Archives for 2017

ABC TO AIR BENEFIT CONCERT

ABC will air Ariana Grande’s One Love benefit concert on Sun, one of a host of international broadcasters that have signed up to air the live event dedicated to helping victims of the Manchester attack. BBC Worldwide, the commercial arm of BBC, is coordinating the international effort and has placed the concert with broadcasters in 38 countries so far, with more agreements expected. The event will run live on ABC’s Freeform cable channel with a 1 hour highlights show then going out on ABC stations after NBA finals. In addition to the US, viewers in Asia, South America, Australia, and other parts of Europe will be able to tune in to the concert, whose star lineup includes Justin Bieber, Katy Perry, Pharrell Williams & Coldplay. The show will be carried by Tencent in China, Globosat in Brazil, TF1’s TMC channel in France, Rai in Italy & pubcasters SVT in Sweden & NRK in Norway. NBCUniversal and its E! Entertainment cable network have secured a pan – Latin American deal. The broadcasters will all run the coverage live with repeat airings in territories where it goes out particularly early or late. In UK, BBC will cover it live from 6:55 pm to 10 pm on BBC One.

FILM MOVEMENT ACQIRES US RIGHTS

New York based Film Movement has acquired US rights to Jasper Jones, hailed by Variety
as the “Best Film” to date by Australia’s Rachel Perkins and a “beautifully composed portrait of life in late ’60s small – town Australia,” capturing “the loss of childhood innocence and the suffocating despair of adulthood.” Michael E. Rosenberg, president of Film Movement, finalized the deal with Charlotte Mickie, president of Mongrel International. Based on “Beloved” same -titled novel by Australia’s Craig Silver, the coming of age tale & murder mystery will celebrate its North America premiere as the closing night film at the Museum of the Moving Image’s tribute to the distributor, Film Movement: A 15th Anniversary Celebration. It screens on 2nd Jul, 2017. Carried by a standout young cast of Aaron McGrath, Levi Miller & Angourie Rice, and written by Silvey & Shaun Grant who deliver “a richly layered screenplay,” in verdict, Jasper Jones turns on a bookish 14 year old boy, Charlie Bucklin (Levi Miller), who dreams of becoming a writer. He is awoken in the dead of night by the titular character, a local part – Aboriginal outcast (Aaron McGrath), who leads him deep into the forest where he shows him something which will change his life forever. The discovery marks Charlie’s introduction into the far more complicated world of adult sentiments & emotions, as he also experiences 1st – love with a local girl (Angourie Rice), witnesses his family’s breakdown, and discovers the nature of true courage.
Toni Collette plays Charlie’s mother, Hugo Weaving, a crazed war veteran. Perkins has said that Jasper Jones is “about empathy, a young man’s growing up very quickly, realizing the world is not what it seems, but having the empathy to understand other people around him although he’s very different from them.” Film Movement will release Jasper Jones this winter.

WPP BUYS ASIAN CONTENT

Leading global advertising agency WPP has made a strategic investment in 88rising, a US based producer of digital content catering to Asian millennial market. Headed by Jaseon Ma & founded in 2015, 88rising is based in New York & Los Angeles, with plans to open another in Shanghai. The company is also increasingly involved in management of young Asian artists. Terms of the transaction with WPP were not disclosed. It has produced over 500 hours of original content that has generated over 80 million total video views on Facebook & YouTube. More than half of 88rising’s 16 – 34 year old viewers are in the Asia Pacific region. It has branded & sponsored content deals with companies including Adidas, Maybelline & Revolve, an online fashion & cosmetics retailer. WPP, which is a backer of Vice & Li Ruigang’s China Media Capital, last year enjoyed digital revenues of $7.5 billion, accounting for 39% of group revenues. It aims to hit 45% within the next five years. It has invested in several specialized digital content companies. They include Russell Simmons’ All Def Digital, a leader in producing & distributing music & digital content.

