ITV

Tag: VH1

  • Vh1 to bring X Factor UK to India

    Vh1 to bring X Factor UK to India

    MUMBAI: UK’s most enthralling musical talent hunt returns with an action-packed season on 6 October, with Vh1 moving to air the show within 48 hours of UK telecast from the 13 October onwards.

     

    The new season begins with renowned faces returning to the judging panel. Former ‘frenemies’, Simon Cowell and Cheryl Fernandez-Versisni make a comeback while Scary Spice Mel B has joined this season replacing former Pussycat Dolls member Nicole Scherzinger.

     

    The legendary music manager Louis Walsh resumes for yet another season of X Factor UK despite his claims of not returning for a new season last year! The series resumes with the return of participant-friendly host Dermot O’Leary. He will be seen presiding over all the drama, tears, joy and heartache, as well as lending the aspirants a much needed shoulder to cry on as they perform in front of the difficult panel.

     

    Announcing the acquisition of X Factor Viacom 18 English entertainment head and EVP Ferzad Palia said “We recently began to air Britain’s Got Talent and the show has quickly climbed to become the number one unscripted program in the English entertainment category today.

     

    Clearly this is something audiences are excited about and at this point we are thrilled to introduce them to the latest season of UK’s biggest music reality show. With this new season and our plans to air it right after UK telecast, we reaffirm our commitment to airing the best international music and lifestyle entertainment to ever updated Indian audiences.”

     

    Banded in one of the four existing categories; i.e. the Over 25s, the Groups, the Boys and the Girls, the hopefuls will get a chance to impress and receive three ‘yeses’ from the bantering judges and proceed closer towards the coveted prize. 

  • Vh1 goes mobile

    Vh1 goes mobile

    MUMBAI: Vh1, India’s coolest destination for international entertainment, is set to step out of television sets and go mobile with the launch of Vh1 Mobile-app. Smartphone users now have the opportunity to tune-in to exciting international entertainmentas well as their favourite content from the channelwhile in transit.

    The launch of Vh1 Mobile App makes the best of English entertainment and international content available for FREE on iOS,Android, Windows as well as Nokia X series, customized for both, mobile and tablet users.

    TheVh1 mobile-app gives music-enthusiasts a chance to experience the awesomeness of Vh1 on the go by making videos and episodes of shows airing on the channel available on the website. Apart from music and videos, the mobile-app also links users to featured articles as well as live twitter feeds by their favourite artistes, making all important music-related information available on one page.

    The mobile app will additionally provide information such as the best of gigs taking place around town, gripping Celebrity gossip, regular Entertainment news, VH1 top music charts and much more.

    Announcing the Vh1 mobile app launch, Ferzad Palia, EVP & Head – English Entertainment, Viacom18 says, “The emergence of smartphones has revolutionized the way entertainment is consumed by viewers.With the launch of Vh1 Mobile-app, we aim to further engage with the youth on-the-move. This launch helps take the brand Vh1 a step ahead by offering the best of English entertainment through just one-touch on their screens.”

    Commenting on the offering of Vh1 Mobile app, Rajneel, VP & Business Head – Digital Media, viacom18 says, “The launch of Vh1 Mobile App is a more effective way to connect with today’s screen-agers. This audience is constantly on-the-move and heavily dependent on technology. The mobile app is not restricted to being just an extension of the channel; Vh1 Mobile App offers the best of international content that is not even available on the channel. The app is designed to be user-friendly and is regularly refreshed ensuring users are offered updated content at all times.”
    Known for offering the best of international music and entertainment, the launch of Vh1 mobile-app makes it convenient for all music-enthusiasts to carry their entertainment wherever they go!

  • Live Viacom18 announces musical extravaganza on World Music Day

    Live Viacom18 announces musical extravaganza on World Music Day

    MUMBAI: This World Music Day, LIVE Viacom18pledges to provide an array of music and entertainment experiences tailor-made for the Indian diaspora. It will provide anideal platform forpopular music genres by way of the wide rangeof IPs from Bollywood to EDM to Rock and much more.

