MUMBAI: Star Movies Select HD is all geared up to celebrate Walt Disney’s 114 birthday by premiering Saving Mr. Banks at 1 pm and Mary Poppins at 3 pm on December 13, 2015. The two movies will be aired on the channel’s weekend property Select Sundays: A Tribute to Walt Disney. Walt Disney was born on December 5, 1901.
The plot of Saving Mr. Banks is spurred on by a promise Walt Disney made to his daughters. Walt Disney, played by Tom Hanks, embarks on what would become a 20-year quest to obtain the movie rights for Mary Poppins. The author P.L. Travers played by Emma Thompson, proves to be an uncompromising curmudgeon who has no intention of letting her beloved characters become mangled in the Hollywood machine. However, when the books stop selling and she finds herself in need of money, Travers reluctantly agrees to consider Disney’s proposition.
Mary Poppins, directed by Robert Stevenson narrates the story of Jane, played by Karen Dotrice and Michael played by Matthew Garber, the children of the wealthy and uptight Banks family, who are faced with the prospect of a new nanny. They are pleasantly surprised by the arrival of the magical Mary Poppins enacted by Julie Andrews. Embarking on a series of fantastical adventures with Mary and her Cockney performer friend, Bert, played by Dick Van Dyke, the siblings try to pass on some of their nanny’s sunny attitude to their preoccupied parents (David Tomlinson, Glynis Johns).
MUMBAI: The countdown to Mickey Mouse’s birthday on November 18 was laden with daily celebrations across Disney’s network. The 18-days long extravaganza that started on 1 November culminate on Mickey’s Birthday saw a series of new creative initiatives from the network’s end.
“This month is special to all our consumers, be it young or old, as everyone has experienced Mickey Mouse’s magic at some point in their lives,” says Walt Disney India, Content and Communication, VP, Vijay Subramaniam. “Mickey Mouse is Disney’s biggest revenue making intellectual property,” he adds.
To further strengthen the Mickey Mouse franchise in the country, the network has rolled out series of varied and engaging content throughout the 18 days, while at the same time making optimum use of its network, both digitally and electronically, to promote and propagate the event.
Not only did the network run content extensively throughout its Disney branded channels, it also allowed several other broadcasters to use the content for their own Disney special programs, albeit giving content credit to Disney’s in house team.
“We made some of this Mickey Mouse birthday specials available to other news channels and other content partners on a limited marketing and sharing basis ,” Subramaniam explains, adding that few of the channels have already aired this specials.
Part of the celebrations were the 90 sec long videos that saw several well-known Bollywood celebrities wishing Mickey Mouse ‘Happy Birthday’ in their own creative way. The who’s who of Bollywood from Shahid Kapoor, Alia Bhatt, Abhishek Bachchan, Akshay Kumar, Farah Khan are few of the celebs who feature in the video titled ‘Stars wish the Superstar a Happy Birthday.
“We compiled the videos throughout the year from the various shows Mickey had with the celebrities. It was great to see them come together for Mickey. With them on board we were able to reach a wider section of viewers,” Subramaniam points out.
Further elaborating on the fresh content that the channel had devised for the occasion, Subramaniam said, “In the last couple of years we have witnessed a huge craze for the Mickey shorts we rolled out globally. So for Mickey’s birthday celebration we decided we’d premiere one new short each day,” shares Subramaniam.
Continuing with its concept of ‘short and sweet,’ the network also released a number of video listicles that aired throughout the network at regular intervals during these last 18 days. “We created fun content around everything that Mickey stands for in a listicle format,” Subramaniam states, citing ‘18 really funny Mickey moments’ as an example.
Mickey’s birthday celebration wasn’t limited to content alone. Brands didn’t miss the chance in making optimum use of their Mickey Mouse merchandise on the occasion.
On 18 November, Future Group’s private label Tasty Treat kick started its Mickey Mouse birthday celebration across 500 Future Group stores including at Big Bazaar, Food Bazaar, Nilgiris etc. by maintaining a birthday party ambiance with danglers and confetti, photo ops with Mickey cut outs, and even releasing a special Mickey Mouse birthday TVC. The campaign is to continue till 30 November.
