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Tag: Turner

  • Pogo launches indigenous slapstick comedy Andy Pirki

    Pogo launches indigenous slapstick comedy Andy Pirki

    MUMBAI: Pogo is all set to roll out a new show – Andy Pirki – a slang word in the Tulu language (a language spoken on India’s southwest coast) which means ‘mad cap’. It is a silent slapstick comedy series launching from 3 December 2017, created by Mangaluru based AUM animation studios. The series will be telecasted every Sunday at 9.30 am.

    The studio came up with the idea for the show in 2009, but as a small studio, it lacked experience and budget. By 2013, the studio was producing an episode every two months. The story’s main characters include Andy, a pink dinosaur and Pirki a caveman who develop an inimitable bond because of their unique circumstances.

    Turner executive director and network head-kids South Asia Krishna Desai said that the channel decided to create a silent slapstick comedy was to ensure it has a universal appeal without language barriers or political or demographic distinctions. He added, “Since there are no dialogues, the original show is emphasised. Every show has 50 per cent visual and 50 per cent audio content; here we can deliver great audio experiences as well.”

    Andy Pirki will have 80 episodes and Pogo has planned production for 2-3 years. It is using only open source software like Blender and Krita.

    Desai said that when it comes to watching television, kids prefer light-hearted content. “Six or seven years ago there were many genres like drama and history. They were quite popular then, but now we have funny and light-hearted content that is becoming popular.”

    The production house and the network co-own the intellectual property rights (IP). It was the production house AUM animation that approached the network first a year and a half ago, showing up the rough drawings of the characters and then impressed by them, the deal got finalised.

    AUM Animation Studios MD Shreekaanth Dass said, “The initial idea to produce Andy Pirki came to us in the inception year of AUM Animation Studios in 2009. Andy Pirki has already won multiple industry awards for best animation in India and international markets.”

    Talking about the viability of the show, especially when the audience is shifting to over the top (OTT) platforms, Desai said that it is a growing trend, but as of now, it is urban-centric which can change in the long run. “In the short term, we don’t see television viewership getting affected by OTT. In long-term, anything can happen. If OTT is growing, we make sure our franchise is available digitally and it is available on linear TV as well.”

    As far as the quality of Indian content versus foreign ones is concerned, Desai says that kids don’t understand this concept and enjoy things they like.

    Awards won by Andy Pirki

    FICCI FRAMES ‘BAF’ award 2015, 2016 and 2017 – Category: Best animated episode (National)

    FICCI FRAMES ‘BAF’ award 2015 and 2017 – Category: Best animated episode (International)

    DIGICON6 India awards 2015 – Category: NextGen India

  • MIB issued licence to ZMCL; Leader, Turner and Zee ME among five cancelled last month, nine allowed as per court orders

    MIB issued licence to ZMCL; Leader, Turner and Zee ME among five cancelled last month, nine allowed as per court orders

    MUMBAI: In all, the number of private satellite TV channels having valid permission in India as of 30 September, 2017, are 877. Of these, the number of permitted news and current affairs channels is 388, according to data provided by the ministry of information and broadcasting (MIB).

    In fact, the total number of permissions granted to private satellite TV channels so far is 1098, of which 221 permissions have been cancelled so far.

    Last month, MIB issued one and cancelled five licences. The solitary permission granted was to Zee Media Corporation Ltd (ZMCL), to launch Zee Uttar Pradesh Uttarakhand.

    The channels licences of which were revoked are — Leader Television and Entertainment’s Leader TV, L And C Media’s SS Entertainment, Turner International India’s TCM Turner Classic Movies, Vyjayanthi Televentures’ Mayabazar and Zee Cinema Middle East.

