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  • The Nirvana Digital YouTube Content Creators Network eyes a market share of the 800 million unique user visits to YouTube each month

    Now, a YouTube ‘Content Creators Network’ for India

    By A Correspondent

     

    Nirvana Digital, a leading creator and distributor of audio and video content across Internet and mobile platforms, has launched a “YouTube Content Creators Network” that will start the creation of original content as well as the distribution of produced video content from the Indian market across YouTube channels.

     

    Through this network, Nirvana Digital aims to capitalise on the exploding power of YouTube, which at current estimations is around 800 million monthly unique user visits across the globe, and a staggering 30 million inIndiaitself.

     

    Nirvana Digital’s new YouTube Content Creators Network provides an opportunity ranging from individuals to large organisations. The network will enable them to upload content for immediate distribution, monetization and direction of traffic.

     

    The potential for “talent” to tap into YouTube inIndiais immense as YouTube is emerging as the first global TV station. It has committed $100 million to 96 new video channels and has recruited topHollywoodtalent to produce content.

     

    Nirvana Digital specialises in the distribution of movies, music videos, documentaries, web shows, news, gossip, and has already established itself as the distributor of top quality Bollywood and mainstream content.

     

    In the words of Pinakin Thakkar, Founder, Nirvana Digital: “The digital platform is large enough globally for video creators to still have their fame and recognition, and we are here to help creators and content owners push content to a global audience while earning immediate revenue from their videos.”

     

    He added: “YouTube, which delivers one out of every three online videos viewed (according to ComScore), has become an increasingly important distribution channel for content creators, established media companies and advertisers. As the demand for quality digital content grows across the world, Nirvana Digital is keen to create brands out of video creators inIndia, monetize them anddrive traffic to them from its existing networkof millions of views.”

     

    Nirvana Digital will also help independent video producers capitalise on the YouTube revolution to create content which receives direct feedback from audiences across the world. The model brings together different individuals, gives them support and infrastructure to collaborate and build audiences around their content across various distribution channels. Towards this end, Nirvana Digital provides their own specialized web video studio at Peddar road in South Mumbai with green screens, high end cameras (Canon 5D MKII) and lighting facilities. They also have a dedicated team who to help with the technical aspect of encoding, uploading and promoting videos, as well as animators for videos that may benefit with CGI.

     

  • bindass®, India's leading youth brand, is all set to introduce the 9th season of Beg Borrow Steal

    Bindass to unveil Season 9 of Beg Borrow Steal

    By A Correspondent

     

    Finding your way through an unknown destination is difficult, but if you are in a foreign country and the language is alien, it gets even tougher? Ever wondered, what would it be like to be stranded in an unknown international land, with no clue on the language and with absolutely no money in your pockets! Sounds’ terrifying isn’t it?

     

    And yet, Aaliyah, is all set to do precisely the same thing in the brand new season of Beg Borrow Steal – The Thai Way!

     

    bindass(R), India’s leading youth brand, is all set to introduce the 9th season of Beg Borrow Steal which witness Aaliyah dodging through the floating market, Chinese Temple and Thai villages.

     

    As the shows goes international for the first time, Nikhil Gandhi, Executive Director, Youth Channels – Media networks Disney UTV said: “BBS has been an absolute hit with the audiences, which is what has prompted us to come back with the 9th season. Our aim is to always offer our viewers with something new so that we keep evolving the seasons and this time we are back with yet another twist.”

     

    Commenting on the new season of Beg Borrow Steal, Aaliyah said: “What’s interesting about Beg Borrow Steal is that every season this show comes up with new challenges and new destinations. With an international destination, I am expecting the journey to be far more difficult and challenging.”

     

  • BMB India is the advertising unit of Madison World, a diversified communication group

    BMB wins 2 Hamilton brands – Treo And Milton

    By A Correspondent

     

    BMB India, a 50:50 JV between Trevor Beattie’s BMB and Madison World has won the Hamilton account. Prabha Prabhu, CEO, BMB India said: “We pitched for one, but won 2 brands of Hamilton Houseware P Ltd – Milton and Treo. In June, when I had the creative team in place with Raj Nair as the creative head, I decided to contact our old client Hamilton. We made a Strategy and Creative presentation for the brand Treo Glassware. Work for the 2 brands will start immediately since both the brands become very active during the festive season. I am glad to be associated with Milton once again.” Both Milton and Treo are the flagship brands of Hamilton Houseware Pvt Ltd.

