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Tag: Universal

  • Sourav Ganguly brings humour and nostalgia to Netflix’s Khakee promo

    Sourav Ganguly brings humour and nostalgia to Netflix’s Khakee promo

    MUMBAI: Netflix India has pulled off a marketing coup by featuring former Indian cricket captain Sourav Ganguly in an unexpected and humorous role for its latest original series, Khakee: The Bengal Chapter. The promotional campaign, crafted in collaboration with Trailer Park Group, Netflix’s creative agency for the series, blends nostalgia and entertainment to captivate audiences across India.

    Trailer Park Group has ingeniously woven Ganguly’s charismatic persona and cricketing legacy into the promo, delivering a light-hearted yet engaging narrative. The film opens with Ganguly interrupting a scene on the set of Khakee: The Bengal Chapter, eager to take on the role of a tough police officer. Initially struggling to embody the fierce aggression required, he finds his rhythm by channelling memories of his fiery cricketing moments, particularly his rivalry with Greg Chappell. The scene unfolds with comedic brilliance, as Ganguly jokingly suggests using his signature cricket strokes the cover drive, cut, and pull with a police baton to take down criminals, all while reaffirming his famed preference for the off-side.

    “Integrating Dada’s dynamic presence into the campaign brought authenticity and excitement to the storytelling. This collaboration allowed us to blend nostalgia with humour, creating a moment that truly resonates with audiences.” White Turtle Studios executive director and co-founder Ankit Bhatia.

    “Working with Netflix India on the creative strategy for this series has been a thrilling experience. At Trailer Park Group, we strive to push creative boundaries and build deep audience connections through powerful storytelling.” Trailer Park Group Asia-Pacific (APAC) managing director Tamagna Ghosh.

    Renowned for delivering iconic campaigns across OTT, cinema, gaming, music, and sports, Trailer Park Group has previously worked with major platforms such as Prime Video, Warner Bros., Universal, and Peacock.

    Directed by Neeraj Pandey, Khakee: The Bengal Chapter promises an intense and gripping narrative. The series features an impressive ensemble cast, including Jeet Madnani, Prosenjit Chatterjee, Saswata Chatterjee, Ritwik Bhowmik, and Chitrangda Singh. A sequel to Khakee: The Bihar Chapter (2022), the crime thriller is set to premiere on 20 March 2025 on Netflix.

  • Big Cine Expo 2024 to redefine cinema exhibition at NESCO

    Big Cine Expo 2024 to redefine cinema exhibition at NESCO

    Mumbai: The seventh edition of the Big Cine Expo will take place at the Bombay Exhibition Centre (NESCO), India, from 30 September to 1 October 2024.

    As per the release, it is the world’s second-largest and Asia’s largest international convention and trade show for cinema exhibitors and theatrical distributors, and is expected to be even bigger and more innovative.

    The inauguration will feature industry figures like Maddock Films’ founder Dinesh Vijan, filmmaker Subhash Ghai, and PVR-INOX co-CEO Alok Tandon. A highlight of the expo will be filmmaker Atlee screening exclusive footage of his debut production ‘Baby John’ starring Varun Dhawan on day one.

    Big Cine Expo remains Asia’s largest B2B platform for the multiplex and single-screen sectors. The two-day event will provide local and international stakeholders with opportunities to connect and showcase technologies, products, and services aimed at enhancing the cinema and entertainment sectors. Key partners for Big Cine Expo 2024 include Galalite, IMAX, Qube Cinema, Christie, and Warner Bros. Discovery & Universal. Attendees can expect a packed schedule of product displays, demos, studio presentations, seminars, panel discussions, awards, special screenings, launches, exclusive B2B meetings, and networking opportunities.

    The IMAX Big Cine Awards 2024 will honor leaders and innovators in the cinema exhibition industry, recognizing achievements across various categories. These awards aim to celebrate excellence and creativity in the industry. With a focus on growth and innovation, the expo is expected to attract cinema operators, designers, distributors, studios, equipment manufacturers, project management professionals, and industry decision-makers from around the world.

    “This exceptional event, the second-largest of its kind worldwide, is a gathering of the brightest minds in cinema exhibition,” said Big Cine Expo director Raghav. “Our goal is to offer an exclusive and premier platform for exchanging innovative ideas and industry-leading solutions that will drive the future of cinema.”