    Of the 877 channels, nine have been cancelled by the MIB but are running following orders from the courts of law. These are —

    1. Punjab Today

    2. STV    Jammu-Kashmir News
    (Earlier STV – Marathi News)

    3. STV Haryana News

    4. STV    UP    News (STV-Rajasthan)
    (Earlier STV    Bihar-Jharkhand News)

    5. Mahuaa Media Private News
    Uplinking    03-03-2016*

    6. Mahuaa News
    Mahuaa Media Private Limited
    News
    Uplinking    03-03-2016*

    7. First    India    (earlier, Mahuaa Khobor)
    Mahuaa Media Private Limited
    News
    Uplinking    03-03-2016*

    8. Mahua  Music  (Mahuaa  News  Line)
    (Uttar Pradesh /Uttrakhand)
    [earlier Mahuaa Bangla]    
    Mahua Media Private Limited
    Non-news
    Uplinking    03-03-2016*

    9. Mahuaa Movies
    Mahuaa Media Private Limited
    Non-news     
    Uplinking    03-03-2016*

    The total number of TV channels permitted for uplinking from India, and downlinking into India is 778, of which 368 are new channels, and the remainder is the number of non-news channels.

    The number of TV channels permitted for uplinking from India but not permitted to downlink in India is 16, of which five are news channels. And, the number of TV channels permitted to only downlink into India (uplinked from aboard) is 83, of which 15 are news channels.

    click here to view list

  • Turner gears up to make a splash with Oggy and Tik Tak Tail

    MUMBAI: The year 2017 so far has been pretty much of a killjoy for those in the TV business what with advertisers putting the brakes on spending on pay channels. The kids TV space has been no exception. But Turner International India executive director & network head kids, south Asia, Krishna Desai is hoping that the category will take a turn for the better come this festive season.

    Turner is all set to roll out two new shows – the ever so popular Oggy and the Cockroaches on Cartoon Network (CN) on 14 August (6pm-6:30 pm) and  a homegrown chase comedy Tik Tak Tail on Pogo by the first half of September.

    Its Asia office  had announced the acquisition of rights to season five, six and seven of the former earlier this year, while the India office had commissioned India’s hot and emerging studio Cosmos Maya to produce the latter. The Tik Tak Tail deal allows it to retain the telecast rights for south Asia.

    Promotions for Oggy and the Cockroaches have started in June with three or four music videos being released on air and on digital. On- ground, on-air and on digital multicity contests are planned through its annually organized School Contact Program (SCP)- but more of that later.  Its campaign emphasizes that it is airing the Asli Oggy episodes. (It has the first run rights to all seasons of the show; the Nick channel cluster telecasts the reruns of earlier seasons at times different from those of CN).

    Desai and his VP, head-ad sales South Asia Juhi Ravindranath are banking heavily on the two new shows.  Ravindranath  has already roped in Perfetti as one of its partners for Oggy which is making a comeback with fresh episodes after a long gap.

    “In India getting good viewership is also a challenge, India being a single TV viewing home and the total viewing of kids content on the kids category is stuck at 20 per cent and not going beyond that for some time,” says Desai.

    Adds Ravindranath: “We are hoping to see some excitement being kicked into the year long stagnant kids genre in the coming festive season.”

    Desai says one of the legs of that initiative is Tik Tak Tail.  “Since Pogo is positioned as a hybrid channel which has both international and local content, we are constantly looking for homegrown IP which will appeal to the kids audience. And Tik Tak Tail (which essentially is a tale of a rabbit outsmarting a tiger who wants to hunt it down and eat it)  fitted in with what we were looking for. It’s a fun chase comedy which Pogo kids will love.”

    A strong promotion drive has been drawn up to make kids aware of Tik Tak Tail and also possibly fall in love with the franchise through  its SCP. The exercise, which takes place annually, will collectively reach out to close to a  million students (between standards one to eight) across 1000 schools.

    The SCP was flagged off in early August and will cover the cities of Mumbai, Pune, Lucknow, Surat, Kolkata, Ahmedabad, Delhi, Bangalore and Chennai. Mainstream brands such as Dettol, Aquaguard, Himalaya, Go-Cheese and Ford have put their might behind the on-ground initiative.

    Ravindranath is in conversation with a handful of other brands to come on board the two shows as on-air sponsors; she expects the deals to close soon. But she is quite confident of the genre and ad rates going northwards too.

    Says she: “The kids genre right now is under-monetised because its viewership share genre has not  really matched up to  the genre’s ad pie.  Mainstream and non-kids brands have been using the medium With new players in the market and penetration going deeper into rural areas, new local advertisers will emerge and the genre is expected to grow.”

