ITV

Tag: Viacom

  • MTV US, Sony Pictures Entertainment join forces for the Film ‘This Is the End’

    MTV US, Sony Pictures Entertainment join forces for the Film ‘This Is the End’

    MUMBAI: MTV US Real World: Portlandshow has partnered with Hollywood studio Sony Pictures Entertainment to create a mini-episode to promote the film This Is The End, which hits theaters across the US on 12 June 2013. The film‘s stars Seth Rogen, Danny McBride, James Franco, Craig Robinson, and Jay Baruchel star in the short-form episodic titled, The Real World: This is the End Edition, which will air in a four-part story arc on MTV during the Real World: Portland finale and reunion on 12 June.
     
    An uncensored and extended webisode is currently available on ThisIsTheEnd.MTV.com. Viacom Media Networks executive VP integrated marketing Dario Spina said, "MTV‘s Studio Integrated Marketing and Production team continues to deliver entertaining and truly custom, co-branded content for our partners; and our collaboration with Sony Pictures Entertainment demonstrates that capability by seamlessly uniting the hilarious This is the End cast, within the themes characterised in MTV‘s longest running franchise, The Real World.

    "This creative and comedic content is not only entertaining, but travels across many platforms to connect with audiences where they are."
     
    In support of the film‘s opening week, The Real World: This is the End Edition‘ campaign will air spots on MTV and MTV.com supported by social promotion across MTV‘s Facebook, MTV‘s Twitter, and MTV‘s Tumblr.
     
    Inspired by the film‘s End of the world theme, the cast will face off in a real world setting with Averey-Lee Jane and Joi Niemeyer from the Real World: Portland cast. The Real World: Portland takes place in a city known for expressing individuality and the roommate‘s bring their own unique personalities into the house.
     
    Similarly the This Is The End actors "stop being polite and start getting real," exposing all their quirky behaviours under one roof – paying homage to moments and surprises that people have come to expect from the MTV franchise.
     
    This Is The End follows six friends trapped in a house after a series of strange and catastrophic events devastate Los Angeles. As the world unravels outside, dwindling supplies and cabin fever threaten to tear apart the friendships inside. Eventually, they are forced to leave the house, facing their fate and the true meaning of friendship and redemption.

  • TV Everywhere increases the value of Pay TV: Epix Survey

    TV Everywhere increases the value of Pay TV: Epix Survey

    MUMBAI: US TV network Epix which is a JV between Viacom, MGM and Lionsgate has announced key findings of a survey, conducted by global consumer research firm Hub Entertainment.

    This show that consumers who view content on multiple platforms and devices attach much more value to service from their pay TV provider than those who watch on a TV set only. Epix made this announcement at the National Cable and Telecommunications Association (NCTA) 2013 Cable Show in Washington, DC.

    The survey found that the value that subscribers attribute to their pay TV service increases as the number of devices used to watch programming grows. Pay TV subscribers‘ value ratings increase by up to 83 per cent for viewers who access programming on multiple devices compared to those who watch on TV only. Among pay TV subscribers who view content on a TV plus three additional devices, 71 per cent feel pay TV is an “excellent/good” value; the percentage increases to 88 per cent among pay TV subscribers viewing on TV and four other devices, a true testament to the strength of multiplatform viewing.

    Among subscribers who view content on a TV only, 48 per cent believe that they are getting an “excellent/good” value from their pay TV subscription.

    The findings also indicate that multiplatform viewing enhances the value that subscribers attribute to Epix. Epix subscribers‘ satisfaction increases by over 50 per cent among multiple platform and device viewers compared with those who watch only on TV. While 62 per cent of Epix subscribers watching only on television are satisfied with the service, 80 per cent of Epix subscribers who view the network via two or three devices are satisfied. Importantly, the highest levels of satisfaction come from Epix subscribers who access the network‘s content on four or more devices, with an impressive 94 per cent satisfied with their Epix subscription.

    The value of watching Epix on devices benefits pay TV providers as well. Over 80 per cent of Epix subscribers who view on game consoles or media players say that having that capability makes their pay TV subscription more valuable than it would otherwise be.

