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Tag: Ferzad Palia

  • The political satire features actor, host, comedian, Danish Sait

    Voot Select goes original for Kannada

    By Our Staff

     

    Voot Select, the Viacom18 OTT plaform, is set to launch its maiden Kannada-language series ‘Humble Politiciann Nograj’. The 10-episode web series is produced by Applause Entertainment in association with Firstaction Studios and Danish Sait. The show is written and directed by Saad Khan.

     

    Speaking on the launch of its first Kannada Original, Ferzad Palia, Head – SVOD & International Business at Viacom18 said: “At Voot Select, we have been constantly growing our content offering. The release of our first Kannada original, reinforces our commitment to cater to audiences across the country and serve them entertainment in a language of their choice. Humble Politiciann Nograj is the first in a robust list of Regional originals that will drop over 2022. Over the next 12 months, we will significantly dial up our regional language roster, while we continue to strengthen our Hindi, international, sports and kids offering.”

     

  • With 21 blockbuster movies and over 10,000 minutes of Pokémon Anime Series

    Voot Kids brings home Pokemon

    By Our Staff

     

    Voot Kids, the content platform for children from Viacom18, has added the popular anime franchise Pokémon to its library. On offer: 21 movies and over 10,000+ minutes of Pokémon Anime series episodic content.

     

    Speaking on the initiative, Ferzad Palia, Head – SVOD (Voot Select, Voot Kids) & International Business at Viacom18, said: “At Voot Kids we aim at creating a wholesome experience for our young viewers to enjoy and fun learn from their favourite characters in a 100 per cent kid-safe environment. This endeavour of ours has received significant impetus through last year with the kid’s fun learn category witnessing exponential demand growth. The addition of the vast Pokémon slate to our content repertoire will allow us to further widen our audience base and continue to be category leaders.”

     

    Added Ashutosh Parekh, Head of Content – Voot Kids: “At Voot Kids, we continue to build a roster of compelling stories fronted by top global and local characters. With the consumer at the heart for every initiative on the platform, this was the perfect opportunity to build on the fandom Pokémon holds in India, propelled by kids and those who are kids at heart. Undeniably, this evergreen anime franchise with multiple extensions has evolved to be very relevant to the today’s digital natives, with superlative story arcs and well etched characters that unify action – adventure with humour.”

     

     

  • The league will air on Voot, the network’s broadcast channels as well as on Jio

    Viacom18 bags TV & digital rights for Italian Serie A

    By Our Staff

     

    Viacom18 has announced that it has acquired the broadcast and digital rights for Italian Serie A for the Indian sub-continent region for the next three seasons. The latest edition of Italian Serie A will kick off tomorrow, that’s August 21 at 10pm IST. Matches will be available live across Voot, Viacom18’s TV channels and Jio. This is close on the heels of multi-year partnerships for Spanish La Liga (football) and Abu Dhabi T10 League (cricket).

     

    Said Gourav Rakshit, Chief Operating Officer, Viacom18 Digital Ventures: “One of the core propositions of our network is the promise of variety in content. Sports is a whitespace that we have been consciously experimenting with for some time now. The response to our initiatives, thus far, has been very encouraging. Italian Serie A is one of the most exciting & competitive leagues in Europe and we are excited to bring it to our viewers across digital and broadcast platforms.”

     

    Added Ferzad Palia, Head – SVOD and International Business, Viacom18 Digital Ventures: “We are delighted to host the Italian Serie A across our network. The league enjoys great affinity with football lovers in India. Some of the world’s top clubs, coaches and players make the Serie A stand out as one of the best leagues in the football world. We are confident of growing the fan base through a slew of initiatives that are lined up.”

     

    Viacom18 has entered into a partnership with Infront, whom Italian Serie A has appointed to manage its international media rights for all platforms across many geographies. Added Amikam Kranz, Vice President Media Sales and Operations, Infront said: “This is the start of what we hope will be a positive relationship between Infront and Viacom18. Serie A already has a significant resonance with Indian football fans and this will help us further grow the audience in the country. We believe this is the beginning of what we hope will be a promising future.”