    “To be in touch with technology and exhibition, which is the most important aspect for all of us who are making films: there’s so much attention to detail and a tenacious desire to push forward, and I believe the exhibition fraternity is doing just that. I feel greatly humbled to be a part of the show,” said Padma Shri film director, producer, and screenwriter Mani Ratnam.  

    “Domestic as well as international entities unite together, socialise, and share their thoughts. I am really looking forward to attend the event and witness some great work and some innovative concepts. Such initiatives are constructive for entrepreneurs in the cinema industry and ancillary businesses,” said Subhash Ghai.

    “Big Cine Expo has yet again brought the cinema exhibition industry together with its 7th edition of Big Cine Expo. This event has always provided a great platform for networking and collaboration among the key players in our industry. Big Cine Expo has been a symbol of strength and innovation. At PVR INOX, we are proud to be part of this journey and celebrate the progress we’ve made together. Congratulations to the team for organizing another excellent event and for their dedication to the growth and success of our industry,” said PVR INOX Ltd MD Ajay Bijli.

    India has long been a global leader in cinema consumption, and as the market for cinematic experiences grows, Big Cine Expo finds a fitting home in this dynamic country. Mumbai, the center of Indian cinema, has played a key role in shaping the industry, reflecting both its history and innovative approach. As a cultural and creative hub, the city provides the ideal setting for Big Cine Expo 2024, bringing together key industry figures to shape the future of cinema and entertainment in India and globally.

  • Inox launches merchandise range in collaboration with Macmerise

    Inox launches merchandise range in collaboration with Macmerise

    MUMBAI: Multiplex chain, Inox has launched its merchandise range, available through its website and mobile app. Inox patrons will now have an array of official and licensed merchandise available in categories including mobile and electronic accessories, fashion apparel, games and stationeries, consumer electronics, home and kitchen. The entire range of products is exclusively designed and curated by Macmerise, an online consumer goods company that produces merchandise.

    As a launch offer, Inox has announced a 10 percent discount on all online transactions till 30 June, 2022. Customers can use promo code Inox10 to avail the offer.

    With this partnership, Inox will make the audience feel closer to characters from Disney, Marvel, Lucas Films, Warner Bros (DC Comics), Universal. Customised and merchandise products of the Indian cricket team and IPL are available through FanCode and MPL, respectively. Going forward, customers can expect high-end products from premium lifestyle brands, said Inox. Customers will also be able to send gift hampers for special occasions like birthdays/anniversaries and can create customized awards and trophies.

    Products available in INOX’s merchandising website include customised and branded T-Shirts, Hoodies, Travel Essentials, Sipper Bottles, Coasters, Desk and Mouse Pad, Laptop Sleeves, Phone Cases, Caps, Mugs, Wireless Charger, Speaker, Notebooks, Headphones and much more.

    Inox Leisure Chief Sales and Revenue Officer Anand Vishal said, “Introducing our special range of merchandise is a conscious attempt to foster the unique bond that the patrons share with INOX as well as their superheroes from the famous franchises like Disney, Marvel and Star Wars. The partnership with Macmerise will allow us to provide a physical experience of their favourite characters from the movies or sports. With the aspiration of our ever-increasing and young customer base at an all-time high, it is important for us to keep them engaged by offering them more than just a cinematic content experience. Macmerise is a proven expert in the online retail space with quirky product design ideas that appeal to consumers across the country, and we are thrilled to partner with them on this new journey.”

    Macmerise Celfie Design CCO Mallika Satia said, “There cannot be a better place and a better audience than Inox to showcase and offer our products. The partnership adds a new dimension to our business as we get access to a massive set of movie lovers who enjoy a great cinema experience while watching their favorite characters on the big cinema screens of Inox. We are delighted to be associated with Inox. Through this partnership, we aim to curate the best of Inox merchandise for the movie-lovers of the country. We hope to continue building our relationship with the brand for years to come.” 

  • Reliance, Universal & eOne to distribute Fox-Amblin’s Spielberg movie ‘The Papers’

    Reliance, Universal & eOne to distribute Fox-Amblin’s Spielberg movie ‘The Papers’

    MUMBAI: Twentieth Century Fox and Amblin Entertainments’ riveting drama inspired by actual events, ‘The Papers’ began principal photography in New York recently.

