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Tag: Warner Bros.

  • Bobble AI appoints Ravi Shharma as its chief business officer

    Bobble AI appoints Ravi Shharma as its chief business officer

    Mumbai: Bobble AI on Friday announced the appointment of Ravi Shharma as its new chief business officer. In his capacity as chief business officer, Shharma will be responsible for driving B2B business growth for existing revenue streams – A&M (Advertising & Marketing), DaaS (Data as a Service), and  TaaS (Technology as a Service) and future streams, overseeing sales and revenue generation strategies, and exploring new market opportunities to scale revenue. He will work closely with the executive team to steer Bobble AI towards continued success and growth and report to founder & CEO Ankit Prasad.

    “We are excited to welcome Ravi to our team. His extensive work experience of around 25 years, proven track record as a sales leader with quite a few Fortune 500 companies, deeper understanding of media sales, ability & vision to scale businesses in a rapidly changing digital landscape and commitment to delivering results will undoubtedly be a great asset to our business going forward. Bobble AI has been roping in industry stalwarts to accelerate the growth and expansion plans and we are confident that Ravi’s integration into the team will strengthen that process & help us achieve new milestones,” said Prasad.

    Shharma comes with a solid reputation as a veteran sales leader with a rich and diverse background coupled with exceptional revenue growth skills while working as sales/ revenue head for many global & Indian media companies like CNN, Turner Broadcasting, Cartoon Network, Warner Bros, HBO, Gaana & Saavn in his previous stint. In his more than two decades of experience, he has contributed to an array of activities spanning evolving business strategy and value proposition, creating a multi-year business plan along with the creation of multi-geography business ecosystems.

    Having a strong understanding of the entire media landscape – from Print to TV to Digital as an industry stalwart, at Bobble AI he will be instrumental in envisioning, designing and executing impactful business development strategies aligning the company’s expansion plans, its industry vision and the impactful approach backed by exclusive consumer intelligence and artificial intelligence to bring a paradigm shift in the mobile marketing & advertising landscape.

    Shharma said, “In the last few years Bobble AI has emerged as the most impactful deep tech solution company in India by re-imagining the keyboard utility as a holistic conversation media platform that has empowered brands to engage with their millions of potential customers in a creative and non-intrusive way. Despite having worked with many global media companies for over two decades, it’s probably the first time I felt moved by the unparalleled disruptions in the mobile marketing & advertising space that Bobble AI is driving and challenging the incumbents. I am quite excited to be part of a visionary team of innovators and look forward to achieving our collective goals and driving the company’s growth.”

  • Discovery Kids and Fukrey Boyzzz celebrate the expanding Fukrey universe

    Discovery Kids and Fukrey Boyzzz celebrate the expanding Fukrey universe

    Mumbai: As the highly anticipated ‘Fukrey 3’ gears up for its grand release on 28 September 2023, Discovery Kids, the pioneering kids’ channel from Warner Bros. Discovery’s Kids entertainment portfolio, is celebrating the growing universe with a quirky and fun social media campaign to ignite excitement among the fans. The special videos bring the popular Bollywood characters Choocha, Hunny, Lali and Bholi Punjaban from the Fukrey 3 with their animated kid avatars from the popular Discovery Kids animated series ‘Fukrey Boyzzz’ in a never-before-seen fun video.

    With ‘Little Singham’, Warner Bros. Discovery revolutionised the Indian animation industry by introducing a fun-filled animated series inspired by India’s most successful Supercop brand ‘Singham’ currently airing on POGO. Discovery Kids, a companion brand of Cartoon Network and POGO, further upped the ante with the introduction of fun filled animated series ‘Fukrey Boyzzz’ based on the superhit Bollywood franchise ‘Fukrey’ and ‘Fukrey Returns’ in 6 languages, English, Hindi, Tamil, Telugu, Malayalam, and Kannada. Through innovative content, interactive videos and the announcement, Discovery Kids aims to immerse viewers in the world of ‘Fukrey’ like never before.

    The crazy trio Hunny, Choocha and Laali, are a true embodiment of Discovery Kids’ brand with their crazy cute antics and their jugaad ideas while trying to navigate through school life and outwit their arch-nemesis Bholi Punjaban. You can watch an exciting animated series ‘Fukrey Boyzzz’ from 30 September every day at 4:30 PM only on Discovery Kids and ‘Fukrey 3’ from 28 September in Cinemas near you!

    The social media campaign is designed to engage, entertain, and inform fans about the upcoming film’s release. It leverages the popularity of ‘Fukrey Boyzzz’ and the excitement surrounding the ‘Fukrey’ franchise to create a buzz that transcends age groups.