ALEX MAHON NAMED BOSS

Britain’s Channel 4 has named former Shine Boss Alex Mahon as its new Chief Executive, to start in the fall. Currently head of special -effects company The Foundry, Alex Mahon will replace David Abraham, who announced his departure from the commercial broadcaster earlier this year. Alex Mahon will be the 1st ever female chief executive in Channel 4’s 35 year history. Charles Gurassa, Channel 4’s chairman, described Alex Mahon as “an outstanding leader and a highly experienced CEO who has developed & grown major international businesses in both the creative & the technology sectors. She brings an impressive combination of relevant experience and is brilliantly placed to help steer Channel 4 through the competitive challenges & opportunities ahead. “She is a great enthusiast for Channel 4 and its unique public service remit and her recent work with government will be valuable in facilitating constructive dialogue with the new administration.” Alex Mahon, who produced the shows MasterChef & Broadchurch and whose The Foundry software special – effects company worked on Hollywood films Interstellar & Gravity,” said: “Channel 4’s unique remit to innovate & to appeal to young & diverse audiences make it an essential part of British culture.

ENTERTAINMENT ONE HIRES NOEL HEDGES

Independent film & TV studio eOne has brought in Noel Hedges to head up acquisitions on TV side of the business. Noel Hedges, who joins from Modern Times Group – owned distributor DRG, will be taking rights to drama, film, lifestyle, factual, series & formats for UK – listed eOne, which is in the throes of merging its film & TV divisions. He will be picking up content to sit alongside eOne’s in – house fare, which comes through its production companies & partnerships, including one with Mark Gordon and a recently inked deal with Brad Weston. Stuart Baxter, President of eOne Television International, said: “Noel Hedge is a seasoned executive with great instincts and a strong track record of securing outstanding programming that can travel. He has great relationships across the industry and brings strong business acumen to support our ambitious content exploitation & growth strategy.” As well as DRG, Noel Hedges has been at Cineflix Rights, Shine International, ITV Studios Global Entertainment Ltd & BBC.

JAY HUNT TO LEAVE CHANNEL FOUR

Channel Four’s Chief Creative Officer Jay Hunt is leaving the British broadcaster at the end of Sept, 2017.Jay Hunt had been considered a leading candidate for the Chief Executive role at the commercial network, but is now effectively out of running for the post. She has been at Channel 4 since 2011, and is well – known in US as well as UK. Last year, Jay Hunt was instrumental in wresting away the “Great British Bake Off” from BBC. Her exit comes as Channel 4 searches for a new Chief Executive after David Abraham
said he was leaving, most likely by the end of the year. Jay Hunt paid tribute to David Abraham and the wider Channel 4 team in a statement announcing her departure: “I’ve been lucky to have a superlative Boss in David Abraham and to have been supported by the best commissioning team in the business. I also owe a huge thank you to the brilliant producers, directors, writers and on screen talent who’ve made it such a thrilling time to be at the helm.” David Abraham said: “Jay Hunt took on one of the biggest challenges in broadcasting back in 2011 and through immense creativity, courage & determination has delivered magnificently.

VICELAND ROLLS OUT 20 HOURS OF PROGRAMMING

Viceland has added 20 hours of original programming spanning factual entertainment, comedy, documentary, & reality formats to its UK slate. The newly launched original shows – Generation Rent, Bobby And Harriet Get Married will complement Viceland’s growing roster of flagship content. Viceland has tapped journalist & TV presenter Billie JD Porter to host Generation Rent, an 8 part investigation into the housing crisis facing young people in UK, US & Canada. Co -produced by Viceland UK & Viceland US, Generation Rent will shoot in UK & North America. Shannon Delwiche will be executive producing the series. Bobby And Harriet Get Married, Viceland’s 1st reality sitcom series, delves into the chaotic lives of stand – up comedians Bobby Mair & Harriet Kemsley as they plan their real – life wedding over the course of 5 weeks. The 6 part series is produced & directed by Stu Richards for Rockerdale Studios, which is co – producing the series. The UK roster will also boast the 2nd season of Hate Thy Neighbour, which follows comedian Jamali Maddix as he explores social & political divisions within America by spending time with organizations, radical individuals & extremist groups.

