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Tag: X-Men

  • Marvel Studios signs 20-year deal with Stan Lee Universe

    Marvel Studios signs 20-year deal with Stan Lee Universe

    MUMBAI:Marvel Studios has signed a 20-year deal with Stan Lee Universe to license the name and likeness of Lee for use in future feature films and television productions, as well as Disney theme parks, various experiences and merchandising.

    Stan Lee Universe is a venture between Genius Brands International and POW! Entertainment. Lee is one of the most prolific and legendary comic creators of all time. As Marvel’s editor-in-chief, Lee helped build a universe of interlocking continuity, one where fans felt as if they could turn a street corner and run into a superhero from Spider-Man to the Fantastic Four, Thor, Iron Man, the Hulk, the X-Men, and more. Lee went on to become Marvel’s editorial director and publisher in 1972, and was eventually named chairman emeritus.

    “We are proud to be the stewards of the incredibly valuable rights to Stan Lee’s name, likeness, merchandise, and intellectual property brand. And, there is no better place than Marvel and Disney where Stan should be for his movies and theme park experiences. As we enter the centennial year of Stan’s birthday, 28 December, 2022, we are thrilled to see his memory and legacy will continue to delight fans through this new long-term agreement with Marvel” said Genius Brands chairman CEO Andy Heyward.

    Under the terms of the deal, Marvel Studios has acquired rights to use Stan Lee’s name, voice, likeness and signature in movies and television projects, as well as use images, existing footage and existing audio recordings featuring Stan. Exclusive rights to use Stan Lee’s name, voice, likeness and signature in theme parks, water parks, cruise lines and in-park merchandise were included for Disney Parks, Experiences and Products as part of the deal.

    “As Stan’s longtime business partner and friend, I’m looking forward to commemorating his work in this new way. Building a connection with his fans is important to us and it’s a privilege to get to do that on his behalf” said Pow! Entertainment president Gill Champion.

    Le has also appeared in some of the most popular films of all time. His well-known cameos in Marvel films began in the 1989 telefilm “The Trial of the Incredible Hulk”. After the release of “X-Men” in 2000, he appeared in nearly every Marvel film and television project until his passing in 2018.

  • Star World all set to premiere ‘Succession’, a show that is gonna explode

    Star World all set to premiere ‘Succession’, a show that is gonna explode

    Indian audiences are always on the lookout to discover the next big show that will take over the world of entertainment with a storm. To fill that void and always staying ahead of the curve, Star World has is bringing to itsaudiences Shows. That. Are. Gonna. Explode – S.T.A.G.E.

    This July, Star World premieres an edge of the seat drama series‘Succession’.

    An American satirical comedy-drama series, Succession has been created by Oscar nominee Jesse Armstrong. It is one of the most promising shows in this year’s rosterwith favorable reactions from audiences and critics alike with Guardian calling it a ‘brilliant dissection of a dysfunctional dynasty’, Hollywood Reporter calling out the show’s brilliance that lies in its details as‘performances to relish and dialogue to savor’and the New Yorker terming it ‘An Irresistible Family Power Struggle, Told Through Soap and Satire’.

    The series revolves around the narrative ofthe Roy family who are the dysfunctional owners of a global media empire, WaystarRoyco. As they fight for control of the company amidst a lot of uncertainty and drama,Succession continues to unfold part by part in a poetic fashionwhile tracking the lives of Logan Roy and his four children.

    The series stars Troy and X-Men fame Brian Fox as media mogul and patriarch of the Roy family – Logan Roy along with, The Visitor actress HiamAbbass who portrays matriarch Marcia. The Perks of being a Wallflower actor Nicholas Braunand Home Alone fameKieran Culkin are also part of the main castamong many others. 
     

  • Grapes Digital wins digital mandate of Joy Personal Care, X-men

    Grapes Digital wins digital mandate of Joy Personal Care, X-men

    MUMBAI: Grapes Digital, the full-fledged digital and marketing agency, has won the digital mandate of two leading brands of Kolkata-based RSH Global. Grapes Digital will be involved in the strategic approach of the digital activities for two of RSH Global’s leading brands – Joy Personal Care and X-men.

