ITV

Tag: ZEE Network

  • Why the Barun Sobti starrer ‘Mohra’ failed to kick off

    Why the Barun Sobti starrer ‘Mohra’ failed to kick off

    MUMBAI: Speculation about BBC Worldwide India’s the fate of the new show Mohra earlier named Satya Ki Kiran to be aired on Zee TV can finally be laid to rest

    Originally, the BBC crime thriller was to be a finite series of 26 episodes and was supposed to air as a weekend property. However, in last few months the show underwent a few major changes that included extending 26 episodes to a 120 episodic daily soap and a changed moniker.

    Rumours like the channel changing its programming strategy and the show not quite fitting into the new strategy, the production house failing to give value to the show, a lot has been said about SKK/Mohra. 

    Giving rest to all speculation, BBC Worldwide creative head of fiction Richa Yamini explained, “In light of the current programming the new management at Zee decided to re-evaluate its strategy and wanted to opt for something different. We of course, had complete faith that the audience would love a story with a different setup but very relatable emotions.”

    The channel has refused to comment on the entire issue. 

  • Why the Barun Sobti starrer ‘Mohra’ failed to kick off

    Why the Barun Sobti starrer ‘Mohra’ failed to kick off

    MUMBAI: Speculation about BBC Worldwide India’s the fate of the new show Mohra earlier named Satya Ki Kiran to be aired on Zee TV can finally be laid to rest

    Originally, the BBC crime thriller was to be a finite series of 26 episodes and was supposed to air as a weekend property. However, in last few months the show underwent a few major changes that included extending 26 episodes to a 120 episodic daily soap and a changed moniker.

    Rumours like the channel changing its programming strategy and the show not quite fitting into the new strategy, the production house failing to give value to the show, a lot has been said about SKK/Mohra. 

    Giving rest to all speculation, BBC Worldwide creative head of fiction Richa Yamini explained, “In light of the current programming the new management at Zee decided to re-evaluate its strategy and wanted to opt for something different. We of course, had complete faith that the audience would love a story with a different setup but very relatable emotions.”

    The channel has refused to comment on the entire issue. 

  • Eros International signs television license deal with Zee Network

    Eros International signs television license deal with Zee Network

    MUMBAI: Eros International Media Ltd has announced a television syndication deal for their new and catalogue films with Zee Network. The films comprise a number of catalogue films from Eros’ vast library and also pre-sales for a few forthcoming films.

    Movies that will be showcased exclusively on Zee Network include Riteish Deshmukh and Nargis Fakhri starrer Banjo, slated for a theatrical release on September 23, the much acclaimed family drama Nil Battey Sannata, and the widely appreciated Aligarh starring Manoj Bajpayee and Rajkummar Rao.

    Apart from the recent releases, the license deal will give the channel access to Eros’ blockbuster catalogue films like Housefull, Heyy Babyy, Cocktail, Vicky Donor, Omkara among others.

    Eros International Media Ltd. managing director Sunil Lulla said, “This deal signifies yet another step towards cementing our long association with Zee Network. We continue to exploit our significant library and the content licensing deal with Zee is consistent with our pre-sales strategy. These tailor made packages from our broad film repertoire will suit audiences across networks and maximize the potential from the television broadcast.

  • Eros International signs television license deal with Zee Network

    Eros International signs television license deal with Zee Network

    MUMBAI: Eros International Media Ltd has announced a television syndication deal for their new and catalogue films with Zee Network. The films comprise a number of catalogue films from Eros’ vast library and also pre-sales for a few forthcoming films.

    Movies that will be showcased exclusively on Zee Network include Riteish Deshmukh and Nargis Fakhri starrer Banjo, slated for a theatrical release on September 23, the much acclaimed family drama Nil Battey Sannata, and the widely appreciated Aligarh starring Manoj Bajpayee and Rajkummar Rao.

    Apart from the recent releases, the license deal will give the channel access to Eros’ blockbuster catalogue films like Housefull, Heyy Babyy, Cocktail, Vicky Donor, Omkara among others.

    Eros International Media Ltd. managing director Sunil Lulla said, “This deal signifies yet another step towards cementing our long association with Zee Network. We continue to exploit our significant library and the content licensing deal with Zee is consistent with our pre-sales strategy. These tailor made packages from our broad film repertoire will suit audiences across networks and maximize the potential from the television broadcast.

