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Tag: Viacom18

  • Viacom18 launches its AVOD platform VOOT; to move its entire content library

    Viacom18 launches its AVOD platform VOOT; to move its entire content library

    MUMBAI: Finally setting to rest about when it would launch its OTT platform, Viacom18 launched its digital VOD platform VOOT. VOOT will be an advertising led VOD platform and will be available for free on iOS, Android and web.

    In a major move aimed at curating the largest repository of kids’ characters in the Indian OTT space, VOOT will house popular characters from across networks – from Nick characters like Dora, Spongebob, Motu Patlu to external popular characters like Chhota Bheem and Pokemon. In what it claims to be another first for an Indian OTT player, VOOT has launched with the largest repository of original content. VOOT Originals will roll out shows in both long and short formats across genres like comedy and drama. Bollywood actors Gulshan Grover, Baba Sehgal, Alok Nath and a host of celebrity scriptwriters and directors will be front-lining these shows. Furthermore, Viacom18 will move its entire content library, including COLORS, MTV and Nick, to be digitally available only on VOOT.

    Commenting on the launch, Viacom18 group CEO Sudhanshu Vats said, “India is at the cusp of a digital boom with over 400 million (20 crore) internet users and 200 million plus (20 crore plus)smart phone users spending significant amount of time online with entertainment and allied content being the prime driver. As more people move towards consuming content online, it is time for Viacom18 to move into the world of connected screens. Hence VOOT.”

    VOOT’s target audience strategy is in line with Viacom18’s larger strategy – it is a one stop destination for tots to adults. And this is where VOOT brings its unique proposition. Explaining further, Vats added, “With Kids’ content and our entire VOOT Originals line-up, the focus was to get people addicted to happiness. Through our content strategy, that is what we have held true. Our television channels also provide a very robust content bank that we will build upon, for the digital consumers. VOOT will be Viacom18’s singular gateway to quality and differentiated content, in the digital medium.”

    Echoing his CEO’s enthusiasm, Viacom18 Digital Ventures COO Gaurav Gandhi explained further, “As a network we are a content powerhouse, be it through our television channels or through our film studio. Our content strategy for VOOT is true to Viacom18’s philosophy of inclusive entertainment. Between VOOT Originals, VOOT Kids, our network content and content-around-content created exclusively for the platform, the idea is to peddle happiness to the ‘always wanting’ India, racing to go digital. Our marketing campaign, set to kick off in the next few days, also highlights this brand philosophy that is at the core of VOOT. ”

    With digital advertising led video-on-demand category set to develop into a $1 billion business opportunity, Viacom18 has lined up an aggressive mix of business, content and marketing strategies. “From a business standpoint, we are following the advertising led VOD model. As the market matures in the next 12-24 months, we will be evaluating both freemium and subscription led models,” explained Gandhi.

    The VOOT bouquet of offerings will include fresh, new content mix, keeping in mind the varied demands of the consumer base. VOOT has planned six originals through its launch phase, and is all set to introduce India’s first mockumentary – Badman. Written and directed by Soumik Sen and co-written by stand-up comedian Anubhav Pal; this 4-part film has Gulshan Grover playing himself. Soadies, a comic spin off of the ever popular Roadies, was also unveiled at the launch. With Baba Sehgal in the lead role, the web sit-com produced by Frames has all his trademark antics to laugh your guts out.

    Comedy rules the roost on VOOT. With a web series ‘Chinese Bhassad’ written by Raahil Qaazi (Co-writer of Do Dooni Chaar) and directed and produced by Saurabh Tewari and a talk show with a ‘twist; called’Sinskari’ starring Alok Nath and produced by Monozygotic is all set to keep you in splits this April!

    In the ‘Content around content’ category, there will be specially curated and platform exclusive shows, exploring never before seen footage and storylines to get you hooked. Rounding up the VOOT content mix, will be all of Viacom18’s channels’ shows. The OTT platform will offer a personalised experience and intuitive product features to engage the always on generation. With VOOT Viacom18 continues to enrich the lives of every Indian with something for everyone.