     

    Bollywood music is an eternal favorite for most Indian audiences. With increasing global awareness, the average Indian is exposed to international music and trends &evolution. In recent times, Electronic Dance Music (EDM) has also seen a surge in popularity, as anelectrifying genre with an infectious dance vibe.Live Viacom18 has been instrumental in creating an innovative genre called Bollywood Dance Music (BDM) which sees these two popular genres fusing in an avatarnever seen before. In celebration of this novel genre, an experiential property – MTV Bollyland was launched last year. MTV Bollyland has, as a focused decision, decided to expand its reach with 12 club nights for urban audiencesand 12 City Concertsfor Tier II cities with the aim of making this mesmerizing experience available to a broad audience.

     

    Emerge,true to its name,is a platform for upcoming internationalartists to provide invigorating new experiences for the Indian audience. Memorable performers from the past three editions includeJeremy Loops, Dinner and a Suit, and Engine-Earz and UK Producer Asa. The property’s impact will be amplified with a monthly presence pan-India, starting this August. There will be sixmulti-city club tours featuring upcoming artists from across the world and two large format, day-long city festivalsin the coming months till March 2015. Emerge will have upcoming artists and music trends from across the world performing over a period of eight months.  Artist announcements will follow every month.

     

    Vh1 Supersonic, the hottest EDM property on the block, which started off with a bang last December on the sunny sands of Goa, will travel across India in the form of over 100 gigs and concerts with electrifying performances from renowned international and Indian artists. Vh1 Supersonic Arcade is a series of concerts which will be held across the country from September onwards.Vh1 Supersonic ClubNights will see talented national and international DJs perform in clubs across various cities.Vh1 Supersonic Campus 101, created especially for the youth of today will be woven into college festivals across the country. All legs of Vh1 Supersonic will engage EDM lovers with a steady stream of gigs throughout the year and will seamlessly lead into the eagerly awaited main event Vh1 Supersonicin Goa this December.

     

    Music is consumed across a variety of platforms by the evolved Indian, today. To stay at the forefront of this phenomena, Live Viacom18 will engage with music aficionados across its revamped social media platforms. Independent web destinationswill serve as entertainment hubs for each of these genres.

     

    In taking these giant strides, the personal experience of mobile has also been integrated with dedicated applications for EDM fanatics and a mobile platform that will enable the discovery of new music for the discerning.The primary objective of these digital initiatives is to unite like-minded individuals to form a music community.

     

    On the occasion of World Music Day, Mr. Jaideep Singh, Sr. Vice President and Business Head – INS, Viacom18 Pvt. Ltd. says, “India’s youth population is at an all-time high of 70%. A considerable percentage resides in urban centres. They are exposed to myriad genres and have individualistic and multiple tastes, which often overlap. Bearing this in mind,we have conceptualized and created multiple IPs that experimentwith various music genres and mix sounds for loyalistspan-India. In fact, LIVE Viacom18 will reach outto a wide audience across a number of Indian cities and targetvaried audiencespectrum withdistinctive properties.”

     

    On World Music Day, through 150+ live events across various music genres, LIVE Viacom18 promisesevery weekend to become a musical weekend.

  • Viacom18 reigns supreme at PromaxBDA India Awards with 17 wins

    Viacom18 reigns supreme at PromaxBDA India Awards with 17 wins

    MUMBAI: Viacom18, India’s fastest growing entertainment network of iconic brands proved its creative mettle at the recently concluded PromaxBDA India Awards by winning a whopping 17 awards across categories. Viacom18’s brands MTV, Vh1 and Comedy Central brought in a total of eight golds and nine silvers for excellence in the creative campaigns. All the winning campaigns at Viacom18 have been conceptualized and produced in-house.

