ITV

Tag: TV

  • BARC announces intent to initiate ‘one video view’ measurement

    BARC announces intent to initiate ‘one video view’ measurement

    MUMBAI: Media planners and buyers and marketers have repeatedly expressed their desire to have a way of tracking how much video is being watched, on TV, on the mobile handset and on OTTs as linear or video on demand. BARC India CEO Sunil Lulla says the monitoring agency may have a solution by 2021.

    In a virtual fireside chat  with  indiantelevision.com founder, CEO and editor-in-chief Anil Wanvari, Lulla said that if there is one big takeaway from this pandemic it Is that there has been a huge adoption of digital consumption. Lulla is working very closely with the industry to build something which can offer a  ‘one video view’.

    "You may watch TV, you may watch the TV show on your telephone or you may watch an OTT content which is not coming on TV,” he said. “We would like to bring that measure to bear and that’s what we are working towards. We will begin that process next year of being able to share that data in 2021.”

    Lulla explained BARC’s previous attempts to monitor digital video consumption were ambitious.

    “The industry has been impacted by the pandemic. It’s going to bounce back quickly. What is going to accelerate it is the advertising on digital. That’s where I see BARC’s role playing out in benchmarking, measuring, projecting or stating out on how the consumption is happening and how it is driven," he said. 

    Lulla further added that the BARC teams have had conversations with the stakeholders, and the idea is now to have a proof  of concept, build pilots, though it could take a year.

  • Screenwriters Association announces nominees for lyrics category of SWA Awards 2020

    Screenwriters Association announces nominees for lyrics category of SWA Awards 2020

    MUMBAI: Screenwriters Association (SWA), the Indian guild of screenwriters and lyricists, announced today the 10 nominees for the Lyrics category of SWA Awards 2020. Winners of the best lyricist for feature film and best lyricist for tv serial/original series will be announced in an online awards ceremony on 27 September 2020.

    Nominees for Best Lyricist for Feature Film are:

    1.            Ankur Tewari and Divine for Apna Time Ayega in Gully Boy

    2.            Amitabh Bhattacharya for Kalank title track in Kalank

    3.            Divine and Naezy for Meri Gully Mein in Gully Boy

    4.            Varun Grover for Ruan Ruan in Sonchiriya

    5.            Manoj Muntashir for Teri Mitti in Kesari

    Nominees for Best Lyricist for TV Serial/Original series are:

    1.            Shekhar Astitva for Title track in Radhakrishn

    2.            Zama Habib for Ek tum chup, ek chup main in Isharo Isharo Mein

    3.            Shashank Kunwar for Pet bechara in Kulfi Kumar Bajewala

    4.            Majaal  for Rooh in Lakhon Mein Ek Season 2

    5.            Majaal  for Nishaniya in Laakhon Mein Ek Season 2

    Congratulating the nominees, SWA general secretary Sunil Salgia said, “Ask anyone abroad about Indian films, the response will be, ‘Oh, Bollywood! Great songs and dances!’ Songs give a unique identity to our movies and surely there are no songs without lyrics. Talent that can say a thousand words in a few, in spite of their struggle to write poetry beyond the hook phrase and which can be heard and remembered in the noisy world, deserves applause.”

    The 10 nominees were selected from 146 entries received by the SWA Awards committee from Hindi language films and TV serials/original series released in 2019. A jury comprising of eminent lyricists such as Amit Khanna, Ila Arun, Kausar Munir, Mayur Puri and Panchhi Jalonvi selected the nominees after a thorough individual and joint evaluation process.

    Lyricist and spokesperson for the SWA lyrics category Shellee said, “It is difficult to imagine films such as Awara, Mera Naam Joker, Guide, Pakeeza, Mughal-e-Azam, Teesri Kasam without their songs. Songs are the ornaments that adorn our cinema. Their fragrance lends beauty to our ordinary lives. I congratulate the nominees of SWA Awards 2020 and wish them the best of luck.”

    The Screenwriters Association (SWA),was formerly known as Film Writers' Association (FWA). It is a Trade Union of screenwriters and lyricists who work for Films, TV and digital media in India. Authors, novelists, playwrights, journalists who aspire for to diversify or join fulltime the mediums of films, TV or digital entertainment, are also members of the SWA. It has been working for the last 60 years to get the Indian film and TV industries to acknowledge the central role of writers through collective bargaining, legal assistance, mediation and settlement of disputes and education.

