ITV

Tag: TV

  • Heli-cam shoots Zee Rishtey Awards

    Heli-cam shoots Zee Rishtey Awards

    MUMBAI: Those looking forward to watching the Zee Rishtey Awards coming Sunday are in for a visual extravaganza.

     

    For the first time in the history of Indian television, a Heli-cam has been deployed to shoot all the acts live at the venuem that is, at the Andheri Sports Complex.

     

    For the uninitiated, Heli-cams are known for their flexibility and small size, and are used globally to capture aerial photographs and moving images. The technology has been of great use to professionals including astronauts and scientists for procuring panoramic views of the Earth but it is yet to make its debut in the Indian television industry.

     

    Exults director Zee Rishtey Awards Arun Sesh Kumar: “The camera is being used in films too these days, but nobody has used it for TV shows in India till now.” Kumar, who is fascinated by the technology, wanted to bring it in to shoot the Awards that have been planned on a gigantic scale.

     

    Just the platform set up by Umang Kumar for the performances is 1060/80 feet; he informs, pointing out that the Heli-cam has entered the Indian market just a month and a half ago.

     

    “We have spent a bomb to rent the camera that is usually imported from the US. The good part is that it came with an operator who was a pro at handling it and we got enough time to rehearse and get a hang of using it with ease,” says Kumar, adding that the Heli-cam has helped them capture every nook and cranny that was hitherto unreachable. It took almost 48-hours for the team to shoot the entire show.

     

    Kumar says that the camera has been used to capture some of the interesting moments that goes on among the audience. Besides, it has even helped in getting a better view of some of the exciting acts in the show.

     

    And, the camera isn’t the only first at the upcoming awards. The Zee programming team has come up with a few innovations, with Sharmistha Roy Banerjee, creative director of Essel Vision that has produced the show, working for over a month to get everything in place for the big night.

     

    According to Kumar, “This year’s show is much better and bigger than any of the past years,” with artistes from Zee’s many serials roped in for the event.

     

    Another first is that in keeping with Zee’s theme, Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam (the world is my family), the channel is extending a gesture of friendship to other channels. Kumar reveals that Zee Entertainment Enterprises Limited MD Puneet Goenka has come up with the idea of felicitating top shows from other channels; marking the opening of a new chapter in Indian television history. “I agree that channels are always at war. But rivalry doesn’t need to be taken to the level of enmity,” says Kumar, who thinks the initiative will work well for the industry.

     

    With so many new beginnings, the awards, to be aired on Zee TV on Sunday, 1 December, have got good sponsors too, reveals a source from the marketing team. Vaseline is the title sponsor and the show is powered by Vatika Enriched Coconut Oil. Lacto Calamine Reneu is the Co Presenting Sponsor and Colgate Active Salt Healthy White, Dabur Chyawanprash, JOY Skin Fruit Face Wash, LIC, Johnson Baby Cream are the associate sponsors.

  • Bindass climbs the rating ladder with content that connects

    Bindass climbs the rating ladder with content that connects

    MUMBAI: It seems content and digitisation has helped Bindass in a big way. The channel climbed the TV ratings ladder in week 46 of TAM TV ratings with 20,533 GVTs, leaving its rivals MTV and Channel [V] far behind with 14,160 and 16,576 GVTs respectively.

     

    “Both our content as well as digitisation has helped our channel to a great extent. It has helped us reach out to our core TG which is the youth,” says Disney executive director content media networks Indrajit Ray.

     

    Digitisation, according to Ray, has led to democratisation of channels. “Earlier there was limited penetration of channels and thus only the popular channels with better resources could reach every household. Digitisation has helped us to increase our reach,” he says.

     

    According to the ratings provided by Bindass, the top five shows for the week in the youth space were: Yeh Hai Aashiqui (1,852 TVTs), Channel [V] Gumraah Season 3 (1,056 TVTs), Emotional Atyachaar on Bindass (882 TVTs), MTV Webbed (628 TVTs) and [V] Crazy Stupid Love (208 TVTs).

     

    The channel has been working towards improving its GVTs for a long time now. “It is not a week’s work, but a long process. The ratings are not a result of one single promotional activity,” remarks Ray, attributing the growth in ratings to Yeh Hai Aashiqui. He also informs that the channel’s team has formulated an aggressive plan to offer more. “Currently, we have two hours of original content, we plan to increase this,” he adds.

