MxMIndia

Tag: Sony Pictures Networks India

  • Mehta will focus on strategic facets of the business

    Aditya Mehta elevated to Head – Corporate Strategy at SPN

    By A Correspondent

     

    Sony Pictures Networks India has announced a change of role for Aditya Mehta, elevating him as Head – Corporate Strategy.

     

    In his new role, Mehta will plan and manage the development and review of all aspects of business strategy at SPN in delivering performance that creates long-term value and sustainable growth. Key aspects of the role would include strategic roadmap for the long-term and implementation of it, identifying business growth opportunities and business expansion (organic or inorganic), evaluating operating plans for each business unit and monitoring execution of key milestones.

     

     

  • Bhalwankar has been associated with SPN since 2014

    SPN India appoints Ajay Bhalwankar to spearhead its upcoming Marathi GEC

    By A Correspondent

     

    Ajay Bhalwankar

    Sony Pictures Networks India (SPN) has appointed Ajay Bhalwankar as the Business Head for its upcoming Marathi general entertainment channel (GEC).

     

    Prior to taking charge of the Marathi GEC, he was Chief Creative Director at Sony Entertainment Television (SET) where his role was to provide creative leadership and direction to propel the channel amongst the top players across genres. Ajay has also served as content head for Hindi GECs at ZEE.

     

     

    NP Singh

    Said N P Singh, MD & CEO, Sony Pictures Networks India (SPN): “The Marathi content viewers have a growing appetite for local content which resonates with their cultural fabric. By catering to this audience, SPN will expand its regional footprint. Ajay will play a vital role in delivering a channel experience that is relatable yet compelling. With extensive experience and in-depth understanding of the industry, I am confident that under Ajay’s leadership, SPN will make an impressive debut in the Marathi entertainment space.”

     

     

  • The agency's mandate to include creative communication across all platforms for the channel

    Sony Yay appoints Beanstalk Asia as creative agency

    By A Correspondent

     

    Sony Yay has announced the appointment of Beanstalk Asia as its creative agency. The company was handed over the mandate after a competitive multi-agency pitch that saw participation from leading agencies across India.

     

    Leena Lele Dutta

    Said Leena Lele Dutta, Business Head, Sony Pictures Networks India, Kids Genre: “At Sony Yay, it’s important for us to get partners onboard who are aligned to our vision and work closely with us every step of the way helping us achieve our goals. We are delighted to have Beanstalk Asia on board as our creative partner. They successfully ticked off all our requirements and effectively integrated the brand proposition in every idea they showcased. We are looking forward to this journey with Beanstalk Asia, which promises to be filled with creativity and fun.”

     

     

    Upendra Singh Thakur

    Added Upendra Singh Thakur, Founder and Director, Beanstalk Asia: “Beanstalk Asia is excited to partner Sony Yay, which is best positioned to capture the minds of kids with their delightful mix of original desi shows. We bring to the table an in-depth understanding and extensive experience to create impactful advertising in the children’s television segment. At Beanstalk Asia we follow rigours to arrive at a consumer behavior insight and thereafter sync this insight strategically with the brand requirements to create tailor-made solutions. And most importantly, if you add child-like enthusiasm and dollops of madness, you are bound to make a big impression in the world of kids. We look forward to a stimulating journey with Sony YAY! to stir up this segment.”

     

     

  • This agreement with ECB gives SPN the rights to both televise and digitally broadcast within the Indian subcontinent

    Sony acquires exclusive media rights from ECB

    By A Correspondent

     

    Sony Pictures Networks India has acquired exclusive media rights from the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) for the Indian subcontinent for a period of five years starting in 2018 through 2022.

     

    This agreement with ECB gives SPN the rights to both televise and digitally broadcast within the Indian subcontinent, men’s and women’s international matches, including Test matches, T20 Internationals and ODIs, played in England.

     

    With this acquisition, SPN’s exclusive cricket portfolio includes most of the major international cricket boards, namely, Cricket Australia, England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB), Pakistan Cricket Board, Sri Lanka Cricket, Cricket South Africa, Cricket West Indies and Zimbabwe Cricket Board.

     

    Said N P Singh, Managing Director & Chief Executive Officer, SPN:

    “The acquisition of media rights of ECB for a five-year term, effective now through 2022, provides for some exciting cricket viewership. Cricket is a passion for most Indians and this term of ECB games includes three tours of the Indian cricket team which promises some thrilling cricket, the first of these coming close on the heels of the hugely exciting South Africa series. SPN will now be home to almost all international away series giving our fans a one-stop destination to view their favourite stars in action. We remain committed to building a multi-sports culture in India and we will lead sports broadcast action during June to September 2018 by airing FIFA for football fans and ECB games for cricket lovers.”

     

     

  • The movie content deal will strengthen Sony PIXÂ’s library

    Sony Pix inks movie content deal with Warner Bros

    By A Correspondent

     

    Sony Pix has signed a content licensing deal with Warner Bros International Television Distribution. The movie content deal will strengthen the channel’s library by bringing films like Harry Porter, Matrix, Batman Vs Superman, Dunkirk, Wonder Woman, Hangover Series, Conjuring Universe, Final Destination series, Oceans Series, Shawshank Redemption, and many more, for its viewers.

