ITV

Tag: Universal Music Group

  • HDFC Life chooses Music to connect with young millennials

    HDFC Life chooses Music to connect with young millennials

    MUMBAI: HDFC Life Insurance Company, one of India’s largest private life insurers, launched the second edition of its successful campaign #YoungandResponsible today.

    Research conducted by the company on the lifestyle and habits of the younger generation highlighted certain lesser-known facts about the youth, which eventually provided the idea for the campaign. Through this campaign, HDFC Life aims at busting the myth that young millennials are reckless and irresponsible and endeavours to set straight the record on how the youth have been misunderstood over the years. Interestingly, this TG forms a fast growing segment of HDFC Life’s customer base.

    In this campaign, HDFC Life speaks to audiences through two new young stars from the field of music. This year’s theme focuses on young individuals who have pursued careers of their choice and are successful in their respective fields. The company has also identified music as the key affinity hook to connect with the generation. Music is known to cut across barriers of age, religion and language, connecting people from all walks of life and is highly popular with youngsters.

    HDFC Life has a history of using music as a trusted medium for the brand to connect with its audiences. For this campaign, HDFC Life collaborated with Universal Music to ensure the essence of the brand can be maximized by leveraging on their understanding of music.

    The Company has created a song which talks about the young generation – planning, practising and pursuing their dreams with success and pride – re-emphasizing the brand’s motto ‘Sar Utha Ke Jiyo’.

    Further they have partnered with two well-known singers –

    Arjun Kanungo: With several hits and over 450 million views + steams online, Arjun is one of India’s most recognisable Popstars. Starting his pop career with the breakout hit ‘Baaki Baatein Peene Baad’ with Rapper Badshah, Arjun has gained immense popularity since then. His latest hit single ‘Aaya Na Tu’ with Momina Mustehsan is nearing the 50 million views mark on YouTube.

    Jonita Gandhi: A singer known for her songs in Bollywood as well as regional cinema – Tamil, Telugu, etc. (Fame – Breakup song – Ae Dil Hai Mushkil, Gilheriyaan – Dangal, Sacchi Mohobbat – Manmarziyaan, Aahista -Laila Majnu.)

    Mr. Pankaj Gupta–Chief Marketing Officer & Head, Strategic Alliances, Bancassurance (ex-HDFC), & Speciality Direct Sales, said: “Our research data clearly shows that the Young Millennial is extremely smart and in fact, better at long term planning for their goals and aspirations, compared to the previous generations. This is contrary to the generic perception. The findings inspired us to challenge the stereotype and launch the #YoungandResponsible campaign last year, which struck a chord with this generation. We aim to reach out to them again through music in this campaign – encourage them to do what their heart desires while raising awareness about financial planning, which will give them the confidence to pursue their dreams and aspirations.”

    Mr. Devraj Sanyal, Managing Director & Chief Executive Officer of Universal Music Group & EMI Music, India & South Asia, said “Music is a pulse which connects the youth and HDFC Life effectively uses this as a medium to share their message. It has been an insightful collaboration where we got a chance to understand and share our expertise to create a track which is aspiring to break age old dogmas about the young being reckless.”

    The first phase of the campaign will comprise an exclusive song with a music video to reinforce the notion of #YoungAndResponsible. This song covers the journey of the young and celebrates their choices. The core of the song revolves around 'Pride' and magnifies the brand’s tagline – 'Sar Utha Ke Jiyo'. It is a special creation dedicated to the young generation and their undying spirit.

    In the second phase, the journeys of Arjun and Jonita who represent the young generation, will be showcased in two separate exclusive videos highlighting the importance of practice, discipline and strong financial planning to reach their goals and attain success. 

    This campaign will be seen and heard on digital and music streaming platforms, music channels, radio & cinema.

  • 9X Media appoints Rajitta Hemwaani as SVP

    9X Media appoints Rajitta Hemwaani as SVP

    MUMBAI: Rajitta Hemwaani has joined as senior vice president 9X Media and will head SonicX, a new business division initiated to tap the business potential and talent of independent music content.

    Hemwaani would be reporting to 9X Media managing director Pradeep Guha.

    Prior to joining 9X Media, Hemwaani was with a digital radio platform Audioboom UK as the India head. With a career spanning over 20 years, Hemwaani has worked with Star TV Network for two years from 2013 to 2015 as VP content and was also associated with Universal Music Group from 2008-11.

    “9X Media has always nurtured and encouraged talent by providing them appropriate platforms through the Network’s properties of music channels and content portals. As the Company gears up to discover, nurture and proliferate independent music content and talent, Rajitta’s rich and diverse experience will be of immense value,” said Guha.