    Internationally, the film will be distributed through Amblin’s deals with Universal Studios, Reliance Entertainment, eOne and other international distribution partnerships.

    Academy Award winning director Steven Spielberg helms a powerhouse cast including Oscar winners Meryl Streep and Tom Hanks in ‘The Papers’. In June 1971, The New York Times, the Washington Post and the nation’s major newspapers took a brave stand for freedom of speech and reported on the Pentagon Papers, the massive cover-up of government secrets that spanned four decades and four US Presidents.

    At the time, the Post’s Katherine Graham (Streep) was still finding her footing as the country’s first female newspaper publisher, and Ben Bradlee (Hanks), the paper’s volatile, driven editor, was trying to enhance the stature of the struggling, local paper. Together, the two formed an unlikely team, as they were forced to come together and make the bold decision to support The New York Times and fight the Nixon Administration’s unprecedented attempt to restrict the first amendment.

    ‘The Papers’ marks the first time Meryl Streep, Tom Hanks and Steven Spielberg have collaborated on a project. In addition to directing, Spielberg will also produce along with Amy Pascal and Kristie Macosko Krieger. The script was written by Liz Hannah and Josh Singer and features an acclaimed ensemble cast including Alison Brie, Carrie Coon, David Cross, Bruce Greenwood, Tracy Letts, Bob Odenkirk, Sarah Paulson, Jesse Plemons, Matthew Rhys, Michael Stuhlbarg, Bradley Whitford and Zach Woods.

    An Amblin Entertainment production, ‘The Papers’ will be distributed domestically by Twentieth Century Fox and will be in select theaters 22 December, going wide 12 January, 2018.

  • Declaration on press freedom at meet on World Press Freedom Day

    Declaration on press freedom at meet on World Press Freedom Day

    New Delhi: A record-breaking number of participants from all parts of the world have adopted the Finlandia Declaration setting new challenges to ensure press freedom, access to information, safety of journalists and cultural diversity for all media practitioners everywhere.

    More than 1000 media practitioners and stake holders, including representatives of governments during a meeting on World Press Freedom Day on 3 May in Helsinki called on UNESCO’s 195 member states to “reaffirm that press freedom and the right to information are essential for a free, independent and pluralistic media and crucial to the advancement of human rights and sustainable development.”

    In keeping with the new sustainable development goals set by the United Nations for the next 15 years, the Finlandia Declaration stresses the importance of access to information and the responsibility of states in making public information available both on and off-line, and promoting universal access to the internet.

    It also calls on states to ensure the safety of journalists, whose vulnerability to violent attacks undermines press freedom and freedom of information in many parts of the world.

    The Declaration furthermore recognizes the pertinence of UNESCO’s 2005 Convention on the Protection of and Promotion of the Diversity of Cultural Expression, artistic freedom and cultural diversity to the exercise of the fundamental human right of freedom of expression.

    Participants at this year’s main World Press Freedom Day event, organized by UNESCO and Finland, lauded UNESCO’s Executive Board decision to celebrate an International Day for Universal Access to Information on 28 September every year.

    During the two-day conference, the director-general of UNESCO, Irina Bokova, the prime minister of Finland, Juha Sipilä and the host country’s president, Sauli Niinistö, highlighted the paramount importance of press freedom and freedom of information for sustainable development, good governance and a basis for all freedoms.

    The celebration of World Press Freedom Day 2016 drew the support of some 50 civil society and media organizations. Some 100 World Press Freedom Day events have been organized around the world this year.

  • Declaration on press freedom at meet on World Press Freedom Day

    Declaration on press freedom at meet on World Press Freedom Day

    New Delhi: A record-breaking number of participants from all parts of the world have adopted the Finlandia Declaration setting new challenges to ensure press freedom, access to information, safety of journalists and cultural diversity for all media practitioners everywhere.

    More than 1000 media practitioners and stake holders, including representatives of governments during a meeting on World Press Freedom Day on 3 May in Helsinki called on UNESCO’s 195 member states to “reaffirm that press freedom and the right to information are essential for a free, independent and pluralistic media and crucial to the advancement of human rights and sustainable development.”

