Tag: bookmyshow

  • BookMyShow introduces a Fan-First campaign

    [updated]

    BookMyShow has launched a fan-first campaign celebrating the upcoming release of Marvel Studios’ Deadpool and Wolverine.

    Said Dolly Davda, Head – Marketing, BookMyShow: “There is an incredible fandom for Deadpool & Wolverine and we’ve partnered with the Studio to make this movie experience unforgettable for fans across the country. We’ve curated an out-of-the-box campaign to reward these early birds who book tickets in advance with personalised letters from Deadpool in his unique wisecracking style. Plus, a few lucky fans will score exclusive, official movie memorabilia! We are super thrilled to bring these memorable experiences to our amazing fans!”

  • BookMyShow partners with Election Commission for elections

    BookMyShow in association with the Election Commission of India, has unveiled an ad film ahead of the Lok Sabha Elections. Titled ‘Aaj Picture Nahi, Bigger Picture Dekho’, the campaign urges citizens to focus on the larger picture of nation-building by exercising their right to vote on their respective ‘Election Day’.

    Commenting on the campaign, Dolly Davda, Head – Marketing, BookMyShow, said: “With one of the world’s largest youth populations and as the largest voting pool, this election presents a monumental opportunity for every Indian to shape our collective future. At BookMyShow, our vision remains to focus on the bigger picture while moving towards a brighter and better tomorrow, together. Voting is undeniably integral to shaping our nation’s future and as a platform deeply ingrained in the entertainment ecosystem and therefore the youth, we wanted to leverage our resonance to urge young voters to exercise their right. Following a friendly yet hard-hitting tone, we’ve crafted the film to resonate with GenZs who are digital natives preferring snackable content, more socially conscious but also individualistic in their own ways. Our aim is to influence their perception of civic responsibility in a positive manner. We hope viewers understand the significant role of voting and spread awareness among fellow first-time voters.”

    Added Santosh Ajmera, IIS Director, SVEEP Election Commission of India: “Partnership and collaboration form the cornerstone of our voter awareness initiatives at the Election Commission of India. I firmly believe that nurturing informed and ethical electoral engagement is a collective duty shared by all stakeholders in our democracy. It’s good to see BookMyShow launching the ‘Picture Nahi, Bigger Picture Dekho’ campaign, reminding its audience of the profound significance of every single vote. I am confident that their campaign will serve as a catalyst, particularly among the youth and first-time voters, urging them to actively participate and exercise their democratic right.”

  • So which brands have caught Election Fever?

    So which brands have caught Election Fever?

    Photograph of first-time voters in Jaipur from the ECI.gov.in website

    Kunal SinhaWe are in the middle of a frenetic, high voltage election campaign in India. Of particular interest to political parties and brands alike is the sentiment of first-time voters.

    With only 18 million out of eligible 49 million first-time voters having registered to vote, the Election Commission has roped in brands to reach out to their fans and followers. In Bihar, which has the country’s largest number of young people, only 17% have registered to vote. In Delhi, the centre of political action, the figure is 21%, while in Uttar Pradesh, it is 23%.

    So how are brands getting to be a part of the feverish campaigning?

    Insurance brand Tata AIA launched a social media campaign titled #VoteKarneKoTaiyaar, encouraging young Indians, particularly first-time voters, to immediately register themselves to vote and then go ahead and vote on election day. The election campaign integrates the brand’s core idea of ‘taiyaari’ (readiness), with its tagline being ‘Har Waqt Ke Liye Taiyaar’.

    Booking platform BookMyShow’s campaign underlines the importance of voting as a fundamental duty of every responsible citizen, especially the youth. With the tagline ‘Aaj Picture Nahi, Bigger Picture Dekho’, its campaign urges citizens to focus on the larger picture of nation-building by exercising their right to vote on their respective election days.

    The film deploys a uniquely-weaved narrative and clever word play, keeping viewers that unaware of the purpose of the campaign until it is revealed in the end. The story aims to connect with viewers across the country, inspire civic engagement and demographic participation.