Snapdeal too has added its share to the merchandise promotion by giving discounts on Mickey Mouse products. The online major was also running a Mickey birthday contest on their website and gratifying 20 winners with Disney hampers.
While Mickey Mouse’s presence in the country is strong, one may argue that the anticipation for his birthday doesn’t compare to the fervour the character enjoys internationally. Subramaniam however finds it unfair to compare the two markets.
“The fact is that US is the birthplace of Mickey Mouse, with over 80 years of legacy on its side, whereas in India, Disney as a company is only 11 years old. If you think of the numbers, it is amazing how well the company has grown here. The kind of traction that we have enjoyed for last couple of years is beyond impressive. What’s evident is that Mickey as a character is universally loved, and more so when you add a local touch to him, and that’s exactly what we have done this year,” Subramaniam.
The local flavour that Subramaniam speaks of is a ‘birthday anthem’ compiled by the network that which went on air on 18 November. What makes it even more special is that it has inputs by viewers in from across the country in 18 different regional languages.
Amongst all their endeavours to connect the local audience with Mickey, the most effective is perhaps the Magic Mix that sees the network do a special rendering of popular Bollywood numbers with animation from their popular series.
‘Happy Birthday Mickey Magic Mix’ has taken the popular song Happy Birthday from the Disney produced dance extravaganza ABCD 2 and turned into and entertaining mash up for everyone to enjoy.
All the content for Mickey Mouse birthday specials, has been heavily promoted and aired extensively across the networks channels. Apart from that, the content is also available on all their digital platforms including their official website, YouTube channel (over 1.3 million subscribers), twitter and Facebook (over 3 lakh likes) pages.
Adding the cherry to its social media cake is the new application on Facebook that takes digital interaction to the next level.
“We have done something special on Facebook. Mickey lovers can add Mickey ears on their Facebook page with just a click of a button, by going to the ‘Happy Birthday Mickey’ app that you can access through our Facebook’ page,” Subramaniam adds in parting.
MUMBAI: Since its inception in 1991, CASBAA has welcomed an ever-growing group of members, showcasing the diverse industries and areas that make up Asia Pacific Broadcasting. Now, following its AGM on 29 October, CASBAA has announced its most extensive group of Directors to date, with many of the regional industry’s leading players represented.
A lineup of 13 preeminent Directors will form the new Board: Marcel Fenez (PwC), Amit Malhotra (Walt Disney), Andrew Jordan (Eutelsat), Bill Wade (AsiaSat), Janice Lee (PCCW), Joe Welch (21st Century Fox), Jonathan Spink (HBO), Mark Patterson (GroupM), Ricky Ow (Turner), Alexandre Muller (TV5MONDE), Frank Rittman (Motion Picture Association), Sompan Charumilinda (TrueVisions), and Todd Miller (Celestial Tiger Entertainment).
“We are very fortunate to have such a remarkable group of multichannel TV industry professionals on the CASBAA Board,” said outgoing Chairman Marcel Fenez. “I would like to extend a personal thank you to our long-standing Board members, and a heartfelt welcome to our new Directors. Together, our mission is to lead the Association for the benefit of the CASBAA members and the industry as a whole. Thanks to their combined experience, insight, and dedication, the future of CASBAA looks bright under their direction.”
CASBAA also welcomed two new Corporate Members to its roster. Satellite-to-mobile internet multimedia provider, CMMB Vision is a cutting-edge company employing L-band geo-satellite with converged mobile broadcasting technology to deliver IP-based video, audio and data content directly to mobile users.
Also joining the Association is cable and broadcasting network giant 21st Century Fox, home to the premier portfolio of cable, broadcast, film, pay TV and satellite assets across the globe.
“It is a delight to welcome these new members, who bring with them unparalleled experience and reach in the broadcasting industry. I am confident they will prove to be invaluable additions to the CASBAA community,” said CASBAA CEO Christopher Slaughter.
In a final piece of news, to encourage an even broader range of industry professionals to join the CASBAA community, the Association has added a new membership category. As the industry develops, new players are emerging, with smaller start-ups and entrepreneurial organisations providing invaluable services to the industry. In order to encourage active participation with the broader CASBAA membership, the new category, Associate Membership, is open to firms with fewer than fifty employees worldwide.