    SWA is holding the first ever SWA Awards on the occasion of its diamond jubilee year in 2020. The members aspire to continue this award function for many more years. Since they are judged by knowledgeable screenwriters and lyricists, these awards promise to become the most coveted validation for writers in India, much like the awards of other prestigious international writers’ guilds and literary organisations.

    The nominees spoke to SWA, reacting to the announcement:

    Nominees – Best Lyricist for Feature Film

    Song: Apna time ayega | Film: Gully Boy

    Ankur Tewari: It is an honour to be nominated in the Best Lyrics category and I am thrilled to be in such esteemed company with Divine and the other nominees. I would like to thank SWA for this opportunity.

    Song: Meri gully mein | Film: Gully Boy

    Divine: Of all the tracks I have written till date, Apna time aayega and Meri gully mein have arguably had the biggest impact not just for me or Gully Boy, but for the Hip-Hop movement as a whole in India. Meri gully mein is close to my heart as the original release truly put the sound of Mumbai on the map. We have never looked back since.

    Song: Meri gully mein | Film: Gully Boy

    Naezy: I am delighted to have been nominated for "Meri Gully mein" by SWA Awards 2020.  This song is very special to me and I feel honoured that it has been nominated in the Best Lyrics for Films category.  My best wishes to SWA for their first ever Awards and also to all the fellow nominees.

    Song: Kalank title track | Film: Kalank

    Amitabh Bhattacharya: I am honoured and humbled to receive nomination in the Best Lyricist category of the first SWA Awards, the only award of the writers, by the writers and for the writers. My gratitude and best wishes to Screenwriters Association. I am really excited and I look forward to the ceremony.

    Song: Ruan ruan | Film: Sonchiriya

    Varun Grover: It's an award for the community by the peers and that makes it extra special. I had decided not to attend any regular film awards because of the way they treat writers and technicians and it's a great step forward that SWA decided to start awards where writers are in the front and centre. Now the stage is ours. So are the microphone, chairs, victories and defeats and joys and sorrows.

    Nominees – Best Lyricist for TV Serial/Web Series

    Song: Ek tum chup, ek chup main | TV Serial: Isharo Isharo Mein

    Zama Habib: I am thrilled to know that my song has been nominated in the Best Lyrics category by SWA Awards. It feels great and special because the award is from the writing fraternity for the first time. Writers choosing the best of writing is always a great and satisfying idea.

    Song: Pet bechara | TV Serial: Kulfi Kumar Bajewala

    Shashank Kunwar: An artist’s biggest motivation is appreciation, and it is really special when it comes from the people who understand the finer nuances of the art form. I want to congratulate SWA for giving shape to this award. In the times of lockdown and pandemic, it is comforting to feel that one is not working in isolation. Thank you, SWA!

    Song: Title track | TV Serial: Radhakrishn

    Shekhar Astitwa: I am happy to hear that SWA will hold the first ever SWA Awards 2020. I congratulate SWA for organising these prestigious awards and extend my best wishes to my fellow nominees.

    Songs: Rooh and Nishaniya | original series: Lakhon Mein Ek Season 2

    Majaal: Writers are travellers and SWA is the wisdom tree which stands tall and steady. It bears fruit for the hungry and provides shelter when the weather is testing. And now a ‘never-seen-before’ flower has blossomed on this benevolent tree – SWA Awards – to bless the ones destined to travel further. I feel fortunate for being nominated for the first ever SWA Awards. It has inspired me to keep travelling on.

  • 65% millennials and Gen Z prefer OTT over TV, report says

    65% millennials and Gen Z prefer OTT over TV, report says

    KOLKATA: Urban India’s youth has relied on OTT platforms to kill monotony. Amid other options, the streaming services have emerged as the most popular source of entertainment as 70 per cent of the youth have turned towards OTT platforms in their spare time. Along with existing subscribers, new OTT subscription purchases during the lockdown period spiked throughout the country across demographics.

    According to a report from The Data Sciences Division of Dentsu Aegis Network (DAN) India, 65 per cent of millennials (25-39 years) and Gen Z (5-25 years) prefer consuming video content on an OTT platform over TV. The younger the audience is, the habit of consuming OTT is higher. The report also shows that daily OTT content consumption among Gen Z is higher than millennials. 

    While before lockdown 95 per cent of the respondents used to consume only two-three hours of daily content, during lockdown on average each millennial has consumed 1.66 hours of additional content and GenZ is consuming two-three hours of additional content too.