    Can political participation be a desirable feature on your profile? Dating app Tinder seems to think so. It has added special stickers to its app that users can add to their profiles. These stickers are about voting, like voting partner needed, first-time voter, and I voted. Collaborated with Yuvaa, an Indian youth media organisation, and Mark Your Presence, an organisation that helps young people learn about voting, Tinder’s campaign started running from April 18 and will be on till May 15, 2024, with its users in India being able to see special cards in the app with information and tips about voting.

    Bangur Cement’s election-themed campaign featured Bollywood actor and MP Sunny Deol.

    The campaign, with the tagline Vote Solid, Desh Solid, carries the message about how important each person’s vote is for making the country stronger. There’s a brand connect as well: just like using strong cement helps build a sturdy home, voting solidly helps build a strong nation. With low voter turnout observed in the first two phases of the election, the campaign has pivoted to ask voters to take the pledge ‘Vote Ka Vachan’, saying ‘Chutti baad mein manao, pehle vote kar aao’.

    Delivery service BlinkIt dropped the first two letters from its logo, as it encourages voters to go out and vote.

    BluSmart, an Indian electric vehicle (EV) ride-hailing service and EV charging infrastructure network, launched a campaign called #SmartCitizen. Their effort, focused on their key markets in Delhi, Gurugram and Bengaluru, is to tell people how important it is to vote and how much of a difference one vote can make. BluSmart is giving a special badge to riders who vote to encourage everyone to get involved in voting.

    Across different states, rideshare company Rapido has collaborated with the State Election Commissions to offer free bike-taxi rides to voters cities like Shillong, Nagpur, Asansol, Siliguri, Durgapur and Kolkata, running a campaign ‘Sawaari Zimmedari ki’.

    Apart from these direct appeals to vote, brands are also having some fun at the expense of politicians.

    Colgate Salt toothpaste‘s campaign ‘No Card, No Darr’ promotes oral hygiene alongside civic responsibility, with a dash of humour. The ad depicts a politician who is scared of sitting on the chair in front of him, much to his party workers’ surprise: it’s the one kursi which even politicians are scared of. That’s because he views it as a dentist chair because of he is suffering from toothache.

    The rising temperature, both politically and weather-wise, has presented some brands the opportunity to showcase their cooling-down creds.

    Innerwear brand Technosport tells us the secret of how a politician keeps his cool even while campaigning in the heat.

    Electrical appliances brand Novamax also uses the platform of elections to depict the intense heat experienced during election season.

    The brand’s tagline, ‘Ek Hei Naam Gunje Ga Jab Chalegi Hawa,’ aims to connect with consumers and emphasize the relief provided by Novamax Air Coolers in combating summer heat.

    With about four weeks remaining in the general election season, how many more brands will get consumers to vote – for them, and for the nation?

    Kunal Sinha is a senior strategy and foresights executive based in Jakarta, Indonesia. He is the author of several books including The Future of India’s Rural Markets and Raw – Pervasive Creativity in Asia. He writes for MxMIndia every other Monday. His views here are personal.

  • Simpl joins BookMyShow

    By Our Staff

     

    Simpl, consumer experience platform, partners with BookMyShow, for its #MySummerBucketList campaign. The campaign will enable scores of adventure sports and other fun- filled activities across the country.

     

    To cater to this growing demand and streamline the booking experience for customers, Simpl’s integration with BookMyShow will offer a one-tap access to the widest range of activities with over 1000 options across multiple categories including adventure, amusement parks, kids activities, workshops, tourist attractions, nightlife and unique experiences.

     

    Commenting on this development, Nitya Sharma, Founder and Chief Executive Officer, Simpl said: “As a customer focused organisation, we are committed to fulfilling the evolving requirements of customers in a seamless fashion. With travel and its experiences gaining prominence since the last few years, we are delighted to partner with BookMyShow as our entertainment and activities partner for their #MySummerBucketList campaign, to offer the widest selection of adventure sports and other activities this summer. Customers will be able to pre-book their tickets to amusement parks, treks, camps and scores of other activities with just one-tap with Simpl, eliminating any transaction failures, which is a key pain point for them.”

     

  • ShemarooMe launches Box Office for new releases directly on digital

    By A Correspondent

     

    ShemarooMe has announced the launch of ‘ShemarooMe Box Office’, a platform that will give cinema curators/ producers an opportunity to access digital avenues.

