Sun TV’s HD Channels Join Amagi’s Geo

Sun TV Network, South India’s largest broadcast network, has joined Amagi Media Labs’ targeted TV advertising network, to help advertisers reach out to niche South Indian audiences. As part of the partnership, Amagi Media Labs will add Sun TV’s high -definition (HD) channels to its bouquet of channels offering targeted advertising solutions. These channels include Sun TV HD, KTV HD, Sun Music HD, Gemini TV HD, Gemini Movies HD, Gemini Music HD, Udaya TV HD & Surya TV HD.

Network18 Digital Launches CricketNext Mobile App

Network18 Digital, the digital arm of Network18 Group, has launched a mobile apps of its cricket brand CricketNext. The new app gives users the liberty to directly tap into their preferred content on hand -held devices. CricketNext is known for having the fastest scorecard in the business with the layout of the scorecard in sync with the international linear standard.

TV Ad Expenditure To grow At 10.3%

MediabrandsAfter GroupM, Madison & Dentsu Aegis, the IPG Mediabrands has come out with its own estimate of the ad expenditure growth in 2017. According to IPG MB Magna AdEx 2017 Forecast, the TV AdEx will grow at 10.3% to reach Rs 24,516 crore. TV’s market share of the total AdEx is expected to 41%. The media agency’s forecast of TV AdEx growth is more optimistic compared to GroupM’s prediction of just 8% growth for the segment to Rs 27,378 crore.

Ad Expenditure In India To See 13% Growth

DentsuAdvertising expenditure in emerging markets will continue to grow faster than in the developed economies, Dentsu Aegis Network said in its new forecast report. Ad spend in India is expected to grow by 13% in 2017. TV & cinema are forecast to grow at 12% while digital will grow by 35%. Radio & OOH should grow by 10% & newspapers by 8%.

Sony Wah Reclaims Top Spot

Free – to – air (FTA) channel Sony Wah pipped Zee Anmol Cinema to grab the top slot in rural Hindi – speaking market (HSM), according to BARC data for the week ended 9th Jun, 2017. Sony Max & Star Utsav Movies swapped positions.

Sony Pix & History TV18 Lead Their Genres

Sony Pix displaced Movies Now to take the top spot in the week ended 9th Jun, 2017 BARC data showed. Sony Pix collected 3.27 million impressions in Week 23, up by 21.71% from the preceding week. Movies Now saw a 31% decline in its viewership, garnering 2.84 million weekly impressions.

Reboot Of Hum Paanch To Air On Big Magic

After Doordarshan’s Chandrakanta & Star One’s Sarabhai vs Sarabhai, it is Balaji Telefilms’ hit comedy series Hum Paanch that is all set to make a comeback on television. Hindi GEC Big Magic will air the new season of the popular comic caper as Hum Paanch Phir Se from 19th June, every Mond to Fri, at 7.30 pm. Adapted from the original show Hum Paanch, the sequel tries to keep the intrinsic elements of the original intact and give a modern – day take on the sitcom. It will feature an all – new star cast in a contemporary set – up, bringing a breath of fresh air to the show.

Colors To Host World TV Premiere Of Badrinath Ki Dulhania on 25th Jun 2017

Hindi GEC Colors will host the world television premiere of 2017’s hit romantic comedy Badrinath Ki Dulhania on 25th June at 12 pm. The film, produced by Dharma Productions & directed by Shashank Khaitan, stars Varun Dhawan & Alia Bhatt in the lead. The film is the 2nd instalment of a franchise that began with Humpty Sharma Ki Dulhania in 2014.

Zee TV To Replace Sa Re Ga Ma Pa Li’L Champs

Hindi GEC Zee TV is all set to launch non -fiction show India’s Best Judwaah on its weekend primetime. Though the date & the time of India’s Best Judwaah is not yet announced, it is said to replace the channel’s top – rated singing reality show Sa Re Ga Ma Pa Li’L Champs.

Girl In The City Season 2 Garners 34 mn viewers

The 2nd season of Hindi youth GEC Bindass’ popular show Girl In The City is now coming to an end. The latest season has enjoyed strong support from its viewers earning over 34 million viewers even before it has come to an end, the channel said in a release. The show has managed to attract & engage audiences throughout the season as it had strong hold on digital footprint across Facebook & YouTube, the release further stated.

Star Sports Acquires Media Rights

Star Sports has acquired the media rights to Ultimate Table Tennis (UTT), India’s 1st – ever table tennis league. The inaugural edition of the league is being aired on Star Sports Select 2 & Star Sports Select 2 HD from 13th Jul, 2017 to 30th Jul, 2017 from 7:30 pm onwards. The league will also be streamed live on Star India’s digital platform Hotstar.

BTVi To Host 2nd Season of Women Mean Business

Business Television India (BTVi) is coming up with a new edition of Women Mean Business. The show will exclusively feature powerful women role models who are leaders in their respective domains. The 2nd season of Women Mean Business will start from 17th Jun, 2017. It will air every Sat at 8 pm. The prime focus of this show & its subjects are reaffirming and addressing women empowerment, providing viewer’s a revolutionary perspective of women’s achievements in different verticals. Through this show, the channel aims to bring women thought leaders under 1 platform.

Colors To Replace Naagin 2

Hindi GEC Colors has found a replacement for its top – rated show Naagin 2, which is all set to go off air this week. Continuing its association with Balaji Productions, the channel will replace Naagin 2 with a revived version of Doordarshan’s fantasy series Chandrakanta. Premiering on 24th Jun, 2017 the fantasy series will air on Sat & Sun at 8 pm.

Star Plus To Launch Dance+ 3

The 3rd season of dance reality show Dance+ will air on Star Plus from 1st Jul, 2017 every Sat & Sun, at 8 pm. The show will replace couple dance show Nach Baliye 8. This year, the contestants will face their toughest challenge yet, Remo’s squad, comprising 5 dancing stalwarts, highly respected & renowned all over the world.

Alice Through The Looking Glass To Air on Star Movies Select HD

James Bobin’s Box – Office turnstile hit Alice Through The Looking Glass, featuring some of the biggest names in Hollywood, is all set to make its Indian television debut on 24th Jun, 2017 at 9 pm on Star Movies Select HD. What happens when you put Johnny Depp, Anne Hathaway, Mia Wasikowska & Helena Bonham Carter in one frame? Simple, Magic!!! That’s exactly what you get in Disney’s fantasy film Alice Through The Looking Glass.

Sony Max To Air King Kong

Hindi movie channel Sony Max will telecast the action packed Hollywood blockbuster King Kong on 17th Jun, 2017 at 8 pm and on 18th Jun, 2017 at 1 pm. The film depicts a special & unbreakable bond shared by the great ape (King Kong) & a girl (Ann Darrow) who happen to meet on a mysterious island.

MIB Cancelled 10 TV Channel Licences

The Ministry of Information & Broadcasting (MIB) cancelled 10 TV channel licences in May. This includes 2 news channels & 8 in the non – news genre. The total number of cancelled permissions stands at 189 TV channels, as of 31st May, 2017. ZEEL’s uplink – only non – news licence Zee TV Russia was withdrawn. The 10 year licence period of the channel had expired in Mar, 2017.

Sony Issues Disconnection Notice to

After Star India, Sony Pictures Networks India (SPNI) has threatened to disconnect the signals of its channels & those of TV Today Network to Hinduja Group – owned multi -system operator (MSO) IndusInd Media & Communications Ltd (IMCL) & HITS service NXT Digital. Earlier, Star India had issued a disconnection notice to Grant Investrade, the company that runs NXT Digital, for non -payment of subscription fee.

Sony Sab’s Revamp plan

Sony Sab revamped its shows & expanded its distribution footprint to seek for a wider audiences base to look at creating a new prime time & continue to grow its tent – pole property Tarak Mehta Ka Ooltha Chasma. The plan was also to launch a non – fiction show in future. The family humour channel currently does not have a non – fiction show.

Global Pay TV subscribers Reach 969 million

Based on 138 countries, Digital TV Research estimated 254 million additional pay TV subscribers, up 35%, between 2010 & 2016 to take the global total to 969 million. According to the Global Pay TV Subscriber Databook, digital cable TV created the most additions by platform – at 256 million between 2010 & 2016. However, analogue cable TV lost 218 million subscribers, dampening overall cable gains. There were 76 million extra subscribers for IPTV to nearly quintuple its total. Satellite TV added 77 million & pay DTT 5 million.

&TV To Launch Comedy Series

Hindi GEC &TV is all set to launch a new comedy series, Bakula Bua Ka Bhoot, on 24th Jun, 2017. The series will air every weekend at 8 pm. Produced by JD Majethia & Aatish Kapadia’s Hats – off Productions, the show brings together veteran actors Sarita Joshi as Bakula & Apara Mehta as her sister -in – law Rekha. The show also stars actors like Deepak Pareek, Tulika Patel, Amit Varma & Muskan Bhamne.

&Pictures Partners Eros

Hindi movie channel &Pictures has tied up with Eros International & Next Gen Films to launch an exciting pan – India talent hunt Main Hoon Michael. The hunt is meant to promote Eros’ upcoming dance & action film Munna Michael. The film is dedicated to the late King Of Pop Michael Jackson, who was famous not only for his singing prowess but for his dance moves as well.

Star India Redesigns Website

Broadcaster Star India has redesigned its website startv.com in order to make it more interactive, more engaging and at the same time easy to navigate. The approach that has been taken is mobile first. In an email communication, Star India president, head of consumer strategy & innovation Gayatri Yadav noted that Star India has been on a journey to bring its mission of “Inspiring a Billion Imaginations” to life. “From innovating entertainment, promoting gender equality, creating a multi – sport culture, shaping the digital landscape, Star impacts society.”

