ITV

Tag: Warner Bros.

  • Q3-16: Time Warner revenue up 9.2 percent

    Q3-16: Time Warner revenue up 9.2 percent

    BENGALURU: Time Warner Inc., (Time Warner) reported 9.2 percent year-over-year (y-o-y) growth in revenue for the third quarter ended 30 September 2016 (Q3-16, current quarter).

    Time Warner reported total revenue of $7,167 million for the current quarter versus $6,564 million in the corresponding year ago quarter. Among its three divisions – Turner, Home Box Office, and Warner Bros, Turner reported 8.8 percent y-o-y increase in revenue of $2,610 million in Q3-16 vis-à-vis $2,398 million in Q3-15. HBO revenue grew 4.3 percent y-o-y in the current quarter to $1,426 million from$1,367 million, while Warner Bros revenue increased 6.6 percent y-o-y to $3,402 million from $3,190 million.

    Operating Income increased 9.8 percent y-o-y to $2,014 million in Q3-16 from $1,834 million. Adjusted Operating Income increased 12.4 to $2,070 million from $1,842 million, which the company says was due to increases at all operating divisions and lower intercompany eliminations. Revenues included the unfavourable impact of foreign exchange rates of approximately $55 million in the quarter.

    Breakup of numbers

    Turner

    A 12.4 percent y-o-y) increase in subscription revenue helped boost Turner revenue, while Advertising (ad) revenue increased 1.2 percent y-o-y during the current quarter.  Time Warner’s Subscription revenue in Q3-16 was $1,480 million as against $1,317 million in the corresponding year ago quarter. The division’s ad revenue in the current quarter was $996 million, while it was $980 million in Q3-15.

    Turner’s operating income increased 8.4 percent y-o-y in Q3-16 to $1,612 million from $1,072 million in Q3-15.

    Time Warner says that Subscription revenues increased 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 growth at Turner’s domestic news business, partially offset by lower delivery at certain domestic entertainment networks. International advertising was essentially flat with local currency growth offset by the impact of foreign exchange rates. Content and other revenues increased due to higher international licensing revenues.

    HBO

    HBO revenues increased on account of a 5.2 percent y-o-y increase in subscription revenue in Q3-16 to $1,262 million from $1,200 million. Content and other revenue declined 1.8 percent y-o-y in the current quarter to $164 million from $167 million.

    HBO’s operating income in Q3-16 increased 2.1 percent y-o-y to $530 million from $519 million.

    The company says that Subscription revenues increased due to higher domestic rates and international growth. The decrease in Content and other revenues was due to lower domestic licensing revenues, partially offset by higher international licensing revenues.

    Warner Bros

    Warner Bros revenues increased due to a 44.9 percent y-o-y gain in its Theatrical product to $1,605 million in Q3-16 from $1,108 million. This gain was offset by a 2.1 percent y-o-y decline in Warner’s Television product to $1,430 million from #1,460 million and a 41 percent decline in its ‘Videogames and other’ revenue to $367 million from$672 million.

    The company says that Theatrical revenues increased due to the box office releases of Suicide Squad, The Legend of Tarzan, Sully and Lights Out. Videogames revenues declined due to the comparison to the launch ofLEGO Dimensions and carryover revenues from Mortal Kombat X in the prior year quarter.

    Warner Operating Income increased 11.2 percent ($43 million) y-o-y in the current quarter to $428 million from $385 million, due to the increase in revenues, partially offset by higher costs of revenues associated with the mix of film releases.

    Company speak

    Time Warner chairman and CEO Jeff Bewkes said, “We had a strong third quarter, which keeps us on track to exceed our original 2016 outlook and underscores our leadership in creating and distributing the very best content. In television, HBO took home more Primetime Emmy Awards than any other network for the 15th consecutive year and Time Warner’s divisions won a total of 40 Emmys, more than any other company. CNN’s standout election coverage made it the #1 news network in primetime among adults 18-49 for the fourth consecutive quarter and Turner’s momentum doesn’t stop there. Year-to-date, TBS, TNT and Adult Swim are three of the top five ad-supported cable networks in primetime among adults 18-49. In film, Warner Bros. had a strong quarter led by Suicide Squad and has the #1 release of the fall in Sully, while anticipation is off the charts for J.K. Rowling’s Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them, which hits the big screen on November 18.”