     

    ShemarooMe Box Office is poised to create an ecosystem for small budget Bollywood and Regional movies that have an audience but limited avenues to reach out to the viewers. To widen the scope of relevant audience reach for such films, ShemarooMe has also inked a strategic partnership with BookMyShow, India’s leading entertainment destination to ensure more cine-goers have access to the rich content made available by ShemarooMe.

     

    Can book their tickets for these films by logging on www.bookmyshow.com or directly on the ShemarooMe App or www.ShemarooMe.com.

     

    Hiren Gada

    Commenting on the launch, Hiren Gada, CEO, Shemaroo Entertainment Limited, said: “During these trying times when moviegoers are missing watching new releases in theatres, we are glad that we can bring home some great releases. With ShemarooMe Box Office, we are creating a model for the film industry and audiences. Our association with BookMyShow will further redefine the consumer movie-going experience and bridge the gap for cinemagoers across India. We are absolutely confident that when cinemas are able to reopen safely, the public will once again respond to the unsurpassable big-screen experience, meanwhile our platform will be bridging the gap by entertaining audiences thereby living by the traits of Shemaroo being the platform for movie lovers at all times.

     

    Added Zubin Dubash, COO Digital, Shemaroo Entertainment: “Covid-19 has made every organisation, innovate at the speed of light. ShemarooMe Box Office is an innovation that helps not only one organisation but the entire ecosystem – viewers get to watch new releases, producers get a transparent platform for release, ticketing partners get a model for the new normal. And ShemarooMe ensure it lives up to its promise of entertainment at all times.”

     

    Said Ashish Saksena, COO – Cinemas, BookMyShow: “We are glad to partner with ShemarooMe to bring cinematic entertainment to the comfort and safety of audiences’ homes. We look forward to keep bringing newer options to experience entertainment for all our users.”

     

     

  • Industry Reax to Budget 2020-21

     

    A cross-section of the industry reacts to Nirmala Sitharaman’s maiden Budget 

     

    Girish Menon, Partner and Head, Media and Entertainment, KPMG in India

    Although there was no direct reference to the media and entertainment sector in Budget 2020, the focus on improving India’s digital connectivity bodes well for the sector. The Honourable Finance Minister’s announcement that an amount of INR 6,000 crores will be spent on BharatNet initiatives will see more citizens connected to the proposed pan-India FTTH network. Media and entertainment is increasingly becoming a digital medium and an enhancement of the underlying digital communications infrastructure will support more immersive experiences. Finally, the focus on building a vibrant start-up ecosystem with measures to improve access to funding and IP protection will help India emerge as a global hub for technological innovation.

     

     

    Rakesh Jariwala, Partner – International Tax Services, EY India

    Removal of exemption on sale, distribution and exhibition of cinematograph film will subject theatrical revenues to domestic withholding tax considerations and could pose working capital considerations for already funding constrained film industry. Amendment of source taxation rule to include advertising income relating to customer based in India while global consensus is being formed on digital taxation rules may result in short term pain for the foreign businesses which do not have access to a tax treaty. Reduction of withholding tax rate on technical services to 2% will provide relief on potential rate related disputes on production services. Reduction in import duty of news print should help the ailing print businesses. 

     

     

    Ashish Bhasin, CEO, APAC and Chairman, India – Dentsu Aegis Network:

    I think this is a good budget in some ways because it has attempted to put money in the hands of the middle class through rationalisation of tax rates as well as has concentrated on looking after the agricultural sector, including introduction of best practises like storage for producers and other measures. However, I do feel that the expectations from the budget were much more and it does feel like a bit of a missed opportunity.

     

    While it is good to see that the dividend distribution tax has been abolished, I expected more on the rationalisation of direct taxes, particularly the cess introduced over and above the tax rates.

     

    It is good to see efforts being made to encourage new-age skill development as well as helping the start-ups and what’s particularly interesting is the proposal to set up data centre farms all over the country. This will prepare India for the economy of tomorrow. It is also good to see attempts at simplification of taxation through digitisation but the proof of the pudding will lie in seeing its implementation on ground.