     

    Said Tushar Shah, EVP and Business Head, English Cluster, Sony Pictures Networks India: “SPN’s English Cluster aims to bring the best international content for its viewers. With the new Warner Bros. deal, Sony PIX – the destination for Hollywood blockbusters and premieres – will now also become the destination for biggest franchises in the genre. We will continue to invest in content that will delight our viewers.”

     

    Added Jeffrey Schlesinger, President, Warner Bros. Worldwide Television Distribution: “We are pleased to have completed this deal with Sony PIX enabling Sony Pictures Networks India (SPN) to bring our films to television viewers in India.  We are confident that the diverse selection of films will offer something different for fans of all genres.”

     

     

  • The games will continue to be simulcast with English commentary on Sony Six and Sony Six HD

    NBA to now be broadcast in Hindi

    By A Correspondent

     

    Sony Pictures Networks India (SPN) and the NBA announced that beginning the 2017-18 NBA season, NBA games will be broadcast with Hindi commentary every weekend on Sony Ten 3 and Sony Ten 3 HD, a package of close to 100 NBA games including the regular season and playoffs. The games will continue to be simulcast with English commentary on Sony Six and Sony Six HD.

     

    Rajesh Kaul

    “We are committed in channeling our efforts towards expanding NBA’s fan base in the country and strengthening our reach,” said Rajesh Kaul, President, Sports and Distribution Business, SPN, adding: “We have seen a consistent increase in viewership over the years for NBA and to keep up this momentum we are continuing our initiative of the Hindi language commentary. A special panel of expert commentators has been engaged to deliver expert analysis in Hindi for each play.”

     

    Yannick Colaco

    “Along with our partners, Sony Pictures Networks, we are excited to offer Hindi in-game commentary through the 2017-18 season,” said Yannick Colaco, Managing Director, NBA India. “As a part of our commitment to popularize the game of basketball in India, we will continue to offer more localized programming to engage with a wider audience.”

  • The tournament will be live telecast with three language feeds – English, Hindi and Bengali

    SPN unveils coverage plans of FIFA U-17 World Cup 2017 India

    By A Correspondent

     

    Sony Pictures Networks India (SPN) has announced its programming initiative for the FIFA U-17 World Cup 2017. The sports network is set to telecast the 22-day tournament in three language feeds  English, Hindi and Bengali.

     

    SPN will also air a studio show called Football Extraaa with host Seema Jaswal and several international and India former and current playing stars.

     

    Said Rajesh Kaul, President, Sports and Distribution Business, Sony Pictures Networks India: “The FIFA U-17 World Cup 2017 India, one of the most anticipated events of the year, is set to transform India’s sports landscape. As official broadcasters of the tournament, we are committed to reaching out to a wider audience and enhancing the viewing experience. We are all set to leverage the mass appeal for this marquee sports event with multiple language feeds that will bring the tournament closer to the TV viewing audience by presenting the content in a localised format for viewers across markets India. We are also bringing back, Football Extraaa, our flagship show for the tournament which presents some of the biggest names in International and Indian football on a single platform. With in-depth analyses and renowned football experts comments, we promise to provide an unparalleled sports viewing experience that appeals to our audience, both football fans and bench viewers, in the Indian Sub-continent.”

  • Sony Pictures Networks becomes the first broadcaster to collaborate and co-create an official song with LOC/FIFA

    LOC and Sony Pictures Networks launch the official song for FIFA U-17 World Cup

     

     

    With exactly a month to go for the tournament, the Local Organising Committee (LOC) and Sony Pictures Networks India (SPN) formally launched Kar Ke Dikhla De Goal, the official song of the FIFA U-17 World Cup India 2017.

     

    Written by lyricist Amitabh Bhattacharya and composed by Pritam, the song features a host of well-known music artists that include Sunidhi Chauhan, Neeti Mohan, Babul Supriyo, Shaan, Papon, Mika along with a rap performance by actor Abhishek Bachchan. The composition showcases the vibrancy and uniqueness of India while resonating with a global audience simultaneously. The music video for the song celebrates diversity, showcases how the nation is waiting in anticipation for FIFA U-17 World Cup India 2017, and features stars like Bhaichung Bhutia, Ngangom Bala Devi, Shaan, Papon and even Sachin Tendulkar amongst others. The music video of the song will be broadcasted on SPN’s on-air and digital platforms across genres.

     

    Said Rajesh Kaul, President Distribution and Sports Business, Sony Pictures Networks India: “We are ecstatic to be the first broadcasters in history to collaborate with FIFA to co-create an Official Song for a FIFA tournament. From the very beginning of this association, we have worked closely with the Local Organising Committee/FIFA to ensure that FIFA U-17 World Cup India 2017 is a monumental success. Our efforts include the creation of the Official Song, an inspirational composition that will boost the nation’s spirit of sportsmanship.”