     

    MTV turned out to be the biggest winner amongst all TV channels at the PromaxBDA India Awards with a total of 11 awards being scooped up by its creative team alone.

     

    PromaxBDA India Awards recognizes excellence in on-air promotion, branding and advertising across India, Pakistan and Bangladesh. The awards ceremony was held in Mumbai on 28th May 2014.

     

    Below is a list of the award-winning campaigns at the 2014 PromaxBDA India Awards:

     

    Gold:

    1. Best Print Campaign – MTV Rock The Vote

    2. Best Editing – MTV Spoken Words

    3. Best Campaign – MTV Webbed

    4. Best on air – Identz

    5. Best Interactive Promo – MTV Roadies Battlegroud

    6. Best Reality promo –MTV Roadies Journey

    7. Best Title Sequence – MTV Spoken Word

    8. Best Sales & Marketing Presentation –Comedy Central Superhero

     

    Silver:

    9.   Best Logo Design – Spoken Word

    10. Best Animation – MTV HI5

    11. Best Holiday Special event promo (Rock the vote) – MTV Rock The Vote

    12. Best Funniest Spot ()-MTV Serial box

    13. Best Use of Social Media – Anger Management – The Destructomatic

    14. Best Comedy Promo – Suits S3 – INDIAN HARVEY

    15. Best Entertainment Promo – Suits S3 – Indian Harvey

    16. Something for Nothing – Comedy Central’s 2014 Predictions

    17. Best Children’s Programme Promo – Silver – Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles – CP Promo 

  • ‘100 Pipers Vh1 Sound Nation’ to kick off on 2 May

    ‘100 Pipers Vh1 Sound Nation’ to kick off on 2 May

    MUMBAI: Soaring mercury levels notwithstanding, audiences across the country are in for a first-of-its-kind, multi-genre music extravaganza put together by premier music channel Vh1 along with Seagram’s 100 Pipers.

     

    Starting 2 May, ‘100 Pipers Vh1 Sound Nation’ will witness 28 of the biggest Indian artists and bands perform at 23 gigs across Mumbai, Delhi, Bangalore, Kolkata, Hyderabad and Pune spread over 10 days.

     

    Cult performers like Parikrama, Midival Punditz, Indus Creed and Nucleya will be part of the music entourage travelling across the country.

     

    The event will culminate in an exciting awards night in Mumbai where Indian artistes will be recognized for their talent and contribution to music across 13 categories such as rock, electronic, pop, blues and hip-hop. Top honours will include best live performance, best new artist and best music video.

     

    Says Viacom18 Media , SVP and GM, English Entertainment Ferzad Palia, “Vh1 is the most definitive platform for celebrating music talent in India and we are taking this a step ahead through 100 Pipers Vh1 Sound Nation. We are excited to partner with Seagram’s in recognizing and honoring local talent and bringing forth the multi-city music fest at a scale which is worth looking forward to,” before adding, “We could have done it last year, but we waited for a year to get more international traction and interest nationally.”

     

    Palia substantiates saying that there were around 7,000 live events in India two years ago however this year, the number of live performances by independent artists has gone up to nearly 15,000. “Right now, in our country, there is no real platform to showcase talent under one roof. Given the recent rise of English language music artists in India, the cost of making music videos has become less expensive. We’ve had Vh1 India Rules for eight years now, which showcases the top cream of Indian talent and we plan to celebrate that talent with an award show. This year, we have two artists for each gig,” says Palia, pointing out that the event is planned as genre-agnostic.

     

    Viacom believes that Vh1 Sound Nation is a definitive platform to have a stake in and gives no reason for cannibalization; instead, there would be an overdrive to create a different space for different music lovers. Like Vh1 had initiated Super Sonic and then, there was Contraband in association with Hard Rock Cafe and Universal Music.