     

    It would be fair to say that at best it is a mixed budget and while there are some encouraging decisions, enough does not seem to have been done for the situation the economy is in.

     

     

    Karan Darda, Executive Director, Lokmat Media Group:

    We welcome the proposed reduction in custom duty on import of newsprint and light-weight coated paper. In recent years, newspaper industry has been facing many headwinds and the environment has overall been very challenging. 10% customs duty was introduced last year and that added to the burden. The reduction in customs duty would ease the burden and help the industry in this critical juncture. 

     

     

    Anand Bhadkamkar, CEO, Dentsu Aegis Network (DAN) India:

    The budget has provided relief to middle class with lower tax rates which is a welcome move, as it will provide more liquidity. On direct taxes, the abolition of DDT and introduction of a tax dispute resolution scheme is a welcome step alongside tax reliefs for startups.

     

    The budget is focusing on easing and simplification of compliance, with changes in corporate laws as well as in GST and direct taxes. However, I was expecting further simplification of cess and surcharges beyond tax rates across slabs.

     

    The proposals for development of road infrastructure, setting up data centre parks and skill development initiatives are welcome steps in addition to allocations for social welfare schemes.

     

    However, the expectations from the budget were high on the background of current economic slowdown, and as such seems to be short on matching those expectations, with no specific industry sector focused sops to provide stimulus. While the budget shows focus on long term growth and social development, overall in the current scenario it looks like a mixed budget, falling a bit short of market expectations of more corrective measures.

     

    Gautam Sinha, CEO – Times Internet:

    Budget 2020 is a promising step towards establishing India’s future as an enduring digital economy. The increased focus on improving data connectivity under Bharat Net, steps to boost the smartphone manufacturing industry and the Rs 8,000Cr allocation for the National Mission on Quantum Computing & Technology will help build better digital infrastructure to support this sector’s rapid growth. Finally, deferring tax on ESOPs for startups is also a major move that will help promising startups attract and retain talent that would fuel our burgeoning digital ecosystem.

     

     

    Redickaa Subrammanian, Co-founder and CEO, Resulticks:

    Digital disruption has transformed India’s business landscape and the announcement for building more data centre parks will further aid in laying a strong foundation for a digitally connected country. INR 8000 crore allotment for developing quantum technology is impressive, and this in tandem with the grassroots level skilling initiatives, make for a strong technology ecosystem. Engineering students will also gain real-world experience through the new internship programs, creating a digitally skilled talent pool equipped to work in a digital economy.

     

    As a fast-growing AI and ML based technology start-up, we welcome setting up of the investment clearance cell. The proposed revisions in the income tax structure should lead to increased consumer demand and provide an overall impetus for economic growth in India. The announcement made in Budget 2020 showcases the government’s support for India’s technological advancement and we are excited about the entrepreneurial spirit it promotes.”

     

     

    Prashan Agarwal, CEO – Gaana:

    We appreciate the efforts of the government to boost the digital ecosystem in the country. The increased focus on improving connectivity under the Bharat Net scheme and the emphasis on Artificial Intelligence will allow OTT players to offer bespoke and personalised solutions to consumers. Additionally, the impetus to the smartphone manufacturing industry will make internet consumption accessible to a wider section of Indian society that will expand the scope of revenues for OTT players. The allocation of Rs 8000 crore for setting up the National Mission on Quantum Computing and Technology will also boost the development of the industry by making resources cost-effective.

     

     

    Mitesh Shah, Head of Finance, BookMyShow: 

    At the onset, we would like to laud Government for growth driven budget. We welcome the progressive policies aimed at encouraging rural demand, changes in personal taxes spurring consumption and impetus to infrastructure development, measures aimed at bolstering growth and reverse slowdown. Additionally, taxation related on ESOPs as perquisite and removal of DDT are significant moves. However, the benefits of taxation relief on ESOP should be expanded to companies at various stage of growth.

     

    Compliance on e-commerce has been increased by mandating them to deduct TDS @1% on all goods and services sold on e-commerce platforms. This would be in addition to TCS under GST and this amendment might further increase the cost of compliance for e-Commerce companies. Government’s vision to build data centre parks, allocation towards quantum computing and its focus on using artificial intelligence in statistical and other government departments will take India’s growth story to the next level.

