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Paramount, Gaumont to produce interactive thriller ‘Section 8’
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MUMBAI: Paramount Digital Entertainment (PDE), part of US media conglomerate Viacom, and European film production and distribution company Gaumont have announced the development of Section 8. This is an interactive web series and will be distributed in the US by MySpace. |
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Endemol will handle worldwide distribution, product integration and brand partnerships.  The new show followes the successful digital release ofJackass 2.5. This was the first studio-backed feature film to be offered online. Section 8 is an interactive short-form serial thriller set to introduce online audiences to an online entertainment experience that engages them in character and plot development never-before-seen on the Web. Featuring an ill-fated cast of characters, the supernatural thriller will take audiences through a spine-tingling journey as personal dramas are revealed. Throughout the short-form series, each character will face a moment of jeopardy, leaving only one survivor. In a media twist, audiences are invited to guess the solution to the cryptic back-story using customised interactive experiences situated in and around the series. When collected together, the series will be redistributed as a full-length |
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MySpace will be the exclusive hub for Section 8 allowing its audience in the US the opportunity to view, share and uniquely interact with this thriller. In addition to finding character descriptions, episode discussions and behind-the-scenes content, users will be able to embed each episode on their MySpace profile pages. PDE president Thomas Lesinski says, “PDE is continuing its commitment to developing high quality original content for web audiences. For Section 8, Paramount has partnered with top producers and distributors to develop a compelling interactive story on a unique platform that will engage audiences like never before.” Gaumont CEO Christophe Riandee adds, “Our partnership with PDE is an important next step in Gaumont’s production strategies. We are constantly looking for new platforms to deliver quality content to a global audience.” Endemol global head of digital Adam Valkin says, “Section 8sets a new standard of theatrical quality for an online production. The innovation and creativity that has been invested in the project will make this a unique opportunity for our digital and brand partners”. |
NEW DELHI: Hamdard Laboratories gathered a cross-section of India’s achievers in New Delhi on Friday, handing out the Hakeem Abdul Hameed Excellence Awards to figures who have left their mark across healthcare, education, sport, public service and the arts.
The ceremony, attended by minister of state for defence Sanjay Seth and senior officials from the ministry of Ayush, celebrated individuals whose work blends professional success with a sense of public purpose. It was as much a roll call of achievement as it was a reminder that influence is not measured only in profits or podiums, but in people reached and lives improved.
Among the headline awardees was Alakh Pandey, founder and chief executive of PhysicsWallah, recognised for turning affordable digital learning into a mass movement. On the sporting front, Arjuna Awardee and kabaddi player Sakshi Puniya was honoured for her contribution to the game and for pushing women’s participation onto bigger stages.
The cultural spotlight fell on veteran lyricist and poet Santosh Anand, whose songs have echoed across generations of Hindi cinema. At 97, Anand accepted the honour with characteristic humility, reflecting on a life shaped by perseverance and hope.
Healthcare honours spanned both modern and traditional systems. Manoj N. Nesari was recognised for strengthening Ayurveda’s place in national and global health frameworks. Padma shri Mohammed Abdul Waheed was honoured for his research-backed work in Unani medicine, while padma shri Mohsin Wali received recognition for his long-standing contribution to patient-centred care.
Education and social development also featured prominently. Padma shri Zahir Ishaq Kazi was honoured for decades of work in education, while former Meghalaya superintendent of Police T. C. Chacko was recognised for public service. Goonj founder Anshu Gupta received an award for his dignity-centred rural development initiatives, and the Hunar Shakti Foundation was honoured for empowering women and young girls through skill development.
The Lifetime Achievement Award went to former IAS officer Shailaja Chandra for her long career in public healthcare and governance, particularly in the traditional systems under Ayush.
Speaking at the event, Hamdard chairman Abdul Majeed said the awards were a tribute to those who combine excellence with empathy. “These awardees reflect Hakeem Sahib’s belief that healthcare, education and public service must ultimately serve humanity,” he said.
Minister Seth struck a forward-looking note, saying India’s young population gives the country a unique opportunity to become a global destination for learning, health and wellness by 2047.
The ceremony also featured the trailer launch of Unani Ki Kahaani, an upcoming documentary starring actor Jim Sarbh, set to premiere on Discovery on 11 February.
Instituted in memory of Unani scholar and educationist Hakeem Abdul Hameed, the awards have grown into a national platform that celebrates those building a more inclusive and resilient India. For one evening at least, the spotlight was not just on success, but on service with substance.