    Follow Discovery Kids on social media to join the ‘Fukrey 3’ excitement:

     

     

  • Discovery’s celestial tribute: space-themed shows for Chandrayaan-3’s lunar attempt

    Discovery’s celestial tribute: space-themed shows for Chandrayaan-3’s lunar attempt

    Mumbai: In a momentous tribute to India’s remarkable scientific prowess and unwavering dedication, the eagerly anticipated soft lunar landing attempt of Chandrayaan 3 is slated for 23 August. Warner Bros. Discovery, a purpose-driven brand, is set to enthral global audiences with an extraordinary lineup of space-themed programming.

    Elevating the spirit of curiosity and fostering a profound appreciation for space exploration, Discovery Channel and Discovery Science will unveil an unparalleled selection of captivating shows that delve into the awe-inspiring marvels of the universe.  This carefully curated collection of programming spans a range of genres, offering a holistic view of space science and its significance. From documentaries showcasing India’s significant contributions to space science to immersive insights into lunar fascination, viewers will be treated to an array of content that aims at inspiring curiosity and knowledge.

    Discovery invites viewers to set their sights on the stars every day until 25 August at 1:00 pm. Embark on an immersive expedition with an extraordinary trio of shows: India’s Space Odyssey, Gaganyaan, and Moonbound. These programs offer an in-depth exploration of India’s pioneering strides towards space exploration and lunar frontiers.

    Meanwhile, on Discovery Science, the cosmic voyage takes on an even more expansive dimension, starting on 23 August at 9:00 pm every evening. Prepare to be captivated by a diverse lineup of shows, including the thought-provoking “Through The Wormhole With Morgan Freeman”, the enlightening “How The Universe Works,” “India’s Space Odyssey,” and the gripping saga of “Gaganyaan”, culminating in a grand finale with “Moonbound.” This comprehensive array of programming aims for minds, ignites curiosity, and leaves a lasting impression of the vast mysteries that the universe holds.

    The special tributary programming will commence on 23 August, coinciding with Chandrayaan-3’s attempt to land. Mark your calendars, as the cosmic odyssey begins, inviting audiences worldwide to discover the mysteries and achievements of space exploration. 

  • Warner Bros. Discovery celebrates Dussehra with new content line-up for kids

    Warner Bros. Discovery celebrates Dussehra with new content line-up for kids

    Mumbai: Warner Bros. Discovery’s kids’ entertainment channels—Discovery Kids, Cartoon Network, and POGO—are getting into the festive spirit with an action-packed and entertaining content line-up for kids and families to watch together.

    Starting with Dussehra on Wednesday, 5 October the channels will air a compelling programming line-up of new episodes and movies throughout the week of popular animated shows for their viewers in multiple regional languages.

    Cartoon Network, in its special ‘Happy Wala Dussehra’ block, will premiere back-to-back new episodes of the power-packed bunch of superheroes—Beast Boy, Robin, Cyborg, Raven, and Starfire from Teen Titans Go! from 11:30 a.m. onwards.

    Pogo will celebrate the festival with a special ‘Dussehra Movie Dhamaka’ programming block with all-time favourite “Chhota Bheem” movies airing all day from 10:30 a.m. onwards. Young fans will also have a fantastic weekend with the engaging movie line-up of two popular homegrown original series, Titoo – Har Jawaab Ka Sawaal Hu with Zamana Titoo ka on Saturday, 8 October at 10:30 a.m. and Ekans-Snakes Awake! with the premiere of Ekans-Mystery of Three Gems on Sunday, 9 October at 12:30 p.m. and Ekans-Hero Ek, Villain

    The excitement doesn’t end here! Discovery Kids will start the Dussehra festival on Wednesday, 5 October with the telecast of its animated series Ramayana, showcasing the popular tale of Lord Ram and his triumph over Raavan at 8:30 a.m. Starting at 9:30 a.m., the channel will surprise its fans with the back-to-back airing of eight Little Singham movies and blockbusters. Kids will also get to witness the antics of the funky and cool gang of Fukrey Boyzzz with a festive theme blockbuster, Funtoosh Festival, starting at 4:30 p.m.

    Not only that, but Discovery Kids is also launching a new three-part mini-series of Little Singham, beginning with Dussehra week and ending with Diwali week. The first instalment of its three-part mini-series Mahabali Little Singham: Khalbali ka Raaz will air on 9 October at 11:30 am.

