ITV

Tag: Warner Bros.

  • Time Warner revenues, net income up in first quarter

    BENGALURU: Time Warner Inc., (Time Warner) reported growth in revenue across all its segments – Turner, Home Box Office (HBO) and Warner Bros in the quarter ended 31 March 2017 (Q1-17, current quarter) as compared to the corresponding year ago quarter (y-o-y). Reported total revenue in Q1-17 was $ 7,735 million 5,8 percent more than  in Q1-16, at $7,308 million. Net Income attributable to Time Warner shareholders increased 17.3 percent y-o-y to $1,424 million in the current quarter from $1,214 million in Q1-16.

    Time Warner chairman and CEO Jeff Bewkes said: “We’re off to a strong start to 2017, as we continue to benefit from the investments we’re making in the best content while also developing new revenue streams that will drive growth and meet consumer demand for great experiences built around their favorite programming and brands. Warner Bros. delighted audiences in both film and television, with global hits in Kong: Skull Island and The LEGO Batman Movie and more series across broadcast for the current season than any other studio. Turner had another successful airing of the NCAA Division I Men’s Basketball Tournament across platforms, while CNN grew its total day ratings by 21 percent among adults 25-54, and remained the leader in digital news. Together, Turner and Warner Bros. also launched our new Boomerang-branded SVOD service, adding to our growing portfolio of products that are reaching consumers directly.”

    “Home Box Office shined in the quarter highlighted by our limited series Big Little Lies, which was both a critical and cultural breakout. Last Week Tonight with John Oliver is having its most-watched season to date, and we recently had the much anticipated returns of Silicon Valley and Veep. Looking ahead, we remain on track, pending completion of regulatory reviews and receipt of consents, to close our merger with AT&T Inc. before the end of 2017. We remain excited about the potential for this combination to accelerate the pace of innovation in our businesses,” Bewkes continued.

    Turner

    Revenues increased 6.3 percent ($182 million) to $3,088 million, due to increases of 12 percent ($175 million) in Subscription revenues and 16 percent ($29 million) in Content and other revenues, partially offset by a decline of 2 percent ($22 million) in Advertising revenues. The company says that Subscription revenues benefited from higher domestic rates and growth at Turner’s international networks, partially offset by lower domestic subscribers. Content and other revenues increased due to higher domestic licensing revenues. The decline in Advertising revenues was primarily due to lower delivery at certain domestic networks, partially offset by increases at Turner’s sports and news businesses and growth at Turner’s international networks.

    Operating Income decreased 5.6 percent ($69 million) to $1,170 million. The growth in revenues was more than offset by higher expenses mainly due to increased programming costs. Programming expenses increased 17 percent primarily due to higher sports costs related to the first year of Turner’s new agreement with the NBA and higher original programming costs.

    HBO

    HBO revenues increased 4 percent ($62 million) to $1.6 billion, due to an increase of 5 percent ($66 million) in Subscription revenues, partially offset by a decline of 1 percent ($4 million) in Content and other revenues. Subscription revenues increased due to higher domestic rates and subscribers and international growth. The decrease in Content and other revenues was primarily due to lower home entertainment revenues, partially offset by higher licensing revenues.

    Operating Income increased 22 percent ($106 million) to $583 million, reflecting the growth in revenues and lower selling, general and administrative, programming and distribution expenses says that company. Programming costs decreased 2 percent, reflecting lower original programming expenses related to a reduction in amortization resulting from using a longer estimated utilization period for original programming beginning in the second quarter of 2016, partially offset by higher acquired theatrical programming expenses.

    Warner Bros

    Revenues increased 8.2 percent ($256 million) to $3.4 billion, primarily due to higher television and theatrical revenues partially offset by lower videogames revenues. Television revenues increased primarily due to higher domestic licensing revenues related to certain library series. Theatrical revenues grew due to an increased number and the mix of box office releases, which included Kong: Skull Island and The LEGO Batman Movie, as well as higher home entertainment revenues primarily related to the release of Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them and higher carryover revenue. Videogames revenues declined due to a fewer number and the mix of releases in the current year period and lower carryover revenue.

    Operating Income increased 15.1 percent ($64 million) to $488 million, due to the increase in revenues, partially offset by higher associated theatrical and television costs of revenues and print and advertising expenses.

  • Time Warner FY-16 and fourth quarter numbers up

    Time Warner FY-16 and fourth quarter numbers up

    BENGALURU: Time Warner Inc. (Time Warner) reported higher numbers across all divisions and important parameters for the year (FY-16, current quarter) and the quarter (Q4-16, current quarter) ended 31 December 2016 as compared to the corresponding year ago periods.  Warner Bros, Turner and Home Box Office (HBO) all reported increase in revenues and operating incomes. The two major blips were a 1.6 percent (US19 million) decline in advertising revenue in Q4-16 to $1,187 million from$1,206 million in Q4-15; reduction in Warner Bros Videogames and other revenues for both FY-16 and Q4-16.

