MxMIndia

Category: TV

  • Introduces first-of-its-kind marketing innovation designed by graduates from NID, IIT Powai and Disney's creative team

    Disney XD thrills kids with its attention-grabbing consumer outreach

    By A Correspondent

     

    Disney XD has introduced a first-of-its-kind, 3D-remote controlled model of Disney XD’s lead character Kick Buttowski – Suburban Daredevil as part of its consumer outreach programme in select markets.

     

    A team comprising the best future minds in design and robotics – graduates from National Institute of Design (NID) and robotics students from Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Powai – have created this unique model under the supervision of Disney’s creative team. Their unique creation – a remote controlled life size model of Kick Buttowski on a skateboard will be making appearances at malls across 10 cities in the next few weeks.

     

    “Interactive experiences that connect with kids and families at multiple-levels have always been the centerpiece of our marketing activities. This first-of-its-kind innovation complements our recently launched language feeds in Marathi and Bengali, first for a kid’s channel,” said Bikram Duggal, Director, Marketing, Walt Disney Television International India.

     

    “Our consumer campaign with Kick Buttowski and Spiderman riding on the back of a strong content push is already showing an upswing in the reach and GRPs of Disney XD in Hindi Speaking Markets (HSM),” he added.

     

    This life-like model skates unaided by itself, catching kids by surprise and giving them a true Disney XD ‘moment’ of action, comedy and adventure. The 3D model grooves to the music from the series soundtrack.

     

    The marketing team at Disney wanted to create a unique and world class Disney XD experience for kids. The NID and IIT graduates were tasked with bringing alive Kick Buttowski in the form of a life-sized action figure, keeping in mind his persona and physical traits, and add some fun and surprise element for kids and their families. This element of surprise gave birth to the idea of making him move around in the mall atrium and follow kids. This was made possible through the inputs of robotics students from IIT Powai, who worked to attach a special motor with a remote control allowing Kick to tail kids on his skateboard.

     

    Meanwhile Disney XD continues its prolific run as a leader in the South markets and has shown increasing traction in the Hindi Speaking Markets (HSM). The first channel to launch a six language feed, Disney XD recently announced the launch of Bengali and Marathi feeds to consolidate its presence in the north markets.

     

    Disney XD India is a multi-platform brand showcasing a compelling mix of live-action and animated programming for kids aged 6-14, hyper-targeting boys and their quest for discovery, accomplishment, sports, adventure and humor.

     

  • An industry first that enables a tapeless TV commercial delivery that is faster, cheaper and greener

    Star India invites advertisers to “Go Digital, Go Green” with STAR Content LIVE

    By A Correspondent

     

    In yet another game-changing move, Star India is pleased to announce Star Content Live, an industry first where the network will provide its advertisers and business partners a tapeless TV commercial delivery service which is faster, cheaper and greener.

     

    Star Content Live is a digital solution that enables the advertisers to deliver their TV commercials for telecast across the Star Network. This service will enable better cost and time efficiencies across the value chain and is a tapeless end-to-end workflow that is safe for HD and SD digital advertisement distribution.

     

    Star Network has always been extremely conscious of its carbon footprint and this initiative also forms an integral part of the movement to reduce the same by terminating the use of tapes for all TV commercials telecast across the network.

     

    With Star Content Live, the advertisers can turn around their campaign faster by instantly uploading their TV commercials. It is cheaper because it helps save costs incurred on betas for multiple campaigns, edits, languages and channels. It is also a greener option that helps reduce carbon footprint.

     

    Announcing this as an industry first, Kevin Vaz, President, Ad Sales, Star India Pvt. Ltd. said: “At Star, we believe that receiving tape-based commercials from advertisers is riddled with time and cost inefficiencies. The order-to-air cycle is slow and involves logistical and preparation costs such as purchasing tape, dubbing, shipping, digitising again for play-out and so on. It is also vulnerable to outside factors such as custom hold-ups, traffic which can further delay the process. Going tapeless, in addition to being a greener option, also eliminates many of these inefficiencies. We are sure that our advertisers, business partners and eventually the whole TV broadcast industry would move to this digital solution sooner rather than later.”