    Bewkes continued, “The agreement we announced on October 22 to be acquired by AT&T Inc. represents a great outcome for our shareholders and an excellent opportunity to drive long-term value well into the future. Combining with AT&T is the natural next step in the evolution of our business and allows us to significantly accelerate our most important strategies.”

  • Q3-16: Time Warner revenue up 9.2 percent

    Q3-16: Time Warner revenue up 9.2 percent

    BENGALURU: Time Warner Inc., (Time Warner) reported 9.2 percent year-over-year (y-o-y) growth in revenue for the third quarter ended 30 September 2016 (Q3-16, current quarter).

    Time Warner reported total revenue of $7,167 million for the current quarter versus $6,564 million in the corresponding year ago quarter. Among its three divisions – Turner, Home Box Office, and Warner Bros, Turner reported 8.8 percent y-o-y increase in revenue of $2,610 million in Q3-16 vis-à-vis $2,398 million in Q3-15. HBO revenue grew 4.3 percent y-o-y in the current quarter to $1,426 million from$1,367 million, while Warner Bros revenue increased 6.6 percent y-o-y to $3,402 million from $3,190 million.

    Operating Income increased 9.8 percent y-o-y to $2,014 million in Q3-16 from $1,834 million. Adjusted Operating Income increased 12.4 to $2,070 million from $1,842 million, which the company says was due to increases at all operating divisions and lower intercompany eliminations. Revenues included the unfavourable impact of foreign exchange rates of approximately $55 million in the quarter.

    Breakup of numbers

    Turner

    A 12.4 percent y-o-y) increase in subscription revenue helped boost Turner revenue, while Advertising (ad) revenue increased 1.2 percent y-o-y during the current quarter.  Time Warner’s Subscription revenue in Q3-16 was $1,480 million as against $1,317 million in the corresponding year ago quarter. The division’s ad revenue in the current quarter was $996 million, while it was $980 million in Q3-15.

    Turner’s operating income increased 8.4 percent y-o-y in Q3-16 to $1,612 million from $1,072 million in Q3-15.

    Time Warner says that Subscription revenues increased 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 growth at Turner’s domestic news business, partially offset by lower delivery at certain domestic entertainment networks. International advertising was essentially flat with local currency growth offset by the impact of foreign exchange rates. Content and other revenues increased due to higher international licensing revenues.

    HBO

    HBO revenues increased on account of a 5.2 percent y-o-y increase in subscription revenue in Q3-16 to $1,262 million from $1,200 million. Content and other revenue declined 1.8 percent y-o-y in the current quarter to $164 million from $167 million.

    HBO’s operating income in Q3-16 increased 2.1 percent y-o-y to $530 million from $519 million.

    The company says that Subscription revenues increased due to higher domestic rates and international growth. The decrease in Content and other revenues was due to lower domestic licensing revenues, partially offset by higher international licensing revenues.

    Warner Bros

    Warner Bros revenues increased due to a 44.9 percent y-o-y gain in its Theatrical product to $1,605 million in Q3-16 from $1,108 million. This gain was offset by a 2.1 percent y-o-y decline in Warner’s Television product to $1,430 million from #1,460 million and a 41 percent decline in its ‘Videogames and other’ revenue to $367 million from$672 million.

    The company says that Theatrical revenues increased due to the box office releases of Suicide Squad, The Legend of Tarzan, Sully and Lights Out. Videogames revenues declined due to the comparison to the launch ofLEGO Dimensions and carryover revenues from Mortal Kombat X in the prior year quarter.

    Warner Operating Income increased 11.2 percent ($43 million) y-o-y in the current quarter to $428 million from $385 million, due to the increase in revenues, partially offset by higher costs of revenues associated with the mix of film releases.

