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Tag: Vivek Srivastava

  • Romedy Now steps into a new avatar, undergoes a brand refresh

    Romedy Now steps into a new avatar, undergoes a brand refresh

    MUMBAI: Romedy Now, India’s No.1 English Entertainment channel has unveiled a refreshed brand identity with the introduction of originals, new shows and movie premieres. The channel unveiled its refreshed identity with its first original show The Love Laugh Live Show.

    The refreshed Romedy Now infuses ‘Happy in Life’ quotient, while retaining the channel’s core premise of Love. Laugh. Live that will continue to guide the essence of the brand.  With the added 'happiness quotient' and engaging storytelling, interweaved with a whole new look & feel across originals, new shows and movie premieres, the brand persona of Romedy Now broadens the emotional spectrum, from being happy in love to being happy in life. Bringing excitement and liveliness on screen, Romedy Now adds bright red and blue to its overall colour pallet and introduces a touch of asymmetry in the logo with the tilted ‘E’ that represents a ‘wink’. The new packaging reflects happiness, vibrancy, fun and quirkiness that is symbolic of the channel’s refreshed identity.

    Talking about the brand's new identity, Vivek Srivastava, President – Strategy and Business Head – English Entertainment Cluster said, “Romedy Now in its new avatar resets the dial with re-energized content to offer viewers an unparalleled and complete English Entertainment viewing experience. Our foray into original content is a testament of our commitment to offer an engaging, real and distinctively entertaining array of content to complement the viewer’s evolving consumption patterns. The Love Laugh Live Show marks our debut in originals and will explore various categories across travel, food, beauty & lifestyle, bringing 2 exciting shows a quarter to the viewers. I’m confident that with the refreshed identity, Romedy Now will continue to be the loved brand by our viewers.’’

    The refreshed avatar of Romedy Now strengthens the brand promise – Love. Laugh. Live with marquee shows and films. Featuring exclusively on Romedy Now are award-winning shows like 30 Rock, Parks & Recreationand Wahlburgers and ‘The Ellen DeGeneres Show’, which will make a comeback with its latest season. 

    Complemented by the foray into original programming, this repertoire is designed to appeal to a wider range of audiences while making the viewing experience richer and more immersive. The first original on the channel, The Love Laugh Live Show indulges in cosy conversations with India’s favourite celebrities, giving a peak into the unexplored ‘Romedy’ side of their life. The show hosted by Faye D’Souza will air every Saturday at 9pm on Romedy NOW and also be available for viewers on Sony LIV.
     

  • Movies NOW announces the 6th season of its blockbuster property ‘100 Mania’

    Movies NOW announces the 6th season of its blockbuster property ‘100 Mania’

    MUMBAI: Movies NOW, India’s favorite English movie channel, rings in the festive season with its iconic mega property ‘100 Mania’. With the premise, ‘chill to win’, 6th season of the property gives viewers an opportunity to win tempting prizes by watching their favorite Hollywood Blockbusters every night at 9pm, starting 15th December 2018.

    Movie buffs will find themselves glued to their screens as ‘100 Mania’ will feature the biggest action blockbusters and franchises that Hollywood has to offer. With a curated line-up of movies like ‘Iron Man 3’, ‘Finding Dory’, ‘Warcraft’, ‘Doctor Strange’, ‘The Revenant’ and ‘Casino Royal’, viewers can watch and win prizes like smartphones, MacBooks, iPhones, laptops, television sets, play station 4, cars, bikes and lots more by answering simple questions.

    Vivek Srivastava, EVP & Head Entertainment Cluster, Times Network said, “100 Mania is an iconic property and we are proud to bring it back in a bigger, bolder avatar in its sixth season. Over the last five seasons of 100 Mania, we have seen an unprecedented level of consumer engagement and the property has been true to the channels promise to provide the best of Hollywood blockbusters to our viewers. To make the property more interactive and collaborative this season, we are leading a massive integrated multimedia campaign synchronizing TV and social media. We hope Season 6 of 100 Mania carries ahead the legacy of the property by continuing to delight the minds of our viewers.”

