Bollywood and movie merchandising - still a long way to go
NAT1National/Business/CinemaBollywood and movie merchandising - still a long way to goBy Jivraj BurmanMumbai, Oct 6 IANS Inspired by Hollywood, the Hindi film industry is beginning to go into film merchandising - introducing dolls, masks, key chains, school bags and T-shirts - and hopes to one day reap millions like in the West.In the US, manufacturers and retailers collectively earn $16 billion annually from Hollywood movie merchandise. According to a Hollywood trade report, the studios also earn close to what their movies fetch from the box office and home entertainment market from their film's merchandise.The success stories are far too many in Hollywood. Director George Lucas earned about $9 billion from merchandising and sequel rights of "Star Wars". Producers of the 'Harry Potter' series have so far collected $11.8 billion from different contracts. Merchandise from the "E.T." fetched filmmaker Steven Spielberg over $1 billion.Though Bollywood has started to realise the potential of movie merchandising now, the revenues it has been able to earn from it are paltry."The Indian market is yet to catch up with movie merchandising. But there is great potential for the movie merchandise business to grow," Saurabh Varma, chief marketing officer of Reliance BIG Pictures, told IANS.Right now all eyes are on "Drona" merchandise brought out by Zapak. These include a combination of games and toys, comprising two sword packs - Drona and Ritz - Magic Busters, Mind Masters, Mystery Shockers and Bully Zapper pack.A series of comics are also being published based on the key characters of "Drona", which stars Abhishek Bachchan and Priyanka Chopra. The first in the series - "The Adventures of Drona" - has already hit the stands. The series are being marketed by Euro Kids."If you look at a Hollywood movie, the revenues are split evenly between theatre ticket sales, home entertainment and merchandise. In India, cinema merchandise at the moment generates nothing. That is going to change with malls and multiplexes and a middle class of hundreds of millions," said Andrew Heffernan of Eros International, the producers of "Drona".In the merchandising sector, Bollywood has had very few successful deals so far. One of them was producer-director Rakesh Roshan's deal with Pantaloons for his 2006 movie "Krrish" - it proved to be fruitful for the maker as well as the retail chain."The range of 'Krrish' merchandise, consisting of dolls, masks, key chains, colouring books, watches, rainwear, school bags and T-shirts evoked good response from children, more so because the movie was a success," said Sanjeev Agrawal, president marketing of Pantaloons.Another example is Farah Khan's tie-up with Shoppers' Stop. The clothing line made most of the mutual benefits by entering into a marketing agreement for the apparel right of her film "Om Shanti Om".But the sale of licensed products of a movie, as Aggarwal said, is directly linked to its box-office performance. He cited Harry Baweja's "Love Story 2050" as a good example.Though Cartoon Network Enterprise had brought out a range of retail products of the movie, the sale dropped after its lacklustre box-office performance across the country.The same happened with "Dhan Dhana Dhan Goal". Reebok had tied up with UTV Motion Pictures to release merchandise based on the film, but the demand dipped when the Arshad Warsi-John Abraham starrer slumped at the box office.But Varma of Reliance BIG Pictures doesn't agree and said: "Sometimes, a movie may be a failure, but some of its components stay in mind and that helps the sale of its merchandise. Like spy gadgets, hovercrafts, interactive robots and the boo doll, which were key features of 'Love Story 2050', sold well even though the movie might not have been a great success."Rajjat A. Barjatya, managing director of Rajshri Media, added: "It is only lately that the marketing of movie merchandise has been done in an organised way with the entry of pan-Indian retail chains. But the problem of piracy still remains."He said that Rajshri Films had brought out a limited range merchandise of their superhit movie "Hum Aapke Hain Kaun", but pirated copies arrived in the market soon, affecting the sale of the original products."The problem, of course, still remains," he rued.Despite the not so encouraging results, merchandising in India is poised to grow. Recently, entertainment, media and communications company Percept announced a 50-50 joint venture with the Future Group. Called Bollywood Retail, the joint venture will invest Rs.500 million initially to sell Bollywood merchandise.--Indo-Asian News Servicejb/ar/mv/ky803 Words**06100813