    Gear up for an exciting Dussehra week with your favourite toons only on Cartoon Network, POGO, and Discovery Kids.

  • Saugata Mukherjee rejoins SonyLIV as content head

    Saugata Mukherjee rejoins SonyLIV as content head

    Mumbai: Sony Pictures Network India (SPN) has appointed Saugata Mukherjee as head of content for SonyLIV.

    In his new role, Saugata will lead the content division for Sony digital businesses.

    He will report to Sony LIV, Sony Entertainment Television (SET), and Studio Next business head Danish Khan.

    Mukherjee said, “I have witnessed the platform’s growth and am proud to be part of its growth story once again. SonyLIV has always pushed the boundaries of content by telling stories that have never been told, explored, or shown before, making my role a challenging but exciting one.”

    A media and entertainment industry veteran, Saugata has over two decades of experience. Saugata has previously led content teams for prestigious media conglomerates. He recently left Warner Bros. Discovery, where he was HBO Max content head.

    Warner Bros Discovery puts HBO Max launch in India on hold

    In his previous stint with Sony Pictures Networks India, he worked as SonyLIV’s original content head for one year, where he was looking after content commissioning, developing, producing, and curating the premium content for the platform.

    He has also worked with Disney+ Hotstar for almost two years, where he was head of development and creative for Hotstar Specials.

    At Star TV Network, he was senior vice president and editor of the content studio for five years.

    He is an alumnus of the Indian School of Business and Jawaharlal Nehru University.

  • Embracer Group acquires IP rights for LOTR, Hobbit literary works by JRR Tolkien

    Embracer Group acquires IP rights for LOTR, Hobbit literary works by JRR Tolkien

    Mumbai: Embracer Group through its wholly owned subsidiary Freemode, has entered into an agreement to acquire Middle-earth Enterprises. This is a division of The Saul Zaentz Company, which owns the intellectual property catalogue and worldwide rights to motion pictures, video games, board games, merchandising, theme parks and stage productions relating to the iconic fantasy literary works “The Lord of the Rings” trilogy and “The Hobbit” by J.R.R. Tolkien, as well as matching rights to other Middle-earth-related literary works authorised by the Tolkien Estate and HarperCollins, which have yet to be explored.

    Key upcoming works set in Middle-earth, in which the enterprise has financial interests, include the much-anticipated Amazon series The Lord of the Rings: Rings of Power, which will premiere on 2 September 2022, is set thousands of years before The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings; the animated film The Lord of the Rings: The War of the Rohirrim (Warner Bros), which will be released in 2024; and the mobile game “The Lord of the Rings: Heroes of Middle-earth” (Electronic Art).

    Other opportunities include exploring additional movies based on iconic characters such as Gandalf, Aragorn, Gollum, Galadriel, Eowyn, and other characters from the literary works of J.R.R. Tolkien, and continuing to provide new opportunities for fans to explore this fictive world through merchandising and other experiences.

    The acquisition of the rights is in line with Embracer’s IP-driven transmedia strategy. “The Lord of the Rings” and “The Hobbit” are among the world’s largest and most enduring iconic entertainment franchises and have birthed the fantasy genre.

    Middle-earth Enterprises will be a part of the newly founded operative group, Embracer Freemode. The company will continue to operate independently under the existing Middle-earth Enterprises leadership team, working closely with Embracer Freemode management and other Embracer operative groups to foster opportunities, growth, and synergies within the group to continue to build and expand the great franchise.

    “I am truly excited to have “The Lord of the Rings” and “The Hobbit,” one of the world’s most epic fantasy franchises, join the Embracer family, opening up more transmedia opportunities, including synergies across our global group. I am thrilled to see what lies in the future for this IP with Freemode and Asmodee as a start within the group. Going forward, we also look forward to collaborating with both existing and new external licensees of our increasingly stronger IP portfolio,” said Embracer Group founder and Group CEO Lars Wingefors.

    “We at the Zaentz Company have had the honour over the past half century of stewarding the Tolkien rights so that The Lord of the Rings and Hobbit fans worldwide could enjoy award-winning epic films, challenging video games, first-rate theatre and merchandise of every variety. We could not be more thrilled that it is Embracer now taking up the responsibility, and we are confident their group will take it to new heights and dimensions while maintaining homage to the spirit of these great literary works,” said The Saul Zaentz Company COO Marty Glick.

