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Tag: Wizcraft

  • IPL: Media rights race hots up after IMG renews events deal

    MUMBAI: IPL events rights holder – the International Management Group (IMG) has reportedly renewed its partnership with the Indian Premier League (IPL) for another five years. For the last 10 years, the UK-based organisation is the primary controller of the main events related to the IPL.

    IPL media rights’ race too seems to be getting intense with Amazon, Facebook, Discovery, Jio and Twitter in the fray

    IMG had been the official events rights holders since 2008 outliving bidders such as Rhiti Sports, Wizcraft, and Group of 4, with a Rs 270 million per year deal. The deal value in 2009 was escalated to Rs 330 million.

    Expecting another windfall, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has meanwhile invited tender for media rights to the IPL for the five-year period from 2018 wherein television and digital media rights both would be auctioned. The deadline for buying tender documents is 24 August and the auction process will close on 28 August with results being announced the same day.

    Eighteen top guns from across the globe purchased tender documents last year. Sony Pictures Network (SPN) holds the television rights (2008-2017) whereas Star India holds the digital rights.

    The new race seems to be getting hotter by the day. According to the new process, digital and television rights both will be for a period of five years period. The bids will be classified into three categories — subcontinent digital rights, subcontinent television rights, and Rest of the World media rights — and five territories.

    While it is anticipated that Star India and SPN may fight for the television rights in the subcontinent region, Discovery reportedly stated it will join the auction for the sake of DSport. The digital rights war too is anticipated to be neck-and-neck as video-streaming portals will be seeking to tap the huge potential in India.

    With Hotstar by its side, while Star has done a worthy job in the last two seasons, Jio which has seen a phenomenal growth in its customer base is eventually among the frontrunners for the rights. Twitter and Facebook depend on tremendous subscriber growth and deep pockets to pocket the new IPL deal.

    Also Read :

    Swamy seeks transparency in IPL media rights through SC

    Sports channels ratings dive in week 26

    Vivo wins IPL title rights for Rs 21.9 bn

  • Star India, Zee & Wizcraft partner Press Club for Redink Awards

    Star India, Zee & Wizcraft partner Press Club for Redink Awards

    MUMBAI: India’s premiere Experiential Marketing and Event Management company, Wizcraft International Entertainment, has partnered with Mumbai Press Club as the official event partner five years in a row for RedInk Awards.

    Star India is the Presenting Partner for Mumbai Press Club RedInk Awards for Excellence in Journalism 2017, while Aditya Birla Group, Glenmark Pharmaceuticals, Zee Entertainment, Eros International, Indiabulls Housing, Dr Reddy’s Laboratories, National Stock Exchange, Nanavati Hospital and JSW Steel are the Award Partners. The Hindu Group and Facebook are the media partners.

    In its 5th year of partnership with Mumbai Press Club’s Redink Awards, Wizcraft yet again creates a memorable event, right delivering the on-ground execution and management of the event.

    The RedInk Awards have been instituted to promote noble practices among journalists and encourage good quality writing, fair play and high ethical standards. Mumbai Press Club’s The RedInk Awards have been created to raise the bar of news and feature writing in India and to encourage fair play and high ethical standards in media and are the only national recognition for good journalism instituted by a professional body.

    The much-awaited Award for Excellence in Indian event in the personal calendar of journalists were presented on Wednesday evening at a glittering awards night here at NCPA with veteran journalist Vinod Dua being conferred with the Lifetime Achievement Award and Raj Kamal Jha the Journalist of the Year Award.

    Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, who was the chief guest for the RedInk awards night, said that he does not buy the argument that there is a threat to the fourth estate. “Constructive journalism always has its own value and at the same time we are open to criticism,” he said, narrating his own experience since he took over as the Chief Minister. “Tolerance is in the blood of Indians…India traditionally had been a tolerant society,” he said, adding “Our democracy is very strong and it has survived turbulence in the past. The democratic system evolves and corrects itself.”

    On this occasion, Mumbai Press Club felicitated Fadnavis, who played a yeoman’s role in ensuring the passage of the state Journalist Protection Act.

    The Lifetime Achievement Award has been bestowed on Vinod Dua for his extensive and versatile contribution to journalism in different formats and subjects. He was among the country’s first psephologists, co-anchoring election analysis programs alongside Dr Prannoy Roy on Doordarshan. Dua continues to be an active journalist today as Contributing Editor of The WireHindi.com and anchors a popular news show called ‘Jan Gan Man Ki Baat’ on the digital platform.

