GECs
Fox looks to control TV costs with new division
MUMBAI: This is an initiative that seeks to infuses fresh doses of energy and creativity into American television. Even as the Writers Guild of America (WGA) tries to sort out its issues with film and television producers Rupert Murdoch’s Fox has announced that it will create a new production arm Fox 21.
The boutique studio division launches early next month with the aim of controlling the escalating costs of TV production by rethinking the economics of making shows
Fox 21 will aim to service all the networks and not just its parent. Having said that the venture has already secured major programming pledges from its parent Fox Broadcasting Company and the FX cable network.
The division has set itself the aim of helping writers realise what it has termed as passion projects. Of course there are things that one could read into this including the fact that writers won’t worry too much about benefits and a higher salary if they are personally committed to making that particular script come alive.
Fox 21 is try to do for television what Miramax has done for film. By this what one means is taking on ideas that might be considered too personal or unconventional for the other television production houses while keeping a tight leash on finances.
Fox 21’s model is Murdoch’s independent film division Fox Searchlight. That company has made and distributed award winning films in the past which have also proved financially viable.
Jane Leisner will lead the division as senior VP. Leisner joined Fox’s drama department in 1997. She helped develop Judging Amy. In India the show is airing on Hallmark. She also shepherded Roswell which airs on Star World.
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.