    Time Warner’s total revenues in FY-16 increased 4.3 percent to $29,318 million from $28,118 million reported for FY-15, while Q4-16 revenues increased 11.5 percent to $7,891 million from $7,079 million. Time Warner’s total operating income in FY-16 increased 9.9 percent to $7,547 million from $6,865 million in QFY-15. The company’s total operating for Q4-16 increased 22 percent to $1,691 million as compared to $1,386 million in Q4-15.

    Time Warner’s total adjusted operating income in FY-16 increased 9.8 percent to $7,601 million from $6,923 million in QFY-15. The company’s total operating for Q4-16 increased 25.2 percent to $1,759 million as compared to $1,405 million in Q4-15.

    Time Warner chairman and CEO Jeff Bewkes said, “We had another very successful year in 2016, demonstrating once more Time Warner’s ability to deliver strong financial performance alongside creative and programming excellence. All our operating divisions increased revenue and profits while also making investments to capitalize on the growing demand for the very best video content and new ways to deliver it to audiences around the world. Warner Bros. is once again the #1 supplier of television shows for the broadcast networks, and had its second-best year ever at the global box office, nearing $5 billion in receipts with such hits as Batman v. Superman: Dawn of Justice, Suicide Squad and Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them.”

    Bewkes continued, “Home Box Office again stood apart with its combination of the biggest Hollywood hit movies and best original programming — receiving more primetime Emmy Awards in 2016 than any other network for the 15th consecutive year and launching Westworld, which is produced by Warner Bros. and is the most-watched new series in HBO’s history. We’re also really pleased with the growth of HBO’s domestic OTT product, and we expanded HBO’s international OTT footprint with launches in Spain, Brazil and Argentina in 2016. Turner continued to strengthen its leadership with TBS, TNT and Adult Swim all ranking among ad-supported cable’s top five networks in primetime among adults 18-49 for the year. TBS was the #1 ad-supported entertainment cable network on the strength of great sports and a bold new lineup of originals, including Full Frontal with Samantha Bee, and CNN was the #1 news network among adults 18-49 in primetime and the #1 digital news destination in 2016. The deal to be acquired by AT&T Inc., which we announced in October 2016, will accelerate our efforts to spur innovation in the media industry and further strengthen our businesses. We remain on track to close the transaction later this year.”

    Warner Bros

    Warner Bros revenues for FY-16 were essentially flat at $13,037 million (12,992 million in FY-15). The company says that this reflects higher theatrical and television revenues offset by lower videogames revenues and the impact of foreign exchange rates. Theatrical revenues increased primarily due to the box office releases of Batman v. Superman: Dawn of Justice, Suicide Squad and Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them. Television revenues grew primarily due to increased production. Videogames revenues declined as the prior year benefited from the releases of Mortal Kombat X and Batman: Arkham Knight.

    Warner Bros Operating Income in FY-16 increased 22 percent ($318 million) to $1,734 million from $1,416 million in FY-15 as increased theatrical contributions and a $90 million gain on the April 2016 sale of Flixster more than offset the impact from lower videogames revenues.

    Warner Bros Revenues increased 17 percent ($563 million) to $3,868 million from $3,305 million in Q4-15 which Time Warner says was mainly due to higher theatrical revenues, which benefited from the releases of Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them and The Accountant, and higher television revenues, primarily due to higher licensing revenues and increased production.

    Warner Bros operating Income increased 57 percent ($208 million) to $574 million in Q4-16 from $366 million in Q4-15 primarily due to the increase in revenues, partially offset by higher associated costs of revenues.

    Turner

    Turner revenues in FY-16 increased 7 percent ($768 million) to $11,364 million from $10,596 million in FY-15, benefiting from increases of 12 percent ($630 million) in Subscription revenues and 3 percent ($126 million) in Advertising revenues.

    The company says that the increase in Subscription revenues was due to higher domestic rates and growth at Turner’s international networks, partially offset by the impact of lower domestic subscribers and foreign exchange rates. Advertising revenues benefited from domestic growth and local currency growth at Turner’s international networks, partially offset by the impact of foreign exchange rates. Domestic advertising revenues grew primarily due to Turner’s news business and sports business, including the 2016 NCAA Division I Men’s Basketball National Championship game, partially offset by lower delivery at certain entertainment networks.