    Also read

    9X Media appoints Rajitta Hemwaani as Sr. Vice President for SonicX

    9X Media sale: Pradeep Guha & Rajat Sharma rubbish reports
     

  • 9X Media appoints Rajitta Hemwaani as SVP

    9X Media appoints Rajitta Hemwaani as SVP

    MUMBAI: Rajitta Hemwaani has joined as senior vice president 9X Media and will head SonicX, a new business division initiated to tap the business potential and talent of independent music content.

    Hemwaani would be reporting to 9X Media managing director Pradeep Guha.

    Prior to joining 9X Media, Hemwaani was with a digital radio platform Audioboom UK as the India head. With a career spanning over 20 years, Hemwaani has worked with Star TV Network for two years from 2013 to 2015 as VP content and was also associated with Universal Music Group from 2008-11.

    “9X Media has always nurtured and encouraged talent by providing them appropriate platforms through the Network’s properties of music channels and content portals. As the Company gears up to discover, nurture and proliferate independent music content and talent, Rajitta’s rich and diverse experience will be of immense value,” said Guha.

    Also read

    9X Media appoints Rajitta Hemwaani as Sr. Vice President for SonicX

    9X Media sale: Pradeep Guha & Rajat Sharma rubbish reports
     

  • Universal Music ups Deborah Hyacinth to SVP digital marketing innovation

    Universal Music ups Deborah Hyacinth to SVP digital marketing innovation

    MUMBAI: Universal Music Group has promoted Deborah Hyacinth to the new role of SVP digital marketing innovation.

     

    Based in London and reporting to UMG president of marketing Andrew Kronfeld, Hyacinth will lead the development and implementation of innovative digital marketing strategies for Universal Music Group’s artists and labels around the world.

     

    Since joining the company in 2011 as VP international digital marketing, Hyacinth has established UMG’s central marketing innovation team, building a suite of products and launching digital campaigns across social media, digital advertising and music streaming and developing successful new applications for rapidly evolving technologies such as augmented and virtual reality.

     

    Kronfeld said, “Deborah and her team have developed skills and capabilities that are right at the heart of our marketing campaigns all around the world. In Deborah we have an executive who is a leader in finding and building on the intersection of marketing, innovation, technology and creativity and I’m delighted she’s taking on this expanded role.”

     

    Hyacinth added, “Music continues to be at the forefront of digital innovation and I’m thrilled to be part of a team at Universal Music Group that has the vision and ambition to build on our leadership position and deliver ever more powerful marketing strategies and tools for our artists.”

     

    Since joining Universal Music Group in 2011 Hyacinth has spearheaded digital initiatives for a host of superstar and internationally successful artists including the Rolling Stones, Avicii, 5 Seconds of Summer, Ariana Grande, Sam Smith, Imagine Dragons and many others. She previously held a number of digital marketing roles at a variety of music and media companies including EMI and Reuters.

  • Universal Music to cough up $11.5 million to settle digital royalties class action

    Universal Music to cough up $11.5 million to settle digital royalties class action

    MUMBAI: Universal Music Group (UMG) has agreed to cough up $11.5 million as settlement to its artists Rick James and Chuck D of Public Enemy and others. 

     

    In the lawsuit, the plaintiffs alleged that UMG failed to pay proper royalties to certain artists when consumers bought MP3 files from digital music retailers. 

     

    In this regard, UMG, on behalf of UMG Recordings Inc. and Capitol Records LLC, and plaintiffs’ attorneys representing clients in class action lawsuits regarding digital download royalties submitted a settlement for preliminary court approval.

     

    Under the proposed terms, UMG will contribute a maximum of $11.5 million to supplement payments to class members for past digital download activity, cover attorneys’ fees and administrative costs, and also increase digital download royalties by approximately 10 per cent going forward to class members who submit a claim.

     

    In the settlement agreement, UMG specifically denies the plaintiffs’ claims, and states that it agreed to settle the claims rather than continue to litigate the matter to avoid the associated legal expenses.

     

    In a statement, UMG said, “Although we are confident we appropriately paid royalties on digital downloads and adhered to the terms of contracts, we are pleased to amicably resolve this matter and avoid continued legal costs.”

     

    Len Simon, one of the lead plaintiffs’ attorneys, said, “This settlement is a fair resolution of this controversy over how to compensate artists for their valuable work in a new medium which we believe was not contemplated by their contracts, many drafted in the 1970s or 1980s. And it compensates these artists now, rather than after additional years of litigation and uncertainty.”

  • Havas Media Group appoints Damien Marchi as global head of content

    Havas Media Group appoints Damien Marchi as global head of content

    MUMBAI: Havas Media Group has appointed Damien Marchi as global head of content. This news follows the Group’s recent launch of the Global Music Data Alliance with Universal Music Group and its partnership with content marketing platform NewsCred.

