ITV

Tag: Warner Bros.

  • Discovery+ launches new original ‘Gaganyaan: Bharat ki Antariksh Udaan’

    Discovery+ launches new original ‘Gaganyaan: Bharat ki Antariksh Udaan’

    Mumbai: ISRO prepares for Mission Gaganyaan, India’s voyage of this astronomical achievement that will be showcased in Discovery+’s newest original – “Gaganyaan – Bharat ki Antariksh Udaan.”

    India etches its place in the highest echelons of human history, as ISRO prepares to send Indian astronauts into space aboard the first self-manufactured space rocket. With a pedigree of featuring successful and immensely popular cosmological titles like – ‘India’s Space Odyssey,’ ‘How The Universe Works,’ ‘Morgan Freeman’s Through The Wormhole,’ ‘Space Titans: Musk, Bezos, Branson’ and many more, discovery+ will exclusively premiere the new original on 18 May.

    As the clock counts down to “Mission Gaganyaan,” the documentary will feature three eminent astronauts namely, Rakesh Sharma, the first Indian to go into space, the elite record-holding woman astronaut of NASA – Sunita Williams, and Russian Cosmonaut – Oleg Kotov. Along with them, various experts namely, Dr G Madhavan Nair (former chairman, ISRO); Air Cdre (Rtd) Ravish Malhotra (former test pilot, IAF); Asif Siddiqi (space historian); Dr Brigitte Godard (flight surgeon, European astronaut centre); and other distinguished professionals will be lending their expertise on the subject.

    Produced by Miditech Studios, “Gaganyaan – Bharat ki Antariksh Udaan” charts the audacious and challenging journey of India’s human space flight programme, from developing the country’s state of the art cryogenic engine, testing of flights, rigorous astronaut training to the final preparations and anticipation before its launch in 2023. Supporting with archival footage, modern graphical representations of the complex processes and tremendous dangers of human space flight, this fascinating original will also recap the ground-breaking engineering that enabled India to successfully test the crew capsule launch & re-entry in 2014.

    Warner Bros Discover original content head- South India Sai Abishek said, “With rapid developments in space exploration, we are excited to present an inspiring documentary for our superfans of science and space programming which highlights the daunting journey undertaken by some of India’s brightest minds and space scientists. Through this special title, our objective is to celebrate and showcase the unique viewpoint to the progress India has made so far, in their endeavor of sending Indian astronauts into space and ensuring their safe return home on a made-in-India space shuttle.” He further added, “We are proud to be the first OTT platform to bring to our audience this historical journey which will put India on the world stage with other space faring nations.”

  • Spotify partners with Warner Bros and DC to launch new audio series on Batman

    Spotify partners with Warner Bros and DC to launch new audio series on Batman

    Mumbai: Spotify India has announced its new original audio series titled “Batman Ek Chakravyuh” – a Hindi adaptation of the audio streaming platform’s global audio series “Batman Unburied.”

    The audio series premieres globally  on 3 May with nine international adaptations, including the original English-language script for the US, and localised versions developed for India, Brazil, France, Germany, Indonesia, Italy, Japan, and Mexico.

    “Batman Unburied” is the first project to debut as part of Spotify’s global multi-year agreement with Warner Bros and DC. The partnership will leverage DC’s vast library of iconic characters in new Spotify podcasts to unite fans around the world in an unforgettable audio experience.

    “‘Batman Ek Chakravyuh’ takes listeners on a journey where the characters inhabit the mind and linger long after the tale is over,” said the platform in a statement.

    The all-star cast for “Batman Ek Chakravyuh” includes Amit Sadh (as Batman), Sharib Hashmi (as The Riddler), Shweta Tripathi (as Barbara Gordon), Anangsha Biswas, Aseem Hattangady, Ashwin Mushran, Danish Hussain, Pooja Gor, Rajat Kapoor, Sarika and, Vrajesh Hirjee. Bringing David S Goyer’s creation to life in India is Mantra Mugdh, the director of the audio series.  

    While commenting on the announcement, Spotify India head of podcasts Dhruvank Vaidya said, “’Batman Ek Chakravyuh’ has been specially created for our local listeners and establishes new frontiers in audio storytelling for India. It brings an all-time favourite Super Hero to millions of listeners in India. Through our partnership with Warner Bros and DC, we have the unique opportunity to take Batman deeper into the market. Today, 1 out of 4 Spotify users in India listens to podcasts, and we hope that this spine chilling soundscape masterpiece, which tells the transcendent story of the one and only Bruce Wayne, brings his fans to Spotify.”