    Epix chief of staff Nora Ryan said, “The results of this study illustrate the high value consumers are placing on multiplatform viewing and underscores the importance of delivering superior content along with the ability to make it available to consumers at their convenience on any platform. As the entertainment viewing experience evolves, consumers are making new choices about how they want to consume content and forming new habits that include the desire to watch movies and TV shows anytime, anywhere and on multiple platforms. Flexibility is really important in the delivery and packaging of programming services and those distributors who recognise this will be able to increase the satisfaction levels of their customers. We remain committed to working closely with our operating partners to provide our authenticated subscribers access to the best content and extra features in all the ways they want it.

  • Amazon, Viacom announce multi-year video licensing agreement

    Amazon, Viacom announce multi-year video licensing agreement

    MUMBAI: Online retail major Amazon.com and US media conglomerate Viacom have announced an expanded multi-year, multi-national digital video licensing agreement to bring hundreds of TV shows and thousands of TV episodes from Viacom to Prime Instant Video.

    This deal includes a collection of TV shows that customers won‘t find on any other digital video subscription service. Prime members will now have unlimited instant streaming access to popular kids programming such as ‘Bubble Guppies‘, ‘The Backyardigans‘, ‘Team Umizoomi‘, ‘Blue‘s Clues‘ and ‘Victorious‘, along with shows from MTV and Comedy Central like ‘Awkward‘, ‘Tosh.0‘ and ‘Workaholics‘. Prime members will also have access to future episodes of ‘Dora the Explorer‘, ‘SpongeBob SquarePants‘, ‘Fairly Odd Parents‘ and ‘Fresh Beat Band‘. Lovefilm customers in the UK and Germany will get some of the same shows later this summer.

    Select shows from Nickelodeon and Nick Jr. will be available in Kindle FreeTime Unlimited, a service built just for kids that gives them the freedom to explore books, games, educational apps, movies and TV shows, while providing parents with the tools they need to manage their kids‘ screen time.

    Amazon VP of digital video and music Bill Carr said, “Kids‘ shows are one of the most watched TV genres on Prime Instant Video. And this expanded deal will now bring customers the largest subscription selection of Nickelodeon and Nick Jr. TV shows online, anywhere. With programs like ‘Dora the Explorer‘, ‘SpongeBob SquarePants‘, ‘Bubble Guppies‘ and ‘The Backyardigans‘ there are hundreds of great shows for kids and parents to choose from. In addition, we are bringing customers popular shows from MTV and Comedy Central like ‘Key and Peele‘, ‘Workaholics‘, ‘Awkward‘ and ‘Teen Mom 2‘, with the promise of more shows from these networks in the future.”

    Viacom president and CEO Philippe Dauman said, “We are thrilled to be extending and deepening our relationship with Amazon. This innovative agreement will provide Prime members with access to even more of our best programming from our major television brands, including many digital video subscription streaming exclusives. Amazon has created a unique, brand-friendly environment for streaming entertainment and consumer products and we are excited to work with Amazon to bring customers shows they love.”

    Prime Instant Video offers more than 41,000 movies and TV episodes for Prime members to stream on Kindle Fire, Kindle Fire HD, iPad, iPhone, iPod touch, Roku, Xbox 360, PlayStation 3, Wii and Wii U, among other connected TVs and devices-all at no additional cost. Also as previously announced, later this month Prime Instant Video will become the exclusive home to PBS series ‘Downton Abbey‘ as well as the CBS summer series ‘Under the Dome‘, with each episode of the latter added just four days after initial broadcast.

  • Facebook could go the way of ‘crappy’ MySpace: Murdoch

    Facebook could go the way of ‘crappy’ MySpace: Murdoch

    MUMBAI: Rupert Murdoch whose company News Corp suffered a big loss after having to sell ‘crappy‘ MySpace for less than a tenth of the price it was bought at has warned that Facebook could suffer a similar fate.

    On the occasion of the one-year anniversary of Facebook‘s IPO Murdoch took to Twitter and wrote, “Look out Facebook! Hours spent participating per member dropping seriously. First really bad sign as seen by crappy MySpace years ago.”

    It may be recalled that News Corp bought MySpace for $580 million way back in 2005. Some people at the time felt that the price was a steal. Rival media company Viacom had also been eyeing MySpace and was furious at losing out.

    But MySpace lost the opportunity to build itself and Facebook came in 2007 and blew everything in its path away. News Corp sold MySpace for a mere $35 million two years ago.