    Company speak

    Time Warner chairman and CEO Jeff Bewkes said, “We had a strong third quarter, which keeps us on track to exceed our original 2016 outlook and underscores our leadership in creating and distributing the very best content. In television, HBO took home more Primetime Emmy Awards than any other network for the 15th consecutive year and Time Warner’s divisions won a total of 40 Emmys, more than any other company. CNN’s standout election coverage made it the #1 news network in primetime among adults 18-49 for the fourth consecutive quarter and Turner’s momentum doesn’t stop there. Year-to-date, TBS, TNT and Adult Swim are three of the top five ad-supported cable networks in primetime among adults 18-49. In film, Warner Bros. had a strong quarter led by Suicide Squad and has the #1 release of the fall in Sully, while anticipation is off the charts for J.K. Rowling’s Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them, which hits the big screen on November 18.”

    Bewkes continued, “The agreement we announced on October 22 to be acquired by AT&T Inc. represents a great outcome for our shareholders and an excellent opportunity to drive long-term value well into the future. Combining with AT&T is the natural next step in the evolution of our business and allows us to significantly accelerate our most important strategies.”

  • Exquisite partners with Warner Bros. consumer products

    Exquisite partners with Warner Bros. consumer products

    MUMBAI: Exquisite, an innovative and experienced player in the EMEA market, has teamed up with Warner Bros. Consumer Products EMEA (WBCP EMEA), on behalf of DC Entertainment, to create the first retail loyalty programmes featuring DC Super Heroes.

    Marking the coming together of smart promotional mechanics with world-class entertainment brands, the retail loyalty programmes will feature DC’s iconic characters in exciting promotional campaigns including instant rewards programmes, redemption and sponsor rewards systems, games and ‘spend and get’ offers at hypermarkets, supermarkets, petrol stations, convenience stores, and DIY and home improvement outlets, across the EMEA region.

    Exquisite CEO Michael Shina said, “We are very excited to team up with Warner Bros. Consumer Products and have the opportunity to work with the world-renowned DC brand. With a spectacular line up of DC Super Heroes, alongside our roster of beautiful campaigns, we are confident and know we will have a successful partnership.”

    Warner Bros. consumer products EMEA SVP and GM Julian Moon said, “The programmes they develop are attractive to new customers, and retain customers with added value incentives. This exciting partnership offers us an amazing opportunity to enhance the relationship their consumers have with DC Super Heroes, while extending the presence of WBCP’s portfolio across all sectors of European retail.”

  • Exquisite partners with Warner Bros. consumer products

    Exquisite partners with Warner Bros. consumer products

    MUMBAI: Exquisite, an innovative and experienced player in the EMEA market, has teamed up with Warner Bros. Consumer Products EMEA (WBCP EMEA), on behalf of DC Entertainment, to create the first retail loyalty programmes featuring DC Super Heroes.

    Marking the coming together of smart promotional mechanics with world-class entertainment brands, the retail loyalty programmes will feature DC’s iconic characters in exciting promotional campaigns including instant rewards programmes, redemption and sponsor rewards systems, games and ‘spend and get’ offers at hypermarkets, supermarkets, petrol stations, convenience stores, and DIY and home improvement outlets, across the EMEA region.

    Exquisite CEO Michael Shina said, “We are very excited to team up with Warner Bros. Consumer Products and have the opportunity to work with the world-renowned DC brand. With a spectacular line up of DC Super Heroes, alongside our roster of beautiful campaigns, we are confident and know we will have a successful partnership.”

    Warner Bros. consumer products EMEA SVP and GM Julian Moon said, “The programmes they develop are attractive to new customers, and retain customers with added value incentives. This exciting partnership offers us an amazing opportunity to enhance the relationship their consumers have with DC Super Heroes, while extending the presence of WBCP’s portfolio across all sectors of European retail.”