    Turner Operating Income increased 7 percent ($285 million) to $4,372 million in FY-16 from $4,087 million in Fy-15 due to the increase in revenues partially offset by higher expenses, including increased programming and marketing costs. Programming costs grew 5 percent primarily due to higher sports costs and increases at Turner’s news business related to its coverage of the 2016 US Presidential election. The increase in marketing costs was primarily associated with new original series related to the TBS and TNT rebrands.

    Turner’s revenues in Q4-16 increased 6.7 percent ($177 million) to $2,838 million from $2,661 million in Q4-15, due to an increase of 14 percent ($182 million) in Subscription revenues and 9 percent ($14 million) in Content and other revenues, partially offset by a decrease of 2 percent ($19 million) in Advertising revenues.

    The company says that Subscription revenues benefited from higher domestic rates and growth at Turner’s international networks, partially offset by the impact of lower domestic subscribers. Content and other revenues increased primarily due to higher licensing revenues. Advertising revenues decreased due to declines at Turner’s international networks, partially due to foreign exchange rates. Domestic advertising was flat with growth at Turner’s news business offset by lower delivery at certain entertainment networks and lower revenues associated with the MLB postseason games.

    Turners Operating Income in Q4-16 increased 8.2 percent ($64 million) to $841 million from $777 million in Q4-15, reflecting revenue growth partially offset by higher expenses, including increased marketing costs primarily due to new original series. Programming expenses were essentially flat.

    Home Box Office (HBO)

    HBO revenues in FY-16 increased 5 percent ($275 million) to $5,890 million from $5,615 million in FY-15, due to increases of 5 percent ($255 million) in Subscription revenues and 2 percent ($20 million) in Content and other revenues. Subscription revenues grew primarily due to higher domestic rates and international growth. The increase in Content and other revenues primarily reflects higher international licensing revenues, partially offset by lower domestic licensing revenues.

    Operating Income in FY-16 increased 2.1 percent ($39 million) to $1,917 million from $1,878 million, reflecting higher revenues partially offset by increased expenses, including higher programming and restructuring and severance costs. Programming costs grew 7 percent, primarily reflecting increased original programming costs, partially offset by a reduction in amortization resulting from a longer estimated utilization period for original programming.

    HBO Revenues increased 5.6 percent ($79 million) to $1,491 million in Q4-16 from $1,412 million, due to increases of 5 percent ($64 million) in Subscription revenues and 7 percent ($15 million) in Content and other revenues. The company says that Subscription revenues increased due to higher domestic rates and international growth. The increase in Content and other revenues primarily reflects higher home entertainment revenues, partially offset by lower international licensing revenues.

    Operating Income increased 9.2 percent ($36 million) to $429 million in Q4-16 from $393 million in Q4-15, due to the increase in revenues partially offset by higher expenses, including increased distribution expenses related to the timing of home video releases. Programming expenses decreased 2 percent mainly due to lower programming charges, partially offset by increased original programming costs.

  • Fifth milestone: Comedy Central with 67 mn viewership observes 10 pc FCT growth

    Fifth milestone: Comedy Central with 67 mn viewership observes 10 pc FCT growth

    MUMBAI: Comedy Central launched in India on 23 January 2012 and has grown to be a famous English entertainment channel and a multi-platform brand offering best ever consumer products and on-ground events such as the Chuckle Festival. The channel has today become one of the most preferred channels for advertisers, across automobiles, e-commerce, FMCG and electronics categories. By providing quality television content from four of the biggest studios- NBCUniversal, Warner Bros, Sony Picture & CBS, Comedy Central enjoys a viewership of over 67 million and claims to be number one on social media platforms in its genre. The channel’s FCT has grew by 10 per cent in the financial year 2017.

    Giving a High5 to all its fans on its fifth anniversary, Comedy Central is all set to celebrate in style. With something for everyone, such as a pro-social campaign Comedy Central Spread the Cheer, a unique initiative to spread happiness in places you least expect, exclusive collection of South Park merchandise for die-hard fans and a world preview of the latest season of Suits for its viewers – along with a host of other exciting activities on offer!

    “When we launched Comedy Central five years ago, we were entering into completely virgin territory. Seeing how the channel has now grown to become the country’s No. 1 English Entertainment channel and a multi-platform brand is proof that quality entertainment will always be appreciated – and I’m not just talking about the viewers who keep coming back for more but also the advertisers who keep believing in us. Staying true to our commitment this year, we plan to focus on bringing the latest seasons of our popular shows and spreading cheer with our initiatives,” said Viacom18 head youth and English Entertainment cluster Ferzad Palia.