    As a result of having more time at hand, binge-watching is becoming a prime trait of popular culture. While five per cent of the research universe has claimed to consume between six-twelve hours of daily content on OTT platforms in pre-pandemic period, currently 20 per cent of the sample is enjoying binge-watching. Millennials and Gen Z’ s purchased two and three additional OTT platform subscriptions respectively since the start of the lockdown. The average daily consumption hours have remained around four hours.

    The international platforms with expanding local content library are becoming popular choices. 60 per cent of the sample has a subscription to either Amazon Prime Video or Netflix. Disney+Hotstar also has been able to attract nearly 19 per cent of the urban youth. Homegrown platforms like ZEE5, Voot are creating a buzz gradually. Comedy, thriller and action-based entertainment were the top three preferences of GenZ audiences while millennials were more inclined towards consuming a lot more Sci-Fi over thrillers. Money Heist, Breaking Bad, Paatal Lok, Narcos, Riverdale, Friends were all the rage among the episodic content. 

    Another interesting trend that has come out of the study is that OTT based gaming has gained significant popularity during the lockdown period. While the curve of heavy gaming remained constant, casual gaming saw a steep increase in popularity. However, millennial audiences were significantly less likely to consume OTT based gaming when compared to their GenZ counterparts.

    OTT platforms have traditionally been more favoured by the young audience for the nature of the content it produces. Surprisingly, 11 per cent of the respondents criticised OTT platforms of imposing, glorifying and promoting “Content disgracing a religion or a caste”. These criticisms were accompanied by a majority (73 per cent) criticising the depiction of anti-national sentiment, foul language and bold as well as smutty content.  “Pop up Ads” were also criticised for harming the seamless viewing experience. Despite the growth of broadband across the country, connectivity issues are prevailing until now.

    The OTT industry is anticipated to grow 45.5 per cent during the forecast period 2019 to 2026. Along with the humongous growth, increased collaborations between OTT platforms and pay up TV, further hybridization and evolution of OTT monetization models could be more noticed going forward. India is expected to emerge as the second-largest OTT market with 500 million users by 2020 itself. 

  • Viacom18’s Sonia Huria to join Amazon Prime Video as communications head for India

    Viacom18’s Sonia Huria to join Amazon Prime Video as communications head for India

    KOLKATA:Viacom18 corporate marketing, communications and sustainability head Sonia Huria has ended her 12-years long stint with the organisation. She will join Amazon Prime Video to lead all its communication efforts for India operations. 

    Huria will be a part of the global communications team – leading PR and Communications for Amazon Prime Video in India. She will be reporting to Amazon Prime Video PR Asia Pacific and Canada PR head Tobias Tringali who is based in Seattle. 

    Ramping up Amazon Prime Video’s communication outreach, Huria will bring in her extensive experience of the entertainment industry and corporate communication. She will be directly responsible for driving the PR narrative for Amazon Prime Video while also leading communication and reputation management across the media spectrum.

    With over 18 years of experience in the entertainment and the consumer space, she led brand and corporate communications for Viacom18 across all its five lines of business – broadcast entertainment, filmed entertainment, digital entertainment, experiential entertainment and consumer products – as well as led one of the industry’s most decorated internal communication functions. 

    Huria began her journey with Viacom18 in 2008, as part of the team that launched Hindi GEC – COLORS which became the no.1 channel in the category within a span of nine months from launch. Auguring the role of sustainability, Sonia has successfully created a model of multi-partner funded behaviour change communication content at Viacom18. First with the TV series Navrangi Re! which focused on sanitation in peri-urban India to more recently with MTV Nishedh. In addition to managing internal and external communication, Sonia also leads trade marketing and digital media for the organisation – ensuring streamlined messaging across touchpoints.

    As an industry thought leader, Huria serves as managing committee member at The Advertising Club. Under her leadership, Viacom18 has won several prestigious awards at PRWeek Asia Awards, South Asia Sabre Awards and Indian PR and Corporate Communications Awards (IPRCCA). She has been featured on Impact Magazine’s Top 50 Women Leaders in Advertising, Media and Marketing for four  years in a row.

  • ZeeMELT and Kyoorius celebrate memorable moments of TV industry

    ZeeMELT and Kyoorius celebrate memorable moments of TV industry

    KOLKATA: Kyoorius, in continuation of the campaign launched at ZeeMelt 2019, released a montage image that features 58 memorable characters from TV serials and shows broadcast across Doordarshan and Hindi GECs.