ALEX RIDER BOOKS BEING DEVELOPED

A TV adaptation of the bestselling Alex Rider book series is in works at ITV, with Borgia’s scribe Guy Burt attached to the project. UK based drama producer Eleventh Hour Films has optioned the Anthony Horowitz books and will make the series, which is being developed with ITV and is expected to attract international partners. The series will follow the adventures of teenage super – spy Rider on his missions to save the world. The announcement of a TV adaptation comes as Horowitz releases his 10th Rider book, “Never Say Die.” Horowitz created the series in 2000, and it has since notched 16 million book sales for the English – language editions alone. The TV series will skew older than the novels, which target teen boys, and will be presented as event dramas for family audiences. Horowitz said that screenwriter Burt “is cleverly expanding the characters whilst staying true to the spirit of the original novels to ensure that the series will appeal to both loyal fans and a new generation of viewers.” Eleventh Hour is run by Jill Green, whose former production company, Greenlit Productions, made Foyle’s War, which was written by Horowitz.

ZDF MAKES UK MOVE

German broadcaster ZDF has bought a stake in World Media Rights, the British based production company behind Black Ops & Myth Hunters. The deal is the 1st – ever equity UK investment for ZDF Enterprises, the pubcaster’s commercial arm, which is seeking to broaden the range of programming it brings to market, particularly English – language content. ZDF Enterprises has already distributed several World Media Rights titles, including Evolution Of Evil, and president & CEO Alexander Corridass said the deal for a 32.5% share of the London based company was a logical next step. “This closer relationship will enable us to jointly produce & market even more outstanding productions for UK, Germany, and the entire world in the future,” Corridass said. For World Media Rights, the agreement “means we can expand development & sales,” CEO Alan Griffiths told, adding that the company will be able to add new staff and double the number of hours produced within 3 years.

A + E BUYS OUT NBCUNIVERSAL

A + E is continuing to take control of its channels businesses, this time buying out NBCUniversal in Germany. The deal means that A + E will wholly own A & E &
History networks in Germany, Switzerland, Austria & Luxembourg, which were previously run with the international arm of NBCU. The news was announced days after A + E sealed a new carriage deal with Sky Deutschland for its German channels. A + E & NBCU have had a channels partnership for 12 years. The German A & E channel shows Roots , and History features US shows & local offerings, including The Eleventh Day. Under the leadership of international boss Sean Cohan, A + E has been shifting from partnering on its international channels operations to making them “owned and operated,” meaning fully owned by A + E, which is itself a joint venture between Disney & Hearst. A + E has already taken full control of its networks in Southeast Asia, South Korea & Japan. In Europe, it started going it alone in 2014, when it bought Fox out of an Italian joint venture. A + E Networks UK remains an exception.

EUROPE BLOCKED ACCESS TO 845 PIRACY SITES

Chris Dodd, chairman & CEO of Motion Picture Association of America, praised European officials Mon for blocking access to 845 illegal websites in 2016 that were providing pirated film & TV content across European Union, which has long been considered a hotbed of piracy. “In Europe we have been particularly successful at blocking access to large – scale pirate sites,” Chris Dodd, who is Hollywood’s chief lobbyist, said of the work being done by MPAA in tandem with EU authorities. The former US senator was the keynote speaker at a gathering in Rome where it was revealed that, last year, “more than 1 – 3rd of Italians over the age of 15 engaged in some form of piracy,” ChrisDodd said, citing figures from Italian anti – piracy organization Fapav. The illegal activity caused economic damage worth an estimated 686 million euros ($692 million) to content creators and placed more than 6,000 local jobs in jeopardy, Fapav said. Movie piracy was down 4% compared with 2010, but consumption of pirated TV series in Italy went up 9%, a study commissioned by Fapav showed.

NBC INVESTS $30 MILLION IN EURONEWS

NBC’s news division has acquired a 25% stake in European news network Euronews, in a deal that will close this week and that will see the creation of a new Euronews NBC brand bearing American broadcaster’s famous peacock. The 2 companies have been in talks since late last year and have agreed to a deal under which NBC News will pay $30 million for its share in France based news channel. Euronews CEO Michael Peters said industry consolidation and the emergence of well – funded state – backed news operations such as Al Jazeera, France 24, Russia Today & TRT World meant that Euronews had to examine its business. The company runs at a loss but expects to break even in 2020. “This is one of the most creative partnerships made in the last decade in the media industry,” he said of the deal with NBC. “We have seen a concentration of media investment and have had to review our business model and the way we offer news to consumers.”