     

  • KBC 9 will have new lifelines, thrilling gamification and an array of technological advancements in a concisely packaged limited episode season

    Stage set for Season 9 of KBC

    By A Correspondent

     

    Bollywood megastar Amitabh Bachchan is back with Season 9 of Kaun Banega Crorepati (KBC) which starts today (August 28) on Sony Entertainment Television (SET).

     

    KBC 9 will have new lifelines, thrilling gamification and an array of technological advancements in a concisely packaged limited episode season. The Phone-a-Friend lifeline will be revamped this season to video-a-friend. Additionally, an aptly titled new life-line Jodidaar has been introduced – wherein the participant can bring along a partner to join him/her on the coveted hot seat. The jackpot question will be for Rs 7 crore. Interestingly, the live-sized cheques will be replaced with digital currency transferred directly into the winner’s account via Axis Bank.

     

    Produced by Big Synergy, Kaun Banega Crorepati 9 has a host of sponsors in Vivo, Jio, Chings, Datsun, Raymond, Axis Bank, Akash Tutorial, Big Bazar and Quick Heal.

     

    Said NP Singh, CEO, Sony Pictures Networks India on the show: “This show has always exemplified attainment via the power of knowledge. Guided by insights, KBC is back to Indian television in its 9th season, in a new avatar that showcases some game-changing innovations.

     

    Added Danish Khan, EVP and Business Head at Sony Entertainment Television (SET): “One of the most relevant shows for India, Sony Entertainment Television is happy to present a fast-paced, thrilling, technologically upgraded season 9 of KBC with the most popular host in the television world, Mr. Amitabh Bachchan.”

     

  • Announces a school contact programme to engage with 800 schools

    Sony Yay kicks off ‘Finding Funny’ campaign

    By A Correspondent

     

    Sony Yay, the recently launched kids entertainment channel from Sony Pictures Networks India, is set to launch aninteractive campaign titled Johnson’s Active Kids Shampoo Presents ‘Finding Funny Challenge’, in association with Act II. As a part of this campaign, the channel will also launch a school contact programme across the country. Tapping 800 schools nationally, the programme will cover 26 cities including Mumbai, Delhi, Hyderabad, Chennai and key cities from Uttar Pradesh, Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, Punjab, and Gujarat.

    Said Leena Lele Dutta, Business Head, Sony Yay: “We all know that children’s imagination is unbounded and adventurous, exploration and play is what they thrive on. We wanted to encourage this very spirit amongst our little fans and that became the genesis of the Finding Funny campaign. To extend this campaign onground, we are also embarking upon the largest ever school contact programme.”

  • The concept behind the 'Better Save Your Seat Man' campaign is to highlight how cricket is relished and played in West Indies

    SPN urges fans to reserve their seats for India-WI Series

    By A Correspondent

     

    The sports cluster of Sony Pictures Network India (SPN) has launched its ‘Better Save Your Seat Man’ campaign for the ongoing India tour of West Indies.

     

    The concept behind the ‘Better Save Your Seat Man’ campaign is to highlight how cricket is relished and played in West Indies.

     

    Said Rajesh Kaul, President, Distribution and Sports Business, Sony Pictures Networks India:“The ’Better Save Your Seat Man’ campaign has been crafted to echo the ethos of cricket against the backdrop of the Caribbean region. This series is the commencement of premier cricketing action in the second half of the year. Our viewers will also get a to see our flagship live wraparound show Extraaa Innings that will host some of the finest names in cricket like Zaheer Khan, Ajay Jadeja, MuraliKartik, Darren Ganga and Jeff Dujon who will deliver their analyses and predictions on the show along with serving as commentators for the series.”

     

    The campaign comprises of two 45-second films that urges fans to save their seats for the cricket spectacular as India tour the West Indies.

     

  • The 're-energised' channel will see a new line up of comedy shows, lively packaging and vibrant visuals, notes a communique

    Sony refreshes Sab TV with new identity and “energy”

    By A Correspondent

     

    For long, the humour channel of the Sony Pictures Network has been the highest rated. Even ahead of flagship Sony Entertainment Television. The channel has ensured that it’s fit for family viewing and hence it has steered away from stuff that even border on the risqué. Now, Sony Sab has launched its a new brand identity. The ‘re-energised’ channel will see a new line up of comedy shows, lively packaging and vibrant visuals, notes a communique.

     

    Actor Varun Dhawan has been roped in as a Happiness Ambassador for the channel. Said NP Singh, ‎CEO, Sony Pictures Networks India: “For over a decade, SAB has emerged as the most distinctive channel in GEC and built a sizeable loyal audience. The new, re-energised SAB is all set to deliver on the promise of Haste Raho India as its mission is to be recognised as the ‘frown flipper’ for Indian audiences.”

     

    Added Neeraj Vyas, Senior EVP & Head, Sony Sab and Max cluster: “The re-energised SAB further strengthens our core proposition through a reinvigorated language of humor and a compelling purpose of making more than a billion Indians laugh more, every day. The new brand identity along with a range of new shows offering more laughter, modernity, relatability and variety, will help us strengthen the connect with our core audiences as well as attract newer audiences to the channel.”