    “I thoroughly enjoyed this brilliant piece of art and loved the process of identifying my favourite characters from the world of television. There is a beautiful relationship which gets created between a viewer and the character, and this painting celebrates this bond and the power of the entertainment platform. I congratulate the teams from Kyoorius and BBDO, who have created this masterpiece. I wish them all the best and look forward to a yet another successful edition of ZeeMELT,” Zee Entertainment Enterprises Ltd MD & CEO Punit Goenka said.

    “Last year, to mark ZeeMELT, we had created a collage of memorable moments from Indian advertising. It was no surprise to us that the image went viral as consumers enjoyed competing with each other to see who had identified more moments and brands. Programming and advertising are both content as far as our viewers are concerned and this painting is a natural progression of the original thought," Kyoorius founder & CEO  Rajesh Kejriwal said. 

    He was confident that the image would go viral again. “The painting is a wonderful example of communication riding on popular culture. TV is popular culture in India, and, across the country, much time is spent of discussing TV content and thousands of social media messages discuss developments on TV shows and the performances of characters," he added.

    "Last year's ZeeMELT poster was a fun guessing game of the most memorable Indian ads over time. This year, more ambitiously, we decided to create an interactive poster with famous shows that filled our living rooms with life. We've tried to capture the memories and times of the last 40 odd years through the characters who gave us our most memorable TV moments. The result is not just a guessing game, it's an outpouring of nostalgia — a glorious look at where we come from," BBDO India CCO and chairman Josy Paul said.

  • Industry welcomes I&B ministry’s guidelines to restart Film, TV and OTT production

    Industry welcomes I&B ministry’s guidelines to restart Film, TV and OTT production

    MUMBAI: Yesterday, Information and Broadcasting Minister Prakash Javadekar released a comprehensive set of standard operating procedures (SOPs) aimed at the resumption of production for film, television, and OTT originals. The announcement came in as a sigh of relief for many in the industry. The SOPs are in line with the protocols followed across the globe, which also specifies safe distances on shooting locations, in edit rooms, studios, and others. It includes rules on sanitization, fumigation, face masks, and availability of PPE kits. The SOPs also mention the need for an appointment of an on-set Covid2019 coordinator. Javadekar said, “Today we are laying out standard operating procedures as per the international experience and with the consultation of the health ministry and the home ministry.”

    He further explained that contact minimisation is at the core of the SOPs. It will be ensured by minimal physical contact and sharing of props and PPEs for hairstylists and make-up artists, among others. Javadekar also highlighted that the characters in front of the camera would be exempted from wearing masks. Making this announcement on Doordarshan Javadekar said that formulating SOP measures as part of the overall decision to revive economic activities. He added, “For the last six months, this industry had come to a standstill, and many people had lost their jobs. We hope all States will adopt these SOPs.”

    For a detailed list of the SOPs, click here. In a special interaction with indiantelevision.com film producer, Ramesh Taurani said, “I think it is a very good step from the government. Shoots have already started, but now they can be done in other locations as well, as the new SOPs will benefit everyone. These are practical and manageable SOPs, and the film industry is very happy. Now things will happen at a macro level. As the film shooting has started workers, actors, technicians can start work with full protection. It is a good step towards restarting the economy, as more people will get employment. The announcement came from the central government, and now it is up to the respective state government to take it forward.” Apart from laying down the social distancing norms, the ministry has also asked the production houses to ensure extensive planning. It also states that physical distancing of at least six feet is to be followed as far as feasible at all locations at all times, while sitting, standing in queues, etc. FICCI official spokesperson said, "It is a welcome move and the industry has been looking forward to this. It will help open the industry in a phased manner with all the necessary precautions . We are looking forward to working with the government to ensure we get back to business with all the norms that have been put in place. This move from central government is the umbrella document for state governments to adopt so that there is basic uniformity across the country . This is one plan laid out by the central government for the state government to follow and they can add some important details as per the specific requirement." Aspects such as scenes, sequences, set-ups, camera locations, positions of various crew members, seating arrangements, food and catering arrangements, staggered meal timings, etc. shall be planned while giving due consideration to physical distancing norms. According to the guidelines, measures shall be taken by the production team to involve a minimum number of cast and crew members during the shoot. IFTPC chairman TV wing JD Majethia shares, “It is a very welcome move. We all have been waiting for this for a very long time. It is a relief that the centre has eased out the restrictions. As shooting is now allowed across India, it would be easier for film, television, and OTT shows to shoot in different locations and studios, which was difficult to do earlier. Many people will get their employment back, hopefully in Maharashtra. If trains are allowed from next month onwards, a lot of people will get their jobs back.” He further added that the guidelines laid down by the I&B ministry are more detailed, and they have included a lot of aspects. “The measures are clear in nature. Everyone will know what to do in these circumstances. However, the state government can add or modify policies as per their requirement. States with less number of cases can ease out restrictions, whereas things will be stricter in areas where there are a higher number of cases,” adds Majethia. The Ministry has also advised that no visitors or audiences are to be allowed. In the case of outdoor shootings, necessary coordination has to be done with local police and administration to minimize spectators.

