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Tag: Viacom18

  • Viacom18 names Ferzad Palia as head of Youth & English Entertainment

    Viacom18 names Ferzad Palia as head of Youth & English Entertainment

    MUMBAI: Viacom18 English Entertainment cluster head Ferzad Palia has been given additional responsibility as head of the network’s Youth Entertainment cluster. The move comes in the wake of Viacom 18 EVP and MTV & MTV Indies business head Aditya Swamy’s recent departure.

    Along with handling the network’s English entertainment channels Vh1, Comedy Central and Colors Infinity, Palia will now also be heading the Youth Entertainment cluster comprising MTV and the indie platform Pepsi MTV Indies.

    Viacom18 group CEO Sudhanshu Vats said, “Appointing Ferzad as the head of Youth Entertainment, along with being a logical move for us – considering his extensive experience in broadcast, is also a strategic one as we drive further synergies between Youth Entertainment and English Entertainment. Ferzad has been instrumental in transforming the English Entertainment landscape in India with Vh1, Comedy Central and Colors Infinity and I’m sure he will take both MTV and Pepsi MTV Indies to new heights of success.”

    Palia added, “MTV, is an iconic brand and it’s my pleasure to have been appointed to take it further on its journey to success. Pepsi MTV Indies with its pulse on the indie subculture in India has been a key driver of change and I’m really looking forward to working closely with the team on it. It’s a new and exciting role for me and I’m really looking forward to creating interesting brand customisations for the youth demographic while driving growth for both, Youth and English entertainment brands at Viacom18.”

  • Viacom18 christens VOD platform as VOOT

    Viacom18 christens VOD platform as VOOT

    MUMBAI: The digital space in India is going through a revolution of sorts. Broadcasters as well as content companies are firming up their plans to provide content to consumers on the go. The latest to join the bandwagon is Viacom18 Digital Ventures, which has christened its new digital video-on-demand (VOD) platform as VOOT, going by the popular expression used by today’s digital generation to express happiness, enthusiasm and triumph.

     

    Besides being the singular and exclusive destination for Viacom 18 network’s content portfolio, VOOT will also have an aggressive original programming strategy.

     

    The brand identity for VOOT, which is expected to go live in the coming months, has been created by Brand Gym and Elephant Design.

     

    Over the past few months, Viacom18 Digital Ventures has been working with a set of strategic partners on the brand design and logo with the aim of keeping it distinctive, differentiated and in-sync with the brand mission to create a fun filled world of entertainment.

     

    In July, Viacom18 appointed IndiaCast Media Distribution group COO Gaurav Gandhi as the chief operating officer of Viacom18 Digital Ventures. The company also recently mandated Monika Shergill to drive content and programming strategy as content head for the digital business.

     

    Viacom 18 group CEO Sudhanshu Vats said, “As one of the fastest growing media companies in the country, for us at Viacom18, digital content creation, delivery and access are essential focus areas for driving growth. With VOOT, we set out to leverage an already digitally engaged audience with our content offerings. VOOT will not only be the singular and exclusive destination for Viacom18’s content portfolio, but will have an equally strong focus on original programming created especially for the platform. The brand mission of VOOT is to create a whole new world of entertainment, filled with happy discoveries and addictive content.”

     

    Gandhi added, “The idea of creating this new brand VOOT comes from our desire to create a new, alternate and differentiated world of entertainment for audiences in the digital space. The core essence of the brand is ‘infectious fun’ and ‘happiness’, and this is something that not only flows through in our bright and colourful logo, but will also resonate in our content philosophy. Just like the expression VOOT, the entire philosophy and experience of the service promises to be joyous and celebratory in nature. The digital video market, both in terms of audiences and revenues, is set to explode over the coming years. VOOT will not only target to gain a sizeable share of this market over the years, but also lead the way and set new trends in original content creation in this space.”

     

    Working with technology, content and branding partners in India and across the globe, VOOT will deliver high quality content to consumers on a wide variety of connected devices over Wi-Fi, 4G, 3G and 2G networks.

