Event Coverage
Discovery’s Science Channel makes ‘Brink’ available for global distribution
MUMBAI: Discovery has anounced at Mipcom that from the fourth quarter of 2008 and continuing throughout 2009, Science Channel will roll out a full slate of original programming designed to appeal to a worldwide audience of science enthusiasts.
The US-based Science Channel announced Brink, its first original series, is available for international broadcaster distribution.
Designed as the next-generation source of interactive science information on television and on the web, Brink immerses viewers on the frontlines of cutting-edge breakthroughs in technology, research, inventions, discoveries and the mysteries of the scientific world.
The series explores people who are on the brink of changing our lives, and will also include content generated from scientists, organisations, universities and viewers from around the world.
Discovery Enterprises International senior VP Caleb Weinstein says, “Only Discovery Communications can offer this type of high quality science programming to international broadcasters. This innovative new format allows for complete regional customization”
Discovery’s Emerging Networks senior VP programming Deborah Adler Myers says, “Brink is the first of many exciting new series in our new development pipeline and something only a dedicated service like Science Channel can create.
“Brink is a thought-provoking and engaging series that connects viewers with incredible science and technology stories from around the world.”
Guiding viewers through the unusual mix of science information and eureka moments on the show is host Josh Zepps. The series looks to provide viewers with a clear understanding of the impact and relevance science has in our lives today, and offers significant insights into how science may profoundly change our lives tomorrow.
Each half-hour episode combines short-form reports on the latest global science news with vital interviews with prominent scientists. BRINK’s innovative format will also include unusual segments covering a range of subjects from peculiar, avant-garde research to “backyard inventors” who are pushing the limits of science in their own way – such as building their own space craft.
In the US the show‘s reach extends beyond the border of television with a comprehensive, fully integrated presence on sciencechannel.com. Here viewers can watch extended interviews, interact via science blogs, upload and view user generated videos, talk to Zepps and other correspondents, take quizzes and explore additional research materials.
Event Coverage
Anime India announces Amazon MX Player as co-presenting partner for Anime India Kolkata 2026
MUMBAI: Riding high on the success of its blockbuster Mumbai debut, Anime India is accelerating its nationwide expansion with the announcement of Amazon MX Player as the co-presenting partner for Anime India Kolkata. The partnership marks a significant step forward in the festival’s mission to deliver large-scale, accessible, and fan-first anime experiences across the country.
Scheduled for 14 and 15 February 2026 at the iconic Biswa Bangla Mela Prangan, Anime India Kolkata will launch the first regional chapter of what is set to be a year-long, multi-city tour. As the curtain-raiser for the 2026 circuit, the Kolkata edition aims to fuse the energy of global Japanese pop culture with India’s fast-growing community of anime, manga, and pop-culture fans.
A household name in digital entertainment, Amazon MX Player brings unmatched reach and cultural relevance to the Anime India platform. With its expanding focus on anime and youth-driven content, Amazon MX Player’s involvement as co-presenting partner reinforces Anime India’s vision of making anime culture more inclusive breaking barriers of language, geography, and accessibility to connect with fans nationwide.
Anime India Kolkata 2026 will showcase cosplay competitions, interactive zones led by the Indian Gunpla Community, India-39 Vocaloid Community, The Japan Curry, and Adda-o-Otaku by The Otaku Guild. Fans can join tournaments across fighting games, Pokémon VGC, and more. Acclaimed Japanese director Susumu Mitsunaka (Haikyu!!) will attend as guest of honour, appearing in panels and live sessions. Positioned as an immersive celebration of fan culture and industry collaboration, the Kolkata edition marks the beginning of Anime India’s nationwide expansion.
Sharing their perspective on the partnership, Amazon MX Player director Aruna Daryanani expressed, “Anime in India has evolved from a niche interest into a mainstream cultural movement, driven by an increasingly engaged and passionate fanbase. At Amazon MX Player, our focus is on expanding access by bringing anime to audiences across the country for free and in multiple local languages. Our association with Anime India reflects our commitment to supporting the growth of anime in India and deepening connections with fans, while continuing to build Amazon MX Player as a trusted destination for free, high-quality entertainment.”
“Anime India Kolkata is a celebration of how anime has grown beyond entertainment into a powerful cultural and creative force. By bringing fans, creators, and industry leaders onto one shared platform, the festival is helping define the future of pop culture in India,” said Anime India co-founder and director Neha Mehta.
The debut edition of Anime India 2025 in Mumbai attracted over 29,000 fans, quickly cementing its status as a landmark celebration of anime and Japanese pop culture. Riding on this overwhelming response, the Kolkata chapter is projected to draw more than 40,000 visitors across two days, positioning it as one of the biggest anime conventions ever held in eastern India.
Anime India is focused on bringing together fans from across the country to create a truly pan-India celebration of anime, manga, cosplay, gaming, and Japanese culture. With plans to expand into four key metropolitan hubs in 2026—east (Kolkata), north (Delhi), west (Mumbai), and south (Hyderabad)—the festival seeks to deliver globally benchmarked experiences while supporting and uplifting creators, artists, and fan communities throughout India.