     

    An event organized on such a vast scale will obviously be supported by 360 degree marketing including on ground and online integrations. With six gigs being held simultaneously in six cities, Palia admits it’s going to be a “logistical nightmare”. He believes that an outdoor event of such proportions is bound to be logistics heavy. “This year, we are facing many revenue challenges though we are in touch with our international counterparts in Viacom. But we are facing a few hindrances in getting them here to join us for this event”, he says.

     

    Viacom’s English entertainment channels, including music channels are treated as brands and not just channels. The four legs of the network include TV, live, digital and consumer products. As far as the last goes, the network has started with official South Park merchandise and will add to that based on popular demand.

  • MTV, Vh1 create cyber security awareness

    MTV, Vh1 create cyber security awareness

    MUMBAI: Just like there are two sides to every coin, there are two faces to internet communication; one bright and the other not-so-bright.

     

    Taking upon themselves the task of exposing this dark underbelly of an otherwise sunny occupation are television networks the likes of Vh1 and MTV.

     

    Vh1, which had earlier aired season one of the reality-based documentary-series, Catfish: The TV Show, is all set to telecast season two of it, beginning 27 April. For the uninitiated, ‘catfish’ is not the name of a fish (at least in this case) and refers to a person who creates fake profiles on social media sites by using someone else’s pictures and biographical information only to trick unsuspecting persons into falling in love with him/her. ‘Catfish’ is derived from the title of a 2010 documentary where filmmaker Nev Schulman discovers that the 20-something woman, he’d been carrying on online with, hasn’t exactly been honest in representing herself to him. Vh1’s show is inspired by Schulman’s film.

     

    Meanwhile, MTV India, which had previously aired its own brutally honest take on cyber evil in the form of MTV Webbed season one, is prepping up for the soon-to-be-telecast season two of the show. The 13-part anthology drama series revolves around victims of cyber abuse, cyber bullying and cyber stalking and is targeted at 12 to 24 year olds.

     

    According to MTV India associate vice president, head – content & programming Vikas Gupta, all MTV Webbed stories are based on true incidents that have happened with real people. With India ranking third in terms of prevalence of cyber abuse, it wasn’t difficult finding stories. “In fact, we are working together with the Cyber Crime Awareness Society (CCAS), which is helping us with the research. As the name suggests, the CCAS is an entity that works towards creating awareness about cyber safety. It conducts workshops, offers training programs, compiles case studies and also run a helpline,” he said.

     

    MTV’s social campaign, MTV ACT, which strives to create awareness about social causes, has tied up with CCAS to drive cyber security awareness. MTV is hosting cyber safety awareness workshops in over 200 colleges across 10 cities to encourage students to surf smart. CCAS meanwhile is educating youngsters about apps and measures that can protect them from getting ‘webbed’ in everyday life.

     

    Like season one, MTV India had earlier planned to air season two of MTV Webbed in September, however, the phenomenal response to season one made the network push ahead the dates of telecast.

     

    Talking of the host of the show, Gupta says, “Kritika’s role is not going to be either preachy or detached. While she narrates the stories, she would also be playing the role of a friend and guide, providing tips on cyber safety and basically providing information for the youth to surf smart and stay safe. She will be empowering the youth to enjoy the internet in a secure manner. On the show, at the end of each episode, she will be joined by a cyber expert as well, who will provide easy tips and ideas on how the youth can ensure their own safety online.”

     

    “Our stories are about teenagers who get into difficult situations because of the mistakes they commit online. The protagonists have to believably portray the trauma faced by the victims in order for us to honestly tell the story. Hence, casting plays a crucial role as these actors carry the show on their shoulders,” he adds.

     

     The objective of MTV Webbed season 2 is to create awareness and empower the youth so they can avoid making mistakes that lead to disastrous situations. “With our focus clear, we exercise necessary caution while approaching each story. Hard hitting situations have to be portrayed honestly otherwise bringing out the severity becomes difficult. But yes, having said that, the viewers of MTV Webbed 2, fall in the age group of 12 to 25 years, so we have to be careful as to how graphic we can get. It’s a show that’s meant for all and everyone should and needs to be able to watch it,” says Gupta.