     

    Advertisers on Star Network can avail of this service by delivering their commercials using any one of the following three options:

     

    Option 1: Upload commercial as a file on http://content.startv.com/tvc via the internet.

    Option 2: Drop the commercial in a returnable hard drive at the Star TV kiosks located in Mumbai, New-Delhi and Kolkata.

    Option 3: If the commercial is being compiled at a Prime Focus studio, the studio can pick up the final files from the edit suite itself.

     

    STAR India is a leading media and entertainment company, broadcasting 33 channels in eight languages to more than 400 million people every week across India and more than 100 countries across the globe. Star India has defined India’s broadcast entertainment industry for over two decades with its unparalleled reach and unrivaled thought leadership position. Today STAR India is a sprawling media conglomerate, with a number of widely admired properties that transcend the barriers of language and culture and enlivens the lives of millions of Indians every hour of the day.

     

  • Ten Golf to be launched in India; official broadcast partner for PGTI tournaments

    PGTI, Ten Golf ink three-year deal

    By A Correspondent

     

    Professional Golf Tour of India (PGTI), the official sanctioning body of professional golf in India, on Thursday announced a three-year exclusive partnership with the soon-to-be-launched sports channel, Ten Golf.

     

    The deal provides Ten Golf with the broadcasting rights for all PGTI-sanctioned tournaments within and outside the country from 2012 to 2014. Ten Golf  is India’s first exclusive golf channel.

     

    Announcing the partnership, Mr. Padamjit Sandhu, Director, PGTI, said: “Professional golf inIndiahas had strong positive growth over the last five years under PGTI. We are at a stage now where it is important for us to showcase the depth of Indian talent and their achievements with the support of a professional electronic medium. To further grow golf, and project the opportunities and the potential the sport has, it is important to have a strong broadcast partner. With Ten Golf we see strong synergies, and are confident that their expertise, knowledge and bandwidth will substantially help take Indian golf to the next level.”

     

    Mr. Atul Pande, CEO, Taj Television India Private Limited, said, “Our sports broadcast strategy of building committed viewers in specific sports, has led to the idea of the golf channel – Ten Golf. Our tie up with PGTI will help in strengthening the Indian Tour. We will be working closely with Asian Tour and European Tour to bring world class golf action for viewers inIndiaand the subcontinent.”

     

    When Ten Golf launches in March, it will broadcast a weekly show titled “Inside the PGTI”. This show will highlight the best golfing action from PGTI events and will feature golfers on the PGTI circuit. The sports channel will also air special promos and fillers based on Indian golfers and the PGTI tour.

     

    Ten Sports bouquet of channels are the leading sports channels in Indian Subcontinent. Ten Golf will be the latest addition to the bouquet of products offered by Taj Television Limited, whose portfolio includes Ten Sports, Ten Cricket, Ten Action+, Ten HD. TEN bouquet of channel reaches 100 million households acrossIndia.

     

    Formed in 2006, Professional Golf Tour of India (PGTI) is the recognized official body of professional golf inIndia. PGTI’s objective is to promote professional golf in the country as well as give players an opportunity to be involved in decision making for all aspects of the game.

     

  • The awards marked the success of the 'Marks for Sports' campaign

    NDTV honours excellence in sports with ‘Spirit of Sport’ awards

    By A Correspondent

     

    In a grand finale, NDTV celebrated the success of ‘Marks for Sports’ campaign with the ‘Spirit of Sport’ awards held at the ITC Maurya Sheraton on Sunday. As part of the celebration, NDTV acknowledged excellence in sports by honouring renowned sports personalities across 14 categories. Union HRD minister, Mr. Kapil Sibal graced the occasion as the Guest of Honour.

     

    Highlighting the successful completion of the Marks for Sports campaign, Dr. Prannoy Roy, Chairman, NDTV, said: “I am delighted with the overwhelming response we received for the campaign. I would like to thank Ranbir Kapoor for his association with the initiative. I truly believe that we require youngsters like him to make this campaign a huge success.”