Network18 Beefs Up ETV Revenue Team

Media conglomerate Network18 has strengthened its revenue team by appointing Mukul Gupta & Tauquir Zaidi as national sales heads for ETV News HSM (Hindi Speaking Markets) channels & ETV News Language channels, respectively. Both Mukul Gupta & Tauquir Zaidi will be reporting to ETV News Network EVP & national revenue head Sudip Roy, an official statement said. Sudip Roy in turn reports to Joy Chakraborthy.

Sony Max 2 Will Run Movie Festival

Sony Max 2 will take its viewers on a journey through the euphoric 90s / 2000s with Cine Express. Starting 17th Jun, 2017 the movie festival will run until 23rd Jun, 2017. The movies will be shown at 7 pm.

Channel 4’s New Show To Be Set In A Boarding School

Statistics show that white working class boys are falling behind their classmates in GCSE attainment, but where they are taught alongside peers in multi – cultural classrooms they perform better. Could this be down to a broader world view or a differing cultural approach to education & ambition? To test this theory UK broadcaster Channel 4 has commissioned Himalaya High.

DD India To Turn Into An English News Channel

Public broadcaster Doordarshan is repositioning its key channels DD India & DD News. While Doordarshan’s international channel DD India is all set to turn into an English news channel, the bilingual DD News may air only Hindi news. The decision to this effect was taken at a recent meeting of the Prasar Bharati board.

Zee’s News Channel Wion Launches on Kwese TV

Essel Group owned English news channel WION (The World is One Family) has been launched on Africa’s pay TV network Kwesé TV. Zee Africa made this announcement. WION is the 3rd channel from Zee to be on the Kwesé platform. The other 2 channels on this platform include Zee Bollynova on channel 150 & Bollymovies on channel 155. Both were added on 30th Jan, 2017.

Flowers TV Launched New Reality Show

Flowers TV launched its new reality show Oru Nimisham (Just a minute) from 12th Jun, 2017. The show airs on Mons, Tues’ & Weds at 8.30 pm – 9.30 pm. Oru Nimisham is a humourous talk show involving young orators in Kerala.

Madras HC Adjourns Star’s Petition

The Madras High Court has put off the hearing in Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) tariff order matter to 27th Jun, 2017. The matter was supposed to come up for hearing on 12th Jun, 2017. Chief Justice Indira Banerjee said that the court would not be able to hear the case before 27th Jun, 2017 and that the court would decide which bench would hear the case. Star India had challenged TRAI’s tariff order & interconnection regulation, arguing that the regulator did not have any jurisdiction to do so.

Main Kuch Bhi Kar Sakti Hoon Explores New Avenues

Doordarshan’s popular show Main Kuch Bhi Kar Sakti Hoon (MKBKSH), which is watched by more than 400 million viewers, is all set to make its debut on digital platform in the form of a web series. While continuing on Doordarshan, the producers of Main Kuch Bhi Kar Sakti Hoon (MKBKSH) are also exploring partnerships with private channels to telecast the world’s most – watched show. They feel that the issues are as relevant today as they were when the show was launched. The show will find its way to digital through a partnership with Vimeo & YouTube. The plan is to develop & disseminate edutainment content from MKBKSH on digital media platforms and to increase online viewership through Vimeo & YouTube.

Network 18 Digital Launches CricketNext Mobile App

Network18 Digital, the digital arm of Network18 Group, has launched a mobile apps of its cricket brand CricketNext. The new app gives users the liberty to directly tap into their preferred content on hand -held devices. CricketNext is known for having the fastest scorecard in the business with the layout of the scorecard in sync with the international linear standard.

TV Ad Expenditure To grow At 10.3%

MediabrandsAfter GroupM, Madison & Dentsu Aegis, the IPG Mediabrands has come out with its own estimate of the ad expenditure growth in 2017. According to IPG MB Magna AdEx 2017 Forecast, the TV AdEx will grow at 10.3% to reach Rs 24,516 crore. TV’s market share of the total AdEx is expected to 41%. The media agency’s forecast of TV AdEx growth is more optimistic compared to GroupM’s prediction of just 8% growth for the segment to Rs 27,378 crore.

Ad Expenditure In India To See 13% Growth

DentsuAdvertising expenditure in emerging markets will continue to grow faster than in the developed economies, Dentsu Aegis Network said in its new forecast report. Ad spend in India is expected to grow by 13% in 2017. TV & cinema are forecast to grow at 12% while digital will grow by 35%. Radio & OOH should grow by 10% & newspapers by 8%.

Sony Wah Reclaims Top Spot

Free – to – air (FTA) channel Sony Wah pipped Zee Anmol Cinema to grab the top slot in rural Hindi – speaking market (HSM), according to BARC data for the week ended 9th Jun, 2017. Sony Max & Star Utsav Movies swapped positions.

Sony Pix & History TV18 Lead Their Genres

Sony Pix displaced Movies Now to take the top spot in the week ended 9th Jun, 2017 BARC data showed. Sony Pix collected 3.27 million impressions in Week 23, up by 21.71% from the preceding week. Movies Now saw a 31% decline in its viewership, garnering 2.84 million weekly impressions.

Reboot Of Hum Paanch To Air On Big Magic

After Doordarshan’s Chandrakanta & Star One’s Sarabhai vs Sarabhai, it is Balaji Telefilms’ hit comedy series Hum Paanch that is all set to make a comeback on television. Hindi GEC Big Magic will air the new season of the popular comic caper as Hum Paanch Phir Se from 19th June, every Mond to Fri, at 7.30 pm. Adapted from the original show Hum Paanch, the sequel tries to keep the intrinsic elements of the original intact and give a modern – day take on the sitcom. It will feature an all – new star cast in a contemporary set – up, bringing a breath of fresh air to the show.

Colors To Host World TV Premiere Of Badrinath Ki Dulhania on 25th Jun 2017

Hindi GEC Colors will host the world television premiere of 2017’s hit romantic comedy Badrinath Ki Dulhania on 25th June at 12 pm. The film, produced by Dharma Productions & directed by Shashank Khaitan, stars Varun Dhawan & Alia Bhatt in the lead. The film is the 2nd instalment of a franchise that began with Humpty Sharma Ki Dulhania in 2014.

Zee TV To Replace Sa Re Ga Ma Pa Li’L Champs

Hindi GEC Zee TV is all set to launch non -fiction show India’s Best Judwaah on its weekend primetime. Though the date & the time of India’s Best Judwaah is not yet announced, it is said to replace the channel’s top – rated singing reality show Sa Re Ga Ma Pa Li’L Champs.

Girl In The City Season 2 Garners 34 mn viewers

The 2nd season of Hindi youth GEC Bindass’ popular show Girl In The City is now coming to an end. The latest season has enjoyed strong support from its viewers earning over 34 million viewers even before it has come to an end, the channel said in a release. The show has managed to attract & engage audiences throughout the season as it had strong hold on digital footprint across Facebook & YouTube, the release further stated.

Star Sports Acquires Media Rights

Star Sports has acquired the media rights to Ultimate Table Tennis (UTT), India’s 1st – ever table tennis league. The inaugural edition of the league is being aired on Star Sports Select 2 & Star Sports Select 2 HD from 13th Jul, 2017 to 30th Jul, 2017 from 7:30 pm onwards. The league will also be streamed live on Star India’s digital platform Hotstar.

BTVi To Host 2nd Season of Women Mean Business

Business Television India (BTVi) is coming up with a new edition of Women Mean Business. The show will exclusively feature powerful women role models who are leaders in their respective domains. The 2nd season of Women Mean Business will start from 17th Jun, 2017. It will air every Sat at 8 pm. The prime focus of this show & its subjects are reaffirming and addressing women empowerment, providing viewer’s a revolutionary perspective of women’s achievements in different verticals. Through this show, the channel aims to bring women thought leaders under 1 platform.

Sun TV’s HD Channels Join Amagi’s Geo

Sun TV Network, South India’s largest broadcast network, has joined Amagi Media Labs’ targeted TV advertising network, to help advertisers reach out to niche South Indian audiences. As part of the partnership, Amagi Media Labs will add Sun TV’s high -definition (HD) channels to its bouquet of channels offering targeted advertising solutions. These channels include Sun TV HD, KTV HD, Sun Music HD, Gemini TV HD, Gemini Movies HD, Gemini Music HD, Udaya TV HD & Surya TV HD.

Colors To Replace Naagin 2

Hindi GEC Colors has found a replacement for its top – rated show Naagin 2, which is all set to go off air this week. Continuing its association with Balaji Productions, the channel will replace Naagin 2 with a revived version of Doordarshan’s fantasy series Chandrakanta. Premiering on 24th Jun, 2017 the fantasy series will air on Sat & Sun at 8 pm.

Star Plus To Launch Dance+ 3

The 3rd season of dance reality show Dance+ will air on Star Plus from 1st Jul, 2017 every Sat & Sun, at 8 pm. The show will replace couple dance show Nach Baliye 8. This year, the contestants will face their toughest challenge yet, Remo’s squad, comprising 5 dancing stalwarts, highly respected & renowned all over the world.

Alice Through The Looking Glass To Air on Star Movies Select HD

James Bobin’s Box – Office turnstile hit Alice Through The Looking Glass, featuring some of the biggest names in Hollywood, is all set to make its Indian television debut on 24th Jun, 2017 at 9 pm on Star Movies Select HD. What happens when you put Johnny Depp, Anne Hathaway, Mia Wasikowska & Helena Bonham Carter in one frame? Simple, Magic!!! That’s exactly what you get in Disney’s fantasy film Alice Through The Looking Glass.