  • CEA applauds New York Court ruling in Viacom Youtube copyright suit

    CEA applauds New York Court ruling in Viacom Youtube copyright suit

    MUMBAI: The Consumer Electronics Association (CEA) in the US has said that New York throwing out Viacom‘s lawsuit against Youtube is a win for Internet freedom.

    CEA senior VP, government and regulatory affairs Michael Petricone said, “Today‘s ruling is a win for Internet freedom and the innovation ecosystem. In this ruling, the Court rightly recognized the importance of safe harbors established under the Digital Millennium Copyright Act, without which many Internet-based businesses would not be viable.”

    YouTube he added is part of the fabric of daily life for millions of lawful Americans. “It offers exposure to new and upcoming artists, and provides content owners with a vast promotional and advertising platform. We urge the content industry to cease its litigation against YouTube and other new technologies, and embrace the innovative products and services that Americans want and enjoy.”

    The Consumer Electronics Association (CEA) is a trade association promoting growth in the $209 billion US consumer electronics industry.

  • BBC America, Twitter in branded video partnership

    BBC America, Twitter in branded video partnership

    MUMBAI: As part of its strategy to go beyond 140 characters, micro-blogging site Twitter has tied up with BBC America to offer the first in-Tweet branded video synced to entertainment TV series.

    This news comes after reports that Twitter was in talks with NBCUniversal and Viacom for content. Twitter has also launched a music service.

    Twitter already has partnerships with Time Warner‘s TBS, sports broadcaster ESPN and the Weather Channel.

  • Bigflix.com pockets Viacom18’s film catalogue

    Bigflix.com pockets Viacom18’s film catalogue

    MUMBAI: Over the top service provider Reliance Entertainment Digital’s BigFlix announced today that it has added to its catalogue of films for viewing online. The move on demand service said it has acquired internet rights to stream 55 films from Viacom18 Motion Pictures through Indiacast Media Distribution (a TV18 and Viacom18 JV).

    “Our new acquisitions include some of Viacom18 Motion Pictures top grossing releases like Jab We Met, Singh Is King and Golmaal3 ,and some which are scheduled to be released in the next 12-15 months,” says BigFlix Business Head Shreyash Sigtia.

    BigFlix has a catalogue of around 2000 titles in which Bollywood comprises of 600 titles while there are around 200 Hollywood titles. The remaining 1200 movies are regional with Tamil, Telugu and Malayalam having the major numbers. Sigtia refused to comment on latest consumption statistics on Bigflix.com. But according to its website, it has 20,000 plus active subscribers, and more than a million visitors have been served so far. According to Alexa.com users are spending an average of about 3 minutes on Bigflix.com daily.

    BigFlix allows users to watch unlimited movies online for Rs 249 per month. The user can watch 10 minutes of a movie free of cost, after which a subscription has to be purchased.

    Talking about how the deal will help BigFlix Sigtia said, “It will help us in bringing fresh titles like Oh My God, Special 26, Aiyaa and Inkaar and also movies that have higher repeat value therefore helping in increasing consumption. We expect our subscriber base to double with this acquisition.”

    BigFlix aims to have a secured screening, and claims that the content is protected on DRM. “Users can’t rip of any movie from the site and this helps us monetise more effectively,” Sigtia added.

    IndiaCast group chief executive officer Anuj Gandhi said, “There is a growing base of movie viewership on digital as more and more people are tuning in to watch films online. This association between IndiaCast and BigFlix acts as a value addition for both parties. In Bigflix, we have found the right partner that not only has a huge base of film enthusiasts but also operates in a secured, controlled and authorized environment.”

  • Viacom 18’s G.I. JOE: Retaliation releasing in India ahead of international release

    Viacom 18’s G.I. JOE: Retaliation releasing in India ahead of international release

    MUMBAI: G.I. JOE: Retaliation, the follow-up to the 2009 release G.I. JOE: Rise of the Cobra, is releasing in India first ahead of its international release.

    Out in theaters on 27 March, director Jon M. Chu‘s movie stars an ensemble cast of biggies like Bruce Willis, Channing Tatum, Dwayne Johnson along with D.J. Cotrona, Adrianne Palicki, Ray Park, Jonathan Pryce and Ray Stevenson.