    In the second edition of Comedy Central Spread the Cheer, Comedy Central aims to take its signature brand of happiness to the differently-abled, through a special combination of on-air programming and off-air initiatives. In partnership with The Rotary Club, Comedy Central will upgrade the education infrastructure for the visually-impaired in 3 schools – Hellen Keller Institute, Victoria Memorial School for the Blind and NAB Centre. This initiative will empower over 500 visually-impaired youth every year, making them employable under the Government’s quota for the differently-abled.

    The channel has partnered with well-known brands like Costa Coffee, Gold’s Gym, Mad Over Donuts, Kidzania and Radio One to roll out special initiatives for the differently-abled across more than 100 outlets and help spread awareness. The channel has also partnered with Give India, enabling the viewers to join the movement and contribute in their own way. As a special gesture, the channel will also be taking 100 differently-abled kids to spend a day at KidZania, Delhi.

    Viacom 18 is all set to make Vh1 Supersonic India’s first ever fully accessible music festival through its college-connect program, some reputed educational institutes will also upgrade their infrastructure and conduct workshops. The channel is also exploring ways to showcase the achievements of differently-abled sportsmen and other achievers, through radio and social media, to encourage the community.

    Comedy Central fans will also get a chance to attend a Before The World premiere party for the post season-break episode of one of Comedy Central’s most popular shows, Suits season 6, in Mumbai and Delhi at Summerhouse Café and Monkey Bar at Bangalore on 25 January.

    On digital media, Comedy Central will host an epic boomerang video contest, where viewers can show off their moves with a 5-step dance, to celebrate the channel’s birthday and win exclusive official merchandise.

    All this over and above Comedy Central’s fabulous Birthday programming, including the best episodes of its five most beloved shows – Penn & Teller: Fool Us! In Vegas, Brooklyn Nine-Nine, Citizen Khan, Mom, Whose Line Is It Anyway? from Monday to Friday at 8 pm. On Sundays, treat yourself to a 10-hour marathon of Impractical Jokers and F.R.I.E.N.D.S. (all 10 seasons).

  • Fifth milestone: Comedy Central with 67 mn viewership observes 10 pc FCT growth

    Fifth milestone: Comedy Central with 67 mn viewership observes 10 pc FCT growth

    MUMBAI: Comedy Central launched in India on 23 January 2012 and has grown to be a famous English entertainment channel and a multi-platform brand offering best ever consumer products and on-ground events such as the Chuckle Festival. The channel has today become one of the most preferred channels for advertisers, across automobiles, e-commerce, FMCG and electronics categories. By providing quality television content from four of the biggest studios- NBCUniversal, Warner Bros, Sony Picture & CBS, Comedy Central enjoys a viewership of over 67 million and claims to be number one on social media platforms in its genre. The channel’s FCT has grew by 10 per cent in the financial year 2017.

    Giving a High5 to all its fans on its fifth anniversary, Comedy Central is all set to celebrate in style. With something for everyone, such as a pro-social campaign Comedy Central Spread the Cheer, a unique initiative to spread happiness in places you least expect, exclusive collection of South Park merchandise for die-hard fans and a world preview of the latest season of Suits for its viewers – along with a host of other exciting activities on offer!

    “When we launched Comedy Central five years ago, we were entering into completely virgin territory. Seeing how the channel has now grown to become the country’s No. 1 English Entertainment channel and a multi-platform brand is proof that quality entertainment will always be appreciated – and I’m not just talking about the viewers who keep coming back for more but also the advertisers who keep believing in us. Staying true to our commitment this year, we plan to focus on bringing the latest seasons of our popular shows and spreading cheer with our initiatives,” said Viacom18 head youth and English Entertainment cluster Ferzad Palia.

    In the second edition of Comedy Central Spread the Cheer, Comedy Central aims to take its signature brand of happiness to the differently-abled, through a special combination of on-air programming and off-air initiatives. In partnership with The Rotary Club, Comedy Central will upgrade the education infrastructure for the visually-impaired in 3 schools – Hellen Keller Institute, Victoria Memorial School for the Blind and NAB Centre. This initiative will empower over 500 visually-impaired youth every year, making them employable under the Government’s quota for the differently-abled.

    The channel has partnered with well-known brands like Costa Coffee, Gold’s Gym, Mad Over Donuts, Kidzania and Radio One to roll out special initiatives for the differently-abled across more than 100 outlets and help spread awareness. The channel has also partnered with Give India, enabling the viewers to join the movement and contribute in their own way. As a special gesture, the channel will also be taking 100 differently-abled kids to spend a day at KidZania, Delhi.

    Viacom 18 is all set to make Vh1 Supersonic India’s first ever fully accessible music festival through its college-connect program, some reputed educational institutes will also upgrade their infrastructure and conduct workshops. The channel is also exploring ways to showcase the achievements of differently-abled sportsmen and other achievers, through radio and social media, to encourage the community.