  • MNX challenges legacy players in the movies category

    MNX challenges legacy players in the movies category

    MUMBAI: The rise in India’s urban educated millennials has also led to the spurt of channels in the English entertainment and movies genre. Over the last few years, several new additions have made their way including MN+, &Prive and Sony Le Plex.

    In this space, Times Network has found the right set of audience for all four channels claims Times Network EVP and head English entertainment cluster Vivek Srivastava. He is aware that beating a legacy player is not an easy task. The channel says it has been head and shoulders above HBO in six metro markets.

    The group has close to 1500 titles and 25-30 shows for its movies channels. The content comes from four major production houses like Disney, MGM, NBC and Warner which are long term deals. The network holds the second output of NBC after Sony Pictures Network.

    English cluster of Sony Pictures Network, on the other hand, picks up the content from Disney, Warner Bros, NBC Universal, Lionsgate and PVR Pictures. &Prive and &Flix of Zeel also have a bigger library with exclusive titles sourced from many independent Hollywood players and studios such as Paramount and PVR.

    According to week 32 of BARC data in the six metros, Times Network has two of its flagship channels, Movies Now and MNX, in the top five list. Movies Now is going to be an eight year old brand in December 2018 and is a home for all the blockbusters. On the other hand, MNX, the youngest channel in its English movies portfolio has been consistent in ratings since its launch in July 2017. The company endeavours to broaden the audience base to be in the top five list.

    “The quarter is gone by and the revenue of MNX is extremely healthy. MNX actually completes the portfolio. We have a family brand as Romedy Now, a sophisticated brand in MN+, Movies Now is the flagship brand that houses the superhero franchise. All the blockbusters will find a space on the channel. MNX being the youngest brand in the mix, it caters to all audiences and all the various titles get a space on this channel,” Srivastava adds.

    In the last two-three years, the Indian audience has evolved and become smarter and knows what to expect. “In this context, the marketing has become a lot easier as the consumer knows the content very well,” he adds. In FY19 Q1, the network got brands like Amazon, Pepsi, Airtel, Trivago, Ford, Flipkart, PhonePe, Myntra to name a few, for all its English movies and entertainment channels.

    As far as the category is concerned in terms of revenue, Srivastava estimates the genre to grow by 15-20 per cent more than the previous year’s figure which was Rs 700 crore.

    On the content acquisition cost, Srivastava points, “There is a little bit of correction expected in the content acquisition cost as we move forward. The correction will come on account of two things – revenue growth across years in the genre and secondly the evolution of business models as some broadcasters are sharing their first output windows with SVOD players.”

    HD is the next array of growth as far as the category is concerned. According to Srivastava, there are only two genres which drive HD viewership, sports and movies. MN+ is an HD-only channel which is performing well, both from a viewership and revenue standpoint.

    He gives out the formula for a successful channel as: “To sustain in the category with more than two channels, you should be able to provide fresh content to your target audience. Until and unless you have a distinct identity to the channel it will never succeed.”

  • Romedy NOW brings award winning and celebrated edgy comedy show ‘Shameless’ to Indian television screens for the first time

    Romedy NOW brings award winning and celebrated edgy comedy show ‘Shameless’ to Indian television screens for the first time

    MUMBAI: India’s favourite English Entertainment channel, Romedy NOW brings to Indian audiences for the first time ever on Indian television, the award winning and celebrated American comedy-drama series – ‘Shameless’ premiering this Friday, 16th March at 11pm on Romedy NOW’s ‘After Hours Binge’.

    Adapted by John Wells, this fiercely engaging and fearlessly twisted series depicts the dysfunctional family of the Gallaghers who live in the South Side of Chicago. Chicagoan Frank Gallagher played by Oscar®-nominated William H. Macy is the proud single alcoholic dad of six smart, industrious, independent kids, who leaves his kids to fend for themselves. When Frank is not at the bar spending the little money he has, he’s passed out on the floor. But the kids have found ways to grow up in spite of him. They may not be like any family you know, but they make no apologies for being exactly who they are.