  • Colors UK’s feed to move to new EPG number on Sky, announces IndiaCast

    Colors UK’s feed to move to new EPG number on Sky, announces IndiaCast

    MUMBAI: TV18 and Viacom18’s local and international distribution wing, IndiaCast announced a new EPG number for Colors UK on the DTH platform Sky. Colors UK will shift from EPG number 821 to number 786 with effect from 5 April.  This move will make the channel visible on the first page of the International channels selection guide menu for Sky subscribers. Sky subscribers will be intimated about the new EPG number for Colors UK through an announcement on the network as well as via social media platforms.

    IndiaCast group CEO Anuj Gandhi said, “IndiaCast has always endeavoured to present quality entertainment options to the Indian diaspora across the globe bringing them one step closer to Indian culture and content. Moving Colors UK up to EPG number 786 enables us to create top-of-mind recall for the channel and its content, thereby building engagement with Sky subscribers.”

    Commenting on the change, Viacom18 UK head Govind Shahi said, “Colors UK has been showcasing the best offerings from the Viacom 18 content library to South Asian viewers. As we move the channel to EPG number 786, we are hoping to enhance sampling amongst Sky subscribers, thereby bringing audiences closer to superior quality and inspiring content.”

     

  • Colors UK’s feed to move to new EPG number on Sky, announces IndiaCast

    Colors UK’s feed to move to new EPG number on Sky, announces IndiaCast

    MUMBAI: TV18 and Viacom18’s local and international distribution wing, IndiaCast announced a new EPG number for Colors UK on the DTH platform Sky. Colors UK will shift from EPG number 821 to number 786 with effect from 5 April.  This move will make the channel visible on the first page of the International channels selection guide menu for Sky subscribers. Sky subscribers will be intimated about the new EPG number for Colors UK through an announcement on the network as well as via social media platforms.

    IndiaCast group CEO Anuj Gandhi said, “IndiaCast has always endeavoured to present quality entertainment options to the Indian diaspora across the globe bringing them one step closer to Indian culture and content. Moving Colors UK up to EPG number 786 enables us to create top-of-mind recall for the channel and its content, thereby building engagement with Sky subscribers.”

    Commenting on the change, Viacom18 UK head Govind Shahi said, “Colors UK has been showcasing the best offerings from the Viacom 18 content library to South Asian viewers. As we move the channel to EPG number 786, we are hoping to enhance sampling amongst Sky subscribers, thereby bringing audiences closer to superior quality and inspiring content.”

     

  • Goafest ABBY 2016 entries up by 25 per cent

    Goafest ABBY 2016 entries up by 25 per cent

    MUMBAI: Goafest Abbys, the highly coveted advertising awards that recognize the best in advertising and marketing has witnessed growth in entries for its 2016 edition. The awards that  is held over a 3 day celebratory event in Goa, has witnessed a 25 per cent increase in entries over last year, reiterating the increasing popularity and repute of the awards where the entire  fraternity comes together  to celebrate success.

    The Abbys also had many firsts this year such as the   introduction of new categories i.e. 26: Special Abby (Gender Sensitive) and Category 27: Young Abby. TV films that are based on gender sensitivity can be entered in the Special Abby. Young Abby is the response to a long felt need of the industry to reward young creative below the age of 30 who respond to a brief. Two winning Young Creatives will be flown to Cannes as part of Goafest’s Abby’s commitment to the young. Adding further depth to the awards and broad-basing the participation opportunity was the addition of new sub – categories in the Design vertical as well. 

    Presented by the Advertising Club Bombay and AAAI, the Goafest Abbys 2016 will once again see the entire advertising and marketing community join the celebrations in Goa from 7 April 2016 to 9 April 2016 at   The Grand Hyatt, Bambolim, North Goa. 

  • Goafest ABBY 2016 entries up by 25 per cent

    Goafest ABBY 2016 entries up by 25 per cent

    MUMBAI: Goafest Abbys, the highly coveted advertising awards that recognize the best in advertising and marketing has witnessed growth in entries for its 2016 edition. The awards that  is held over a 3 day celebratory event in Goa, has witnessed a 25 per cent increase in entries over last year, reiterating the increasing popularity and repute of the awards where the entire  fraternity comes together  to celebrate success.

