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Tag: Turner Broadcasting System

  • Regional market contributes 12 per cent to Cartoon Network Enterprises

    Regional market contributes 12 per cent to Cartoon Network Enterprises

    MUMBAI: It was a big deal for a 90s kid from non-metro India to get hands on a Batman or Superman figurine. A Justice League T-shirt would have bowled them over because authentic merchandise shopping was a ‘city’ thing, for the sheer lack of access. Hence, counterfeits thrived.

    Since then, the merchandising industry in the country has come a long way given that consumers can now access their favourite character-driven consumer products at the click of a button online, sitting at home. As Cartoon Network Enterprises (CNE) director Anand Singh rightly pointed out, e-commerce has helped Cartoon Network expand the licensing and merchandising business to the regional and Tier I and Tier II markets as well.

    CNE is the licensing and merchandising arm of Turner Broadcasting System Asia Pacific.

    “Earlier, there was a restriction of location, one could have limited inventory per character, pilferage and cost of carrying inventory, and promoter cost added to very high overheads, which made the business difficult. But, e-commerce has revolutionised the process, by adding another distribution channel. The cash-on-delivery proposition has allowed the assortment of products to be exposed to potential consumers in newer markets,” Singh informed.

    Singh shared that 30 per cent of the business done by CNE comes from e-commerce with double-digital growth rate. The merchandising and licensing division itself has grown three times since 2014, thereby identifying e-commerce as one of the key growth drivers.

    Close to 12 per cent of CNE’s business currently comes from the emerging regional markets, including a significant chunk from the north-eastern states.

    “We have recently tied up with a brand called Dukes from Hyderabad.
    There is a company called Kishna Snacks from Guwahati which has done amazing work with the promotional license for Batman Vs Superman, and Tom and Jerry,” Singh said.

    While ease of access through online shopping has been a major boon to the business made in regional markets, it’s the willingness of local and regional brands that have augmented growth. The country’s new-found love for Hollywood superhero movies can be credited for this acceptability.

    And, since CNE also represents the Warner Brothers Consumer Products IP portfolio for south Asian markets, its proposition for the regional markets has only increased. The portfolio includes hit favourites like Tom & Jerry, Looney Tunes, Scooby Doo, Superheroes from the DC portfolio such as Batman, Superman, Flash, along with various WB movie franchises such as Harry Potter series and TV shows such as F.R.I.E.N.D.S. and Big Bang Theory, etc.

    “We see a lot of interest from the regional FMCG and food and beverage players. It all comes down to the resonance with these classical franchises. Brands have come to realise that buying licenses to these properties is not as expensive as they thought it was. There was a general assumption in those markets that being regional players it would be too much to go after global franchises. But, that mindset is changing and more and more regional players are opening up to the idea,” he said.

    According to industry guesstimates, currently, licensed merchandised market for character IPs or franchises for kids stands at Rs 5000 crore, growing from Rs 3500 crore, last year. Without sharing any figure, Singh asserted that, though CNE may not add huge numbers to the network’s top line, it’s a highly profitable business.

    In 2012, Cartoon Network Enterprises was expecting a turnover of Rs.1,650 crore in the next three years as against a Rs.850 crore turnover previously, according to media reports (source:
    licensing.org)

    Of the major 500 licensees, CNE handles close to 135 across India and south Asian markets with more than 5000 SKUs on retail across mass distribution, modern trade and e-commerce. Currently, CNE South Asia looks after the territories of India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka and Nepal, which will be added later this year.

    CNE’s most recent tie-ups include strategic partnerships with Myntra for apparel and fashion accessories and a DTR (direct to retail) deal with Future Group across product categories.

  • Regional market contributes 12 per cent to Cartoon Network Enterprises

    Regional market contributes 12 per cent to Cartoon Network Enterprises

    MUMBAI: It was a big deal for a 90s kid from non-metro India to get hands on a Batman or Superman figurine. A Justice League T-shirt would have bowled them over because authentic merchandise shopping was a ‘city’ thing, for the sheer lack of access. Hence, counterfeits thrived.

    Since then, the merchandising industry in the country has come a long way given that consumers can now access their favourite character-driven consumer products at the click of a button online, sitting at home. As Cartoon Network Enterprises (CNE) director Anand Singh rightly pointed out, e-commerce has helped Cartoon Network expand the licensing and merchandising business to the regional and Tier I and Tier II markets as well.