    In keeping with the new sustainable development goals set by the United Nations for the next 15 years, the Finlandia Declaration stresses the importance of access to information and the responsibility of states in making public information available both on and off-line, and promoting universal access to the internet.

    It also calls on states to ensure the safety of journalists, whose vulnerability to violent attacks undermines press freedom and freedom of information in many parts of the world.

    The Declaration furthermore recognizes the pertinence of UNESCO’s 2005 Convention on the Protection of and Promotion of the Diversity of Cultural Expression, artistic freedom and cultural diversity to the exercise of the fundamental human right of freedom of expression.

    Participants at this year’s main World Press Freedom Day event, organized by UNESCO and Finland, lauded UNESCO’s Executive Board decision to celebrate an International Day for Universal Access to Information on 28 September every year.

    During the two-day conference, the director-general of UNESCO, Irina Bokova, the prime minister of Finland, Juha Sipilä and the host country’s president, Sauli Niinistö, highlighted the paramount importance of press freedom and freedom of information for sustainable development, good governance and a basis for all freedoms.

    The celebration of World Press Freedom Day 2016 drew the support of some 50 civil society and media organizations. Some 100 World Press Freedom Day events have been organized around the world this year.

  • FY-2015: Technicolor reports improved numbers

    FY-2015: Technicolor reports improved numbers

    BENGALURU: Technicolor revenues increased 12 per cent at current currency and 4.7 per cent at constant currency for the year ended 31 December, 2015 (current year, FY-2015). The company says that its growth reflects growth across the Entertainment Services and Technology segments and broadly stable Connected Home revenues. Technicolor revenue for the current year was €3,652 million as compared to €3,332 million in FY-2014.

    Technicolor CEO Frederic Rose said, “In 2015, our teams closed successfully, and in parallel, a number of large acquisitions, while remaining focused on delivering a very strong free cash flow. Moving forward, Technicolor is a much more balanced company built on three leading operating businesses and a core licensing business underpinning our material upgrade of Drive 2020 objectives.”   

    Adjusted EBITDA from continuing operations reached €565 million in FY-2015, up 3.1 per cent at constant currency compared to 2014, representing a margin of 15.5 per cent, down by one point year-on-year (YoY). Technicolor says that the adjusted EBITDA increase reflected a solid Licensing revenue performance, combined with strong organic growth in Production Services, partially offset by a weak DVD Services performance in the first half, the impact of unfavourable € versus US$ exchange rate fluctuations on procurements for Connected Home in the second half, as well as a lower contribution from exited activities.

    Segment performance

    Connected Homes

    Connected Homes segment revenues totalled €1,451 million in FY-2015, up five per cent at current currency and, and up 0.3 per cent as compared to the reported €1,382 million in FY-2014. Excluding Cisco Connected Devices (CCD), revenue declined 1.2 per cent as reported and declined 5.7 per cent at constant currency in FY-2015 to €1,3,65 million as compared to $1,382 million in the previous fiscal.

    Technicolor says that even without the contribution of CCD, Connected Home continued to outpace the global CPE market despite adverse business conditions experienced in some regions, driven by a number of new awards and customer wins, including high-end products. The segment achieved in particular a sustained performance in Europe, Middle-East & Africa and Asia-Pacific, both regions reporting a double digit YoY growth in revenues, benefiting notably from a mix improvement associated with the introduction of new products and a further ramp up in the value chain. Connected Home faced however lower levels of activity in both North and Latin America, primarily reflecting cautious customer approach towards product orders and inventory management, due to pending industry consolidation in the US and unfavourable macroeconomic conditions in Brazil.

    Adjusted EBITDA reached €76 million in FY-2015 compared to €77 million in FY-2014, with a negative forex impact of €6 million. At constant currency, adjusted EBITDA was €82 million, up by 5.8 per cent compared to 2014, with a margin of 5.9 per cent, up by 0.3 point YoY.

    Entertainment Services

    Entertainment Services revenue, excluding exited activities, was €1,639 million, up 10 per cent YoY in FY-2015 at constant currency, resulting from strong organic growth, the contribution from recent acquisitions in Production Services and solid revenues recorded by DVD Services.