    It is a moment of joy for film and OTT platforms as the Covid2019 halted the shoots at other locations, especially with large crews. "It's great news for the TV and film industry. What's more interesting is that the SOPs suggest some points for the opening of the exhibition. We are now looking forward to the opening of cinemas and getting the whole movie industry back on track," says SVF Entertainment co-founder director Mahendra Soni. Juggernaut Productions chief operating officer OTT-business Samar Khan mentions that the issuance of these SOPSs is a step in the right direction. He adds, “All of us have been eagerly awaiting the resumption of shoots but are also aware that crew safety is of utmost importance, following these guidelines will ensure that we can maintain the highest standards of safety while gradually resuming work.”

    The ministry has also advised the industry to discontinue usage of lapel mics or at least to ensure that these are not shared. It also highlights that costumes, hair wigs, and makeup items for actors should not be shared. The SOPs states that artists should be encouraged to do their hairstyling and make-up remotely with the help of professionals. Panorama Studios run by  Kumar Mangat Pathak and Abhishek Pathak is  a subsidiary of Panorama Studios International. Abhishek Pathak has also directed movies like Ujda Chama and Boond. He thanked the I&B ministry for focussing  on contact minimisation. "We welcome these guidelines. Yes, shooting will be a huge challenge in the Covid2019 era, but I think with vigilance and precautions, we can make a comeback steadily. This decision brings huge relief for industry dwellers whose livelihood depends on the creation of movies, series, and other content." Planet Marathi founder and filmmaker Akshay Bardapurkar who also produced AB Aani CD said that it is great news from the I&B minister himself. “However now with the opening of the shoots it would be great also to see theatres also opening up. He mentions that more than 100 films are stalled, and producers are suffering. I hope that the central government issues SOPs for theatres soon and opens them too,” adds Bardapurkar.

  • Government announces SOPs to restart film, TV, OTT production

    Government announces SOPs to restart film, TV, OTT production

    MUMBAI: It’s all systems go for TV, film and OTT originals’ productions in India. Minister of information and broadcasting Prakash Javadekar today announced the release of standard operating procedures for productions to recommence. Tweeting the announcement Javadekar said, “The general principles behind the SOP will help create a safe working environment for cast and crew in the industry.”

    Amongst the measures the MIB has proposed include:

    ·      Minimum cast and crew to be engaged on sets during shoots.

    ·      Resting and stay over facilities to be provided.

    ·      Staggered call and packup times for production units having multiple production locations.

    ·      Older, pregnant, and comorbid technicians and artistes take extra precautions and preferable not be exposed to front line work requiring direct contact with the public.

    ·      Mandatory wearing of masks by all crew excepting the actors facing the camera for a scene.

    ·      Installation of Aarogya Setu app will be advised to be downloaded and used by all.

    ·      Exit and entry signs

    ·      Special markings to ensure social distancing is maintained at six feet for all during every stage of the film making process.

    ·      Visitors and audiences are barred from sets.

    ·      PPEs for make up technicians as well as hair stylist. Wigs and make up kits to not be shared. As far as possible, actors should do their own makeup.

    ·      Rubber gloves for all working with shared equipment on sets.

    ·      Minimise the use of props, sanitise them, if essential.

    ·      Lapel mikes to be avoided and not share. Direct physical contact with the diaphragms of mikes to be avoided.

    ·      A Covid supervisor to be appointed for each production.

    ·      Permissions to be taken from local authorities.

    The announcement of the SOPs for media production should come as a relief for India’s film studios, ad film and TV and digital originals producers. The sector has for a large part been held back from producing for the past five months, leading to losses running into thousands of crore.

    For a detailed list of the SOPs, click here.