     

    This win comes hot on the heels of the recent account win of Leapfrog Holidays. BMB India is the advertising unit of Madison World, a diversified communication group with 22 units across 9 specialized functions of Advertising, Media, PR, Out-of-Home, Rural, Retail, Entertainment, Mobile, Events and Sports; employing over 900 communication professionals across cities in India, Sri Lanka and Thailand.

     

     

  • Docs+ is a new weekly series on the channel which will showcase powerful documentaries on global issues

    NDTV Profit to spotlight social & environmental issues

    By A Correspondent

     

    NDTV Profit’s Docs + is back with a new documentary featuring ‘Earth Focus’. The documentary is produced by Raisa Scriabine and will aim to put a human face on pressing environmental issues in South Asia.

     

    Speaking on why there is a need to have such shows, the spokesperson for the channel said: “It is important to raise awareness on vital subjects that focus on key social or environmental issues in India, like child marriage, farmer suicides, water privatization, sustainable agriculture, female foeticide and trafficking of women.”

     

    ‘Earth Focus’ will investigate the relationship between human consumption and sustainable production methods in various regions of India, including Ladakh and the Sunderbans in Bangladesh. With soaring food prices, a growing population and changing climate, modern food production has to be commercially viable and involve sound environmental practices.

     

    Docs+ is a new weekly series on the channel which will showcase powerful documentaries on global issues. The channel is expecting a good response from viewers as it feels that such issues are in the limelight now and people are ready to learn about them.

     

    The show will go on air on August 11 at 10pm and will be repeated at 5pm on Sundays.

     

  • Mandate aimed at increasing concept awareness and market penetration

    LifeCell appoints Edelman for PR

    By A Correspondent

     

    LifeCell International, India’s largest stem cell bank, announced its decision to appoint Edelman as its PR partner to handle LifeCell’s public relations and media mandate.

     

    Founded in 2004, LifeCell was the first to bring the revolutionary concept of umbilical cord stem cell banking to India and with over 50,000 parents who have chosen to preserve their baby’s umbilical cord stem cells with LifeCell; the company retains its significant market leadership. LifeCell has a pan- India presence, providing its services in over 100 towns and cities in India.

     

    Edelman’s mandate is to raise public awareness about stem cell banking, improve understanding about the concept of stem cell banking amongst consumers and medical professionals, increase media visibility for LifeCell and highlight the company’s offerings and leadership position in the industry.

     

    Commenting on this partnership Mr Ravi Shankar, Head – Corporate Communications & Marketing, LifeCell International said: “LifeCell is poised for high growth in the coming months and is in need of a PR partner who will fuel this trajectory by increasing the concept and brand awareness of stem cell banking in the market. We are pleased to join hands with Edelman in our growth phase. We are confident of leveraging Edelman’s expertise and pan- India presence to create awareness about the importance of stem cell banking and to highlight LifeCell’s role, unique offerings and significant leadership in the area of stem cell. Edelman India’s expertise in the healthcare & consumer space and thorough understanding of our business helped us reach this unanimous decision to appoint them as our PR partners.”

     

    To further enhance awareness, LifeCell partnered Lisa Ray, who had undergone successful stem cell therapy for treatment of blood cancer. LifeCell’s association with Edelman is intended towards further penetrating the market through higher levels of market education and awareness.

     

    Robert Holdheim, Managing Director, Edelman India said: “LifeCell International is a pioneer in the field of stem cell banking in India and we are delighted to be associated with them. This win has cemented our position as leaders in healthcare communications in India. Stem Cell banking and research has enormous scope in the field of regenerative medicine. We hope to help LifeCell maintain and expand their position as leaders in the field of stem cell banking and research in India and globally”.

     

     

  • He will head planning for South and South East Asia

    Dheeraj Sinha to head planning @ Grey

    Dheeraj Sinha

    By A Correspondent

     

    Dheeraj Sinha has joined Grey India as consultant and will head planning for South and South East Asia. His last stint was with Bates India where he was Regional Planning Director, Asia.

