Allen’s Easy Meals’ will air every Monday to Friday only on TLC.

     

    Each episode of ‘Rachel Allen’s Easy Meals’ is themed on a cuisine or an occasion ranging from Oriental Feast, Sunday Lunch, Easy Indian, Lazy Sunday Mornings, Quick Easy Baking, Speedy Sunshine Food, Inspired Italian to Easy Christmas amongst many others.

     

    Discovery Networks Asia-Pacific senior VP and general manager – south Asia and head of revenue, pan-regional ad sales and southeast Asia Rahul Johri said, “TLC is the home to the finest and most renowned global hosts and personalities. Rachel Allen is yet another delightful host who will bring her signature style and passion to cuisine programming on TLC.”

     

    Rachel Allen draws on years of experience to create delectable meals. Taking inspiration from people around her, Rachel shares the secrets of her approach to delicious and effortless food through a collection of simple but sumptuous recipes.

     

    Adding a new flavour  to the series, Rachel Allen lets the viewers enter into her life sharing her own passion, expertise and insight as well as that of the close friends, family and suppliers that she lives and works with every day through location stories shot in and around her home which is Ballymaloe in Ireland.

     

    Rachel is the author of four best-selling cookery books which include Rachel’s Favourite Food at Home and Rachel’s Food for Living. Her charming manner and effortless style make her a delight to watch. Rachel is columnist and contributor to a number of Irish publications. Her influences are both regional and global which continues to rise. She lives in her seaside home in County Cork with her husband Isaac, sons Luka and Joshua and their daughter Scarlett. 

  • TLC serves ‘The Fabulous Baker Brothers’ beginning 17 February

    TLC serves ‘The Fabulous Baker Brothers’ beginning 17 February

    MUMBAI: The English entertainment channel TLC is all set to serve some mouthwatering delicacies with its new series The Fabulous Baker Brothers starring Tom and Henry Herbert.

     

    In the new series, ace bakers and journalists Tom and Henry Herbert will demonstrate how easy it is to bake like a professional in your own kitchen by mastering a few simple techniques. The Fabulous Baker Brothers will premiere on 17 February and will air every Monday and Tuesday on TLC at 9:30 pm.

     

    Discovery Networks Asia-Pacific, Pan-Regional ad sales and south east Asia sr VP and GM – South Asia and head of revenue Rahul Johri said, “TLC is committed to offering its viewers the widest range of culinary programmes in exciting new formats hosted by iconic international personalities. We have pioneered and presented a diaspora of lifestyle trends ranging from cuisine, makeover, and travel. Now we bring baking to Indian audience. The Fabulous Baker Brothers will open the door to a brave new world of wonderful baking and magnificent meaty masterpieces.”

     

    With five generations of baking tradition behind them, Tom, the master baker and Henry, the popular chef who runs a local butcher’s shop will take you on a gastronomical journey in this new offering from TLC.

     

    In the new series, viewers will get a chance to see the boys roll up their sleeves and get down to putting together tantalising recipes that satisfy everyone’s taste buds and appetites. From perfect pizzas and simple chapattis to the ultimate burger and the massive pie, every episode centers around a theme and also sees both brothers fight it out in an epic battle known as the Pie War in which as they serve up their pie versions to hungry judges.

  • Trinny & Susannah’s makeover mission India is back with a new season on TLC

    Trinny & Susannah’s makeover mission India is back with a new season on TLC

    MUMBAI: TLC brings a new season of its successful fashion makeover series,TRINNY & SUSANNAH’S MAKEOVER MISSION INDIA. Trinny and Susannah are by far the world’s most prolific makeover gurus and fashion experts and now they are ready for the suits in India and teach them a thing or two about fashion. TRINNY & SUSANNAH’S MAKEOVER MISSION INDIA will premiere on February 10th and will air Monday-Thursday at 10pm on TLC.

    The all new episodes will showcase makeovers of professionals from diverse backgrounds.It willalso bring the men and women out from the confines of their corporate boardroom and help them to imbibe fun and colour in their everyday lives. The world famous fashion duo will hunt for anyone in need of their help and expertise.

    TRINNY & SUSANNAH’S MAKEOVER MISSION INDIAhas been shot in Delhi and Mumbai and each episode will see Trinny and Susannah walk the city streets looking for people of various shapes, sizes, fashion preferences and personal backgrounds.