     

    Havas Media Group global managing director Dominique Delport said, “2015 will be the year of content for Havas. We are going to innovate at scale and it’s already started thanks to our friends at Universal and NewsCred. Multi device content marketing runs through Damien’s veins. He has always been at the forefront of global developments in content, working on some of the world’s most talked about shows. Data and content is at the core of what we do and Damien is a true all-rounded digital innovator. There is no doubt that he will help lead our teams through what will be an incredibly fast and interesting time for Havas and its clients in this space.”

    Marchi added, “I began my career at a start up and to some extent feel like I have come home. The size and scale of Havas has not stopped it being an energetic and exciting to place to work. These two qualities will come handy as the global content market is at a turning point. On the one hand, business models in the industry are being seriously challenged and on the other hand, people have never had such as thirst for content. It’s an exciting time to be on the agency side – the historic meeting-place of stories, brands, platforms and producers. And with content at its core since its creation in 1835, Havas has all it takes to become the best of the industry.”

    In line with the Group’s “Havas’ Village” approach to promote integration between its divisions, he will work closely with Havas Sports & Entertainment global CEO Lucien Boyer and Havas Worldwide global chief content officer Vin Farrell. Based in the Havas Paris HQ, he will report directly to Delport. 

     

    Marchi has over 15 years experience specialising in cross platform content production, commercialisation and marketing in TV and digital, across entertainment, drama and news. He has lived and worked in France UK and Sweden working at local, EMEA and global levels and led digital adaptations for shows such as The X Factor, Got Talent, Idols(FremantleMedia), Big Brother and Star Academy (Endemol). He has worked with brands such as RedBull, Air France, P&G and L’Oréal. 

    Marchi is an Emmy Award winner (2006), which he gained whilst working for the production company Streampower in Paris on its interactive TV programme Cult. He also holds two Banff Awards (2010, 2011) for his time with FremantleMedia in London for producing online originals Freak and SortedFood, which became the UKs largest cooking community on YouTube. He also works as an advisor to the United Nations advising UNRIC, its Western European information bureau on digital communications. 

    Prior to joining Havas, Marchi was member of the executive committee of Euronews in charge of Innovation and Products and championing the digital transformation of the newsroom.

  • Universal Music inks deal with Vessel to premiere music videos online

    Universal Music inks deal with Vessel to premiere music videos online

    MUMBAI: Universal Music Group (UMG) and Vessel, an online video service, have inked an agreement to premiere select UMG videos through Vessel for an exclusive time period before making the content available on free, ad-supported services.

     

    Universal Music Group chairman and CEO Lucian Grainge said, “Vessel represents the latest business model innovation for premium short-form content and we’re pleased to extend our industry-leading track record of empowering entrepreneurs who are growing the playing field for new content services. Jason and his team recognize the substantial value of the music videos created by our world class roster of artists and have built a platform that promises fans a first-rate experience while providing artists and labels new ways to increase the monetization of their creative work.”

     

    Vessel CEO and co-founder Jason Kilar added, “We are excited to work with Lucian and everyone at Universal. Their team has a real gift for finding talented new voices and helping them reach a wider audience through new platforms like Vessel. It’s no secret that consumers love music videos. We look forward to giving Universal artists an amazing new home on Vessel.”

     

    The specific artist videos from UMG’s labels that will be featured on Vessel’s paid tier will be revealed in the coming weeks. 

     

    Vessel subscribers receive at least 72 hours of exclusive access to short-form, professionally produced content on mobile devices and the Web for the price of $2.99 a month. During the early access period, videos on Vessel can earn a multiple of 20-times more per-view compared with free, ad-supported online video services.

     

    After the exclusive time period, videos posted on Vessel become available on general ad-supported online services, including Vessel’s free, ad-supported offering.

  • Idea is to get one star in the next three years from ‘The Dharavi Project’: Devraj Sanyal

    Idea is to get one star in the next three years from ‘The Dharavi Project’: Devraj Sanyal

    MUMBAI: Universal Music Group and multi channel network Qyuki recently launched the ‘Dharavi Project’ as part of their corporate social responsibility (CSR). With the initiative, the music group will fund the expansion of the project that was helmed by Qyuki.

     

    Speaking to Indiatelevision.com about the school, Universal Music Group India and South Asia managing director Devraj Sanyal says that the idea is to get at least one star out in the next three years who is able to cross international markets. “All the money that comes out of it will go back to the artiste while the administration fees will go back to the project. We will not retain a single rupee,” says Sanyal.

     

    He further added that the company, which has a strong global footprint on CSR, was very clear from day one to have a single initiative that would be large, impactful and actually effect change.