    Speaking on the launch of the new show, TIMES NETWORK, EVP & Head Entertainment Cluster, Vivek Srivastava said, “Shameless will be a break through show for the channel as the content of the show is extremely bold and edgy  which is a change from our usual programming line-up. Known to be synonymous with love and laughter, the channel has historically been India’s favourite rom-com destination showcasing the happiest television series & movies. Like  ‘Shameless’, the quality of content that we will be showcasing on the channel is an attempt to widen our audience  base. We as a channel are committed to provide all round entertainment and therefore are working towards including a mix of different emotions in all our shows. I am confident that Shameless will have an equal fan following in India as overseas.”

    Through its distinctive international content, Romedy NOW is known to strike an emotional chord with audiences by offering them their daily dose of love and laughter. With the Indian television premiere of ‘Shameless’, the channel will be now foraying into edgier and quirky content apart from romance and comedy. 
    Have no shame and tune in to catch the immensely entertaining comedy series – ‘Shameless’ premiering this Friday, 16th March at 11pm on Romedy NOW’s ‘After Hours Binge’.

  • Romedy Now launches #Furrentines2.0 with #FurrentinesDate

    Romedy Now launches #Furrentines2.0 with #FurrentinesDate

    Romedy Now, synonymous with love and laughter is back with the second season of #FurrentinesDay, with India’s first ever #FurrentinesDate this Valentine’s Day. Aimed to create awareness and drive adoption of cats and dogs, #FurrentinesDate, a unique speed dating property will see furry ones play cupid by bringing together animal lovers celebrate their love for pets and abandoned strays and help them find love in the process. 

    To be held at Cat Café Studio on February 14, #FurrentinesDate will see 30 Romedy Now fans & viewers(15 girls and 15 boys), with a common love for animals, bond over coffee, conversations and cute cats which are in need of a loving home. The event will be LIVE streamed to an audience of over 1.5 million on Romedy NOW’s Facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/events/160978344556453/).

    Launched last year in association with Cat Café Studio & People for Animals, #FurrentinesDay is a hugely successful and unique property of Romedy Now that redefines the concept of love and encourages people to celebrate V-Day differently by celebrating love for animals and securing a merrier future for them in the process  via adoption. 

    Commenting on this initiative, Entertainment Cluster at Times Network – Executive Vice President and Head, Mr. Vivek Srivastava said, “Love knows no boundaries and Romedy Now promises exactly that. Following the success of #FurrentinesDay’ last year, we wanted to further promote the cause of adoption of animals and conceptualized ‘#FurrentinesDate’, a first-of-its kind initiative, where animals play cupid in bringing together like minded animal lovers. We are confident that coffee over conversations and cute cats will be another unforgettable experience, as we continue to spread love and laughter to our viewers.”

    Additionally, Romedy NOW will be showcasing a line-up of romantic movies on 14th February to celebrate Valentine’s Day. Epic romantic movies like Cinderella, Proposal, Definitely Maybe, Love Actually will be aired all day long.

  • Romedy Now gets into clothing line

    Romedy Now gets into clothing line

    MUMBAI: Romedy Now, in collaboration with designer Ken Ferns is all set to launch its merchandising line of clothing – the LOVE. LAUGH. LIVE. collection at the India Beach Fashion Week.

    The fifth edition of the event being held in Goa will witness celebrity Gauhar Khan unveil the stylish collection.

    Times Network executive VP and head–entertainment cluster, Vivek Srivastava said, “From being a television channel, we are now foraying into the fashion space by launching our first “Love Laugh Live” themed collection at the India Beach Fashion Week – season 5. The idea of introducing the branded clothing line is to strengthen our connect with our viewers and the target audience. From flirtatious frills to bright sunshine colors, this clothing line will spell Romance. It’s time now to wear the Love.”

    The collection revolves around the basic purpose and fundamentals of healthy living and loving. It symbolises the essence of life; to spread love, laughter and cheer. From bright sunny days to sunshine smiles, blushed cheeks and colors that spell Love, this collection will bring to life the feeling of a romantic touch, warmth and humor spread by Romedy Now.