     

    Increase in compliance on e-commerce by mandating deduction of TDS @1% on all goods and services sold on e-commerce platforms. This would be in addition to TCS under GST and this amendment might further increase the cost of compliance for E-Commerce companies. Government’s vision and focus on investing in new age technologies to build data centre parks, allocation towards quantum computing and its focus on using artificial intelligence in statistical and other government departments will certainly give an impetus to ‘Digital India’.

     

     

    Kunal Bahl, CEO & Co-founder, Snapdeal:

    Thankful to the Hon’ble FM for accepting the start-up sector’s request for ESOP taxation reforms. Also, the higher time & turnover limits for carry forward of losses for start-ups will enable them to optimize growth decisions in formative years.

     

    Overall, Budget 2020 is a thoughtful weaving together of specific proposals to tackle varied issues. Measures to improve access to finance for MSMEs and reduced taxation for the middle-income segment are welcome steps. Boosting physical infrastructure, expanding digital connectivity and growing use of technology in government functioning are important building blocks for the long-term growth of the Indian economy.

     

  • BookMyShow unveils latest brand campaign

    By A Correspondent

     

    BookMyShow has unveiled its latest brand campaign ‘Entertainment Ki Nayi Bhasha’, highlighting the company’s array of out-of-home entertainment offerings. The campaign has been launched via a short film that captures the emotions of people when they consume live entertainment experience, across genres. The film has been shot in multiple languages including English, Hindi, Tamil and Telugu.

     

    Said Marzdi Kalianiwala, Head – Marketing and Business Intelligence, BookMyShow: “Over the last two decades, BookMyshow has been at the forefront of delivering unparalleled entertainment experiences, first as India’s largest online ticketing platform and over the years, as facilitator and curator of global and home-grown live entertainment experiences. We have been committed to ensuring the best in class out-of-home entertainment, by bringing marquee experiences including movies, live music concerts, theatricals, stand-up comedy, sporting extravaganzas and much more, for Indian audiences. BookMyShow’s new campaign Entertainment Ki Nayi Bhasha, is a further step towards introducing all audiences to each of these entertainment categories and our role right from offering the ease of a transaction to completing the entire consumer experience of the entertainment they choose on our platform. It cements BookMyShow’s position as India’s go-to entertainment destination, where for entertainment-lovers, It All Starts here.”

     

     

  • Live Viacom18 to bring ‘Peppa Pig Musical’ to India

    By A Correspondent

     

    ‘Peppa Pig Musical’, the live theatrical adaptation of the popular animated series on TV, is coming to India. Live Viacom18 and BookMyShow have joined hands to bring Peppa along with her family and friends to the country. The Peppa Pig Musical will tour eight cities across 78 shows, starting November 2019.

     

    Said Mahesh Shetty, Head – Network Sales, Viacom18: “Ever since its launch Peppa Pig has become a household name and an important part of our ecosystem. Owing to its growing demand and popularity, we’re thrilled to bring a one-of-its-kind live musical for the audience to feel closer to their favourite characters and witness this wonderful experience.”

     

    Added Kumar Razdan, Head – Theatricals, BookMyShow: “The live entertainment industry in India is witnessing remarkable growth, with newer avenues of out-of-home entertainment opening up and being loved by audiences. BookMyShow is thrilled to collaborate with Live Viacom18 for the Peppa Pig Musical, adding another distinctive theatrical offering to our extensive repertoire of live entertainment experiences, all executed at par with global standards. We are certain that kids will love the musical, as much as they love the series,”

     

     

  • BookMyShow unveils digital film on eve of Independence Day

    By A Correspondent

     

    This Independence Day, BookMyShow has partnered with the Akshay Kumar-starrer ‘Gold’. BookMyShow has also released a humorous film on the plethora of discount and promotion-led advertisements that usually release around Independence Day.

     

    Said Marzdi Kalianiwala, SVP – Marketing and Business Intelligence at BookMyShow: “Consumers are usually flooded with offer advertisements during holidays and the festive season, and we thought to have a light-hearted take on the situation with our latest film. Even in the case of our past films, the objective was always to be highly relevant and get inspired directly from conversations that take place all around. We hope the audiences will love the subtle use of humour in this particular digital film.”

