ITV

Tag: YouTube

  • AI storm brews as Studio Blo films fashion in a whole new dimension

    AI storm brews as Studio Blo films fashion in a whole new dimension

    MUMBAI: When fashion meets philosophy in the middle of a sandstorm, you know something otherworldly is at play. Studio Blo, the next-gen content studio pushing the limits of AI-driven filmmaking, has dropped a 100 per cent AI-generated film for the Almost Gods × Fila collection blurring lines between fantasy, sport, and storytelling.

    The high-concept short, live on Youtube and Instagram, unfolds during a rare celestial event where three cloaked figures summon a sweeping sandstorm. Each figure wears pieces from the new collection, which reimagines Fila’s clay-court tennis heritage through Almost Gods’ brutalist aesthetic, laced with mysticism and elemental power.

    In a striking industry first, real fashion models were digitally cloned, with every garment and accessory rendered entirely in AI, no physical shoot, no stitched seams, just crafted pixels with the gravitas of a full-scale cinematic production. Months of prep went into the project, with seasoned cinematographers, creative directors, and AI artists at the helm.

    Studio Blo co-founder & CEO Dipankar Mukherjee set the record straight: “AI films aren’t quick and cheap. This took months, not minutes, because pedigree demands time, talent, and vision. Almost Gods treated us as true creative partners, and that made all the difference.”

    Studio Blo Co-Founder & CCO Rishabh Suri added: “AI gave us the canvas to make a metaphysical thriller in fashion form. Traditional production would’ve struggled with the sheer scale and spectacle. Here, we created something immersive and emotionally resonant, where philosophy and symbolism flow seamlessly into couture.”

    Studio Blo, staffed by veterans from VFX giants like Dneg and MPC, has already delivered showstoppers for Warner Music, YRF Films, Dentsu, and Nykaa. This film cements its mission: AI is not a shortcut, but a collaborator expanding fashion’s stage into realms once thought impossible.

    With the Almost Gods × Fila collection, sport-luxury isn’t just walking the runway; it’s conjuring storms.

  • MIPCOM Cannes 2025 puts creators centre stage

    MIPCOM Cannes 2025 puts creators centre stage

    PARIS: Mipcom Cannes is recasting itself as the global meeting ground for the creator economy, unveiling a 13–16 October programme that director Lucy Smith calls “the biggest generational shift the market has ever seen”. She declared the creator economy “no longer emerging—it’s arrived”, signalling a fresh era for storytelling, distribution and monetisation.

    The scale remains vast: organisers expect more than 10,500 delegates from over 100 countries to pack the Palais des Festivals and surrounding beachfront. Joining the traditional powerhouses—Disney, Warner Bros Discovery, Sony Pictures Entertainment, Paramount Global, Banijay, BBC Studios, ZDF Studios and ITV Studios—are creator-led platforms and digital natives such as YouTube, TikTok, Snapchat, Dhar Mann Studios, Tubi, Samsung TV Plus and Luma AI. Big advertisers and agencies including Mattel, Toys“R”Us, Ancestry, Dentsu and McCann are coming to broker brand-funded projects.

    YouTube mounts its most ambitious presence yet: a dedicated space on the Croisette, daily workshops and a headline keynote with EMEA vice-president Pedro Pina and BBC Studios digital chief Jasmine Dawson in conversation with industry analyst Evan Shapiro. The rebadged MIP Creative Hub—formerly the Producers Hub—will host four days of matchmaking between creators, studios and brands.

    Fresh summits aim to blur the lines between TV, tech and social platforms. The BrandStorytelling Summit, imported from Sundance, will showcase how advertisers and digital talent collaborate on narrative campaigns. The Innovation Lab expands with an AI summit and new demo areas for cloud production, virtual sets and immersive formats. Panels will dissect monetisation models from Fast and AVoD to direct-to-fan subscriptions.

    MIPJunior, the kids’ pre-market on 11–12 October, moves into the Palais for the first time, offering dedicated matchmaking and a premiere of Ki & Hi in the Panda Kingdom, based on Kevin Tran’s best-selling manga.
    High-wattage speakers include Mattel Studios president Robbie Brenner, Banijay chief Marco Bassetti, Mediawan Pictures CEO Elisabeth d’Arvieu and Toys“R”Us CMO Kim Miller Olko, alongside creators Callum “Callux” McGinley and Dhar Mann. World premieres on the main stage feature Paramount’s Boston Blue, ZDF’s Ku’damm 77 and a Sony preview of The Miniature Wife, with cast members Donnie Wahlberg, Sonequa Martin-Green and Matthew Macfadyen expected.