Sony Max To Air King Kong

Hindi movie channel Sony Max will telecast the action packed Hollywood blockbuster King Kong on 17th Jun, 2017 at 8 pm and on 18th Jun, 2017 at 1 pm. The film depicts a special & unbreakable bond shared by the great ape (King Kong) & a girl (Ann Darrow) who happen to meet on a mysterious island.

MIB Cancelled 10 TV Channel Licences

The Ministry of Information & Broadcasting (MIB) cancelled 10 TV channel licences in May. This includes 2 news channels & 8 in the non – news genre. The total number of cancelled permissions stands at 189 TV channels, as of 31st May, 2017. ZEEL’s uplink – only non – news licence Zee TV Russia was withdrawn. The 10 year licence period of the channel had expired in Mar, 2017.

Sony Issues Disconnection Notice to

After Star India, Sony Pictures Networks India (SPNI) has threatened to disconnect the signals of its channels & those of TV Today Network to Hinduja Group – owned multi -system operator (MSO) IndusInd Media & Communications Ltd (IMCL) & HITS service NXT Digital. Earlier, Star India had issued a disconnection notice to Grant Investrade, the company that runs NXT Digital, for non -payment of subscription fee.

Sony Sab’s Revamp plan

Sony Sab revamped its shows & expanded its distribution footprint to seek for a wider audiences base to look at creating a new prime time & continue to grow its tent – pole property Tarak Mehta Ka Ooltha Chasma. The plan was also to launch a non – fiction show in future. The family humour channel currently does not have a non – fiction show.

Global Pay TV subscribers Reach 969 million

Based on 138 countries, Digital TV Research estimated 254 million additional pay TV subscribers, up 35%, between 2010 & 2016 to take the global total to 969 million. According to the Global Pay TV Subscriber Databook, digital cable TV created the most additions by platform – at 256 million between 2010 & 2016. However, analogue cable TV lost 218 million subscribers, dampening overall cable gains. There were 76 million extra subscribers for IPTV to nearly quintuple its total. Satellite TV added 77 million & pay DTT 5 million.

&TV To Launch Comedy Series

Hindi GEC &TV is all set to launch a new comedy series, Bakula Bua Ka Bhoot, on 24th Jun, 2017. The series will air every weekend at 8 pm. Produced by JD Majethia & Aatish Kapadia’s Hats – off Productions, the show brings together veteran actors Sarita Joshi as Bakula & Apara Mehta as her sister -in – law Rekha. The show also stars actors like Deepak Pareek, Tulika Patel, Amit Varma & Muskan Bhamne.

&Pictures Partners Eros

Hindi movie channel &Pictures has tied up with Eros International & Next Gen Films to launch an exciting pan – India talent hunt Main Hoon Michael. The hunt is meant to promote Eros’ upcoming dance & action film Munna Michael. The film is dedicated to the late King Of Pop Michael Jackson, who was famous not only for his singing prowess but for his dance moves as well.

Star India Redesigns Website

Broadcaster Star India has redesigned its website startv.com in order to make it more interactive, more engaging and at the same time easy to navigate. The approach that has been taken is mobile first. In an email communication, Star India president, head of consumer strategy & innovation Gayatri Yadav noted that Star India has been on a journey to bring its mission of “Inspiring a Billion Imaginations” to life. “From innovating entertainment, promoting gender equality, creating a multi – sport culture, shaping the digital landscape, Star impacts society.”

Network18 Beefs Up ETV Revenue Team

Media conglomerate Network18 has strengthened its revenue team by appointing Mukul Gupta & Tauquir Zaidi as national sales heads for ETV News HSM (Hindi Speaking Markets) channels & ETV News Language channels, respectively. Both Mukul Gupta & Tauquir Zaidi will be reporting to ETV News Network EVP & national revenue head Sudip Roy, an official statement said. Sudip Roy in turn reports to Joy Chakraborthy.

Sony Max 2 Will Run Movie Festival

Sony Max 2 will take its viewers on a journey through the euphoric 90s / 2000s with Cine Express. Starting 17th Jun, 2017 the movie festival will run until 23rd Jun, 2017. The movies will be shown at 7 pm.

Channel 4’s New Show To Be Set In A Boarding School

Statistics show that white working class boys are falling behind their classmates in GCSE attainment, but where they are taught alongside peers in multi – cultural classrooms they perform better. Could this be down to a broader world view or a differing cultural approach to education & ambition? To test this theory UK broadcaster Channel 4 has commissioned Himalaya High.

DD India To Turn Into An English News Channel

Public broadcaster Doordarshan is repositioning its key channels DD India & DD News. While Doordarshan’s international channel DD India is all set to turn into an English news channel, the bilingual DD News may air only Hindi news. The decision to this effect was taken at a recent meeting of the Prasar Bharati board.

Zee’s News Channel Wion Launches on Kwese TV

Essel Group owned English news channel WION (The World is One Family) has been launched on Africa’s pay TV network Kwesé TV. Zee Africa made this announcement. WION is the 3rd channel from Zee to be on the Kwesé platform. The other 2 channels on this platform include Zee Bollynova on channel 150 & Bollymovies on channel 155. Both were added on 30th Jan, 2017.

Flowers TV Launched New Reality Show

Flowers TV launched its new reality show Oru Nimisham (Just a minute) from 12th Jun, 2017. The show airs on Mons, Tues’ & Weds at 8.30 pm – 9.30 pm. Oru Nimisham is a humourous talk show involving young orators in Kerala.

Madras HC Adjourns Star’s Petition

The Madras High Court has put off the hearing in Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) tariff order matter to 27th Jun, 2017. The matter was supposed to come up for hearing on 12th Jun, 2017. Chief Justice Indira Banerjee said that the court would not be able to hear the case before 27th Jun, 2017 and that the court would decide which bench would hear the case. Star India had challenged TRAI’s tariff order & interconnection regulation, arguing that the regulator did not have any jurisdiction to do so.

Main Kuch Bhi Kar Sakti Hoon Explores New Avenues

Doordarshan’s popular show Main Kuch Bhi Kar Sakti Hoon (MKBKSH), which is watched by more than 400 million viewers, is all set to make its debut on digital platform in the form of a web series. While continuing on Doordarshan, the producers of Main Kuch Bhi Kar Sakti Hoon (MKBKSH) are also exploring partnerships with private channels to telecast the world’s most – watched show. They feel that the issues are as relevant today as they were when the show was launched. The show will find its way to digital through a partnership with Vimeo & YouTube. The plan is to develop & disseminate edutainment content from MKBKSH on digital media platforms and to increase online viewership through Vimeo & YouTube.

In the plethora of leisure hubs, one always hunts a space to unwind & relish the global flavors across the world. And, 10 Downing Street would bring exactly the same – Global Cuisine in the best lounging experience.

Satbir Singh has successfully created some of India’s iconic hospitality ventures and with Ten Downing Street brings his signature leisure luxury to the dynamic landscape of BKC, Mumbai.

The launch soiree saw an eclectic mix of celebs & models like Eijaz Khan, Vaishali Takkar, Manu Punjabi, Nitibha Kaul, Kanika Maheshwari, Pearl Puri, Rishabh Sinha, Rajesh Khera, Antara Banerjee, Director Aziz Zee, Karan Singh Chabra, Lavina Tandon and many more.

Strategically placed in BKC, the prime hub of corporate & yippee epicenter, this 400sqft luxe place is impeccable finished with state of art interiors with an international panache. Celebrity Chef Ajay Chopra has hand – picked exclusive recipes across the world and has added his quintessential flavorsome spin to tickle the taste buds of food connoisseurs.

High Definition technology, D&B Germany and premium set of speaker systems will amplify the music mood to its best possible decibel with unique surround sound experience for music crazy partygoers.

Ten down Street would soon be the IT place to celebrate & relax with a unique blend of global Cuisine under high tech musical atmosphere. It definitely would captivate all the sensory modes of the Mumbaikars for the ultimate leisure experience.

The launch soiree was curated by Ali Merchant, Event partners: Rohit, Gidda, Santosh Gupta, Celocity Entertainment.
​
Venue managed by Deepak Beri, Shimmers Entertainment.

The master designer Premal Badiani has a simple fashion mantra: “We must keep up with the times & stay contemporary & modern, but it is imperative that we do so without losing our roots or our culture & bring attention to some of the most sensitive issues related to environment & society”

And this philosophy is the driving force that compelled the designer to judge the signature annual event of Bandra- INIFD (Inter National Institute of Fashion Designing) VIBRANCE 2017 showcasing the theme “Fashion For A Cause”.

“There are numerous problems which exist in the world, in order to eradicate such problems the students have done an outstanding job of choosing topics like Global Warming, Save Sea Life, Prevent Prostitution, Aids & Prevention, Traffic Hazards, Women Empowerment, Poverty, Animal Abuse, Racism, Patriotism, LGBT rights, Breast Cancer & Air Pollution to showcase a collection highlighting these problems” says Premal Badiani

“Today fashion has become a huge part of everybody’s lives. Each & every person is connected to fashion in some way or the other. Using fashion as a tool to bring a change means reaching out to a huge section of society. I am beyond proud to judge a show of such a high stature where fashion makes an attempt to bring light on relevant themes which sends a very strong message” adds Premal Badiani

Premal with her continued patronage and expertise using eco – friendly fabrics showcased her collection “Root Cause” – clothes made from wood pulp at New York Fashion Week to raise global awareness on the human impact on the environment through fashion.

Terribly Tiny Talkies is all set to release its very special short film Aamad on this Father’s Day 18th Jun, 2017. The film is written & directed by Neeraj Udhwani and stars Saqib Saleem, Arif Zakaria, Charu Rohatgi & Abeer Pandit.