     

    The growing number of GVTs is an indication for the channel that brand Bindass is being accepted among newer audiences. “We believe this was largely on account of its popular mass narrative based on youth themes,” remarks Ray, who also thinks that the channel has been able to strike a chord with its audience because the content reflects the thought of today’s youth in the best way. “Our content is a reflection of what the youth feels today. Relationships, which are the most important part of any youngster’s life has been underserved,” adds Ray, emphasising that Bindaas is a platform for many youngsters to raise their concerns on issues that interests them.

     

    Talking about the reach, Ray says, “We have a fair equitable reach in the Hindi speaking market. We are strong in the north and now have also become popular in west and central India. Our core TG is between 15-24 years, but we do not restrict our programming to this age group. Our shows also cater to older people.”

     

    Bindass, for Ray, is a channel that brings to the fore issues that are brushed under the carpet. “We do not sensationalise but reflect the truth,” he says with hope that the channel will continue to be on the growth trajectory.

  • News channels eye elections

    News channels eye elections

    MUMBAI: Back in the eighties, veteran journalists Dr Prannoy Roy and Vinod Dua took the nation by storm when they co-anchored the first-ever election analyses programs on the then sole television channel, Doordarshan.

     

    Nearly three decades and the cable and satellite TV explosion later, journalists and news television channels of all hues continue to romance the elections with the same (if not greater) fervour.

     

    With ongoing elections in four states in North India and one in the North East, and general elections due in the first half of 2014, there couldn’t have been a better time for news channels to engage in a bit of one-upmanship with respect to news and programs around the polls. Indiantelevison.com takes a look…

     

    India News is airing a campaign called Kissa Kursi Ka showcasing ground events across Madhya Pradesh, Chattisgarh, Rajasthan and Delhi. Citizens are part of the live debates on this program.

     

    Urdu news channel, Aalami Samay, features a show called Mukhyamantri ke paanch saal which looks at the five years of Members of Parliament and what they’ve done towards roadways, power supply, safety and security among other causes. Another show titled Aapke numainde..unke wade assesses whether these MPs have succeeded in keeping the promises they made before getting elected to office.

     

    ABP News is well known for its show, Kaun Banega Mukhyamantri while India TV is looking at building a strong team under the supervision of QW Naqvi, who has newly joined the channel as editorial director, to make their coverage of this election a talking point for the general elections coming up next year. “These assembly elections are a build-up to the general elections in 2014; the focus is on capturing viewership now and to be their first choice for news coverage, analyses and insights on elections right till the general elections,” says India TV MD and CEO Ritu Dhawan.
        

    Elections are a bonanza of sorts for news channels, which expect viewership to head north during that time. For instance, India News and Aalami Samay expect their viewership to go up by 15- 20 per cent while ABP is confident of garnering an almost 50-100 per cent increase, largely due to the main shots slated for prime time viewing although election programming is scheduled for the whole day right through the elections.

     

    India News and News X plan live election coverage from 43 locations, including 16 live OB vans and 16 live units. “Elections are like festivals for every news channel,” says India News and News X CEO R K Arora.

    Not only are elections significant in grabbing eyeballs, they are also important for news channels to make their mark. “Elections should not only be seen as an eyeball prospect, but also as an area where media can contribute in the process of nation building,” says Dhawan.

     

    While News Nation CEO Shailesh Kumar says: “This poll will also reflect the mood of the nation and take of the people at a crucial juncture when two big leaders (Narendra Modi and Rahul Gandhi) are being projected as the future of this country. A very decisive poll, which has the capacity to shape the geo-political contours of the nation.”

     

    Advertisers too are part of this gold (read election) rush. For India TV, advertisers come in the categories including Automobile, Cement, Hosiery, Food processing and FMCG.

     

    Says Dhawan: “The rule ‘Eyeball:Price’ is definitely applicable.”, India News and News X have got on boards brands such as Mircrosoft, Renault, Mahindra, Tata Motors, Idea cellular, Honda Motorcycles, Godrej and Whirlpool on their lists.

     

    With channels eyeing elections as a good ‘squeeze’ in terms of viewers and advertisers, most of them have also planned exit polls at the end of the elections.

     

    Coming to the anchors, be it a Deepak Chaurasia or Rajat Sharma or any of your favourite hosts, they are all busy trying to get the best news bytes from specialists, politicians and the public to grab the most number of eyeballs.

  • Star Plus, Ekta Kapoor to create magic with Ye Hai Mohabbatein

    Star Plus, Ekta Kapoor to create magic with Ye Hai Mohabbatein

    MUMBAI: As goes the famous saying, “Love Thy Neighbour”, Star Plus and Ekta Kapoor have decided to bring this to the small screen. The duo is coming up with a relatable, urban story of the two neighbours in Ye Hai Mohobbatein.