  • Impact Wrestling extends partnership with Eurosport India

    Impact Wrestling extends partnership with Eurosport India

    Mumbai: Anthem Sports & Entertainment’s professional wrestling promotion, Impact Wrestling, has partnered with Warner Bros. Discovery’s premium sports channel, Eurosport India. The partnership will ensure that viewers across India, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka will continue to enjoy Impact’s world-class content.

    The agreement includes live broadcasts of all live Impact Plus specials, giving Eurosport India viewers the best seats in the house for all the intense matchups, over-the-top drama, and larger-than-life competitors that only Impact can provide. Additionally, the extension features the launch of the all-new Hindi-language series Pehlwani Patakha, which showcases highlights from Impact—the promotion’s weekly flagship program, as well as exclusive matches and definitive moments from Impact Wrestling’s groundbreaking history spanning more than two decades.

    Speaking about this partnership, Impact Wrestling executive VP Scott D’Amore said, “Impact Wrestling has amassed a large and loyal fan base around the world, and India has always been one of our most passionate markets.”

    “We are excited to renew our successful partnership with Warner Bros. Discovery and Eurosport India, headlined by a slate of exciting live specials and the debut of the new Hindi-language series Pehlwani Patakha. We understand the power of local language in sports broadcasting and this extended partnership reinforces our commitment to customising content that caters to the Indian market while putting the spotlight on some of our prominent Indian talent, including fast-rising Punjab native Bhupinder Gujjar,” he added.

    Warner Bros. Discovery South Asia head of Eurosport Ruchir Jain commented, “We are delighted to extend our partnership with Anthem Sports & Entertainment as the broadcasters for Impact Wrestling, which has received huge popularity in India through Eurosport. As one of the leaders in pro wrestling content in the Indian market, we are confident that our extension of the relationship with Impact wrestling is only going to bring more joy and happiness to our loyal fanbase.”

    Since its inception in 2002, Impact has established itself as one of the largest professional wrestling organisations in the world and the premier destination for wrestling fans across the globe, enlisting legendary performers such as Ric Flair, Sting, Kurt Angle, Kevin Nash, AJ Styles, and many more throughout its storied legacy. Impact’s current roster showcases a selection of world-class athletes led by Impact World Champion Josh Alexander and Knockouts World Champion Jordynne Grace, X-Division Champion “Speedball” Mike Bailey, World Tag Team Champions The Good Brothers (Doc Gallows and Karl Anderson), Knockouts World Tag Team Champions VXT (Deonna Purrazzo & Chelsea Green), and Digital Media Champion Brian Myers. Other Impact superstars include Moose, Rich Swann, Sami Callihan, Matt Cardona, Eric Young, PCO, Rhino, and Trey Miguel; and the hard-hitting Knockouts Division, featuring Rosemary, Taya Valkyrie, Gisele Shaw, Mickie James, Mia Yim, and Su Yung.

    In addition to India and its subcontinent, Impact Wrestling programming is televised globally in 120 countries including on fellow Anthem properties AXS TV in the US and Fight Network in Canada, as well as digitally via YouTube, Facebook and its live streaming channels available on Pluto TV, Roku, Xumo and other free ad-supported platforms.

  • After 3 years, 3 months and 3 days it’s a wrap at Discovery for Megha Tata

    After 3 years, 3 months and 3 days it’s a wrap at Discovery for Megha Tata

    Mumbai: Megha Tata parts ways with Discovery as managing director of South Asia ending an association that lasted three years, three months and three days.

    The announcement of her departure was first made by Warner Bros. Discovery president and managing director India, Southeast Asia and Korea Clement Schwebig in June.

    Embed Link: Warner Bros. Discovery consolidates India’s business; appoints Arjun Nohwar as GM, India | Indian Television Dot Com

    “After 3 years, 3 months, 3 days it’s a wrap! Leave with many happy memories and proud of what we achieved as a team in the country. Amongst the many milestones we achieved, successfully launching #discoveryplus in the middle of the pandemic was a class act by the super talented team I have had the privilege to lead! Thank you to my super awesome team for helping me grow professionally and personally. A special mention to Simon Robinson without whose support and trust I couldn’t have done what I did! Onwards and upwards,” said Tata in a LinkedIn post.

    Tata is a TV broadcast industry veteran with over three decades of experience. She has been associated with leading broadcasters including Star India, Turner International, HBO India, BTVI before joining Discovery.

    She leads several industry forums and is the president of International Advertising Association (IAA) India Chapter. She is on the board of Indian Broadcasting and Digital Foundation as co-opted director. She is also a broad-member of the National Media and Entertainment Committee of FICCI and member of CII National Committee on Media and Entertainment.