3 MOVIES RE – WRITE WOMEN’S PAST

Women might well write more of the future, in real terms & fiction. 1st projects at Spain’s inaugural Conecta Fiction, a pioneering Latin America – Europe co – production forum, underscore how screenwriters, women & men, are rewriting women’s roles in the past. Ambitious historical drama – thrillers produced by some of Latin America’s most prominent production houses, such as Pablo & Juan De Dios Larrain’s Fabula in Chile & Dynamo Producciones, the Colombian producer of Narcos, this new breed of often super women series add a novel dimension to Latin America’s vibrant high – end drama scene. Other projects at Conecta Fiction’s 1st International Co – production Pitching Session, to take place on 21st Jun, 2017, include sci – fi Strange Fishing Sundays & crime thriller Crack, from Buenos Aires based Storylab, backers of Netflix’s 1st Argentine premiere Stockholm – showing Spanish -language producers boldly embracing modern genre. Produced by Chilean broadcaster Fabula & Chilevision.

Michael Bay Likes To Push Boundaries

Transformers: The Last Knight director
Michael Bay avers that he likes to push the “boundaries of cinema in terms of look, feel & sound” with all his projects. In fact Micheal Bay claimed that he is the 1st ever filmmaker to use 2 of the ALEXA IMAX cameras in a 3D rig to provide audiences with an epic 3D experience.

Josh Brolin Teases Cable Makeup

Josh Brolin is all set to transform into Cable for Deadpool 2. Since his casting announcement, Josh Brolin has been teasing fans with new images or videos from behind – the – scenes of the film, but the recent tease is surely going to make theb Marvel fans go insane.

Emilia Clarke Feels That Being A Woman In Hollywood Is Like Dealing With Racism

Game Of Thrones actress Emilia Clarke has recently opened up about the hardships she has been dealing with for being a woman in the male – dominated film & TV industry and compared it to racism. “I feel so naive for saying it, but it’s like dealing with racism,” Clarke averred.

Jason Statham & Rosie Huntington – Whiteley Blessed With A Boy

Model – actress Rosie Huntington -Whiteley & her fiance, actor Jason Statham, welcomed their 1st child, a baby boy named Jack Oscar Statham. The baby was born on Sat, 24th Jun, 2017, the actress announced via her Instagram account.

Kirsten Dunst Stated That Elle Fanning Is Like A sister To Her

Kirsten Dunst has dubbed her Beguiled co -star Elle Fanning as her sister. Kristen Dunst praised Elle Fanning and called her “little soul mate in life”, “There’s people that you meet that are little soul mates in life, and she’s just like a sister to me,” Kristen Dunst averred. She previously referred to herself & Elle Fanning as kindred spirits.

Amy Poehler Is An Old School Parent

Amy Poehler stated that she is quite a traditional mother when it comes to raising her children. She also averred that while she is not a taskmaster at home with her kids, she would not call herself someone who can be taken for a ride by them.

Quentin Tarantino’s Films Had A Big Influence On Alison Brie

Alison Brie averred that she would love to collaborate with filmmaker Quentin Tarantino as his works have been a major contributing factor to her know – how of films. She also averred she was “obsessed” with the director’s 1992 film Reservoir Dogs when she was in a high school.

Mark Wahlberg Leads The Charge

Set in the aftermath of Transformers: Age Of Extinction, the new installment, finds humans at war with the Transformers & without Optimus Prime. Mark Wahlberg
reprises his role of inventor Cade Yeager, who juggles between being an over -protective father and saving the earth with the help of Optimus Prime & the Autobots. In this film, he prepares for mankind’s ultimate battle since the key to saving the future lies buried in Transformers’ history on Earth.

Halle Berry Is Hurt

Halle Berry became the 1st ever woman of colour to win a “Best Actress” Oscar in 2002, but the actress is “profoundly hurt” as no other women of colour have taken home the statuette for that category till now. She bagged the award for her performance in Monster’s Ball, said the achievement of becoming the 1st black woman to bag the “Best Actress” Oscar was made to feel worthless by subsequent lack of diversity.

Michelle Rodriguez Threatens To Leave

Michelle Rodrigues has averred that she is ready to leave her role in the Fast & Furious franchise if the next installment does not bring women more into the spotlight. For 6 Fast & Furious films, Michelle Rodriguez has starred as Letty Ortiz, Dominic Toretto’s (Vin Diesel) badass, ride – or – die love interest.