     

    Supporting the cause, the Guest of Honour, Mr. Kapil Sibal, said, “I believe it’s a wonderful initiative by NDTV.  We have to change the mindset of people and the change should begin from home; it can then be taken to the next level to change the mindset of teachers. I am very happy that Ranbir is associated with the campaign, because with support of youngsters like him it will reach the masses. ”

    Celebrating the spirit of Marks for Sports, campaign ambassador and co-host for the awards along with NDTV’s anchor Sonali Chander, Ranbir Kapoor said: “The campaign needs the support of men and women to make it a success. The role of the mother is extremely important as I strongly believe that women are the true achievers as they excel in everything they take up.”

     

    The awards were presented by Mr. Sibal,  the Minister of State for Information and Technology Sachin Pilot and Leander Paes, ace Tennis player.

     

    The awards function was attended by Leander Paes, Rahul Bose, Milind Soman, Vijender Singh, Sunil Chhetri, Pankaj Advani, Jwala Gutta, Karun Chandok, Milkha Singh, Mary Kom, Vineet Joshi, Chairman, CBSE, Bhupinder Singh Hooda, Chief Minister, Haryana and Dharmesh Jain, Chairman and Managing Director, Nirmal Lifestyle among other noted personalities.

     

    The highlights of the evening were music performance by Salim-Suleiman and stand up comedy by Papa CJ.

     

    Categories and Winners are as follows:

    1.    Legend Of Sport Award: Leander Paes

    2.    Lifetime Achievement Award: Late Mansoor Ali Khan Pataudi and Baichung Bhutia

    3.    India’s Outstanding Achievers (6 winners): Vijender Singh, Sunil Chhetri, Karun Chandok, Pankaj Advani, Saina Nehwal and Mary Kom

    4.    Fit For Life Award: Fauja Singh

    5.    Best Fitness Activist Award: Rahul Bose and Milind Soman

    6.    Generation Next of Cricket: Virat Kohli

    7.    Rockstar Performer in 2011 (outside of cricket) (7 winners): Dipika Pallikal, Ronjan Sodhi, Shiva Keshavan, Deepika Kumari, Vikas Krishnan, Jwala Gutta and Ashwini Ponappa

    8.    Best Sports Advertisement: TATA Group

    9.    Against the Odds (Young Achievers): Shubham  Jaglan, Kokila, Arjun Vajpayee and Sagar Dhahiya

    10. Against the Odds (Lifetime Achievement):  Mahantesh andShiraz

    11. Best Corporate involvement in sports: TATA and Mahindra Groups

    12. BestStatefor Sports Promotion: Haryana

    13. Best Promotion of Sports in Education: Magic Bus, Olympic Gold Quest, YUWA and EduSports

    14. Fittest Bollywood Celebrity: Bipasha Basu

     

    Launched as an initiative in 2011, the ‘NDTV-Nirmal Lifestyle Fit India’ campaign has become a movement. The NDTV-Nirmal Lifestyle Fit India Movement is the first to create a nationwide fitness movement and in the first year of this campaign, it has created awareness about the importance of fitness in life.

    The year-long Marks for Sports campaign reached out to policy and decision makers across the country with a series of activities that included special televised debates and discussion programmes with the Campaign Ambassador, televised interactive ground activities with sportspersons and children and a signature drive asking for policy changes with pledges for donations and equipment.

  • The channel will now be available on top DTH platforms like Reliance Digitial TV, Tata Sky, Videocon, Airtel, Dish TV

    Reliance Broadcast Network to distribute Bloomberg UTV

    By A Correspondent

     

    Reliance Broadcast Network Ltd. on Monday announced the coming on board of Bloomberg UTV, India’s premier business news channel, as part of its distribution portfolio. This move further strengthens the well-crafted television strategy of RBNL which includes the 3 BIG CBS Channels – BIG CBS Prime, Love and Spark, and the regional Channels BIG MAGIC and Spark Punjabi. Add to this, the channel which is scheduled to launch through the JV with Germany’s RTL Group, and Reliance Broadcast Network will boast of an unmatchable seven channel bouquet.