    Production Services recorded a strong double-digit increase in revenues in FY-2015 compared to FY-2014 says Technicolor. Revenues expanded by almost 40 per cent YoY at constant currency, as a result of a strong double digit organic revenue growth, mostly due to a record level of activity in Visual Effects for feature films, and the additions of Mr. X, OuiDo Productions, Mikros Images and The Mill.

    The company says that VFX for commercials and Animation activities also recorded higher revenues, resulting from increased levels of activity across facilities, while Postproduction revenues improved year-on-year.

    Technicolor provided VFX and/or Postproduction services to 10 of the top-16 grossing films of the year worldwide, including some of the best box office performers such as Furious 7 (Universal), Avengers: Age of Ultron (Disney), Spectre (Sony) and The Hunger Games: Mockingjay – Part 2 (Lionsgate).

    DVD Services revenues were generally stable at constant currency in FY-2015 compared to FY-2014, driven by resilient total Standard Definition DVD, Blu-ray and CD disc volumes, which were down less than one per cent YoY, reflecting a marked improvement compared to the 11 per cent volume decline recorded in FY-2014. Blu-ray disc volumes were up by eight per cent in FY-2015 compared to FY-2014, supported by the aforementioned factors and the ongoing growth in Xbox One games volumes, while Standard-Definition discs declined by five per cent YoY. Overall FY-2015 volume trends in Europe continued to be generally better than in North America, mostly due to regionally specific promotional activity for selected studio customers, as well as to the ongoing adoption of Blu-ray in this region (as compared to the more mature and stable US Blu-ray market).

    Total Games volumes declined by 11 per cent YoY, with ongoing erosion in prior generation video game console demand outpacing growth for the current generation Xbox One platform. Going forward, prior generation video games volumes have now reached an immaterial level and should not influence future trends to the same degree.

    Excluding exited activities, Adjusted EBITDA was €190 million, down 2.1 per cent at constant currency YoY, as the stronger Production Services contribution was almost fully offset by lower DVD Services performance. However, the free cash flow generation in DVD Services was stable year-over-year notwithstanding the adjusted EBITDA decline says the company.

    Technology

    Technology revenues excluding M-GO, which was sold in early January 2016 to Fandango, a business unit of NBCUniversal, amounted to €490 million, up 3.3 per cent year-over-year at constant currency, primarily driven by higher revenues from the MPEG LA pool, which represented 59 per cent of total Licensing revenues in FY-2015 compared to 45 per cent in FY-2014. The Group’s direct licensing programs recorded a solid performance in the first half, particularly for Digital TV, which benefited from the strong level of new contracts and contract renewals in the course of 2014. In the second half, direct licensing programs posted a lower performance as the Group did not sign any major contract renewal or new contract as some ongoing discussions with manufacturers were delayed to leverage the joint licensing program with Sony in Digital TV (DTV) and Computer Display Monitor (CDM) that was announced in September.

    Excluding M-GO, Adjusted EBITDA reached €389 million, up 3.4 per cent at constant currency year-on-year, driven by the strong contribution of the MPEG LA patent pool.

  • FY-2015: Technicolor reports improved numbers

    FY-2015: Technicolor reports improved numbers

    BENGALURU: Technicolor revenues increased 12 per cent at current currency and 4.7 per cent at constant currency for the year ended 31 December, 2015 (current year, FY-2015). The company says that its growth reflects growth across the Entertainment Services and Technology segments and broadly stable Connected Home revenues. Technicolor revenue for the current year was €3,652 million as compared to €3,332 million in FY-2014.

    Technicolor CEO Frederic Rose said, “In 2015, our teams closed successfully, and in parallel, a number of large acquisitions, while remaining focused on delivering a very strong free cash flow. Moving forward, Technicolor is a much more balanced company built on three leading operating businesses and a core licensing business underpinning our material upgrade of Drive 2020 objectives.”   

    Adjusted EBITDA from continuing operations reached €565 million in FY-2015, up 3.1 per cent at constant currency compared to 2014, representing a margin of 15.5 per cent, down by one point year-on-year (YoY). Technicolor says that the adjusted EBITDA increase reflected a solid Licensing revenue performance, combined with strong organic growth in Production Services, partially offset by a weak DVD Services performance in the first half, the impact of unfavourable € versus US$ exchange rate fluctuations on procurements for Connected Home in the second half, as well as a lower contribution from exited activities.

