MxMIndia

Category: Digital

  • The company has plans to create and deliver original multimedia content

    Mini Menon, Alok Nair & Akshay Chavan launch niche digital content platform with Indy Network

    By A Correspondent

     

    After nearly two decades of being associated with leading television networks, Mini Menon and Alok Nair have announced the launch of Indy Network Pvt Ltd. The company has plans to create and deliver original multimedia content. Akshay Chavan who specialises in technology has also joined the enterprise as a co-founder. Over the next few months, Indy Network will work with other key partners and passionate young talent who will help create the first of its kind offering, notes a communiqué.

     

    “It is time to break through the clutter and bring together the finest minds and create the best in class content”, added Menon who is co-founder and Editor of Indy Network.

     

    Said Co-founder and CEO Alok Nair: We believe the infotainment space will see a huge growth in the next few years and Indy Network shall be a key contributor.” The spirit of our enterprise is collaboration, Nair added indicating that the company is looking at partnering content creators and possibly other platforms.

     

  • The campaign aims at bringing positive change to Mumbai and its infrastructure

    Digital L&K Saatchi & Saatchi conceptualises social campaign on online medium

    By A Correspondent

     

    This Independence Day, one message that was trending on the internet was the one conceptualised by Digital L&K Saatchi & Saatchi in association with Mumbai based NGO, Free A Billion. Titled ‘The Boy Who Will Not Stand For The National Anthem’, this simple video caught attention with it’s unique title and also it’s message. It was the touching story of Prakash, the young 16 year-old who lost his life last year because of a pothole.

     

    The aim of Free A Billion is to turn India’s commercial capital into the city it should be. The NGO aims to mobilise the Municipal Corporation, the State Government and the Central Government into taking action to halt the rapid decay of the city.

     

    Free A Billion’s strategy to rebuild the broken system is the Swatantra vote bank, and the film ends with urging citizens to unite and vote and therefore take the first step towards bringing positive change to Mumbai and its infrastructure.

     

    Aarti Samant, Associate Director – Planning & Strategy, Digital L&K | Saatchi & Saatchi said, “Free A Billion approached us with a clearly defined problem that of basic civil rights. We all face these issues in our day to day lives but more often then not fail to pay heed. We wanted this to become a peoples movement and therefore it was imperative to tell a true story. The campaign is not just meant for shares and hits but to give every mumbaikar a reality check. A reality check that would appeal to his conscience and drive him to take action.”

     

    For this purpose, the two organisations got in touch with Mr. and Mrs. Bilhore, the parents of Prakash. Via a simple, but hard hitting video, Digital L&K Saatchi & Saatchi along with Free A Billion decided to tell the story of how he will not stand up for the National Anthem this year along with the rest of us.

     

    Anoorupa Bose, Associate Creative Director, Digital L&K | Saatchi & Saatchi said, “This Independence Day, when people stand up for the national anthem, we wanted them to remember victims like Prakash who would not be standing with us. To realise that it’s not just government inefficiency, but our indifference that contributes to our broken system.”

     

    Charles Victor, National Creative Director, Digital L&K | Saatchi & Saatchi said, “We were very clear that we needed to be sensitive, not sensational. With communication like this, it’s easy to make it unecessarily dramatic and emotional. We didn’t need to. The theme and the story of Prakash were emotional enough. We were glad his parents actually held themselves together on this emotional shoot without breaking down like they did the previous day. In the end, we do hope we’ve helped in some small way to move people into action.”

     

  • The arrangement with AudioBoom will provide Saavn account holders across 196 countries with access to various podcasts

    AudioBoom partners Saavn for content distribution

    By A Correspondent

     

    AudioBoom seeks to increase its distribution and monetization of on-demand audio content through a new partnership with Saavn, India’s leading multimedia entertainment streaming platform.

     

    The arrangement with AudioBoom will provide Saavn account holders across 196 countries with access to podcasts such as The Comedy Score, Hip Hop Saved My Life with Romesh Ranganathan, The Cricket Podblast, The Football Forum, Undisclosed, and Walsh on Film among others.

     

    “This is another step in Saavn’s journey to grow beyond music,” said Gaurav Wadhwa, Vice President of Originals and Entertainment at Saavn. “Partnering with AudioBoom has enabled us to continue to provide exciting audio shows to our consumers across sports, true crime and entertainment.”

     

    Since establishing their Mumbai office in spring 2015, AudioBoom has signed content partnerships with broadcasters BBC India and Red FM along with podcasts Bollywood is for Lovers and Bollywood Project. The deal with Saavn will boost AudioBoom’s engagement of on-demand content consumers throughout South Asia.