  • Colors Kannada to ramp up programming with ‘Bigg Boss’ & 3 new fiction shows

    Colors Kannada to ramp up programming with ‘Bigg Boss’ & 3 new fiction shows

    MUMBAI: Taking its entertainment quotient several notches higher, Viacom18’s regional channel Colors Kannada is all set to launch as many as four new shows. 

     

    Come 25 October and the Kannada version of Bigg Boss will go on air. Additionally, the channel is also ready to regale its audience with three new fiction shows in November.

     

    The third season of Bigg Boss will hit screens from 25 October and will be aired from Monday to Friday in the 9 – 10 pm prime time slot. On weekends, the show will be aired from 9 – 10:30 pm.

     

    On the fiction front, Colors Kannada will be launching a show titled Kinari, based on a mother – daughter relationship on 2 November at 6 pm.

     

    The second fiction show titled Gandhari will launch on 23 November in the 10:30 pm band. The story is about a man who aspired to become a pilot but unfortunately loses his eyesight. He then lives his dreams through his wife.

     

    The third, as yet untitled show, will also be launched on 23 November.

     

    While the first season of Bigg Boss aired on Colors Kannada, the second season was aired on Star India’s Kannada general entertainment channel (GEC) Suvarna TV. Now in its third season, the Kannada Bigg Boss is back on Colors Kannada and will be hosted by Karnataka actor Kichcha Sudeep.

     

    Speaking to Indiantelevision.com, Viacom 18 EVP and project head of regional channels Ravish Kumar said, “Two years ago we broughtBigg Boss in Kannada for the first time and it did brilliantly. We are excited to bring it back. The Bigg Boss format is such that the moment you put 14-15 people in a house, people get a totally different scene because it’s a pure reality show and nobody can predict that what is going to happen next.”

     

    While in its previous two seasons, the Kannada Bigg Boss was shot on the same sets as the Hindi version of the show in Lonavala. However, since the ninth season of the Hindi Bigg Boss on Colors is also currently underway, this is the first time that a separate house has been built in Bangalore for the Kannada version.

     

    To promote the show across platforms, Colors Kannada has adopted a 360 degree marketing approach. Talking about the same, Kumar said, “We are spending a lot on marketing. Promotions are across the print, radio and outdoor mediums. Apart from this, we are also doing cross channel promotions. More than a thousand promos are being airing on our own channels, which is the single largest platform in that market.”

     

    Kumar also informed that the channel has also advertised the show on trains and railway platforms. Additionally, the show will have a big presence at the Dusshera Mela, which has a footfall of 10,000 -15,000 per day. “We are also doing cross-promotions on shows whereBigg Boss is being talked about,” he added.

     

    Colors Kannada has roped in OLX as the presenting sponsor of Bigg Boss season 3. On the other hand, Gemini Cooking Oil and Eastern Masala have come on board as the co-powered by sponsors, whereas Vini Cosmetics is one of the associate sponsors of the show.

     

    “From the advertiser and sponsor perspective, Bigg Boss is the biggest property in the Kannada region so far. There are numerous opportunities for brand integration over a period of 100 days. No other show in this country allows this kind of exposure to brands. We have a very good mix of national and regional advertisers. Before we go live, we will have three or four more sponsors on board,” Viacom 18 regional regional channles sales head Bikash Kundu tells Indiantelevision.com.

     

    The format of the reality show is such that a lot of effort goes into the actual logistics. Talking about the show’s per-episode expenditure, Kumar said, “So far, this is the most expensive non-fiction format that the Kannada market has ever seen. No one has even come closer because on a per day basis, it is way higher than any other show. The cost is anywhere close to three – five times the cost of the non-fiction shows.”

     

    When it comes to ratings, Colors Kannada has been leading the genre as per Broadcast Audience Research Council (BARC) India data. “Our content strategy is simple – to give the best to people in both fiction and non-fiction series. We also do movie premiers and buy them optimistically depending on the price. In short, we try to be a complete channel for our viewers,” he said.