     

    Commenting on Mr Sinha’s appointment, Jishnu Sen, President & CEO, Grey India said: “I have been looking for a planning partner – someone to lead the strategic thinking of our team for a few months now. I have been a huge fan of Dheeraj’s for a while, his reputation precedes him. His work and awards are a testimony to his prowess. So when Dheeraj started his consultancy, we became his client. I can confirm that Grey has taken him on as a consultant and we look forward to this exciting partnership.”

     

    Before joining Bates in 2005, Mr Sinha had worked with McCann Erickson and EURO RSCG in India. An alumnus of Delhi University and MICA, Sinha has worked on the brand strategy for several multinational and Indian brands, including Fiat, Virgin Mobile, MasterCard, LG, Reckitt Benckiser, TVS Motorcycles, Max Bupa, Marico, Dabur, and Cavin Kare.

     

    Talking about his appointment, Mr Sinha said: “I feel a great sense of energy and determination about the people at Grey. In all my interactions with Jishnu, Amit and Malvika, it looked that we can play as a team to create some magical work. The focus on creating sparkling work comes from the regional and global leadership which is critical for success. So when they proposed a longer term role, it felt like the right thing to do.”

     

    His specialties includes understanding Indian consumer, Youth marketing, Small town India, Technology adoption, Cultural change, Brand journey, Shopper marketing, Brand extensions, New brand launch as well as Business opportunity mapping.

     

    Last year, Mr Sinha launched his first book, ‘Consumer India: Inside the Indian Mind and Wallet’. He has also authored a chapter – ‘Bridging Gaps – Retail in the Emerging Indian Market’ – in the book, Shopper Marketing. He has spoken on topics related to the Indian consumer at the Esomar Asia Pacific Conference, the Global Youth Marketing Forum, and the Asian Marketing Effectiveness Festival.

     

  • 11 prime time matches from Aug 22-Sep 2; Defending Champions India aim for hat-trick

    Neo Prime bags Nehru Cup Football

    By A Correspondent

     

    Neo Sports has been announced as the exclusive broadcast partner for the Nehru Cup football tournament. The biennial international invitational tournament, which has been organized by the AIFF since 1982, will kick off on August 22 and run till September 2.

     

    Defending champions and two-time winners India will be gunning for a hat-trick of titles and will be up against Maldives, Syria, Nepal and African power houses Cameroon in a 10-match round robin league followed by the final between the top 2 teams.

     

    Prasana Krishnan, COO-Neo Sports Broadcast Pvt Ltd said: “Neo Sports has added yet another key event to our extensive football line up with Nehru Cup. TV ratings for football in India are growing exponentially, evident with the success of UEFA EURO 2012 on Neo Prime. With Nehru Cup being India’s only international football tournament, it is sure to garner high viewership. We look forward to serving Indian football fans with top class coverage of this celebrated event.”

     

    Ashu Jindal, COO-IMG Reliance said: “With 2012 being the Platinum Jubilee of the AIFF (All India Football Federation) and India returning as defending champions, we are extremely pleased to partner with Neo Sports for the broadcast of this historic edition of the Nehru Cup. This is a key tournament in our vision to radically restructure and popularize football in India. With double the prize money and an extensive production plan, the event will be bigger and grander.”

     

  • This year the challenge was to instill confidence into the property promise of big savings at a time when persistent inflation was dampening consumer spending

    Big Bazaar’s new Mahabachat campaign

    By A Correspondent

     

    [youtube width=”400″ height=”220″]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O-bo9pTou5I[/youtube]

    Big Bazaar is the pioneer of organized retailing in India and has been successful in creating many new consumption occasions, which offer unbeatable value to the Indian middle class. One of such landmark properties is Mahabachat, which has been designed to spur consumption around the Independence Day holiday.

     

    This year the challenge was to instill confidence into the property promise of big savings at a time when persistent inflation was dampening consumer spending.

     

    The consumer reality revealed that they harbored a sense of helplessness towards inflation, with no solution in sight. Over the years, the effect of inflation had moved beyond the kitchen to oil prices, fashion, education and entertainment, leading to an increase in the cost of living. At the same time consumer aspirations were also on the rise, resulting in an overall state of dissatisfaction.