    The agency will manage the social, creative and media aspect of these two brands. The mandate was awarded to it after a multi-agency pitch and will be handled by its Delhi team.

    Speaking on this win, Grapes Digital founder Himanshu Arya said, “We are glad to add Joy personal care and X-men from RSH Global to our client list and the entire team is looking forward on building innovative and exciting campaigns. FMCG brands always have greater challenges as their target audience is vast, and we are glad to take this challenge and deliver it.”

    Speaking on the partnership with Grapes Digital, RSH Global CMO Poulomi Roy said, “We were looking out for a digital agency that could creatively take our brand though forward in the digital space. In the pitch process Grapes digital’s approach made them a clear choice to partner with. They have done some really good work in the past for various brands. We are looking forward for a lot of cross category learning for them and hoping that as a team we deliver some interesting work in the FMCG sector.”

    Earlier, in an interview with Indiantelevision.com, Poulomi Roy had revealed that RSH Global is planning to go big on digital with the latest range of its products releasing. The brand is looking towards targeting a slightly younger consumer base with its Revive range and has web sensation Mithila Palkar as one of the brand ambassadors.

  • X-Men: Apocalypse is set for 11 June on Star Movies

    MUMBAI: What do you do when you’re up against a God? Apocalypse, the first and most powerful mutant has awakened and along with the four horsemen he recruits; is determined to destroy the world as we know it. All hope for survival is futile, but the young mutants will have to step up as X-Men in their biggest challenge yet. A battle no true superhero fan can ignore.

    Directed by Bryan Singer, the ninth installment in the X-Men film series and a sequel to X-Men: Days of Future Past, X-Men: Apocalypse will premiere on Sunday 11th June, at 1pm & 9pm only on Star Movies.

    X-Men: Apocalypse offers a perfectly cohesive combination of action, drama, science and fantasy to deliver a compelling narrative with some top-notch special effects and prodigious action sequences. It combines the color, wonder and exuberance of a real comic book with gloriously cinematic storytelling that results in an action-packed ninth installment of the X-Men franchise.

    A superhero movie’s strength lies in its capability to win over the audience and this film has managed to become a huge success story in the X-Men franchise leading the box office across most markets globally. Speaking to the Los Angeles Times, director Bryan Singer said, “Our movie is all about our characters. I mean, yes, there is that stuff — the big stuff, I guess you’d say – and the audience will get their fair share of that. But ultimately, it’s about the characters.”

    As the fate of the Earth hangs in balance, will the X-Men be able to defeat a God? Witness X-Men: Apocalypse on Sunday 11 June 2017 at 1:00 PM and 9:00 PM on Star Movies and Star Movies HD.

  • ‘Superhero’ to be Hugh Jackman’s last X Men movie

    ‘Superhero’ to be Hugh Jackman’s last X Men movie

    MUMBAI: Much to the dismay of Wolverine fans all over, Hugh Jackman confirmed that his final appearance as Wolverine will be in 2017 with the movie X-Men Superhero in the third Wolverine spin-off film, reports Independent.

     

    The actor made the announcement while making an appearance on the American talk show Dr. Oz.

     

    According to The Hollywood Reporter, rumours of Jackman’s last appearance as Wolverine have been floating on social media ever since the actor uploaded a picture on Intagram with the caption: ‘Wolverine. One last time.’ 

     

    Over the years, Jackman was almost synonymous as Wolverine amongst the X Men fans worldwide. When the actor was asked his reasons for giving up such a character that has brought him so much love and respect, Jackman said, “It just felt like it was the right time to do it. And let’s be honest, 17 years. I never thought in a million years it would last, so I’m so grateful to the fans for the opportunity of playing it.”

     

    Jackman has starred in two spin-off films: X-Men Origins: Wolverine and The Wolverine and is due to appear in a third. Wolverine III, as it is currently known, will be released in 2017. When Jackman finally says goodbye to his role in 2017, he will have appeared in nine movies as Wolverine.