    Says a media observer: “It’s great that Desai and team Turner have come up with new offerings on the network. It will help brands which have been conserving their spends so far to look at them as options for media buys as the shows get viewership. Overall too, I am optimistic of the offerings as Oggy and the Cockroaches is a great franchise and Cosmos Maya has been delivering winning series for the kids networks. However, data has shown that kids are consuming content increasingly on OTT like Vootkids, Amazon Kids, and SonyLiv kids and YouTube pioneers like ChuChuTV.  And the linear television channels have to keep a watch on that.”

    Desai, on his part, is not disturbed by this trend. Says he:  “The OTT market is very small as compared to linear from a kids genre point of view. OTT will only add to the experience but it won’t take away from the linear space.  From our side we have partnered with both Amazon and Voot – both of whom are showing many of our shows on their digital platforms. In my opinion, linear television will remain strong for a very long time in India.”

    The success of Oggy and the Cockroaches and Tik Tak Tail will only help cement that faith and belief.

    ALSO READ :

    Turner to launch Tik Tak Tail in Sept, Oggy & the Cockroaches 5 on 14 Aug

    DishTV launches Cartoon Network games, with Visiware tie-up

    DISH deploys TiVO metadata to enable seamless entertainment discovery

     

  • Subramaniam is Prime interim head as Amazon seeks new leader

    MUMBAI: Amazon Prime Video India director – content Vijay Subramaniam has been appointed as the interim head till the time a suitable replacement is found for Prime India head Nitesh Kripalani who quit two days ago. Kripalani will however remain on the rolls of Amazon India till November.

    “We are looking to fill this position. In the interim, Subramaniam has stepped in,” an Amazon spokesperson said.

    Subramaniam, who has over 20 years of experience in television, radio and print, also worked with Disney, Turner, Magna and Star. He quitt Disney Media Networks in April 2017, and joined Prime shortly later. Before joining Disney, Subramaniam was with MTV India as the advertising sales director, responsible for delivering revenue objectives for MTV. 

    While free Youtube, which makes money with ads, is successful in India, Prime Video is among the first SVoDs which is succeeding owing to scale.

    Also Read:

    Amazon Prime country head Nitesh Kripalani quits

    Amazon Prime plans to add more originals & evaluating regional content

  • Turner to launch Tik Tak Tail in Sept, Oggy & the Cockroaches 5 on 14 Aug

    MUMBAI: Turner International India, a Time Warner company which owns and operates brands such as Cartoon Network, CNN, WB, HBO, Toonami and Pogo, is set to launch chase-comedy Tik Tak Tail on its Pogo channel.

    Turner is also starting the new season of ‘Oggy and the Cockroaches’ (Season 5 & 6) on Cartoon Network in 6-630pm time-slot Monday-Friday from 14 August (Monday).

    “The exact date for the launch of ‘Tik Tak Tail will be announced by 24-25 August,” Turner International ED and network head – kids, south Asia Krishna Desai told indiantelevision.com. “It will be most probably in the first half of September,” he added.

    ‘Tik Tak Tail’ will be a fun-filled action-packed entertainer about a cute rabbit and a ferocious tiger who are constantly on the run. It essentially tells the story of the unending attempts of a tiger to catch a rabbit, and how the rabbit always outruns the tiger with his speed and smartness.

    This cross-connected chemistry between Tik, Tak and Tail makes it a fascinating game of one-upmanship and gives the chase comedy a unique identity.

    Also Read:

    Amazon gets ‘Oggy & Cockroaches’, ‘Zig & Sharko’ streaming rights in multi-year deal with Xilam

    Turner Asia Pacific acquires Oggy and the Cockroaches seasons 6 and 7

    Nickelodeon ad sales grew 20%, launches ‘Gattu Battu’

  • DISH deploys TiVO metadata to enable seamless entertainment discovery

    MUMBAI: After taking some good strides worldwide, TiVO Corporation is adding another feather to its cap. After partnering Panama Cable Onda, Turner, Japan’s KDDI and renewing its licence with Foxtel, it’s now working with DISH.