     

    The partnership points at excellent synergies between the businesses and will allow for seamless integration of Bloomberg UTV into the existing bouquet. While Reliance Broadcast will benefit from having a premier news channel empowered by the global authority in business news – Bloomberg. Bloomberg UTV gains through becoming part of a commanding bouquet of channels backed with an excellent brand lineage. This consolidation establishes a bouquet to be reckoned with and one that will meet requirements of both audiences and marketers alike.

     

    With digitization in the anvil, reduced bandwidth issues and a boost in demand for premium quality content, the channel portfolio stands to have an edge in the market. The reach and varied profile of consumers and customers brings with it opportunities for bundling and cross selling, ensuring the bouquet is able to garner optimal subscription rates.

     

    With each channel having its distinct audience base, the entire bouquet will cover a wide spectrum of the Indian cable and satellite television viewing audiences. With its ability to offer advertisers the opportunity to reach out to audiences ranging from 4 year olds to 25+ year olds, from heartland India to the key metros, it ensures an unparalleled marketing platform.

     

    The 7 Channel mix now offers the following:

    1. BIG CBS Prime, a male skewed premium entertainment Channel (male 15+, SECA,7 metros)

    2. BIG CBS Love, the first ever international women’s entertainment channel (female 15+, SECA,5 metros)

    3. BIG CBS Spark, the first ever International youth Channel (4-24, SECA,7 metros)

    4. BIG MAGIC, a variety entertainment Channel for the Hindi heartland (CS 4+ MP,UP, Bihar)

    5. Spark Punjabi, the country’s first International Punjabi Channel (CS 4+, Punjab, 1mn+)

    6. BIG RTL Channel in the action space

    7. Bloomberg UTV, India’s premiere Business news channel (male 25+, SEC A, 7 metros)

     

    With a prolific mix of channels cutting across genres ranging premium English, credible news and well-tailored regional channels, the bouquet of Reliance Broadcast Network stands to make a significant impact in the market.

     

    Speaking on the occasion Tarun Katial, CEO, Reliance Broadcast Network said: “With the addition of Bloomberg UTV to the RBNL network, we now present one of the strongest television portfolios in the country. This consolidation of the network delivery platform allows us to enable marketers with a single consolidated outreach platform, while offering audiences the best possible television content.”

     

  • The channel delivered 306 GRPs this week, clearly underscoring its leadership position across channels and categories

    STAR Plus the undisputed leader in 9 primetime slots

    By A Correspondent

     

    STAR Plus scaled a new high in the popularity charts, with four of its prime-time shows cornering the top honours across general entertainment channels in this week’s ratings, TAM data show.

     

    ‘Saath Nibhana Saathiya’ and ‘Yeh Rishta Kya Kehlata Hain’ brought in the highest ratings for the Star franchise, with a 5.3 TVR each, while ‘Diya Aur Baati Hum’, the channel’s gender-stereotype breaker, had a strong 5.2 TVR. ‘Iss Pyaar Ko Kya Naam Doon’ (4.2 TVR) completed the top 4 sweep. The crowning glory was that nine of Star Plus’ shows were declared slot leaders.

     

    The channel delivered 306 GRPs this week, clearly underscoring its leadership position across channels and categories.

     

    Nitin Vaidya, Business Head, Hindi Channels, STAR India, said: “The consistent performance and popularity of our shows reiterate STAR Plus’ commitment to quality entertainment and world-class programming. Our constant endeavour is to re-invent the ‘nayi soch’ in the society with every show we conceive, design and offer.”

     

    Star India is a leading media and entertainment company, broadcasting 33 channels in eight languages to more than 400 million people every week across India and more than 100 countries across the globe. Its channel portfolio includes household brands Star Plus, Life Ok, Star Gold, Channel [V], Star Jalsha, Star Pravah, Star World, Star Movies, Star Utsav and joint venture channels Asianet, Asianet Plus, Star Vijay, Suvarna, Star News, ESPN and Star Sports.

