MAM
FremantleMedia signs distribution deal with Sundance Channel
MUMBAI: Fremantle International Distribution (FID), the distribution arm of global production company FremantleMedia, has announced that it has entered into an agreement to distribute Sundance Channel’s original programmes internationally.
Sundance Channel airs feature films, shorts, documentaries, international cinema and original programmes. Among the programs currently available from FID for 2006 are documentary series Iconoclasts. It deals with innovative and provocative creative leaders – in fields ranging from fashion to food, design, music and technology – are seen through the eyes of a fan and admirer, in this case another leading force from another creative arena.
Each episode presents a unique pairing: actor Samuel Jackson on basketball legend Bill Russell; designer Tom Ford on artist Jeff Koons; movie producer Brian Grazer on media mogul Sumner Redstone; actor Renée Zellweger on CNN correspondent Christiane Amanpour; chef and restaurateur Mario Batali on musician Michael Stipe; actor, director and Sundance Institute founder Robert Redford on actor, philanthropist and entrepreneur Paul Newman.
Meanwhile TransGeneration, explores the lives and struggles of a group of transgender college students. Through the stories of four students on four different campuses, along with their friends, families and communities, the series highlights a growing movement among young people towards a new kind of sexual/gender identity, and the growing debates on everything from housing and sports teams to dormitory bathrooms and medical services.
Tanner On Tanner is a four-part dramatic series from Garry Trudeau and Robert Altman that picks up on the characters and themes of Trudeau and Altman’s groundbreaking 1988 series Tanner ’88.
Sundance Channel is also set to air The Hill, an original documentary series that will offer a glimpse into the highly charged world of congressional politics by following the personal and professional lives of Capitol Hill staffers, in fall 2006.
The package of shows also includes Festival Dailies. This daily programme looks at the films and filmmakers of the 2006 Sundance Film Festival.
FID MD David Ellender says, “Sundance Channel is renowned for its innovative and thought-provoking programs and we’re extremely excited to be able to introduce them to international audiences”.
Sundance Channel executive VP, programming and marketing Laura Michalchyshyn says, “We are positive that our original programs will have tremendous international appeal and we believe that Fremantle International Distribution has the reputation and global network to maximise their potential.”
Brands
Jubilant FoodWorks faces Rs 47.5 crore GST demand, plans appeal
Tax authorities flag alleged misclassification of restaurant services
MUMBAI:Â Jubilant FoodWorks Limited has landed in a tax tussle after receiving a GST demand of Rs 47.5 crore from the office of the additional commissioner of CGST and central excise in Thane, Maharashtra.
The order, issued under the provisions of the Central Goods and Services Tax Act, 2017, relates to an alleged incorrect classification of certain services under the category of restaurant services. According to the tax authorities, this classification resulted in a short payment of goods and services tax for the period between the financial years 2019-20 and 2021-22.
The demand includes Rs 47.5 crore in GST along with an equal amount as penalty, in addition to applicable interest. The order was received by the company on March 13, 2026.
In a regulatory filing to the BSE Limited and the National Stock Exchange of India Limited, the company said it disagrees with the order and believes its arguments were not adequately considered.
The company is preparing to challenge the decision and plans to file an appeal. It added that once the redressal process is complete, the demand is likely to be dropped.
Despite the sizeable figure attached to the notice, the company said it does not expect any material impact on its financials, operations or other activities.
The disclosure was signed by Suman Hegde, EVP and chief financial officer, who confirmed that the company received the order at 19:06 IST on March 13 and has already initiated steps to contest it.
The development places the quick service restaurant major in the middle of a tax debate that could hinge on how certain restaurant-linked services are classified under GST rules. For now, the company appears ready to take the matter from the tax office to the appeals desk.