    Rahul Johri, Senior Vice President and General Manager – South Asia & Head of Revenue, Pan-Regional Ad Sales and Southeast Asia, Discovery Networks Asia-Pacific, said, “Based on the tremendous viewers’ response, TLC is delighted to bring the new season of the extremely popular series TRINNY & SUSANNAH’S MAKEOVER MISSION INDIA. The show has a twist this time and it will be fun to watch the two fashionistas spot and transform people’s wardrobe.”

    Trinny and Susannah are assisted with their professional makeover team that includes a hairdresser, make-up artist, seamstresses and a photographer. Together they bring about dramatic transformations.With glamorous new outfits, hairstyles, make-up and armed with new found self-confidence, the transformed men and women then walk the catwalk for their friends and family.  

    World-renowned style experts, Trinny Woodall & Susannah Constantine have changed the way people from across the world feel about themselves and by far are two of the world’s most popular fashion experts and makeover queens. From Scandanavia to the UK and North America – they have encouraged women to embrace their shapes, dress to impress and turn fashion faux-pas to fashion fabulous. And now, they are headed towards India.

     

  • Television’s Independent Film Channel now just IFC

    Television’s Independent Film Channel now just IFC

    MUMBAI: In a small bit of news that may come as a surprise to many, Independent Film Channel has officially changed its name to just IFC.

     

    The regular viewers might have probably figured that out by now. But the recently announced that the corporate paperwork has been signed to change the network’s name to IFC.

     

    It’s just another example of how networks evolve over time with their names and images sometimes catching up to them; in recent times a channel that pops up in the head is The Learning Channel becoming TLC as its programming changed dramatically.

     

    Closer home we have witnessed such changes among news channels and sports channels in recent times.

     

    The changeover began in 2010 when IFC began airing its first original comedy, The Increasingly Poor Decisions of Todd Margaret.

     

    The network now produces six original comedies. The most recent, a spoof of prime-time soaps titled The Spoils of Babylon, starring Will Ferrell, Kristen Wiig and Tobey Maguire with several other famous names making cameos, began past week. Reruns of Arrested Development were also a key part of the transition.

     

    While there are plenty of places to find broad-based comedy on TV, IFC managers figured they could fill a niche with shows that are ‘slightly off’ – as IFC says in its tagline.

     

    IFC, owned by AMC Networks Inc, has also acquired movies that are anything but independent; over the holiday season it ran installments of the National Lampoon ‘Vacation’ comedies.

     

    Financially, it’s always detrimental for a network in creating its own original programming than in relying on movies that were originally produced for other venues.

     

    IFC has some surprises in store later this year with a new series, Garfunkel & Oates, starring the comic duo Riki Lindhome and Kate Micucci, and a second season of Maron, about the comic Marc Maron.

     

    Though IFC’s transition had been long time due, signing the documents striking off the name Independent Film Channel was still a significant move for the channel. Now what’s left to be seen is does it have an impact on its reach and viewership, only time can tell.

  • India, buckle up for Here Comes Honey Boo Boo

    India, buckle up for Here Comes Honey Boo Boo

    MUMBAI: India is set to witness the fascinating world of Boo Boo family and their hijinks in TLC’s new series Here Comes Honey Boo Boo. The international hit series will bring an inside look into the world of beauty pageant queen and reality star Honey Boo Boo aka Alana Thompson. Here Comes Honey Boo Boo will make its debut on Indian television on 17 January, Friday-Sunday at 10 pm on TLC.

     

    Featured as one of the ‘Most Influential Women in TV’ under 30 years, Honey Boo Boo, in the new series, will showcase her antics along with her mom June, dad Sugar Bear, three older sisters and uncle Poodle at the family home in McIntyre, Georgia.

     

    “Over the years TLC has entertained Indian audience with its eclectic programmes and wide variety presented through unique formats, hosts and themes. We are expanding our offering by bringing the international hit series Here Comes Honey Boo Boo to Indian television screen this January,” said Discovery Networks Asia-Pacific senior VP and general manager – South Asia and head of revenue, pan-regional ad sales and southeast Asia Rahul Johri.

