MAM
Titan’s Zoop launches ‘Madagascar 3’ collection
MUMBAI: Zoop, the children‘s brand of watches from Titan, has launched the Madagascar 3 collection inspired by the characters in the new DreamWorks Animation SKG feature, ‘Madagascar 3: Europe‘s Most Wanted‘.
The collection comprises 20 watches for young boys and girls, inspired by Alex, Marty, Melman, Gloria, the Penguins and the Monkeys.
Titan senior manager marketing Somprabh Singh said, “The Madagascar movie franchise is very popular among children across all age groups. All the characters in â€?Madagascar 3: Europe‘s Most Wanted‘ are very lively, adventurous and lovable in nature. The collection from ZOOP personifies the adventurous and funny personas of these characters, giving kids a chance to carry their favorite character with them at all times.”
The watches come in colors such as eclectic blue, red and pink, and are priced attractively between Rs 395 and Rs 695. The dials are inspired by various facets of the characters while the straps come in colors made of non-abrasive material.
The deal was put together by DreamWorks Animation‘s licensing agent in India Dream Theatre. The previous collections launched by Titan Zoop in association with DreamWorks Animation include the Puss in Boots and Shrek collections.
Dream Theatre CEO, founder Jiggy George said, “We are delighted to work with Titan, the leader for watches in India and look forward to a stunning range of watches that engage, entertain and connect with audiences”.
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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.