     

  • New roles for Ferzad Palia and Anshul Ailawadi

    Viacom18 restructures its leadership team

    By Our Staff

    Ferzad Palia
    Ferzad Palia
    Anshul Ailawadi
    Anshul Ailawadi

    Viacom18 has announced changes in its leadership team to bolster its digital and broadcast businesses. Driving the agenda of growing its digital subscription businesses, in his new role, Ferzad Palia will head all subscriber-driven pay services (SVOD – Voot Select and Voot Kids) and International expansion for Voot and will report to Gourav Rakshit, COO, Viacom18 Digital Ventures.

    The network’s Youth, Music and English Entertainment business will now be led by Anshul Ailawadi, erstwhile strategy and project management lead at the Group CEO’s office. Ailawadi will report to Rahul Joshi, Managing Director, Network18, in his new role.

    Notes a communique: “In its endeavour to become a future-proof organisation, identifying opportunities to drive synergies is crucial. Ferzad has led the growth of the network’s Youth, Music and English Entertainment business for the past 16 years. More recently he launched Voot Select that has already raced to add 1mn+ subscribers within a year. He will now look to cohesively grow Viacom18’s SVoD and International digital businesses. Anshul has played a key role in the growth of Viacom18 over the last 6 years and is a strong proponent of the tremendous fandom, and the potential business opportunity that the YME brands of Viacom18 command. In a young country like India, these brands have a long runway for growth, especially given the proliferation of digital platforms.

     

     

  • To bring bigger and better entertainment extravaganza to the screens in 2021

    Voot Select hits one million subscribers

    By Our Staff

    Voot Select completes a year of launch. And it has reported the crossing of the one million active direct paying subscribers in this period.

    Voot Select, notes a communique, will be exclusive destination for upcoming Paramount+ shows in the country. The titles coming up include Dexter (Limited Series), Ray Donavan Feature-Length Film,  The First Lady from showtime and Frasier (Reboot) & Why Women Kill S2 from Paramount+ amongst others.

    Gourav Rakshit
    Gourav Rakshit

    Said Gourav Rakshit, Chief Operating Officer, Viacom18 Digital Ventures: “We launched VOOT Select to engage and entertain audiences in India, with the most compelling stories from across the world. Despite being a recent entrant in a in the crowded subscription industry, we’re thrilled to have made a mark, being the fastest to a million subscribers and delighting audiences on the back of our unique and innovative approach.  Now that we have gotten a better sense of what they loved (and some of the stuff they didn’t), we’re excited to bring an even bigger and better entertainment extravaganza to their screens in 2021.”

    Ferzad Palia
    Ferzad Palia

    Added Ferzad Palia, Head – Voot Select & International Business, Viacom18, “It has been a phenomenal year for Voot Select. We have, ahead of our estimates, made the fastest run to a million active paying direct to consumer subscribers in the category in less than a year of launch. Our success story through the year has been scripted on the back of a digital first strategy that keeps consumers at its core as well as a multi genre slate of originals and international content experiences. With our upcoming slate of content and partnerships, we aim to build our leadership position as we continue to entertain our members. We have had a fantastic start to this journey and will continue to invest in quality content and enhanced product experience driving Select towards new echelons of growth.”

     

     

  • The #RahoMusicallyPositive video prompts the viewers to do their bit while they stay safe at home

    MTV salutes Covid-19 warriors with #RahoMusicallyPositive

    By A Correspondent

     

    MTV and MTV Beats has extended a tribute to all doctors, nurses, police, medical staff and frontline workers with a special video campaign – #RahoMusicallyPositive. Viacom18 has joined hands with non-profit organisation Goonj to support individuals, families and communities across India that are financially impacted by Covid-19, including daily wage workers.

     

    Speaking about the campaign, Ferzad Palia, Head- Voot Select, Youth, Music and English Entertainment, Viacom18 said: “Music has the power to bring people together and instil a feeling of positivity and happiness. With this thought in mind, MTV and MTV Beats partnered with some of the most talented musicians and Bollywood actors to create the #RahoMusicallyPositive song to boost the morale of our frontline workers who are fighting the pandemic on ground as well as each one of our viewers who are battling it by staying at home.”

