GECs
FBC Group inks deal with Bunim-Murray for format shows in India, Italy, UK
MUMBAI: International television and media group FBC has entered into a strategic partnership with US independent producer Bunim-Murray Productions enabling exploitation of both entities formats.
The accord also includes a co-production and distribution deal where FBCs Indian television and media subsidiary – FBC India, will co-produce Bunim-Murrays formats in India. On the other hand, FBCs local productions arms in the UK and Italy will co-produce the formats for the British and Italian markets.
The initial phase of this deal will also include plans to localise the hit reality show The Scholar for Hindi-language broadcast in India.
In addition, Diverse, FBCs London-based format and production subsidiary, will co-produce its formats in the United States with Bunim-Murray.
Under the terms of the agreement the two companies will be exploring potential co-productions in the Indian, British and Italian markets based in successful Bunim-Murray formats and hit series, as well as co-productions in the US of original formats produced by Diverse.
The Scholar (which premiered in ABC Television Network in the US) is the first show ever to celebrate higher education as the ultimate prize. The opportunity of a lifetime comes true for one among the best and brightest high school students in this original Bunim-Murray series that sends the winner to a top-rated university, all expenses paid.
FBC India Pvt executive director Samir Gupta said, “We are extremely pleased to be partners of a production entity such as Bunim-Murray known for the extraordinary television and filmed entertainment it has produced over the years. I am sure both our companies will benefit from the partnership. The buzz around reality shows in India is amazing and I am convinced that Bunim-Murrays hit reality shows will meet the aspirational needs of young Indians.”
Bunim-Murray Productions CEO Joey Carson said, “We are thrilled to be collaborating with a worldwide leader like FBC. This relationship will capitalise on both companies strongholds to develop cutting-edge programming and allow for a broader reach with our existing formats.”
FBC India is FBCs Indian television and media subsidiary with operations in Mumbai and New Delhi. It has to its credit Lakme Fashion House, a local Hindi-language adaptation of FBCs original reality format Fashion House. Lakme Fashion House was broadcast on Star One.
Bunim-Murray Productions has created shows such as The Real World (MTV), Road Rules (MTV), The Simple Life (Fox) and Starting Over (syndicated).
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.
