Development Alert: Doodsondes, Elif And Die Put Cancelled On eExtra And eVOD, To Broadcast Through 2025

In September 2020, eMedia Investments introduced the Turkish series, Elif to South African audiences. To date, it happens to be one of the longest running shows on Kuiertyd alongside Die Put which is currently in its 3rd season on eVOD in the action space.

Another series which will also be concluding in the Kuiertyd space is Doodsondes. Unlike Elif and Die Put which hail from eExtra, the latter will bid farewell on eMedia Investments' streaming service, eVOD.

As advised, eMedia Investments is only left with 1 season for the above-mentioned (with 2 for Doodsondes) and this will be the first time in 3 years that the 18:30 slot will be used for anything else. Elif has been the only show airing back-to-back while others went on production break.

At the moment, there's no clue on if eMedia Investments would pursue another long format that would surpass Elif but the brand did make Annekan Die Swa Kry available on eVOD after failing to launch it on eExtra as advised in the year with 3 seasons in the pipeline.

Although Doodsondes had concluded during the year in Turkey. It has been learnt by producer Fatih Askoy that he's exploring a seventh season. As of right now, it will end with a 6th season by 2024/5 and it may be a while before a 7th season comes to fruition.

Lastly, Die Put has been airing on a year to year basis unlike Doodsondes which had a 1 year hiatus. As advised, the third season is currently streaming on eVOD with the final season coming later in 2024/5 as seen with Doodsondes.

Elif's fifth and final season is also rolling out later in the coming year and as consumers noticed. It's currently the longest running series to date on Kuiertyd meaning it will likely be carried through 2025 and I wouldn't be shocked if the same awaits Die Put and Doodsondes.

Elif featured the talents of İsabella Damla Güvenılır stars as Elif Emiroğlu, Selin Sezgin stars as Melek Özer (Elif's mother), Volkan Çolpan stars as Kenan Emiroğlu (Elif's father) and Cemre Melis Çınar stars as Arzu Karapınar (Kenan's ex wife, the main villain of the series).

All of which are family members, Die Put featured the talents of Aras Bulut İynemli as Yamaç Koçovalı, Dilan Çiçek Deniz as Sena Koçovalı, Damla Sönmez as Efsun Kent, Erkan Kolçak as Köstendil Salih Koçovalı and Ercan Kesal as İdris Koçovalı.

Lastly Doodsondes featured the talents of Şevval Sam as Ender Çelebi, Eda Ece as Yıldız Yılmaz, Biran Damla Yılmaz as Kumru Yıldırım, Murat Aygen as Doğan Yıldırım, Şebnem Dönmez as Handan Kılıç and Sevda Erginci as Zeynep Yılmaz.

Early Sketches Of Various DStv Packages Part Of Which Didn't Exist At The Time

DStv launched as South Africa's first pay-tv service in 1995 offering 18 premium channels. Now the platform has grown to become the biggest player in sports with SuperSport and include over 120+ channels which range from general entertainment, lifestyle and news.

Some of the bouquets include the mid tier Compact bouquet which has seen a decline in consumers following the forever changing economy and it's potential predecessor Access which has seen a growth in local commission and premium entertainment.

Before these bouquets were made accessible to the market sources mentioned that earlier sketches of the DStv bouquet were proposed but had since then not been used.

As seen below, each bouquet had named based on the quantity of channels and each had their own imprinted logos to give it more effect. Although, it's not known when work on these possible bouquets began we assume work started out in the later parts of 2010 based on the offering.

The cheapest bouquet was priced R20p/m and only consists of 17 channels including SABC 1-3, Mindset and TBN and the most expensive bouquet is priced R590p/m and features 90 channels including M-Net, Boomerang, Comedy Central and Discovery Channel.

Initially, DStv started out as a singular platform and it wasn't until 2005 were they opted for more bouquets, Compact. And if we understand anything about this sketch MultiChoice always intended to have more bouquets as Compact+ didn't exist when some of these channels were on the platform.

New Movie Alert: Diary Of A Wimpy Kid: Rodrick Rules Premiering July 28th On Disney Channel Africa

The riotous antics of angst-ridden, disaster-prone middle school student Greg Heffley continue in “Diary of a Wimpy Kid: Rodrick Rules,” focusing this time around on his complicated relationship with older brother Rodrick. A spikey-haired high school student, Rodrick is lazy and undisciplined and spends way too much time practicing with his rock band, Löded Diper. While he loves to torment Greg, he ultimately has a deep affection for his younger brother.

Directed by Luke Cormican (“Teen Titans Go!) and written and produced by Jeff Kinney, “Diary of a Wimpy Kid: Rodrick Rules” features the voices of Brady Noon (“The Mighty Ducks: Game Changers”), Ethan William Childress (“mixed-ish”), Edward Asner (“Up”), Chris Diamantopoulos (“Silicon Valley”), Erica Cerra (“Power Rangers”), and Hunter Dillon (“Deadpool 2”). “

The film received mixed to positive reviews from critics, audiences and fans. With some being mixed on the film having some flaws the first film have, but was mostly praised for its longer runtime and some fans considered it as a improvement over the first one.