     

    In the non-fiction space, in addition to Bigg Boss, the channel also has other international formats in Kannada like Super Minute(adaptation of Minute To Minute) and Dancing Stars (adaptation of Jhalak Dikhla Jaa). “This year we also did Dancing Junior Star andIndian Reality Show, which had 14 young boys and girls travelling through seven different states of India,” Kumar said.

     

    While initially, the channel’s strategy was to take Colors’ top shows like Balika Vadhu and Madhubhala and adapt them for the Kannada market, now it has in its kitty, a slew of original fiction shows like Puttagowri Maduve, Lakshmi Baramma, Maja Talkies and Akka.

     

    “In our three years’ journey, we have launched more than 25 – 30 shows. Hence, we have a very strong success rate,” Kumar said.

     

    Sharing his views on BARC rolling out the rural data, Kundu added, “I think with BARC rolling out rural data, regional channels are likely to benefit. Having said that, we are number one in Karnataka and the kind of rates and growth that we have in revenues, has been phenomenal. So yes, we are positive and confident that with this initiative, the rates will go up.”

  • Colors Infinity looks to push the envelope with ‘The Stage’

    Colors Infinity looks to push the envelope with ‘The Stage’

    MUMBAI: Viacom18’s English entertainment channel Colors Infinity is poised to take Indian content to newer heights with the launch of The Stage, which is the first ever home grown English language singing show.

     

    Slated to launch on 10 October, 2015, The Stage will be aired on weekends at 9 pm.

     

    Colors Infinity is looking to push the envelop with the launch of this show. What’s more the channel has put its marketing might in extensively promoting the show across digital and on-ground platforms. From broadcast to print, a buzz has been created about the new reality show in the country.

     

    Speaking to Indiantelevision.com, Viacom18 EVP and head of English entertainment Ferzad Palia said, “We know there is a huge amount of talent in the English space across the country. This is just not a Mumbai, Delhi, Bangalore show. We are pushing the envelope heavily by going into the reality space in the English entertainment genre, which has never been done before. The talent will be grown and taken forward.”

     

    When asked whether original English entertainment content like The Stage would work in India, a senior media planner opined, “Somebody had to push the envelope. I don’t see any reason why original English entertainment content should not work in India. It might not get success immediately, but eventually, in the long run, I see it tasting enormous success.” 

     

    With a jury comprising Vishal Dadlani, Monica Dogra, Ehsaan Noorani and Devraj Sanyal, The Stage will be hosted by Shibani Dandekar.

     

    The show will provide a platform to 20 raw talent from around the country in a quest to find India’s best English language singer. The winner of the title will bag a record deal with Universal Music, which would be released globally, a 10 city tour, a mentorship program and a Renault Duster. Viacom18’s marketing muscle will also be used to back the winner’s career across all platforms.

     

    The Stage is produced by SOL. Speaking about the show’s unique format, SOL producer Fazila Allana says, “The show clearly depicts how talented Indian artists are. We looked for some great singers who will bring something new for the people and whose voices will stand above the rest. The contestants have their own individuality.”

     

    “The Stage has given me a chance to reveal the hidden gems of our nation. It marks a landmark in the music and entertainment industry,” asserts Universal Music Group South Asia MD and CEO Devraj Sanyal.

     

    Throwing light on the expectation from the show, Palia says, “We are happy with the show getting a good response. Whenever someone pushes the envelope and does something different, you see the entire society talking about it and that was our objective. There is great talent sitting out there and they don’t have a platform to showcase it.”

     

    Not running after ratings, Palia says that the channel’s objective was to come up with something unique for the Indian audience. “We don’t sell according to the ratings and we didn’t think about the expenses while doing the show,” he informs.

  • Viacom18 to launch Nick HD+; readies third localised kids show ‘Shiva’

    Viacom18 to launch Nick HD+; readies third localised kids show ‘Shiva’

    MUMBAI: Viacom 18’s kids cluster is gearing up for some game changing moves. In a first for the Indian market, Nickelodeon will launch a kids channel in high definition called Nick HD+, which will showcase the best of local and international content.