    Comedy Central fans will also get a chance to attend a Before The World premiere party for the post season-break episode of one of Comedy Central’s most popular shows, Suits season 6, in Mumbai and Delhi at Summerhouse Café and Monkey Bar at Bangalore on 25 January.

    On digital media, Comedy Central will host an epic boomerang video contest, where viewers can show off their moves with a 5-step dance, to celebrate the channel’s birthday and win exclusive official merchandise.

    All this over and above Comedy Central’s fabulous Birthday programming, including the best episodes of its five most beloved shows – Penn & Teller: Fool Us! In Vegas, Brooklyn Nine-Nine, Citizen Khan, Mom, Whose Line Is It Anyway? from Monday to Friday at 8 pm. On Sundays, treat yourself to a 10-hour marathon of Impractical Jokers and F.R.I.E.N.D.S. (all 10 seasons).

  • Jaideep to lead Ignition’s A-Pac expansion

    Jaideep to lead Ignition’s A-Pac expansion

    MUMBAI: Ignition Creative – a leading, global integrated marketing agency headquartered in Los Angeles – has announced the development of its Asia Pacific operations, launching first in India and led by the newly appointed Ignition’s chairman APAC and Middle East Jaideep Singh.

    Ignition creates culturally relevant entertainment, offering: strategy, print, audiovisual, digital, social, motion design, music, post-production, sound, computer generated (CG) visual effects and physical production. Clients include: 20th Century Fox, Sony Pictures, TNT, Universal Pictures, Warner Bros., Amazon, A&E, AT&T | U-verse, Cirque du Soleil, HBO, Paramount Pictures, Netflix, Nike, Mattel, Yahoo and many more.

    Ignition is bringing a new realm to creative integrated marketing campaigns for brands in India. In addition, it intends to partner with leading Indian film production houses leveraging its recognized experience in creating some of Hollywood’s best integrated film campaigns.

    Ignition is a one-of-a-kind, full service marketing agency. Founded in 2003, its vision was to build an offering that combined CEO Martin Kistler’s renowned entertainment expertise with the deep strategic rigor of brand advertising. Starting as a small trailer house, Ignition quickly saw the future development of the entertainment marketing space, adding an integrated department, physical production division and cutting-edge digital and social tools to respond to clients’ evolving needs. This foresight made Ignition Hollywood’s go-to shop for driving new kinds of audience engagement through innovative, viral campaigns.

    To date, it has delivered hundreds of award-winning campaigns – from Cannes Lions to Clios – for film studios, TV networks and blue chip brands. Notable work includes Netflix and Marvel’s Daredevil, Transformers, Nike’s NIKEID: LeBron’s Homecoming, The Hunger Games, ESPN / Land Rover, LA Dodgers, Game of Thrones and 2K Games’ awaited Civilization VI, to name a few.

    Jaideep Singh’s board consists of veteran, global creatives and business leaders who will be announced over the next two months. Singh will develop, launch and guide Ignition’s expansion in to the APAC and Middle Eastern markets opening its first office in Mumbai, followed by branches opening in Delhi and Bangalore.

    “We have experienced rapid growth thanks to Ignition’s proprietary creative process, Ignite360, which led us to become recognised globally for our ability to help clients unleash new revenue streams while also meeting their marketing needs. As we’ve gained organic momentum, we have seized the opportunity to expand our international footprint, bringing the agency’s diverse talent-pool and full-service offering to more markets,” said Ignition Creative founder, CEO and chief creative officer Martin Kistler.

    “We feel fortunate to have found a perfect partner in Jaideep Singh whose relevant experience of India and solid understanding of global media industries will help us grow our international operations. His extensive knowledge of international partnerships and expertise in cultural and social trends make him an invaluable addition to Ignition’s leadership team,” added Kistler.

    Earlier this year, Singh was appointed as the managing director of creative technology innovation group, Volocity Media, to launch its India and APAC operations. He continues to spearhead Volocity’s expansion plans alongside his new role at Ignition. Singh holds to his credit 20 years of diverse experience across marketing, media and entertainment. A decorated ex-army major who for the last 15 years has worked with notable companies, including, JK Tyres, Confederation Of India Industries and Radio Mirchi. His last stint was a stellar 10-year position at Viacom India, where — as Senior Vice President and Business Head of Integrated Network Solutions — he launched hosts of domestic and global impact’s (IP’s), secured strategic media partnerships with brands, government sectors and engaged with entertainment and media divisions across the globe.