  • Movies Now’ ‘Home to the Superheroes’ starts on 7 Aug

    MUMBAI: Movies Now’ of Times Network is set to awe its viewers with a spotlight on Superhero films all through the month of August, with the launch of their new festival “Super Squad Homecoming” from 7 August, Monday-Friday at 7pm and 11pm.

    The destination for Hollywood blockbusters, Movies Nowis the first channel to host both the Marvel and DC franchises, making it the real ‘Home to Superheroes’.

    Times Network EVP and head – entertainment cluster and Zoom Vivek Srivastava said, “Marvel and DC franchises have redefined how we view superheroes today and Movies Nowis the first Indian English Movie channel to have both the libraries at the same time. Our objective is to live up to our audience expectation of being the No.1 blockbuster destination in the country and with Movies Now being Home to the Superheroes we will offer our viewers a larger than life experience. Through Super Squad Homecoming, our aim is to further consolidate our position as the undisputed leader.”

    This month-long festival will air movies featuring all the biggest superheroes including Batman, Superman, Captain America, Thor, Hulk, Blade and The Avengers. Super Squad Homecoming will showcase some of the biggest Hollywood blockbusters like Avengers: Age of Ultron, Batman, Batman Begins, Ant-Man, Blade, Blade 2, Blade: Trinity, Captain America: The First Avenger, Hulk, Man of Steel, Superman, Superman Returns and Thor making Movies Now the only channel to host all the superheroes under one roof!

    To promote this unique property, Movies Now has designed a campaign that will include TV, OOH, Radio, Cinema, Digital and on-ground activations across bars, college festivals and gyms. The multi-city campaign will be promoted through the month to support this exciting property which further strengthens Movies Now’s positioning as the Home to the Superheroes.

  • Times’ Srivastava says entertainment channels aiming for 33% ad rate hike, Movies Now 2 rebranded as MNX

    MUMBAI: Times Network, with seven movie channel, has decided to rebrand its Movies Now 2, now renaming it as MNX. The brand, the Network believes, is now ready to stand on its own feet with its unique identity as a brand.

    With the legacy brand setting up high standards, the Network claims, its time for MNX to take up the challenge. With what the Times Network called ‘a full blown’ cross-platform promotion without naming, MNX is being promoted in print, outdoor and radio.

    “Increase in the viewership leads to increase in ad rates as well. The Times Group garners one-third of the English viewership in India. And so, we are aiming for 33 per cent increase in the ad rates,” Times Network EVP & head – entertainment cluster Vivek Srivastava told Indiantelevision.com

    MNX will showcase movies from its 4-5 different libraries which has a collection of around 1500 movies. MNX has lined up its properties for the weekdays and weekends: Wild Ones: Weeknights (Mon – Fri), 11 pm, Xtreme Nights: Weeknights (Mon – Fri), 9 pm, WTF (What The Flicks): Weeknights (Mon -Fri), 7 pm, Bad ass Weekends: Sat -Sun, 9 pm, Stacked Sun 9am-9pm, Get Lucky, Xterminator: Dusshera special, Xplosive Nights: Diwali special and Call X – Viewers Choice.

    “Movies Now 2, which was launched a year ago, worked excellently — with its distinct identity, library and positioning. As the channel grew, it started giving tough competition to the top three players, and it was necessary to give it a new identity from the current and future perspective,” the EVP said.

    “Movies Now 2 was not doing justice to the legacy brand — Movies Now. Therefore, it was essential to rebrand it,” he said, and claimed the “response from the sponsors has been fantastic.”

    MNX was unveiled with the telecast of its first Big Bang Movie – Mad Max Fury Road on 15 July 2017. Adding to the bandwagon of fun-filled movie festivals will be properties such as Xtreme Nights on Weeknights at 9pm.

    Xterminator will be a special movie festival during Dussehra (September 21 – September 30) which will showcase movies such as Olympus Has Fallen, The Mechanic, Hobbit and Journey to the centre Earth, to name a few.