    By weaving creators into every strand—from keynotes to co-production hubs—MIPCOM is betting that the next wave of global television will be forged as much by YouTubers and TikTokers as by Hollywood studios. The 2025 edition aims to prove that the Croisette can be the crossroads where legacy broadcasters and digital disruptors strike their biggest deals yet.

  • Instagram reels tops India’s short-video charts

    Instagram reels tops India’s short-video charts

    MUMBAI: It’s reel life, not real life, that has India hooked. Five years since its debut, Instagram reels has danced its way to the top of the short-video throne, leaving rivals trailing behind.

    A new IPSOS study commissioned by Meta shows that reels has become the country’s favourite short-form video platform. Out of more than 3,500 people surveyed across 33 Indian cities, a staggering 92 per cent picked reels over other formats, making it more popular than television, Youtube or any competing app.

    The numbers are eye-catching. Nearly everyone watches short-form video daily, and 95 per cent of those surveyed say they watch reels every day, putting it at least 12 points ahead of other platforms. It’s not just a Gen Z craze either. Reels is also the go-to for urban audiences in higher-income households.

    Meta India’s boss Arun Srinivas puts it simply. “India is leading the world in video adoption, and Reels is at the centre of this shift.”

    From viral dance-offs to grwm tutorials and witty memes, Reels has become the cultural engine of India’s internet. The study found that viewers flock to content in fashion, beauty and film, consuming 20–40 per cent more of it here than on other platforms. For creators, reels is even more powerful. Engagement levels are about one third higher compared to competing apps.

    It’s not just entertainment. Reels is also driving business. Eight in ten Indians say they discover new brands on Meta’s platforms. Ads on reels are proving potent too, with twice the top-of-mind recall and four times the message association of long-form video ads.

    In short, reels is more than a passing trend. It has reshaped how India consumes video, spurred creators to new heights and become a launchpad for brands. For marketers, the message is clear: think in reels or risk being left out of the picture.

     

  • Dangal TV scripts YouTube history with 50 million fans and global No 1 rank

    Dangal TV scripts YouTube history with 50 million fans and global No 1 rank

    MUMBAI: From silver screen to streaming supremacy, Dangal TV has pulled off a blockbuster twist in its digital journey. The channel’s YouTube arm has clinched the No 1 spot globally on the Tubular Leaderboard in both the overall creators and media & entertainment (film & movies) categories for June and July 2025.

    That’s not all, Dangal TV’s subscriber base has now smashed through the 50 million mark, placing it proudly among the Top 100 global Youtube channels. In the process, it has leapfrogged some of the biggest names in entertainment, including Spidey, Zee TV, Sony Sab, YRF, and Set India.

    The milestone crowns a journey that began in 2017, when Dangal TV first tested the waters on YouTube with modest ambitions. Competing in a crowded field of global giants, the channel carved its niche by staying true to its ethos telling authentic stories from India’s heartland while adapting to the habits of digital-first audiences.

    Dangal TV managing director Manish Singhal called the achievement a proud chapter in the network’s digital playbook: “This No 1 ranking across global leaderboards highlights the trust our audiences place in us and strengthens our vision of bringing India’s heartland stories to a global stage.”

    Chartbeat and Tubular director of content marketing Candice Gaudinier hailed the feat as a case study in global resonance: “Dangal TV’s No 1 ranking in both India and globally within the Film and Movies genre on YouTube is remarkable. It shows how stories rooted in India can strike a chord with audiences worldwide.”

    By topping charts for two straight months and building a community of 50 million subscribers, Dangal TV has proved that regional storytelling can go truly global. For a channel that started small, this is not just a digital milestone, it’s a reminder that even in the algorithm age, heartland stories still travel the farthest
     

  • Dish TV switches on VZY Smart TVs to stream into the future of home viewing

    Dish TV switches on VZY Smart TVs to stream into the future of home viewing

    MUMBAI: Dish TV has flipped the channel on its future and this time, it’s not just about broadcasting. The country’s leading DTH provider, trusted in Indian homes for over 22 years, has launched VZY Smart TVs, marking its grand entry into the integrated Smart TV segment.

    Standing for Vibe, Zone & You, VZY is pitched not as “just another TV” but as a full-blown entertainment universe. It blends Dish TV’s legacy in live television with cutting-edge streaming, creating what the company calls an all-in-one screen where DTH meets OTT.

    “For over two decades, Dish TV has been a trusted name in millions of Indian homes, built on innovation and customer focus. With VZY, we are building an entertainment universe that converges live TV, OTT, smart features, and immersive design,” said Dish TV India CEO & executive director Manoj Dobhal.