     

    So has MTV started marketing the upcoming season? MTV India head – marketing, media & insights Sumeli Chatterjee says, “Youth preferences today change incredibly fast; hence, it really does not matter how soon you launch the next season. We are happy that the first season was loved and appreciated; and therefore, drafting out the marketing plans becomes that much more interesting. We have dialled up the engagement quotient of the marketing plans this year with the interactive workshops, mall activations and outreach to 200+ colleges.  We have an in-house creative team that produces all previews. And we work with Vizeum that handles our media and digital plans.”

     

    She adds, “We are also using re-marketing based interactive campaigns on web and mobile this time. Through numerous interactive campaigns online and offline, we are driving the message ‘surf smart, stay safe’. While we have put together an extensive TV, radio, web, mobile and outdoor plan – that will drive awareness for the show; we have an extensive online and on-ground outreach that will drive engagements around the key messaging.”

     

    In the digital space too, pop-up spam ads on high traffic websites e.g. e-commerce sites and music / movie streaming portals will urge the audience to click for quick wins, fast bucks and so on – just to reveal the ugly truth of getting ‘webbed’. This interactive campaign integrated with re-marketing-based tailored ads on web, would drive home the message of smart surfing.

     

    Smart surfing is extremely relevant for today’s connected generation. Not surprisingly, season one of MTV Webbed has garnered much love. Whether season two fares as good or better only time will tell…

     

    MTV Webbed airs on Fridays at 7 p.m. on MTV India.

  • ‘2014 MTV Movie Awards’ Live on Vh1

    ‘2014 MTV Movie Awards’ Live on Vh1

    MUMBAI: MTV today added Hollywood A-Listers Jared Leto, Megan Fox, Jordana Brewster and Aaron Taylor-Johnson, as well as musician Rita Ora to its already star-studded line-up of presenters for the “2014 MTV Movie Awards.” Hosted by late night host and comedian Conan O’Brien, the show will air LIVE on Monday, April 14, 2014 at 6:30 am IST and a primetime repeat at 9:00pm IST from Nokia Theatre L.A. Live in Los Angeles exclusively on Vh1.

     

    In addition, it is also confirmed that nominees Orlando Bloom, Josh Hutcherson, Sam Claflin, Johnny Knoxville and Ice Cube will attend the show.

     

    The impressive additions set up a ‘Movie Awards’ telecast that fans will not want to miss. In addition having the quick-witted Conan O’Brien at the helm, Channing Tatum will receive third annual ‘MTV Trailblazer Award’ and Academy Award® nominated actor and producer Mark Wahlberg will be honored with the ‘MTV Generation Award’. Global superstars Eminem and Rihanna will take the stage for their first live performance of their #1 smash hit, ‘The Monster,’ while Ellie Goulding and Zedd will perform selections from the ‘Divergent Soundtrack’ with guest appearances from Miriam Bryant and Matthew Koma. In addition, MTV is adding a music discovery slot that will feature ‘MTV Artist to Watch’Twenty One Pilots performing their current single ‘Car Radio’.

     

    THE AMAZING SPIDER-MAN 2™ and X-MEN: DAYS OF FUTURE PAST fans will get their fill with exclusive sneak peeks set to be introduced on tape by Andrew Garfield, Emma Stone and Jamie Foxx, and on stage by Ellen Page respectively.

     

    The list of impressive talent attending includes previously announced presenters Adrian Grenier, Kevin Connolly, Jerry Ferrara, Kevin Dillon, Lupita Nyong’o, Adam Levine, Jessica Alba, Rosario Dawson, Chris Pratt, Seth Rogen, Zac Efron, Dave Franco, Amanda Seyfried, Seth Macfarlane, Mila Kunis, Shailene Woodley, Ansel Elgort, Cameron Diaz, Leslie Mann, Kate Upton and Nicki Minaj, as well as nominees Backstreet Boys Brian Littrell and AJ McLean, Will Poulter, Michael B. Jordan, Miles Teller, Jackson Nicoll and Liam James.