     

     

  • Why IPL2020 makes sense for marketers and brands

    Why IPL2020 makes sense for marketers and brands

    MUMBAI: The countdown to the 2020 season of India’s biggest sports extravaganza – the Indian Premier League (IPL) – has begun. Come 19 September, more than a billion eyes will be riveted on their TV screens as the first ball of the first match between Mumbai Indians and Chennai Super Kings is bowled at 7.30 pm.  It does not get better than this for IPL fans, for whom it will be a revisit of the 2019 finals when the Mumbai lads beat the southern team by a whisker of a run, in a heart-stopping duel.

    The 2020 league, which is one of the most premium in the world, is coming at a time when brands sorely need to get back into the consumer’s mindset. Most marketing mavens believe there has been an erosion in brand love among consumers.  Thanks to the disruption in supply chains, consumers have hitherto been okay with buying products rather than their favourite brands. The percentage of shoppers buying online has leapfrogged, footfalls in brick and mortar stores have dived. The humungous response to the Flipkart and Amazon sales in the past two weeks shows customers want to spend and that demand is there.

    Observers believe that big brands which have refrained or cut back their communication with consumers need to get back with their mesmerising and engaging TV and digital commercials so that the consumer connect gets forged once again.

    “Even as the cases are going up, consumer confidence is slowly but surely coming back,” says Group M head of entertainment and sport Vineet Karnik.

    As time goes by, consumers will increasingly go out, spend and the economy will surely follow, or that is the corollary.

    “Marketers believe the IPL is a good opportunity to give a boost to that consumer sentiment even further,” says IPG Media Brands CEO Shashi Sinha

    Sinha had been quoted sometime back in an interview that the IPL is a tentpole property, the biggest in India. “Television is anyway fragmented. The highest ratings come on IPL in India. IPL is the only platform which allows you that single window to reach masses, audiences. Our brands have consistently used it for some time now,” he had said.

    What will make cricket an even bigger audience builder this year is the fact that viewers have not got to watch Rohit Sharma, MS Dhoni and Virat Kohli play for a large part of 2020. Clearly, the desire for sports has been bottled up and is expected to explode into a frenzy of viewing between September and November. Fans are raring to go and have been tweeting, posting their joy, annoyance and opinions on every social media and blogging platform. 

    All thanks to being locked down courtesy the virus, India and Indians have been consuming more content – video, audio, games and what have you – in heavy doses and binges. Data shows that TV consumption is up over 15 per cent (source: BARC) as compared to pre-Covid2019 times, and it is unlikely to slow down, and in fact will sharply accelerate northwards.

    The BCCI has also rejigged the match timings, which should augur well for TV viewers and advertisers. Instead of 2019’s 4 pm and 8 pm starts, the matches in the UAE will now commence at 3.30 pm and 7.30 pm IST respectively. The 3.30 slot will end up extending into early prime, while the 7.30 pm match will end during peak primetime when audiences will also be at their peak. 

    The biggest USP of the IPL, a media observer points out, is that it provides for a very good advertising environment with less clutter. Ad breaks average 50 seconds, means that four to five TV commercials can be played out.  The free commercial time per hour during the IPL is also limited at 800 seconds per hour, as compared to other genres where it crosses 920 seconds and some time goes up to as high as 1,120 seconds. All this works well for brands as the OTS on commercial and engagement goes up.

    Sinha is as optimistic – if not more – today with IPL’s prospects than he was three months ago. “I genuinely believe the IPL will do very well with viewers,” he said. “Some of our smaller brands are also asking us to put their spends behind it. The advertisers will definitely give it a good shot at giving a good push to their businesses.”

    Shall we say amen to that?

  • TV channels line up special shows for Independence Day

    TV channels line up special shows for Independence Day

    MUMBAI: The country is gearing up to celebrate India’s 74 Independence Day. The patriotic fervor is in the air. However this year’s Independence Day, which is traditionally marked with a lot of pomp and gaiety, will be subdued and restricted due to the circumstances created by the Covid2019 pandemic.  But broadcasters are keeping up the spirit. From Hindi general entertainment channels to English GECs to news and movie channels, all have donned the colours of the tricolour.

    Channels have curated special programming line ups to entertain audiences.

    Colors

    The team at Colors’ Khatron Ke Khiladi: Made in India in a special episode honour’s braveheart warriors that will air on 15 August 2020 – Independence Day.

    The real khiladis who will be felicitated on the episode are senior police officer Ramesh Nangare, Dr Anil Panchekar, and Pune’s ‘Warrior Aaji’ Shanta Balu Pawar. The khiladis will share their stories and reflect on their experiences as they worked courageously in the face of the pandemic. Senior police officer Ramesh Nangare and his team policed the city fearlessly during the pandemic. Dr Anil Panchekar worked tirelessly in Dharavi which was one of the most Covid2019 affected areas in Mumbai. Warrior Aaji Shanta Balu Pawar, whose earnings were affected because of the pandemic, performed some fearless lathi stunts to earn a living for her family. The courageous acts by the real khiladi’s will be celebrated on the show.