     

    An emotional story of love and loss is slated for telecast starting 3 December. The new series will be aired every Monday – Friday at 11.00 p.m. The show marks the return of popular TV stars Divyanka Tripathi and Karan Patel in lead roles.

     

    So what is the show all about? Well! Expect the Iyers and the Bhallas, the two neighbours in Delhi, fighting over every issue. If this wasn’t enough, things will get more interesting for the families as the show progresses.

     

    The Iyers’ dentist daughter Ishita Iyer and the Bhallas’ businessman son Raman Bhalla find themselves getting bound by an unusual bond. Not every relationship has a name and theirs is defined by Raman’s adorable daughter Ruhi with whom Ishita develops a strong attachment. This thus leads to Ishita getting close to the man – Raman who she dislikes the most.

     

    “We are delighted to partner with Ekta once again for Ye Hai Mohabbatein. The story she has brought to us is urban and contemporary. This love story begins after a marriage gets over. It explores the theme of a second chance in love. With well etched characters and a strong urban narrative, the show deals with day-to-day issues faced by modern couples. We are positive that our metro audiences will see a connect with Ishita and Raman and follow their story,” says Star Plus general manager Gaurav Banerjee.

     

     Balaji Telefilms joint managing director and creative director Ekta Kapoor opines: “My association with Star TV goes back a long way. We have together celebrated many successes and created iconic characters through generations. I look forward to working with them closely on this show and I am sure that the viewers will accept Ishita and Raman into their families.”

     

    The series also brings together veteran artists like Neena Kulkarni, Abhay Bhargav, Kaushal Kapoor, Shenaz Rizwan and Ruhanika Dhawan in pivotal characters.

  • Cartoon Network to distribute Asia-Pacific developed series globally

    Cartoon Network to distribute Asia-Pacific developed series globally

    MUMBAI: Cartoon Network that has started production on a new Asia Pacific-made series that is being developed for global distribution.

     

    Exchange Student Zero, a series where fantasy becomes reality when the dark forces from a tactical anime card game are unleashed on our world, will be ready to air in 2015. The series would be the first one to be developed in the Asia-Pacific region and telecast across the world. However, the Network’s movies develop in the region has been released on a global level earlier.

     

    Another new project in the pipeline for the leading kids’ network is Monster Beach, an original TV special that will also be available internationally.

     

    “Since the very early days at Cartoon Network in Asia Pacific we have produced local content,” says Cartoon Network Chief Content Officer Mark Eyers. “Exchange Student Zero confirms our continued commitment to producing exclusive and compelling creator-driven local content with export potential.”

     

    The show’s director, Patrick Crawley from Bogan Entertainment Solutions (BES) in Australia, adds, “It’s fantastic that we’ll be able to turn this character-driven, inter-dimensional story into a complete Cartoon Network series. Our Australian animation creative team is a formidable talent and we’re thrilled to have the chance to work with an international broadcaster to bring Exchange Student Zero to a global audience.”

  • Zee Learn reports improved y-o-y results for Q2:2014

    Zee Learn reports improved y-o-y results for Q2:2014

    BENGALURU: The Essel group’s education company Zee Learn Limited (Zee Learn) reported higher revenue from operations at Rs 23.91 crore, higher by 27 per cent as compared to the Rs18.84 crore for Q2-2013. The company also returned a PAT of Rs 0.54 crore for Q2-2014 as compared to a loss of Rs(-2.501) crore for the corresponding quarter of last year.

     

    During Q1-2014, the company had forex gain of Rs 1.86 crore on remittance of the GDR issue (listed on the Luxemburg Stock Exchange) proceeds, which was included in the other income of the company for that quarter. The company had reported a 28.7 per cent higher operating of revenue of Rs 33.52 crore for the immediate trailing quarter as well as PAT of Rs 3.25 crore, which was about six times (6.06 times) more than the PAT for the current quarter.

     

     Let us look at the other Q2-2014 results reported by Zee Learn

     

     Two heads that added to the profitability were increase in stock in trade and other income.

     

    Zee Learn reported increase in stock in trade of Rs 0.9543 crore for Q2-2014, which was 49.2 per cent higher than the Rs 0.6396 crore for Q1-2013, but was 35.2 per cent lower than the Rs 1.47 crore for the immediate preceding quarter (Q1-2014).