In Urdu, the word Aamad means arrival. In Kathak Aamad is the initiation of spoken rhythms or “bol” which also herald the entry of the performer.

Aamad is the story of a father & a son and their shared inheritance of loss. An inheritance that tears them apart and yet binds them together.

Abhay returns home to find his father on his death bed. Old painful memories resurface. Will he be able to make amends for the faults of his past? As his father passes on, will this be Abhay’s rites of passage? Will Abhay heed the call of the bloodline, despite the tinkering strains of the past?

This is the 21st film which will be released by Terribly Tiny Talkies.

Director Neeraj Udhwani quotes his experience on making Aamad. “Aamad is at its essence a father son story. Most boys, during their teenage years, have a strained relationship with their father. I remember I had one. But when we grow up, we look back and realise how much our immature behavior must have hurt our parents. Though we seldom apologize. Aamad is the story of a son apologizing to his father and correcting the mistake of his boyhood before it gets too late.”

He continues, “For this short film, casting was very crucial. I needed an actor who looked masculine and yet would look graceful while performing kathak. My first choice was Saqib Saleem with whom I have previously worked on Mere Dad Ki Maruti, a film I had written. And to my good fortune, he agreed to do it after reading the script. He knew the film entailed him learning a bit of kathak which is a difficult dance to master. But Saqib rose up to the challenge and practiced it every day for hours & hours with the choreographer Ishita Sharma for many days until he got it right.”

He further adds, “For the father’s role, I needed a fine actor who had the physicality of a dancer. My casting director Shaarika suggested Arif Zakaria and again to my luck, he agreed. Charuji, another fine actor, came on board as the mother. And Abeer Pandit, an amazing discovery by my casting director, plays the younger version of Saqib.
I couldn’t have asked for better producers than Terribly Tiny Talkies (TTT) for this film. My sensibilities matched with Sharanya, Anuj & Chintan right from the first meeting. Also my co – producer Ishita Moitra Udhwani (starry – eyed films) for backing me right till the end and her strong belief in the story. I feel blessed that all the right people came together. Without them, this wouldn’t have happened.”

Actor Saqib Saleem shares his experience on working with Neeraj Udhwani :- “I know Neeraj for a while now as he wrote Mere Dad Ki Maruti and we meet often to discuss ideas. He shared the idea of Aamad with me and asked me what I thought. When I read it, I instantly fell in love with the story and I told him that he shouldn’t look for anyone else as I want to do it. It’s such a simple yet complex film as it speaks about the unsaid things in a father – son relationship.”

Chintan Ruparel, co – founder & Chief Creative Officer Terribly Tiny Talkies (TTT) invites everyone to watch Aamad, “This is the 1st time ever that we’re exploring a theme like this, with traditional dance as the backdrop. Add to that, the awkwardness & restrained expression of love between father & son. Aamad is the perfect example of a simple story well told and its director Neeraj Udhwani’s relentless belief & persistence that has made the film happen. This Father’s Day, we extend an invitation (Aamad) to everyone to watch this film.”

Terribly Tiny Talkies is a story telling collective which brings together distinctive & talented filmmakers from across the country to craft thematic short films. Each talkie is under 15 minutes, and filmed around either a central keyword or idea. Terribly Tiny Talkies endures to save the fading art of the narrative, one frame at a time. Terribly Tiny Talkies is part of Terribly Tiny Tales – India’s largest & most celebrated social story telling platform. Till date, Terribly Tiny Talkies has 20 short films to its credit. Terribly Tiny Talkies (TTT) had 5 of its films shortlisted at Jio Filmfare Awards, 2017 in their short film category and has also won awards at different national & International Film Festivals last year.

Here’s a list of the 20 short films which have been released by Terribly Tiny Talkies. 1. RIP 2. EL’AYICHI 3. Deuce 4. Bunny 5. The Last Day 6. Mamta Tonic 7. L 8. Cheers 9. Arre Baba 10. Cuddly 11. Agli Baar 12. Bapu 13. One Day Mataram 14. One Faith 15. Life After 16. Dry Day 17. The Day After 18. Kheer 19. Khujli & 20. Jai Mata Di.

Bollywood has been dominated by male directors since ages. Where even words like Lights! Action! Camera! Rolling! Pack Up! were dependent on their command. But since the last half a decade female directors too have made their presence felt in this male dominated arena and tried to break the monopoly of the so called male directors. Not only these now this female directors have not only left a deep impression on the cine goer’s mind but also got a lot of appreciation for their par excellence directorial skills. And now one more name is being included in this long list of female directors named Payal Kashyap, who happens to be a fun loving & extremely bold person. She is all ready to take on the, behind the scenes, male director’s dominance. She is all excited to showcase her woman power. Incidentally speaking she had opened her directorial innings with a symbolically titled film Ganga Ki Pukar. At present she is busy giving finishing touches to her 5th directorial venture named Never Again Nirbhaya which is based on the most talked about Delhi Gang Rape case. Present herewith are some extracts of the long conversation held with Payal Kashyap. Tune in!

What was the main reason of directing a film on the Nirbhaya Rape Case?

The main reason to make a film on this particular topic was that it was always facts that has appealed to me more than the fiction. Moreover the audience as well as myself feel more connected to each other when I end up making a realism oriented films. Besides in those days when the Nirbhaya incident had taken place I was busy shooting in Delhi itself for a documentary based on the life of the Late PM Rajiv Gandhi. At that time I saw Nirbhaya’s painful death every day due to the varied publications & news channel’s round the clock harping on the most cruel act which had happened with Nirbhaya. Her name was Nirbhaya (fearless) but she lived a very fearful life in her last days in the hospital bed and I could literally hear her weeping for almost a week. This incident had literally left me totally shaken & disturbed. In fact the entire nation was deeply moved. The incident was relived in every corner of our nation. So I felt that keeping this incident as a focal point I should make a hard hitting film with a very relevant social message. So that no other man, not even a stone hearted one with no feelings whatsoever, will ever dare to create such a cruel crime again. That apart it may finally bring a real justice to the family of the deceased Nirbhaya. Not ony this Never Again Nirbhaya will act as a soothing balm on the non – healing wounds of Nirbhaya’s family.

Now time to give us details about the cast & the credits of Never Again Nirbhaya?

As our film Never Again Nirbhaya is totally based on a real story so I wanted to have a fresh pair for the lead cast. Hence I selected the ex – Miss. International Richa Sharma & Dinesh K. Mehta, who has acted in many small screen serials, as a lead pair. Besides them the film also stars Raju Shrestha, Shailendra Shrivastav, Pappu Polysater, Anil
Yadav, Gopal K. Singh, Ravi Kesari et al in pivotal roles. The credits of the film are story by Ramesh Chandra Jha, dialogues by A. M. Turaz, cimematography by Ajay Kashyap & Pawan Singh Rathore, lyrics by Vimal Kashyap, music by Rupesh Verma and above all the film has been produced by Bidisha Adhikari & Kanchan Adhikari. The film is all set to be released very soon.

So you are trying to do a yeoman’s service. In tandem with Social Service through the. Medium of cinema. Right?

You see as a director my main aim is to bring all the varied stories onto the celluloid silver screen. Besides the important aspects of all my film is entertainment and through these varied stories I always want to say something. I immediately start making a film on the story that touches my heart totally. And as far as Society is concerned how can anyone forget that I am also a part of this same Society. So it is also my responsibility
to do something for my country & my society. You get entertained as long as you watch a film but you definitely take home the message conveyed through the film and it stays with you for a very, very long time.
And this aspect is the one that has a greater impact on Society.

It seems you are also involved in the direction of a Telugu film. Right!

Yes it is very much true. I am not only directing Butter Thief Production’s Kaal Bhairava but also enacting a cameo role in it. I personally think & believe that cinema does not have any language. I want to narrate stories, then be it any medium. And I also wish to state that I had initially started my filmic career as an actress of Bhojpuri Cinema. And then I turned my focus on direction by successfully wielding the megaphone for 3 hit Bhojpuri films. That apart I am also enacting a cameo role in Never Again Nirbhaya aka Nirbhaya Ka Insaaf which will ultimately prove to be a turning point of the film.

You are handling varied departments of filmmaking at the same time. But don’t you think it is risky & dangerous to sail in too many boats?

Of course anything can happen. It can so happened that the sole boat you are sailing in has a hole in it and you may get drowned. So those who do not dare to take a risk their life itself may become risky & dangerous. That’s the sole reason that I am daring to take a risk at each & every step of my life and I am also all ready to take one more risk by turning a producer.

What do you enjoy most directing or acting?

I get a special feeling while directing a film. Frankly speaking I feel that directing a film is more creative than acting in a film. But again I would like to state today whatever I have achieved is only because of acting which is omnipresent in my blood. This only has given me recognition in the first place.

Why do you direct mostly female oriented films?

If you glance at the 100 year old history of Indian Cinema than you fill find that writers & filmmakers have always presented woman as a weak character almost like a down trodden “Abla Naari”. Even today barring a chosen few films an Indian actress is always presented as a stereotyped showpiece. Whereas today’s woman are nothing less than a man in any arena of work.
Goverment also talks about giving 50% reservation for half of the population. But Indian Cinema is still stuck in the same situation. So I think someone has to make a start. I want that Nadia’s hunter should rule the roost again resoundlingly on the celluloid silver screen that too in the Dolby Sound Sytem.

So what next after Never Again Nirbhaya?