    “There is high demand from businesses in the Middle East, India and across Asia to work with an agency that combines data-driven strategy, purposeful creative and cutting-edge technologies to deliver measurable campaign results. Ignition offers a unique, integrated package of services plus award-winning experience marketing global brands and Hollywood blockbusters. So it’s a thrilling venture applying its success to explore new markets and push new creative boundaries,” said Singh.

  • Jaideep to lead Ignition’s A-Pac expansion

    Jaideep to lead Ignition’s A-Pac expansion

    MUMBAI: Ignition Creative – a leading, global integrated marketing agency headquartered in Los Angeles – has announced the development of its Asia Pacific operations, launching first in India and led by the newly appointed Ignition’s chairman APAC and Middle East Jaideep Singh.

    Ignition creates culturally relevant entertainment, offering: strategy, print, audiovisual, digital, social, motion design, music, post-production, sound, computer generated (CG) visual effects and physical production. Clients include: 20th Century Fox, Sony Pictures, TNT, Universal Pictures, Warner Bros., Amazon, A&E, AT&T | U-verse, Cirque du Soleil, HBO, Paramount Pictures, Netflix, Nike, Mattel, Yahoo and many more.

    Ignition is bringing a new realm to creative integrated marketing campaigns for brands in India. In addition, it intends to partner with leading Indian film production houses leveraging its recognized experience in creating some of Hollywood’s best integrated film campaigns.

    Ignition is a one-of-a-kind, full service marketing agency. Founded in 2003, its vision was to build an offering that combined CEO Martin Kistler’s renowned entertainment expertise with the deep strategic rigor of brand advertising. Starting as a small trailer house, Ignition quickly saw the future development of the entertainment marketing space, adding an integrated department, physical production division and cutting-edge digital and social tools to respond to clients’ evolving needs. This foresight made Ignition Hollywood’s go-to shop for driving new kinds of audience engagement through innovative, viral campaigns.

    To date, it has delivered hundreds of award-winning campaigns – from Cannes Lions to Clios – for film studios, TV networks and blue chip brands. Notable work includes Netflix and Marvel’s Daredevil, Transformers, Nike’s NIKEID: LeBron’s Homecoming, The Hunger Games, ESPN / Land Rover, LA Dodgers, Game of Thrones and 2K Games’ awaited Civilization VI, to name a few.

    Jaideep Singh’s board consists of veteran, global creatives and business leaders who will be announced over the next two months. Singh will develop, launch and guide Ignition’s expansion in to the APAC and Middle Eastern markets opening its first office in Mumbai, followed by branches opening in Delhi and Bangalore.

    “We have experienced rapid growth thanks to Ignition’s proprietary creative process, Ignite360, which led us to become recognised globally for our ability to help clients unleash new revenue streams while also meeting their marketing needs. As we’ve gained organic momentum, we have seized the opportunity to expand our international footprint, bringing the agency’s diverse talent-pool and full-service offering to more markets,” said Ignition Creative founder, CEO and chief creative officer Martin Kistler.

    “We feel fortunate to have found a perfect partner in Jaideep Singh whose relevant experience of India and solid understanding of global media industries will help us grow our international operations. His extensive knowledge of international partnerships and expertise in cultural and social trends make him an invaluable addition to Ignition’s leadership team,” added Kistler.

    Earlier this year, Singh was appointed as the managing director of creative technology innovation group, Volocity Media, to launch its India and APAC operations. He continues to spearhead Volocity’s expansion plans alongside his new role at Ignition. Singh holds to his credit 20 years of diverse experience across marketing, media and entertainment. A decorated ex-army major who for the last 15 years has worked with notable companies, including, JK Tyres, Confederation Of India Industries and Radio Mirchi. His last stint was a stellar 10-year position at Viacom India, where — as Senior Vice President and Business Head of Integrated Network Solutions — he launched hosts of domestic and global impact’s (IP’s), secured strategic media partnerships with brands, government sectors and engaged with entertainment and media divisions across the globe.

    “There is high demand from businesses in the Middle East, India and across Asia to work with an agency that combines data-driven strategy, purposeful creative and cutting-edge technologies to deliver measurable campaign results. Ignition offers a unique, integrated package of services plus award-winning experience marketing global brands and Hollywood blockbusters. So it’s a thrilling venture applying its success to explore new markets and push new creative boundaries,” said Singh.

  • CineAsia to honour Akella; feature Shyamalan’s ‘Split’

    CineAsia to honour Akella; feature Shyamalan’s ‘Split’

    MUMBAI: The Motion Picture Association Asia-Pacific Copyright Educator Award will be bestowed on comScore India managing director, theatrical, Rajkumar Akella, at CineAsia in Hong Kong. comScore which is an American media measurement and analytics company providing marketing data and analytics to many of the world’s largest enterprises, media and advertising agencies, and publishers.