     

    The school currently is a 25 feet by 25 feet room but plans are afoot to upgrade it over the next 30 days. It will have 5-D cameras, Apple Mac machines, a recording facility and engineers to help the students set up and record. “It will be like a mini Berkley. We have spent close to two per cent of our net revenue on the project,” Sanyal informs.

     

    As of now, 35 to 40 children will avail facilities at the school and the target is to reach out to more than 300 children. On an average, some of these kids would earn a paltry sum of Rs 4000 a month by undertaking ‘Slumdog’ tours. Queried as to how the project will move ahead, Sanyal says, “This would not have been possible without two things – a deep intent and real money. When these two came together, the Dharavi Project was born.”

     

    As part of its tie up with Qyuki, content which is created by Universal in the South Asia region, will be available on the network. Outlining some trends in the music industry in India, Sanyal concludes by saying, “Digital clearly is the future. Bollywood continues to be a very strong player. Independent, regional and international music is also growing from current share because the population share is increasing.”

  • New video platform to compete with YouTube, Vimeo

    New video platform to compete with YouTube, Vimeo

    NEW DELHI: A new video platform for lifestyle content Wonder PL hopes to compete with YouTube and Vimeo and capitalise on the soaring popularity of online video streaming.

     

    Backed by Universal Music Group, Qualcomm Ventures, former Apple executive Pascal Cagni and a personal investment by Vice Media president Andrew Creighton, Wonder PL which was launched on 13 March features topics from wellness to food to entertainment targeting women.

     

    Wonder PL is differentiating itself from YouTube by targeting professional content makers to use its platform for an annual fee. Whereas, YouTube is free to anyone who wants to upload a video.

    “We want to be the Whole Foods of video,” said Wonder PL founder and CEO Sofia Fenichell. “YouTube is Wal-Mart.”

     

    Wonder PL is going after brands and content creators such as the National Film Board of China and chef Tom Aikens. Wonder charges an annual fee of $300 for its members to use the platform to upload videos. “We know everyone is going to produce more videos,” Fenichell said.

     

    While more people are uploading and consuming video, it is a crowded market. Google’s YouTube, which is ad-supported, has more than a billion unique users per month who watch more than six billion hours of video.

     

    IAC/Interactive’s Vimeo provides a platform for professional users too. Anyone can post videos to the Vimeo platform for free but it charges up to $199 for more comprehensive features like additional storage, support and the ability to sell video on demand. Vimeo takes a 10 per cent cut on all videos using this additional feature. The platform has over 22 million registered members and reaches a global monthly audience of about 150 million.

     

    Fenichell said Wonder will depend on subscription revenue for now but could eventually start providing opportunities for sponsored content. People view videos on Wonder in an ad-free environment.

     

    “The industry currently trades a free or nominal membership fee in exchange for taking very high platform commissions,” she added. “We believe this is an unsustainable model for creators who need to generate value from their work.” 

     

  • Viacom asks YouTube to remove unauthorized clips

    Viacom asks YouTube to remove unauthorized clips

    MUMBAI: YouTube, the online video sharing site from Google faces yet another controversy as Viacom asks the website to remove more than 100,000 unauthorized clips from its hugely popular video-sharing site.

    Viacom has been through several rounds of talks with YouTube and Google but has not managed a breakthrough as far as ‘filtering’ or ‘revenue sharing’ for clips and video is concerned.

    Viacom said in a statement that after several months of talks with the website “it has become clear that YouTube is unwilling to come to a fair market agreement that would make Viacom content available to YouTube users.”

    Viacom has repeatedly negotiated with YouTube and Google to deliver on several “filtering tools” to control unauthorized video from appearing on the site.

    Although the company is asking YouTube to take the clips down, it has not taken legal action.

    Under federal copyright law, online services such as YouTube are generally immune from liability as long as it responds to takedown requests. But the legal lines blur when another user posts the same video.

    YouTube said in a statement that it would comply with the request from Viacom and said that it cooperates “with all copyright holders to identify and promptly remove infringing content as soon as we are officially notified.”

    In November, YouTube had agreed to delete nearly 30,000 files after the Japan Society for Rights of Authors, Composers and Publishers complained of copyright infringement.

    Some media companies such as CBS Corp. and General Electric Co., NBC Universal have made deals to allow YouTube to use video clips from their programming. But the site is yet to agree over ways to get compensated for the use of their copyrighted material.

    Universal Music Group had threatened legal action for copyright infringement and piracy of music videos. It later reached a licensing deal with them last year.

    Despite Viacom’s problems with YouTube, the company’s MTV Networks division reached a licensing deal last year with Google that allows the search company’s video service to use clips from MTV and its sibling networks under a revenue-sharing agreement.