  • Living Foodz draws up an appetising menu: website, app, new shows

    Living Foodz draws up an appetising menu: website, app, new shows

    MUMBAI: Essel Group’s international food and lifestyle channel, Living Foodz, had hit Indian television waves in September 2015. The channel is already riding on a wave of success within 7 months of its launch. Apart from curating 100 hours of original content for the Indian market, Living Foodz will roll-out its website in May, while the application will launch by June this year. The channel plans to create a marketing buzz within 30 to 60 days. Living Foodz is also looking at converting into HD by the end of this financial year and has already applied for a few licenses and is waiting for approvals.

    “Converting Living Foodz into HD is definitely on the agenda. We have already applied for a few licenses. In any case, 100 per cent of our programming is in HD but as far as the audiences are concerned, the HD penetration is still limited. Business viability and economics dictate that you have a good enough audience reach to justify advertising revenue. It will have to be an optimum and improvement call at an appropriate time for us to decide whether we should create an additional HD channel or go solo HD”, revealed Zee Entertainment’s Living Group APAC and India CEO Piyush Sharma.

    The channel believes that producing original content plays a pivotal role in ensuring enhanced reach. With many channels lying on content library and syndication, Living Foodz stresses on making quality content to enhance brand equity and hold audiences.

    As reported earlier by Indiantelevision.com, under the Living Entertainment umbrella, the group will unveil its other new channel Living Zen, which it plans to launch in the third quarter. Focused on health, wellness and happiness, it is likely to be followed by the launch of Living Rootz, Living Homez and Living Travelz every quarter thereafter.

    Living Foodz claims to have a 40 per cent market share in the lifestyle genre and will continue to focus on food as its strong component for content. To strengthen its footprint in the lifestyle space, the channel has announced a new show Sunday show Ganga:The Soul of India. Bollywood actress Dia Mirza will make her debut on TV with this new offering. The show will launch on 1 May 2016 and will air at 12 noon with a repeat telecast at 7 pm on the same day. The one hour per episode 10 episode show will see Mirza narrating the multi-faced story of the Ganges as she travels through many towns along the majestic river.

    Promising to give viewers a peek into the legacy shaped by India’s longest river, the show has bagged Airtel 4G as title sponsor and Gowardhan Ghee as co-powered by sponsor, while American Tourister is the travel partner. The travel food documentary will explore every part of what the river has to offer, including the people, history, mythology, anthropology, adventure, music and the cuisine.

    “Quality of content is very important to attract viewers as well as advertisers on any show. The reason why we have these sponsors on board is because of our ambitious content. Travelling is an enriching experience that often remains etched in our memories forever. Ganga: The Soul of India will give our viewers a never-before opportunity to experience the culture, history and cuisine offered along the banks of the sacred Ganges through the eyes of Dia Mirza, who is an ardent traveller. We could not think of a better concept and host to marry the ideas of travel and culture in the Indian context,” said Living Foodz business head Amit Nair.

    “It is impossible for me to encapsulate in a sentence the boundless joy, the learning, the discovery, the adventure Ganga: The Soul of India has brought to my life. For those seeking to define the idea of India, this is the journey to be a part of!” said Mirza.

    The show allowed her to combine her passion and love with professional experience, added Mirza. She also said that while the show was a deeply spiritual and inward journey, it was also physically challenging. This was especially true in higher terrains.

    “Before this, I had said no to reality shows and the typical formats that actors get offered. I want people to make their own roadmap. Slow travel gives you a personal, warm and an enriching experience. TV gives you the opportunity to present yourself as who you are. The show encompasses all that I wanted to explore and do,” she said further.

    It has also launched a coffee table book amalgamating the entire journey of Mirza and the team from Gomukh in the Himalayas to the Gangasagar delta where it meets the Bay of Bengal.

    “The numbers speak for us. One of the key reasons why people watch us rather than any other channel is because we create original relevant content set in context for our viewers. All our shows have a deeper connection with the audience which leads to more viewer engagement and time spent. As far as creating original content in the factual space goes, I think we are the leaders making the largest amount of factual entertainment content,” added Nair.

    As far as the marketing goes, Ganga: The Soul of India will be cross promoted on the other channels under Zee Network. The show will be primarily displayed on TV and digital platforms while the channel has also planned more specific market activities like the book launch.