     

    “The partnership with Saavn was finalized just as AudioBoom reached a milestone of one billion plays worldwide,” said Head of India Operations, Aditya Kuber. “With Saavn’s help we’ll be able to monetize and distribute our top podcasts and on-demand audio content, reaching the millions of listeners who don’t use iTunes and Google Play.”

     

  • The agency is set to establish digital media presence and social media marketing for the group's signature brand RR Kabel

    Liqvd Asia to handle digital & marketing for RR Kabel

    By A Correspondent

     

    LIQVD ASIA has won the digital mandate for RR Global in a multi-agency pitch. LIQVD ASIA will take care of all its digital media and marketing mandate. The multi-agency pitch was held over a period of two months with nine different agencies meeting the managing team of RR Group and presenting their respective strategies.

     

    The agency is set to establish digital media presence and social media marketing for the group’s signature brand RR Kabel. A leading wire & cable company in the world, RR Kabel is the pioneer of wire design, technology & application. RR Kabel has flourished being a part of RR Global, in the manufacturing of wires & cables & other electrical consumer durable products business.

     

    Kirti Kabra

    Kirti Kabra, Director, RR Kabel said “Our requirement for bringing a digital agency on board was driven by our desire to be digitally right. We realized that with our purpose across 73 countries, we had to keep not just the products but the business as well relevant to the changing times. Among the various agencies that we met, LIQVD ASIA provided the most germane approach that met our business objectives. LIQVD ASIA has impressed us with their experienced core senior members and the youthful team that will support our aspirations.”

     

     

    Arnab Mitra

    Speaking about the development, Arnab Mitra, Managing Director, LIQVD ASIA says, “RR Group has been one of the most flourishing business houses in the country and a brand that touches almost every household. For us, associating with a brand having penetration as wide as them is certainly a matter of pride.  We are here to ensure digital media gives the much needed last mile connect with the consumer which until now has been missing.”

     

    Rashmi Putcha, Co-founder, LIQVD ASIA says “Winning the account for RR makes a very interesting case for us as we are looking forward to the digital amplification of the brand over next few months.”

     

  • The global awards are aimed at recognizing and rewarding the brands and agencies who #GoLive best

    Twitter announces first annual Twitter Awards

    By A Correspondent

     

    Twitter has announced the first annual Twitter Awards to recognize and celebrate the amazing creative work of ad clients all over the world. The current advertising landscape is thriving with various innovative, imaginative, and exciting activities on Twitter. The Awards are an attempt to recognize the advertisers who have risen above the competition over the past year.

     

    Twitter will be capturing the awesome work in six categories- with one gold, two silvers, and three bronze prizes handed out for each category:

    :: The #Live award recognizes the campaigns that best used Twitter to connect with people live during events, television, and global moments. Because everyone wants to talk about what’s happening now.

    :: The #Impact award recognizes the campaigns that rode their thoughtful strategies all the way to sweet ROI results.

    :: The #Creativity award recognizes the boundless creativity and shoot-for-the-moon innovation that flourishes on Twitter.

    :: The #Scale award celebrates the campaigns that generated worldwide awareness and engagement, and had major cultural impact. In other words, the campaigns that rocked the globe.

    :: The #Customer award celebrates businesses that excelled at using Twitter for customer service and made loyal friends for life by treating their customers like, well, family.

    :: The #Growth award recognizes small businesses that used Twitter Ads to grow, expand, and spread their wings.

     

    In addition to major bragging rights, award winners may receive a coveted award perfect for mantels or glass cases, recognition on Twitter and/or marketing.twitter.com, Twitter Flight School, as well as a special digital presence at Twitter headquarters. The panel of judges includes industry experts and executives from agencies, brands, and other esteemed professionals who are pioneers in the arena of advertising.

     

    The submission deadline is 23th September 2016, and the results are scheduled to be announced on 10th November 2016

     

  • Spends to be focused on a 360° connect with users

    Snapdeal ready with big-budget marketing plan for the festive season

    By A Correspondent

     

    In the run up to Diwali, Snapdeal announced that it will be spending more than Rs 200 Crores on a 360 degree marketing campaign over the next 60 days.

     

    The new campaign will be launched next month on TV, YouTube, print, digital and social media and will also be seen outdoors on billboards and external installations. It is designed to drive traffic and increase consumer awareness about the exciting festive season offers that will be hosted by brand partners and lakhs of sellers on Snapdeal.

