iWorld
Warner Bros. launches a blockchain programme for Looney Tunes franchise
Mumbai: In collaboration with Nifty’s, a platform for NFT-powered fan communities, Warner Bros. Consumer Products has developed a new story-driven blockchain programme around the “Looney Tunes” franchise. Digital art will be used as a new storytelling medium for “Looney Tunes: What’s UP Block?,” creating a fresh narrative for the franchise, revealed through NFTs.
Filled with antics and humour just like the “Looney Tunes” characters, the programme will offer fans access to participate in activities and games as the story unfolds, both digital and in real life while earning rewards and benefits along the way including virtual meet and greets, special access and discounts to “Looney Tunes” merchandise, exclusive never-before-been-seen content, new NFT drops, and much more.
As part of the yearlong celebration of Tweety’s 80th anniversary, the canary will be the first “Looney Tunes” character featured in the new collection, all to have expressions, clothing, and accessories that will allow collectors to build community and connect with other “Looney Tunes” aficionados. This summer, the public sale, as well as an early access sale for Nifty’s community members who currently own certain NFTs, will commence.
In a statement, Warner Bros. head of NFT commercial development Josh Hackbarth said, “‘Looney Tunes’ is a pop culture sensation, representing the golden era of animation with 80+ years of storytelling and laughs. From the recent success of “Space Jam: A New Legacy” to the classic cartoons from the 1940’s and 50’s, these beloved characters continue to spark nostalgia and excitement across all generations. Today, as digital engagement and technology evolve, the “Looney Tunes” collection will further expand the reach of the franchise, bringing fans together from around the world, offering unique experiences, community building, storytelling and a whole new way for them to engage. And what better way to kick things off with Tweety as his 80th birthday celebrations continue.”
Nifty’s CEO and co-founder Jeff Marsilio said, “NFTs have limitless potential, and we are just scratching the surface of what is possible. We’re thrilled to be expanding our partnership with Warner Bros., visionaries in storytelling and creative entertainment, to use NFTs in this innovative way that also engages users and connects them to a community of other ‘Looney Tunes’ fans.”
The Tweety avatars will be minted on the Palm Network, which features low gas costs and fast transaction finality. This is the third project launched by Nifty’s and Warner Bros. to create NFTs incorporating mainstream entertainment IP. Late last year, the two partnered to create the ‘Matrix Avatars’ NFT programme, which the parties state remains one of the largest PFP (profile picture) projects to date. In July of 2021, Nifty’s introduced a collection of limited-edition NFTs featuring characters from the live-action/animated film ‘Space Jam: A New Legacy’, which reintroduced the popular ‘Looney Tunes’.
iWorld
Prime Video bets big on India with global originals, films and franchise expansion
Execs highlight scale, travelability and new IP bets as India anchors global strategy
MUMBAI: At Prime Video Presents 2026, the message was clear and confident. India is not just part of the plan, it is central to it.
In a lively fireside chat hosted by filmmaker Karan Johar, Kelly Day, vice president of prime video and amazon mgm studios international, Nicole Clemens, vice president of international originals, and Gaurav Gandhi, vice president for Apac and Anz, laid out an ambitious roadmap. Think bigger stories, wider reach and a sharper focus on building franchises that travel.
Kelly Day, a regular visitor to India, set the tone early. Calling the country “one of the most important markets globally”, she pointed to the sheer scale and diversity of audiences as a driving force behind Prime Video’s growth. Indian Originals, she said, are not just local hits but global engines powering subscriptions and engagement.
That global appeal is already visible. According to Clemens, around 25 percent of viewership for Indian content now comes from outside the country. Shows rooted deeply in local culture are finding fans worldwide, proving that specificity, when paired with universal themes, travels well. From gritty dramas to sharp thrillers, Indian storytelling is increasingly crossing borders with ease.
Clemens, who joined recently to lead international originals, was particularly upbeat about India’s creative range. She highlighted a growing slate of over 100 shows in development and production, with more than 60 percent returning for multiple seasons. For her, the formula is simple. Authentic stories, told well, resonate everywhere.
Adding to the buzz, she teased new and returning titles, alongside a fresh superhero universe, the Kalyug Warriors. It signals a push into new genres while doubling down on familiar fan favourites.
If content is king, distribution is the clever courtier. Day outlined Prime Video’s layered business model in India, which blends subscription, rentals, add on channels and ad supported viewing through Amazon MX Player. The idea is straightforward. Give viewers choice, whether they want premium, free or pay per view.
India, she noted, has also become a testing ground for innovation. Tiered pricing, mobile only plans and language diversity have all been sharpened here before being exported to other markets. In many ways, the India playbook is now influencing global strategy.
For Gaurav Gandhi, the next chapter is about scale with intent. He outlined four priorities. Making Prime Video more accessible, pushing Indian content globally, building stronger franchises and supercharging the films business.
On films, the platform is moving beyond licensing into co productions and now theatrical releases in partnership with amazon mgm studios. These films will eventually stream on Prime Video, creating a full circle from cinema halls to living rooms across 240 countries.
Franchise building remains another key pillar. With hits like The Family Man, Mirzapur and Panchayat already enjoying multi season success, the focus is now on creating the next wave of enduring IP. Newer titles are already lining up for second seasons, signalling a steady pipeline.
What stood out through the conversation was a shared belief. Streaming in India is still in its early innings, and the runway is long. With a mix of local flavour and global ambition, Prime Video is betting that stories from India will not just stay at home, but travel far and wide.
Or as the executives seemed to suggest, the world is watching and India has plenty more to show.