     

    Other income for Q2-2014 at Rs 0.4294 crore was 38.6 per cent lower than the Rs 0.5953 crore for Q2-2013 and less than a fifth (5.2 times lower) of the Rs 2.22 crore for Q1-2014. As mentioned above, this included a forex gain of Rs 1.86 crore for Q1-2014.

     

    Total expenditure for Q2-2014 at Rs 22.31 crore was 9.1 per cent higher than the Rs 20.46 crore for Q2-2013, but 28 per cent lower than the Rs 30.95 crore for the immediate trailing quarter.

     

    During Q2-2014, the company spent Rs 1.89 crore towards advertising expense, which was about 5.3 per cent lower than the Rs 2.0 crore for Q2-2013 and almost half (52.4 per cent) of the Rs 3.61 crore for Q1-2014.

     

    Towards publicity, the company spent Rs 2.01 crore for Q2-2014, which was 32.7 per cent lower than the Rs 2.98 crore for Q2-2013 and again almost half (50.6 per cent) of the Rs 3.97 crore for Q1-2014.

     

     Zee Learn spent 78.6 per cent more towards purchase of education goods and TV content at Rs 5.85 crore for Q2-2014 as compared to the Rs 3.28 crore for Q2-2013, but less than  half (47.7 per cent) the the Rs12.27 crore for Q1-2014.

    Depreciation and amortisation for Q2-2014 at Rs1.75 crore was 23 per cent more than the Rs1.42 crore for Q2-2013 and 14.5 per cent more than the Rs1.53 crore for Q1-2014.

     

     Employee benefit expense at Rs 7.51 crore for Q2-2014 was 13.8 per cent lower than the Rs 8.71 crore for the corresponding quarter of 2013 and 9.7 per cent lower than the Rs 8.31 crore for Q1-2014.

  • Sunday to become a fun day with Raavi and Gurpreet

    Sunday to become a fun day with Raavi and Gurpreet

    MUMBAI: Get ready to add some fun, spice and naughtiness to your life this Sunday. As a special treat for Raavi fans, Big Magic welcomes you into the innocent world of Raavi that is full of fun and excitement with Raavi Ka Ravivaar, a special 12-hour funfest.

     

    Anchored by one of the most established and renowned stand-up comedians in the industry, Gurpreet aka Ghugghi, this special marathon will present the cutest moments of the series on 24 November, Sunday from 8:00 am to 8:00 pm.

     

    In a short span, Raavi has managed to receive not just positive feedback but a lot of adulation from the viewers across HSMs. This marathon will highlight Amrita’s (Raavi’s mother) journey as a mother who takes a dramatic life decision to disguise her girl child as a boy. While Raavi’s true identity is under wraps, it initiates an extremely interesting cat and mouse game cleverly handled by little Raavi who plays dual roles dexterously.

     

    Learning a few tricks from Raavi, Ghuggi will don four special avatars to present this marathon. Raavi will also be seen anchoring this marathon along with the comedian. The witty duo is set to enthrall the audience with 12-hour marathon story on Raavi and her world laced with humour and entertainment.

     

    Gurpreet Ghugghi said: “This mischievous little Raavi is full of life. Taking a trip down memory lane with this cute kid was not just exciting but a whole lot of fun. Watch out for my special avatars this Sunday. I am sure the audiences will enjoy this marathon.”

     

    “Anchoring a show is new to me but Ghuggi uncle (Gurpreet Ghuggi) made it easy. It’s exciting to revisit the episodes that I had so much fun working on. This Sunday I know what I will be watching on TV. Hope the viewers also enjoy watching this marathon!” quips Raavi. The series air every Monday-Friday at 7 pm only on Big Magic.

  • Kolkata MSOs to blackout TV tonight

    Kolkata MSOs to blackout TV tonight

    KOLKATA: Looks like cable TV consumers in Howrah will have to sacrifice on their favourite shows with few multiple system operators (MSOs) deciding to switch off signals if they do not receive duly filled customer application forms (CAFs) till end of the day today. The decision comes in view of the deadline set by the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) for submission of CAFs by 15 November.

     

    Around 40 per cent cable TV viewers in the city are subscribed to SitiCable. The MSO has not requested the regulator for any extension for CAF submission. SitiCable Kolkata director Suresh Sethia says, “We have already collected 90 per cent of CAFS. We expect the rest to be submitted today, if not, we will switch off signals from tonight.”

     

    Resonating the same is Manthan, which has installed 20-25 per cent STBs of the total five lakh STBs installed in the region.  “While a few have submitted CAFs, others will send it soon,” informs Manthan director Sudip Ghosh.