    The annual CineAsia convention will be held 6-8 December at the Hong Kong Convention & Exhibition Centre, wherein awards will be given away to the deserving. CineAsia is the platform for the those seeking to learn the ins and outs of owning and operating cinemas in the booming Asia-Pacific region.

    Major studio representatives will be in Hong Kong with presentations of their 2017 product: Sony Pictures International, Paramount Pictures International, Twentieth Century Fox International, Universal Pictures International, Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures International and Warner Bros. Pictures International, along with EuropaCorp. The lineup of feature screenings includes Fox’s NASA drama Hidden Figures, Disney’s South Seas animated adventure Moana, Warner Bros.’ Will Smith starrer Collateral Beauty, and Universal’s animated musical Sing and M. Night Shyamalan chiller Split.

    Seminars at CineAsia will cover a wide range of trending topics, including “Maximizing Business Performance Through Investments in Next-Generation Cinema Technology,” “Attracting Millennials and Reinventing Cinema,” “Driving Global Conversion to Laser Technology” and “Online Ticketing.” The National Association of Concessionaires and the International Cinema Technology Association, meanwhile, coordinated programming for “CineAsia University” on the tradeshow floor.

    NAC sessions will focus on topics such as putting the customer first, inventory issues, promotional tie-ins, and Coca-Cola’s suggestion on “refreshing the movies.” The ICTA’s Thursday lineup, meanwhile, covers in-theatre gaming and ticketing with the cloud.

    At Sony’s presentation, veteran Sony executive Noriaki “Dick” Sano will accept a Lifetime Achievement Award from CineAsia. This year’s awardees are — Mei Lee Koh, CEO of Golden Screen Cinemas, as “Exhibitor of the Year”; Walt Disney International as “Distributor of the Year,” with the prize accepted by David Kornblum, VP, international sales and marketing, APAC/Russia, and international film acquisitions; and CineAsia official sponsor GDC Technology as “Technology Innovator of the Year,” to be accepted by chairman and CEO Dr. Man-Nang Chong. The DLP Cinema® Marketing Achievement Award goes to Taiwan circuit VieShow Cinemas and its chairman, Dennis Wu.

    The show will finally honor groundbreaking Titanic and Avatar producer Jon Landau with the “CineAsia Visionary Award.”

  • CineAsia to honour Akella; feature Shyamalan’s ‘Split’

    CineAsia to honour Akella; feature Shyamalan’s ‘Split’

    MUMBAI: The Motion Picture Association Asia-Pacific Copyright Educator Award will be bestowed on comScore India managing director, theatrical, Rajkumar Akella, at CineAsia in Hong Kong. comScore which is an American media measurement and analytics company providing marketing data and analytics to many of the world’s largest enterprises, media and advertising agencies, and publishers.

    The annual CineAsia convention will be held 6-8 December at the Hong Kong Convention & Exhibition Centre, wherein awards will be given away to the deserving. CineAsia is the platform for the those seeking to learn the ins and outs of owning and operating cinemas in the booming Asia-Pacific region.

    Major studio representatives will be in Hong Kong with presentations of their 2017 product: Sony Pictures International, Paramount Pictures International, Twentieth Century Fox International, Universal Pictures International, Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures International and Warner Bros. Pictures International, along with EuropaCorp. The lineup of feature screenings includes Fox’s NASA drama Hidden Figures, Disney’s South Seas animated adventure Moana, Warner Bros.’ Will Smith starrer Collateral Beauty, and Universal’s animated musical Sing and M. Night Shyamalan chiller Split.

    Seminars at CineAsia will cover a wide range of trending topics, including “Maximizing Business Performance Through Investments in Next-Generation Cinema Technology,” “Attracting Millennials and Reinventing Cinema,” “Driving Global Conversion to Laser Technology” and “Online Ticketing.” The National Association of Concessionaires and the International Cinema Technology Association, meanwhile, coordinated programming for “CineAsia University” on the tradeshow floor.

    NAC sessions will focus on topics such as putting the customer first, inventory issues, promotional tie-ins, and Coca-Cola’s suggestion on “refreshing the movies.” The ICTA’s Thursday lineup, meanwhile, covers in-theatre gaming and ticketing with the cloud.

    At Sony’s presentation, veteran Sony executive Noriaki “Dick” Sano will accept a Lifetime Achievement Award from CineAsia. This year’s awardees are — Mei Lee Koh, CEO of Golden Screen Cinemas, as “Exhibitor of the Year”; Walt Disney International as “Distributor of the Year,” with the prize accepted by David Kornblum, VP, international sales and marketing, APAC/Russia, and international film acquisitions; and CineAsia official sponsor GDC Technology as “Technology Innovator of the Year,” to be accepted by chairman and CEO Dr. Man-Nang Chong. The DLP Cinema® Marketing Achievement Award goes to Taiwan circuit VieShow Cinemas and its chairman, Dennis Wu.