    The RedInk Award for the ‘Journalist of the Year’ 2017 given to Raj Kamal Jha, Chief Editor of the Indian Express, for providing exemplary stewardship over the last couple of years to the newspaper; and for providing focus and restoring what it has always been known best for – investigative journalism. Jha also led from the front to make Indian Express part of an international investigative team that cracked the global money laundering scam known as ‘The Panama Papers’.

    “This award belongs to the Indian Express, the entire team,” said Raj Kamal Jha, the Chief Editor of Indian Express, who received the prestigious ‘Journalist of the year’ for the overall coverage of ”The Panama papers’. He said that receiving the award on 7 June is unique for him as on 7 June, 1996, he had joined the Indian Express. “For us what is important is a good story…and sometimes when we see a good piece from a youngster, we feel that we could not have written it that way,” he said expressing hope that good journalism has a bright future.

    Winners of Redink Awards 2017

    POLITICS
    Print – Radhakrishnan Rariyam Kandath, Frontline
    TV – Sreenivasan Jain, NDTV

    SCIENCE & INNOVATION
    Print – Nithyanand Rao & Virat Markandeya, The Wire

    TV – Aamir Rafiq Peerzada, NDTV

    HUMAN RIGHTS
    Print – Ipsita Chakravarty & Rayan Naqash, Scroll.in
    TV – Joint Winners, Abhisar Sharma, ABP News & Maya Mirchandani, NDTV

    BUSINESS
    Print – Sarika Malhotra, Business Today
    TV – Archana Shukla, CNBC TV 18

    BIG PICTURE
    Winner – Ashish Sharma, Open Magazine
    Runner Up – Kunal Pradeep Patil, Hindustan Times

    ENVIRONMENT
    Print
    Joint Winner Tushar Dhara, Sanjay Sawant, Shraddha Ghatge & Neeradh Pandaripande, First Post
    Raj Narain Mishra, Dainik Jagran
    TV – Rajesh Kumar, India News

    SPORTS
    Print – Swaroop Swaminathan, The New Indian Express
    TV – Joint Winner, Moumita Sen, India Today TV & Rajeev Mishra, India News

    HEALTH & WELLNESS
    Print – Priyanka Vora, Scroll.in
    TV – Archana Shukla, CNBC TV 18

    CRIME
    Print – Alia Allana, Fountain Ink
    TV – Atir Khan, India Today TV

    LIFESTYLE & ENTERTAINMENT
    Print – Kathakali Chanda, Forbes India
    TV – Biju Pankaj, Mathrubhumi News

    SPECIAL IMPACT AWARD – Rahul Kulkarni, ABP Maza

    MUMBAI STAR REPORTER – Govind Tupe, Sakal

    JOURNALIST OF THE YEAR – Raj Kamal Jha, Indian Express

    LIFETIME ACHIVEMENT – Vinod Dua

  • Wizcraft ties up with Tussauds S’pore for interactive IIFA

    MUMBAI: As the audience awaits for the upcoming IIFA Festival New York 2017 in New York City, IIFA exclusively partners with Madame Tussauds Singapore to Celebrate Bollywood with the world’s first permanent IIFA Awards Experience.

    The new interactive zone was officiated by Bollywood megastar and Friend of IIFA Anil Kapoor, a five-time IIFA Awards winner as he unveiling his wax figure from Slumdog Millionaire. This is the first time the figure will be shown to the public in a Madame Tussauds attraction. His figure will be in Singapore for a limited period only, before he will be featured in Madame Tussauds Delhi, due to open soon in 2017.

    Renowned actor Anil Kapoor said, “It is an incredible honor to unveil my wax figure from Slumdog Millionaire at the world’s first interactive IIFA Awards Experience in Singapore at the iconic Madame Tussauds.”

    The new interactive zone is designed and produced by Wizcraft International for fans of Bollywood who can now immerse themselves in the glitz and glamour surrounding the biggest celebration of India Cinema, the IIFA Awards Experience in Singapore at Madame Tussauds, the world’s most popular wax attraction.

    Wizcraft International director Andre Timmins said, “The international success of Bollywood has bolstered the popularity of the IIFA Awards around the world.”

    With the launch of the IIFA Awards Experience, fans can interact with Bollywood favourites Amitabh Bachchan, Shah Rukh Khan, Aishwarya Rai, Kareena Kapoor, Madhuri Dixit and Hrithik Roshan. Madame Tussauds will continue to grow the ultimate Bollywood experience by adding newcomers and old-time favourites to the collection in the near future.