    The Abbys also had many firsts this year such as the   introduction of new categories i.e. 26: Special Abby (Gender Sensitive) and Category 27: Young Abby. TV films that are based on gender sensitivity can be entered in the Special Abby. Young Abby is the response to a long felt need of the industry to reward young creative below the age of 30 who respond to a brief. Two winning Young Creatives will be flown to Cannes as part of Goafest’s Abby’s commitment to the young. Adding further depth to the awards and broad-basing the participation opportunity was the addition of new sub – categories in the Design vertical as well. 

    Presented by the Advertising Club Bombay and AAAI, the Goafest Abbys 2016 will once again see the entire advertising and marketing community join the celebrations in Goa from 7 April 2016 to 9 April 2016 at   The Grand Hyatt, Bambolim, North Goa. 

  • Nick HD+ to premiere the Nickelodeon Kids’ Choice Awards within 12 hours of USA telecast

    Nick HD+ to premiere the Nickelodeon Kids’ Choice Awards within 12 hours of USA telecast

    MUMBAI: The Nickelodeon  franchise’s latest offering Nick HD+, is set to elevate the entertainment experience for kids with a marquee international event ‘Nickelodeon Kids’ Choice Awards 2016’.  Nick HD+ will create a new milestone with the telecast of the globally celebrated awards within just 12 hours of the US broadcast. The Nickelodeon Kids’ Choice Awards 2016, the only awards  show where every child’s vote counts, is all set to go on air on  13 March, 2016 at 7:00pm IST.

    Speaking on the awards , Viacom18, EVP & Business Head – Kids Cluster  Nina Jaipuria said “Nick HD+ provides children with unmatched entertainment experiences through unparalleled content.  With the Kids Choice Awards exclusively premiering on Nick HD+ just within 12 hours of the US telecast and along with the rest of the world, the channel is going to raise the bar in kids’ engagement in India.”

    This year, upping the entertainment quotient for kids will be the musical sensation and heartthrob Blake Shelton who will be the host for KCA 2016. This high octane awards show will also feature some enthralling entertainment acts, musical presentations, amidst appearances and performances by numerous celebrity icons like Taylor Swift, Chris Pratt and Little Mix. And that’s not all, kids will also witness and participate in celebs being ‘Slimed’ at the mega event.

  • Nick HD+ to premiere the Nickelodeon Kids’ Choice Awards within 12 hours of USA telecast

    Nick HD+ to premiere the Nickelodeon Kids’ Choice Awards within 12 hours of USA telecast

    MUMBAI: The Nickelodeon  franchise’s latest offering Nick HD+, is set to elevate the entertainment experience for kids with a marquee international event ‘Nickelodeon Kids’ Choice Awards 2016’.  Nick HD+ will create a new milestone with the telecast of the globally celebrated awards within just 12 hours of the US broadcast. The Nickelodeon Kids’ Choice Awards 2016, the only awards  show where every child’s vote counts, is all set to go on air on  13 March, 2016 at 7:00pm IST.

    Speaking on the awards , Viacom18, EVP & Business Head – Kids Cluster  Nina Jaipuria said “Nick HD+ provides children with unmatched entertainment experiences through unparalleled content.  With the Kids Choice Awards exclusively premiering on Nick HD+ just within 12 hours of the US telecast and along with the rest of the world, the channel is going to raise the bar in kids’ engagement in India.”

    This year, upping the entertainment quotient for kids will be the musical sensation and heartthrob Blake Shelton who will be the host for KCA 2016. This high octane awards show will also feature some enthralling entertainment acts, musical presentations, amidst appearances and performances by numerous celebrity icons like Taylor Swift, Chris Pratt and Little Mix. And that’s not all, kids will also witness and participate in celebs being ‘Slimed’ at the mega event.

  • Viacom18’s Sudhanshu Vats appointed as chairman of IBF Credit and Collections Committee

    Viacom18’s Sudhanshu Vats appointed as chairman of IBF Credit and Collections Committee

    MUMBAI:  The Indian Broadcasting Foundation (IBF) announced the appointment of Viacom18 group CEO Sudhanshu Vats as the chairman of the IBF Credit and Collections Committee & co-chairman of the joint IBF- AAAI sub-committee.