    CNE is the licensing and merchandising arm of Turner Broadcasting System Asia Pacific.

    “Earlier, there was a restriction of location, one could have limited inventory per character, pilferage and cost of carrying inventory, and promoter cost added to very high overheads, which made the business difficult. But, e-commerce has revolutionised the process, by adding another distribution channel. The cash-on-delivery proposition has allowed the assortment of products to be exposed to potential consumers in newer markets,” Singh informed.

    Singh shared that 30 per cent of the business done by CNE comes from e-commerce with double-digital growth rate. The merchandising and licensing division itself has grown three times since 2014, thereby identifying e-commerce as one of the key growth drivers.

    Close to 12 per cent of CNE’s business currently comes from the emerging regional markets, including a significant chunk from the north-eastern states.

    “We have recently tied up with a brand called Dukes from Hyderabad.
    There is a company called Kishna Snacks from Guwahati which has done amazing work with the promotional license for Batman Vs Superman, and Tom and Jerry,” Singh said.

    While ease of access through online shopping has been a major boon to the business made in regional markets, it’s the willingness of local and regional brands that have augmented growth. The country’s new-found love for Hollywood superhero movies can be credited for this acceptability.

    And, since CNE also represents the Warner Brothers Consumer Products IP portfolio for south Asian markets, its proposition for the regional markets has only increased. The portfolio includes hit favourites like Tom & Jerry, Looney Tunes, Scooby Doo, Superheroes from the DC portfolio such as Batman, Superman, Flash, along with various WB movie franchises such as Harry Potter series and TV shows such as F.R.I.E.N.D.S. and Big Bang Theory, etc.

    “We see a lot of interest from the regional FMCG and food and beverage players. It all comes down to the resonance with these classical franchises. Brands have come to realise that buying licenses to these properties is not as expensive as they thought it was. There was a general assumption in those markets that being regional players it would be too much to go after global franchises. But, that mindset is changing and more and more regional players are opening up to the idea,” he said.

    According to industry guesstimates, currently, licensed merchandised market for character IPs or franchises for kids stands at Rs 5000 crore, growing from Rs 3500 crore, last year. Without sharing any figure, Singh asserted that, though CNE may not add huge numbers to the network’s top line, it’s a highly profitable business.

    In 2012, Cartoon Network Enterprises was expecting a turnover of Rs.1,650 crore in the next three years as against a Rs.850 crore turnover previously, according to media reports (source:
    licensing.org)

    Of the major 500 licensees, CNE handles close to 135 across India and south Asian markets with more than 5000 SKUs on retail across mass distribution, modern trade and e-commerce. Currently, CNE South Asia looks after the territories of India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka and Nepal, which will be added later this year.

    CNE’s most recent tie-ups include strategic partnerships with Myntra for apparel and fashion accessories and a DTR (direct to retail) deal with Future Group across product categories.

  • Turner, Intel and Mark Burnett ink content partnership

    Turner, Intel and Mark Burnett ink content partnership

    MUMBAI: Compelling branded storytelling, strategic content distribution and advanced advertising are the pillars of a partnership that was inked between Turner Broadcasting System, Inc. and Intel Corporation.

     

    In 2016, the two companies will team up with Emmy-winning executive producer Mark Burnett to launch a brand new TBS original series – America’s Greatest Makers (working title). Building on the success of last year’s Intel ‘Make It Wearable’ challenge, the series will be an entertainment event spanning the breadth and scope of the Turner portfolio, across multiple screens and levels of engagement.

     

    At the core of the series, Burnett will encourage makers to develop the next big innovation. Innovators will be tasked with producing breakthrough technology that is built on the Intel Curie, an integrated hardware module that can power a range of wearable and smart connected consumer devices.

     

    Digital and socially driven content will kick off the early stages of the challenge leading up to the announcement of the semifinalists. TBS will then launch the series America’s Greatest Makers, which will showcase the excitement of the semifinals. The series will debut with a kick-off special introducing the semifinalist teams who are determined to create the next big innovation in wearable technology.