MUMBAI: Bindass, the Hindi entertainment channel targeted at the Indian youth owned by Disney India has always connected to the youth by providing content and a free spirited zesty time.
The channel will be adding two new shows targeted at the youth this November.
The first show titled Tu Con Main Con will be launched on 7 November. The promo of the show is smart, zesty, and sleek and also includes a lot of gizmo and gadgets. Tara and Dhruv are roped as the leads for the show. The plot talks about two con artists who with their charming personalities and smart actions, spindle the fraudsters in the society. The program is produced by SunShine and will run every Saturday at 7 pm.
Next in line is a classic sitcom, a laughathon titled Kota Toppers produced by BodhiTree. Slated to go on air on 20 November, this show be aired every Friday at 7 pm. Kota Toppers sheds light on the lives of six characters from Vardhan Coaching Classes namely Abhay, Naici, Raghav, Saina, Piyush, Siddharth and Riya, trying their luck to clear the IIT exam. The storyline talks about the logic and reason of the group behind preparing for the exams, Vardhan’s quirky and different style of teaching, the group ganging up against an external factor, their conflicts and interpersonal dynamics.
Talking about the two new shows, Disney India – Media Networks VP and head – content and communication Vijay Subramaniam said, “We have constantly evolved when it comes to the content broadcasted on Bindass. I strongly believe that youth power is gender neutral. We have all passed through the ‘over-enthusiastic’ phase in our lives. So I think it is very important for us to connect to the youth with our shows. The youth will share a bond, a connection with these two new shows on board. Tu Con Mein Con will emotionally connect with the youth raising many questions about the characters, whereas Kota Toppers will help the students shed off all their stress by simply laughing it out.”
Currently the channel airs youth centric shows like Yeh Hai Aashiqui, Halla Bol and Love by Chance amongst others with a wide catalogue of Bollywood music from morning to noon.
Bindass launched the third season of the show Yeh Hai Aashiqui – Sun Yaar Try Maar on 25 October, which is produced by Lotus Talkies and airs every Sunday at 7 pm. Maintaining the element of love to its core, the third season will feature a collection of one-sided love stories experienced by people and traces how they expressed their feelings to their loved ones. The show has brands like L’oreal and Glam-Up on board.
Speaking on the same, Subramaniam said, “This show highlights the lives of people who love someone but don’t have courage to convey it. The story talks about the journey of such lovebirds who muster courage to go and admit it. After the success of Yeh hai Aashiqui, we are really looking forward to this new season.”
With BARC releasing its all India data including rural areas, Subramaniam believes that this new data will definitely help the channel grow and will equally be effective as the channel grows in the rural areas too. The channel is working with reference to the youth dynamics from the consumers and the broadcast will continue to provide services regardless of territory.
“With increased digitisation, the aspirations are constant. Young people are young people and their hopes, dreams, wishes, everything is similar. It does not matter where they come from,” added Subramaniam.
GOA: Collaboration is the only way for the Indian digital industry to go forward – particularly if it involves the last mile operator (LMO) as well as the subscriber. This was the core of the opening of the Indian Digital Operators Summit (IDOS) 2015 organised by Indiantelevision.com along with Media Partners Asia on the theme of ‘Defining the Digital Future.’
Speakers at the summit, which is being held at The Lalit, Goa from 24 – 25 September, stressed that it was time to stop fighting with each other in courts or other forums and to move forward together since digitisation was inevitable.
Speakers in the opening session of IDOS 2015 were clear that though the government was the largest gainer by way of taxes etc, it could not be depended upon and it was for the stakeholders to move forward on their own if the Phase III and IV digitisation deadlines set by the government had to be achieved.
Describing the scenario as a marathon race, Viacom Group CEO Sudhanshu Vats said it was critical for all stakeholders to collaborate and yet compete at the same time.
The industry also needed to keep in mind the fact that the consumer is running ahead and everything depends and changes according to what he wants.
In order for the market place to evolve, it was imperative that all stakeholders moved forward in a collaborative spirit. The policy makers, unfortunately, are the last in this race as they are slowest. So frustration will set in if everyone looks to the government as the winner.