     

    Nick HD+ will soon be available on all cable and direct to home (DTH) platforms in the country. Nick HD+ content will be curated from the best of Nick’s offerings across the board, which includes special ‘never seen before’ episodes of Dora The Explorer and Sponge-bob Squarepants. Some of the network’s international shows such as Marvin Marvin will also be introduced to India through Nick HD+.

     

    THIRD LOCALISED SERIES ‘SHIVA’

     

    Additionally, after tasting success with its two localised shows namely Motu Patlu and Pakdam Pakdai, Viacom18’s kids cluster Nickelodeon India will be launching its third localised series titled Shiva. Slated to launch on Nickelodeon during Diwali this year on either the afternoon or evening prime time slot, Shiva is expected to give competition to Pogo’s popular Indian animated series Chhota Bheem.

     

    Created by Maya Digital Studios under Suhas Kadav’s direction, Shiva comes as an answer to the channel’s requirement for a home grown show that caters fun and action to their young viewers.

     

    “As per last year’s Oremax Small Wonder study from a sample of 1800 kids between the age of six to 14 years, we were missing one of the key drivers that led viewership and kids engagement, among all of our shows. We needed a high octane action comedy series that completed our portfolio and Shiva is just what we needed,” points out Viacom18 EVP and business head – kids cluster Nina Elavia Jaipuria.

     

    Unlike their other shows, which range from 15-20 minutes, each episode of Shiva will be 22 minutes long.

     

    Aimed at kids between the age of 8 to 11, Shiva tells the story of the nine year old brave, fearless and intelligent boy who stays in Vedas city with his maternal grandparents. Every story in the show starts with an incident that threatens Vedas City. A true hero, Shiva along with his gang of friends sets out to save the day with the help some cool gadgets like the super bike developed by him.

     

    Developed after over a year of careful research, planning, and conceptualising, Shiva is being touted as one of the expensive projects by the channel. “Any animated series episode costs four times than that of a live action series,” shares Jaipuria. 

     

    While an episode of a show like Chhota Bheem costs anywhere between Rs 26 – 27 lakh, Jaipuria, pegs the cost of Shiva’s episode anything above Rs 20 lakh.

     

    With high hopes riding on the new show, Nickelodeon will be leaving no stones unturned to promote the show through a 360 degree marketing campaign, making the most of the approaching festive season.

     

    To start with, the channel has put out teaser promos of the show through their home network channels. As the festive season nears, Nickelodeon will expand marketing and promotion measures through retail, van activities, OOH, digital and more.

     

    “We plan to go below the line to put out the word through channels in other networks like a Sab TV or a Zee Cinema, which we know gets traction from kids. We will also be looking at utilising some of the movie releases, which are targeted at kids, thereby creating awareness in theatres. For the festive season of Dussehra and Deepavali everyone is out at the malls, so we will be undertaking a lot of on-ground mall activities happening through partnerships. We will also use radio as a reminder medium,” she lists out, adding that the channel will also use social media and the digital platform to spread the word around on their new offering.

     

    SONIC

     

    Nickelodeon India has also devised a strong growth plan for its other kids channel – Sonic, which is all set to up the entertainment quotient for kids this season. Further fortifying the high decibel Sonic line-up, the series Oggy & The Cockroaches will now shift from Nick to Sonic. With shows like Oggy and Pakdam Pakdai, Sonic is being pitched as the ultimate comic-chase destination.

     

    Although admitting that moving a successful show like Oggy & The Cockroaches from Nick to Sonic is risky, Jaipuria is hopeful that the show will help strengthen Sonic’s line up. Shedding more light on the reason behind this move, Jaipuria explains, “It is a combination of a couple of drivers that seem to be working for each character under Nick’s banner, whether it’s Dora, Oggy or Motu Patlu. We realised that if we focus on only action in Sonic, we will only cater to a very small section of audience. Therefore this move is also about expanding Sonic’s reach by adding a flavour of comedy with Oggy & The Cockroaches.”

     

    She added that the channel’s reach has gone up after a similar move they made earlier with Pakdam Pakdai.