  • Content a ‘Game of Thrones’; AT&T’s control over HBO, Cartoon Network, Warner Bros faces regulatory lens

    Content a ‘Game of Thrones’; AT&T’s control over HBO, Cartoon Network, Warner Bros faces regulatory lens

    MUMBAI: The global media landscape is resulting in a new juggernaut as an internet and cable behemoth yesterday purchased an entertainment conglomerate making the former unmatched in its size and reach to consumers through home broadband, smartphones, satellite television and a battery of movies and cable channels. This deal could lead to more cautionary flags than Comcast’s merger with NBCUniversal in 2009.

    The US$ 108.7-billion AT&T, Time Warner merger has been met with suspicion as analysts raised antitrust concerns that it would create unfair pricing and lead to further media consolidation. The
    cash-and-stock deal values Time Warner – with CNN, HBO, and Warner Bros Studios – at over $85 billion, and involves AT&T taking on its debt.

    AT&T, over a year ago, became the nation’s largest pay-TV operator when it acquired DirecTV. Now, Time Warner would give AT&T HBO, CNN, TBS, TNT, Cartoon Network and Warner Bros., Hollywood’s biggest television and film studio. The massive deal has become a subject of discussion in the US presidential campaign. Donald J. Trump, condemning the deal, said he would block it if he were the president, “because it’s too much concentration of power in the hands of too few.” Hillary Clinton has assured to be tough on consolidation and corporate megapowers.

    Although the latest merger is considered “vertical integration” as the two broadly do not compete against each other as compared to other “horizontal integration” of similar businesses, regulators could look at other ways AT&T might affect the media ecosystem if the deal were to consummate.

    AT&T may possibly make it more expensive for its competitors to gain access to HBO or Time Warner’s content or give preferential treatment to its own programming.

    A brief history of media/telecom deals

    1995
    Turner Broadcasting System and Time Warner announced a $7.5-billion merger, bringing together brands including Warner Brothers, CNN, Time magazine, and the Cartoon Network.

    2000
    AOL announced its plan to buy Time Warner for over $160 billion.

    2005
    SBC Corporation acquired AT&T for over $16 billion.

    2008
    Time Warner spins off its cable unit, which becomes Time Warner Cable (not a part of the current deal).

    2009
    Time Warner spins off AOL.

    2011
    Comcast receives regulatory nod for its $30-billion bid to buy a majority stake in NBCUniversal. Comcast took over NBCUniversalm completely in 2013, as GE divested its stake.

    2013
    Time Warner spins off its Time Inc magazine division.

    2014
    Verizon buys out Vodafone’s stake in Verizon Wireless for $130 billion, gaining complete ownership. Time Warner turns down $ 80-billion bid from Twenty-First Century Fox.

    2015
    Comcast drops its $45-billion bid to buy Time Warner Cable after the regulator opposes the merger over concerns of creating an Internet provider and a cable operator with too much control. Verizon purchases for $4.4 billion. AT&T gets government nod to purchase the satellite TV company DirecTV creating one of the largest pay-TV servicen providers to compete with Comcast.

    2016

    Regulators approved US$ 88-billion merger of Charter Communications with Time Warner Cable and Bright House Networks, creating the third-largest video provider and the second-largest broadband
    provider. (Comcast purchased DreamWorks Animation for $3.8 billion to compete against Disney.) Time Warner bought a 10 per cent stake in Hulu for $583 million.

    Yahoo and Verizon announced a $4.8-billion merger that would give the latter ownership of the former’s Internet assets. AT&T acquires Time Warner.

    Regulators could seek promises from AT&T and Time Warner to make content from HBO like “Game of Thrones” or cable networks like CNN available through apps or through streaming, not withholding them from competitors, which could be addressed in conditions attached to an approval.

  • Content a ‘Game of Thrones’; AT&T’s control over HBO, Cartoon Network, Warner Bros faces regulatory lens

    Content a ‘Game of Thrones’; AT&T’s control over HBO, Cartoon Network, Warner Bros faces regulatory lens

    MUMBAI: The global media landscape is resulting in a new juggernaut as an internet and cable behemoth yesterday purchased an entertainment conglomerate making the former unmatched in its size and reach to consumers through home broadband, smartphones, satellite television and a battery of movies and cable channels. This deal could lead to more cautionary flags than Comcast’s merger with NBCUniversal in 2009.