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2008-10-02 16:11:05JALANDHAR
NAT29National/Politics/CrimePunjab minister watches as mob beats up alleged thiefJalandhar, Oct 2 IANS On a day when Gandhian ideals of non-violence are being remembered, a senior cabinet minister in Punjab Thursday chose to overlook scores of people who took law in their hands outside his residence here while beating up a youth who they thought was a thief.Punjab’s Industries and Local Government Minister Manoranjan Kalia, who belongs to the Bharatiya Janata Party BJP and lives in Central town here, came to the terrace of his residence and watched the helpless youth, who was tied to an electric pole, being beaten black and blue.The minister, who had several Punjab police guards posted at his residence, neither sent them nor called the area police to control the situation.The minister, on seeing that television cameras were watching him also, beat a hasty retreat in to the house from his terrace.Efforts to contact him later failed.The youth was caught by people in the area Thursday morning after he was accused by some people of pick-pocketing and stealing things. Most of the complainants were newspaper vendors.The vendors claimed that the youth was hooked to drugs and used to steal things. They said that a few syringes were found from his pocket.The mob tore off the shirt of the youth and tied him to the pole. Several of them then beat him up.None of them bothered to call the police and hand over the alleged thief to them. It was only after the youth got a sound thrashing, someone from the public informed the police, who came later.--Indo-Asian News Servicejs/pb/vt287 Words02101548
2008-10-02 07:00:00'Kidnap' stars, cricketers walk the ramp for Provogue
BUS8Business/Fashion/Lifestyle'Kidnap' stars, cricketers walk the ramp for ProvogueNoida, Oct 2 IANS A range of corporate, party and casual wear and an array of accessories were on view as the star cast of the Bollywood movie "Kidnap" - Imran Khan, Minissha Lamba, Vidhya Malvade - joined cricketers Chetan Sharma, Craig McMillan, Rohan Gavaskar and Shane Bond to set the ramp ablaze for fashion brand Provogue's autumn/winter collection.The evening also saw composer Sanjeev Vyas perform live the super hit track "Mit Jayee" from the movie at the Spice Cinema in this Delhi suburb Wednesday in what was a unique double: a fashion show and a movie promotion."This is a mélange of Bollywood and fashion like never before," "Kidnap" director Sanjay Gadhvi said at the event.The collection had a classy, sophisticated and smart "Regain Reclaim" men's line that featured jackets, party wear, t-shirts, corporate wear, casual wear and inner wear in a variety of hues like grey, yellow, blue, white and black. Apart from this, a wide variety of accessories like belts, wallets, eye wear and ties were also part of the collection.For women, luxury, glamour and style were the key to the "Glam Hollywood" collection. The line had mini skirts, tunics, t-shirts, skinny jeans and long gowns in hues of purple, green and grey. Talking about the cocktail of fashion and entertainment, Spice group and Spice Enfotainment B.K. Modi said: "Entertainment is one of the fastest growing areas of business and we are at the threshold of a new opportunity.""We plan to capitalise on every important emerging opportunity, leveraging resident knowledge in various sectors," he added.The Provogue brand was launched in 1998 since then has been in the business of designing, manufacturing and selling readymade garments for men and women, as also a range of accessories.Bollywood stars Saif Ali Khan and Esha Deol are the brand ambassadors for the apparel, while model-turned actor Upen Patel performs the role for the accessories. Initially, actor Fardeen Khan and Katrina Kaif were its brand ambassadors. --Indo-Asian News Serviceshi/vm/dg 365 Words02101452
2008-10-02 05:02:08Rowdy revellers interrupted Kate Moss' party
