GECs
British prod head joins Sony Pictures Television Intl
LONDON: Production executive Chris Pye is Sony Pictures Television International (SPTI) VP Worldwide Formats.
Pye formerly held top creative posts with Granada Content, BBC Production and BBC Television. In his new position, Pye will be working with both the international and domestic production units on the identification, development and implementation of game show and light entertainment formats for the worldwide marketplace.
The London based Pye will be responsible for identifying and acquiring formats that SPTI’s production group will launch through its international operations. In addition, Pye will work closely with SPT on identifying comedy and drama formats for production for broadcast and cable outlets in the US.
SPTI Europe’s senior VP and MD John McMahon added, “It gives me great pleasure to welcome such a respected and accomplished producer as Chris Pye to our production team. His arrival coincides with Sony’s plan to rapidly increase our development and production of light entertainment series, with our customers around the world. Chris’ substantial and varied experience will be a significant asset as we look to expand our format offerings to our clients around the world.”
Pye spent most of the 1990s working in executive production positions at the BBC Production, BBC Television, Anglia Television Entertainment and Scottish Television. Pye also spent over 13 years in the US, producing some of the biggest hits in television. He worked as a writer, producer and executive producer for the four major broadcast networks NBC, ABC, CBS and Fox.
GECs
Asianet Television Awards 2026 celebrates women power in Malayalam TV
“She is the Colour” theme honours icons as ceremony airs on March 14 and 15 at 7 PM.
MUMBAI: If television lights up living rooms, this year Asianet decided to let women provide the colour. The Asianet Television Awards 2026 turned the spotlight firmly on women empowerment with the theme “She is the Colour”, celebrating the strength, resilience and achievements of women who continue to shape society and the Malayalam entertainment industry.
The ceremony honoured several distinguished personalities whose journeys have left a lasting cultural imprint. Among them was legendary playback singer Vimala Varma, widely recognised as the first Malayalam playback singer. The evening also paid tribute to Padma Shri awardees Devaki Amma and Vimala Menon for their exceptional contributions in their respective fields.
Leading women from the Malayalam film industry were also recognised during the event, including actor Shweta Menon, who currently serves as president of the Association of Malayalam Movie Artists, and National Award winning actor Surabhi Lakshmi.
The awards ceremony brought together a glittering lineup of actors and industry figures, including Jayasurya, Vijay Babu, Asha Sarath, Lena, Esther Anil, Anumol, Akhila Bhargavan, Sarayu Mohan, Prajod Kalabhavan, Gayathri Suresh, Sabumon Abdusamad, Swasika, Tini Tom, Sijoy Varghese, Kailash, Veena Nandakumar, Sabareesh Varma, Ansiba Hassan and Dinesh Prabhakar. Kishan Kumar, executive vice president Malayalam at JioStar, was also present at the event.
Beyond individual recognitions, the awards celebrated excellence across Malayalam television, acknowledging artists and technicians whose work continues to drive the industry forward.
The evening also offered plenty of spectacle, with elaborate dance performances, stunt acts and comedy skits performed by popular television and film personalities, turning the ceremony into a full fledged entertainment showcase.
Viewers will get to watch the celebrations when the Asianet Television Awards 2026 air on Asianet on March 14 and 15, Saturday and Sunday, from 7 pm onwards, bringing the star studded tribute to homes across Kerala and beyond.