  • Farhan Akhtar & Vishal Dadlani to produce music video for ‘X-Men’ TV premiere

    Farhan Akhtar & Vishal Dadlani to produce music video for ‘X-Men’ TV premiere

    MUMBAI: Star Movies is all set to premiere X-Men: Days of the Future Past on 19 April. However, this is the first time that the channel will be carrying out an innovation around the premiere. Star Movies has joined hands with Farhan Akhtar, Vishal Dadlani and SKRAT to produce a music video around the movie in a bid to essay the core of the film and pay tribute to the power of friendship.

     

    In X-Men: Days of the Future Past, the X-Men come together as one to ward off an indefeatable enemy. This movie showcases the power of camaraderie, brotherhood and above all the fact that the only way to save the future is to stand together. For together, they become an unstoppable force.

     

    Filmmaker, actor and Farout Media co-founder Farhan Akhtar said, “The song Mutant Macha is a collaborative effort between Skrat, Vishal and myself. It’s a song that portrays the ultimate hero – someone who stands for good in the most adverse of times. Our collaboration is keeping in spirit with the kinship that the world needs to create a united force for positivity.”

     

    Farout Media CEO and co-founder Anurag Rao added, “The vision for Farout Media is based on its core principle of ‘Music Innovations’, with a clear focus on artist interests and repertoire monetization. Star Movies – X-Men 2 Premiere partnership is a fantastic way to introduce new music through synchronization and retention of music rights by content creators.” 

     

    A Star Movies spokesperson said, “This association is in sync with our purpose of giving young talent of India a platform making this association a perfect example of camaraderie and friendship just like the movie X-Men: Days of Future Past.”

     

    X-Men: Days of the Future Past will premiere on 19 April at 1 pm and 9 pm. 

  • Toonami channel to launch in Thailand

    Toonami channel to launch in Thailand

    MUMBAI: Turner Broadcasting System Asia Pacific has announced that Toonami, its popular all-adventure kids channel, is slated to launch in Thailand on 14 January 2015 and will be seen in 11 million households as a cable and satellite channel across the country.

     
    Toonami will be broadcast in Thai language and will have a wide appeal to local viewers with a programme line-up packed with high-octane, top-rating animated series and movies. The channel is set to become a favourite destination for the action-and-adventure enthusiasts in every family.

     As a companion brand to Cartoon Network and Boomerang, Toonami is the ultimate home of superheroes. A super-charged experience, Toonami is a dream come true for superhero fans: the channel is a full-tilt, rollercoaster ride of fun and adventure, quips, and drama. Featured action franchises include Ben 10, Justice League Unlimited, Teen Titans, Transformers Prime, Wolverine and the X-Men, and Batman: The Brave and the Bold. The channel will also broadcast feature-length movies.

     
    Turner senior vice president and managing director of north Asia and southeast Asia Pacific Phil Nelson said, “We’re extremely pleased to be working with our partners from Major Kantana Broadcasting again to launch Toonami. This launch demonstrates Turner’s confidence and commitment to Thailand and follows on the success of Boomerang, the #1 kids cable & satellite channel with an amazing audience share of 72 per cent year to date. It also complements the recent opening of Cartoon Network Amazone, the brand’s first ever waterpark in Bang Saray, east of Bangkok.”

     
    Major Kantana Broadcasting managing director Khun Siamrus Lauhaskkasame added, “Major Kantana Broadcasting is very happy to be expanding its partnership with Turner. Toonami’s unique array of animated series and movies in the local language will ensure that it becomes a top entertainment destination and we are confident that Toonami will be as successful and popular as Boomerang has become in Thailand.”

     

  • 1 pm weekend slot, the second primetime for English movie channels

    1 pm weekend slot, the second primetime for English movie channels

    MUMBAI: No one will disagree that at 1pm in the afternoon, the TV remote is controlled by housewives. But on weekends comes an added dilemma. Joining the fray for the remote are her children, husband and in laws all tuning in to watch their favourite movies or shows at the same time. In the ensuing melee are English movie channels that are all smiles as the 1 pm slot, particularly during the weekends has seen an increase in viewership.