    What’s inside the box? Plenty of tech wizardry. VZY Smart TVs will be available in sizes from 32” HD to 55” 4K UHD QLED, with premium features such as Dolby Vision, HDR10, up to 350 nits brightness, and a bezel-less design. For audio, all models feature Dolby Audio, with select premium models stepping up to Dolby Atmos.

    Running on Google TV 5 (Android 14), the TVs come loaded with streaming staples like Netflix, Prime Video, and Youtube. Add to that voice-enabled remotes, Chromecast, Airplay, and in select models, an inbuilt DTH set-top box, offering instant access to both live TV and streaming apps.

    “The modern Indian family is digital-first and experience-driven. VZY goes beyond being just a television to deliver an immersive, curated experience,” added Dish TV India chief revenue officer Sukhpreet Singh.

    For performance, the range supports up to 2GB RAM and 32GB storage, ensuring smooth navigation and app usage. To make the smart shift easier on the wallet, Dish TV is offering Rs 0 down payment and 0 per cent EMI financing options.

    The VZY Smart TV range will hit retail shelves nationwide and will also be available through online platforms, reaching metros as well as Tier 2 and Tier 3 markets.

    With this move, Dish TV isn’t just selling a new screen, it’s making a play to own the living room once again, this time with a smarter, sleeker, and more immersive avatar.

  • Iis launches digital learning series ‘iis sikhaega’ for athletes

    Iis launches digital learning series ‘iis sikhaega’ for athletes

     MUMBAI: Bellary is bringing world-class coaching to your screen. The inspire institute of sport (iis), India’s premier high-performance training hub, has launched a new digital content series titled iis sikhaega. The platform is designed to provide aspiring athletes across the country with practical, expert-led lessons at their fingertips.

    The series will feature short, easy-to-follow videos released thrice a month on Instagram and Youtube. Content will range from the basics of fitness and nutrition to advanced training, recovery, and rehabilitation techniques, all explained by iis coaches, trainers and young athletes themselves.

    “Our mission has always been to nurture the next generation of Indian athletes,” said inspire institute of sport, president, Manisha Malhotra. “Through iis sikhaega, we want to extend our coaching and technical know-how beyond our campus and make it accessible to youngsters everywhere, especially those outside tier 1 cities.”

    With a strong focus on athletes from tier 2 and tier 3 regions, the initiative aims to close the gap between raw talent and professional opportunity. By breaking down complex concepts into simple, engaging lessons, iis hopes to make high-performance knowledge available to every aspiring sportsperson.

  • Kuma conquers Turkey as Goquest drama tops ratings and global charts

    Kuma conquers Turkey as Goquest drama tops ratings and global charts

    MUMBAI: Talk about a drama with bite! Kuma (The Other Wife), the breakout Turkish series from Goquest Media, has clawed its way from digital darling to television titan, topping national ratings and stirring conversations far beyond Turkey’s borders.

    Since premiering on Kanal 7, Kuma has consistently ranked among the country’s top six shows, scripted or unscripted. This year, it claimed the No. 1 spot on drama portal Dizilah’s list of 2025’s most talked-about titles. Not bad for a show that only launched on Youtube in April, where it quickly racked up more than 328 million views in five months.

    The show’s leap from online phenomenon to primetime hit is rare, but audiences across Turkey were quick to embrace its heady mix of love, betrayal and family intrigue. Calls for a second season are already growing louder.

    Kuma’s popularity is hardly confined to Turkey. Licensed in more than 19 countries including Israel, Romania, Indonesia, Mexico and Nigeria, the series has repeated its ratings triumph wherever it has aired. In Indonesia, demand was so strong that it graduated from an OTT platform to nationwide free-to-air television.

    The drama also marks a milestone for Goquest Media. Produced in collaboration with Stellar Productions and VIP 2000 TV, Kuma is the distributor’s first original title under its make-to-sell model.

    “Kuma’s extraordinary journey from YouTube sensation to Turkey’s top drama is a testament to the power of audience passion,” said Goquest Media, managing director, Vivek Lath.

    With its soaring success and cross-border appeal, Kuma has proved that a strong story travels well. In 2025’s crowded entertainment landscape, this Turkish drama has become a global talking point: one toast at a time, in every language.
     

  • Icubeswire Films takes a short cut with new 15 second ad studio

    Icubeswire Films takes a short cut with new 15 second ad studio

    MUMBAI: Blink and you’ll miss it or maybe that’s the point. Icubeswire Films, part of the Icubeswire Martech group, has launched Stop Shots, a new creative studio dedicated to crafting ad films that last just 10–15 seconds but aim to leave a lasting impact.

