GECs
Discovery Networks on the look out for documentary filmmakers
MUMBAI: Discovery Networks International has kicked off its search for eight up-and-coming documentary filmmakers from around the world to star in the new season of its docu-reality challenge, Reel Race.
The series cover aspects of documentary filmmaking including shooting, editing, scripting, voiceovers, budgeting and logistics. The candidate’s finished work is then judged by industry heavyweights, eliminating filmmakers until a winner is determined. English-speaking, non-professional filmmakers or aspiring video journalists above the age of 21 years old are welcome to apply. Closing date is 6 July.
Australian-based production company Octagon CSI has been roped in by the network to produce the second installment of the (5×60′) docu-reality series. Reel Race 2 focuses on the skills required to make documentaries. The reality show provides wannabees an opportunity to launch filmmaking careers on the international stage.
Each week on the series, the docu-makers choose an assignment at random that could take them anywhere in the world. They must then travel to that location, research, film, edit and produce a short documentary within a predetermined timeframe and budget.
“The Reel Race format allows us to encourage a whole new generation of emerging documentary filmmakers by giving them the chance to learn firsthand how to tell a great story under enormous pressure, with significant budget and time constraints,” Discovery Networks Asia senior vice president of programming and creative services James Gibbons said.
The series will be broadcast on Discovery Channel this fall in Asia-Pacific (including Australia and New Zealand), the UK, Europe and Latin America. The winner of Reel Race 2 will win a production contract with Discovery Networks Asia in Singapore as well as prizes from technology partner, Samsung.
GECs
Samsung TV Plus launches Kings of Comedy channel
New free FAST channel brings iconic Hindi comedy shows to millions of Samsung Smart TV owners.
MUMBAI: Samsung TV Plus has just turned up the laughter volume and it’s completely free. The leading free ad-supported streaming television (FAST) service in India has launched Kings of Comedy, a premium comedy channel featuring some of the country’s most beloved primetime shows. Available exclusively on Samsung TV Plus, the channel delivers back-to-back hits including Comedy Nights with Kapil, Khatra Khatra Khatra, and Comedy Nights Bachao, with no login or subscription required.
The launch marks a milestone for free streaming in India, offering audiences a dedicated comedy destination directly from their Samsung TV home screen. It arrives as Samsung TV Plus India celebrates its 5th anniversary, during which the service has grown its monthly active users by 42 per cent and more than doubled its total viewing hours. The platform now offers over 180 free channels across 14 languages.
Samsung TV Plus India general manager and head of business development Kunal Mehta said, “Comedy is the heartbeat of Hindi entertainment, and Kings of Comedy brings together the shows Indians already love, completely free on their Samsung TV. Our focus remains the same take the content people know and make it effortless to access.”
Globally, Samsung TV Plus has surpassed 100 million monthly active users across more than 4,500 channels, solidifying its position as one of the world’s leading free streaming services.
Kings of Comedy is now available on all compatible Samsung Smart TVs. For viewers seeking non-stop laughter without any cost, this new channel delivers a royal treat proving that sometimes the best entertainment really does come with no strings (or subscriptions) attached.