“Diary of a Wimpy Kid: Rodrick Rules” premiered December 2nd 2022 on Disney+ and will be made available on the Disney Channel by July 28th, 2023.  Other upcoming attractions include Kiff and the final season of The Owl House.

During the year, Disney Channel has been promoting a bulk of content from Disney+ including animated series Chip 'n Dale: Park Life and Kiff alongside feature films Lady And The Tramp, Ice Age: Adventures Of Buck Wild and Phineas And Ferb: Candice Against The Universe.

Meta To Launch It's Twitter App This Week

Twitter users have been facing a lot of issues over the past few months, but things got even worse last weekend after the company decided to limit the number of tweets users can see per day. To take advantage of this, Meta now seems to have confirmed that Threads – its new app to compete with Twitter – will be released later this week.

On Monday, a page that lets iPhone users pre-order Threads was made available on the App Store. The same page confirms that the app will be released on July 6-7 (depending on which country the user lives in). Meta has also launched a new webpage with a countdown ahead of the release.

Meta has been working on Threads for some time now, and it became known after some reports in May about the “Barcelona” project. Developed under the Instagram brand, Threads aims to be a direct competitor to Twitter, allowing users to share text, photos, and videos.

“Threads is where communities come together to discuss everything from the topics you care about today to what’ll be trending tomorrow. Whatever it is you’re interested in, you can follow and connect directly with your favorite creators and others who love the same things — or build a loyal following of your own to share your ideas, opinions and creativity with the world,” says the app description.

Although Threads is based on Instagram, it will have its own app. Expectedly, those with an Instagram account will be able to join the new platform with just a tap. However, some details are still unclear – such as whether users will be able to access Threads through a web browser. Another detail to keep in mind is that, at least for now, the app has no iPad version.

Insidus has heard from people familiar with the matter that Meta was first planning to launch Threads at the end of July. However, as many Twitter users are upset with the platform, Meta has decided to rush the launch of its new microblogging social network.

Ginx eSports TV Reportedly Up For Sale, Could The Channel Go Dark On The DStv Platform?

The Esports Advocate can exclusively report that London-based gaming and esports media company Ginx TV Ltd. is exploring an acquisition or further investment and is being represented by London-based venture capital and private equity firm Capital A. In a perfect scenario—according to what is being pitched to VCs—an investor would acquire the company, keep its full-time staff intact (it lists 21 full-time employees and 17+ people in outsourced roles)— and leave the day-to-day operations in the hands of the current CEO, Michiel Bakker.

According to a document obtained by TEA being shared by Capital A to potential VCs, the unnamed esports media group (which TEA has confirmed is Ginx) is based in London, specializes in “creating and monetizing cross-platform (TV & digital) esports and gaming content,” and is “available to acquire.” Metadata from the document describes it as “GinxTV – Teaser V2” and lists multiple Capital A employees as points of contact.

It also notes that the company’s “experienced hires” have “near full autonomy on a day-to-day basis,” and that the “CEO is looking to stay,” which is a selling point to attract investors who would have concerns that leadership and staff might leave after an acquisition.

Finally, the document notes that the company has its own production arm, which it uses to produce a variety of video and provide content creation services for clients such as “publishers, brands and esports organizations.”

Ginx TV Ltd. CEO Michiel Bakker issued the following statement to TEA on Friday morning via email: “Ginx is always working on its capital structure alongside growing the company. We have built a profitable gaming/esports business with diverse, predictable, and recurring revenue streams. As Ginx becomes increasingly global and digital, as opposed to being a pure-play TV company, we are currently looking to bring on board investors that are aligned with that trajectory and can help us accelerate our growth. We are involved in several discussions, but I am not at liberty to disclose detail.”

Ginx has raised capital from a number of sources over the years including £569.1K ($679K USD) in December of 2015 through an equity crowdfunding campaign with Crowdcube, and undisclosed investments in September of 2016 from UK-based terrestrial TV networks Sky and ITV, who both took “significant minority stakes in the company.”

While Bakker claims that Ginx is a profitable business, the company realized losses of £162.9K ($194.3K) in 2020 and £263.1K ($313.9K) in 2021, according to public filings—Ginx has yet to file its FY 2022 financial report as of this writing. All told, the company has spent approximately £9.99M ($11.86M) since 2010. It is important to note that, due to the British company reporting requirements, a balance sheet loss does not necessarily contradict Bakker’s profitability claim. It should also be noted that the materials obtained by TEA, estimate that the company generated revenue of £2.2M, or $2.5M for FY 2022.

Credits: James Fudge

Canal+ Increase Their Stake In MultiChoice Again To 31,7%

France’s Canal+ Group has again upped its stake in South Africa’s MultiChoice pay-TV operation.

Canal+ now owns 31.7 per cent of MultiChoice which is itself listed on the Johannesburg Stock Exchange. MultiChoice operates the DStv, SuperSport and Showmax pay-TV options for African viewers.

Canal+ is itself controlled by Vivendi.

The new stake is up from 30.3 per cent revealed on February 10th.

MultiChoice CEO Calvo Mawela is on record as saying that the two businesses have regular conversations as to areas of collaboration.