Right now I doing one film for Rising Film Cooperation. No wonder this film will also be totally woman oriented. Through the medium of film I am trying to focus and bring to the forefront the varied problems of human trafficking. And then one more film named Shootout Of Azamgarh’s production work is going on. That apart I recently bagged the “Best Supporting Actress” award & “Best Director” award in Mumbai, Stree Shakti Sammaan 2016 on 31st Jul, 2016 and above all Fatima Begum Shikhar Samman (Jharkhand, Ranchi).

Laysla De Oliveira joins Code 8

Laysla De Oliveira is all set to co – star opposite Robbie Amell & Stephen Amell in the sci – fi thriller Code 8. The film, to be directed by Jeff Chan, is currently in production. It is set in a world where 4% of the population is born with varying supernatural abilities, known as “specials”, who are impoverished and face discrimination, often resorting to crime.

Colton Haynes Come Out As Gay

Colton Haynes has recently averred that coming out as gay has changed his life for the better as he no longer has to hide who he is. Colton Haynes had made the confession during an interview in May, 2016, and has said that whilst it took him awhile to be comfortable enough to speak about his sexuality, he is now “proud” of it.

Julia Stiles Is pregnant

Julia Stiles & her fiance Preston J. Cook are expecting their 1st ever child together. The couple is expecting to welcome their baby into the world later this year.

Todd Fisher Praises Taylor Lautner

Carrie Fisher’s brother Todd Fisher said he is proud of Taylor Lautner for supporting Billie Lourd in tough times. Taylor Lautner has been by Billie Lourd’s side since the demise of her mother Carrie & grandmother Debbie Reynolds.

Cameron Diaz On A Break From Films

She is one of the most popular movie stars in Hollywood, but after 2014’s musical Annie, Cameron Diaz decided to give films a break. The diva averred that she took time off from movies as she was tired of traveling every day to the sets and wanted to focus on her personal life.

Meryl Streep To Enact The Role Of Mary Poppins Cousin

Veteran actress Meryl Streep will play Topsy, cousin of Mary Poppins in Mary Poppins Returns. Director, Rob Marshall said that the Oscar – winning actress, whom he worked with in Into The Woods, was drawn to his 2018 movie because of its message of optimism.

Josh Brolin Reveals His Beefed Up Look

Josh Brolin is ripped and all set for the sequel of Deadpool. Josh Brolin took to Instagram to share the pictures & the videos of him working out over the weekend. In one video, the Everest star is seen pumping iron and includes the hashtag #ryanreynoldsismyb**ch.

Steve Carell & Bryan Cranston’s Last Flag Flying To Open A Fest

Richard Linklater’s Last Flag Flying is all set to open this year’s New York Film Festival. The Amazon title will make its world premiere at Alice Tully Hall on 28th Sept, 2017 as the opening night film of the fest. The movie stars Steve Carell, Bryan Cranston & Laurence Fishburne in pivotal roles.

Gwyneth Paltrow Forms A Dream Girl Band

Cameron Diaz, designers Nicole Richie, Tory Burch & Gwyneth Paltrow promoted girl power over the weekend at their In Goop Health event with a handful of celebrity friends. Gwyneth Paltrow shared a backstage photo of herself with Cameron Diaz, Nicole Richie & Tory Burch, with lavalier mics before their group talk.

Sam Taylor – Johnson Will Never Work With E. L. James

Sam Taylor – Johnson, who directed Fifty Shades Of Grey’ movie, is still “confused” over why E. L. James apparently did not like her and said she will never work with her again. In fact Sam Taylor – Johnson had a feud with the author while working on the movie adaptation of the book.

Colton Haynes Come Out As Gay

Colton Haynes has recently averred that coming out as gay has changed his life for the better as he no longer has to hide who he is. Colton Haynes had made the confession during an interview in May, 2016, and has said that whilst it took him awhile to be comfortable enough to speak about his sexuality, he is now “proud” of it.

Early Recognition Made Alexander Skarsgard “Uncomfortable”

Alexander Skarsgard averred that he was “uncomfortable” when he became a recognized actor at an early age. Alexander Skarsgard had appeared in his 1st ever film Ake And His World at the age of 7, avers, that he did not believe the attention was genuine.

Leonardo DiCaprio’s Dinner date with Tobey Maguire

Oscar winning actor Leonardo DiCaprio was spotted spending quality time with his best friend & actor Tobey Maguire recently. They were photographed as they stepped out for dinner with Toby Maguire’s estranged wife Jennifer Meyer on the night of 11th Jun, 2017.

Colin Trevorrow Makes A Promise

Colin Trevorrow is Hollywood’s latest man to handle the big franchises. 1st, it was 2015’s reboot of “Jurassic” franchise, Jurassic World and now he is all set to direct Episode IX of possibly the biggest movie franchises ever, Star Wars. In fact director Colin Trevorrow in a recent interview, has promised that Episode IX will be an “emotionally resonant” finale to the new trilogy. He said, “I mean, these are the best minds available and everybody’s engaged in making sure this is the most satisfying & emotionally resonant conclusion that we can possibly deliver.”

George Clooney & Amal Clooney Hire “Baby Bouncers”

George Clooney & his wife Amal Clooney
have hired “baby bouncers” for their less than one – week – old daughter Ella and son Alexander. The couple is planning to spend more on security to protect their family. 1st on the list is a pair of bodyguards for the newborns – costing 250,000 pounds a year. A source close to the family said “Fatherhood was a long time coming for George Clooney, so he’s not risking his brood coming to any harm. The “baby bouncers” are just the start.”

Chris Evans Was Scared

Chris Evans averred that he was initially intimidated by the scale of the Marvel movies and was sceptical about their success. Chris Evans played Captain America in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. “One of my biggest fears was that the movies were going to be good. Because if things worked out, I’d have to do all six of them,” Evans stated.

Diane Keaton Wants James Norton

Veteran actress Diane Keaton has backed actor James Norton to play James Bond when Daniel Craig eventually steps down. As Diane Keaton has praised her Hampstead co – star, who plays her son in the upcoming movie. “Don’t you think he’s going to be the next James Bond? We were all talking about it on the sets of Hampstead. He ticks every box – he’s beautiful, he’s a man, he’s very sexy, he is smart & he even went to Cambridge,” Diane Keaton opined.

Claire King Worries About Becoming A Burden

Claire King has revealed how caring for her disabled parents & a period of ill health has shaped her views on euthanasia. Claire King recently averred that she would consider euthanasia before becoming a burden on those around her. “I do worry about when I’m older & becoming a burden on people around me.” “I can understand why people choose assisted dying – and it’s getting to the point where I would consider it myself,” she added. The actress hasn’t got any children, though along with her brother Piers, 52, she helps care for her parents, who are both disabled.

Both Angelina Jolie & Jessica Chastain Are In The Running

Angelina Jolie & Jessica Chastain are both being considered for a mystery role in X -Men: Dark Phoenix, the much awaited 20th Century Fox Marvel Comics adaptation slated for a 2018 release. It was earlier rumored that Angelina Jolie would direct “Captain Marvel” for Marvel Studios, but the whispers died a natural death when it was announced that Anna Bodden & Ryan Fleck would direct the project.

Ben Affleck Feels That Adam West Exemplified Heroism

Oscar winner Ben Affleck remembered Batman predecessor Adam West by calling him the exemplification of “heroism”. Adam West, who played the Caped Crusader on the classic 1960s TV series Batman, passed away here on Fri after a short battle with leukemia. He was 88. The Batman v. Superman: Dawn Of Justice actor, Ben Affleck, took to Twitter to pay tribute to the late veteran. “Adam West exemplified heroism. Kind, funny and an all around great guy. Thank you for showing us all how it’s done. @therealadamwest,” he wrote.

Jessica Chastain Gets Married

Jessica Chastain married her Italian boyfriend Gian Luca Passi de Preposulo in his home country after being in a relationship for 5 years. The wedding took place on Sat in the Northern Italian city of Treviso at the Passi de Preposulo family estate, which is less than an hour away from Venice.

LOVING VINCENT ADDS MAJOR TERRITORY PRE – SALES

Edward Noeltner’s L A & Paris based Cinema Management Group (CMG) has added more key territories to the already fulsomely sold Loving Vincent, a portrait of Vincent Van Gogh, in the run up to the high profile animated feature’s world premiere on 13th Jun, 2017 at Annecy. In the most recent licensing pacts, Altitude Film Entertainment has acquired UK & Madman Entertainment rights to Australia & New Zealand. Latest territories to be sold on Loving Vincent also include Bulgaria, to A – Plus Films, Romania, to Ultraviolet, Turkey to Medyavizion & South Africa to AAA Entertainment. At Cannes, worldwide sales agent CMG closed US & English speaking Canada with Good Deed Entertainment along with Germany & Austria to Weltkino Filmverleih. Directed by Dorota Kobiela, one of Variety’s 10 Animators to Watch out in 2017 & Hugh Welchman, starring Douglas Booth, Jerome Flynn, Chris O’Dowd, Oscar nominee Saoirse Ronan & Eleanor Tomlinson & produced by Academy Award winners BreakThru Films & Trademark Films, Loving Vincent has to date closed over 30 pre – sales deals repping 90 plus countries. Deals take in all of the top sales territories in the world – including the aforementioned US & Canada, UK & Germany – China (Bright East Film), CIS / Russia (CD Land), France (TF1 Studio), Mexico / Spain (Fabrica de Cine), Scandinavia & the Baltics (NonStop Entertainment) & South Korea (First Run).
MICHEL & EMMANUELLE ALL SET FOR JURY DUTY