     

    Turner and Burnett will immerse viewers in the America’s Greatest Makers experience through long and short-form content presented across Turner’s multi-screen portfolio of leading brands. TBS’s chronicle of the high-stakes semifinals will be joined by an array of short-form, sharable content that will expand the storytelling to brands like TNT, Adult Swim, truTV, HLN, CNN and Bleacher Report. Produced in the style and voice of each brand, the short-form content will feature various lifestyle innovations that resonate with the brand’s particular audience.

     

    In addition to the content elements, the partnership will utilize Turner Broadcasting’s position in advanced advertising capabilities by aligning around Sociology, a new marketing capability that allows brands to engage key segments of Turner’s massive social media following.

     

    “This first-of-its-kind partnership starts with a compelling content idea, then uses Turner’s capabilities to distribute that storytelling at scale, across all of our premium properties and platforms. As we embark on this new partnership with Intel and Mark Burnett, we have the opportunity to encourage innovative spirit, empower and inspire viewers to share content, reach the right audiences and, in the end, drive business results that matter,” said Turner Broadcasting Ad Sales executive vice president of integrated marketing and branded content Dan Riess.

     

    “This is much more than just a linear TV series. This is the next evolution of storytelling, told simultaneously across many platforms and in many different ways. This is the future. Intel drove the past from ‘inside,’ and now we will watch it drive the future from both ‘inside AND OUTSIDE!’” said Burnett.

     

    “Through this exciting collaboration with Intel, we are celebrating the spirit of innovation across the Turner portfolio. We look forward to working with Intel and Mark Burnett onAmerica’s Greatest Makers and can’t wait to see the truly awesome technology that emerges from it,” said TBS and TNT senior vice president of unscripted development, late night and specials David Eilenberg.

     

    “The next big technology innovation may be just a concept in someone’s mind or an invention being built in someone’s garage. Intel welcomes America’s inventors, makers and entrepreneurs to inspire us all with their ideas on this new and powerful stage provided by Turner Broadcasting and the imagination of Mark Burnett,” added Intel chief marketing officer Steve Fund.

     

    America’s Greatest Makers (http://www.americasgreatestmakers.com/) is a key component of Intel’s global initiative to inspire ideas and fuel innovation. It encourages makers to create groundbreaking wearable technology and smart connected consumer electronics that are fresh, exciting and practical. Last year’s challenge winners created a drone camera that can wrap around a person’s wrist and a cost-effective prosthetic hand created using a 3D printer.

     

  • Turner Broadcasting System ups Jeremy Legg as chief technology officer

    Turner Broadcasting System ups Jeremy Legg as chief technology officer

    MUMBAI: Turner Broadcasting System has elevated Jeremy Legg to the role of chief technology officer (CTO).

     

    Legg is currently head of technology strategy and product monetization for Turner.

     

    As CTO, Legg will develop and oversee the execution of Turner’s technology strategy, direct infrastructure investments and manage technology resources to maximize existing linear and digital businesses. He will build new relationships and forge new partnerships with content creators, linear and digital distributors and technology providers, as well as identify business and technology opportunities, investments and acquisitions that will drive growth across all Turner platforms. 

     

    Legg will report to Turner executive vice president and chief financial officer Pascal Desroches.

     

    Turner chairman and CEO John Martin said, “Under Jeremy’s leadership and the strategy he has put in motion, Turner has made significant strides in our digital businesses and core technology infrastructure. As CTO, the skill set and experience Jeremy brings to the table will enable us to capitalize on new business opportunities in a rapidly changing media landscape and position Turner as a digital innovator in the marketplace.”

     

    Legg added, “The acceleration of technological change and shift in how consumers view media continue to create a number of opportunities in the marketplace. Turner is already a trailblazer in the digital movement, from TV Everywhere to the way CNN gathers and reports news. I look forward to working with Turner’s Executive team and building upon the success of our existing digital business and infrastructure.”

     

    In his previous role, Legg developed Turner’s technology strategy and oversaw software development and digital infrastructure. In addition, as the former senior vice president of business development and multi-platform distribution for TBS, Inc., he oversaw TV Everywhere and all non-linear and product distribution and strategy across broadband, iTV and wireless.

     

    Prior to joining Turner, Legg was AOL, Inc vice president of business strategy and development. He has also held senior leadership roles with Oracle and Accenture.

