iWorld
Amuz Distribution announces format licensing deal at MIPCOM with We Make Productions
Mumbai: Amuz Distribution’s Alex Avon, VP of global distribution announced a celebrity entertainment format license deal with We Make Productions for France and Belgium. In Lieu of Flowers, is a primetime hit in Quebec on ICI Radio-Canada Télé. The original producer is Zone 3 in Canada.
In Lieu of Flowers is an irreverent show that laughs in the face of death. Based on the Celebrity Roast concept, each episode features a guest star who must bear witness to the totality of his or her life on stage through a flurry of comic numbers and a variety of sketches, as if they were attending their own hilarious mock funeral.
Avon stated: “Amuz Distribution is delighted to partner with Bouchra Réjani and her studio, We Make Productions for the fantastically funny and heart-warming entertainment format of In Lieu of Flowers. It has been a long-running favourite in Quebec, and we are excited to see the localized version in Belgium and France.”
We Make founder and producer Bouchra Rejani added “We are excited to take In Lieu of Flowers and make it our own for France and Belgium. Alexandre Avon and Amuz Distribution are amazing partners, and we appreciate them bringing us this funny proven format which audiences will truly enjoy.”
iWorld
Samay Raina confirms return of India’s Got Latent after controversy
Still Alive mixes humour and reflection as comedian revisits 2025 row
MUMBAI: Samay Raina has signalled a possible return of his controversial show India’s Got Latent, using his latest stand-up special Still Alive to address the past and hint at what lies ahead.
Released on YouTube, the special marks Raina’s most candid take yet on the backlash that forced the show off air in 2025. While much of the performance leans on humour, it also dips into more reflective territory, offering a glimpse into the emotional toll of the controversy.
Recounting the fallout, YouTube comedian samay raina said, “We were both extremely unsettled. How would we navigate this? It was terrifying. We were lost as to what was happening.” He also spoke about a moment involving fellow comedian Balraj Ghai’s family, describing it as overwhelming and difficult to process.
The personal impact of the episode came through most strongly when Raina spoke about his family. He admitted he struggled to even answer a call from his mother during the crisis. YouTube comedian samay raina said, “I hesitated to answer her call and show my tear-streaked face. How would she react? My mom is unaware of anything except how to love.”
Amid the introspection, Raina also dropped a clear hint about the future of his show. While he believes the first season ended on a high note, he confirmed that he intends to revive it. YouTube comedian samay raina said, “I will bring back the show because it used to be fun making it.”
The original run of India’s Got Latent had been pulled down following widespread criticism and legal scrutiny over controversial remarks that went viral, prompting debates around content boundaries in India’s digital entertainment space. Raina later removed episodes and issued an apology, stepping back from major releases for a period.
His return now appears more measured, blending humour with reflection and signalling a creative reset. He also hinted that the next iteration of the show could be more raw and unfiltered, though details remain under wraps.
For fans, the takeaway is simple. The show that sparked both laughter and debate may be gearing up for a second act, with Raina ready to test the limits once again, this time with a sharper sense of where the lines lie.