  • The Film and Television Producers Guild of India to host Guild TV Awards

    The Film and Television Producers Guild of India to host Guild TV Awards

    MUMBAI: The Film and Television Producers Guild of India has announced the first edition of the Guild Television Awards to honor the best in the entertainment industry. The ceremony will be conducted on 16 December 2015 and will be aired on Sony Entertainment Television. The award ceremony will recognize extraordinary brilliance and the legacy of television in our country. The event will also commemorate extraordinary achievements in Indian cinema and television fraternity and will honor the best contributions and accomplishments in the industry.

     

    Speaking on the announcement, the President of the Film and Television Producers Guild of India Mukesh Bhatt asserted, “The Television Industry has been growing at an exciting pace. With multiple TV channels and genres developing across the spectrum, it is time to celebrate the success. Over the years, we have honored deserving talent from both film and television industries and this time we have taken a step ahead to specially create a dedicated platform and event to celebrate the success of the television industry. Our TV landscape is rich and boasts of path-breaking series and production of global standards. We are very excited and look forward to the ceremony that will celebrate the best performances in the past year.”

     

    The joint event between The Guild and event management agency, Wizcraft will be seen working with the leading broadcast networks and the leading producers to celebrate producers, channels, actors, directors and writers on one star-studded stage.

     

     “India is home to an illustrious and prolific television industry which presents a plethora of fresh concepts and larger-than-life productions year on year spanning mythology, historical, family dramas, thrillers, comedy, reality and much more. It gives us immense pleasure to host an exclusive ceremony for the members of the Indian television fraternity and look forward to creating the biggest night Indian television is yet to witness”, adds Wizcraft International Entertainment director Sabbas Joseph.

    The winners of the Awards will be chosen by the Guild’s panel of 160 members which constitutes some of the most powerful and influential luminaries in the film and television sector.

  • Lionel Messi joins Wizcraft’s campaign for Tata Motors

    Lionel Messi joins Wizcraft’s campaign for Tata Motors

    MUMBAI: Wizcraft International Entertainment has joined hands with Tata Motors to create an inspirational experiential marketing campaign called #madeofgreat. The campaign debuted on TV screens on 3 November and was followed by digital and outdoor campaigns, featuring Tata Motors’ first global brand ambassador Lionel Messi in a multi city activation.

     

    Wizcraft International Entertainment VP Sandeep Mehta said, “Tata Motors is the largest Indian automobile manufacturer and Lionel Messi is arguably the best footballer in the world, and their partnership promises to forge a connection between the company and a new generation of consumers. Since this is a grand moment for all of us involved, it was imperative to build a strong campaign to propel this association to newer heights. As part of the #madeofgreat campaign, we have planned an entire array of events and activations that are going to go a long way in building awareness about this campaign. The aim is to reach out to the millions of Tata loyalists and other consumers and spread the key messaging of this association.”

     

    Backed by radio, including RJs on-ground, the objective is to reach out to the millions of Messi fans across India and give them a never before opportunity to connect with the maverick footballer. An augmented reality app has been specially created to allow young and old alike to get a snap clicked with Lionel Messi, along with an opportunity to record a video message on the spot welcoming him to the country. All of this would be a part of the larger digital engagement showcasing the scale and width of the #madeofgreat campaign.

     

    Tata Motors marketing communications and services – head, passenger vehicle business unit Delna Avari added, “We are very excited to have Lionel Messi on board. He is a winner who is trustworthy, reliable, pioneering, simple and is driven by self-belief, which is the core idea of this campaign – ‘What drives us from within is what makes us great.’ Wizcraft as always is committed to push the envelope and we are sure they will perfectly execute this powerful campaign, which will successfully expand our footprint and reach-out to our customers innovatively. Having worked with them in the past, I am sure they will yet again hit new records and support us in our endeavour to excite our customers.”

  • Wizcraft to create Bollywood entertainment show for Dubai Parks & Resorts

    Wizcraft to create Bollywood entertainment show for Dubai Parks & Resorts

    NEW DELHI: Dubai Parks and Resorts, which is set to be the region’s largest multi-themed leisure and entertainment destination when it opens in October 2016, has joined hands with Wizcraft International Entertainment to create a Bollywood show for the Rajmahal Theatre.

     

    In an agreement between the two, the Rajmahal Theatre situated in Dubai’s Bollywood Parks will reflects the beauty and wonder of India’s culture and architectural heritage. 

     

    The first Broadway-style theatre of its kind in the region, the 60,000-square-foot Rajmahal Theatre will feature state-of-the-art LED stage backdrops, along with VIP boxes and exclusive lounges for private events and galas.

     

    Wizcraft uses the latest live entertainment technology to create immersive entertainment experiences for audiences across the globe.