     

    Kanika Kalra, Vice President Marketing at Snapdeal said, “We are very excited about our new marketing campaign because it will create immense consumer connect and will also help consumers pick and choose the best products and offers for them. Diwali is the most relevant shopping season in India and we have decided to leverage this opportunity to strengthen our distinct position in consumers’ mind. It is not just advertising, but our whole ecosystem is gearing for the season. Our platform and logistics are geared to handle huge surges as India gets into the festive spirit, while our sellers are readying their stocks to offer the best assortment and choices to our consumers”.

     

    Key members of Snapdeal leadership team spent over a week travelling the across country meeting both users and prospective users in cities like Mumbai, Delhi, Kolkata, Chennai, Guwahati, Bhopal, Rajkot, Nagpur, Madurai to truly understand what really matters to them. The campaign is based on insights drawn from these meetings.

     

    The marketing investments, while timed with the festive season, are also part of a longer term effort to create a distinctive positioning for Snapdeal. With more than 50 million products and services on its platform, Snapdeal is fast expanding its offerings to serve most of the daily consumption needs for millions of users in metros, cities and towns across India.

     

  • To make cross-border transactions smooth, PayPal launches 'New Money', PayPal.me along with report about millennials (+ video interview with Anupam Pahuja)

    PayPal gets on overdrive

     

    By Anuka Roy

     

    Video Interview by Santosh Jangid

     

    PayPal in partnership with IPSOS launched the PayPal Cross Border 2015 Millennial report on Wednesday. Backed by the findings of this report and the focus on the millennial segment, PayPal India launched ‘New Money’- PayPal’s vision for money, payments and commerce that paves the way forward for its consumers and merchants in India and PayPal.me, a personalised option for merchants to receive cross-border payments.

     

    The PayPal and IPSOS Cross Border 2015 Millennials report evaluates the online and cross-border shopping habits of over 23,000 internet users across 29 countries including interviews of 517 millennials in India. The research maps the evolution of online cross border commerce among Indian millennials. It identifies factors that drive the age group of 18-34 to buy across the border, the problems faced by them and their approach towards making international payments online.

     

    “We just conducted a research over many countries around the world including India. Focus of the research was on buyer behaviour of the millennial generation. We found some fascinating results from this report. Broadly speaking, they fall in to three key categories. The first thing we found out that millennial generation in India is extremely bold. They are willing to shop anywhere around the world not necessarily just in India. They are willing to shop in any language. The second area that we identified, that was quite revealing was that this generation is quite tech savvy, they want to shop using mobile phones and tablets. They do not necessarily shop just at home on their computers. Final thing that came across to us was they are not only bold and tech savvy but extremely smart. 84 to 89 % of the cases they are using PayPal as a way to make it happen. It makes sense because PayPal is the only global player that can establish trust across geographies and countries, therefore, they chose to use Pay Pal,” said, Anupam Pahuja, the recently appointed Country Manager and Managing Director, PayPal India on the report.

     

    Making online payments has emerged to be one of the most important aspects of cross border purchases. Being a generation that thrives on options, this generation prefers having the choice to pay in a currency of their choice. Keeping the same in mind, PayPal will soon roll out a series of promotions and programs for millennials to experience how New Money means no boundaries.

     

    PayPal also announced the launch of PayPal.me for business. PayPal.me is a new business feature, which allows receiving payment via the click of a link in a convinient and personalised way, backed by PayPal’s platform.Pahuja at the press conference said he wants a businessman from Dharavi to a person selling handicrafts in Jaipur to have a smooth business transaction using this platform. But even today there is the nagging issue of internet connectivity in our country, how does this new platform address that? “We do have connectivity issues in India. Whether it is 3G systems or computers at home, the connectivity is always an issue. But one thing I do know about India is we are a very enterprising company, where there is a will, we will find a way. And, for those of us who found this way, we have seen our cross border business grow significantly in India. What we are finding is one out of three dollars that is exported by Indians overseas in the B2C e-commerce spaces over PayPal and the businesses are growing phenomenal for us. So, we are finding our ways around it. I believe the person sitting in Jodhpur making handicrafts or the person in Surat or Dharavi has an ability to sell not only to their local areas through brokers but directly to consumers anywhere in the world. PayPal is the only company in the world that I believe can make it possible,” said Pahuja

     

  • India to be the first country in the world to launch the app

    BBC partners with Colors to unveil popular mobile game

    By A Correspondent

     

    To celebrate the new season of Jhalak Dikhhla Jaa, the Indian version of the popular BBC property ‘Dancing with the Stars’, BBC Worldwide and Colors have partnered with games developer Exient Limited, to create Jhalak Dikhhla Jaa: The Official Game for mobile platforms in India.