    IBF, in association with AAAI (Advertising Agencies Association of India), had formed a joint credit collections committee which scrutinizes, regulates and evaluates the credit worthiness of the advertiser’s active through AAAI member advertising agencies on IBF member channels. It plays a pivotal role in dispute resolution between channels and agencies vis-a-vis advertisers.
    Vats, also an IBF Board member stated, “I am delighted to have been entrusted with this responsibility. Strengthening our relationship with the advertisers would be our goal and I look forward to introducing newer mechanisms in line with the global standards, to normalize the revenue mechanisms for all parties.”

    The outgoing chairman I Venkat said, “I know Sudhanshu would bring his ethos and greater clarity in the functioning of the committee. I am thankful to all the members for their support and  their valuable contribution and also to Ashish Bhasin , the co- chairman of the committee,  AAAI  who helped me conduct these meetings in a more organised and transparent manner”.

     Speaking on Vats appointment, IBF President Uday Shankar said, ”Both Mr Vats and Mr Venkat have been valuable colleagues in the IBF board and both deserve admiration and appreciation for taking up the task of revamping the broadcaster’s ad revenue flow. I am sure Sudhanshu will bring greater efficacy and democracy to the functioning of the committee.”

  • Viacom18’s Sudhanshu Vats appointed as chairman of IBF Credit and Collections Committee

    Viacom18’s Sudhanshu Vats appointed as chairman of IBF Credit and Collections Committee

    MUMBAI:  The Indian Broadcasting Foundation (IBF) announced the appointment of Viacom18 group CEO Sudhanshu Vats as the chairman of the IBF Credit and Collections Committee & co-chairman of the joint IBF- AAAI sub-committee.

    IBF, in association with AAAI (Advertising Agencies Association of India), had formed a joint credit collections committee which scrutinizes, regulates and evaluates the credit worthiness of the advertiser’s active through AAAI member advertising agencies on IBF member channels. It plays a pivotal role in dispute resolution between channels and agencies vis-a-vis advertisers.
    Vats, also an IBF Board member stated, “I am delighted to have been entrusted with this responsibility. Strengthening our relationship with the advertisers would be our goal and I look forward to introducing newer mechanisms in line with the global standards, to normalize the revenue mechanisms for all parties.”

    The outgoing chairman I Venkat said, “I know Sudhanshu would bring his ethos and greater clarity in the functioning of the committee. I am thankful to all the members for their support and  their valuable contribution and also to Ashish Bhasin , the co- chairman of the committee,  AAAI  who helped me conduct these meetings in a more organised and transparent manner”.

     Speaking on Vats appointment, IBF President Uday Shankar said, ”Both Mr Vats and Mr Venkat have been valuable colleagues in the IBF board and both deserve admiration and appreciation for taking up the task of revamping the broadcaster’s ad revenue flow. I am sure Sudhanshu will bring greater efficacy and democracy to the functioning of the committee.”

  • Viacom18 surprised its female employees with cupcakes on Women’s Day

    Viacom18 surprised its female employees with cupcakes on Women’s Day

    MUMBAI: On International Women’s day Viacom18 thought of a great way to surprise their women employees- with Cupcakes! They walked into their offices to be greeted with a bright and cheery box that held a sweet surprise. A welcome sugar rush early in the morning.

    Media & Entertainment is always stressful with pressures 24/7 and this gesture was much appreciated by the women. The menwere given 5 placards with taglines like Red Bull Lady, Invincible Rock, Sweetest Soul, Brightest Star etc. When you work with your colleagues for long hours people’s personalities shine through. They had to give their favorite women colleagues the sayings that applied to them. In this way they wereable to express their appreciation for their colleagues with personal messages at the back of the cards.  

    Given the fact that Viacom18 network has a multigenerational workforce, women of all ages enjoyed this gesture. Whilequirky is part of the Network’s DNA they didn’t have to think too far out of the box as Cupcakes win every time!