Brands
Hindustan Pencils’ Durga Pujo extravaganza revealed
Mumbai: Hindustan Pencils, a pioneer and leader in the stationery industry and is also the proud home of renowned brands like Nataraj and Apsara. The brand is all set to infuse the festive spirits of Durga Pujo with an array of engaging activities and enticing product displays. The grand event is taking place from October 18th to 24th, 2023, at Singhi Park Sarbojonin, Kolkata, along with other prominent locations in Chennai and Bangalore.
In Kolkata, the celebrations will unfold at the Singhi Park Sarbojonin, Garihahat. Last year’s festivities witnessed a remarkable footfall of approximately 60 lakhs during the final four days, as reported by local law enforcement.
Hindustan Pencils has thoughtfully curated a thrilling lineup of activities to captivate visitors during the Durga Pujo festival.
Marvel Avengers selfie stand: Express your admiration for the most powerful superheroes on Earth by taking a selfie with the Marvel Avengers cut-out at the booth, posting it on your Facebook or Instagram profile, and tagging Apsara.
Product display: Hindustan Pencils will proudly showcase their diverse range of products, providing visitors with the opportunity to explore and acquire their favorite stationery items.
Brand love wall with Apsara Notebook: A creative display featuring an Apsara notebook page print wall will serve as a backdrop to the stall. Visitors can share their stationery-related memories or express their fondness for the brand on sticky notes, fostering a sense of community and nostalgia.
Free sampling: Each visitor will receive a complimentary Apsara Wondertip ball pen, allowing them to experience the superior quality of Hindustan Pencils’ products firsthand.
Matt-magic pencils shaving activities: A fun and exciting contest to engage children and introduce them with the magic of innovative product Matt Magic pencils. Participants will be provided with a Long Point Sharpener and a Matt Magic pencil for a fun-filled shaving contest, promoting skill and creativity. Winners will be provided with exciting prizes like Apsara Marvel Avengers power pack.
In addition to Kolkata, Hindustan Pencils is actively embracing the festivities in Chennai and Bangalore:
1. Chennai Event (October 20th to 24th): In Chennai, the organizers have arranged a drawing competition for four age groups – up to 6 years, 7-12 years, 13-18 years, and 19 years & above. Three winners from each group will be awarded Apsara Hampers. Hindustan Pencils’ product display stall will also be a highlight of this event.
Venue: South Madras Culture Association
Old No.11A / New. 43, CGE HOUSING COLONY, Beach Rd, T. K, Thiruvanmiyur, Chennai, Tamil Nadu 600041
2. Bangalore Event: Hindustan Pencils will be showcasing their extensive product range throughout the event.
Venue: Sorrba Durgotsob, Swarnamukhi Hospital Ground, Beside St. Peter School, Sarjapur Road, Bengaluru 560102
The Hindustan Pencils is aiming to create a delightful and memorable experience for all visitors.
Brands
Netflix acquires Ben Affleck’s AI film-tech firm InterPositive
Streaming giant picks up production startup to streamline digital filmmaking
LOS ANGELES: Netflix has officially acquired InterPositive, an AI film-technology startup founded by actor and director Ben Affleck. The move marks a significant investment by the streaming service into assistive AI tools designed to support the technical side of movie production. While many AI companies focus on generating new images or scripts, InterPositive focuses on the logistical challenges of filmmaking. The firm’s technology is designed to handle technical tasks that often delay post-production, such as correcting lighting inconsistencies and ensuring visual continuity across different takes.
The acquisition is not about replacing human actors or writers. Instead, Netflix intends to use the technology as a digital assistant for directors. The software understands cinematic logic, meaning it can automatically adjust background elements or environmental effects to ensure a film looks polished and consistent without months of manual editing.
In a Netflix post on Thursday, Affleck emphasised that the project was born out of a desire to support the craft rather than automate it. “I knew I had a responsibility to my peers and our industry, to protect the power of human creativity and the people behind it. In creating InterPositive, I sought to do just that,” Affleck wrote. “From the invention of the moving image to the transition to digital, from motion capture to virtual production, technology has evolved alongside the artists who use it. Our shared commitment to continuing this legacy makes joining together a natural next step.”
Netflix chief product and technology officer Elizabeth Stone said, “Our approach to AI has always been focused on meaningfully serving the needs of the creative community. InterPositive’s technology is purpose-built for filmmakers and showrunners to naturally support their visions. We’re excited to welcome the team to Netflix and continue building a future where technology enhances storytelling, while people remain at the core.”
Netflix chief content officer Bela Bajaria added, “New tools should expand creative freedom, not constrain it. Ben and his team are part of a long tradition of artists leading innovation in storytelling. Their work gives filmmakers more choices, control, and protection for their vision.”
The deal coincides with a broader partnership between Netflix and Artists Equity, the production company led by Affleck and Matt Damon. Following the success of their recent projects on the platform, this acquisition cements Affleck’s role as both a creative and technical advisor to the streamer. Affleck noted that the partnership was a logical fit due to “Netflix’s decades of experience applying and scaling technology responsibly.” He will serve as a senioradvisor for the integration of the technology, ensuring the tools remain focused on helping filmmakers.
For the film industry, this acquisition signals a shift in strategy. Rather than just buying finished movies, Netflix is now owning the specialized technology used to build them. By bringing these tools in-house, the company aims to reduce the rising costs and lengthy timelines associated with high-budget original films while giving their productions a technical edge in speed and visual quality.