ENT5Entertainment/Showbiz/InternationalRowdy revellers interrupted Kate Moss' partyLondon, Sep 28 IANS Two rowdy revellers, dressed as cowboys, interrupted supermodel Kate Moss's party and tried to round her up.Moss was with her boyfriend at the Vendome bar in London when the incident occurred, reports mirror.co.uk. The two men, wearing cowboy shirts, barged into the VIP area and tried to get near Moss. Seeing her distress, some of the bar staff shielded Moss while club bouncers raced to the rescue. They grabbed the two, scattering shocked revellers and sending drinks flying in the process, before throwing the two out of the club.Fortunately, the cowboy showdown didn't sour the party atmosphere too much as Moss quickly recovered and returned to partying. She drank glasses of £300-a bottle Dom Perignon as they toasted the launch of the film company Britflick.--Indo-Asian News Servicesev/ar/dg149 Words28091125
2008-09-28 02:00:06Age hasn't dampened Dev Anand's zest at 85 Lead
ENT13Entertainment/CinemaAge hasn't dampened Dev Anand's zest at 85 LeadMumbai, Sep 26 IANS It was business as usual for India's hero through six decades and more who spent his 85th birthday Friday in the studios. But, a day before he leaves for London for the international launch of his book, the ever ebullient Dev Anand was also ready to party. "I will be there in my studio and my friends will drop in to wish me. All are welcome in my studio. The whole industry including you is my friend," Anand told IANS. No party had been planned but Anand said: "The get together of people who will come to wish me will automatically turn into a party."The man who has epitomised romance through generations of cine watchers leaves for London Saturday for the launch of the international edition of his book "Romancing With Life"."It will be a great moment of my life," he said.He returns on Oct 5 after which he starts with the next schedule of the shoot for his film "Chargesheet" - he's acting and directing too."After I return from London, I will record a song with Asha Bhosle for my film and then proceed with the next schedule of shoot at Panchgani."Clearly, that zest for life and work have kept him going when not just his contemporaries, but even those who followed him into the industry have long retired. The man who serenaded generations of actresses and has had the fortune of having some of Bollywood's most memorable songs filmed on him is clearly set for more years of filmmaking. Born in 1923 as Devdutt Pishorimal Anand in Gurdaspur, Punjab, Dev Anand was the middle son of well-to-do advocate Pishorimal Anand. After graduation, Dev Anand moved to Mumbai in 1943 and joined his brother Chetan Anand. His first film was "Hum Ek Hain" 1946, but wasn't a big success.The actor was offered his first big break by Ashok Kumar for "Ziddi" 1948 opposite Kamini Kaushal and the film went on to be a huge success.A year after the success of "Ziddi", Anand launched his own company Navketan, which continues to churn out movies till date.His next big hit was "Baazi" 1951 and after that the actor never looked back. He gave hits like "C.I.D" 1956, "Guide" 1965, "Jewel Thief"1967, "Hare Rama Hare Krishna" 1971 and "Des Pardes" 1978.Dev Anand, who was bestowed India's highest award for cinematic excellence - the Dadasaheb Phalke Award in 2002, was also romantically associated with singer-actress Suraiya. But since her grandmother opposed it, their relationship fell apart.Heartbroken Dev Anand married his "Taxi Driver" co-star Kalpana Kartik and has son Suneil and daughter Devina.The actor was known for his distinct dialogue delivery and dressing. His buttoned collar and full-sleeved shirts, colourful mufflers, hats and rebellious dressing sense still makes him stand apart from many an actor of his times.His style was lapped up by the audience and was widely imitated. He starred in a string of box office successes for the remainder of the 1950s.He worked closely with his brother Vijay Anand for the much-hyped "Jewel Thief", featuring a bevy of beauties led by Vyjayanthimala, Tanuja, Anju Mahendru, Faryal and Helen.Their next collaboration, "Johnny Mera Naam" 1970 was also a big hit. Anand tried his hand at direction with "Prem Pujari" in the same year but the film did not fare well at the box office. However, he got lucky with his 1971 directorial venture "Hare Rama Hare Krishna", based on the then prevalent hippie culture.His last big hit as a director and actor was "Des Pardes" -- after that his films failed to excite the audience. His most recent films which include "Love At Times Square" and "Mr Prime Minister" bombed at the box office.Anand also has the credit of discovering Bollywood divas like Zeenat Aman and Tina Munim.--Indo-Asian News Servicerb/mj-ar/dg715 Words26091835
2008-09-26 09:02:11Eva Longoria Parker's latest pal is Evan Longoria!