  • Turner Broadcasting inks multi-year SVOD deal with Hulu

    Turner Broadcasting inks multi-year SVOD deal with Hulu

    MUMBAI: Turner Broadcasting System and Hulu have entered into an extensive, multi-year licensing agreement that will grant Hulu the exclusive SVOD rights to previous seasons of Turner’s popular programming from Cartoon Network and Adult Swim as well as select current and upcoming series from TNT and TBS.

     

    The deal marks the first-ever licensing agreement between Turner Broadcasting and Hulu.

     

    All episodes from past seasons of TNT’s The Last Ship and Murder in the First will be available to stream exclusively for Hulu subscribers. Additionally, all episodes from past seasons of popular Adult Swim original series including Rick and Morty, Black Jesus, NTSF:SD:SUV and Cartoon Network original series such as The Amazing World of Gumball, Steven Universe, Over the Garden Wall and Clarence will be made available to stream through an SVOD service for the first time ever on Hulu. All Cartoon Network series will be available to stream ad-free in the Hulu Kids environment.

     

    Full prior seasons of Adult Swim and Cartoon Network series such as Aqua Teen Hunger Force, Dexter’s Laboratory and Ben 10, as well as current juggernauts Robot Chicken, The Venture Bros., Adventure Time and Regular Show will be available to stream exclusively to Hulu subscribers for the first time through the deal. Hulu will also become the exclusive SVOD destination to stream Adult Swim and Cartoon Network classics, including Tim and Eric Awesome Show, Great Job!, Sealab 2021 and The Marvelous Misadventures of Flapjack.

     

    Through the agreement, Hulu obtains exclusive SVOD rights to certain future series that will launch on TNT, TBS, Adult Swim and Cartoon Network over the coming years – including TBS’s upcoming series Angie Tribeca, which will be available to stream exclusively on Hulu after its full-season run on TBS.

     

    “This deal with Hulu demonstrates the power of Turner Broadcasting’s branded networks and the high demand for our programming in the marketplace. This is a great opportunity to grow the reach of the networks’ original programming and complements our strategy of utilizing multiple platforms – including SVOD – to drive sampling, introduce new viewers to our content and give current fans the opportunity to explore and enjoy Turner’s new and existing series in a branded environment,” said Turner Broadcasting president David Levy.

     

    “The addition of multiple titles from Cartoon Network represents a significant step forward in continuing to build a strong programming offering for the kids audience on Hulu. The adult animation series from Adult Swim, as well as the additional series from TNT and TBS, are a perfect addition to our current offering,” added Hulu senior vice president and head of content Craig Erwich.   

  • Turner launches World Heritage Channel in Asia

    Turner launches World Heritage Channel in Asia

    MUMBAI: Turner Broadcasting System Asia Pacific has launched a new, premium and 100 per cent pure documentary channel called World Heritage Channel. With programming categories that include nature, travel, history and culture, the channel’s signature content will take viewers on inspiring journeys to the most treasured places on earth i.e UNESCO’s World Heritage Sites.

     

    The channel has secured hundreds of hours of first-run, exclusive and award-winning content for the region from documentary makers. Notable shows include: The World Heritage, Journey to Natural World Heritage Sites and Beautiful Planet, as well the Asian documentaries Asia’s Monarchies and Asia Rising. Travel documentary fans can look forward to Travel Bug and Paradise Asia, while nature enthusiasts will love the latest series from the world’s leading naturalist – David Attenborough’s Conquest of the Skies and David Attenborough’s Flying Monsters.

     

    The announcement comes as exciting news for audiences, who seek a meaningful and undiluted documentary television destination. Through the World Heritage Channel, viewers will be able to experience the beauty of the world and heritage, and discover the sights, sounds and tastes of breathtaking landscapes, colorful festivals, wildlife, isolated tribes and unique cuisines.

     

    Turner Asia Pacific president Ricky Ow said, “The debut of this stunning channel is the beginning of a fourth channel genre for Turner in Asia. Alongside our landmark brands in News, Kids and General Entertainment, the World Heritage Channel is a perfect entry for Turner into the Documentary genre.”

     

    The channel will be available in full HD with Chinese, Bahasa Malaysia, Bahasa Indonesia and Thai subtitles. For selected content, authenticated OTT and catch-up rights for the channel have also been secured.

     

    “We believe the channel will appeal to a select audience who are seeking a premium, authentic and serious documentary destination. We look forward to introducing this beautiful new offering around Asia in the coming months,” concluded Ow.