     

    “The 1 pm slot today is the most important slot after the evening primetime as it garners the second highest viewership after the 9pm slot,” informs Romedy Now and Movies Now content head Mansi Shrivastav. The channel believes it is a potential target for repeats of previous night’s blockbuster movies. Earlier titles include X-Men: The Last Stand and Ghost Rider-The Spirit of Venegence.

     

    Similar thoughts are echoed by Star India English cluster general manager Kevin Vaz who says that the genre is heavily consumed at this time with Star Movies scraping a 21 per cent relative share. Knowing the slot’s potential, Star Movies had introduced it as a ‘one break movie time’ band to give the viewer a theatre like experience.

     

    Out of the entire day, the afternoon band contributes nearly 25 per cent of the viewership to the English movie genre, claims Sony Pix and AXN EVP and business head Saurabh Yagnik. “The 1pm slot is the second biggest day part for Sony Pix and majority of the viewership comes from younger demographics,” he says. This has come from premieres such as Skyfall, Hobbit, Captain Philips, Hobbit 2, Grown Ups 2 and MIB 3.

     

    Most channels show repeat telecast on weekdays while weekends are reserved for big  premieres.

     

    However, Turner International India English Entertainment south Asia senior director and network head Dhawal Katkar feels that weekday mornings and afternoons are emerging as the new favourite amongst youngsters for its two channels WB and HBO. Whereas, the genre itself has been witnessing a drop in primetime viewership for the entire week, he adds. HBO’s afternoon lineup includes GI Joe: Retaliation, The Hangover 3, Jack Reacher, The Great Gatsby and Star Trek: Into Darkness while WB’s premieres include Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 1, Due Date, Spiderman, Suckerpunch.

     

    However, channels strictly ensure that adult movies are not repeated in the afternoon. While a movie shown at night may have adult content, the same cannot be shown in the afternoon due to children being present in the viewing audience.

     

    According to media planners, a 10 second ad slot for the 1pm slot movie could command rates in the range of Rs 500 to Rs 4000 in the weekday with a 10 to 15 per cent rise on the weekends.

     

    Maxus managing partner north and east region Navin Khemka says, “Brands are keen to invest at this spot due to the increasing number of premieres and it draws kids and teenagers as well.” The weekend slot is heavy on content he adds.

     

    Another media planner quipped that the weekday spot is picked by women centric brands such as FMCGs and online shopping portals so this time should be more sharply targeted. However Madison Media COO Karthik Lakshminarayan informs, “1pm slot is not a high viewership slot, rather viewership starts picking up post 2pm.”

     

    While media planners vary on the role the 1pm weekend spot plays, they all agree that it helps garner added viewership in a very fragmented segment.

  • Fox: Filmed Entertainment, Cable Network shine, Television segments dull Q4 results

    Fox: Filmed Entertainment, Cable Network shine, Television segments dull Q4 results

    BENGALURU: Twenty-First Century Fox, Inc. (Fox, the company) reported financial results for the three months (Q4-2014, current quarter) and full year ended 30 June 2014 (FY-2014). While the company’s Television and Direct Broadcast Satellite Television (DBST) segments reported lower y-o-y Q4-2014 operating income before depreciation and amortization (OIBDA) in Q4-2014, its Cable Networking Programming (CNP) and Filmed Entertainment (FE) segment’s OIBDA grew. For FY-2014, all the segments reported revenue and OIBDA growth.

     

    Fox reported 16.8 per cent growth in overall revenue in Q4-2014 at $8424 million as compared to the $7212 million in Q4-2013 (quarter ended 30 June 2013 or year ago quarter). The company’s OIBDA for Q4-2014 at $1766 million was 18.7 per cent more than the $1488 million in Q4-2013.

