India presence at International Digital Emmy Awards at Cannes

Abhigyan Jha, Founder & CEO, Undercover Productions Ltd. one of the judges at the prestigious awards

It was a great accomplishment for the Indian entertainment industry as Abhigyan Jha, Founder & CEO, Undercover Productions Ltd. was asked to be on the panel of judges for the 6th annual International Digital Emmy Awards during the opening ceremony of the MIPTV conference in Cannes. Nominees included entries from different countries including UK, USA, Brazil, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Lebanon and Turkey. Three Emmy Awards for digital programs were presented as well as a Pioneer Prize which recognizes the outstanding contributions of an individual or an organization to the field of digital entertainment.

The Pioneer Prize was presented to Jon M. Chu, the Creator and Executive Producer of the global online dance phenomenon The Legion of Extraordinary Dancers. He also recently directed the blockbuster Never Say Never starring Justin Bieber. The Best Digital Program – Fiction was bagged by Shankaboot. It was from Lebanon and was chosen by Abhigyan Jha. The Best Digital Program – Non – Fiction was awarded to HIGHRISE: Out My Window from Canada and the Best Digital Program – Children and Young People was awarded to Battlefront II from the United Kingdom.

Expressing delight about this honour, Abhigyan Jha, Founder & CEO, Undercover Productions Ltd. said, “It is extremely humbling to judge groundbreaking programs at an awards ceremony of the repute of the International Digital Emmy Awards. In 2009 we launched Jay Hind! - the world’s 1st ever full format TV show made exclusively for the internet platform and it is encouraging that an international body thinks us equipped to evaluate global work in the digital space. It truly is a great moment for the Indian entertainment industry and it is a positive step towards strengthening India’s influence on global entertainment.”

About Undercover Productions Ltd: Undercover Productions Ltd. is a boutique production company founded by Mrinal Jha and Abhigyan Jha. The production house launched its first production ‘Sacred Evil’ in the year 2006 in association with Percept Pictures & Sahara One Motion Pictures, which was written and directed by Abhigyan himself. Mrinal has scripted for serials like Rajani, Kahin Kisi Roz, Kya Haadsa Kya Haqeeqat, Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahoo Thi, Banoo Main Teri Dulhann, Maayka and Zee’s leading show, Agle Janam Mohe Bitiya Hi Kijo as well as the stunning Drama Kaali – Ek Agnipariksha. Abhigyan Jha as a scriptwriter has penned over 1500 episodes of various popular television shows including Tum Bin Jaaoon Kahan, Maano Ya Na Maano, Yeh Hai Raaz, Rajni & Commander. The greatest success that Abhigyan achieved was as Executive Producer and Script-Head, for over 500 episodes of the hugely popular Movers & Shakers, one of the most path-breaking shows in Asian television.

In 2009, Undercover Productions Ltd. came up with yet another scintillating format – Jay Hind! A late night stand up comedy show exclusively for the Internet! Starring  the versatile Sumeet Raghavan, it is also the world’s 1st ever full format TV show made exclusively for the internet platform and India's 1st late night stand up comedy show on the internet: www.jayhind.tv Undercover Productions Ltd is also currently raising funds through Private Equity, to scale up operations as the World's First TV Entertainment Chanel Exclusively For The Internet.

Undercover Productions Ltd. just wrapped up work on the popular late night serial on Star Plus - Kaali – Ek Agnipariksha, which was a far cry from the soaps currently airing on Television. A classic drama series about the fight between good and evil, the show aimed at increasing social awareness about the growing number of cases of sexual crimes against women. The unique subject and superlative performances from the talented set of actors made the show a big success.

Undercover Productions also recently took over the Creative Production of Zee TV's Sanjog Se Bani Sangini starring Iqbal Khan, Aruna Irani, Sudha Chandran. The story of Sanjog Se Bani Sangini is a rich moving tale about a simple family trying to live a dignified life in a cruel world, juxtaposed with the passionate drama of two people in love. The story is a heady mix of love, drama, passion and emotions. Also interwoven into this drama is the subtle thread of spiritualism.