    TiVo, a leader in entertainment technology and audience insights, announced that leading pay-TV provider, DISH Network Corp., has completed its migration to TiVo Metadata. DISH is utilising TiVo’s rich metadata, such as program information and image-based content, across its product platforms, including linear TV, video on demand (VOD) and DVR.

    TiVo completed the metadata migration process in just under five months, bringing rich and robust metadata to DISH’s product platforms. The deployment was also rolled out in a way to minimize impact across DISH’s entertainment ecosystem.

    “Today’s consumers want a visually-rich entertainment experience that makes it easy for them to quickly identify and access the content they want in real-time,” said Niraj Desai, vice president of product management, DISH. “Through our long-standing collaboration with TiVo, we were able to integrate their enhanced metadata offerings and provide a cohesive and seamless entertainment experience across our product platforms.”
                                        
    TiVo completed the metadata migration process in just under five months, bringing rich and robust metadata to DISH’s product platforms. The deployment was also rolled out in a way to minimize impact across DISH’s entertainment ecosystem.

    “Working against a compressed timeline, TiVo delivered a comprehensive metadata solution that enabled DISH to continue to deliver rich entertainment experiences that its customers expect. We deeply value our relationship with DISH and look forward to continuing to innovate with them,” said Roz Ho, senior vice president and general manager, Consumer and Metadata, TiVo. “With our industry-leading metadata catalog and innovative discovery solutions, TiVo is helping companies like DISH power the ultimate entertainment experience.”

    TiVo’s metadata is a leading metadata resource for international TV shows, movies and sporting events, delivering the best quality, localized international metadata that is consistent across 70 countries.

    TiVo has already introduced its new fully-integrated Personalized Content Discovery platform. The new platform provides video operators with the most comprehensive suite of content discovery features that combine the power of TiVo’s renowned conversational voice search with personalized search and recommendations. The platform also features powerful analytics capabilities that enable operators to conduct A/B testing; thus, giving operators the ability to optimize their operations in real-time.

    ALSO READ :

    TiVo brings comprehensive personalised content discovery platform with voice search

    Japan’s KDDI adopts TiVo’s remote-recording service

    TiVo brings entertainment to Panama Cable Onda subs

    Turner selects TiVo to provide enhanced electronic programme services

  • Doordarshan in talks with Disney for kiddy content in evening slots

    MUMBAI: Doordarshan, which is gearing up to launch a kiddy channel as part of its bouquet, is said to be in talks with Disney for content aimed at youngsters in evening time-slots, according to a senior executive of the pubcaster.

    Speaking to Indiantelevision.com, Doordarshan DG Supriya Sahu, while asserting the organisation is planning a kids’ channel, confirmed that there’s a plan afoot to open a time-slot for such programming. “Some work is already on with Disney for the kids content,” she said, but hastily added, “It is (still) early to talk about it right now and an announcement would be made once things are finalized on this front.”

    This time-slot on a DD channel is being created, probably, to test waters and see the appetite for kids content before the launch of a full-fledged kids channel as part of its over 30-channel bouquet. Disney India could not be contacted for comments.

    According to earlier media reports, which quoted Sahu, India’s national broadcaster had drawn up a blueprint for FTA kids channel early 2017 made up of largely original and country-focused programming. She had said that the kids channel was part of pubcaster’s plans to launch FTA sports and kids channel for mainly viewers of DD FreeDish, a satellite-based service comprising DD and private FTA TV channels.

    However, some independent observers opined that DD wading into the kids’ content area is also part of the government’s plans to showcase programming that would reflect the Indian culture in a better fashion compared to mostly foreign content consumed by Indian children presently.

    At present, kids’ content available in India is from the stable of foreign players such as Nickelodeon, Turner, Disney, Discovery and lately Sony Pictures Network apart from some TV channels from India media companies such as Sun TV.