     

    The announcement is a shocker for many, as confusion over the city being a part of DAS phase II still remains. It is learnt that MSOs like KCBPL-GTPL among others are running analogue signals in DAS II areas.

     

    Industry insiders blame lack of an organisation for irregularities. “There is no such designated organisation that can regulate the system here,” says a source.

     

    The cause of ineffectiveness could also be because a few local cable operators (LCOs) have assured customers that they do not fall under DAS phase II and thus customers have not invested in the set top boxes (STBs).

     

    Talking about the prevailing confusion over DAS in Howrah, Sethia says, “Though most areas were covered during phase I, TRAI has to define whether the border of Howrah falls under phase II or not? There needs to be a clarification.”

     

    The city faces another issue. If Cable Operators Sangram Committee general secretary Apurba Bhattacharya is to be believed, subscribers who have submitted the duly filled CAFs are yet to see the change on their TV screens. “Even after filling the CAF and opting for preferred bouquet of channels, nothing has changed for viewers in Howrah,” he informs.

     

    Bhattacharya however believes that the MSOs will not switch off signals. “I foresee an extension in the cutoff date,” he says.

     

    Earlier a few LCOs had blamed festivities for slow down of work. “Since festivities are over now, both customers and LCOs should take the initiative and submit their details to MSOs,” opine city-based analysts.

  • IMG Media hires former ESPN Star senior exec

    IMG Media hires former ESPN Star senior exec

    MUMBAI: From broadcasting to selling sports programming and event properties – that’s the path Former ESPN Star Sports business development & corporate communication (south Asia) director Rathindra Basu has taken. Recently, he hopped on IMG Media, which is amongst the world’s largest indpendent producers and distributors of sports programming, as vice-president and head of sales in the Indian sub-continent.

     

    In his role at IMG Media he will be looking after sports media content distribution and sales for the SAARC countries; covering all forms of media rights – including TV, audio, fixed media, in-flight and closed circuit, broadband and mobile. His responsibilities include developing key relationships with major sports broadcasters and other TV networks including the public broadcaster.

     

    Speaking to indiantelevision.com Basu says: “In my new role I will be looking at expanding our reach across the Indian subcontinent and reaching out to as many broadcasters for distribution and sales deals.”

     

    Basu will report to IMG Media Sr VP and head of sales Asia Pacific Chris Guinness, based in the London office and IMG Media Sr VP and head of sales Asia Pacific Leena Singarajah, based in Selangor, Malaysia.

    He will continue to be based out of New Delhi.

     

    IMG produces more than 21,000 hours of television and more than 30,000 hours of radio programming annually. It provides a seamless solution for both rights holders and broadcasters worldwide. Be it live or studio, in stadium or on the course, across the US or throughout South Africa, it claims to be a stop solution to handle all production needs.

     

    With over 200 clients and events, including Wimbledon, the Australian Open, the ATP Masters Series, the R&A (governing body and organiser of The Open Championship), International Rugby Board (IRB), MotoGP, the National Football League (NFL) and the International Volleyball Federation (FIVB). IMG operates from over 30 offices worldwide and has daily exchanges with over 4,000 key media contacts. It also maintains the world’s largest sports archive with more than 250,000 hours of footage.

  • Zee’s Ditto TV makes free launch in the UK

    Zee’s Ditto TV makes free launch in the UK

    MUMBAI: The Zee Network is pretty bullish about its Ditto TV app. It has now launched it at no cost to SkyZee subscribers in the UK and also to those on other TV platforms and without a TV subscription. Phone and tablet users can download the app onto their devices and watch 17 channels at absolutely no cost, after verifying their account through a valid phone number.

     

    The app is available across all platforms, including iOS, Android and Blackberry, and there are a range of payment options to choose from, from a full monthly package to top ups via the embedded Top – up Wallet, which means subscribers can simply pay as they go.

     

    Says Zee Europe CEO Neeraj Dhingra: “Zee has been the pioneer and innovator in the media industry and with DittoTV we have demonstrated again that we are moving ahead with the times by launching a new digital platform for distribution of content across Europe. Apart from our focus on the linear channels on Sky and other platforms in UK and Europe, with DittoTV we aim to address a new segment of mobile users and make our channels easily accessible on the go. We are already seeing uplift in online subscriptions as a result.”

     

    The network has signed up Ankita Lokhande aka Archana of its most popular show Pavita Rsihta to push the app to Britasians in the UK. .The app is already proving popular with over 65,000 likes on Facebook and 7,000 app downloads to date.