    The US$ 108.7-billion AT&T, Time Warner merger has been met with suspicion as analysts raised antitrust concerns that it would create unfair pricing and lead to further media consolidation. The
    cash-and-stock deal values Time Warner – with CNN, HBO, and Warner Bros Studios – at over $85 billion, and involves AT&T taking on its debt.

    AT&T, over a year ago, became the nation’s largest pay-TV operator when it acquired DirecTV. Now, Time Warner would give AT&T HBO, CNN, TBS, TNT, Cartoon Network and Warner Bros., Hollywood’s biggest television and film studio. The massive deal has become a subject of discussion in the US presidential campaign. Donald J. Trump, condemning the deal, said he would block it if he were the president, “because it’s too much concentration of power in the hands of too few.” Hillary Clinton has assured to be tough on consolidation and corporate megapowers.

    Although the latest merger is considered “vertical integration” as the two broadly do not compete against each other as compared to other “horizontal integration” of similar businesses, regulators could look at other ways AT&T might affect the media ecosystem if the deal were to consummate.

    AT&T may possibly make it more expensive for its competitors to gain access to HBO or Time Warner’s content or give preferential treatment to its own programming.

    A brief history of media/telecom deals

    1995
    Turner Broadcasting System and Time Warner announced a $7.5-billion merger, bringing together brands including Warner Brothers, CNN, Time magazine, and the Cartoon Network.

    2000
    AOL announced its plan to buy Time Warner for over $160 billion.

    2005
    SBC Corporation acquired AT&T for over $16 billion.

    2008
    Time Warner spins off its cable unit, which becomes Time Warner Cable (not a part of the current deal).

    2009
    Time Warner spins off AOL.

    2011
    Comcast receives regulatory nod for its $30-billion bid to buy a majority stake in NBCUniversal. Comcast took over NBCUniversalm completely in 2013, as GE divested its stake.

    2013
    Time Warner spins off its Time Inc magazine division.

    2014
    Verizon buys out Vodafone’s stake in Verizon Wireless for $130 billion, gaining complete ownership. Time Warner turns down $ 80-billion bid from Twenty-First Century Fox.

    2015
    Comcast drops its $45-billion bid to buy Time Warner Cable after the regulator opposes the merger over concerns of creating an Internet provider and a cable operator with too much control. Verizon purchases for $4.4 billion. AT&T gets government nod to purchase the satellite TV company DirecTV creating one of the largest pay-TV servicen providers to compete with Comcast.

    2016

    Regulators approved US$ 88-billion merger of Charter Communications with Time Warner Cable and Bright House Networks, creating the third-largest video provider and the second-largest broadband
    provider. (Comcast purchased DreamWorks Animation for $3.8 billion to compete against Disney.) Time Warner bought a 10 per cent stake in Hulu for $583 million.

    Yahoo and Verizon announced a $4.8-billion merger that would give the latter ownership of the former’s Internet assets. AT&T acquires Time Warner.

    Regulators could seek promises from AT&T and Time Warner to make content from HBO like “Game of Thrones” or cable networks like CNN available through apps or through streaming, not withholding them from competitors, which could be addressed in conditions attached to an approval.

  • Powerpuff Girls: Over 30 brands partner with Cartoon Network

    Powerpuff Girls: Over 30 brands partner with Cartoon Network

    MUMBAI: The revival of Cartoon Network’s enduring original franchise The Powerpuff Girls made a spectacular debut on TV screens across EMEA recently. Now, with the show delivering consistently great ratings and interest in the brand accelerating, Cartoon Network proudly details its comprehensive first collection of EMEA licensing partners secured in the region.