     

    India is the first country in the world to be able to have access to the app that will bring the spectacle, drama and pure joy that is a night of glam and glitz in the palm of users’ hands. It will be available to the rest of the world in September 2016.

     

    The game allows fans to play as their own celebrity, inhabiting the glamorous celebrity world of the television show. Combining popular match-3 gameplay with popular elements of the show, Jhalak Dikhhla Jaa: The Official Game will give fans the game experience of seeing if they have what it takes to win the coveted in-game Glitterball trophy.

     

    Commenting on the launch of the game, Raj Nayak, CEO – Colors said: “Together Colors and BBC Worldwide have come up with a special something for the ardent fans of Jhalak Dikhhla Jaa, which is an incredible way to indulge in dance beyond just watching the show. It’s already the number one App on the IOS platform and we are thrilled that people are already hooked on to it.  It’s a fun app which will allow the player to participate in the show virtually, dress up to hit the stage, get scores from the judges and chase the glitter ball trophy. Jhalak Dikhhla Jaa has been one of our most entertaining properties and we are glad to be able to engage the viewers through the new media platforms.”

     

    Myleeta Aga, SVP and GM of BBC Worldwide, India, added: “We’ve been producing Jhalak for nine seasons now, and seen it grow from strength to strength each season. We are very pleased that India’s passionate fans will be the first in the world to have access to the exciting and entertaining Jhalak Dikhhla Jaamobile game.”

     

    Dave Hawkins, CEO Exient, commented: “We’re extremely excited and honoured to be a part of the massive success story that is Jhalak Dikhhla Jaa and our partnership with BBC Worldwide has resulted in a game that will break new boundaries.”

     

    The game is available on both iOS and Android devices and can be downloaded free from the App Store and Google Play store.

     

  • Yahoo Tiles enables brands to tell visually compelling and immersive stories on mobile devices in a post-tap environment

    Yahoo rolls out new mobile ad format ‘Tiles’ in India

    By A Correspondent

     

    Yahoo announced the availability of Yahoo Tiles, a new mobile ad format that brands can leverage to reach consumers through engaging, interactive content.

     

    Yahoo Tiles enables brands to tell visually compelling and immersive stories on mobile devices in a post-tap environment. When consumers click on a mobile ad, they are taken to a custom mobile landing page that can feature 360-degree video and images, as well as dynamic and interactive features such as video, swipeable images, and social feeds. With its lightweight design, Yahoo Tiles delivers a more engaging and seamless consumer experience for mobile native, video and display ads.

     

    Available for advertisers in India through Yahoo Gemini and BrightRoll, Yahoo Tiles ensures that brands tell a more creative and compelling story across Android and iOS devices. With time spent consuming media on mobile devices surpassing traditional TV, Yahoo is building advertising solutions that help marketers take advantage of this growth. Yahoo Tiles helps advertisers reach diverse audiences at scale, including more than 600 million mobile users on Yahoo and across our extended network. Brands can work with Yahoo’s ad creative tech team to build, support, and scale their mobile campaigns.

     

  • Free voice and roamining in India plus data at Rs 50 per GB has the makings of revolutinising the serving of video content

    M&E set to boom with Reliance Jio-led data thrust

     

    By A Correspondent

     

    It’s the last mile that matters. And it didn’t need any rocket science to appreciate that telecos will rule the next wave of media and entertainment across the world. But it needed the combination of vision and moneypower that Reliance Industries Chairman Mukesh Ambani has to realise the dreams of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s dream of a digital India.

     

    If you think we’ve turned symapathisers for either Reliance Industries or the ruling dispensation, let’s put it down loud and clear: we haven’t. However, we can’t deny that the September 1 announcement at the RIL AGM, announcing the launch of Reliance Jio is perhaps the most significant development in not just telecom, but also media and entertainment in recent years.

     

    Ambani’s move of making voice and roaming free of cost is a masterstroke. For the real battle is in data. As he said, it’s going to be datagiri from now on. Right now though, as he hinted in his address, he is experiencing some dadagiri from some other players in terms of voice interconnect.

     

    The Jio Welcome Offer will be effective from September 5.  As part of the Jio Welcome Offer, users will have access to unlimited LTE data and national voice, video and messaging services along with the full bouquet of Jio applications and conten, free-of-cost up to December 31, 2016. The company has filed its tariff plans with the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (“TRAI”).

     

    Ambani announced that domestic voice calls to any network across the country would be free for Jio subscribers even beyond the Jio Welcome Offer. Domestic roaming services would also not be charged separately. Average data prices would be around Rs. 50 per GB, which would be amongst the lowest in the world.