     

  • Brand Ambassador Yuvraj Singh's real-life story to inspire India on the need for Wealth with Protection Solutions.

    Yuvraj continues to tell Birla Sun Life story – with added confidence

    Birla Sun Life Insurance (BSLI) continues on its committed strategy to provoke massIndiainto realizing and appreciating the many critical and relevant roles that insurance can play in their life.

     

    With a new campaign for their Wealth with Protection Solutions, BSLI and Yuvraj have come together, once again, to play the role of agent provocateur for massIndia, by provoking them to insure their lives through the highs and lows that life can have in store for them.

     

    The TV commercial has the ace cricketer not only discuss his personal triumphs, but also his trials and tribulations, candidly, by taking a recent leaf from his own life.

     

    Ajay Kakar, Chief Marketing Officer – Financial Services, Aditya Birla Group said: “Today’s Indians have tasted never-before success in the early years of their working life. This unprecedented material success gives them the confidence and belief that the good times will continue, uninterrupted, and they will live and enjoy all their ambitious dreams, one by one.”

     

    He adds: “We have used Yuvraj Singh as our Philosophy Ambassador to share his personal belief and experience – also a reality of life – that ‘Jab tak balla chaltha hai, thaat hain. Jab balla nahin chalega to…’  (‘You rule, only till your bat rules’). We aim to provoke and inspire massIndia with the personal triumphs, trials and tribulations of Yuvraj, who just keeps working to combat the challenges that life and cricket have thrown his way, to bounce back.”

     

    The campaign is inspired by an actual conversation that Yuvraj had with the senior team of BSLI, soon after India’s momentous win at the World Cup. Yuvraj had shared his regret that despiteIndiawinning the World Cup, the nation’s dream for 28 years, and him being declared the man of the series, he didn’t even have the time to sit back and enjoy this enviable success. He was back on the training grounds, with the IPL round the corner. And then, due to unforeseen and totally unexpected health reasons, he had to sit outside the team. All of this within a span of few months – but rather than sitting back and becoming prisoner of an ailment, he is prepared to once again fight against all odds.

     

    There is a lesson in Yuvraj’s story for all of us. Even the “Gods” have reason to feel insecure. The message provokes us to take action against our fears and ensure our dreams. It reminds us that life is uncertain and we should be financially prepared at all times for any eventuality.

     

    Speaking on the new communication campaign, Nandita Chalam, Vice President & Executive Creative Director, JWT said: “Over the years people have started associating the BSLI brand strongly with the concept of “Balla”.  The ad is set within a stadium, with Yuvraj sharing his story, talking to massIndiathrough the camera, conversing in a real, true, down-to-earth manner. The tonality of the ad is candid, honest and more importantly, it connects.”

     

    The campaign’s TVC features Yuvraj in a fresh avatar while he shares his story which will instantly strike a chord with audience reminding them that even the stars are vulnerable to the vagaries of life and environment.

     

    The TVC will go on air by January, 30th and will be seen across all leading television channels. One will witness a surround effect that will reflect a collective effort of integration and innovation leveraged through communication platforms. BSLI aims to provoke, surprise and delight the customer and eventually persuade them to take action with the power of sheer creative chemistry.

     

    Creative Agency: JWT (Mumbai)

     

    Production House: Chrome Productions

     

    Birla Sun Life Insurance Company Limited (BSLI) is a joint venture between the Aditya Birla Group, a well known Indian conglomerate and Sun Life Financial Inc, one of the leading international financial services organizations fromCanada. With an experience of over a decade, BSLI has an extensive distribution reach over 500 cities through its network of around 600 branches, over 139,057 empanelled advisors and over 200 partnerships with Corporate Agents, Brokers and Banks.

     

  • The CASBAA study measures the benefits of allocating variable percentages of a US$1.75m TV budget on multi-channel TV and Free-to-Air (FTA).

    Advertising on multi-channel TV can double reach

    By A Correspondent

     

    CASBAA, the association for digital multi-channel TV, content, platforms, advertising and video delivery acrossAsia, has released a first-of-its-kind reach and frequency analysis of the definable returns on media investment in multi-channel TV advertising.