Washington, Sept 25 ANI: Eva Longoria Parker has found a new long-distance pal in a baseball star - who almost shares her name.The 'Desperate Housewives' star sent Tampa Bay Rays star Evan Longoria a bottle of champagne after his successes on the baseball field turned him into a regular on U.S. sports news shows.Evan returned the favour by sending the Hollywood stunner a Rays shirt, reports Contactmusic.The actress, who is married to basketball star Tony Parker, says, "It's good to see that he's doing the name proud."The two Longorias have yet to meet, but Evan states, "I might try to get tickets to one of her movie premieres." ANI
2008-09-25 16:00:49Dhaka, Sep 23 IANS A very different looking Bangladesh cricket team has begun training for the home series against New Zealand, a week after 13 players left the team to play in the Indian Cricket League ICL as the "Dhaka Warriors" team.
SPO5SportsNew-look Bangladesh cricket team begins trainingDhaka, Sep 23 IANS A very different looking Bangladesh cricket team has begun training for the home series against New Zealand, a week after 13 players left the team to play in the Indian Cricket League ICL as the "Dhaka Warriors" team.The new-look national team of 40 probables, that includes many uncapped players, clad in the colours of national flag, began with a sprint during the training session on the opening day Monday. The camp, The Daily Star newspaper noted, began "on a sombre mood".Whatever the level of experience of the new team, Bangladesh's Australian coach Jamie Siddons said it was good enough to beat New Zealand.Skipper Mohammad Ashraful, who returned from England Monday morning immediately joined the camp. He was barred by the Bangladesh Cricket Board BCB officials from having an encounter with the reporters."The Bangladesh captain was tipped as the man behind the mass resignation last week that saw 13 players risk their domestic and international careers by signing for the banned Indian Cricket League ICL which has put the board in a spot of bother on international scene," said the newspaper. "The embargo on Ashraful was an effort to recover from the turbulent last week when the board banned the 13 rebel cricketers for 10 years each that included seven contracted players," it added."This is a special situation and he Ashraful has just returned from England. We want to talk with him Ashraful first and then he will talk with the media," said BCB's media committee chairman Ahmed Sajjadul Alam while confirming that a temporary embargo has been imposed on the captain.According to New Age newspaper, Coach Siddons believes Ashraful is innocent and has made the right decision by turning down the ICL offer that was made to him. "I think Ash is a pretty honest person. As soon as he was approached, he let everyone know and discussed that openly with them and I think he has made the right decision," Siddons was quoted as saying.While the board made no secret about its tough stance in the aftermath of the ICL fallout, it also tried to demonstrate the patriotic zeal evident amongst the players on the first day of the training where the cricketers wore bandanas and sported T-shirts in national colours.Of the 24 probables selected, seven were absent on the opening day and middle-order batsman Rajin Saleh and Enamul Haque, the men from Sylhet, are expected to join the camp Tuesday while five young cricketers - Imrul Kayes, Nayeem Islam, Shamsur Rahman, Sohrawordi Shuvo and Mahbubul Alam - are now touring with the academy team in Sri Lanka.New Zealand will arrive here Sep 30 to play two Tests and three one-day internationals in Dhaka and Chittagong. --Indo-Asian News Serviceved/pb/jg495 Words23091307
2008-09-23 04:05:04Pietersen looking for a new 15million pound home
London, Sep 22 ANI: England cricket captain Kevin Pietersen is looking for a new 15million pound home. The cricket star seemed happy enough after a viewing in London's swanky Chelsea and Kensington. He hugged and kissed ex-pop star wife Jessica Taylor, as they emerged clutching layout plans, The Sun reported. Pietersen, who wore a T-shirt with the words "Sex And Love Are The Future" on it, will collect the staggering 500,000-pound for one match this winter if he leads England to victory in a one-off 20/20 match in Antigua next month. He may need all the money he can get and his neighbours will include people like loaded Chelsea and England footballer Frank Lampard. ANI
2008-09-22 04:01:07
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