     

    Here Comes Honey Boo Boo follows the charming eight-year-old Alana and her family in rural Georgia doing what they do best: four-wheeling through mud pits and picking up road kill for the family cookout. Alana’s amusing personality and self-confidence has won millions of viewers across the world and her self-proclaimed nickname has become a fixture in pop culture.

     

    From family outings to loud and crazy family get-togethers, Here Comes Honey Boo Boo aims at taking the viewers off the pageant stage and into the unapologetically outrageous family life of the Honey Boo Boo clan.

  • Discovery turbo brings new car restoration series

    Discovery turbo brings new car restoration series

    MUMBAI: Renowned design expert Chip Foose returns with OVERHAULIN’: DECONSTRUCTED– featuring his most amazing and imaginative automotive builds yet. As the father of the modern hot rod and head of the iconic Foose Designs, Foose is revered by gearheads in every corner of the world.In Discovery Turbo’s new car renovation series OVERHAULIN’: DECONSTRUCTED viewers follow Chip Foose and his team transform vehicles into the most amazing and imaginative automotives.

    Starting December 16,OVERHAULIN’: DECONSTRUCTED airs every night at 11 PM on Discovery Turbo.
    Chip’s car builds represent the ultimate combination of art, technology and ingenuity, resulting in some of the most unique and breathtaking vehicles anywhere. The all-new OVERHAULIN’: DECONTRUCTEDgoes beyond the garage, exploring engaging human stories and the strong emotional connection between man and machine. Viewers go behind the scenes with the cast and crew for insider producer’s notes, never before seen show footage and cool car factoids.

    The restoration projects feature deserving individuals ranging from returning veterans to those negatively impacted by the tough economy. Each altered auto becomes a life-changing surprise for its unknowing owner. Will Chip and his team of automobile wizards be able to pull it all off in a few short days and on a tight budget? And how will the owner react to his new ride?

    It’s a bumper-to-bumper journey to the final transformation into a cool set of wheels. And along the way, the hosts keep the owner guessing as to where his car is while the work is getting done.

    In addition to Foose, the OVERHAULIN’: DECONSTRUCTED team includes some of the most talented design professionals anywhere. Longtime collaborator and co-host Chris Jacobs returns to help lead an automotive dream team in the garage. Don’t miss any of the action, only on Discovery Turbo.

    Some of the episodes are: 
    1965 Impala – Chip Foose and the A-Team restore a Marine Corps veteran’s prized Chevy Impala that he’s been forced to sell in order to support his young family.
    Chevy Pick Up Truck – Chip Foose and the A-Team restore a newly-retired teacher’s 1954 Pickup Truck that he’s put off investing in until his twin daughters’ college tuition has been paid for.

    1967 Camaro – Chip Foose and the A-Team restore the Camaro of a man who thought he got a great deal on an internet auction, only to be left with project well beyond his budget and expertise.
    Volkswagen Bug – Chip Foose and the A-Team restore the VW of a young mechanic whose health problems have made his project come to a halt. Not only will his car be Overhauled he’ll get the experience of a lifetime working alongside the crew.

    BIOGRAPHY – CHIP FOOSE
    Chip Foose began working on automobiles at age seven for his father’s company, Project Design, in Santa Barbara. Foose attended the Art Center College of Design for two years in 1982, then began working at ASHA Corporation for four years before returning to the Art Center to complete his education, graduating in 1990. Following graduation, Foose then worked full-time for Sterenberger Design and part-time for Boyd Coddington. Later, Chip became the president of Coddington’s company Hot Rods by Boyd. While working for Coddington, Foose designed many of Coddington’s well-known creations such as the Boydster I and II.

    In 1998, Foose started his own automotive and product design company called Foose Design in Huntington Beach, California. In 2001, Foose began his TV career by acting as a consultant for the TV series “Titus” before going on to be the custom painting consultant for the 2006 movie “Cars”. Foose gained more exposure in 2003 as a result of a TLC documentary on his design and creation of a modified 2002 Ford Thunderbird called the Speedbird. In 2004, the TLC version of Overhaulin’ began to air with Foose as the star of show. Other television credits include hosting the series “American Icon: The Hot Rod” for Discovery’s HD Theater.