     

    Dubai Parks and Resorts CEO Raed Al Nuaimi said, “We are committed to providing an unforgettable experience for our guests, and we have partnered with the most creative minds in the industry that have a proven track record of producing world-class shows  and  events. We are very pleased to bring Wizcraft on board this unique project and we look forward to experiencing the excitement of the show when the first curtain rises.”

     

    Wizcraft director Viraf Sarkari added, “Wizcraft has produced some of the world’s largest shows and events, and we look forward to creating the largest Bollywood musical ever produced. We are very pleased to bring the magic of Bollywood to audiences in Dubai, and we are proud to partner with Dubai Parks and Resorts.” 

     

    Alongside Bollywood Parks Dubai, the first phase of this unprecedented project will include LegoLand Dubai and motiongate Dubai – connected by Riverland Dubai, a retail, dining and entertainment walkway. The development will also feature Lapita, a Polynesian-themed resort catering to families. Dubai Parks and Resorts is projected to attract 6.7 million visits during its first full year of operation.

     

  • MEC appoints Sidhraj Shah as Head of Brand Activation

    MEC appoints Sidhraj Shah as Head of Brand Activation

    MUMBAI: MEC, a leading media agency and part of WPP, (www.mecglobal.com), today announced the appointment of Mr. Sidhraj Shah as Head of Brand Activation. His mandate is to deliver innovative consumer experiences and to expand MEC’s brand engagement and implementation services. Shah’s last assignment was at Wizcraft as Deputy General Manager. An MBA from Bombay University, he will report to T Gangadhar, Managing Director, MEC and to Dalveer Singh, Head Experiential Marketing, APAC, GroupM’s experiential marketing unit.

    Speaking about the appointment, T. Gangadhar said, “We are pleased to have Sidhraj on-board. His proven track record of helming award-winning campaigns will be a definite asset to MEC and to our clients. Integrated marketing communications (IMC) is at the core of MEC and I am confident Sidhraj’s experience will further improve the quality of our product.”

    With prior stints at O&M, SSC&B Lintas and Bates 141, Shah has conceived and executed ground-breaking campaigns for clients such as McDonald’s, Standard Chartered, Virgin Mobile, Siemens, MTV and MiD-Day. He has successfully executed activation programs that have become case studies within the industry – such as India’s 1st Pogo Flash Mob activation for McDonald’s, the RFID Tech innovation for Siemens Data Tracking at Elecrama (2012) to India’s largest 3D art-style façade for MCHI Exhibition (2013).

    On his appointment, Sidhraj Shah said, “I am very excited with this opportunity to be working with MEC. My aim will be to continue to deliver noteworthy and unique propositions for our clients and consumers alike.”

    Dalveer Singh added, “We set our sight at the highest level when looking for a new leader at MEC and I am pleased to say we have achieved our objective. We wanted a very high caliber person with a proven track record combined with fresh thinking and have the drive to do the unusual. I am personally very excited and welcome him to the family”

  • Sony revives second non-fiction show ‘Entertainment Ke liye…’

    Sony revives second non-fiction show ‘Entertainment Ke liye…’

    MUMBAI: A few weeks back when Sony Entertainment Television NP Singh was elevated to the post of CEO from COO, he had promised that he will make some changes in the channel’s programming and work on bringing it back into fighting fit shape. Apparently, he appears to be acting on that promise in double quick time. 

     

    A statement from the channel says that its talent reality show Entertainment Ke Liye Kuch Bhi Karega is going to be back soon. “This is to inform you that SET’s show Entertainment Ke Liye Kuch bhi Karega is coming back. The auditions will start from 26 January,” it says.

     

    While the date has been announced, no other details are known. A source from the channel says that Anu Malik, who has been the judge on earlier editions, has a big chance to come back this time too. However, the second judge hasn’t been finalised yet. “It could be Farah Khan, or somebody else may come in as well,” says the source, admitting that the hosts may also change.

    Sony Entertainment is also looking at tweaking the format a bit to make it more appealing to audiences.

     

    When we contacted Wizcraft TV head Namit Sharma that has produced the earlier editions of the show, he said it’s too early to talk about the details as nothing has been finalised – as of yet. “But we are starting silent auditions from the end of the month and we will go across the country to find exceptional talent,” he adds.

     

    The talent show premiered on the channel in May 2009, just a month before India’s Got Talent kicked off on rival channel Colors. However, while IGT became one of the most talked about and popular properties of Colors, Entertainment… was given a quiet burial. However, the tongue-in-cheek and many times blunt comments of judges Anu Malik and Farah Khan caught the fancy of TV viewers. 