French director Michel Hazanavicius, whose latest film Redoutable competed at Cannes, is all set to preside over the jury of 43rd Deauville American Film Festival. Hazanavacius’ jury will hand out 2 awards, the Grand Prize & Jury Prize, to films playing in competition in Deauville. “I’m extremely moved & honored to preside over this year’s Jury of the Deauville American Film Festival,” said Hazanavicius, whose Oscar winning film The Artist has been described as a love letter to Hollywood’s silent era. “Like half the planet, I was in part raised on American cinema and I am looking forward to spending these 10 days of binge watching the latest output. In cinema we trust!” Helmed by artistic director Bruno Barde, the Deauville festival complimented Hazanavicius on showing “an iconoclastic yet appealing style, revealing a concern to reach audiences without abandoning his artistic rigor since his beginnings as a filmmaker.” Meanwhile, Emmanuelle Bercot, the critically acclaimed actress / screenwriter / director whose filmmaking credits include Standing Tall, has been tapped to preside over the Revelation jury, which will honor an up – & – coming director.
TELCO GROUP ALTICE INKS DEAL WITH NETFLIX

Altice, Patrick Drahi’s telco group, has inked a multi – year deal with Netflix to start distributing US streaming giant’s content in France, Portugal, Israel & Dominican Republic. Starting Tues in France, Altice subscribers will have access to original series, films, documentaries, stand – up shows & children programming. The Netflix offer will roll out in Portugal, Israel & Dominican Republic in the following months. Reed Hastings, Netflix CEO, said Netflix offered more than 1,000 hours of new original programming this year, all of which will become available to Altice’s clients everywhere & anytime on a single service. Michel Combes, Altice CEO, said the pact with Netflix marked Altice’s strategy, which is increasingly focused on content. Combes also said the partnership will benefit both brands, Netflix & Altice. The pact with Netflix underscores the content – driven strategy which Altice – whose client base boasts an estimated 50 million subs – has recently started implementing with the launch of Altice Studio, as well as the acquisitions of sports, series & films rights & varierd deals with right – holders.

SOUVENIR NABBED BY STRAND RELEASING
Strand Releasing will be distributing Bavo Defurne’s Souvenir, music – filled romantic drama boasting Oscar nominated actress Isabelle Huppert and an original soundtrack by Pink Martini, in North America. Souvenir stars Huppert as a one – time European singing contestant who won fame years ago only to disappear in a factory job and to be re – discovered by a co -worker named Jean. The 2 collaborate as friends by going back on the road touring for a comeback, but things develop for both her career & their romance. Repped in international markets by Pathe, Souvenir marks the sophomore feature of Defurne, who previously directed North Sea, Texas & several short films which have all been handled by Strand Releasing. Souvenir is the latest pic in a string of movies starring Huppert which Strand Releasing has been handling. The outfit has previously released Anne Fontaine’s My Worst Nightmare, Guillaume Nicloux’s Valley Of Love & Catherine Breillat’s Abuse Of Weakness. The deal was done between Jon Gerrans & Marcus Hu of Strand Releasing & Muriel Sauzay & Themba Bhebhe of Pathe International.

UK’S CHANNEL 4 TO TELL TRUMP: AN AMERICAN STORY
Donald Trump’s visit to UK may be in question, but US president will be on British TV screens in a new documentary series, Trump: An American Story. The 4 part program for Channel 4 follows Trump across 5 decades as a businessman, developer, media star & politician before he reached the White House. The broadcaster said the series “tells the story of modern America through one man, showing how he has embodied many of the movements that have shaped US society from 1960s to the present day, from turbo – capitalism & political disenfranchisement to celebrity, reality TV & social media.” British broadcasting’s fascination with Trump, his background & motivations, is seemingly unabated. They have greenlit or bought several projects since he became president. The BBC has had programs including Donald Trump: The People’s Billionaire, ITV has shown documentaries including Trump: The First 100 Days & Channel 5 has shown one – offs including Who Is Donald Trump? Channel 4 has also had several factual shows about the president, including an episode of its Dispatches current affairs show entitled President Trump’s Dirty Secrets.
LINDSAY LOHAN JOINS RUPERT GRINT’S SICK NOTE

Lindsay Lohan has come on board the 2nd season of Sick Note, the upcoming British comedy series that also stars Rupert Grint, Nick Frost & Don Johnson. The 1st season of the show goes out this fall on Sky in a 10 pm slot & on Sky’s Now TV streaming service, with Season 2 currently in production. The comedy follows Daniel Glass as a down – on – his – luck insurance rep who is wrongly told he has a terminal illness and decides to keep the misdiagnosis from his family & friends. Lohan will play Katerina West, the daughter of Glass’s boss in the 2nd season, which is expected to bow in 2018. “One lie leads to the next in this unsettlingly brilliant comedy that will hook viewers in and have them on the very edge of their seats,” said Sky Head of Comedy Jon Mountague. “Filming for series 2 is already under way and we’re delighted to confirm Lindsay Lohan will be joining Rupert & Nick in this stellar comedy cast.” David Walliams & Miranda Hart’s UK production company King Bert is making Sick Note for Sky. It is written by Nat Saunders & James Serafinowicz.

JOHNNY HEADS TO UK’S GLASTONBURY FESTIVAL

Johnny Depp will be at this year’s Glastonbury Festival in England to introduce 3 of his favorite movies and talk about his selections with filmmaker Julien Temple. Glastonbury, Britain’s premier music festival, is embracing cinema this year with a new Cineramageddon tent, curated by Temple. Depp, as guest of honor, will present The Libertine, Withnail & I Dead Man, and speak about what the films mean to him. Dead Man & The Libertine both star Depp. “This is one of those films that got lost in the shuffle,” he said of the latter. “It’s a film that a lot of people on which worked very hard, and one that I’m very proud of.” Speaking about Withnail & I, he said: “No film has ever made me laugh more, or filled me with me with so much joy… and dread! For me, this is perfect cinema. Genius.” Depp added that Jim Jarmusch’s The Dead Man is an “epic visual poem.” He said: “It’s unlike anything else. A film which means many different things to many different people.” Organizers of Glastonbury say that Cineramageddon will have the biggest screen in UK & accommodate 2,000 moviegoers. It will, Glastonbury said, offer “a unique post – apocalyptic & nocturnal ambience in which to watch an unforgettable program of films.”

UK COORDINATES ANNECY DRIVE
A 15 strong UK delegation will be looking for buying, selling & recruitment opportunities at Annecy under Animation UK banner, in the most coordinated ever push by the country’s animation sector at French festival. There are a plethora of opportunities & challenges facing UK companies as they look to capitalize on the hard won UK tax break for animation on one hand, and tackle the uncertainty created by Brexit on the other. Against that backdrop, the likes of Aardman, Blue Zoo, eOne, Lupus Films & Magic Light Pictures will be part of Animation UK drive at Annecy, which has not traditionally been attended en masse by British. “This year we are planting a flag,” said Helen Brunsdon, Animation UK director. “People have heard about the tax credit & inward investment into UK but want to know how to do business with key companies.” The agenda for UK delegation includes buying & selling, with a large number of broadcasters in attendance, to talking about coproduction & sourcing international talent.

TURNER UPS EUROPEAN INVESTMENT
Turner said it has ramped up investment in European production by 30% in the past year and has also taken its biggest international original, The Amazing World Of Gumball, in a new direction, with a puppet based episode of the show that it will reveal at Annecy. The puppet based installment of “Gumball” will go out during season 5 of the show and also be the inspiration for a series of shortform spin – offs. Recently minted UK producer Blink Industries is making The Puppets and the short form content, which will be directed by BAFTA nominated Simon Cartwright & Baker Terry. Annecy attendees will get an exclusive 1st look at The Puppets at Annecy during a session at the festival looking at “Gumball.” The series is a mix of 2D & 3D animation with live – action elements, allowing the producers to work with a range of other creative’s, such as Japan’s Studio 4°C, whom they teamed with on an anime episode entitled The Fury.
EUROPEAN ANIMATION AWARDS BOW 8TH DEC 2017

Deeply inspired by Annie Awards, the 1st ever European Animation Awards will take place on Fri, 8th Dec, 2017 at Le Nouveau Siècle congress center & theater in central Lille, Northern France. The date will allow companies, if obliged or interested to attend European Film Awards 1 night later in Berlin, said Jean – Paul Commin, EAA secretary general. Aiming to highlight & celebrate not just the Best Animation Fedatures & TV shows of the year but also the key collective crafts vital to the sector, the Emile Awards – as the plaudits are also known, after and – will offer prizes in 16 categories. Though statues will be handed out to “Best Feature Film” & “Best TV / Broadcast Production”, the kudos range wide & far to take in background & character design, character animation, storyboard, soundtrack & writing. European Animation Awards will also be given in both film & TV.

NETFLIX TO LAUNCH TO THE BONE IN EUROPE

Anorexia drama To the Bone, to which Netflix picked up worldwide rights at Sundance, will have its European Festival Premiere at Italy’s upcoming Ischia Global Film & Music fest, with Ted Sarandos & stars Lily Collins & Alex Sharp expected to make appearances. To The Bone, the 1st feature film by prominent US TV writer – director – producer Marti Noxon, follows a 20 year old anorexic (Collins) who tries to get the medical help she needs at a group home. Keanu Reeves plays an unconventional doctor. The indie pic mixing dramatic & comic elements is based on the director’s own experiences with eating disorders and is produced by Julie Lynn, Bonnie Curtis, Karina Miller & Andrea Lervolino & Monika Bacardi, founders & co – chiefs of Italy’s Ambi Group. Collins & Sharp, who plays a young British dancer also struggling with anorexia, will be feted with Ischia’s rising star nods. Netflix snapped up To The Bone for a reported $8 million in Jan, 2017.
FOLIVARI & STUDIOCANAL LINK ON SEQUEL

Didier Brunner’s Folivari & Studiocanal, 2 of Europe’s major animation forces, have signed a joint development deal for a sequel to the Academy Award nominated Ernest & Celestine, as Studiocanal has also boarded SamSam, The Smallest Of The Great Heroes, produced by Dandelooo & Folivari. Both deals would see the titles, when they move into production, being sold internationally & distributed domestically in France by Studiocanal, a Folivari – Studiocanal arrangement already in place for the anticipated The Big Bad Fox & Other Tales, an anticipated animated feature that world premieres at this year’s Annecy Festival. In a separate move for Brunner whose movies – which take in The Secret Of Kells, Michel Ocelot’s Kirikou trilogy & Belleville Rendez – Vous – have scored 5 Academy nominations – Wild Bunch has boarded The Summit Of The Gods, handling international sales & domestic distribution in France.