     

    For FY-2014, the company reported 15.1 per cent growth in overall revenue to $31867 million from $27675 in FY-2013 (year ended 30 June 2013). OIBDA for FY-2014 at $6715 million was 7.3 per cent more than the $6261 in FY-2013.

     

    Let us look at the segment results reported by the company for Q4-2014 and FY-2014

     

    Cable Network Programming

     

    Fox’s CNP segment reported 13.3 per cent higher revenue in Q4-2014 at $3347 million (39.7 per cent of all revenue) as compared to the $2953 million (40.9 per cent of all revenue) reported for the year ago quarter. Q4-2014 OIBDA at $1202 million (68.1 per cent of all OIBDA) was 11.4 per cent higher than the $1079 million (72.5 per cent of all OIBDA) reported for Q4-2013.

     

    For FY-2014, CNP segment reported 12.8 per cent growth in revenue to $12273 million (38.5 per cent of all revenue) from $10881 million (39.3 per cent of all revenue). OIBDA for FY-2014 at $4407 million (65.6 per cent of all OIBDA) grew 5.5 per cent from $4177 million (66.7 per cent of all OIBDA).

     

    Fox says that this segment’s Q4-2014 OIBDA increase was driven by a 13 per cent revenue increase led by continued affiliate revenue growth. The revenue improvement was partially offset by a 14 per cent increase in expenses, approximately a third of which reflects the planned investments related to the launches of new channels, including Fox Sports 1, Star Sports and FXX, and the consolidation of the Yes Network.

     

    Full year CNP annual segment OIBDA increase was driven by a 13 per cent revenue increase led by continued affiliate revenue growth. The revenue improvement was partially offset by a 17per cent increase in expenses, almost half of which reflects the planned investments related to the launches of new channels and the impact of the consolidation of recently acquired ownership stakes in the Yes Network, ESS, Eredivisie Media & Marketing CV (EMM) and Sports Time Ohio.  

     

    The company says that segment OIBDA growth was also adversely impacted by 3 per cent from foreign exchange rate fluctuations, primarily in Latin America and India during Q4-2014 as well as FY-2014.

     

    Television

     

    Fox’s Television segment reported lower revenue as well as OIBDA for Q4-2014 as increased retransmission consent revenues were more than offset by lower advertising revenues. Quarterly advertising  revenues declined 11 per cent from the corresponding period of the prior year driven by the impact of lower general entertainment  ratings, led by declines at American Idol says the company.

     

    For Q4-2014, the Television segment reported 5.9 per cent lower revenue at $1031 million (12.2 per cent of all revenue) as compared to the $1096 million (15.2 per cent of all revenue) in Q4-2013. The segment’s Q4-2014 OIBDA at $145 million (8.2 per cent of all OIBDA) was 31.9 per cent lower than the $213 million (14.3 per cent of all OIBDA).

     

    In FY-2014, Fox’s Television segment reported 9 per cent higher revenue at $5296 million (16.6 per cent of all revenue) as compared to the $4860 million (17.6 per cent of all revenue). The segment’s OIBDA for FY-2014 at $882 million (13.1 per cent of all OIBDA) was 3.2 per cent higher than the $855 million (13.7 per cent of all OIBDA) in FY-2013.

     

    Fox says that this increase was driven by continued retransmission consent revenue growth and contributions from the broadcast of Super Bowl XLVIII partially offset by the impact of lower primetime general entertainment ratings led by declines at American Idol and X-Factor and higher programming costs. Advertising revenues increased 5 per cent from the prior year driven by the broadcast of Super Bowl XLVIII and higher rates and ratings for the National Football League and Major League Baseball playoffs, substantially offset by the impact from lower general entertainment ratings.

     

    Filmed Entertainment

     

    The Filmed Entertainment (FE) segment reported 37.7 per cent growth in revenue in Q4-2014 at $2803 million (33.3 per cent of all revenue) as compared to the $2035 million (28.2 per cent of all revenue) in Q4-2013.