    Tata has been a Jury member of many leading industry awards like International Emmys, Promax, Children’s Film Festival, Golden Mikes Awards, International Women in Sales Awards and many more.

    Besides being involved in industry initiatives, she has been engaging and shaping young minds through guest lectures at leading educational institutes including IIT, IIM, ISB, UBS and more.

  • boAt partners with Warner Bros. Consumer Products & DC

    boAt partners with Warner Bros. Consumer Products & DC

    Mumbai: boAt has unveiled new DC-themed designs across boAt’s top selling accessories in collaboration with Warner Bros. This new collection combines the epic characters Batman, Superman, and Wonder Woman with boAt’s superior technology. The new collaboration will give the Indian market a way to be closer to the massive DC Multiverse for the first time. The collection and its offerings have been carefully curated and thoughtfully designed to synergize with all the characters and their unique attributes. The iconic association is an outcome of extremely similar audiences of DC and boAt, who are on the lookout for powerful and inspiring consumer durables; the ones who adorn an individual style and seek perfection in every move they make.

    The collaboration between the powerhouse brands includes the following: boAt Rockerz 450 headphones in Krypton Blue (Superman), boAt Stone 190 portable speaker in Amazonian Red (Wonder Woman), and boAt Airdopes 131 earbuds in Knight Black (Batman).

    Speaking on this, boAt co-founder and CMO Aman Gupta said, “I feel extremely excited to announce our partnership with Warner Bros. Consumer Products and reveal our DC-themed boAt audio wear. DC Super Heroes are some of the most loved and watched characters across several age groups. We feel our boAthead community would really appreciate this truly unique collection.”

    Sharing his thoughts on the partnership, Warner Bros. Discovery India Southeast Asia & Korea head of consumers advertising and partnerships Vikram Sharma said, “We always endeavor to bring our iconic characters to fans through fun and engaging collaborations and we know the association with boAt will give DC fans in India an opportunity to bring the imagination of the DC Multiverse into their lives. We are sure they will enjoy this exclusive range.”

    The DC themed collection will be available on boat-lifestyle.com starting 18 June, 12 pm.

  • Inox launches merchandise range in collaboration with Macmerise

    Inox launches merchandise range in collaboration with Macmerise

    MUMBAI: Multiplex chain, Inox has launched its merchandise range, available through its website and mobile app. Inox patrons will now have an array of official and licensed merchandise available in categories including mobile and electronic accessories, fashion apparel, games and stationeries, consumer electronics, home and kitchen. The entire range of products is exclusively designed and curated by Macmerise, an online consumer goods company that produces merchandise.

    As a launch offer, Inox has announced a 10 percent discount on all online transactions till 30 June, 2022. Customers can use promo code Inox10 to avail the offer.

    With this partnership, Inox will make the audience feel closer to characters from Disney, Marvel, Lucas Films, Warner Bros (DC Comics), Universal. Customised and merchandise products of the Indian cricket team and IPL are available through FanCode and MPL, respectively. Going forward, customers can expect high-end products from premium lifestyle brands, said Inox. Customers will also be able to send gift hampers for special occasions like birthdays/anniversaries and can create customized awards and trophies.

    Products available in INOX’s merchandising website include customised and branded T-Shirts, Hoodies, Travel Essentials, Sipper Bottles, Coasters, Desk and Mouse Pad, Laptop Sleeves, Phone Cases, Caps, Mugs, Wireless Charger, Speaker, Notebooks, Headphones and much more.

    Inox Leisure Chief Sales and Revenue Officer Anand Vishal said, “Introducing our special range of merchandise is a conscious attempt to foster the unique bond that the patrons share with INOX as well as their superheroes from the famous franchises like Disney, Marvel and Star Wars. The partnership with Macmerise will allow us to provide a physical experience of their favourite characters from the movies or sports. With the aspiration of our ever-increasing and young customer base at an all-time high, it is important for us to keep them engaged by offering them more than just a cinematic content experience. Macmerise is a proven expert in the online retail space with quirky product design ideas that appeal to consumers across the country, and we are thrilled to partner with them on this new journey.”

    Macmerise Celfie Design CCO Mallika Satia said, “There cannot be a better place and a better audience than Inox to showcase and offer our products. The partnership adds a new dimension to our business as we get access to a massive set of movie lovers who enjoy a great cinema experience while watching their favorite characters on the big cinema screens of Inox. We are delighted to be associated with Inox. Through this partnership, we aim to curate the best of Inox merchandise for the movie-lovers of the country. We hope to continue building our relationship with the brand for years to come.”