     

     

  • Thirty Originals are part of the introductory offer as also global partnerships and 1500+ movies

    Viacom18 unveils Voot Select content

     

    By A Correspondent

     

    When it announced Voot in October 2015, Viacom18 was the last of the broadcast networks to embark on an OTT play. But since then it hasn’t looked. Last year, after announcing 100 million monthly active users, it announced its first subscription-driven service called Voot Kids. And then in January, it announced Voot Select, its second subscriber-only service.

     

    On Tuesday, leadership of Viacom18 unveiled the initial offerings of Voot Select with much fanfare, as also the subscription tariff. Voot Select will present 30+ Originals in the first year, international content through partnerships with global studios, 1500+ movies and stream over 35+ live TV channels.  Voot Select is downloadable from the Voot app and is available on the internet. The subscription fee is Rs 99 per month and Rs 999 for an annual subscription. The annual subscription has an introductory offer of Rs 499.

     

    In an industry-first initiative, Voot Select will bring top fiction content from Viacom18’s extensive portfolio of channels on the digital platform 24 hours before the episodes air on regular television. All non-fiction content can be accessed on the platform 15 – 30 minutes before its TV airing.

     

    Speaking about the network’s platform agnostic, content first strategy, Sudhanshu Vats, Group CEO & MD, Viacom18, said: “In a short span, VOOT has already emerged as one of India’s largest OTT platforms with 100 Mn MAUs and 100 Bn watch minutes. It is India’s most engaged platform with an average TSV of 50 mins. With projections of aggressive growth in Fibre to Home, Viacom18 is ready to go Digital First. VOOT Select is our premium SVoD offering developed to cater to this growing connected TV audience,” adding: “We’ve put together a very compelling proposition and even pushed the envelope with publishing content 24 hours before TV, clutter-breaking originals and international content. The launch of VOOT Select marks a key milestone in our journey to become a future-ready, pipe-agnostic storyteller.”

     

    Speaking about Voot’s business strategy, Gourav Rakshit, COO, Viacom18 Digital Ventures said: “Voot is the outcome of Viacom18’s vison to create a future ready digital business catering to the evolving digital entertainment needs of every Indian. It is with this focus and a content first approach that we have built Voot Select as a premium platform providing an enhanced viewing experience for our users. Voot Select is “made for stories” that are differentiated and compelling and with them we are determined to be the most sought-after content destination for every Indian.”

     

    Added Ferzad Palia, Head – Voot Select, Youth, Music and English Entertainment, Viacom18 said: “Voot Select has been carefully crafted and designed for today’s ‘on-demand’ generation. We’re proud to give to India a destination that has the country’s largest showcase of stories ranging from Hindi & Regional Originals, Live Television channels from across the world, the widest variety of top-drawer international content to ‘24 hour-before-TV’ premieres of our TV network content. Adfree, Multi-screen access and a solid recommendation engine will further add to a great entertainment experience for our subscribers.”

     

    Voot Select will house global content from CBS, CBS All Access, Showtime, Fremantle, Endemol Shine, Chelsea TV, Arsenal TV, Real Madrid TV, BBC and Sony Pictures, among others.

     

     

    At the unveiling to the media five Originals were showcased starring Arshad Warsi, Rajeev Khandelwal, Barun Sobti, Ahana Kumra, Atul Kulkarni, Saqib Salem, Piyush Mishra and Shriya Pilgaonkar amongst others. Directors and storytellers like  Vikram Bhatt, Apoorva Lakhia and Oni Sen amongst others will be associated with some of the original content.

     

    The international content includes the following: Murder in the Bayou, 48 Hours, Crimes Of The Century, Whistleblower, Enemies: FBI vs The President; brand new exclusive global premieres like Why Women Kill, The Twilight Zone, Interrogation, BH 90210, Nancy Drew & critically acclaimed shows like Dexter, Californication, Elementary, Madam Secretary and Nurse JackieI addition, reality shows like Masterchef USA, Masterchef Junior, Shark Tank, America’s Got Talent, X Factor, Project Runway, Fear Factor, My Kitchen Rules will also be on offer. Celebrity Chefs like Martha Stewart, Nigella Lawson and the late Anthony Bourdain are also part of the offering. As also are daily talk shows like The Late Show with Stephen Colbert, The Daily Show With Trevor Noah, The Late Late Show with James Corden, Entertainment Tonight, Dr. Phil, Daily Mail TV and The Graham Norton Show amongst others.