    ALSO READ:

    Doordarshan D-G Supriya Sahu says studying tie-ups & models as kids channel launch nearing

    DD’s kids channel could partner private players, launch this year

  • BTVi hires Times’s Shetty & CNN IBN’s Pisharody, strengthens rev & strategy team

    MUMBAI: BTVi – Business Television India has appointed Shilpa Shetty and Seema Pisharody to jointly work towards revenue generation for the channel. They will be closely working with the COO Megha Tata (Monica Tata) to drive the business news channel to strengthen the next level growth in India.

    BTVi is reinforcing senior experienced people in the team to build a quality think tank with a focus on the revenue model of the channel. Anuj Katiyar, who has recently joined the team as the marketing & research head, has played an integral role in channel’s development in the past two months.

    Shetty will be actively involved in the strategic planning for generating revenue for the channel. Shetty was last associated with the Times Network as the vice-president – revenue and was the national sales head for the Times Network cluster of channels for several verticals. Shetty was also associated with the Network18 group for 10 years.

    On joining BTVi, Shetty said, “I felt it is an interesting opportunity that has come my way to lead BTVi and create a path towards success.”

    Pisharody, in her role will be investing her expertise in crafting strategic approach for business development for the channel. Pisharody has over 15 years of experience in the media &entertainment industry with brands like Turner and Hindustan Times. Her last assignment was with CNN IBN, as the head of Branded Content for South region.

    On the new role, Pisharody said, “BTVi is poised to be a game changer in the dynamic Business News segment. And I am excited to be part of this winning team.”

    Welcoming them to the team, Tata said, “We believe that their expertise in the domain will be a valuable asset to the channel.”

  • Turner names Clement Schwebig CFO for APAC

    MUMBAI: Turner Asia-Pacific has announced that Clement Schwebig has been promoted to chief financial officer, in addition to his current role as the SVP- business development licensing in China.

    Shitiz Jain, SVP finance, has been leading Turner’s financial growth and planning, as well as assisting the regional management team to maximize financial results across the entire portfolio of Turner’s kids, news and general entertainment brands, and businesses in the region. Jain, who leaves the network on a high, will be pursuing a new opportunity at the end of June 2017.

    Schwebig joined Turner Asia Pacific in 2013. Over the last three years, he has successfully led the company’s efforts to grow beyond its core business by creating new local and pan-regional channels, and in developing local content opportunities to further Turner’s presence in the market. He has also led Turner’s growth strategy across the region in the digital space, as well as Turner’s consumer products and location-based entertainment businesses.

    Some of his recent notable achievements so far include Warner TV, Cartoon Network Amazone waterpark in Thailand, the acquisition and development of the Tuzki franchise and repositioning Cartoon Network’s consumer product business for growth.

    “Clement is a seasoned media executive with substantial experience encompassing all aspects of business operations in TV broadcasting and production, including strategy, finance and sales. With his new responsibilities as CFO, Clément will play an even more active role in shaping the strategy and direction for Turner APAC as it transforms into a data informed, fan-centric media company,” commented Turner Asia Pacific president Ricky Ow.

    “As a core member of my management team, Shitiz has provided invaluable strategic and financial counsel for the APAC and Turner International executive teams. We are very grateful for the significant contributions he has made, and his help in evolving the business rapidly in order to meet consumer demand and technological change. We wish him success in his next venture,” he added.

    “I have truly enjoyed working with Ricky and the Turner team as we worked on transforming the network and developing new opportunities particularly in Kids and Asian entertainment. It has been a great experience,” said Jain.

    “With his strong financial acumen and experience combined with his deep understanding our business in Asia Pacific, Clement is ideally suited to lead the finance operations of Turner APAC. I’m confident the financial management of our APAC business will continue to be very well managed in his capable hands and he will make even greater contributions in driving our APAC business forward,” added Trey Turner, Chief Financial Officer, Turner International. “I would also like to express our gratitude and appreciation for Shitiz’s strong leadership of Turner APAC finance operations over the last three years. He leaves us with very best wishes for his future endeavours.”

    “I could not be more thrilled to be working with Ricky and Trey, and the rest of the Turner APAC team, as we chart new growth and opportunities during this exciting period for the industry,” said Schwebig, CFO and SVP Business Development, Licensing and China.