    Comedy Central India and Colors Infinity

    Comedy Central India and Colors Infinity have curated special programming with Indian-origin actors that have carved a niche on the international scene and become globally recognised stars. Starting 11am on the 74 Independence Day, you can watch 73 of the best Koothrappali special episodes of The Big Bang Theory starring Kunal Nayyar as Raj Koothrappali.

    Nickelodeon

    Nickelodeon under its initiative #SochKaroUpgrade intends to throw light on environmental issues the planet is facing and simple ways to create a change.

    The campaign actively seeks individuals to take the pledge on nickindia.com to protect nature and lists three commitments including planting a tree, discontinue the use of plastic bags, and save water. he franchise is extensively promoting the campaign on-air and on digital with promos and through an array of activities to drive awareness on steps to bring about a change.

    A popular doodle artist Woodle Doodle Designs also did a series of graphic illustrations to drive the message to social media audiences. 

    &Pictures

    &pictures celebrates and salutes the bravery of ordinary people with extraordinary courage with the Hindi Television Premiere of Hotel Mumbai on 16 August.  Based on true events, the visually breathtaking movie recounts the 2008 siege of the famed Taj Hotel in Mumbai and how the fearless staff risked their lives to protect their guests.  

    MTV

    In its newly released brand film, MTV shows people from different walks of life in 2019, criticising the monotony of college life, everyday hassle of traveling to office, also talking about how partying is done to death for youngsters and being self-dependent is an overrated concept.

    Viacom18  head of marketing – youth, music and English entertainment Navin Shenoy said, “The unprecedented times brought upon us by the pandemic has curtailed what impacts the youth most – their freedom to live as they deem fit. With this film for Independence Day, we wanted to put the spotlight on that everyday freedom and gratitude for it.”

    Zee Cinemas

    Zee Cinema is all set to celebrate this special day with the world television premiere of Good Newwz. Directed by Raj Mehta, the blockbuster family entertainer revolves around the hilarious roller coaster journey of two couples who find themselves in an unusual situation because of a medical goof up.

    Zee Anmol

    Zee Anmol Cinema celebrates the patriotic fervor with ‘Naye Bharat Ka Naya Josh’, a day long movie festival on 15 August. Celebrating this auspicious occasion with Full JOSH, the specially curated movie line up will transport you into a world of bravery, resilience and determination that will evoke the patriot in you. Kickstarting your day with the patriotic flavour will be the action thriller Pukar at 9.30 am. Commending the spirit of heroism and passion will be the thrilling channel premiere of Surya The Soldierstarring Allu Arjun and Anu Emmanuel. It will start  at 1 pm, the movie revolves around an aggressive soldier who aspires to serve at the borders but find trouble after getting into brawls and killing a terrorist. Vidyut Jammwal starrer Commando 2 will be kick starting at 4.30 pm, the movie traces the journey of Commando Karanveer Singh Dogra who is on a mission to eradicate corruption.

    Sony PIX

    On the occasion of Independence Day, Sony PIX will celebrate bravery, grit and courage with blockbuster movies like Mortal Engines, The Incredible Hulk, Furious 7, Jurassic World, Battleship and Rampage, all day on 15 August.

    EPIC TV

    The channel brings to fore the extraordinary Indians and their contributions, achievements, and commitment to build a united and free India. Starting from 7 am on 15 August 2020, audiences can watch Bharat Ki Awaaz for iconic speeches by freedom fighters. In the thoroughly researched ‘Epic Ke Dus’, a panel of experts giving their views, highlighting the significance of the events, and describing the mood of the era.

    Adrishya gives an experience from the point of view of India’s greatest spies like Aziz Un Nisa, Durga Bhabhi, Saraswati Rajamani, Ajit Doval and more. The series revisits the lives of these spies – the danger, the fear, the triumphs and the captures, bringing the spy’s heroic acts through their eyes. And in ‘Ekaant’ visit the famous Cellular Jail in Andaman and Nicobar Islands, India, which is a dark reminiscence of the British rule in the Indian subcontinent. It’s a place where freedom fighters were kept before the independence of India. This place has witnessed the torture and pain given to the people imprisoned here after the first war of independence. This episode gives a glimpse of years of India’s struggle for freedom.