    “It has been absolutely thrilling to take on the mantle for a superhero such as Batman, that too in audio and with Spotify. You can expect nothing short of an epic, cinematic audio thriller, the likes of which India has never heard before. Voicing Batman was an experience in itself and I am glad we get to show our audience a re-imagined caped crusader,” asserted the actor Amit Sadh.

    “I am a fan of David Goyer’s Batman films and his tight plot brings out the different shades of Batman’s story so well. To have the opportunity to portray Barbara Gordon in the audio series written by him is truly special. Barbara Gordon is such an inspirational firebrand, a go-getter who knows what she wants and will stop at nothing to get that. It has been a fun experience voicing her in Batman Ek Chakravyuh.” said actress Shweta Tripathi Sharma.

    “Batman Ek Chakravyuh” is a psychological thriller that takes listeners on a new journey deep into the mind of Bruce Wayne, introducing a slew of dark twists and turns with a number of classic Batman super-villains. When audiences meet Bruce Wayne he is a forensic pathologist, working in Gotham Hospital and tasked with examining the victims of The Harvester, a gruesome serial killer preying on Gotham City’s citizens. Not only will Wayne be forced to face his own mental demons, but he will also have to overcome them to save the citizens as his alter-ego, Batman.

    Listeners can also stream the English version of the podcast featuring Winston Duke as Bruce Wayne surrounded by an A-list cast that includes Hasan Minhaj, Gina Rodriguez, Jason Isaacs, and Lance Reddick.

  • ICC permits FairBreak Invitational 2022 to premiere Live on Eurosport India

    ICC permits FairBreak Invitational 2022 to premiere Live on Eurosport India

    Mumbai: With this development, viewers in India can tune-in to Eurosport India to catch all the live action from FairBreak Invitational 2022 T20 series, with Falcons taking on Warriors in the opening match on 4 May, scheduled at 9:30 p.m IST.

    Women’s T-20 tournament, sanctioned by ICC, is all set to be played in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. The tournament will feature players from 35 countries like Heather Knight, Marizanne Kapp, Diana Baig, Stafanie Taylor, Nicola Carey, Suzie Bates, Danni Wyatt, Sana Mir and many others will feature in the T-20 tournament.

    The historic FairBreak Invitational 2022 tournament is the first privately funded tournament in women’s cricket history and is an ICC sanctioned competition that will take place from 4-15 May in Dubai in conjunction with Cricket Hong Kong.

    The tournament will include six teams with players from 35 countries across the world which include many from the top-20 ranked nations including Australia, England, New Zealand, West Indies, Pakistan, South Africa, Thailand and others.

    All the six teams will consist of 15 players each and 19 games will be played over ten match days. The six teams who will be a part of the inaugural edition are – Falcons, Warriors, Tornadoes, Sapphires, Barmy Army and Spirit.

    Announcing the broadcast partnership, Warner Bros Discovery head of distribution and Eurosport South Asia Ruchir Jain said, “FairBreak Invitational is the beginning of the next chapter in women’s cricket. We have seen tremendous growth in women’s cricket in the last five years and we believe it will only continue to grow from here.”

    “Eurosport India has been at the forefront of inclusivity in sport and the growth and popularity of top-level women’s professional sport is a credo that we live by passionately every day. We wish all the competing teams rip-roaring success in the FairBreak Invitational 2022,” added Jain.

    Eurosport India also broadcasts women’s tournaments from the LPGA (Ladies Professional Golf Association) and the Hero Indian Women’s League (Indian National Football League for Women). In the past Eurosport India have been the official broadcasters for AFC Women’s Asian Cup 2022 and W Series (Women’s Single Seater Racing Championship).

  • YouTube announces free TV shows and films for US viewers

    YouTube announces free TV shows and films for US viewers

    Mumbai: Google-owned YouTube has announced that popular television shows and films from major studios will be available in the US for free, with ads, using smart televisions, mobile devices or web browsers. The video platform has over 1,500 films from Disney Media & Entertainment Distribution, Warner Bros, Paramount Pictures, Lionsgate, FilmRise, and more.