     

    Commissioned by CASBAA and executed by global media agency Universal McCann, the study measures the benefits of allocating variable percentages of a US$1.75m TV budget on multi-channel TV and Free-to-Air (FTA) in seven key Asia-Pacific markets:Australia, Hong Kong, thePhilippines,India,Malaysia,SingaporeandTaiwan.

     

    “The clear advantage of advertising on multi-channel TV becomes evident when simulating real-life budgeting scenarios via robust Peoplemeter data. The numbers demonstrate that multi-channel TV makes undeniable fiscal sense when reach and return on investment are optimized,” said Simon Twiston Davies, CEO, CASBAA.

     

    “This powerful new look at TV data allows us to better understand that for a regional campaign, switching a portion of the budget onto regional multi-channel TV channels means we can deliver higher reach at a lower cost-per-thousand for our clients,” said Chris Skinner, Managing Director, Universal McCann Hong Kong.

     

    Highlights from the study (audience: 4+):

     

    In the seven markets measured, a 100 per cent allocation of a $1.75m budget to FTA results in a campaign viewed by just 33 per cent of the TV population.

     

    Campaign reach increases from 33 per cent to 56 per cent when half of the TV budget is redistributed to multi-channel TV from FTA only TV allocation.

     

    A 50/50 combination of FTA and multichannel TV sees total impressions (gross number of times a commercial is viewed) multiplied by 2.5 times from an FTA only schedule: increasing from 537 million to 1.4 billion.

     

    Using multichannel TV lowers cost per thousand (CPT) by up to 60 per cent in a 50/50 multichannel TV/FTA combination versus an FTA only schedule.

     

    “Campaigns that allocate part of their terrestrial TV budget to multi-channel TV reap the rewards,” added Twiston Davies. “The research tells us that you can effectively double your reach, increase the viewing frequency of ads, and lower your CPT – all with no extra investment.”

     

    A similar trend was also monitored when the demographics data was analyzed to reflect key age, gender and socio-economic groups.

     

    In the coming months CASBAA will release more data from two other global media agencies supporting the case for multi-channel TV advertising.

     

    The complete study is available at http://www.casbaa.com/atac/features.

     

    Established in 1991, CASBAA is the Association for digital multichannel TV, content, platforms, advertising and video delivery acrossAsiafor the past two decades. Spanning 17 geographic markets, CASBAA and its Members reach over 420 million connections through a footprint ranging fromChinatoAustralasia,JapantoPakistan.

     

  • Colors and The Global Indian Music Academy (GIMA) will celebrate the 71st birth anniversary of the 'Ghazal King' on February 8 in Mumbai.

    Colors’ tribute concert for Ghazal maestro Jagjit Singh

    By A Correspondent

     

    In a unique initiative, the Global Indian Music Academy (GIMA) in partnership with Colors and Wizcraft International Entertainment will bring together the Indian music & film fraternity for a tribute concert in the fond memory of the late ‘Ghazal King’, Jagjit Singh.

     

    The musical evening titled ‘Jagjit Singh -Yaadon Ka Safar’, which also marks his 71st birth anniversary, is a special tribute to celebrate his musical legacy.

     

    Jagjit Singh was an artist with many dimensions – singer, writer, composer, music director, activist and a philanthropist. An active member of GIMA, he also mentored most of its music initiatives. Jagjit Singh always supported and inspired new talent. This intimate tribute concert is an effort to celebrate his ‘musical journey’ – his iconic legacy and unmatched contribution to music, through performances dedicated to him by friends and colleagues.

     

    Renowned poet & lyricist Nida Fazli along with well-known celebrities like Javed Akhtar, Shabana Azmi,Mahesh Bhatt and Dia Mirza, who shared a special bond with Mr Singh will share their personal anecdotes.

     

    Speaking on the occasion, Chitra Singh said: “I am filled with a deep sense of pride and joy that the music fraternity is coming together to remember and honour my husband on his 71st birth anniversary. The tribute concert has my blessings and support. My family and I look forward to a nostalgic night embracing his memory.”