    Throughout his career Foose has been honored with several awards including induction into the Hot Rod Hall of Fame at Peterson Publishing’s 50th Anniversary at SEMA (Special Equipment Marketing Association); the prestigious AMBR (America’s Most Beautiful Roadster) Award in 1999 and 2000; the coveted Ridler Award in 2002, and in 2003 Foose was inducted into the Grand national Roadster Show Hall of Fame.

    Today, Foose continues to operate Foose Design and provide design consultations to the big three automakers.

  • OH MY GOLD! is back with a new season on TLC

    OH MY GOLD! is back with a new season on TLC

    DELHI: TLC presents a new season of its successful series based on gold in India,OH MY GOLD! which will be hosted by model and actress Jennifer Kotwal. In the new season,Jennifer Kotwalsets off on a three city adventure to investigate the common obsession with gold in Delhi, Kolkata and Bengaluru. OH MY GOLD!will premiere on December 13 every night at 9PM on TLC.

    In OH MY GOLD!, Jennifer Kotwal embarks on a jewellery escapade where she indulges in the most exquisite jewellery, gilded in gold and studded with precious gems. Besides the traditional, quintessentially region specific ornaments, Jennifer Kotwal also catches up with each city’s most celebrated jewellery experts who craft the most incredible pieces of the golden metal.

    Rahul Johri, Senior VP and General Manager – South Asia and Head of Revenue, Pan-Regional Ad Sales and Southeast Asia, Discovery Networks Asia-Pacific,said, “TLC has consistently presented and invested in new genres such as travel, food, makeover and now jewellery. Based on the tremendous response of the viewers, TLC is delighted to bring the new season of the extremely popular series ‘OH MY GOLD!’This new season will take viewers on a glittering journeythat will celebrate the country’s eternal love for jewellery.”

    Excited on the launch of her series on TLC, Jennifer Kotwal, said, “I have always been mesmerized by the beauty and sanctity of the precious metal. I am thrilled to be associated with TLC and hosting the new season on my choicest subject. Its only leaves me saying OH MY GOLD!

    What all viewers can watch in OH MY GOLD!

    Kolkata: Jennifer embraces the culture and heritage of Kolkata to unveil the glittering story of gold. She visits Kolkata’s renowned jewellery store, Senco Gold. Jennifer takes the viewers on an enlightening journey to showcase 7 decades of Bengal’s tryst with gold. Jennifer then meets Siddhartha Sawansukha, a connoisseur, an artist and a prolific visionary when it comes to jewellery.

    Bengaluru: In this episode, Jennifer Kotwal embarks upon a glorious gold trail through the beautiful garden city of Bengaluru as she investigates if the intriguing blend of modernity and tradition that sets this metropolis apart, is also reflected in the city’s most desired jewellery.

    Delhi: Jennifer Kotwal immerses herself deep into the city’s flamboyant love for ‘all that glitters’. The nation’s capital, with all it’s grandiosity showcases extreme indulgences, of the sparkling kind. Jennifer gets to learn more about the glory and abundance that ancient Delhi and its rulers were steeped in and as she indulges in stunning re-creations of ‘antique style’ jewellery. The jewellery of Delhi captures a bit of history, while blending with the style trends of the present day.

  • TLC launches a new India centric food series

    TLC launches a new India centric food series

    MUMBAI: The show is hosted by the award-winning UK TV home cook, food writer and stylist Ravinder Bhogal wherein she will whip up dishes from across the globe in her signature style.

     

    Discovery Networks Asia-Pacific senior VP and general manager – south Asia and head of revenue, pan-regional ad sales and southeast Asia Rahul Johri, said, “TLC is committed to present the widest range of food programmes and exciting new formats, hosted by the finest and most entertaining personalities. This festive season, we will bring a fresh talent with an Indian lineage – Ravinder Bhogal – whose delicacies will delight the most refined palate. In Ravinder’s Kitchenviewers will experience world flavours presented in a unique style.”

     

    Excited on the launch of her series on TLC, Ravinder Bhogal, said, “It feels absolutely fantastic to cook for the Indian audience. I am all set to enjoy my new relationship with the Indian viewers on the country’s favourite lifestyle channel TLC.”

     

    The showwill premiere on 28 October every night at 8 pm only on TLC.