     

     The 2014 MTV Movie Awards will air across MTV’s global network of more than 60 channels reaching more than half a billion households around the world.  In addition, its convergent programming and content will reach the entire interactive community, via MTV’s more than 200 digital media properties around the world.

     

     Jesse Ignjatovic serves as Executive Producer for the ‘2014 MTV Movie Awards’. Garrett English serves as Executive Producer and Executive in Charge for MTV. Lee Lodge and Jen Jones serve as Executive Producers. Wendy Plaut serves as Co-Executive Producer and Executive in Charge of Celebrity Talent. Amy Doyle is Executive in Charge of Music and Celebrity Talent. Joanna Bomberg is Executive in Charge of Music Talent.
     

  • VH1 to air Golden Globe Awards

    VH1 to air Golden Globe Awards

     

    MUMBAI: The youth entertainment channel, Vh1, is all set to entertain its audiences with Golden Globe awards.
     

    The 71st edition of the awards honouring achievements in the film and television industry, both domestic and abroad, will take the center stage on the channel on 13 January at 6.30 am with a prime time repeat at 9 pm. The show is presented by Garnier Men.

     

    Viacom 18 SVP and business head, English entertainment Ferzad Palia said: “Over the years, Vh1 has given its audiences the best of international entertainment. We look forward to captivating the viewers with the live telecast of the first award ceremony of the year – the Golden Globes and I am sure the viewers will thoroughly enjoy watching the who’s who of Hollywood on the channel. There couldn’t have been a better start to the year”.

     

    Last year’s Tina Fey and Amy Poehler will be seen as hosts again. The nomination line-up of each category has artists like Sandra Bullock, Kate Winslet, Tom Hanks, Christian Bale, Meryl Streep amongst others.
     

    The award recognises achievements in 25 categories; 14 in motion pictures and 11 in television.

  • Micromax presents the Vh1 Ticket To Ride Contest to the 56th Annual GRAMMY Awards

    Micromax presents the Vh1 Ticket To Ride Contest to the 56th Annual GRAMMY Awards

    MUMBAI: With the onset of the New Year, it is time to gear up for the biggest musical festival. Hollywood is all set to welcome the 56th Annual GRAMMY Awards. The glitz, the glamour, the shutterbugs are sure to explode through your television screen but WAIT! Vh1 gives all their fans a chance to witness the legendary night – LIVE, a chance to watch their favorite artist give some splendid performances! The awards will also be aired LIVE exclusively on Vh1, 27 January, 2014 LIVE at 6:30am with a prime time repeat at 9pm.

    Vh1 has always believed in giving its fans a chance to witness the biggest music awards night LIVE! So here is your exclusive chance to win a trip to the 56th Grammy Awards through the Micromax presents Vh1 Ticket to Ride Contest and rub shoulders with the biggest music stars of the world! The contest begins from December 17, 2013 until January 7, 2014. Now, all that the fans need to do is, log on to this link www.vh1.in/grammys, answer a few simple questions and win a chance along with a friend to experience 56thAnnual GRAMMY Awards.

    To make the experience larger than life, the channel has roped in renowned fashion designer duo Shivan and Narresh to style the winner for the awards night in LA.

    Ferzad Palia, Sr. Vice President and General Manager – English Entertainment, Viacom18 Pvt Ltd said, “Ticket To Ride Contest is a platform where fans get a chance to witness the biggest music awards of the world. This year, to make it extra special for the winner we are giving them a chance to wear an ensemble designed by one of the leading fashion designers of the country. Like it’s rightly said ‘Watching them isn’t the same as watching with them’”