OCTONAUTS STUDIO MAKING ANIMATED ADAPTATION
Irish studio Brown Bag Films is making an animated special based on a story from Angela’s Ashes author Frank McCourt. Angela’s Christmas is an adaptation of McCourt’s only children’s book and Oscar nominated Ruth Negga will voice the character of Angela’s mother. Lucy O’Connell, who voiced Tomm Moore’s Oscar – nominated Song Of The Sea, will voice Angela. Octonauts studio Brown Bag was acquired by Canada based 9 Story Media Group in 2015, and 9 Story Distribution International will sell Angela’s Christmas internationally. The half – hour film was written by Will Collins & Damien O’Connor. Ellen McCourt, Frank’s widow, is an executive producer on the project & Irish – American actor, writer & politician, Malachy McCourt, Frank McCourt’s brother, narrates. McCourt’s 1996 novel Angela’s Ashes, based on his early life in Brooklyn & Limerick, was adapted for the big screen in Alan Parker’s 1990 feature of the same name.
DENIS TAPPED AS FUTURE FRAMES MENTOR
Canadian director Denis Côté has been picked to mentor the young filmmakers who will be participating in Future Frames program at this year’s Karlovy Vary Film Festival. The intensive 3 – day program, an initiative of European Film Promotion body, gives film school students & graduates the opportunity to make contacts within the industry, learn from an established director, and present their work at the festival. This year’s 10 participants hail from Finland, Czech Republic, Sweden, Slovenia & Latvia, amongst other countries. Côté, who has more than 2 dozen feature & short films to his credit, will give a masterclass titled “A Question of Independence.” “Over the years, I’ve noticed that young aspiring filmmakers play with extremes: Either they are paralyzed by fear, or they show a considerable amount of arrogance thinking they don’t need the “short film” formative years in order to make their 1st masterpiece at 25 years old. I try to guide them in between these attitudes,” Côté told.

ANKAMA SELLS MUTAFUKAZ
France’s Ankama, whose Mutafukaz, world premiered at Annecy on 13th Jun. 2017, has licensed Japanese rights to the sci – fi action movie to Parco, an upmarket Japanese department store which operates a genre movie distribution operation. Closed via Ankama’s Asia distribution subsidiary PlanetNemo, the deal is crucial for Mutafukaz which, produced in association with Japan’s 4ºC Studios, twins a California West Coast sensibility and upscale anime manga style. It is one of the 1st big deals to go down on Mutafukaz which – with its hip-hop vibes, fantasy version of LA, downbeat humor, deadbeat heroes, street gangs & messianic Mexican wrestlers – is shaping up as one of the highest profile new movies at France’s Annecy Animation Festival this year. Acquired by Celluloid Dreams for worldwide sales outside Asia, Mutafukaz also serves as a flagship for the ambitions of Ankama. Originally carving out a market for its MMORPGs (Massively Multiplayer Online Role – Playing Games,) & comic – books, the Roubaix based Ankama is continuing to raise its ambition in animation, diversifying from its original teen demography while aggressively courting digital platform distribution for new series.
GUILLAUME RUN RENARD TALKS INSPIRATION

At Annecy this year, if one is hoping to see a gritty, young adult, socially relevant & temporally accurate depiction of America, one should walk past Sony, Universal & Disney – Pixar and head to the world premiere of the French feature Mutafukaz. The Franco video game, comic book & animation producers of the film, Ankama, have brought to the big screen for the 1st time, the rich world of Dark Meat City, a Los Angeles allegory as 1st presented in 2003 Sundance nominated short turned comic book by the same name. Tasked with bringing the property to theaters, Ankama produced in association with Japan’s 4°C whose artistic input is clear when the film’s animation style is compared to their 2006 hit feature Tekkoninkreet. Ankama have been producing the Mutafukaz comics, amongst more than a dozen others, since 2006 in addition to their slate of video games like Wakfu & Dofus, both of which have also been adapted to animation.

UDI FOLLOWS JEAN – FRANÇOIS LAGUIONIE

Urban Distribution International (UDI) has boarded the animated project The Prince’s Voyage, Jean – François Laguionie’s follow – up to Louise By The Shore & The Painting. Featuring hand – drawn animation, The Prince’s Voyage follows an old monkey prince who finds himself lost & injured on an unknown shore, where he gets rescued by a young boy and sheltered by his parents, 2 scientists who have been exiled from their community for believing in the existence of other monkey civilizations. The animated fable tells the journey of this aging monkey who discovers a new civilization. The Prince’s Voyage is the latest in a string of auteur – driven animated features repped in international markets by UDI’s Urbanimation label, following Rémi Chayé’s Long Way North, Jan Bultheel’s Cafard and most recently Arthur de Pins & Alexis Ducord’s critically acclaimed Zombillenium, which premiered at Cannes in the special screenings section and is opening this year’s Annecy Film Festival.
AURÉLIEN READIES 1ST EVER ANIMATED FEATURE

One of Europe’s on – the – rise animation talents, France’s Aurélien Froment, also known as Aurel, is developing a 1st ever animated feature, Josep. Written by Froment & Jean – Louis Milesi, a director and regular scribe for Robert Guédiguian, Josep is produced by Serge Lalou & Anne -Marie Luccioni’s Les Films d’Ici Méditerranée, a production outfit founded in 2014 in Montpellier specialized in documentaries, with several animation projects in development. Les Films d’Ici, Paris based producer of Golden Globe winner Waltz With Bashir & La Fabrique Animation, which backed Jean – François Laguionie’s Louise En Hiver, will act as co – producers. A co – production with a Catalan company is under negotiations. Pitched at Cartoon Movie, Josep’s story is inspired by a true sketch artist born in Barcelona at the beginning of the last century. In a long life – spanning almost the whole century – Josep was a cartoonist, Republican soldier, a prisoner in a concentration camp, Frida Kahlo’s lover, an illustrator for US magazines & a Hollywood stage designer & painter.

BRISBANE INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL TO BE REVIVED
The Brisbane International Film Festival is to be revived 3 years after its closure. The new festival moves to a new season and will be held from Aug, 2017. The festival’s program is to be co – directed by film curator Richard Sowada & Maxine Williamson. In Apri, this year, it was announced that the Brisbane Asia – Pacific Film Festival was to close after 3 editions. The BAPFF had been set up in 2014 to replace the Brisbane International Film Festival, which ran for 22 editions from 1992. That earlier move was explained as connecting festival & awards ceremony, and supporting the Asia Pacific Screen Awards, which the city of Brisbane committed to back after the awards event relocated from Gold Coast. The new Brisbane IFF, billed as 23rd, will be held at Palace Cinemas in Brisbane from 17th Aug, 2017 to 3rd Sept, 2917 at Palace Barracks & Palace Centro. It will showcase some 60 international & Australian films, and include collaborations with existing Queensland screen culture organizations including APSAs, a short film competition, panel discussions & seminars. Previously film director of APSAs & Brisbane Asia Pacific Film Festival, Williamson is standing down from her role as artistic director at APSAs.
LACHLAN HALTS SUPPORT FOR TEN NETWORK

Lachlan Murdoch & entrepreneur Bruce Gordon have sent Australian commercial broadcaster Ten Network into a tailspin, withdrawing their credit support and prompting the company Tues to ask for trading of its shares to be halted for 48 hours. In a filing to the Australian Stock Exchange, Ten Network Holdings said that it had received letters from Illyria, Murdoch’s private investment company & Birketu, Gordon’s investment vehicle, withdrawing their backing. It is understood that the pair have provided $151 million (A$200 million) of guarantees. “That correspondence confirms that those guarantors do not intend to extend or increase their support for the company’s credit facilities beyond the term of the current facility which expires on 23rd Dec, 2017. TEN’s board is considering the position of the company in light of the position being taken by Illyria & Birketu and the range of restructuring & refinancing initiatives it has underway,” the company said.

SINGAPORE KURT RIEDER TO HEAD ASIA THEATRICAL

Veteran distribution & exhibition executive Kurt Rieder has been installed as 20th Century Fox International’s executive VP for theatrical in the Asia Pacific region. He will be based in Singapore and take charge from 19th Jun, 2017. The studio has not issued a public statement. But sources confirmed to Variety that an internal memo from Fox’s president of international theatrical, Andrew Cripps, has been circulated detailing Rieder’s appointment and a move by Fox’s regional theatrical office from Australia to Singapore. Rieder takes over from Sunder Kimatrai. The highly regarded Kimatrai had been with the studio since 1993, fulfilling roles in India, Singapore and later Sydney. He became the studio’s Asia – Pacific head in 2005. Moving the office to Singapore puts it closer to the center of Asian operations. In particular, it is closer to China, now the world’s 2nd largest theatrical market. The memo described Asia as “an incredibly important part of the world” and as “a key growth opportunity for us as a studio.”