     

    There is also a partnership with international channels such as Fashion One, Clubbing TV and Real Madrid TV which will lead Voot Select  to present 24-hour live streams with access from these fchanels. In addition, there is leading 24/7 LGBTQ channel, Revry TV will also be part of Voot Select as will gaming events like World Poker Tour

     

  • The study draws insights from over 25,000 + youngsters across 400+ towns, continuing to dish out the latest youth trends for over a decade

    MTV Insights Studio unveils youth insights study

    By A Correspondent

     

    MTV Insights Studio has released its youth insights study titled ‘MTV Mera Bharat Amazeballs’. The study focuses on the changing mindsets of Indian youth who are resolute to make India great again.

     

    Speaking about the need of an in-depth study on youth behaviour, Ferzad Palia, Head – Voot Select, Youth, Music & English Entertainment Viacom18 said: “For over two decades, MTV has led the way in understanding the pulse of its young audience and has been a pop culture icon. Deep consumer insights and continuous engagement with our audience is at the heart of how we‘ve managed to lead trends over decades. We’re proud to share our learnings with the world.”

     

    The study reflects unique choices and preferences that define young India. Going by its title, the study explores the multi-dimensional and conscientious facets of the youth – highlighting their belief in a new India, that is replete with opportunities and progress and in alignment with their world view. Going local and thinking global is now the emergent code of new-age cool. The study covers insights from 25,000 + youngsters across 400+ cities between the age of 15 – 25 years. The five key themes of the study are – ‘Make India Great Again’, ‘Bharat = India’, ‘Girl on Top’, ‘Thank God Its Family’ and ‘I am Who I am’.

     

    Navin Shenoy

    Commenting on the change in youth’s mindsets, Navin Shenoy, Head of Marketing -Youth, Music and English Entertainment, Viacom18 added: “Mera Bharat Amazeballs is an inward look into the changing demographic of young India and brings to light what makes them tick and what ticks them off. Despite being a generation high on social media, the youth today is passionate, positive and action oriented committed to create a society, where everyone matters. These insights are relevant to the entire ecosystem that caters to the ever-evolving consumption cycle of youth.”

  • The new business vertical under Viacom18 Digital Ventures will be helmed by Ferzad Palia, Head – Youth, Music & English. Voot Select will be in addition to his existing responsibilities

    Viacom18 unveils Voot Select with Ferzad Palia at helm

    By A Correspondent

     

    Viacom18 will launch its second subscription-based streaming offering called Voot Select. The new business vertical under Viacom18 Digital Ventures will be helmed by Ferzad Palia, Head – Youth, Music & English. Voot Select will be in addition to his existing responsibilities.

     

    Sudhanshu Vats

    Speaking about adding further scale to the digital business, Sudhanshu Vats, Group CEO & MD, Viacom18 said: “The video-on-demand market is the fastest growing segment in the media and entertainment sector today.  Subscription led business models are going to be the next big growth drivers in the years to come. Having established Voot as India’s second largest premium AVoD platform, we think the time is apt for us to unveil our premium subscription offering, Voot Select.  The new premium offering will bring more bespoke content to our always-on viewers.”

     

    Gourav Rakshit

    Added Gourav Rakshit, COO at Viacom18 Digital Ventures: “With Voot, the successful launch of Voot Kids and now Voot Select, our aim is to build a versatile and immersive digital ecosystem that will add value to our users. The new offering will provide them with differentiated content experiences across genres and segments. Currently in its final leg of testing, the all new Voot Select once live will see many untapped genres being made available for our users to experience and enjoy.”