    The American audience will now have access to nearly 4,000 episodes of TV shows like “Hell’s Kitchen,” “Andromeda,” “Heartland,” and many more. New titles in March include “Gone in Sixty Seconds,” “Runaway Bride” and “Legally Blonde.”

    US users can access these films and shows and up to 100 new titles each week on web browsers, mobile devices, and most connected TVs via the YouTube on TV app.

    “More people are choosing to experience YouTube on the big screen with friends and family. In fact, according to Nielsen, YouTube reached over 135 million people on connected TVs in the US in December 2021. YouTube is at the forefront of the consumer shift to CTV viewership as the top ad-supported streaming platform with the content people enjoy and the creators they love,” YouTube said in a blog post.

    To enhance the viewing experience, the video platform is also unveiling brand new streamlined navigation and immersive banner art. The rich visuals and new menus will help users more easily find their favourite TV shows, whether they choose to rent, purchase, or watch for free with ads. Many of these titles are also now available in high definition 1080p with 5.1 surround sound audio on supported devices.

  • WarnerMedia pauses business operations in Russia amid Ukraine conflict

    WarnerMedia pauses business operations in Russia amid Ukraine conflict

    Mumbai: As the Russia-Ukraine ongoing war has escalated over the days, the entertainment conglomerate WarnerMedia decided to pause “all new business” in Russia, CEO Jason Kilar said. This announcement comes a few hours after Discovery Inc, which is set to soon close its acquisition of WarnerMedia, suspended all operations in Russia amid the country’s war on Ukraine.

    According to Variety, Kilar, in a memo to WarnerMedia staff said, “Following the Russian invasion of Ukraine, WarnerMedia is pausing all new business operations in Russia. This includes ceasing broadcast of our channels, halting all new content licensing with Russian entities and pausing our planned theatrical and games releases.”

    Previously, along with suspending CNN broadcasts in Russia, WarnerMedia’s production house Warner Bros had halted its plans to release “The Batman” in the country ahead of its planned premiere. Kilar further stated, “We are following this situation closely and future business decisions will be made with that context in mind. Our thoughts in this moment are with  the people of Ukraine.”

    As per the Deadline report, Universal Music has also just announced it ceased operations there, along with McDonald’s, Coca-Cola and others. 

    Amazon will be shutting off Amazon Prime in Russia and stopping deliveries to the country, according to news agency ANI.

  • WarnerMedia opens new regional hub in Singapore

    WarnerMedia opens new regional hub in Singapore

    Mumbai: Global media company WarnerMedia on Friday opened a new regional hub for Asia (excluding China and Japan) in Singapore.  

    The office was officially opened by Singapore’s minister for communications and information (MCI) Josephine Teo and it signals the full integration of WarnerMedia’s business in the region that includes Warner Bros, HBO, and Turner brands. It also houses the new streaming platform HBO Max, which is expected to launch in its first Asian markets in the future.

    “Our new flagship office is truly spectacular. More than just a new workspace, it brings together the most incredible parts of our diverse business – from Harry Potter’s Wizarding World to Looney Tunes, Game of Thrones, and Wonder Woman – under one roof for the first time,” said WarnerMedia managing director for India, Southeast Asia and Korea Clement Schwebig. “Here in Singapore, we have long supported a sizeable ecosystem for the entertainment, broadcast, production, and licensing industries. From our new Singapore hub, we will continue with our ambitious plans for the region.”

    WarnerMedia expects to substantially increase additional roles in Singapore in the coming years, including those in the technology field as the company increases focus on its direct-to-consumer streaming business led by Amit Malhotra as HBO Max managing director for Southeast Asia, India, and Korea.

    “As we get ready to launch HBO Max in our first Asian markets, we’ll build on WarnerMedia’s legacy of incredible stories and introduce a brand-new streaming experience for our fans in the region,” said Malhotra. “Our new office space in Singapore as a regional HQ will be the perfect backdrop for the innovative work to be done in the lead up to our launch.” 

    On a tour of the office, minister Teo also met with young Singaporean employees, who discussed their early experiences in the media industry. Joining her was Infocomm Media Development Authority of Singapore (IMDA) chief executive Lew Chuen Hong. “There is tremendous potential in this region, and the new hub signals the central role that Singapore plays in WarnerMedia’s expansion plans. Wonderful opportunities will be created for our media talents and the broader ecosystem, both in Singapore and in Asia,” Hong said.

