Movies
FNP Media releases short film ‘Softer Kiss’ to commemorate Pride Month
Mumbai: FNP Media, a rising name in video content creation, announces the release of its short film titled ‘Softer Kiss.’ Scheduled to release on 23 June in celebration of Pride Month, the film aims to foster inclusivity, acceptance, and love for the LGBTQ+ community.
‘Softer Kiss’ delves into the life of two same -sex lovers and displays the emotions of love, discovery and acceptance. The film encourages viewers to embrace diversity and challenges prevailing stereotypes, aiming to create a more inclusive and empathetic society.
With a runtime of 8 minutes and 22 seconds, ‘Softer Kiss’ is directed by filmmaker Akriti Singh. The film stars a talented ensemble cast including Khusbu Atre acclaimed for her portrayal in Criminal Justice and notable films such as Akira and Raazi. She will be seen delivering a captivating performance as she embodies the lead couple in the emotionally charged narrative. The film is produced by Ferns N Petals and FNP Media managing director and founder Vikaas Gutgutia.
Gutgutia quotes on the launch, “We believe that love knows no boundaries and with ‘Softer Kiss’ we strive to celebrate diversity and promote acceptance. We aim to curate content which paves the way for a more inclusive and compassionate society. With this heartfelt narrative, we aim to spread awareness about LGBTQ+ community and promote greater understanding of love in all forms.”
FNP Media is a venture of the well-known brand Ferns N Petals, which specializes in the production of short films, web series and TV commercials. Short films produced by FNP Media received love from the audience, like Blind Love, Mazaak, 2100 FT, Gudgudi, Time Time Ki Baat, Almariyaan, Dahej Ka Scooter, etc. All the short films have got the love of crores of viewers. FNP Media’s YouTube channel has more than 1.2 million subscribers, which is a big deal in itself. With Softer Kiss, FNP Media projects its commitment to promoting equality and celebrating love in all its forms. The film will be streaming on the official YouTube channel of FNP Media.
Hollywood
Disney sells out ad slots for 98th Oscars broadcast
Strong demand for live events turns the Academy Awards into a global, multi-platform marketing moment
NEW YORK: Hollywood’s biggest night has also become one of advertising’s hottest tickets. Disney has sold out all advertising inventory for the 98th Oscars, underscoring the growing demand from brands eager to ride the cultural wave of major live events.
The sell-out marks the sixth consecutive live tentpole success for Disney Advertising. The streak includes last year’s 97th Oscars, the 59th Annual CMA Awards, and Dick Clark’s New Year’s Rockin’ Eve with Ryan Seacrest, signalling strong appetite among marketers for moments that bring audiences together in real time.
For advertisers, the Oscars are no longer just a single night of glitz and gold statues. Disney’s “Content Everywhere” strategy has expanded the awards show into a sprawling, multi-platform brand playground spanning linear television, streaming, social media and digital content.
“Live continues to be one of the most powerful ways for brands to connect with engaged audiences at scale, and the Oscars represent the very best of culture, creativity and community,” said Disney Advertising SVP, entertainment and streaming solutions John Campbell. He added that the company has reshaped the show’s commercial potential into a connected experience that stretches well beyond the broadcast.
Brands such as Mazda, Pfizer and Volkswagen of America are tapping into Disney’s wider ecosystem, appearing across original content segments including Know Your Movies on Hulu and Critically Acclaimed on Disney+. Partnerships also extend to social media through TikTok Pulse Premiere and to custom brand storytelling created by Disney CreativeWorks.
The result is what Disney calls the “Oscars Everywhere” approach. Rather than a few high-profile ad breaks, advertisers now find themselves woven through a series of moments before, during and after the ceremony.
These include On The Red Carpet at The Oscars, a live pre-show syndicated across major local markets and streamed nationwide, and the After the Oscars Show, which keeps the conversation going once the final award has been handed out.
This year’s sponsors include Rolex, returning for its ninth year, and Burger King, which joins the Oscars advertiser roster for the first time. Other brands in the mix include Disney Cruise Line, Dunkin’, Eli Lilly and Company, Eucerin, Intuit TurboTax, L’Oréal, McDonald’s, Microsoft, Miebo, Paris Baguette, Peacock, Starbucks, State Farm, Toyota and Verizon.
The 98th Oscars will take place on March 15, 2026, at the Dolby Theatre at Ovation Hollywood. The ceremony will be broadcast live on ABC and streamed on Hulu, reaching audiences in more than 200 territories worldwide.