    With a strategically shaped business road map, it will be interesting to see how this new feature in the growing factual entertainment genre can retain its dominance.

     

  • Living Foodz draws up an appetising menu: website, app, new shows

    Living Foodz draws up an appetising menu: website, app, new shows

    MUMBAI: Essel Group’s international food and lifestyle channel, Living Foodz, had hit Indian television waves in September 2015. The channel is already riding on a wave of success within 7 months of its launch. Apart from curating 100 hours of original content for the Indian market, Living Foodz will roll-out its website in May, while the application will launch by June this year. The channel plans to create a marketing buzz within 30 to 60 days. Living Foodz is also looking at converting into HD by the end of this financial year and has already applied for a few licenses and is waiting for approvals.

    “Converting Living Foodz into HD is definitely on the agenda. We have already applied for a few licenses. In any case, 100 per cent of our programming is in HD but as far as the audiences are concerned, the HD penetration is still limited. Business viability and economics dictate that you have a good enough audience reach to justify advertising revenue. It will have to be an optimum and improvement call at an appropriate time for us to decide whether we should create an additional HD channel or go solo HD”, revealed Zee Entertainment’s Living Group APAC and India CEO Piyush Sharma.

    The channel believes that producing original content plays a pivotal role in ensuring enhanced reach. With many channels lying on content library and syndication, Living Foodz stresses on making quality content to enhance brand equity and hold audiences.

    As reported earlier by Indiantelevision.com, under the Living Entertainment umbrella, the group will unveil its other new channel Living Zen, which it plans to launch in the third quarter. Focused on health, wellness and happiness, it is likely to be followed by the launch of Living Rootz, Living Homez and Living Travelz every quarter thereafter.

    Living Foodz claims to have a 40 per cent market share in the lifestyle genre and will continue to focus on food as its strong component for content. To strengthen its footprint in the lifestyle space, the channel has announced a new show Sunday show Ganga:The Soul of India. Bollywood actress Dia Mirza will make her debut on TV with this new offering. The show will launch on 1 May 2016 and will air at 12 noon with a repeat telecast at 7 pm on the same day. The one hour per episode 10 episode show will see Mirza narrating the multi-faced story of the Ganges as she travels through many towns along the majestic river.

    Promising to give viewers a peek into the legacy shaped by India’s longest river, the show has bagged Airtel 4G as title sponsor and Gowardhan Ghee as co-powered by sponsor, while American Tourister is the travel partner. The travel food documentary will explore every part of what the river has to offer, including the people, history, mythology, anthropology, adventure, music and the cuisine.

    “Quality of content is very important to attract viewers as well as advertisers on any show. The reason why we have these sponsors on board is because of our ambitious content. Travelling is an enriching experience that often remains etched in our memories forever. Ganga: The Soul of India will give our viewers a never-before opportunity to experience the culture, history and cuisine offered along the banks of the sacred Ganges through the eyes of Dia Mirza, who is an ardent traveller. We could not think of a better concept and host to marry the ideas of travel and culture in the Indian context,” said Living Foodz business head Amit Nair.

    “It is impossible for me to encapsulate in a sentence the boundless joy, the learning, the discovery, the adventure Ganga: The Soul of India has brought to my life. For those seeking to define the idea of India, this is the journey to be a part of!” said Mirza.

    The show allowed her to combine her passion and love with professional experience, added Mirza. She also said that while the show was a deeply spiritual and inward journey, it was also physically challenging. This was especially true in higher terrains.

    “Before this, I had said no to reality shows and the typical formats that actors get offered. I want people to make their own roadmap. Slow travel gives you a personal, warm and an enriching experience. TV gives you the opportunity to present yourself as who you are. The show encompasses all that I wanted to explore and do,” she said further.

    It has also launched a coffee table book amalgamating the entire journey of Mirza and the team from Gomukh in the Himalayas to the Gangasagar delta where it meets the Bay of Bengal.

    “The numbers speak for us. One of the key reasons why people watch us rather than any other channel is because we create original relevant content set in context for our viewers. All our shows have a deeper connection with the audience which leads to more viewer engagement and time spent. As far as creating original content in the factual space goes, I think we are the leaders making the largest amount of factual entertainment content,” added Nair.