     

    FE reported Q4-2014 segment OIBDA of $339 million (19.2 per cent of all OIBDA), nearly triple (2.9 times) the $117 million (7.9 per cent of all OIBDA) reported in the same period a year-ago, driven by a $768 million or 37.7 per cent revenue increase. The company says that this growth was led by several successful worldwide theatrical releases in the quarter including X-Men: Days of Future Past, which has grossed $740 million in worldwide box office to date, Rio 2, which has grossed over $90 million in worldwide box office to date, and The Fault in Our Stars, which has grossed over $260 million in worldwide box office to date. As a result of the successful releases, the company claims that the film studio became the first to cross the $3 billion mark in worldwide box office this year. Quarterly results also reflect higher contribution from the television production businesses led by the syndication of Modern Family and the delivery of a new season of 24 adds to the company.

     

    For FY-2014, FE revenue at $9679 million (30.4 per cent of all revenue) increased 12 per cent from $8642 million (31.2 per cent of all revenue) in FY-2013.Full year FE segment OIBDA of $1358 billion (20.2 per cent of all OIBDA) increased $50 million or 3.8 per cent over prior year amounts. The company says that the annual results reflect higher contributions from the television production businesses led by higher SVOD revenues, including the sale of series to Amazon, and the syndication of Modern Family. This growth was partially offset by difficult comparisons to the successful worldwide theatrical performance of Ice Age: Continental Drift in the prior year.

     

    Direct Broadcast Satellite Television (DBST)

     

    Fox’s DBST segment reported 15.5 per cent growth in Q4-2014 revenue to $1593 million (18.9 per cent of all revenue) from $1379 million (19.1 per cent of all revenue).

     

    DBST generated quarterly segment OIBDA of $146million (8.3 per cent of all OIBDA) compared with the $156 million (10.5 per cent of all OIBDA) reported in the same period a year ago.

     

    The company says that the $214 million or 15.5 per cent increase in revenue underpinned by sustained Sky Deutschland subscriber growth was more than offset by higher sports programming costs including Sky Italia’s broadcast of the FIFA World Cup and Sky Deutschland’s exclusive broadcast of Bundesliga soccer. Sky Deutschland grew net direct subscribers by approximately 82,000 during the quarter, bringing total direct subscribers to 3.81 million, while Sky Italia’s subscriber base declined by 25,000 during the quarter bringing total subscribers to 4.73 million.

     

    For FY-2014, the DBST segment’s revenue at $6030 million (18.9 per cent of all revenue) was 35.8 per cent more than the $4439 million (16 per cent of all revenue) in FY-2013. DBST generated annual segment OIBDA of $424 million (6.3 per cent of all OIBDA), a $27 million or 6.8 per cent increase over the prior year driven by higher contributions from Sky Italia resulting from cost reduction efforts. Annual segment revenues increased principally reflecting the full year consolidation of Sky Deutschland revenues versus the consolidation of six-months of Sky Deutschland revenues in the prior year. This revenue increase was offset by the full year consolidation of Sky Deutschland costs, including costs related to its exclusive broadcast of Bundesliga soccer.

     

    BskyB and other affiliates

     

    Quarterly equity earnings from affiliates were $192 million as compared to with $223 million in Q4-2013. Annual earnings from affiliates were $622 million as compared to the $655 million in FY-2014. The decreased contributions from affiliates mainly reflect lower contributions from BskyB, says the company.

     

    Commenting on the results, 21st Century Fox chairman and CEO Rupert Murdoch said: “In the fiscal fourth quarter we built on our operational momentum with double-digit earnings and revenue gains. The Company’s strong financial performance was driven by sustained affiliate revenue increases at our cable networks and record fourth quarter contributions at our filmed entertainment segment on the strength of global box office successes XMen: Days of Future Past, Rio 2 and The Fault In Our Stars. As we close the fiscal year, I continue to have confidence in our ability to execute our growth plan and drive value for our shareholders. Our new $6 billion share buyback programme, to be executed over the next 12 months, further underscores our disciplined approach to increasing shareholder value.”

     

    Click here to read the full earnings report