Hugh Jackman To Enact The Role Of Gary Hart

Hugh Jackman is all set to start his reel life presidential campaign. According to the sources, the Logan star will play the infamous politician Gary Hart in Jason Reitman’s The Frontrunner. In 1988, Gary Hart was considered the frontrunner for the Democratic Presidential nomination when his campaign was rocked by revelations of an extramarital affair with Donna Rice. The US Senator from Colorado then dropped out of the race.

Charlize Theron Apologises To Teri Hatcher

Charlize Theron apologised for bruising her 2 Days In The Valley co – star Teri Hatcher after the actress inadvertently hit her “really bad” in a fight scene for the 1996 film. Calling herself a “wild animal”, the 41 – year -old actress averred that she kept punching her co – actress throughout the shot as she had lost all common sense. 2 Days In The Valley – Rotten Tomatoes gave it number 17 on the list of 20 Greatest Fight Scenes Ever.

Alison Brie’s Husband Dave Franco Helps Her
Alison Brie averred that her husband actor Dave Franco has a discerning eye when it comes to choosing parts and it is he who has often helped her zeroing in on a project. She also stated that he is one of the most patient persons she has come across in her life.

Paris Jackson Honours Father Michael Jackson

Actress & model Paris Jackson has got another tattoo and has dedicated it to her father the Late King of Pop Michael Jackson. She has got her nickname “Applehead” inked in cursive across the top of her left foot.

Brad Pitt & Sienna Miller Get Cosy

Brad Pitt has again sparked dating rumours with actress Sienna Miller after the 2 were spotted getting cosy during a VIP party at the Glastonbury music festival here. In Apr, 2017 Siennaa Miller had lashed out at speculations that she was enjoying a secret romance with Brad Pitt.

Vin Diesel & Gal Gadot Chill Together

Vin Diesel recently reunited with his Fast And Furious co – star Gal Gadot and the 2 brought along their babies. The xXx: Return of Xander Cage star took to Facebook to share an adorable picture where he can be seen with his 9 year old daughter Hania, while the Wonder Woman star is feeding her 3 month old daughter Maya.

Nicole Kidman’s Kids “Appalled”

Nicole Kidman says that her children were upset about her portrayal in Paddington. Nicole Kidman has children Isabella, 24, & Connor, 22, with former husband Tom Cruise & Sunday, 9, & Faith, 6, with spouse Keith Urban.

Diane Keaton’s Bulimia “filled a hole”

Diane Keaton has revealed that she became bullimic in her 20’s to “fill a vast hole” in her life. Diane Keaton was gripped by the eating disorder and she didn’t even discuss the struggle with her then – partner, filmmaker Woody Allen.

Jamie Foxx Feels That Dating At 49 Is Tough

Jamie Foxx averred that dating at the age of 49 is not so easy amid rumors that he is dating actress Katie Holmes. The Baby Driver actor also averred that he has been having a really tough time meeting women at his age.

Blake Lively & Ryan Reynolds Make A Recommendation

Celebrity power couple Blake Lively & Ryan Reynolds have urged parents all around the world to take lessons in cardio pulmonary resuscitation to ensure their children’s safety. Blake Lively, 29, took to Instagram where she posted a picture with the kid dummies & equipment provided at a class she attended. “All mamas & daddies out there – I can’t recommend this enough, I took a CPR class with a focus on babies & toddlers.”

Star Re – brands Maa Network Channels

The Maa network channels have come under the Star brand. Star India has re – branded its Telugu Entertainment Channels under the Maa umbrella with a new logo, positioning & programmes. The channels Maa Music, Maa Gold & Maa Movies are now renamed Star Maa Music, Star Maa Gold & Star Maa Movies. An HD channel, Star Maa Movies HD, is also added to the bouquet. The content offerings will further see a ramp – up. All the Telugu network channels will showcase & launch an array of new shows & innovative programming. Each channel is aimed to create emotional connect with its viewers.

Madras HC Resumes Hearing

After being put off for over 2 weeks, the Madras High Court resumed hearing in the TRAI tariff order matter with the Star India counsel presenting the broadcaster’s side of the case on Tues. The counsel for the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) & the Union of India will be heard later. The Star India counsel is expected to continue on Wed. As per the directives of the Supreme Court, hearing will continue on a day – to -day basis in the Madras High Court.