    Additionally, the team behind the film has associated with WWE for a very special contest and bonanza for fans.

    The contest will give audience an opportunity to see Dwayne ‘The Rock‘ Johnson aka the WWE Champion live in action and get an all expense paid trip to New York to watch Wrestle Mania 29, Hall of Fame & Fan Axxxess.

    The creative team of Viacom 18 Motion Pictures will leave no stone unturned to publicise the promos of the contest on a popular English movie channel, along with radio campaigns on top stations backed by outdoor hoardings as well.

    Says Viacom18 Motion Pictures head of marketing Rudrarup Datta, "Viacom18 Motion Pictures and & WWE India join hands in activating a nation wide contest with the international summer 3D blockbuster GI Joe-Retaliation starring Dwayne ‘The Rock‘ Johnson and Wrestle Mania 29. Dwayne who is the current WWE champion will be the face of the campaign.

    The campaign is built on the synergised attributes of "Raw Power", "Never say die attitude" and "Global scale" which is common to both the properties.

    As part of the promotion two "lucky" winners will get an All Expense paid trip to New York to witness Wrestle Mania on the 7 April in New York Live. People also stand a chance to win interesting official WWE merchandise and invites to a special WWE Party in Mumbai.

  • Ron Johnson is Nickelodeon and Viacom Consumer Products executive VP

    MUMBAI: Viacom International Media Networks (VIMN) has appointed that Ron Johnson as Nickelodeon and Viacom Consumer Products (NVCP) executive VP.

    From 1 April, Johnson will lead all of Viacom’s international consumer products operations. He will be based in New York and will report to VIMN COO Pierluigi Gazzolo.

    Gazzolo said, “We’re thrilled to have Ron take on this leadership role in overseeing VIMN’s consumer products business. He possesses first-hand knowledge of our global CP operation, as well as extensive experience across global retail partnerships, holistic franchise management and product innovation.

    “Ron’s expertise in global retail will prove invaluable in his new position, as we deepen and form new partnerships with retailers and licensees around the world and build on the strong momentum that we are seeing in our CP business.”

    Mark Kingston has been promoted to NVCP Europe, the Middle East and Africa GM, senior VP and will oversee VIMN’s consumer products operations in these markets. Kingston will report to Johnson and VIMN MD, executive VP UK, Australia and Eastern Europe and International Content Distribution Dave Lynn.

    Gazzolo added, “We’re also excited about the newly expanded position that Mark will be taking on, as it further reinforces the strength of our regionally led consumer products organisation.

    “Mark has already been spearheading our pan-European retail efforts and CP operations in the UK, Russia, and Australia to great success. By extending his purview to include all pan-European CP deal-making, which also includes Middle East, North Africa and Australia, we are streamlining efficiencies to better position us to meet the demands of critical, high growth markets and create more compelling and valuable opportunities for partners.”

  • Viacom launches four channels on mio TV

    Viacom launches four channels on mio TV

    MUMBAI: Viacom International Media Networks (VIMN) Asia, a division of Viacom, has launched MTV Southeast Asia, Nickelodeon Southeast Asia, Nick Jr., and Comedy Central Asia on SingTel mio TV‘s subscription TV service.

    The partnership also includes Nickelodeon-branded on-the-ground events that will further strengthen its brand experience with its audience. Details about launch dates and price plans will be announced in the coming weeks.

    “Expanding the reach of MTV, Nickelodeon, Nick Jr. and the recently-launched Comedy Central with mio TV, enables us to meet the growing demand for our channels, and deliver high quality programming services to mio TV subscribers,” said VIMN Asia EVP and MD Indra Suharjono.

    “We are delighted to bring all four of our linear channels to the channel lineup, particularly given the significance of Comedy Central becoming the first English entertainment channel brand to be across all three subscription TV platforms in Singapore.”

    “We are excited to collaborate with VIMN and welcome their channels onto our platform. The kids segment, in particular, is one that we have been working hard to address so our younger viewers and their parents will be delighted to know that Nickelodeon and Nick Jr. will soon be available on mio TV. The addition of these channels marks a significant step which brings mio TV ever closer to our goal of meeting all the key content needs of our subscribers,” said SingTel MD of Television.