    Segment performance

    Connected Homes

    Connected Homes segment revenues totalled €1,451 million in FY-2015, up five per cent at current currency and, and up 0.3 per cent as compared to the reported €1,382 million in FY-2014. Excluding Cisco Connected Devices (CCD), revenue declined 1.2 per cent as reported and declined 5.7 per cent at constant currency in FY-2015 to €1,3,65 million as compared to $1,382 million in the previous fiscal.

    Technicolor says that even without the contribution of CCD, Connected Home continued to outpace the global CPE market despite adverse business conditions experienced in some regions, driven by a number of new awards and customer wins, including high-end products. The segment achieved in particular a sustained performance in Europe, Middle-East & Africa and Asia-Pacific, both regions reporting a double digit YoY growth in revenues, benefiting notably from a mix improvement associated with the introduction of new products and a further ramp up in the value chain. Connected Home faced however lower levels of activity in both North and Latin America, primarily reflecting cautious customer approach towards product orders and inventory management, due to pending industry consolidation in the US and unfavourable macroeconomic conditions in Brazil.

    Adjusted EBITDA reached €76 million in FY-2015 compared to €77 million in FY-2014, with a negative forex impact of €6 million. At constant currency, adjusted EBITDA was €82 million, up by 5.8 per cent compared to 2014, with a margin of 5.9 per cent, up by 0.3 point YoY.

    Entertainment Services

    Entertainment Services revenue, excluding exited activities, was €1,639 million, up 10 per cent YoY in FY-2015 at constant currency, resulting from strong organic growth, the contribution from recent acquisitions in Production Services and solid revenues recorded by DVD Services.

    Production Services recorded a strong double-digit increase in revenues in FY-2015 compared to FY-2014 says Technicolor. Revenues expanded by almost 40 per cent YoY at constant currency, as a result of a strong double digit organic revenue growth, mostly due to a record level of activity in Visual Effects for feature films, and the additions of Mr. X, OuiDo Productions, Mikros Images and The Mill.

    The company says that VFX for commercials and Animation activities also recorded higher revenues, resulting from increased levels of activity across facilities, while Postproduction revenues improved year-on-year.

    Technicolor provided VFX and/or Postproduction services to 10 of the top-16 grossing films of the year worldwide, including some of the best box office performers such as Furious 7 (Universal), Avengers: Age of Ultron (Disney), Spectre (Sony) and The Hunger Games: Mockingjay – Part 2 (Lionsgate).

    DVD Services revenues were generally stable at constant currency in FY-2015 compared to FY-2014, driven by resilient total Standard Definition DVD, Blu-ray and CD disc volumes, which were down less than one per cent YoY, reflecting a marked improvement compared to the 11 per cent volume decline recorded in FY-2014. Blu-ray disc volumes were up by eight per cent in FY-2015 compared to FY-2014, supported by the aforementioned factors and the ongoing growth in Xbox One games volumes, while Standard-Definition discs declined by five per cent YoY. Overall FY-2015 volume trends in Europe continued to be generally better than in North America, mostly due to regionally specific promotional activity for selected studio customers, as well as to the ongoing adoption of Blu-ray in this region (as compared to the more mature and stable US Blu-ray market).

    Total Games volumes declined by 11 per cent YoY, with ongoing erosion in prior generation video game console demand outpacing growth for the current generation Xbox One platform. Going forward, prior generation video games volumes have now reached an immaterial level and should not influence future trends to the same degree.

    Excluding exited activities, Adjusted EBITDA was €190 million, down 2.1 per cent at constant currency YoY, as the stronger Production Services contribution was almost fully offset by lower DVD Services performance. However, the free cash flow generation in DVD Services was stable year-over-year notwithstanding the adjusted EBITDA decline says the company.

    Technology

    Technology revenues excluding M-GO, which was sold in early January 2016 to Fandango, a business unit of NBCUniversal, amounted to €490 million, up 3.3 per cent year-over-year at constant currency, primarily driven by higher revenues from the MPEG LA pool, which represented 59 per cent of total Licensing revenues in FY-2015 compared to 45 per cent in FY-2014. The Group’s direct licensing programs recorded a solid performance in the first half, particularly for Digital TV, which benefited from the strong level of new contracts and contract renewals in the course of 2014. In the second half, direct licensing programs posted a lower performance as the Group did not sign any major contract renewal or new contract as some ongoing discussions with manufacturers were delayed to leverage the joint licensing program with Sony in Digital TV (DTV) and Computer Display Monitor (CDM) that was announced in September.