     

    The digital services business has been rolled out pan-India. In addition to fixed and wireless broadband connectivity offering voice and data services on an all-IP network, Jio will also offer end-to-end solutions that address the entire value chain across various digital services in key domains such as education, healthcare, security, communication, financial services, government-citizen interfaces and entertainment.

    Ambani spoke about the five fundamental pillars of the Jio ecosystem: (i) best quality

    broadband network with the highest capacity; (ii) A world of affordable, cutting-edge devices;

    (iii) Compelling applications and content; (iv) Superior digital service experiences; and

    (v) Affordable and simple tariffs.

    Ambani said that the key brand values for Jio included affordable, high quality and abundant data; connected intelligence; smart, simple and secure services; and bringing people together.

    He also announced the setting up of the Jio Digital India Start-up Fund. Jio will work on creating Jio Digital Entrepreneurship Hubs in key cities and towns of India. The Jio Digital India Startup Fund has set aside Rs 5000 crore to be invested over the next five years.

    AGM presentation slides

     

  • The agency rolled out the new communication for the brand on September 1, 2016

    DigitasLBi wins digital mandate for Orient Electric

    By A Correspondent

     

    Following a multi-agency pitch, DigitasLBi has bagged the digital mandate for Orient Electric, a market leader in the home electrical solutions industry. Being handled by agency’s Delhi office, the mandate involves developing a comprehensive communication strategy for Orient Electric and increasing its digital footprint across channels. The agency rolled out the new communication for the brand on September 1.

     

    In making the selection, AnshumanChakravarty, Head Branding & Corporate Communication, Orient Electric said, “We are excited about our association with DigitasLBi and see them as a perfect partner to lead our digital strategic initiatives. The way information is consumed nowadays has drastically changed with the sweeping digital transformation. We are confident that their thorough understanding of the digital landscape will help us achieve consistent branding and improved customer engagement in line with our business objectives.”

     

    Commenting on the business win, Vineet Singh – Client Partner, DigitasLBi said “Orient Electric has always brought smart solutions to its consumers via continued evolution. We at DigitasLBi are extremely excited to become a part of their journey and help augment their vision. Our insights, our proprietary tools and our strategic creative approach will help us enable Orient Electric to further develop an integrated approach towards reaching their consumers in the digital space.”

     

  • The #FarmDost community is perhaps the largest farmer-cause community in India

    #ThankYouTohBol campaign creates high buzz on social

    By A Correspondent

     

    The film has been conceptualised by Rediffuion Y&R, Chennai for TAFE (Tractors and Farm Equipment Limited) and presented by the TAFE’s Corporate Communications’ team. The campaign urges all to recognise the contribution of farmers so as to bring the invisible farming community back into our collective psyche.

     

    The #ThankYouTohBol campaign comes in the second phase of the #FarmDost initiative that kicked off in April of 2015 with now over 800,000 followers – or  #FarmDosts. The first phase of the campaign urged people to cultivate a one sqft farm. There was an extensive outreach in schools and other educational institutions to get students excited about the initiative. The overall agenda was to seek to inspire participants to feel the warmth of the soil between their fingers, to feel the joy of nurturing a seed until it springs to life and, in the process, empathise with the farmer.

     

    This second phase, #ThankYouTohBol is an initiative to encourage people to recognise and respect the contribution of farmers. It is an appeal to the society to express our gratitude to our farmers by taking a pledge to make the effort to go and meet and spend time with a farmer.

     

    The campaign is supported through a digital advertising, as well as via a radio campaign. In addition to the video, a nationwide on ground activation are being planned to support this phase of the initiative.

     

    Said Sunitha Subramaniyan, who heads the Corporate Communications Department at TAFE: “Over the last five decades TAFE has been working closely with the farming community and has a deep insight into how hard farmers toil to nurture their crops and nourish us – for no other reward, but the love of the land. It was only natural for TAFE to champion the cause of the farmer – a cause we truly believe in.”

     

    Added Ananda Ray Creative head- Rediffusion Y&R, Chennai: “It is rare to come across a client who invests in a cause that is not designed just to tick the CSR boxes or with an eye on the bottom line. TAFE has been dedicated towards improving the lives – and standing – of farmers within our society from their inception and the #FarmDost movement is but a natural extension of this vision. This is a cause that is easy to believe in and to work towards making happen – whether from an agency perspective or as a lay person. If even one viewer is moved to action after watching Maya’s story, it will mean a lot to both TAFE and us – and, most crucially, to the farmer.