  • When can you watch Friends: The Reunion in India?

    When can you watch Friends: The Reunion in India?

    KOLKATA: In another piece of good news for the fans of the iconic TV show Friends, OTT platform Zee5 announced on Tuesday that it will stream the highly anticipated Friends: The Reunion in India simultaneously with the US and the world on 27 May.

    Talking about the excitement ahead of the premiere, Zee5 India chief business officer Manish Kalra said: “We received an overwhelming response from the audience after recently announcing that the show will stream exclusively on ZEE5 in India. We are proud to share that we will bring this event to India along with the world on 27 May at 12.32 pm!”

    Kalra said viewers can also avail Friends: The Reunion Special unlimited viewing offer at least 12 hours in advance before the launch for a seamless experience. “We are all geared up to make this a resounding success in India along with the rest of the world,” he added.

    The trailer has already set the social media ablaze and raked up millions of views across several channels. HBO Max will debut the famous sitcom special on Thursday, May 27 in the US, marking the first anniversary of HBO Max’s launch. The show’s actors Jennifer Aniston, Courteney Cox, Lisa Kudrow, Matt LeBlanc, Matthew Perry, and David Schwimmer will return to the iconic comedy’s original soundstage, Stage 24, on the Warner Brothers Studio lot in Burbank for a real-life unscripted celebration.

    It will feature a variety of special guest appearances including David Beckham, Justin Bieber, BTS, James Corden, Cindy Crawford, Cara Delevingne, Lady Gaga, Elliott Gould, Kit Harington, Larry Hankin, Mindy Kaling, Thomas Lennon, Christina Pickles, Tom Selleck, James Michael Tyler, Maggie Wheeler, Reese Witherspoon and Malala Yousafzai. Ben Winston directed the special and executive produced along with “Friends” executive producers Kevin Bright, Marta Kauffman, and David Crane.

    The special hails from Warner Bros. Unscripted Television in association with Warner Horizon, Fulwell 73 Productions, and Bright/Kauffman/Crane Productions. Aniston, Cox, Kudrow, LeBlanc, Perry, and Schwimmer executive produced the special. Emma Conway, James Longman, and Stacey Thomas-Muir co-executive produced.

  • Cartoon Network greenlights ‘Lamput’ season 4 & ‘Lamput Meets Tuzki’ special

    Cartoon Network greenlights ‘Lamput’ season 4 & ‘Lamput Meets Tuzki’ special

    Cartoon Network has announced three new originals which are currently under various stages of development and production. These new originals will feature four animated icons, and it includes the development of a short-form Tom and Jerry pilot, which sees for the first time the classic cat-and-mouse duo transplanted to the Asia-Pacific region. 

    The production of Lamput Meets Tuzki, a special starring two well-known characters hailing from India and China, has also commenced, while the network has confirmed that work will soon begin on the fourth season of Lamput.

    "Audiences have been laughing at Tom and Jerry’s chase antics for over 80 years. But this is the first time we’re looking at transporting the frenemies to our region, and reimagining their antics in an authentic and distinctly local context. We are working closely with Warner Bros Animation and Cartoon Network Studios in Burbank to bring these new adventures to life," said WarnerMedia head of kids APAC Leslie Lee. 

    In 2020, the legendary tales of the cat-and-mouse duo were launched in India with a first ever “thought-over” commentary in regional languages of Hindi, Tamil and Telugu. The local-language narration track added another layer of immersive, localised storytelling and was met with a great response from fans.

    Lamput Meets Tuzki is a seven-minute special that brings together for the first time two legendary WarnerMedia IP created in India and China. Tuzki, a Chinese rabbit, is a hit with young adults and has found a wide following on instant messaging apps, consumer products and through an animated series. In 2018, celebrated Indian fashion designer Manish Arora created a Tuzki-inspired lifestyle collection that premiered at the prestigious Paris Fashion Week. The collection was available in China and India, expanding Tuzki’s popularity well beyond its homeland.

    Lamput, a gooey orange blob, and master of disguise, is an Emmy-nominated Cartoon Network original property born in India. This non-dialogue, slapstick chase comedy by Mumbai-based Vaibhav Studios won the Best Children’s Programme at Asian Academy Creative Awards 2020, for the third time in a row. It was also nominated for an International Kids Emmy award, a first for any Indian production.