     

    The network will try to drive traction to Sonic through Nickelodeon by urging loyal fans Oggy & The Cockroaches to follow it on Sonic. This will be followed by a full fledged promotion activity for Sonic through the month of October.

     

    When asked to comment on these new developments on the network’s kid cluster section, Jaipuria said, “Nickelodeon has always stayed ahead of the curve with its innovative and engaging initiatives. Keeping kids at the core of everything that we do, endearing characters, path breaking content and pioneering initiatives have scripted Nickelodeon’s leadership and success story. The launch of Shiva and Nick HD+ are significant milestones in the category and are sure to be game changers, further fortifying our leadership position.”

  • IndiaCast to launch Colors on Africa’s DStv in October

    IndiaCast to launch Colors on Africa’s DStv in October

    MUMBAI: IndiaCast is all set to launch Viacom18’s Hindi general entertainment channel (GEC) Colors in Africa through its partnership with MultiChoice. 

     

    Colors, which is present in more than 135 countries, will be available to DStv Indian customers in South Africa from 15 October, 2015. The channel will reach out to Indian viewers in 13 countries including South Africa, Bostwana, Democratic Republic of Congo, Malawi, Namibia, Swaziland, Zimbabwe, Angola, Lesotho, Mozambique, Tanzania, Zambia and Zanzibar.

     

    Colors CEO Raj Nayak said, “In the seven years since it first launched, Colors has been a game changer in the television industry with path-breaking content that has appealed to viewer sensibilities. As the channel launches on DStv in Africa, the channel’s global penetration in more than 135 markets, with shows syndicated in over 100 markets, further reinforces our belief in our offerings and ability to match viewing preferences of our audiences.”

     

    IndiaCast group CEO Anuj Gandhi added, “At IndiaCast, it is our endeavour to present South Asian viewers across the world with quality Hindi entertainment avenues bringing a taste of Indian culture and values to their fingertips. Our association with MultiChoice is a partnership which enables us to further expand our footprint within Africa and keep viewers entertained through our varied offerings. We are happy to be able to reach out to DStv customers with content from the Colors library and look forward to reaching out to more viewers in Africa as our relationship with the network strengthens.”

     

    IndiaCast Middle East & Africa business head Sachin Gokhale said, “We are very excited to grow our presence in Africa through our partnership with MultiChoice. Brand Colors is already known by all South Asian diaspora worldwide for its innovative content, clutter breaking marketing and local connect. We are well aware that DStv customers are a discerning lot, given that they are well exposed to the best of global content, and we now look forward to ensuring that Colors exceeds their expectations, delights them and becomes a meaningful part of their lives.”

  • Viacom18 Digital Ventures names Monika Shergill as content head

    Viacom18 Digital Ventures names Monika Shergill as content head

    MUMBAI: Viacom18 has appointed Monika Shergill as content head of Viacom18 Digital Ventures. As a part of her mandate, Shergill will be responsible for driving content and programming strategy for Viacom18’s new digital business.

     

    She will be reporting to Viacom 18 COO Gaurav Gandhi.

     

    Gandhi said, “We are delighted to have Monika Shergill on board to drive the content initiatives for our digital business. She brings with her a wealth of experience in content development and creative strategy, which, we believe, will enable us to create differentiated and compelling offerings across audience groups.”

     

    Shergill added, “I hold tremendous regard for the various businesses that Viacom18 has explored keeping in tune with viewer preferences. The digital platform is fast-evolving and I am looking forward to working towards developing this segment further for Viacom18 Digital Ventures, along with its extremely talented team.”

     

    Shergill has close to 20 years of experience in the broadcast industry in creating content, mounting big scale productions, running network teams for channel brands and being responsible for budgets and promotions.

     

    Prior to joining Viacom18 Digital Ventures, she worked with companies like Star India, Sony Entertainment Television, Zee Telefilms and SAB TV.