    ShowBox

    ShowBox’s musical programming for Independence day rides high on the wave of patriotism with a specially curated playlist, ‘Freedom Wala Swag’ that will evoke a truckload of nostalgia and overwhelming feelings of being an India. The playlist will air popular songs with touching melodies and powerful lyrics, including Aisa Desh Hai Mera, Desh Rangila, Chak De India. The playlist will be aired between 10 am and 2 pm. 

    Filamchi

    Bhojpuri movie channel, Filamchi also takes a dip in the mood of the day with movies like India Versus Pakistan, Love Aur Rajneeti, Ziddi, Khiladi and Dulhe Raaja, which features leading superstars like Pawan Singh, Ravi Kishan, Khesari Lal and Dinesh Lal to charm the audiences with their drama.

  • Shooting amidst a pandemic causing anxiety: Binaifer Kohli

    Shooting amidst a pandemic causing anxiety: Binaifer Kohli

    MUMBAI: Television shoots which were halted due to Covid2019 pandemic have now resumed shooting after adhering to myriad instructions. Producers are taking all necessary precautions to ensure safety and security of cast and crew. On 29 June &TV’s popular sitcom Bhabhiji Ghar Par Hain too resumed shooting.

    Producer of Bhabhiji Ghar Par Hain and Edit II Productions co-founder Binaifer Kohli tells indiantelevision.com that she is excited to begin shooting but at the same time the extra work and responsibility has caused a sense of anxiety. 

    “Shoots are happening late as we are taking effort to follow all the SOPs. More than the shooting, our major concern is on sanitisation and other guidelines as people’s lives are more important. There is no second chance here," she explains.

    Makeup artists, hairdressers and dress men are using PPE kits and artists have been provided separate makeup kits and rooms. Kohli also stresses on using good quality sanitation solutions to avoid any harm. If it is adulterated, then it will not do the work, if used more than the required it could turn acidic. Kohli uses special sanitisation cans to spray on clothes which are relatively more expensive than the usual sanitisers. As there is a lot of heat and halogen lights on the set it could negatively react with the solution and catch fire.

    Every 15 days, the shooting premise is sanitised by a government-approved vendor. They have mostly German dealers who are supplying sanitisation cans and other necessary equipment. There are also vitamin tablets, homeopathic pills and immunity boosting kadhas at the entrance for people to consume.

    According to her, it is very difficult to re-imagine and re-design production protocols and other guidelines. She also highlights that it is difficult to match deadlines now. She says, “We are allowed to shoot with only 33 per cent of the staff and lighting arrangements are done keeping this in mind. Once the camera is set, actors enter the scene and the light-men, along with other crew members, come out of the scene.   Things are going a little slow as compared to before. People on the set have decreased but the lights and cameras used for one shot remain the same. It affects the output of the show.”

    There will be no major changes in the scripts. Grand wedding scenes will now be replaced by court marriage. Funerals and other events will be shown with fewer people.

    Apart from the actors who are travelling daily through their private vehicles, the rest of the crew members are staying on the set. The 12-hour shift timings remain the same for actors and other staff. “We try to wrap up the work in the 12-hour time frame. We have also introduced shift systems so that there is no extra burden on one particular actor.”

    The production house has taken an overall insurance plan along with the Covid2019 insurance cover. As curfew is imposed in Mumbai, Kohli makes sure that shoot ends before 9 pm and people can reach their home in time.

    According to Kohli, it is important for broadcasters and producers to sail together in the same ship in order to survive.

    “Broadcasters are trusting us with our work. We all are supportive towards each other. I have taken a price cut; in the channel itself people have taken 40 per cent cuts. Broadcasters are also facing a lot of difficulty. They are sailing in troubled waters too. The main concern is that there is advertisement happening on television. Brands have nothing to sell and some of them have shut. Whatever products they have they will sell on merit and demand. When there is excess supply then brands have the option of competing. In this scenario, how will broadcasters survive?" she says.

    Kohli’s husband Sanjay Kohli, who is also the creative producer, oversees all the pre-production and post-production work. He checks the scripts before it goes for shooting and episodes before it goes to the channel. Edit and other post- production work is done from her office that is situated in Bandra. They are using technologies like iCloud to save data.

    The house has two shows Bhabhiji Ghar Par Hain and Happu Ki Ultan Paltan on & TV. The popular sitcom May I Come In Madam’s second season is also set to go on the floors very soon, which got postponed owing to the pandemic.