    As far as the marketing goes, Ganga: The Soul of India will be cross promoted on the other channels under Zee Network. The show will be primarily displayed on TV and digital platforms while the channel has also planned more specific market activities like the book launch.

    With a strategically shaped business road map, it will be interesting to see how this new feature in the growing factual entertainment genre can retain its dominance.

     

  • Strong regulatory ecosystem vital for safeguarding IPR if M and E industry has to grow in the international market

    Strong regulatory ecosystem vital for safeguarding IPR if M and E industry has to grow in the international market

    MUMBAI: The subject of intellectual property rights and piracy keep coming up at the FICCI FRAMES year after year and appeals are made by creative artistes for stringent measures to check this.

    With digitization and if India is to become a media and entertainment hub, this gains urgency and is even more imperative that steps are taken for a strong legal and regulatory ecosystem safeguarding intellectual properties.

    Saving intellectual Property in a world without boundaries saw panelists and legal experts referring to global practices and emphasizing on the importance of IPR for the growth of the Indian media and entertainment sector.

    In fact, World Intellectual Property Organization Director General Francis Gurry stressed the need for stringent laws in an upcoming market like India where creativity was growing at such a speed. He also referred to how WIPO was helping member countries to deal with these problems.

    The session was moderated by Saikrishna & Associates partner Ameet Dutta. The panelists were Motion Picture Association of America Asia Pacific VP regional legal counsel Michael Schlesinger, Star India senior VP legal and regulatory Pulak Bagchi and Zee Network president legal and regulatory affairs Avnindra Mohan.

    Dutta said the focus of the context in digital India has shifted from copyrights to user rights. This underlines the challenges that intellectual property faces. The question that he posed before the panelists was where India stood on the world map in terms of economics.

    Schlesinger said: “India is a mine of creativity. This is evident with the number of features films, television channels or other platforms available in India. Our existence will depend on a surge of creativity and invention. India is maximizing its potential but has to find a place on the global map. For example, India showed total box office collection of $2.5 million in 2015 while China had $6.5 million and US had $11.1 million. These figures clearly show that just making products or content in India will not help until India can acquire international content as well. India has to maximize a lot of things like job creations, movie screenings etc.”

    Mohan shared the scenario about the regulatory environment in India. “For the broadcasting sector, there is no copyright at all since 2003. It is always user rights. In India, the content producers and broadcasters are same to the extent of 90 per cent unlike US. If a distributor comes to you, you have to provide content on non-discriminatory basis with equal prices irrespective of the size. This is the only sector where a broadcaster is asked to provide its content with prices frozen in 2003. I am forced to give my content to the distributors at a frozen price.”

    Bagchi generally agreed with Mohan and said with the challenges faced by the entire sector, the impact of regulatory laws on channels and the challenges faced by broadcasters cannot be neglected. “Consumers are our kings. I agree with Mohan about the prices being frozen since 2003. Imagine what would happen if the Indian government asks Bill Gates to sell all the Microsoft versions and its tools today on the prices that were relevant in 2003,” said Bagchi. He stressed that this was one reason why international parties hesitate on investing in Indian IPs, and the archaic guidelines and regulations prevent the growth of intellectual property.

    For a session that was aimed at how one can survive the digital divide, it ended with the panelists agreeing on the importance of having sectoral regulations in sync with the copyright laws. This will also retain the India IPR regime with the best practices in the field of intellectual property rights.

  • Strong regulatory ecosystem vital for safeguarding IPR if M and E industry has to grow in the international market

    Strong regulatory ecosystem vital for safeguarding IPR if M and E industry has to grow in the international market

    MUMBAI: The subject of intellectual property rights and piracy keep coming up at the FICCI FRAMES year after year and appeals are made by creative artistes for stringent measures to check this.

    With digitization and if India is to become a media and entertainment hub, this gains urgency and is even more imperative that steps are taken for a strong legal and regulatory ecosystem safeguarding intellectual properties.

    Saving intellectual Property in a world without boundaries saw panelists and legal experts referring to global practices and emphasizing on the importance of IPR for the growth of the Indian media and entertainment sector.

    In fact, World Intellectual Property Organization Director General Francis Gurry stressed the need for stringent laws in an upcoming market like India where creativity was growing at such a speed. He also referred to how WIPO was helping member countries to deal with these problems.

