Star India prepares for telecast of Oscars 2016

Channel has been building the momentum with its #TakeSides campaign

As Hollywood buffs wait to find out if this will finally be the year Leonardo DiCaprio finally takes home an Oscar, Star India has been building momentum for the telecast of this year's Academy Awards on its movie channels Star Movies and Star Movies Select HD and on digital on hotstar.

This year's campaign was pegged around all the speculation and fan following that nominees for the awards get from the audiences.

“The fans and ardent followers don’t stop campaigning about their idols. But there was never an official platform that gave all the movie buffs a stage to voice their votes and campaign for their choice. Star Movies and Star Movies Select HD will for the first time give viewers the platform and make it official to pick your favourite and #TakeSides,” says a Star India spokesperson.

An extensive marketing campaign across mediums captured the sentiment across age groups and directed them to the network's social media page and campaign for their favourite with #TakeSides. A series of 30-second ads portraying die-hard fans going to extremes to show their support for their favorite stars have been launched.

#TakeSides communication is present on-ground across outlets like PVR Cinemas, Crossword Bookstores and Gold’s Gyms, Jet Airways, Airport Cabs, Vogue magazine and media like radio and outdoor.

Digital conversations for #TakeSides were augmented with a Facebook Poll, and a quirky video created and shot only for the social media platforms.

“The most controversial name in the Oscar shortlist as usual, is Leonardo DiCaprio. The team created a perfect opportunity for fans to #TakeSides with Leo with the Oscars® screening of The Revenant. Fans got to witness one of the most anticipated films of the year, with 12 Oscar® nominations before its release in India,” adds the spokesperson.

This year, the live event will be a simulcast across our portfolio’s key channels — Star Movies & Star Movies Select HD on February 29 at 5:30 am live and will be repeated at 8:30 pm. 

“For the Oscars®, we see a higher viewership during prime time, but we telecast it live at 5:30 am for our Hollywood buffs who like to watch it with the world," he adds.