Sun TV Acquires TV Telecast Rights

Sun TV has acquired the satellite TV telecast rights to Sivakarthikeyan’s new untitled film with director Ponram. The film is produced by 24AM Studios. It comes after the Sivakarthikeyan & Ponram combine have delivered 2 blockbusters in succession. The rural action entertainer, involving actors Samantha Ruth Prabhu, Soori, Napolean, Simran & Yogi Babu, is planned for release in 2018. Sun TV lapped up the rights within the 1st week of the shooting of the film.

Showtime To Examine NBA’s History

US cable network Showtime Networks has announced the start of an expansive project that will examine the modern history of the National Basketball Association and the league’s impact on global popular culture. Executive producers LeBron James & Maverick Carter of SpringHill Entertainment & filmmaker Gotham Chopra have begun production on a 3 parter documentary film series slated to premiere on Showtime in 2018.

BSkyB & Fox Merger Proposal Referred To Competition Authorities

UK’s culture secretary Karen Bradley has averred that she is “minded to” refer Fox’s proposed buying of Sky to UK competition authorities. There is concern by critics that 21st Century Fox having control of BskyB would give it too much influence & power in the UK media market.

ISRO Successfully Launches GSAT – 17

The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has successfully launched GSAT – 17 communications satellite. GSAT – 17 was launched in the early morning hours using the European Ariane 5 Launch Vehicle from Kourou, French Guiana. The 3477 kg GSAT -17 carries communication payloads in C -band, Extended C – band & S – band for providing varied services to the country.

Star Gold Re – Enters Top 5

After failing to be in the top 5 in Week 24, Star Gold re – entered the toppers’ chart by grabbing the 3rd spot, as per BARC India data for Week 25 (urban + rural HSM). The channel pushed Zee Cinema to 4th position, while the previous week’s No. 4 exited the top 5. The top 2 & the bottom positions remained unchanged.

MN+ To Talk Films

MN+ has announced the launch of a special film festival, Talking Films, starting 3rd Jul, 2017. The festival will air every Mon to Fri @ 7 pm. A compilation of movies from Hollywood, Talking Films will encourage cinema lovers to develop a deeper understanding & love for the art of cinema. Lending credence to this special property is actor Kunal Kapoor of Rang De Basanti fame who sheds light on his muses, inspirations & aha moments from his favourite Hollywood movies.

Comedy Central Topmost English Entertainment Channel

Comedy Central ousted Zee Cafe to top the hierarchy of English Entertainment Channels in Week 25, BARC data showed. Comedy Central garnered 431,000 weekly impressions, up 32.21% from the previous week. Zee Cafe also saw an increase in viewership, climbing to 378,000 impressions in the week ended 23rd Jun, 2017. This was 8.62% higher than the previous week’s collection of impressions.

Star To Consider Launching More Regional Sports Channels

Star Sports launched its 2nd Indian language sports channel Star Sports Tamil 1 to coincide with the Champions Trophy tourney. This is the 2nd Indian language sports channel from Star Sports after Hindi. Now depending on the progress that it makes, the company could launch more regional sports channels.

Tata Sky Launches Classic Cinema Service

DTH operator Tata Sky has launched its latest interactive service, Tata Sky Classic Cinema, in partnership with Shemaroo Entertainment. The service aims to turn the clock back & relive the best of Hindi cinema from a handpicked collection of timeless classics of the 1950s, 1960s & 1970s. Priced at Rs 59 per month, Tata Sky Classic Cinema will be given free for the 1st 10 days for subscribers to sample. The service will be available to all Tata Sky subscribers on #318.

Tata Sky & QYOU Broaden The Deal

Tata Sky has expanded its partnership with QYOU, a curator of premium web video for multiscreen distribution, to feature the online video content on TV screens. This feature was previously available through Tata Sky’s mobile app. Now the broader deal will make QYOU’s 24 / 7 service of online video content & short formats available to 17 million Tata Sky connections across television & mobile.

Facebook Plans To Produce Original TV -Quality Series

Social networking site Facebook is planning to produce high – quality television series & gaming shows to broadcast on its platform. The Wall Street Journal & PTI reported that Facebook is willing to pay up to $3 million per episode for centre piece shows. Facebook is hoping to target audiences aged 13 – 34, with a focus on the 17 – 30 age group. The company has already lined up Strangers, a relationship drama, and a game show, Last State Standing, the report said.