     

    As a solution to the current consumer angst, they empowered their consumers with a concrete solution of Mahabachat. The resolve of victory on inflation by participating in Mahabachat was brought alive through the optimistic call to action- mehengai par halla bol. The TVC worked to build an atmosphere of collective hope and confidence. The campaign was supported by TV, print, radio, outdoor and digital medium.

     

    Chief Creative Officer: Sonal Dabral

    Office Head: Rajiv Sabnis

    Creative Head: Vinayak Nayak, Anand Karir

    Creative Copy: Neh Rathi, Anand Karir and Fazal Syed

    Creative Art: Binal Parikh Gharat, Sunil Petkar

    Account Planning: Amit Kekre, Gitanjali Saxena

    Account Management: Sanjay Panday, Rajiv Wadhwa, Makarand Gholba, Abhay Bhonsle

    Films: Mahen Solanki

    Production House: Whodunit Films

    Director: Sujay Shetty

     

  • Pankaj Vassal has been appointed as Vice President (Regional Business Head – West and East) and working closely with him will be Neeti Virmani, Station Head, Mumbai

    Big FM makes two new appointments

    By a Correspondent

     

    Rabe T Iyer

    Reliance Broadcast Network Ltd. (RBNL) announced the appointments of two business heads at BIG FM. Pankaj Vassal has been appointed as Vice President (Regional Business Head – West and East) and will report to Rabe T Iyer, Business Head, BIG FM. He will be responsible for business growth and overall P&L for the business vertical. Working closely with him will be Neeti Virmani, Station Head, Mumbai and helping ensure revenue targets are met. The duo as a team are all set to ensure the targets are met and floor is set to usher phase III of the radio revolution.

     

    Rabe T Iyer, Business Head, BIG FM said: “In our continuing quest to constantly bring more of the “Outside” In, we are happy to have two very talented associates join us in critical positions. Both Vassal and Virmani come with vast experience in driving revenue, operations and execution in different but relevant ecosystems. Their depth and width of business understanding will not only build better ROI, but also build a higher listener affinity for our large network of stations.  I wish them the very best.”

     

    Mr Vassal’s key focus area will be to grow the radio business – expanding the West and East Zones of the network from the revenue point of view. He is said to bring with him close to 15 years of experience. Mr Vassal has worked across organizations like Amway, Motorola, Asian Paints and Essel Packaging wherein he is said to have been instrumental in growing the business and leading improvements in areas such as gross margins and profitability while growing new markets.

     

    Pankaj Vassal said: “I feel incredibly proud and excited to have joined a growing and vibrant organization like RBNL at a time when it is transitioning into a media giant. I respect the vision and culture of the organization, and look forward to taking on new challenges and to contributing towards helping RBNL reach greater heights.”

     

    Working closely with Vassal will be Neeti Virmani, who joins as Station Head for Mumbai, who brings close to 14 years of varied experience across General Management, Marketing and Sales at Mass Consumer focused organizations like Aircel, Pepsi, Airtel, Aptech and STG Ltd. As Station Head, her role will involve – managing overall business and operations of the Mumbai Station while managing the P&L, by driving functions including sales, programming, and marketing. Her key forte is said to include driving growth and share blueprint through market insights and in driving business through large teams.

     

    Neeti Virmani said: “I am delighted to have joined the dynamic RBNL family. The world of multi-media entertainment has fascinated me and I am eager to the take up this challenging role, and learn and contribute to the best of my ability.”

     

  • Asia's leading fantasy football game kicks off new BPL Season with US$25,000 in cash prizes

    ESPN Star searches for Asia’s ultimate football manager!

    By A Correspondent

     

    ESPN STAR Sports kicks off the 2012-13 Barclays Premier League season in search of Asia’s ultimate ESPNSTAR.com Football Manager. Following the phenomenal success of last season which saw 46 per cent increase in unique players across Asia, ESPN STAR Sports will be giving football fans the chance to win a share of US$25,000 in cash prizes playing this seasons’ ESPNSTAR.com Football Manager.

     

    The grand prize winner, who accumulates the most number of points in the season, will walk away with US$10,000. A monthly prize of US $1,000 for the player that scores the most number of points is also up for grabs.