     

    The expected artistes at the tribute concert are Ghulam Ali, Ustad Rashid Khan, Anup Jalota, Bhupinder & Mitali Singh, Talat Aziz, Suresh Wadkar, Hariharan, Dr. L Subramanium & Kavita Krishnamurthy, Kailash Kher, Hans Raj Hans, Shafqat Amanat Ali, Shaan, Kunal Ganjawala and Richa Sharma, to name a few.

     

    Sharing his thoughts on the initiative on the same, Mr. Raj Nayak, CEO – Colors said: “­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­Colors is proud to present a peek into the life and times of the musical maestro Jagjit Singh. Our association with GIMA and Wizcraft opens up avenues into several unchartered territories in this space. This event is a mark of respect and love for the Jagjitji, and will surely touch an emotional chord with the music lovers and Colors viewers”

     

    “We are very honoured and excited that our initiative has received an overwhelming support from the industry. Through GIMA, it is our endeavour to contribute to the Indian music industry by providing a platform where such legends can be celebrated, honoured and fondly remembered. This intimate tribute concert will feature memorable performances by renowned artistes as we bring alive the memories and anecdotes about the maestro,” said Wiz. Sabbas Joesph, Director – Wizcraft International Entertainment Ltd.

     

    A recipient of the ‘Padma Bhushan Award’, Jagjit Singh won hearts world over with his soulful voice, inimitable rendition and timeless music. Credited for the revival and popularity of Ghazals, he was responsible for single-handedly changing the course of music by infusing the age-old genre of classical Ghazals with modern instrumentation while preserving its soul and purity.

     

    Wizcraft International Entertainment,India’s leading Event and Entertainment Company is dedicated to showcasing its expertise on the world stage. The Global Indian Music Academy (GIMA) and The International Indian Film Academy (IIFA) are some of its initiatives.

     

    The Global Indian Music Academy Awards (GIMA) is a unique initiative in Indian music with a vision to honour artistic achievement, technical proficiency and overall excellence in Indian music.

     

    Colors is Viacom18’s flagship brand in the entertainment space inIndia. From Fiction shows to Format shows to Reality shows to Blockbuster movies – the basket contains all ‘Jasbaat Ke Rang’.

     

  • It is Number one in TV news segment and the entire TV category and has climbed up 22 ranks from last year

    Aaj Tak, the most trusted TV channel says Brand Trust Report

    By A Correspondent

     

    Aaj Tak, part of the TV Today Network, has once again emerged as the most trusted news TV channel according to the Brand Trust Report released recently. Not just news segment, Aaj Tak also stands undisputed as the most trusted brand across the entire television category.

     

    The Brand Trust Report, India Study is a scientific study carried out by Brand Trust of based on a proprietary 61 primary components matrix, developed over three years of research.

     

    The report stated that Aaj Tak is the most trusted TV channel acrossIndia. It is Number one in TV news segment and the entire TV category and has climbed up 22 ranks from last year.

     

    Mr. Joy Chakraborthy, CEO TV Today Network said: “It’s a proud moment to see Aaj Tak continuing its journey to set new benchmarks. What’s the most heartening is that it’s not just numbers that make Aaj Tak the undisputed leader but also the unshakeable trust ofIndiabehind these numbers.”

     

    It’s interesting to note that Aaj Tak has been the most preferred news channel on almost all important news events this year. The viewership numbers slotted Aaj Tak on the top across Lok Pal Bill presentation in Lok Sabha, Anna Hazare’s protest, Baba Ramdev’s agitation at Ram Lila ground, Mumbai blasts,India’s win at the ICC World Cup, and Gadaffi’s killing. Also it was the leader on the counting day of the 5 key state elections.

  • The 360 degree campaign gives movie buffs an opportunity to be a superstar and be featured on the channel

    Sony Pix launches new campaign

    By A Correspondent

     

    Sony Pix is all set to launch a brand new campaign for 2012 called ‘Big Break’ which gives movie buffs an opportunity to be a superstar and be featured on the channel. It is a 360 degree campaign which will have on air as well as off air promotions – radio, outdoor, print, online and on ground activities.