  • Colors develops live event property ‘Suron Ke Rang’

    Colors develops live event property ‘Suron Ke Rang’

    MUMBAI: Hindi general entertainment channel (GEC) Colors from the Viacom 18 stable has created a musical property focusing on developing a string of live music events called Suron Ke Rang catering to its music-loving viewers. The first concert will celebrate the illustrious life and the works of the man behind the establishment and the solid standing of T-Series in the Indian film industry today – Gulshan Kumar. 

    This first-of-its-kind association with Bollywood music giant will bring together over 40 musical stalwarts, 60 popular and unique compositions across three decades to launch the Suron Ke Rang – Salaam Shri Gulshan Kumar tribute concert.

    With names like AR Rahman, Shankar Mahadevan, Anuradha Paudwal, Mika Singh, Rahat Fateh Ali Khan, Himesh Reshammiya, Shaan, Alka Yagnik, Udit Narayan, Abhijeet, Anup Jalota, Sapna Mukherjee, composers like Pritam Chakarborty, Raju Singh along with new age sensations like Tulsi Kumar, Mithoon, Benny Dayal, Ankit Tiwari, Meet Bros, Akriti Kakkar, Amaal and Armaan Malik and DJ Chetas will all come together for a soulful and visually appealing musical evening while paying homage to Gulshan Kumar. Singer Sonu Nigam and actor Ayushmann Khurrana will be the hosts for the evening. Conceptualised and produced by Kickstart Entertainment, this musical extravaganza will be held in Mumbai on 22 September and will be aired on Colors later this year.

    Colors CEO Raj Nayak said, “Over the years, we have strived to present Indian viewers with multiple entertainment avenues across genres and categories. Suron Ke Rang is another step in this direction – curating content beyond the realm of films to celebrate the best of the music industry. Our first offering will be a tribute concert celebrating the illustrious life of Shri Gulshan Kumar and his contribution towards changing the face of the Indian music industry with songs that have touched the hearts of millions. We are happy to join hands with T-Series for this unique concert, a company which has changed the face of Indian music with a multitude of offerings in every genre catering to music-lovers with varied preferences.”

    T-Series chairman and managing director Bhushan Kumar added, “Suron Ke Rang – Salaam Shri Gulshan Kumar is a celebration of T-Series and pays tribute to my father, Shri Gulshan Kumar, for his contribution towards making the Indian music industry a global phenomenon. It was his vision that has helped us to become the biggest music production company in India today and we could not think of a better way to thank him for his forward thinking. We are happy to join hands with Colors, another visionary in the world of television, and are looking forward to collectively provide global viewers with the best in music and entertainment.”

  • MTV’s ‘India’s Next Top Model’ experiment pays off with good ratings

    MTV’s ‘India’s Next Top Model’ experiment pays off with good ratings

    MUMBAI: The Indian adaptation of Tyra Banks’ reality show America’s Next Top Model, called India’s Next Top Model has entered in its eighth week and the show has been doing well on the ratings front for MTV. In last week’s ratings, India’s Next Top Model was the second most popular youth show.

     

    The show is produced by Bulldog Media & Entertainment and the makers couldn’t be happier.

     

    Bulldog Media & Entertainment co-founder and executive producer Akash Sharma said, “We are very happy with the ratings. The show is number one in its time slot. We are a way ahead of competition and right now we rank number two among the youth shows, only trailing behind Splitsvilla. Episodic ratings consistently reach 70+ TVTs and weekly episodes are peaking with 120+ TVTs range, which is in line with other well established franchises. We are very happy about the phenomenal ratings.”

     

    America’s Next Top Model is one of the most successful international formats and is currently running in 20 countries as a local version. “So it’s natural to bring a show of this format in India. We have so many fashion weeks happening here besides other fashion events. We acquired the rights of America’s Next Top Model and then put the things together,” he informed.

     

    India’s Next Top Model is being touted as an inspirational show, wherein the audience will see a lot of transformation in the participants, who hail from different backgrounds. Already popular in Asian countries like Thailand and China, Sharma is of the opinion that the Indian audience can relate to the content. “There are several copied shows that are coming to India but we knew that there is room for the original format. So when we bought the show there was big amount of interest.” he said.