    The EMEA merchandise roll-out will be kicked off by global toy partner Spin Master who will launch its innovative toy range spanning plush, figures and playsets, dolls, role play and novelty items in spring 2017. A robust line-up of fashion, accessories, gifting, homewares, personal care, FMCG and back-to-school products will follow closely thereafter.

    “The reaction to the return of The Powerpuff Girls has been remarkable. Blossom, Bubble and Buttercup may be little but they are generating a huge amount of excitement among fans, licensees and retailers” comments Johanne Broadfield,VP, Cartoon Network Enterprises EMEA. “We’re now delighted to be sharing details of the extensive line-up of partners that we’ve secured for this extraordinary franchise, and are confident that regardless of age, demographic or income, every fan will find a product they love.”

    In the UK, a diverse range of top-class partners are being welcomed to The Powerpuff Girls licensing programme including Posh Paws (bags), Blues Clothing (apparel), Forbidden Planet (gifts and accessories), Branded Clothing International (apparel), William Lamb (footwear and kids’ bags), Smith & Brooks (kid and adult apparel), C&M Licensing (nightwear and underwear), The Janger Limited (clothing hangers and athletic wear), Drew Pearson International (headwear and accessories), Corsair Toiletries (personal care), Blueprint Collections (stationery),Roy Lowe and Sons (socks), Poplar Linens (homeware) and JFS Manchester (accessories).

    Over in Italy, the brand’s first partners include Imap Export S.P.A. (apparel and accessories) and San Carlo Gruppo Alimentare (FMCG). For Spain, first partners include Karactermania (apparel, back-to-school and accessories), El Corte Ingles (accessories), Laboratorios Iberpos (personal care), Miss Hamptons (fashion accessories) and Dolci Preziosi (FMCG). Lethe Jakub Chmielniak also joins the vast line-up with apparel and accessory products for Central and Eastern European, and luxury fashion brand Bizuu recently debuted its AW16 collection in Poland with a high profile catwalk event.

    For the Middle East, Cartoon Network has signed licensees including Party Center LLC (party-ware), Concept – Big Brands Group LLC (personal care), Trucare Fzc (fashion and homewares), SunCe Products Limited (back-to-school) and MEI Theatrical Limited (events). Finally, in a multi-territory deal, Bioworld will launch an assortment of apparel and accessories across EMEA and Pretty Ballerinas is on board for a global footwear collection.

    The Powerpuff Girls is also widely featured in the dedicated Cartoon Network Zone at the recently opened IMG Worlds of Adventures in Dubai. Alongside the ‘Mojo Jojo’s Robot Rampage’ ride that offers visitors the chance to take the skies with Blossom, Bubbles and Buttercup, the Cartoon Network retail store offers a vast array of Powerpuff Girl products, many of which are exclusive to the park.

    In a further brand extension, Cartoon Network has recently partnered with Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment to introduce The Powerpuff Girls into the popular LEGO dimensions video game in June 2017.

  • Powerpuff Girls: Over 30 brands partner with Cartoon Network

    Powerpuff Girls: Over 30 brands partner with Cartoon Network

    MUMBAI: The revival of Cartoon Network’s enduring original franchise The Powerpuff Girls made a spectacular debut on TV screens across EMEA recently. Now, with the show delivering consistently great ratings and interest in the brand accelerating, Cartoon Network proudly details its comprehensive first collection of EMEA licensing partners secured in the region.

    The EMEA merchandise roll-out will be kicked off by global toy partner Spin Master who will launch its innovative toy range spanning plush, figures and playsets, dolls, role play and novelty items in spring 2017. A robust line-up of fashion, accessories, gifting, homewares, personal care, FMCG and back-to-school products will follow closely thereafter.

    “The reaction to the return of The Powerpuff Girls has been remarkable. Blossom, Bubble and Buttercup may be little but they are generating a huge amount of excitement among fans, licensees and retailers” comments Johanne Broadfield,VP, Cartoon Network Enterprises EMEA. “We’re now delighted to be sharing details of the extensive line-up of partners that we’ve secured for this extraordinary franchise, and are confident that regardless of age, demographic or income, every fan will find a product they love.”