    “Guided by Carlene Tan, who heads up our original productions for kids APAC, these two milestone projects are testament to our commitment to authentic storytelling. We look forward to continuing to champion Cartoon Network’s mission to unify our fans through more laughter, and even bigger and bolder adventures,” added Lee. 

    The Lamput Meets Tuzki special is scheduled for mid-2021, with more Lamput adventures to come. Cartoon Network Asia Pacific has also greenlit a brand new fourth season of Lamput, which will go into production in the second half of 2021.

  • Josh Goldstine is new Warner Bros worldwide marketing president

    Josh Goldstine is new Warner Bros worldwide marketing president

    MUMBAI: Warner Bros has named Josh Goldstine president of worldwide marketing, replacing Blair Rich, who vacated the position in December.

    Goldstine will officially join the California-based studio later this month. He will report directly to Warner Bros Pictures Group chairman Toby Emmerich, and work with the division’s senior management team.

    Previously president of worldwide marketing for Universal, Goldstine will oversee the studio’s global theatrical release slate including all Warner Bros, New Line, DC, Warner Animation group and HBO Max original features. His oversight will include Warner Bros Pictures’ worldwide creative advertising, publicity, media, global digital, global promotions, worldwide research and multi-cultural groups.

    Emmerich lauded Goldstine as an “outstanding marketer” who led a broad range of movies to great success in both theatres and on streaming platforms.

    “He loves cinema, is a believer in the continued importance of the theatrical experience, and is incredibly deft at understanding and distilling filmmaker’s visions and intentions into attention-grabbing and results-delivering marketing campaigns,” said Emmerich. “He has a future-focused skill set that will help us strategically navigate our evolving business, launching both our theatrical films and HBO Max original movies. He is a great addition to the Pictures Group, and we can’t wait for him to get started.”

    Goldstine is a widely known marketer, who launched campaigns for Despicable Me, Jurassic World, and the Fast and Furious franchises. During his time seven-year stint at Universal, his team had more than 30 films reach No.1 at the US box office, including Snow White and the Huntsman, Ted, The Bourne Legacy, Mama, Oblivion, Fast & Furious 6, The Purge, Ride Along, Neighbors, Dumb and Dumber To and the Academy Award-winning Les Misérables.

  • Covid effect: Warner Bros, Disney, Universal TV postpone LA-based shows

    Covid effect: Warner Bros, Disney, Universal TV postpone LA-based shows

    MUMBAI: Close to two dozen southern California-based television shows have been put on extended hiatus as Covid2019 infection rates continue to rise in Los Angeles county.

    Warner Bros TV has confirmed that series productions such as comedies Mom, B Positive, CBS’ Bob Hearts Abishola, and dramas Shameless (Showtime) and You on Netflix will not resume shooting next week as scheduled. The studio aims to return the week of 11 January but will evaluate as conditions get better.

    On a similar note, Universal TV has pressed pause on six comedies — NBC’s Mr. Mayor, Kenan, Good Girls and Brooklyn Nine-Nine, HBO Max’s Hacks, and Netflix’s Never Have I Ever. Universal is also eyeing a 11 January return date for most of its originals.

    Both Walt Disney-owned 20th Television and ABC Signature have extended production hiatuses on 16 shows: 911, Lone Star, American Crime Story: Impeachment, American Horror Story, American Housewife, Big Shot, Black-ish, Grey’s Anatomy, Last Man Standing, among several others. Reports stated that none of the Disney shows are expected to return to production floor before 18 January.

    Sony Pictures Television has also deferred The Goldbergs and Atypical; both of the shows were slated to resume production next week.

    The moves follow the decision Tuesday by CBS Television Studio to extend the holiday production hiatus after Los Angeles county suggested that shooting in the area be suspended amid a surge in Covid2019 cases.

    “Although music, TV and film productions are allowed to operate, we ask you to strongly consider pausing work for a few weeks during this catastrophic surge in Covid2019 cases,” public health department representatives wrote in a 24 December email, according to FilmLA. “Identify and delay higher risk activities, and focus on lower-risk work for now, if at all possible.”

    According to the reports, Los Angeles county on Wednesday hit a single-day high with 262 Covid2019-related deaths.