     

    The promotional on air and print campaign for ‘Big Break’ will run over a couple of months. The on ground activities will take place in key metros, as well as multiple promotions in colleges. Details of Big Break will also be shared on radio to encourage participation.

     

    In order to enhance convenience for the applicants, PIX has created a micro site to aid the masses to send in their entries and acquire further details about the campaign. An exclusive ‘Big Break’ application has also been created on for social networking sites like Facebook.

     

    To be a part of this campaign, all one has to do is send in a one minute video clip of themselves enacting aHollywoodscene of their choice. These entries will be reviewed by a special team appointed by PIX and ten lucky applicants will be flown down to Mumbai.

     

    PIX also offers the audiences innovative initiatives like the PIX Movie Club, Hollywood Top 10 and Chicks on Flicks to keep them updated on all thingsHollywood. These efforts have given PIX a distinctive identity offering entertainment beyond justHollywoodfilms.

     

  • Celebrations to begin amidst much fanfare at 7th Chevrolet Apsara Awards on January 25, Yash Raj Studios; Medley line-up of top acts by Bollywood’s biggest stars – tribute to the golden era!

    FTII Producers’ Guild fanfare over Indian cinema’s centenary

    By A Correspondent

     

    The Film and Television Producers Guild of India, in association with Wizcraft International entertainment and Colors television, is all set to flag off the ‘100 years of Indian Cinema’ celebrations at the 7th Apsara Awards scheduled to take place on January 25 at Yash Raj Studios.

     

    The sizzling event promises to get stronger on its entertainment and celebrity quotient this year reiterating what Apsara Awards stand for.  As a special segment of the celebrations, the awards night will showcase a special tribute dedicated to the legends of Indian cinema and their glorious years in Bollywood. A medley will showcase hit songs from the yesteryears and the stars that emulated the iconic onscreen characters.

     

    The Apsara Awards is a joint initiative by the Film & Television Producers Guild and Wizcraft International entertainment and was instituted to honour exceptional talent and breed new potential within the film and television industry.

     

    every year, the fraternity comes together to felicitate some of the most accomplished members of the film & television industry, and it is a continued effort to merit and recognize achievers for work done in the previous year – creative as well as technical categories.

     

    Speaking on the announcement, Ramesh Sippy, President, The Film and Television Producers Guild said: “The Apsara Film & Television Producers Guild Awards is an effort to mark the success of the growing Indian entertainment Industry. We are very excited to honour and felicitate that group of incredible people who have continued to make a significant contribution to this industry. This year too, we hope to inspire and empower achievers from the fraternity, especially with the entertainment industry all set to welcome the 100 years of Indian cinema.”

     

    “It is my honour to participate in the 7th edition of the Apsara Awards. I also look forward to welcoming the fraternity to Yash Raj studios to witness history being created as the winners are unveiled. There is no other award that matches Apsara’s stature as it is by The Film & Television Producers Guild. Along with my colleagues, we promise to make this year bigger and insurmountable,” added legendary film-maker Yash Chopra.

     

    Also sharing his thoughts on the celebration, Mukesh Bhatt, Sr Vice-President of the Guild said, “I am extremely delighted to be part of the celebrations marking 100 years of Indian Cinema. The celebrations have only just begun and we look forward to another great year of movies and entertainment.”

     

    Conceptualized, produced, marketed and promoted by Wizcraft International entertainment, the Awards will bring together the creme de la creme of Indian film & television industry on one spectacular star-studded stage! The Guild is over half a decade old and consists of more than 160 members, who constitute some of the most accomplished and influential luminaries. The nominees and awards are chosen by the Guild’s members, making it the official award for the film & television industry.

     

    “Wizcraft has always been the crusader for the entertainment industry inIndiaand the Guild is the most-respected body of the entertainment trade inIndia. We have always valued our partnership and we will endeavour to continue and support the Film & Cinema industry for years to come.” said Wiz. Sabbas Joseph, Director, Wizcraft International entertainment Pvt. Ltd.