    In the UK, a diverse range of top-class partners are being welcomed to The Powerpuff Girls licensing programme including Posh Paws (bags), Blues Clothing (apparel), Forbidden Planet (gifts and accessories), Branded Clothing International (apparel), William Lamb (footwear and kids’ bags), Smith & Brooks (kid and adult apparel), C&M Licensing (nightwear and underwear), The Janger Limited (clothing hangers and athletic wear), Drew Pearson International (headwear and accessories), Corsair Toiletries (personal care), Blueprint Collections (stationery),Roy Lowe and Sons (socks), Poplar Linens (homeware) and JFS Manchester (accessories).

    Over in Italy, the brand’s first partners include Imap Export S.P.A. (apparel and accessories) and San Carlo Gruppo Alimentare (FMCG). For Spain, first partners include Karactermania (apparel, back-to-school and accessories), El Corte Ingles (accessories), Laboratorios Iberpos (personal care), Miss Hamptons (fashion accessories) and Dolci Preziosi (FMCG). Lethe Jakub Chmielniak also joins the vast line-up with apparel and accessory products for Central and Eastern European, and luxury fashion brand Bizuu recently debuted its AW16 collection in Poland with a high profile catwalk event.

    For the Middle East, Cartoon Network has signed licensees including Party Center LLC (party-ware), Concept – Big Brands Group LLC (personal care), Trucare Fzc (fashion and homewares), SunCe Products Limited (back-to-school) and MEI Theatrical Limited (events). Finally, in a multi-territory deal, Bioworld will launch an assortment of apparel and accessories across EMEA and Pretty Ballerinas is on board for a global footwear collection.

    The Powerpuff Girls is also widely featured in the dedicated Cartoon Network Zone at the recently opened IMG Worlds of Adventures in Dubai. Alongside the ‘Mojo Jojo’s Robot Rampage’ ride that offers visitors the chance to take the skies with Blossom, Bubbles and Buttercup, the Cartoon Network retail store offers a vast array of Powerpuff Girl products, many of which are exclusive to the park.

    In a further brand extension, Cartoon Network has recently partnered with Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment to introduce The Powerpuff Girls into the popular LEGO dimensions video game in June 2017.

  • Hooq plans to invest $2 million on original Indian content

    Hooq plans to invest $2 million on original Indian content

    MUMBAI: Hooq plans to invest $ 2 million in Indian original content in India. This is part of its APAC strategy to start sourcing local original content in Asian countries.

    A joint venture of SingTel, Sony Pictures TV and Warner Bros., Hooq entered the Indian market back in May this year with a catalogue of over 10,000 movies and TV series.

    “We are in talks with a few other (production) studios in India but nothing finalised yet. As we are still in an observation phase, we are seeing a gap in local language content available on broadcasters’ apps. Such content or programming is not available on other neutral platforms too. That is the gap we are looking (at filling),” said Hooq India managing director Salil Kapoor.

    Though Kapoor refused to comment on investment plans, entertainment industry sources indicated that in the first phase Hooq is likely to spend up to $ 2 million in Indian original content, a plan that’s similar to what the company proposes to do in some other Asian countries too.

    Apart from Hollywood content, Hooq has presently sourced Indian films and shows from studios like Rajshri Productions, Reliance Entertainment, Shemaroo Entertainment, Balaji Telefilms and Whacked Out Studios. With the cost of making original English language shows high, the platform is considering Hindi and other Indian language content.

    For the OTT platform, consumption of its service in the four south Indian states of Kerala, Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu and Karnataka is high and an area of focus in terms of content and expanding subscriber base.

    Though the Indian OTT market is still in an early stage in terms of revenue generation and subscriber base, Hooq has priced its monthly subscription at Rs 199 in a price sensitive market where high data charges and indifferent bandwidth are also major challenges for an OTT player. New subscribers are offered a seven-day trial package for free.