    The session was moderated by Saikrishna & Associates partner Ameet Dutta. The panelists were Motion Picture Association of America Asia Pacific VP regional legal counsel Michael Schlesinger, Star India senior VP legal and regulatory Pulak Bagchi and Zee Network president legal and regulatory affairs Avnindra Mohan.

    Dutta said the focus of the context in digital India has shifted from copyrights to user rights. This underlines the challenges that intellectual property faces. The question that he posed before the panelists was where India stood on the world map in terms of economics.

    Schlesinger said: “India is a mine of creativity. This is evident with the number of features films, television channels or other platforms available in India. Our existence will depend on a surge of creativity and invention. India is maximizing its potential but has to find a place on the global map. For example, India showed total box office collection of $2.5 million in 2015 while China had $6.5 million and US had $11.1 million. These figures clearly show that just making products or content in India will not help until India can acquire international content as well. India has to maximize a lot of things like job creations, movie screenings etc.”

    Mohan shared the scenario about the regulatory environment in India. “For the broadcasting sector, there is no copyright at all since 2003. It is always user rights. In India, the content producers and broadcasters are same to the extent of 90 per cent unlike US. If a distributor comes to you, you have to provide content on non-discriminatory basis with equal prices irrespective of the size. This is the only sector where a broadcaster is asked to provide its content with prices frozen in 2003. I am forced to give my content to the distributors at a frozen price.”

    Bagchi generally agreed with Mohan and said with the challenges faced by the entire sector, the impact of regulatory laws on channels and the challenges faced by broadcasters cannot be neglected. “Consumers are our kings. I agree with Mohan about the prices being frozen since 2003. Imagine what would happen if the Indian government asks Bill Gates to sell all the Microsoft versions and its tools today on the prices that were relevant in 2003,” said Bagchi. He stressed that this was one reason why international parties hesitate on investing in Indian IPs, and the archaic guidelines and regulations prevent the growth of intellectual property.

    For a session that was aimed at how one can survive the digital divide, it ended with the panelists agreeing on the importance of having sectoral regulations in sync with the copyright laws. This will also retain the India IPR regime with the best practices in the field of intellectual property rights.

  • Zindagi tackles marital relationships and discord in two new series

    Zindagi tackles marital relationships and discord in two new series

    MUMBAI: Two new shows, Arranged Marraige and Teri Berukhi are being premiered this month on Zee Network’s Zindagi channel’s presentation towards content based on day-to-day situations.

    Arranged Marriage will be premiered on 11 March at 6:10 pm and will go on air every Monday toSaturday.

    It is the narration of a one sided love of a girl Roshanay who gets into an arranged marriage with Ahmed and the challenges that she faces in this relationship as he does not reciprocate her feelings. The story evoke various emotions be it love, hate, anger, compassion and envy.

    ‘Arranged Marriage’ stars Sidra Batool, Neelam Muneer, Saleem Miairaj, Sheheryar Zaidi, Ismat Zaidi and Agha Ali.

    Teri Berukhi will go on air every day Monday to Saturday at 9 pm from the same date.

    A story of marital discord of Numair and Aleena that will take the spectator on a journey of emotional turmoil, expectations and hope that invariably becomes part of married life, the series delves into real relationship issues and how life comes to a full circle with matrimony.

  • Zindagi tackles marital relationships and discord in two new series

    Zindagi tackles marital relationships and discord in two new series

    MUMBAI: Two new shows, Arranged Marraige and Teri Berukhi are being premiered this month on Zee Network’s Zindagi channel’s presentation towards content based on day-to-day situations.

    Arranged Marriage will be premiered on 11 March at 6:10 pm and will go on air every Monday toSaturday.

    It is the narration of a one sided love of a girl Roshanay who gets into an arranged marriage with Ahmed and the challenges that she faces in this relationship as he does not reciprocate her feelings. The story evoke various emotions be it love, hate, anger, compassion and envy.

    ‘Arranged Marriage’ stars Sidra Batool, Neelam Muneer, Saleem Miairaj, Sheheryar Zaidi, Ismat Zaidi and Agha Ali.

    Teri Berukhi will go on air every day Monday to Saturday at 9 pm from the same date.

    A story of marital discord of Numair and Aleena that will take the spectator on a journey of emotional turmoil, expectations and hope that invariably becomes part of married life, the series delves into real relationship issues and how life comes to a full circle with matrimony.