     

    This year Football Manager participants will get the opportunity to compete against resident ESPN STAR Sports football experts and presenters. Participants will find themselves pitting their skills against familiar names such as former Liver pool player Steve McMahon, and football experts such as Andrew Leci, Doug Chalmers, Jamie Reeves, Paul Parker and Paul Masefield. Participants will also be able to challenge ESPN STAR Sports’ Sports Center presenters Steve Dawson, Christy Simson, Jason de la Pena and Colette Wong.

     

    In addition, participants will now also be able to bring their passion to the next level, as ESPNSTAR.com Football Manager has been optimised for mobile and tablet devices, allowing participants to manage their teams whenever and wherever they choose.

     

     

  • The virtual temple on the Ramayan Facebook page is a re-creation of the Ram Durbar showcasing Lord Rama, Lakshman and Sita with Hanuman

    Zee TV creates ‘virtual temple’ for Ramayan

    By A Correspondent

     

    Zee TV’s latest salvo in the cyber-competitive world of social networking websites is an innovative ‘virtual temple’ on the Facebook page of its new mythological show, ‘Ramayan’.

     

    The virtual temple holds the promise of a few moments of daily spiritual solace for netizens. The imagery, the colors and the music used have a calming effect and can easily transport a devotee to a harmonious, divine space. Packaged beautifully, the temple is a re-creation of the Ram Durbar showcasing Lord Rama, Lakshman and Sita with Lord Hanuman. The temple has unique features that let them ring the bell, light a diya, play a choice of aartis, shower flowers and smear haldi kumkum on the deities, break a coconut and even rotate the aarti ki thali!

     

    In the coming days, Zee TV also plans to create a mobile application that will make the virtual temple available to smartphone users and let them interact with ‘Ramayan’ through aartis and chaupaayis.

     

    The launch of the virtual Ram Mandir comes in the wake of the launch of new mythological series ‘Ramayan’ which went on air on Sunday, August 12 on Zee TV and Doordarshan.

     

  • Having completed a year, Brunch Quarterly has been renamed Brunch Q. The magazine will take on a new and improved format with each issue created around a special theme

    New name, look for HT’s Brunch Quarterly

    By A Correspondent

     

    HT Media Limited (HTML) has unveiled the new avatar of its magazine Brunch Quarterly.  Having completed a year, Brunch Quarterly has been renamed Brunch Q. The magazine will take on a new and improved format with each issue created around a special theme. Brunch Q seeks to help readers in their ‘Quest for the Good Life!’

     

    Poonam Saxena, Editor, Brunch Q, commented on the revamp, “With the Brunch Quarterly completing one successful year of publication the time was right to give our growing reader base something more punchy and exciting.  The revamped magazine hits the stands with an eclectic collection of stories and features – the equivalent of an unputdownable book.  There’s Aamir (Khan) and Sunny Leone like never before, plus a special Wellness section and a guide to portable gadgets. We are planning to continue this new format in the following issues with a wide variety of interesting and engaging content making each issue of Brunch Q a collector’s special.”

     

    The 140-pager Brunch Q will retail at newsstands for Rs 100. The first issue under this new format, August-October 2012, has a special segment on wellness covering spas, tips from celebrity dietitians and trainers, a story on organic and healthier alternatives to everyday food items plus a feature on Yoga.

     

    The revamped magazine comes in a larger format (22.5wX29.5h) and the paper and production quality has also been kept on par with the best international magazines.

     

    Rajan Bhalla, Head – Corporate Marketing and Magazines, HT Media said, “We decided to give Brunch Quartely a makeover for the benefit of our readers. With over 31.53* Lakh readers who enjoy HT Brunch every Sunday, the demand for Brunch Q is high among the targeted SEC A & A+ segments and it is most popular among the 25 -45-year age bracket. We wanted to give our readers, who are progressive, smart and well read, a sharper, wittier and more exciting experience. We have improved the design and added new content complemented with international print quality. We are certain that Brunch Q will be embraced by our readers.”

     

    Approximately 1.25 lakh copies of Brunch Q will be circulated on newsstands each quarter, across the country. The magazine will be heavily promoted in HT Media Group properties such as Hindustan Times, Fever 104 FM and Mint. The Brunch Weekly, circulated with Hindustan Times on the weekend, however, will remain same.