    Interestingly, all the investors of Hooq have other investments too in India. SingTel is a major investor in telco Bharti Airtel, while both Sony Pictures TV and Warner Bros. have separate businesses running in India. Hooq presently operates in the Philippines, Thailand and India with a population footprint of over 1.4 billion people.

    India, which as per a Media Partners Asia report could gain in APAC online video segment owing to China’s restrictive policies, has seen some global digital players setting up shop with significant initial investments in the OTT/VOD eco-system.

    Netflix, for example, has earmarked $5 billion for content creation and acquisition for 2016 calendar period. Chinese Internet conglomerate LeEco is likely to invest nearly $1.5 billion in media-entertainment industry for content aggregation. Amazon Prime, according to media reports, plans to invest $300 million in funding movies and television series in India and is in talks with Bollywood studios.

    Apart from global players, local players too have lined up significant investments in content for online video services. This includes Star India, Viacom18, Sony India, Savvn, Zee, Times of India group and Arre. Mukesh Ambani-controlled Reliance Industries has plans to pump in $17 billion in the Reliance Jio eco-system to build a platform that is aimed at taking Indians to live the digital life with cutting-edge services and quality content.

  • Hooq plans to invest $2 million on original Indian content

    Hooq plans to invest $2 million on original Indian content

    MUMBAI: Hooq plans to invest $ 2 million in Indian original content in India. This is part of its APAC strategy to start sourcing local original content in Asian countries.

    A joint venture of SingTel, Sony Pictures TV and Warner Bros., Hooq entered the Indian market back in May this year with a catalogue of over 10,000 movies and TV series.

    “We are in talks with a few other (production) studios in India but nothing finalised yet. As we are still in an observation phase, we are seeing a gap in local language content available on broadcasters’ apps. Such content or programming is not available on other neutral platforms too. That is the gap we are looking (at filling),” said Hooq India managing director Salil Kapoor.

    Though Kapoor refused to comment on investment plans, entertainment industry sources indicated that in the first phase Hooq is likely to spend up to $ 2 million in Indian original content, a plan that’s similar to what the company proposes to do in some other Asian countries too.

    Apart from Hollywood content, Hooq has presently sourced Indian films and shows from studios like Rajshri Productions, Reliance Entertainment, Shemaroo Entertainment, Balaji Telefilms and Whacked Out Studios. With the cost of making original English language shows high, the platform is considering Hindi and other Indian language content.

    For the OTT platform, consumption of its service in the four south Indian states of Kerala, Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu and Karnataka is high and an area of focus in terms of content and expanding subscriber base.

    Though the Indian OTT market is still in an early stage in terms of revenue generation and subscriber base, Hooq has priced its monthly subscription at Rs 199 in a price sensitive market where high data charges and indifferent bandwidth are also major challenges for an OTT player. New subscribers are offered a seven-day trial package for free.

    Interestingly, all the investors of Hooq have other investments too in India. SingTel is a major investor in telco Bharti Airtel, while both Sony Pictures TV and Warner Bros. have separate businesses running in India. Hooq presently operates in the Philippines, Thailand and India with a population footprint of over 1.4 billion people.

    India, which as per a Media Partners Asia report could gain in APAC online video segment owing to China’s restrictive policies, has seen some global digital players setting up shop with significant initial investments in the OTT/VOD eco-system.

    Netflix, for example, has earmarked $5 billion for content creation and acquisition for 2016 calendar period. Chinese Internet conglomerate LeEco is likely to invest nearly $1.5 billion in media-entertainment industry for content aggregation. Amazon Prime, according to media reports, plans to invest $300 million in funding movies and television series in India and is in talks with Bollywood studios.

    Apart from global players, local players too have lined up significant investments in content for online video services. This includes Star India, Viacom18, Sony India, Savvn, Zee, Times of India group and Arre. Mukesh Ambani-controlled Reliance Industries has plans to pump in $17 billion in the Reliance Jio eco-system to build a platform that is aimed at taking Indians to live the digital life with cutting-edge services and quality content.