WWE Network To Exclusively Stream MYWT

The 1st ever Mae Young Classic women’s tournament (MYWT) will be streamed exclusively on WWE Network. The 1st ever 4 episodes will be available on demand from 28th Aug, 2017 whereas episodes 5 to 8 will be available on demand from 4th Sept, 2017. The final match will stream live from Las Vegas on 12th Sept, 2017 at 7.30 pm.

Sony Liv Announces Partnership

OTT operator Sony Liv has entered into a strategic partnership with Pocket Aces. As per the deal, Sony Liv will have access to content including short videos from the Pocket Aces channels like FilterCopy & food videos from its channel Gobble.

Vivo Pays Rs 2,199 Cr To Retain IPL Title Sponsorship For 5 Years

Chinese mobile company Vivo has retained for 5 years the title sponsorship right to the cash – rich Indian Premier League (IPL) with a winning bid of Rs 2,199 crore. This works out to around Rs 440 crore per season or a jump of 554% on the previous contract signed by the company. Oppo, with Rs 1,430 crore, was the next highest bidder.

Vasindra Mishra Joins Network18

Network18 has appointed Vasindra Mishra as consulting editor. Vasindra Mishra moves in from Zee Media where he was an editor & head of Zee News service. A senior journalist with 29 years of experience, Vasindra Mishra spent 13 years in print & 16 years in television media. He started his career in English newspapers & switched over to Hindi.

Network18 Announces Launch Of Amplify18

Media conglomerate Network18 has announced the launch of its entertainment, lifestyle & brand amplification entity, Amplify18, which will leverage the group’s pan – national television network along with the strong digital properties to drive visibility, awareness & business growth for its clients through innovative advertising & communication formats. The group has appointed Mayur Parekh as assistant general manager to drive the corporate division. He will report to Puneet Singhvi, head – corporate development.

Videocon d2h Adds 71 Channels

Videocon d2h is widening its TV channel portfolio. The direct – to – home (DTH) arm of Videocon Group has added 2 news channels, JK 24×7 & Gulistan News, for its subscribers in Jammu & Kashmir. In fact, Videocon d2h has added 71 new channels in regional languages this calendar year.

TV Today Network Invests In 11.92 Mn Shares
TV Today Network, which runs news channels Aaj Tak & India Today TV, has invested in 11.92 million (11,917,002) equity shares of Mail Today Newspapers aggregating to Rs 119.2 million. This represents 8.33% of the increased paid – up share capital of Mail Today Newspapers. TV Today Network made the fresh investment on 23rd Jun, 2017. Mail Today Newspapers is a wholly owned subsidiary of TV Today Network.

Banner: Red Chillies Entertainment
Producer: Gauri Khan
Director: Imtiaz Ali
Star Cast: Shah Rukh Khan, Anushka Sharma Aru Krishansh Verma, Chandan Roy Sanyal, Evelyn Sharma, Sayani Gupta, Paras Arora, Kavi Shashtri et al
Music: Pritam, Diplo & Hitesh Sonik

Director Imtiaz Ali still seems to be reeling under the hangover of the Karina Kapoor Khan & Shahid Kapur starrer Jab We Met but seriously there cannot even be the oddest comparison between Jab We Met & Jab Harry Met Sejal and it doesn’t even sound like a sequel too. Besides not even in the wildest imagination can one say that Jab Harry Met Sejal is a straight take off on that Hollywood blockbuster movie When Harry Met Sally which was so full of romance.

The most poorly scripted scenario of Jab Harry Met Sejal entails that it is a story of a bored tourist guide whose life takes a turn thanks to a spunky tourist. Harinder “Harry” Singh Nehra (Shah Rukh Khan) takes visitors on a tour across several European countries. He’s a bit aloof, rude & even finds it difficult to maintain long lasting relationships. Sejal Jhaveri (Anushka Sharma) is a tourist who has taken the services of Harry along with her entire family. She gets engaged during the trip to Rupen (Kavi Shastri). Unfortunately, her engagement ring gets lost and she refuses to go back to Mumbai until she finds it. She compels Harry to help her find the ring and he agrees to do so reluctantly. How Harry & Sejal discover each other and also themselves during the course of their “RING DHUNDO MISSION” forms the rest of the story of Jab Harry Met Sejal.