GUSTAVO ON BRAZIL’S TITO AND THE BIRDS
Brazilian animated feature Tito And The Birds has recently reached its initial financing goal after winning one of the 2 prizes for animation from the Brazilian National Bank of Development (BNDES), with the other going to the Oscar nominated director of Boy And The World, Ale Abreu, & Luiz Bolognesi, co – director on Rio 2096: A Story Of Love And Fury. Featuring at this year’s Annecy Works in Progress after a productive campaign last month at Cannes, where it was showcased in Annecy Goes to Cannes, the film’s creators, Bits Productions, will look to keep the Brazilian cartoon mojo going, following in the footsteps of their fellow prize winners. For Bits, it will be its 1st ever animated project, making the move from live – action TV & cinema. Organizers of Brazil’s BIG Festival, the largest indie gaming fest in Latin America, there are also plans for a Tito And The Birds video game. Co – directing the film are screenwriter Gustavo Steignberg, Gabriel Bitar, & André Catoto.

CONFESSION OF MURDER TOPPLES BEAUTY AND THE BEAST
Confession Of Murder, a crime drama about a serial killer who comes out into the open after the statute of limitations on his crimes expire, toppled Beauty And The Beast, which had headed the Japanese Box Office turnstiles for the previous 7 weeks. Distributed by Warner Japan, with & Tatsuya Fujiwara as the killer & Hideaki Ito as the frustrated detective, the film opened on 329 screens and earned $2.92 million on 234,000 admissions. It is expected to end its run around the $15 million mark. Opening at number 2 was Hirugao: Love Affairs In The Afternoon. Based on a hit TV drama about a married woman (Aya Ueto) who has an affair with a married man (Tatsumi Saito), the film made $2.67 million for distributor Toho. The film is also forecast to finish near the USD15 million milestones. Disney’s “Beauty” slipped to number 3. It scored $2.61 million, lifting its cumulative total to $99.7 million. That puts it as the 25th highest earning film ever in Japan, local or foreign.

CYBERAGENT LAUNCHING ANIMATION FUND

CyberAgent, a Tokyo based company involved in Internet advertising, media & game production, has announced the creation of a $27 million (JPY1 billion) animation fund in conjunction with its Cygames subsidiary. Scheduled to launch at the end of Jun, 2017 the CA – Cygames Anime Fund will be used to buy rights for anime streaming, as well as for game production & original animation development. One of the investment targets for the fund is AbemaTV, a CyberAgent Internet TV station that streams nearly 20 channels with a variety of content, including 700 theatrical & TV anime titles, free of charge. Amongst games in Cygames current line – up are Rage Of Bahamut, which has topped the Google Play sales section & Granblue Fantasy, which claims 14 million registered players.

ANNECY FEST SURGES IN SIZE YET AGAIN

Illumination Mac Guff’s Despicable Me 3, China, Disney – Pixar’s Coco & The Big Bad Fox And Other Tales look set to figure among highlights at this week’s edition of France’s thriving Annecy International Animation Film Festival, a Mecca for animation companies & creatives from Hollywood and the world over, which just doesn’t stop growing. In just 1 sign, its International Animation Film Market (MIFA) will add an extra day, kicking in 13th Jun, 2017 and moving from 3 to 4 days. MIFA accredited delegate numbers were tracking at 2,900 by last Fri, already up on the final 2016 tally go 2,850, said MIFA head Mickael Marin, who added that he hoped final participation would pass 3,000 for the 1st time ever. Extending ever more towards Annecy’s lake, exhibition floor space is also up 16%, vs. 2016. Driven by the increase in animation output in most parts of the world, including Africa, Marin said, delegate numbers have now grown 13 years in a row, since 2005, casting MIFA as a metaphor for the international animation scene at large and one of the most robustly growing industry events in Europe. Patrick Eveno, CEO of the Annecy Festival’s Citia organization, added that he expected 5% to 10% growth in Annecy Festival accreditation.
THE MUMMY TAKES $52 MILLION OPENING
Tom Cruise & The Mummy comfortably headed the Chinese Box Office turnstiles with a $52 million opening – significantly greater than the film’s weak performance in North America. Playing some 105,000 screenings per day from Fri to Sun, the gross total for The Mummy accounted for more than half of China’s total Box Office turnstiles collections. It scored $17.5 million on Fri, followed by $19.1 million & $13.9 million on Sat & Sun, respectively, according to data from Ent Group. The $51.8 million total, topped up by $1 million of previews, marked the 7th highest opening of the year, narrowly ahead of Beauty And The Beast, Logan, Guardians Of The Galaxy Vol. 2 & Wonder Woman, in 2nd place, grabbed $13.5 million from close to 40,000 screenings per day. Its cumulative stands at $70.2 million after 10 days. Pirates Of The Caribbean: Dead Men Tell No Tales added $7.49 million in its 3rd week. After 17 days, “Pirates” has managed $162 million, which The Mummy & Wonder Woman are unlikely to match. India’s long – legged Dangal scored a further $5.05 million in its 6th week. After 38 days, its cumulative is $179 million, an unprecedented score for a non -Hollywood, foreign language film in China. Behind the Hollywood summer trio and the Indian juggernaut, the top Chinese film of the week was romance How Are You? With a performance that weakened over its opening weekend, it scraped up $4.3 million for 5th place. The latest film in the “Doraemon” Japanese animation franchise took 6th place with $1.87 million, albeit suffering a big slump. After 13 days it has a cumulative of $19.7 million. No other title managed $1 million over the weekend. China’s Haunted Graduation Photo opened with $310,000. Love Without Words opened with $280,000. Sci – fi, thriller Monster Mayhem opened with $240,000. Long running comedy Running Man reentered the chart with $170,000.

SHANGHAI FESTIVAL COMPLETES COMPETITION LINEUP
Bille August’s Chinese made The Chinese Widow has been set at the opening night movie of the Shanghai International Film Festival. It replaces the previously announced Our Time Will Come, by Hong Kong auteur Ann Hui. No explanation for the change was offered by the festival, or Bona Film Group, producer of “Our Time,” or its international sales agent, Hong Kong based Distribution Workshop. The film is a wartime drama focusing on a woman school teacher and other youths who led the resistance movement during Japan’s WWII occupation of Hong Kong. It stars Taiwan’s Eddie Peng & Wallace Huo & China’s Zhou Xun as the female lead. Hui has been reported as conceiving the film as a tribute to the 20th anniversary of the handover of Hong Kong from British colonial rule to China. It will open in China on the anniversary, 1st Jul, 2017 and in Hong Kong a few days later.

CONSTANTIN GOES INTO PRODUCTION
Constantin, Germany’s biggest movie company, has initiated production on S3D adventure film Dragon Rider, based on the bestselling novel by German writer Cornelia Funke & written by Johnny Smith, who penned the original screenplay & story for 2011’s Gnomeo & Juliet. One of the biggest independent cartoon movie breakouts from UK this decade, produced by Elton John’s Rocket Pictures, it earned $198 million worldwide & $100.0 million in US. Co – produced by Antwerp’s Cyborn 3D animation studio, and produced by Martin Moszkowicz & Oliver Berben, Dragon Rider is the next big animation play by Constantin Film, one of Germany’s foremost film & TV production – distribution forces. High – end by European standards, the 3D children’s fantasy adventure turns on Firedrake, a young silver dragon, Sorrel, a mountain brownie & Ben, a human orphan who search amongst the highest Himalayas for the Rim of Heaven, which can offer sanctuary for Firedrake’s kin, whose valley is made uninhabitable by a dam.

THE MUMMY’ BEATS THE VILLAINESS & WONDER WOMAN
The Mummy landed up top of the South Korean Box Office turnstiles, breaking Box Office turnstiles records Tues, when it opened in South Korean cinemas. It finished with $17.8 million after 6 days. With $6.57 million from 873,000 admissions on opening day, it beat opening records for local & foreign films previously held by Train To Busan & Captain America: Civil War. It accounted for 52% of total weekend Box Office revenue. Cannes Midnight screener, The Villainess debuted in 2nd. Opening on Thurs, the local action drama earned $3.36 million over 4 days. Wonder Woman slipped from top spot to 3rd, with a drop of 72%. The Warner Bros. release earned $1.77 million for a total of $13.4 million after 2 weekends. In 4th place, Pirates Of The Caribbean: Dead Men Tell No Tales also dropped 70%. The Disney release earned $1.11 million for a total of $21 million after 3 weekends. Political documentary, Our President took 5th. It earned $996,000 between Fri & Sun for a cumulative $11.0 million after 3 weekends. With a drop of 91%, Fox International Production’s Korean language war drama Warriors Of The Dawn” slipped to 6th in its 2nd weekend. It earned $246,000, for a total of $5.34 million after 2 weekends.

OKJA SHUT OUT OF HUNDREDS MORE SCREENS
Lotte Cinema & Megabox, South Korea’s 2nd & 3rd largest cinema chains will not screen Okja, the Netflix fantasy drama that controversially bowed in competition at the Cannes Film Festival last month. The decision follows a similar refusal this week by CJ CGV, South Korea’s No. 1 exhibition chain, and means that native son Bong Joon – Ho’s film will be shut out of 93% of the country’s screens. Lotte & Megabox followed CJ CGV’s denial of screens on the grounds that Netflix’s plan for a day – & – date cinematic & online release flouts the usual 3 week hold – back before a film becomes available for streaming. CJ CGV calls the delay “an important business practice in Korea.” The company also contends that Netflix’s simultaneous opening policy disturbs the distribution ecosystem in South Korea. Bong, who told Variety last month that directing a Netflix backed film did not make “much difference for me as a filmmaker,” has not responded to requests for comment.