“Digitisation is being looked at myopically but it is necessary to look at it along with the consumer. Over the Top services will shortly take over in a big way. It is therefore important to realize that while each platform has a different technology, it’s important to keep pace. Players have to be pro-active and customise for all the 1.2 billion viewers,” Vats said.
Walt Disney India MD Siddharth Roy Kapur said it was important to see how consumers were rapidly moving from just a single screen scenario to usage of multiple platforms. “That is the reason why I prefer to use the expression ‘video content delivery business’ instead of television business. There is a strong need to put consumers at the centre of the whole media business,” he added.
However as a result of multiple screens coming in, the level of attention span per screen has been declining. “Stakeholders have to keep this in view while planning their strategies. Content creation therefore has to change accordingly and companies need to find ways to get the consumer to value the content,” he added.
He also stressed on the need for companies to look at each other as partners and move ahead to derive more value and average revenue per user (ARPU).
Hinduja Group’s Grant Investrade MD Tony D’Silvasaid his company had carried out various studies before launching their Headend In The Sky (HITS) platform – NXT Digital. “All these studies showed that the last mile operator, who had built this industry with his sweat and blood, had to be taken along, and the consumer was a key stakeholder,” he said.
It was clear that the first beneficiary through taxation, service tax, entertainment duty or licence fee was the government. However, the government has done little to support the industry. On the other hand, the second beneficiary was the broadcaster, which received 75 to 80 per cent of the revenues. “He therefore must play a key role in this journey,” D’Silva said.
Considering what these stakeholders – government and broadcasters – get, it was necessary that the two help other stakeholders if digitisation had to be achieved.
Digitisation will also help bring about transparency in a scenario where the LMOs had been declaring just around 15 – 20 per cent of their subscriber numbers.
NXT Digital has been designed in a manner in which the LCO/LMO does not lose proprietorship of their business and did their own broadcasting deals as well as pricing and packaging as per market rates. The HITS platform also enabled LCOs to obtain set top boxes at their own convenience with easy funding and set up local channels in order to compete with other digital platforms like direct-to-home. NXT Digital had worked out a fee of just Rs 50 per subscriber per month and is offering 500 channels.
It also ensured encryption at three stages: in the NXT system, at the LCO level and at the STB-end. GPS had been provided to the STB to ensure any movement was detected. It is therefore clear that the LCO has to be helped if Digital Addressable Systems (DAS) has to succeed. Perhaps the biggest problem was to get the consumer to pay, and the LCO needs to be aided in this task.
In a presentation of the present scenario, MPA executive director Vivek Couto said that it was important for stakeholders to get their act together as digital penetration was only at 50 per cent so far. “It is also necessary to remember that Phase III and Phase IV comprise a large chunk than the first two phases,” he added.
According to Couto, around 70 per cent of the content contribution was coming from players like Viacom, Sony, or Fox. Adding that the low rate of internet connectivity around the country was a major issue, he said, “The Indian pay TV business will remain competitive and reach its peak in the next three years, but research and collaboration is very critical for this.”
Indiantelevision.com founder CEO and editor-in-chief Anil Wanvari said in his opening remarks that in order to meet their targets, stakeholders had to have commitments and take tough decisions. “However, the large number of legal cases and problems of agreements between various stakeholders must make them realise that DAS will not succeed in this manner,” Wanvari emphasised.
At the same time, Wanvari was also of the opinion that LCOs and LMOs had to change and forge partnerships in order to move forward.
The government on its part must do something about taxation along with opening up for greater foreign direct investment (FDI).
MUMBAI: The Walt Disney Company Board of Directors has elected financial advisory firm WE Family Offices’ CEO and managing partner Maria Elena Lagomasino as an independent director, effective 1 December, 2015.
“Ms. Lagomasino is a respected leader in the finance and investment field and also has a wealth of experience with, and keen understanding of, global consumer brands. I know the Company and its shareholders will benefit greatly from her Board service,” said Disney chairman and CEO Robert A. Iger.