    In an era where Instagram Reels, Youtube Shorts, and shrinking attention spans dominate consumption patterns, the studio is betting big on the power of brevity. Stop Shots will harness data intelligence and consumer trend analysis to create mini cinematic spots that are not just visually arresting but also culturally rooted. The aim: deliver emotionally resonant, hyper-localised stories that spark recall and engagement in seconds.

    The demand is already there. According to Icubeswire, over a dozen brands have begun experimenting with the short-format model, citing stronger resonance than traditional one-minute commercials. “Today’s consumer navigates to what’s short and crisp, and attention spans have fallen drastically,” said  Icubeswire co-founder & CEO Sahil Chopra at the launch. From regional slang to cultural quirks, the studio sees a 10-second hyper-local ad connecting more deeply than longer TV spots. In a noisy, fragmented content landscape, Stop Shots is hoping to prove that less really can be more.

  • All Things Baby gets a star mum: Athiya Shetty joins as brand ambassador

    All Things Baby gets a star mum: Athiya Shetty joins as brand ambassador

    MUMBAI: The actor and new mum has just been announced as the latest brand ambassador for All Things Baby (ATB), India’s premium parenting platform. Known for its curated range of top-tier products, ATB aims to redefine the parenting experience with a blend of style, safety, and simplicity.

    Since its launch in 2019 by Tejal Bajla and Akshay Jalan, All Things Baby has quickly become a go-to destination for modern parents. With over 120 brands in categories ranging from cots and strollers to feeding essentials, ATB offers everything you could possibly need for your little one, without the stress of navigating a crowded market. And now, with Shetty joining the team, they’re setting their sights even higher.

    “Athiya truly embodies the modern, discerning parent who’s intentional in their choices,” said ATB, founder, Tejal Bajla. “Her authenticity, her approach to motherhood, and her commitment to quality align perfectly with our brand ethos.”

    Shetty’s own journey into motherhood has been closely followed by fans, and she’s now using her platform to share what’s working for her. In a recent statement, she shared, “Motherhood is one of the most beautiful experiences of my life, and All Things Baby has been a trusted companion with its curated selection of world-class baby products. Their approach makes it simpler for today’s parents to make informed decisions.”

    As part of the collaboration, Athiya will feature across ATB’s social media, digital channels, and performance marketing campaigns, connecting with new-age parents across Meta, Youtube, and other online platforms.

    The partnership also signals a key moment in India’s burgeoning baby care market, valued at over 4.4 billion dollars and growing at a projected nine per cent CAGR. By focusing on premium, curated offerings, ATB is positioning itself as a premium parenting ecosystem: a trusted resource for families looking to make the best choices for their children.

    The brand’s portfolio includes international heavyweights such as Strokke, Leander and Ergo baby known for their focus on safety, design, and functionality. And as ATB continues to expand into cities like Bengaluru and Hyderabad, the future is looking bright and very baby-friendly. 
     

  • Bihar’s big Baithak stirs poll pot with politics, policy and plenty of punch

    Bihar’s big Baithak stirs poll pot with politics, policy and plenty of punch

    MUMBAI: When Bihar talks, the nation listens and this time, it’s over a Baithak. Bihar Tak, the digital-first news platform from the India Today group, set Patna buzzing today with its flagship event ‘Bihar Tak Baithak’, a no-holds-barred adda of power, policy and politics.

    With Assembly elections looming later this year, the stage was stacked with heavy hitters and fresh voices alike. From JDU’s executive national president Sanjay Jha to BJP’s Nitin Nabin, Jan Suraj founder Prashant Kishor to RLM supremo Upendra Kushwaha, the Baithak read like Bihar’s who’s who of political strategy. Cabinet ministers Jeevesh Mishra, Ashok Choudhary, and Santosh Manjhi joined the conversation, alongside development commissioner S. Siddharth, VIP chief Mukesh Sahani, MP Shambhavi Choudhary, and former union minister Shahnawaz Hussain.

    What unfolded was a marathon of candid interviews, debates and panel discussions on governance, development and the state’s election agenda straight talk for a state hungry for answers. “Bihar Tak Baithak reflects our commitment to amplifying voices from the heart of Bihar,” said TAK Channels Milind managing editor Khandekar. “As the state heads towards a pivotal election, the need for transparent, meaningful conversations is greater than ever.”

    The event, watched by an audience both in Patna and online, offered a digital bridge between policy and people, with every exchange streamed on the Bihar Tak Youtube channel. With more than a dozen leaders, ministers and influencers in the hot seat, this Baithak wasn’t just small talk, it was Bihar talking to itself and to India.