The history of Canal+ and its involvement in MultiChoice is one of steady involvement since 2020. In September 2022, it raised its holdings from the previous 20.1 per cent to 26.3 per cent, and then again increased its stake to 30.3 per cent in February 2023.

However, there are local rules in South Africa which limit foreign ownership of local broadcasters. The maximum shareholding threshold for Canal+ is 35 per cent and which could then require it makes a mandatory offer to buy out other shareholders.

Another potential problem is that Vivendi/Canal+ have already breached a 20 per cent limit on foreign ownership of a local broadcaster.

Ginx eSports TV CEO Steps Down After 13 Years

Long-time CEO of gaming media company Ginx TV Michiel Bakker has announced his departure and is set to leave the company at the end of June.

Bakker made the announcement via LinkedIn, and while he did not share any future plans, he did mention that he is leaving the company with “mixed emotions.”

Founded in 2007, Ginx TV is a media company based in the United Kingdom. The company is known for its television channel, one of the world’s first TV channels focused strictly on gaming content. The company’s main channel has been rebranded to Ginx Esports TV in 2016, reflecting a shift towards esports. Apart from television, Ginx operates a gaming and esports news website, Ginx.tv.

Michiel Bakker first joined Ginx TV when the company was only three years old, in 2010. During his time at the company, Ginx has partnered with numerous esports, gaming, and other brands, and became an international company with a presence in many countries.

Bakker did not explain the exact reasons for his departure, but he did note that it is “high time for a fresh perspective, new ideas, and someone else to take the reins” of the media company. He added that change is a vital part of progress, and that he is proud of the work he did during his time at Ginx.

Ginx TV did not share news of Bakker’s replacement, but he did say that he is now “embarking on a new chapter in life.”

Bakker said the following via social media: “After an incredible 13-year journey at Ginx TV Ltd, it is with mixed emotions that I announce my departure from the company at the end of this month. It has been an honour and a privilege to serve as the CEO of Ginx, and I am immensely proud of what we have achieved together.

“One of the most important lessons I have learned in my professional career is that change is vital for growth and progress. It is high time for a fresh perspective, new ideas, and someone else to take the reins.”

New Series Alert: Net 20 Minute Is Currently Streaming On eVOD

Net 20 Minutes (20 Dakika) tells the story of a mild-mannered history teacher. Ali, who is thrown into a World of action and intrigue when his beloved wife Melek is arrested for the attempted murder of a young man. Ali must abandon his books and find inner strength and courage that he did not know he had in order to free his wife and reclaim his family life. 

Set in Turkey, 20 Minutes was inspired by the 2010 American film The Next Three Days and starred Tuba Büyüküstün and İlker Aksum in leading roles. Star TV served as broadcaster when the series was broadcast in 2013.

Since it's debut, the Emmy nominated series had been sold to 55 countries including Bahrain, Algeria, Djibouti, Morocco, Greece, Romania, Poland, Palestine, Iraq, Iran, Qatar, Kuwait, Libya, Lebanon, Egypt, Mauritania, Somali, Sudan, Syria, Saudi Arabia and South Africa.

Unlike Die Put and Annekan Die Swa Kry, 20 Minutes falls under the international tile of the eVOD streaming service. It is also the first exclusive show to be seen on the platform as the latter such as K-2 and Flowers Of Evil had been made available to eXposed days prior.

It is currently unknown on whether eMedia Investments will ever intend to make 20 Minutes accessible on more platforms. For now, it's currently streaming on Netflix and as mentioned eVOD and the only known linear platform to have aired it is Timeless Dizi Channel.

Update: the series is part of Kuiertyd under Net 20 Minute someone needs to be fired for the choice in title.

Development Alert: Boomerang In The Middle East, North Africa And Asia To Become Cartoonito

Cartoonito is the leading destination owned by Warner Bros. Discovery which distributes a variety of preschool content in the form of programming blocks across various Cartoon Network and Boomerang channels alongside standalone services.

During the year, Warner Bros. Discovery had been phasing out several Boomerang feeds across the world. Of course, there was various feeds which have yet to switchover to Cartoonito with the latter continuing to supply select content such as Batwheels and Interstellar Ella.

In the recent weeks, it had confirmed by Warner Bros. Discovery within the regions particularly MENA and Asia particularly Hong Kong, Taiwan and Southeast Asia, the introduction of Cartoonito from September 4th and July 28th respectively.

According to WBD Asia, the move is “part of a big regional and global commitment by WBD to preschool content.” It follows Cartoonito rebrands and launches in other international territories including EMEA and LatAm.

Boomerang favourites including “Tom & Jerry,” “Baby Looney Tunes,” “Alice & Lewis,” “Pat the Dog” and “Grizzy and the Lemmings” will remain on the channel alongside other series like "Dino Ranch and recent additions Batwheels and Bugs Bunny Builders.

It's currently unknown if MENA will offer a similar lineup as seen in Asia but it's been speculated by various consumers that similar to EMEA. Cartoonito will likely keep Boomerang's remaining programming as WBD EMEA beside managing the brand in Africa also manage these regions.