“Disney is a brand that embodies the values I believe in, with its unwavering commitment to creating high-quality entertainment, exceeding consumer expectations, and delivering outstanding financial performance for its shareholders. I am honored to have the opportunity to serve on the Board of such an iconic and beloved company,” added Lagomasino.
Lagomasino will stand for election along with the company’s other directors at Disney’s next annual meeting.
Before founding WE Family Offices, Lagomasino served as GenSpring Family Offices CEO. Prior to that she was with JP Morgan Private Bank as chairman and CEO. Her career began in 1977 at Citibank. She joined Chase Manhattan Private Bank in 1983 and was named head of Chase’s worldwide private banking business in 1997. Following the Chase-JP Morgan merger, she became chairman and CEO of JP Morgan Private Bank.
MUMBAI: The Walt Disney Company is betting big on virtual reality and has invested in Jaunt – a cinematic virtual reality (VR) company.
Jaunt has raised $65 million series C round of funding led by The Walt Disney Company; Evolution Media Partners – a partnership of CAA-backed Evolution Media Capital, TPG Growth and Participant Media; and Chinabased China Media Capital (CMC).
The new investors will greatly expand Jaunt’s global reach, providing significant resources and relationships to help make VR the next mainstream content medium.
Jaunt leads the industry in innovation through its unrivalled end-to-end solution for creating and distributing premium live-action VR. This latest round of funding will enable Jaunt to significantly scale up VR production, and advance their professional-grade camera hardware and software production tools, delivering content to the widest array of mobile devices and VR hardware in the industry.
In addition, Jaunt plans to use the funding to significantly grow their teams in both their Palo Alto headquarters and their new Los Angeles studio.
Additional new investors in the Series C round include leading European media companies ProSiebenSat.1 SE and Axel Springer SE, and The Madison Square Garden Company. They join existing participating investors that include Google Ventures, Highland Capital, Redpoint Ventures, Sky and SV Angel.
The new round brings Jaunt’s total funding to over $100 million. With these new additions, Jaunt’s investor group offers a global network of deep ties to the largest brands, franchises, talent and technologies, across all entertainment and media, as well as partners who add unique perspective and experience as Jaunt continues to expand and innovate.
“This round further illustrates our commitment and dedication to advancing the scope of cinematic VR – for filmmakers, storytellers, and audiences alike. With the support of these world-class companies, we will explore new avenues, building on our leadership position to deliver amazing VR experiences using best-in-class tools, technology, and creative teams,” said Jaunt CEO and co-founder Jens Christensen.
“Brands, artists, and creatives are looking to reach and interact with their audiences in new innovative ways, and Jaunt’s expertise provides a groundbreaking medium for exploring these new avenues. We look forward to working with Jaunt as they continue to pioneer in this space, giving them access to our wide-reaching network, and expanding on their distribution potential,” said Evolution Media Partners founder and co-managing partner Rick Hess.
In recent years, advances in technology and mobile devices have made fully-immersive VR possible and accessible to the masses. Jaunt is at the forefront of this content revolution, and is partnering with the leading content creators as well as technology and media companies to take VR to the next level. Jaunt currently works with notable brands and creative artists including The North Face, Rebecca Minkoff, Condé Nast and ABC News, and is looking forward to building relationships with new and innovative creators across a wide variety of verticals.
“We have been closely monitoring the evolution of video technology on the global horizon, and are excited about the potential for VR. It is having implications in areas such as film, television, games, sports, mobile, as well as other entertainment content and experiences where CMC has a profound connection and substantial engagement. Jaunt will be an important step in CMC’s foray into this global entertainment technology revolution,” said China Media Capital chairman Ruigang Li.
“When Jaunt launched a little over 2 years ago, VR was the domain of a few enthusiasts like us. Fast forward to today, with the ability to view VR content on any current smartphone, and a half dozen head mounted displays launching in the next 12 months, the addressable number of users will instantly be in the millions, and quickly grow from there. We look forward to supplying great content to all those users and contributing to the success of VR as a new content medium,” said Jaunt chief business officer David Anderman.
This funding comes on the heels of Jaunt’s recently-announced 5th generation patentpending camera system, officially named Jaunt ONE, which is built from the ground up for VR, and after two years of testing, pushes the limits of technological innovation. The company also announced Jaunt Studios earlier this year, a new arm of the company focused solely on developing, producing and collaborating on live-action virtual reality experiences from its LA studio.