     

    Added Russell Barrett, Chief Creative Officer & Managing Partner, BBH: “Go to where the people are. It’s that simple. With our advertising for BookMyShow, we’ve been able to tap into conversations that people are interested in rather than force a completely new conversation on the audience. Gold is a brilliant film about India’s first gold medal as a free country at the Olympics. The movie releases close to Independence Day, when the airwaves and newspapers will be filled with “Freedom Sales” and brands exhorting us to “Stand” for something. We just felt it was a great opportunity to capitalise on and we hope the audience enjoys the ad enough to go book a ticket on Book My Show.”

     

     

  • BookMyShow brings in Albert Almeida as COO, Non-Movies

    By A Correspondent

     

    BookMyShow has announced the appointment of Albert Almeida as Chief Operating Officer (COO) – Non-movies.

     

    In his new role as COO- Non Movies, Almeia will report to Ashish Hemrajani, Founder and CEO of BookMyShow and will lead the next phase of growth and expansion for the company.

     

    Commenting on the expansion of BookMyShow’s leadership team and the new appointment, Hemrajani said:“We are excited to have Albert on board and welcome him to BookMyShow. I first worked with him from 1997-1999 and we have stayed friends. Now, as we set out to create, develop and bring to India entertainment experiences which are on par with the best in the world, I am very fortunate to have a talented and experienced colleague to work with alongside. We look forward to setting new standards in this space and are absolutely confident that Albert has the ability to lead this journey.”

     

    Albert Almeida

    Commenting on his appointment with BookMyShow, Almeida added:“I am delighted to join the BookMyShow team and look forward to my new role. BookMyShow, over the years, has established itself as a loved brand with clear market leadership. As a loyal consumer of the service I have seen how BookMyShow has constantly redefined the space it operates in and has set a clear vision and roadmap for the entertainment lifecycle of its customers. We see a huge opportunity in the non-movie entertainment space and are committed to driving the next phase of growth from here. I am excited to be a part of this journey as we diversify into new avenues of entertainment.”

     

     

  • BookMyShow goes beyond ticketing. To produce Disney musical

    By A Correspondent

     

    Indian audiences will get to experience the Broadway-style musical, Disney’s Aladdin courtesy. BookMyShow, which has turned producer with exclusive rights for the Indian production. The musical will premiere at Mumbai’s National Centre for the Performing Arts (NCPA) in April 2018.

     

    Said Ashish Hemrajani, CEO and Founder, BookMyShow: “The live entertainment standards in India are rapidly catching up with the rest of the world and BookMyShow is proud to have been continuously playing its part in this transformative journey. We are absolutely excited to produce the Indian stage version of Disney’s Aladdin which will open its doors to the audiences in just a few months from now. It promises to be an extravagant visual feast, filled with music, joy, and loads of theatrical magic.”

     

    Added Abhishek Maheshwari, Country Head – Disney India: “Disney stories are timeless and have a special meaning for everyone in the family. Stories like Aladdin and Beauty and the Beast are universal and can engage fans everywhere. In India, we are committed to developing world-class entertainment that families can relate to and become a part of their everyday lives. We partnered with BookMyShow, given their deep understanding of the local audience and their quality of consumer engagement.”

     

     

  • BookMyShow expands its multilingual interface

    By A Correspondent

     

    BookMyShow has added four more regional languages to its multilingual interface. Users now have the option to browse and transact on BookMyShow website and Android app in Marathi, Malayalam, Gujarati and Punjabi in addition to the earlier available Hindi, Tamil, Telugu, Kannada and the default English option.

     

    Said Ravdeep Chawla, Head of Product, BookMyShow: “Language is a critical barrier to the next phase of e-commerce growth in India. With an aim address this challenge and make online entertainment ticketing more inclusive, we have expanded the multilingual interface. The introduction of Marathi, Gujarati, Malayalam and Punjabi on BookMyShow will enable users, who prefer native languages, to now freely explore the platform and experience the varied entertainment options that we have to offer.”

     

    The new language options will be rolled out on the iOS app soon.