     

    Throwing light on the research done before launching the show, Sharma informed, “We observed other channels and the shows that they have launched. We studied the industry, talked to experts and the right people for this format and then started planning. We also studied the show formats of other countries including Germany’s Next Top Model and Australia’s Next Top Model. The whole process took a lot of time to figure out the right formula of India’s Next Top Model.”

     

    MTV has carried out multiple brand integrations on the show with the likes of Tresemme, Lakme and Amazon. Highlighting the role of brands in the show, Sharma said, “The show is centred on fashion and beauty so it is relatable content for FMCG brands. The hair transformation episode received a great response from Tresemme. They actually transformed the way girls looked and made them feel like aspiring models. We did another episode called the ‘Make Up challenge with Lakme.’ Amazon is our wardrobe partner, which helps us in their styling.” 

     

    Primarily known for its youth centric shows, MTV burnt the mid-night oil to ensure that the show was promoted and presented well to the audience.

     

    The proof is in the pudding as the debut season’s runaway success only goes on to show that MTV has tapped right into the heart of an insight.

     

    MTV India EVP and business head Aditya Swamy said, “Fashion and style is a huge part of every young person’s individuality. We believe there is a model hidden in every young girl and all it takes is the right platform to make her a Top Model. It’s been a dream run working with these young girls, our judges and mentors and the entire production team at CBS, Bulldog and Face TV. We look forward to making this into a multi season landmark franchise.”

     

    When a show of international format is brought to India it gets moulded to local tastes, while keeping the target audience in mind. While Bulldog Media & Entertainment didn’t tamper with the original format, a few tweaks were made keeping in mind the Indian viewers. “We didn’t try to change the format but we have tried to add some spice to the show. We showed what others girls think, who should stay and who should go. We played with the extra drama, which we don’t get to see internationally. So these are the small things that add spark and zing, which Indian viewers like to see,” Sharma said.

     

    Following the trend of multiple seasons, he said, “We are still in our eighth week of the first season, while America’s Next Top Model is in its 22nd season. So yes, definitely we will come up with more seasons. We are looking at a long term franchise with India’s Next Top Model. The next season should be the summer of 2016.”

     

    India’s Next Top Model airs on Sunday nights at 7 pm on MTV.

  • Viacom 18’s Cine Shorts returns with season 2

    Viacom 18’s Cine Shorts returns with season 2

    MUMBAI: With an aim to provide a platform to budding filmmakers with an opportunity to showcase their talent through a five-minute short film, Viacom 18 has launched the second season of Cine Shorts on 7 September.

     

    Viacom 18 has also brought on board Inox as a partner on the Cine Shorts initiative.

     

    The jury comprising director-producer David Dhawan, director Sriram Raghavan, Viacom18 Motion Pictures COO Ajit Andhare and cinematographer Ayananka Bose amongst others, will be evaluating the entries.

     

    Andhare said, “This is an initiative that we at Viacom 18 Motion Picture (VMP) are very proud of. Our studio has been known to work with fresh talent and this endeavour allows us to add to the talent pool of the Indian film industry.”

     

    Raghavan added, “We have a platform for singers on television and we have several dance reality shows – CineShorts is a platform for film makers. This is a stage for youngsters to showcase their talent, which may or may not have seen the light of day otherwise and I am glad to be a part of such an initiative.”

     

    Expressing his views on the same, Dhawan said, “Comedy, especially romantic comedy is a tough genre to work on and I am looking forward to some exceptional short films that will not only strike a chord but also leave you in splits.”

     

    Inox Leisure CEO Alok Tandon opined, “We are happy to be associated with Cine Shorts for the second year in a row. In a country, which is passionately excited about movies, this festival is an ideal platform for budding filmmakers to display their talent and be recognised. It also gives these filmmakers a stage to unleash their potential and creativity and showcase their filmmaking flair to the world.”

     

    While the first season had the theme of ‘Fighting the Odds,’ the second season will now challenge participants to make a short film on the concept of ‘Falling in Love’ but with a twist.