    Excluding M-GO, Adjusted EBITDA reached €389 million, up 3.4 per cent at constant currency year-on-year, driven by the strong contribution of the MPEG LA patent pool.

  • Sony Music’s Shridhar Subramaniam succeeds Ganesh Jain as PPL chairman

    Sony Music’s Shridhar Subramaniam succeeds Ganesh Jain as PPL chairman

    MUMBAI: Sony Music Entertainment president India & Middle East Shridhar Subramaniam has been unanimously elected as the chairman of Phonographic Performance Limited (PPL) the by board of directors representing Saregama, Universal, Tips, Venus and Aditya Music.

     

    Venus Worldwide Entertainment Private Limited chairman Ganesh Jain, who presided over PPL during one of the four most challenging years of the organisation.

     

    Jain said, “It gives me great pleasure to pass on the baton to a stalwart in the music industry and I believe Shridhar with his unique ability and experience will steer the industry successfully into the next phase of expansion.”

     

    “These are exciting times. The industry has great opportunities as well as challenges ahead and with the help of the Board and Management, I hope to bring a sense of optimism and inclusiveness to PPL and the industry and I am confident that we will collectively build the foundations for a strong future,” added Subramaniam. 

     

    Universal Music Group South Asia managing director Devraj Sanyal, Tips Industries managing director Kumar Taurani, Saregama India managing director Vikram Mehra and Aditya Music chairman Umesh Gupta expressed their support to Subramaniam.

     

    President of Honour V.J. Lazarus, who spent the last 10 years at PPL will be concluding his long innings with the association in March 2016. Lazarus has a experience of 45 years in the industry, the first 35 as Universal Music Group India managing director and later chairman.

     

    Lazarus said, “I will dedicate these final six months of my tenure to facilitate and support chairman Shridhar Subramaniam, the PPL Board and the Management through this transition.”

     

    PPL was incorporated in 1941 and is the apex-licensing arm of the Indian music industry and administers Public Performance and Broadcasting rights on behalf of over 200 members, which include the leading music companies like Saregama, Sony, Universal, Tips, Venues, Aditya Music, Times Music, Eros and Music Today amongst others.

  • Universal plans six-network roadblock on NBC for ‘Jurassic World’ preview

    Universal plans six-network roadblock on NBC for ‘Jurassic World’ preview

    MUMBAI: A roadblock broadcast of the original Jurassic Park will be hosted by three-time Academy Award winner Steven Spielberg and Chris Pratt, the star of Universal Pictures and Amblin Entertainment’s Jurassic World, beginning on 5 June and concluding on 6 June.

     

    They will also introduce a two-minute, exclusive sneak preview of Jurassic World, which arrives in theaters on 12 June.

     

    Spielberg and Pratt will share their respective memories of Jurassic Park and drive to a debut of a two-minute exclusive sneak preview of Jurassic World, which will air during the program.

     

    This first opportunity to see new material from the upcoming film will be aired on 5 June on NBC. The following evening, on 6 June, the program will air on Bravo, Syfy, USA Network, E! and NBC Universo. For its part, NBC Universo will telecast a Spanish language version of Jurassic Park.

     

    In Jurassic World, the story of Spielberg’s original comes full circle as the park that was only a promise comes to life. Jurassic World is a fully operational luxury resort off the coast of Costa Rica where 20,000 guests explore the wonder of Earth’s most magnificent living prehistoric marvels—of every shape and size—and interact up close with them every day.

     

    When the massive and mysterious Indominus rex stages an escape and disappears into the jungle, order turns to mayhem and guests turn into prey. Dinosaurs escape into the open, skies and water to engage in an all-out war for survival, and no corner within the world’s greatest theme park is safe anymore.

     

    Pratt, Irrfan Khan, Bryce Dallas Howard, Vincent D’Onofrio, Ty Simpkins, Nick Robinson, Omar Sy and BD Wong star in the 3D epic action-adventure that is directed by Colin Trevorrow and based on characters created by Michael Crichton.