     

    The last season (season 4) was aired on the channel in 2011 and The Raibishi group from West Bengal was the winner. 

     

    NP – it appears – is relying on tried and tested non-fiction properties to buoy Sony Entertainment. Recently, he dragged out R&N Productions’ long-running Boogie Woggie from the back of the closet and relaunched it on the Hindi GEC. The trio of Ravi Behl, Naved and Jaavved Jafferi tweaked the format, added a lot more emotion and drama to the dance show, and since then it seems to have got its mojo back and appears to be doing very well for Sony.

     

    Will Entertainment Ke Liye… do similarly well? 

     

  • Salman Khan to host Star Guild awards

    Salman Khan to host Star Guild awards

    MUMBAI: The award season is upon us, and the Film and Television Producers Guild of India has announced that the ninth edition of the Renault Star Guild Awards will take place on 16 January.

    The award show will be aired on Star Plus and will be hosted by Salman Khan.

    Star Plus general manager Gaurav Banerjee said, “We are pleased to host the prestigious Star Guild Awards, one of the most reputed and official awards of the Film & Television industry. The award winners are selected by the industry Guild – making it truly democratic, credible and honoring achievers across categories within the fraternity. With Salman Khan returning as the host yet again, we promise to make Star Guild Awards a power packed blockbuster night of celebration.”

    Instituted to commemorate extraordinary achievements in Cinema and Television, Film & Television Producers Guild of India president Mukesh Bhatt said during the inaugural announcement, “The Film and Television Industry has witnessed an incredible year in 2013 with regards to the quality of content produced. We are very excited and look forward to the ceremony that will celebrate the incredible performances and have a great time this year as well.”

    Renault India executive director Sumit Sawhney said “Renault India is happy to work together with the Guild in its second year to highlight achievements of distinct personalities driven by a commitment towards passion and excellence. Renault, the most awarded automaker in recent times, understands what it takes to win the hearts of people and also win accolades from a proficient jury. As we have always believed, both the Guild and Renault lay special emphasis on Driving the Change and are therefore a perfect fit with each other”

    The show is conceptualised, produced, marketed and promoted by Wizcraft International Entertainment. The company’s director Sabbas Joseph said, “Wizcraft has partnered with the Guild for the past 8 years and we are very proud of the success of the event. We are certain that the 9th edition of this prestigious awards ceremony will be a huge success and honor some of the finest talent in the industry today.”

    The award show will be held at the NSCI stadium in Mumbai.

  • Wizcraft sets foot in Sri Lanka

    MUMBAI: Communication and event management company Wizcraft International Entertainment Building has expanded into Sri Lanka in keeping with spreading its business across Asia.

    The company has entered into a joint venture with Sri Lankan events company Event Concepts, which is a subsidiary company of Green Lanka Group, to form Wizconcept Events and Entertainment Private Limited.

    The JV will be based out of Colombo, Sri Lanka.

    With this move, Wizcraft now has full-fledged offices in Singapore, Dubai, Muscat and Sri Lanka and Wizcraft representatives in Los Angeles, UK and other parts of the world.

    Wizcraft International director Sabbas Joseph said, “We had a wonderful experience when we worked with Event Concepts during the IIFA Weekend in Colombo in 2010 and on other occasions. Wizcraft believes in creating experiences not just events and partnering with the very best in the business. While we already have a presence in Sri Lanka, we felt that partnering with Event Concepts, an organization that shared our vision and drive would only strengthen that presence. ”

    Wizcraft International and Event Concepts have decided to join forces and revolutionise the events space in Sri Lanka.

    Speaking about the new liaison with Wizcraft Green Lanka Group, joint managing director Kushani Nanayakkara said, “Wizcraft is the largest entertainment company in South Asia. I believe that both companies share a passion for creating spectacular events and this partnership will lead to a revolution in the events sector in Sri Lanka.”

    From its inception in 2006, Event Concepts have aimed to be the leading provider of event solutions to the entertainment sector in Sri Lanka. Having seen considerable success on the island, they expanded their reach to Dubai and London, creating a range of large scale events locally and internationally.

    Event concept has executed several large events including the SAARC Conference dinner, Mihin Lanka launch in Singapore, high end fashion events with reputed international designers, live concerts, cultural events at the SAARC conference and a range of events during the IIFA weekend.

    India’s largest global event, which was held in Colombo in 2010, Event Concept has also paved an avenue in distributing blockbuster films in Sri Lanka challenging the status quo. The two companies will now come together to create Wizconcept Events & Entertainment Private Limited.