  • Time Warner revenues, net income up in first quarter

    BENGALURU: Time Warner Inc., (Time Warner) reported growth in revenue across all its segments – Turner, Home Box Office (HBO) and Warner Bros in the quarter ended 31 March 2017 (Q1-17, current quarter) as compared to the corresponding year ago quarter (y-o-y). Reported total revenue in Q1-17 was $ 7,735 million 5,8 percent more than  in Q1-16, at $7,308 million. Net Income attributable to Time Warner shareholders increased 17.3 percent y-o-y to $1,424 million in the current quarter from $1,214 million in Q1-16.

    Time Warner chairman and CEO Jeff Bewkes said: “We’re off to a strong start to 2017, as we continue to benefit from the investments we’re making in the best content while also developing new revenue streams that will drive growth and meet consumer demand for great experiences built around their favorite programming and brands. Warner Bros. delighted audiences in both film and television, with global hits in Kong: Skull Island and The LEGO Batman Movie and more series across broadcast for the current season than any other studio. Turner had another successful airing of the NCAA Division I Men’s Basketball Tournament across platforms, while CNN grew its total day ratings by 21 percent among adults 25-54, and remained the leader in digital news. Together, Turner and Warner Bros. also launched our new Boomerang-branded SVOD service, adding to our growing portfolio of products that are reaching consumers directly.”

    “Home Box Office shined in the quarter highlighted by our limited series Big Little Lies, which was both a critical and cultural breakout. Last Week Tonight with John Oliver is having its most-watched season to date, and we recently had the much anticipated returns of Silicon Valley and Veep. Looking ahead, we remain on track, pending completion of regulatory reviews and receipt of consents, to close our merger with AT&T Inc. before the end of 2017. We remain excited about the potential for this combination to accelerate the pace of innovation in our businesses,” Bewkes continued.

    Turner

    Revenues increased 6.3 percent ($182 million) to $3,088 million, due to increases of 12 percent ($175 million) in Subscription revenues and 16 percent ($29 million) in Content and other revenues, partially offset by a decline of 2 percent ($22 million) in Advertising revenues. The company says that Subscription revenues benefited from higher domestic rates and growth at Turner’s international networks, partially offset by lower domestic subscribers. Content and other revenues increased due to higher domestic licensing revenues. The decline in Advertising revenues was primarily due to lower delivery at certain domestic networks, partially offset by increases at Turner’s sports and news businesses and growth at Turner’s international networks.

    Operating Income decreased 5.6 percent ($69 million) to $1,170 million. The growth in revenues was more than offset by higher expenses mainly due to increased programming costs. Programming expenses increased 17 percent primarily due to higher sports costs related to the first year of Turner’s new agreement with the NBA and higher original programming costs.

    HBO

    HBO revenues increased 4 percent ($62 million) to $1.6 billion, due to an increase of 5 percent ($66 million) in Subscription revenues, partially offset by a decline of 1 percent ($4 million) in Content and other revenues. Subscription revenues increased due to higher domestic rates and subscribers and international growth. The decrease in Content and other revenues was primarily due to lower home entertainment revenues, partially offset by higher licensing revenues.

    Operating Income increased 22 percent ($106 million) to $583 million, reflecting the growth in revenues and lower selling, general and administrative, programming and distribution expenses says that company. Programming costs decreased 2 percent, reflecting lower original programming expenses related to a reduction in amortization resulting from using a longer estimated utilization period for original programming beginning in the second quarter of 2016, partially offset by higher acquired theatrical programming expenses.

    Warner Bros

    Revenues increased 8.2 percent ($256 million) to $3.4 billion, primarily due to higher television and theatrical revenues partially offset by lower videogames revenues. Television revenues increased primarily due to higher domestic licensing revenues related to certain library series. Theatrical revenues grew due to an increased number and the mix of box office releases, which included Kong: Skull Island and The LEGO Batman Movie, as well as higher home entertainment revenues primarily related to the release of Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them and higher carryover revenue. Videogames revenues declined due to a fewer number and the mix of releases in the current year period and lower carryover revenue.

    Operating Income increased 15.1 percent ($64 million) to $488 million, due to the increase in revenues, partially offset by higher associated theatrical and television costs of revenues and print and advertising expenses.