GECs
Women employment in film and television industry drops: Study
MUMBAI: A study released by the “Center for the Study of Women in Television and Film at San Diego University” reveals that female representation behind the scenes in film and television industry has reached an abysmal low.
Shocking figure reveals there were more female directors in late 90’s than we have today. Since 1998, the number of women directing any of the top 250 highest grossing films has dropped by two per cent. Which shows why we had to wait till 2010 to break the deadlock for a female director to win an Oscar for direction (Kathryn Bigelow, won the title for her film The Hurt Locker in 2010).
Music composing and sound designing witnesses the poorest results, one per cent of all composers and only five per cent of all sound designers are women. Only three per cent of the movies had more the 10 female employees and 38 per cent of the films choose not to employ a woman in the crucial behind the scenes role.
The production field gives us a better figure as we see women having little stronger representation as producers (23 per cent) and executive producers (19 per cent) compared to other behind the scenes roles.
In 2011 – 12, female representation as editor in documentaries and narrative features increased to 25 per cent from 23 per cent in 2008- 09 but unfortunately the percentile dropped to 20 in 2013 – 14.
The study also reveals that the representation is much stronger when it comes to independent posts in documentaries and narrative features and hence this woman under employment crisis cannot be termed as lack of intent or quality, and the forging forward industry should ensure better results.
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.