MUMBAI: UNCF (United Negro College Fund), one of America’s leading minority scholarship organizations, announced a $1 million commitment from The Walt Disney Company to provide scholarships to outstanding African American students and give them the tools to realize their professional goals.
The Walt Disney Company UNCF Corporate Scholars Program, administered by UNCF, will offer financial assistance to high-achieving African American students in underserved communities across the country, while expanding educational and career resources for them.
“UNCF works to ensure our future leaders have the opportunity to obtain the college degrees they need, and our nation needs them to have. The Walt Disney Company UNCF Corporate Scholars Program expands their academic training into practical experiences, to create a diverse pipeline of college educated professionals poised to assume fulfilling careers in the entertainment industry. The investment we are making in better futures for them now will pay dividends in years to come when they become our next generation of leaders,” said UNCF president and CEO Michael L. Lomax.
“Higher education is the key to a successful future, especially in an increasingly knowledge-driven economy. Our program with UNCF will provide tools and resources to make college more accessible for promising students in historically underserved communities, so they are prepared and empowered to achieve their career dreams,” added The Walt Disney Company chairman and CEO Robert A. Iger.
Paying for college is often the greatest hurdle to achieving a bachelor’s degree, especially for the students UNCF traditionally serves – low-income youth and the first in their families to go to college, with more than 50 per cent coming from families whose incomes are less than $30,000 per year. The Walt Disney Company UNCF Corporate Scholars will be selected based on a competitive application process administered by UNCF. Recommended eligibility criteria include: Underrepresented African American freshmen, enrolled full-time at a four-year college or university; Preference will be given to students attending a Historically Black College or University (HBCU) to ensure 50 per cent of each group are derived from these schools; Students must have a demonstrated financial need as verified by their college or university; Students must have a minimum cumulative 2.5 GPA on a 4.0 scale; and Students must have an interest in pursuing a career in the entertainment industry (e.g. film, television, hospitality management, journalism, media production, digital media, etc.) as demonstrated by submission of an initial essay and participation in program components.
The Corporate Scholars program also includes the creation of a Career Navigator web-based platform that will provide both career information and tools to a broad network of African American students, as well as targeted support services to scholarship recipients. The platform, to be launched this fall, will help students develop requisite skills, and navigate the transition from college to early-stage careers. Web-based and facilitated learning modules will introduce students to the variety of careers at Disney, and Scholars will also have the opportunity to apply for Disney internships.
Students can find additional information at www.uncf.org/disneyscholars. The application process opens 16 March, 2015 and closes 15 May, 2015.
MUMBAI: After multi-agency pitch process, online apparel retailer, Vox Pop Clothing has appointed Scarecrow Communications as its creative agency. Vox Pop was started by Siddharth Taparia, a graduate of Harvard, who was previously executive director and business head of licensing business for The Walt Disney Company.
Vox Pop Clothing has licensing agreements with Marvel and Walt Disney including Superman, Batman, Game of Thrones, Dexter and Star Trek. At present, all the merchandise available on the site is purely apparel, however, going forward there are plans to introduce flipflops, boxer shots, iPad covers, iPhone cases and other accessories. The fast growing brand uses TOI print, digital and strategic OOH in its communication mix.
Said Taparia, “We are really glad to collaborate with Scarecrow as a creative partner to build our business. They are working with a shared vision and as marketing partners to grow and build our brand.”
Said Scarecrow Communications founder director Raghu Bhat, “Vox Pop is incredibly exciting at 2 levels. At a product level, it’s a melting pot of trends, pop art, entertainment and cutting-edge design. At a communication level, it represents an opportunity to create a brand that truly symbolises ‘voice of people’. Like the Tweet shirt campaign where popular tweets appear on T-shirts. Where the product itself becomes the medium.”
Added Scarecrow Communications founder director Manish Bhatt, “Vox Pop is an amazing business idea. And also, a fertile playground for our imagination. This brand underlines our ability to understand e-commerce as a category and have lots of fun with it.”