     

  • Turner International APAC appoints Shitiz Jain as Sr VP – Finance

    Turner International APAC appoints Shitiz Jain as Sr VP – Finance

    MUMBAI: Turner International is looking at tightening its bottom line and in pursuit of doing so has roped in Shitiz Jain, who takes up the role of senior VP Finance effective 17 March 2014.

     

    This executive new hire was announced today by Turner Broadcasting System International EVP & CFO Ray Hutton and Turner International Asia Pacific president Ricky Ow.

     

    Jain was most recently with Discovery Networks Asia Pacific as chief financial officer and head of corporate services. He will be responsible to lead Turner’s financial growth planning and assisting regional management to maximise financial results across the full portfolio of Turner’s kids, news and general entertainment brands, and businesses in the region.

     

    Commenting on the hire Hutton says: “Shitiz has more than 20 years of international financial management experience which we’re delighted to harness for this critical role within one of Turner’s most important regional operations. His track record in delivering growth and his evident commercial acumen and leadership skills, make him an ideal fit with Turner’s growth philosophy.”

     

    Jain will have a range of responsibilities which includes forecasting, budgeting and long range planning, defining and managing the achievement of goals, and providing financial analysis and counsel to all business heads. In this newly created role, he will develop a finance team that will be strategically aligned with the needs of the business. In addition, he will offer strategic and financial modelling support at both the Turner and Time Warner executive management level. 

     

    Supporting Hutton’s views Ow says: “Turner in Asia Pacific has ambitious growth targets which require robust financial support and I know Shitiz will serve as a key advisor for me in this regard. Shitiz’s strong CFO background and expertise in overseeing businesses across the Asia Pacific region will be undoubted assets for us as we take our business to the next level.”

     

    Jain joins Turner in Hong Kong after nearly 15 years at Discovery in India and Singapore, where his success in forging strong client relationships and creating new revenue opportunities, drove strong revenue and EBITDA growth. Prior to joining Discovery Networks, Jain served in a variety of financial, operating and strategic roles with Cargill Foods, Fujitsu ICIM and Phoenix Industries. 

  • TNT bags premier rights to The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug

    TNT bags premier rights to The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug

    MUMBAI: Time Warner’s Turner Broadcasting System has bagged the television rights to The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug. TNT already has rights to Peter Jackson’s first Hobbit, from New Line and MGM. The movie will premier on TNT in 2016, while the 2012 release The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey will be aired in 2015.

     

    The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug was acquired by TNT post its huge box office success. Reports suggest that the movie has bagged more than $400 million in worldwide BO and $ 127.5 million domestically, since its release earlier this month.

     

    TNT had first ventured into Tolkien’s Middle Earth with its network television premiere of The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring in 2004. Since then the network has been acquiring movies like The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers in 2005 and The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King in 2006.

     

    TNT, TBS and Turner Classic Movies president, head of programming Michael Wright said in a release, “TNT has been the primary television home to Tolkien’s Middle Earth for nearly a decade, beginning with our network television premieres of The Lord of the Rings trilogy. We’re proud to continue our association with these extraordinary and enormously popular epics with the acquisition of The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug.”

  • 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.

  • Bennett Media Worldwide licenses select library programming to Microsoft for Xbox 360

    Bennett Media Worldwide licenses select library programming to Microsoft for Xbox 360

    MUMBAI: Bennett Media Worldwide (BMW) has licensed select productions from its vast library of high-definition programming to Microsoft Corp. for the company’s Xbox 360.

    Included in the programming slate from Bennett are series like Bikini Destinations, The Wild Side, and The Extremists.

    BMW is the latest programming supplier to launch content on the Xbox 360 platform, joining a stellar list of entertainment distributors that includes CBS, MTV Networks, Paramount Pictures, Turner Broadcasting System Inc. (TBS Inc.), Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) and Warner Bros. Home Entertainment.

    Together, the content companies are responsible for delivering an initial line-up of more than 1,000 hours to the vast community of Xbox 360 gamers, asserts an official release.

    Bennett Media Worldwide president Paul Rich said, “With Xbox 360, Microsoft is leading the way in integrated game playing with entertainment and at the same time building a unique bridge for producers to connect directly with this extremely important consumer marketplace. We are delighted to be a part of this exciting new entertainment platform.”