In fact Jab Harry Met Sejal begins on a swift note. No time is wasted in explaining Harry’s life, his enthusiasm as a guide, his moments of loneliness when no one is watching & his troubled relations with women are well explained in a few minutes in the song “Safar”. Sejal is also introduced in no time and the fun begins as they try to find the misplaced ring. The humor comes out very well and the 1st half moves at a breezy pace. The sequence where Sejal gets into trouble in a Prague bar and the scene thereafter stands out as the best & the most exciting portion of the 1st half of the movie. The song “Hawayein” is also played at a poignant & sweet point of the film minutes before the intermission. But post – intermission, the film becomes a long yawn inducing drag. The makers seem confused as the narrative gets chaotic. The twist in the tale, related to the ring, might come across as stupid or unfair by a section of the audiences. At one point, one wonders where exactly the film is heading to. The finale also has a twist but this one is better than the 1st. The film ends on a predictable & clichéd note.

First things first director Imtiaz Ali’s story is absoluty weak and gives a deja vu of some of the prominent love stories of Shah Rukh Khan. Imtiaz Ali’s screenplay too is absolutely faulty and rather inconsistent. No doubt some of the sequences are deftly handled and bring out the best emotions. Watch out for the sequence where Harry innocently asks Sejal for a hug. But there’s not much of a backstory provided. What prompted Harry to leave his village & what exactly was his equation with his family? Why did he never return back to his “pind”? Harry getting overwhelmed in the church and crying seems bizarre. Same goes for him crying out the name of the girl in the echo sequence. Even Sejal’s actions seem unjustified. The manner in which she pretends to be Harry’s girlfriend and is vying for his attention & praises from him also don’t make the intended impact. It’s also bewildering how Sejal’s family members leave her alone in Europe and they don’t even seem too worried about her. Nobody decides to cancel their return journey to Mumbai for Sejal’s sake and she is left on her own. Moreover, it is revealed that Harry is a man with loose character who has been caught getting physical with his clients. In fact, he was to get deport after one more such case. Yet, Harry’s bosses have no qualms when such a high – profile client like Sejal is left at his mercy. Imtiaz Ali’s dialogues however are straight out of life and yet well – worded.

That apart Imtiaz Ali’s direction, just like the script, is also a bit shaky. Known for handling films like Jab We Met, Love Aaj Kal, Rockstar & Highway, the writer – filmmaker doesn’t seem to be in a complete form.

Pritam Chakraborty’s music is a mix of some great as well as average tracks. “Main Banoo Teri Radha” is definitely the best song of the whole lot, especially for the way it’s shot & placed. “Hawayein” is the next best and again, it’s placed at a beautiful moment in the film. “Safar” serves as a nice introductory track. But “Beech Beech Mein” & “Raula” don’t make the desired impact. Whereas “Phurrr” is relegated to the background and could have been done away with totally & “Butterfly” is foot – tapping, played during end credits. Hitesh Sonik’s background score is in sync with the film’s mood.

K U Mohanan’s cinematography is stunning. The locales of Europe and its bylanes are very well captured. Aarti Bajaj’s editing could have been crisper & smooth. The way the song “Beech Beech Mein” begins all of a sudden immediately after the intermission confuses the audiences.

Performances are wonderful. Shah Rukh Khan looks dashing and performance – wise, he is good. He brings out the angst beautifully without going overboard. Also, the trademark sarcasm that he nailed in Kabhi Alvida Na Kehna & Kal Ho Na Ho is brought out here in a few scenes and it works very well. However, some of his Punjabi dialogues are difficult to comprehend. Anushka Sharma is on another level altogether in this film. She gets into the skin of her character and her performance makes one smile, guffaw and even move viewers, as and when required. Chandan Roy Sanyal as Gayasuddin has a miniscule role. Aru Krishansh Verma as Mayank has a crucial part and is quite decent. Evelyn Sharma as Mayank’s fiancé doesn’t get much scope.

In conclusion Jab Harry Met Sejal has its moments of glory. But the film is riddled with cliches & flaws that takes the film down, thanks to the poor script. At the box office, the film might have a good weekend but will struggle in the weekdays and in Week 2 too.