Movie Channels
Rainbow Media expands internationally
MUMBAI: Rainbow Media which owns and manages American networks – AMC, Fuse, The Independent Film Channel (IFC) and WE: Women’s Entertainment has announced that it will expand its distribution arm internationally.
The aim is to to take its content globally for the first time in its 25-year history.
Rainbow Media states that it helped revolutionise American cable television with the development of niche oriented linear networks such as AMC, Bravo, WE, IFC and fuse. It then went on to further expand the niche oriented concept by producing a varied array of original VOD programmes for Mag Rack and sportskool.
Most recently, Rainbow expanded to a third tier of niche-oriented content with the launch of Voom HD Networks, whjich it claims is the largest and most diverse suite of high definition (HD) channels in the world.
The expansion into the international marketplace will focus on channel development and programming sales and licensing, all in an effort to broaden the audience of Rainbow’s original content, maximise the value of the Rainbow brands, and fill a large and lucrative international content void, especially in the area of HD programming.
Rainbow Media senior VP business development Glenn Oakley will supervise this expansion for the company. He will lead the newly created Rainbow International division.
Rainbow Media president and CEO Joshua Sapan says, “Throughout Rainbow’s history, we have prided ourselves in creating popular and highly valuable original content that has been at the forefront of television innovation, from cable to VOD and now HD. Our new distribution arm will leverage our experience in all aspects of high definition, programming and channel operations, providing viewers around the world with great value.
“With Glenn leading us into the international marketplace, Rainbow International will bring extensive network operation experience, vast programming assets and incredible stability to new global ventures. This is particularly exciting news for those in the HD space, where we are already hearing a tremendous excitement about VOOM and our HD content. Most important, Glenn will ensure the continued audience growth of each of Rainbow’s valuable brands.”
Oakley leads the company in new areas of business. The a 24-year cable industry veteran is responsible for identifying and capitalizing on new business opportunities and market development, in addition to negotiations and deal structuring for Rainbow.
Movie Channels
Ek Deewane Ki Deewaniyat Premieres 14 Feb on Zee
Ek Deewane Ki Deewaniyat world TV premiere 14 Feb at 8pm passion meets politics.
MUMBAI: Cupid’s arrow just got a plot twist and it’s heading straight for your TV screen. This Valentine’s Day, Zee Cinema is turning up the heat with the world television premiere of Ek Deewane Ki Deewaniyat, a raw, rule-breaking romantic drama that proves love doesn’t always come wrapped in roses.
Set to air on Saturday, 14 February at 8pm, the film stars Harshvardhan Rane and Sonam Bajwa, directed by Milap Zaveri. It dives headfirst into obsession, heartbreak, and the kind of unconditional love that leaves scorch marks. Rane plays Vikramaditya, a powerful politician whose all-consuming passion for actress Adaa spirals into chaos when his feelings go unreturned unleashing a storm of emotion, misunderstanding, and life-altering consequences.
The timing couldn’t be sharper. Audiences are clearly craving intense love stories over sugar-coated ones, and this film taps straight into that vein. Harshvardhan Rane already has a loyal fanbase from his cult hit Sanam Teri Kasam, which cemented his status as the go-to guy for heart-wrenching romance especially among younger viewers who keep the film on repeat.
Milap Zaveri captured the film’s beating heart, “This film is about love that doesn’t follow rules. With Valentine’s Day being a time when audiences gravitate towards romantic narratives, the television premiere of Ek Deewane Ki Deewaniyat on Zee Cinema felt like the perfect fit. The continued love for intense romances shows there is a strong emotional appetite for such stories.”
Rane himself called it a story rooted in messy, honest emotion, “Ek Deewane Ki Deewaniyat explores love in its most intense and vulnerable form where emotions are messy and deeply human. It’s a story that doesn’t shy away from passion or pain on Valentine’s Day making it even more special as it reflects the many shades of love people experience.”
Sonam Bajwa added her take, “Ek Deewane Ki Deewaniyat is not a conventional love story, it’s raw, intense and emotional. Valentine’s Day is usually associated with happy romance but this film explores love in its most vulnerable form.”
So if your Valentine’s plans include more than chocolates and clichés, tune in to Zee Cinema at 8pm on 14 February. Because sometimes the most unforgettable love stories aren’t the ones that end neatly, they’re the ones that leave you questioning just how far passion can push before everything changes.