    The show will finally honor groundbreaking Titanic and Avatar producer Jon Landau with the “CineAsia Visionary Award.”

  • Unfair biz plaint against Warner Bros., Walt Disney, Fox Star; probe denial an error: Tribunal

    Unfair biz plaint against Warner Bros., Walt Disney, Fox Star; probe denial an error: Tribunal

    MUMBAI: The Competition Appellate Tribunal, for the second time in a year, has rejected the Competition Commission’s decision to dismiss a complaint of alleged unfair business ways made against Walt Disney, Warner Bros, Fox Star Studios and four other entities.

    The COMPAT, in a strongly-worded order, said that the CCI had committed serious error by declining to order an investigation.

    The complaint filed by K Sera Sera against the seven entities was rejected by the Competition Commission of India (CCI) after concluding that there was no prima-facie violation of competition norms, PTI reported. The watchdog dismissed the allegations twice, in April 2015 and June this year.

    The seven entities are — US-based Digital Cinemas Initiatives LLC, a joint venture, and its six stakeholder partners — The Walt Disney Company India, Fox Star Studios, NBC Universal Media Distribution Services, Sony Pictures, Warner Bros and Paramount Films India (respondents).

    “Rationally speaking, it would have saved time and efforts of all those involved in this matter if the Commission had ordered an investigation by the director general instead of once again more or less reiterating its earlier views,” the Tribunal said in the order.

    COMPAT said the “impugned order is set aside and the director-general is ordained to conduct investigation into the allegations contained in the information filed by the appellant (K Sera Sera)”. The investigation shall be conducted in accordance with the provisions contained in the Competition Commission of India (General) Regulations, 2009, the Tribunal noted.

    It was alleged that these entities indulged in anti-competitive practices in the digital cinema exhibition market, the PTI report added. It was alleged that Digital Cinemas LLC was formed with the aim of dominating and monopolising the market of digital cinema exhibition in India and elsewhere.

    In April 2015, CCI had rejected the allegations, and K Sera Sera approached the Tribunal, which asked the regulator to reconsider the matter.

    COMPAT stated: “on one hand, the respondents claim that their technology is voluntary, on the other, they create potential entry barriers by releasing their films only to those who opt for digital technology,” noting that it was “prima-facie anti-competitive.”

  • Unfair biz plaint against Warner Bros., Walt Disney, Fox Star; probe denial an error: Tribunal

    Unfair biz plaint against Warner Bros., Walt Disney, Fox Star; probe denial an error: Tribunal

    MUMBAI: The Competition Appellate Tribunal, for the second time in a year, has rejected the Competition Commission’s decision to dismiss a complaint of alleged unfair business ways made against Walt Disney, Warner Bros, Fox Star Studios and four other entities.

    The COMPAT, in a strongly-worded order, said that the CCI had committed serious error by declining to order an investigation.

    The complaint filed by K Sera Sera against the seven entities was rejected by the Competition Commission of India (CCI) after concluding that there was no prima-facie violation of competition norms, PTI reported. The watchdog dismissed the allegations twice, in April 2015 and June this year.

    The seven entities are — US-based Digital Cinemas Initiatives LLC, a joint venture, and its six stakeholder partners — The Walt Disney Company India, Fox Star Studios, NBC Universal Media Distribution Services, Sony Pictures, Warner Bros and Paramount Films India (respondents).

    “Rationally speaking, it would have saved time and efforts of all those involved in this matter if the Commission had ordered an investigation by the director general instead of once again more or less reiterating its earlier views,” the Tribunal said in the order.

    COMPAT said the “impugned order is set aside and the director-general is ordained to conduct investigation into the allegations contained in the information filed by the appellant (K Sera Sera)”. The investigation shall be conducted in accordance with the provisions contained in the Competition Commission of India (General) Regulations, 2009, the Tribunal noted.

    It was alleged that these entities indulged in anti-competitive practices in the digital cinema exhibition market, the PTI report added. It was alleged that Digital Cinemas LLC was formed with the aim of dominating and monopolising the market of digital cinema exhibition in India and elsewhere.

    In April 2015, CCI had rejected the allegations, and K Sera Sera approached the Tribunal, which asked the regulator to reconsider the matter.

    COMPAT stated: “on one hand, the respondents claim that their technology is voluntary, on the other, they create potential entry barriers by releasing their films only to those who opt for digital technology,” noting that it was “prima-facie anti-competitive.”