     

     

  • Launches rap battle show MTV Hustle, MTV Splitsvilla 12 and MTV Ace of Space Season 2

    MTV announces new content line-up for the quarter

    By A Correspondent

     

    MTV has announced its content calendar for the next quarter. The new programming line-up includes: MTV Hustle showcasing 15 rap talents from across India, Splitsvilla Season 12 – with the theme of ‘Your Best Shot at Love’ and Ace of Space Season 2, which premieres on August 24, 2019 and will air daily at 6pm.

     

    Speaking about MTV’s performance in the first half of 2019, Ferzad Palia, Head – Youth, Music and English Entertainment, Viacom18, said: “MTV is the definitive leader for youth content in India with 700 mn views and 3.67 bn minutes of viewership in H1 2019, cumulatively on TV and VOOT.” Further elaborating on MTV’s new content line up, he added: “Incorporating the learnings from our Youth Insights report, we are introducing unique concepts such as Hustle and imbibing novelties in successful properties like Splitsvilla and Ace of Space. Experimenting with the time-slot, it’s also the first time that a marquee property like Hustle will be aired bi-weekly instead of once over the weekend.”

     

     

  • This tongue-in-cheek campaign has been created by Tilt Brand Solutions

    Comedy Central alerts viewers to vote via #ChooserNotLoser campaign

    By A Correspondent

     

    On the occasion of the 2019 Lok Sabha elections, Comedy Central has launched a campaign that depicts different scenarios, unified by a single message which reminds citizens to cast their vote, lest somebody else makes a choice on their behalf.

     

    This tongue-in-cheek campaign, #ChooserNotLoser has been created by Tilt Brand Solutions and produced by Tilt Studios.

     

    Commenting on the campaign, Ferzad Palia, Head – Youth, Music & English Entertainment, Viacom18, said: “India is a young country, with nearly 15 million voters newly eligible for the upcoming general elections. Being a responsible brand that appeals and resonates with the country’s youth as well as other age-groups, Comedy Central adopted an approach that’s synonymous with its spirit to evangelize the importance of each vote. Driving the message through cleverly curated videos with a comic narrative yet an underlining powerful call to action, we hope to influence every citizen to go out and exercise their right to vote.”

     

    Added Shriram Iyer, Chief Creative & Content Officer, Tilt Brand Solutions: “The idea #ChooserNotLoser, coupled with three quirky scripts deserved an execution that’s both thought-provoking and humorous, given it’s after all a message from Comedy Central. The three sketches depict the significance of making one’s own choice by dramatizing the repercussions of not exercising it. A wakeup call to take a step towards the polling booths.”

     

     

  • MTV decided to delve deep in the lives of young people from Somalia, Iraq, Syria, Sudan and North Korea

    MTV’s latest campaign urges viewers to vote

    By A Correspondent

     

    Introspecting on the power of democracy. MTV has launched its election campaign urging the youth to vote, because they can.

     

    Going beyond the portrayal of the stereotypical international youth in mainstream media, MTV decided to delve deep in the lives of young people from Somalia, Iraq, Syria, Sudan and North Korea, bringing home a message for the Indian youth – not everyone around the world is empowered to vote.

     

    Commenting on the campaign created by Leo Burnett Orchard, Ferzad Palia, Head – Youth, Music & English Entertainment, Viacom18, said: “India’s youth has an influential role to play in determining its future. Ahead of the General Elections 2019, MTV is proud to raise a strong voice, urging the young Indians to exercise their power to vote. Moving beyond the realm of the ordinary, this campaign evokes strong emotions and compels us to reflect on the privileges that accompany our democratic powers.”

     

     

    Speaking about the campaign, Rajdeepak Das, MD India and Chief Creative Officer Leo Burnett South Asia added: “Democracy is a choice we have, and it comes to life when you see people from different parts of the world who don’t have the freedom of democracy. To bring home this point, in this campaign for MTV we have taken a macro-view of democracy and juxtaposed it with people coming from war torn countries who have fled from their homes under great duress for safety and security. With the help of our Leo Burnett global offices we have actually managed to shoot in the war conflicted areas and portrayed the real-life situations to bring this campaign to life! It’s a true Humankind campaign. Democracy is our privilege and Leo Burnett Orchard and MTV urges everyone to go out and vote. Because you can.”