    Finally, for its viewers, the channel will give them a chance to get lucky with awesome and super cool gadgets daily with MNX Get Lucky Contest as part of their Watch and Win Movie Festival.

  • Movies Now kept stakeholders engaged between Goafest sessions, says SVP Vivek Srivastava

    GOA: Times Network was the title sponsor of the much awaited Goafest 2017. The fest that celebrates the outstanding work of the advertising & media industry saw the coming together of creative geniuses on one platform. While innovation and creativity was being celebrated, Times Network was at its creative best when it came to engaging with its viewers through activations for two of their popular movie channels, Movies Now and Movies Now2.

    Commenting on the occasion, Times Network SVP and head of English entertainment cluster & Zoom Vivek Srivastava said, “The activities at Goafest had a single word purpose – engagement. We ensured that our stakeholders were engaged delightfully in between the enlightening sessions. The moment one entered the fest, one could experience Movies Now’s ‘Home To Superheroes’. Now that we have the Marvel and the DC franchises with us, we wanted to give the larger than life experience. The superhero zone does exactly that. Movies Now 2 is an upcoming brand, it has been extremely gratifying for us to receive such a good response to this new age, upscale and edgy brand.”

    Movies Now was ‘Home To Superheroes’ as the avengers squad was ready to take on the world. Sculptures of superheroes like Captain America, Hulk, Thor and Iron Man, fans seemed excited to click pictures with their favourite superheroes.

    The channel also had exciting competitions. The famous ‘Thor Hammer’ was made for people to try and lift. The idea was to say that only Thor can life it. The participant who manages to lift was given goodies and Movies Now merchandise. The other exciting competition that was organized was to solve a jigsaw puzzle while competing to complete the poster of a superhero faster than the other participant. The winners were given Movies Now merchandise.

    Movies Now 2 created a war-zone with zorb fighting. Participants were given a chance to compete individually or in groups to bring out the wild child in them and defeat one another. Because that’s what Movies Now 2 is all about! The winners were awarded with exciting Movies Now 2 merchandise.

  • Movies Now brings back 100 Mania and it’s #NotforLosers

    Movies Now brings back 100 Mania and it’s #NotforLosers

    MUMBAI: Movies Now, India’s favourite English movie channel, brings back its most-awaited mega property ‘100 Mania’, starting 15 December at 9pm. From cars, bikes, smartphones, digital cameras, laptops, fitbits and lots more, 100 Mania Season 4 offers viewers the opportunity to watch and win a 100 prizes by watching 100 blockbusters over 100 days!

    In this unique consumer engagement activity, viewers need to watch the 9pm blockbuster movie, give a missed call and answer simple questions. Movie buffs will find themselves glued to their screens as this property will feature the biggest action blockbusters and franchises that Hollywood has to offer.

    Times Network Vivek Srivastava senior vice president & head, English entertainment cluster, & Zoom Vivek Srivastava said, “100 Mania is an iconic property for Movies Now and we are proud to bring it back in a bigger bolder avatar for its fourth season. Conducting a daily contest over 100 days with 100 mega-prizes on offer is a mammoth task and it is unparalleled in the English movie genre. The property has aided the channel in strengthening its leadership position and this year we are offering a new proposition of #NotForLosers, which will definitely resonate with the youth. Over the years, 100 Mania has created a huge buzz and a loyal audience for the channel while attracting multiple advertisers. I am sure that we will continue to rule audience minds with 100 Mania Season 4.”

    Smartphone brand Vivo has come on board 100 Mania Season 4 as the presenting sponsor while the co-presenting sponsor is Kurlon and Ocean’s is the Associate sponsor.

    Vivo CMO Vivek Zhang said “We are happy to partner with ‘100 Mania’ which is an iconic property for Movies Now. The show has extensive viewer engagement and keeping in mind the vibrancy of the youth, we believe that a partnership with this classic property presents a splendid opportunity to connect with the right audience in a refreshing way. We are constantly making efforts to consolidate our position in the Indian market through thoughtful brand associations and innovative marketing initiatives. We wish ‘100 Mania’, all the very best.”