Raj Nayak Launches House Of IP; Lionsgate Play Buys ‘Code Of Silence’; Griersons Longlist Revealed – Global Briefs

Indian Exec Raj Nayak Launches House Of IP

Former Viacom18 COO Raj Nayak has launched House of IP, an events and entertainment studio aimed at building intellectual property. Nayak has teamed with influencer and online content firm YAAP Digital on the venture, which will work across entertainment, sports, music festivals, digital formats, and branded experiences. The idea is to incubate original ideas from their conception through to commercialization and provide IP owners with advice on strategy, branding building, content development and making cash. “At a time when content is fragmented, attention spans are shrinking, and brands are seeking more immersive and ownable experiences, the need for strong, scalable IPs is more urgent than ever,” said Nayak. “This venture is about building cultural properties that connect deeply with audiences while delivering real value to brands and platforms.” Nayak already runs a company called House of Cheer, a ‘happtech’ business aimed spreading happiness through combining tech with human connection. He began his career in TV, climbing to hold senior positions at Star TV, NDTV Media and Viacom18, which is now part of JioStar following the Reliance Industries and Disney India merger. He also founded media sales business Aidem Ventures in 2010. “Partnering with Raj  to launch House of IP is a natural extension of our vision,” said Atul Hedge, founder of YAAP. “With his creative leadership and our digital-first DNA, we’re excited to co-create iconic, scalable properties that will redefine how brands engage with culture and communities.”

Lionsgate Play Buys ‘Code Of Silence‘ & More From ITV Studios

Rose Ayling-Ellis drama Code of Silence and Aiden Turner police procedural The Suspect are among ITV Studios (ITVS) titles headed to streamer Lionsgate Play in India. The agreement also includes Australian dramas Four Years Later and Erotic Stories. Code of Silence has been compiling sales since the London TV Screenings earlier this year. The ITVX drama, which is rolling out on BritBox in North America, follows a deaf civilian (Ayling-Ellis), who helps police with her lip reading skills. Lionsgate Play’s deal was one of several ITVS struck in the Asia Pacific region, with Australian free-to-air network SBS also taking crime drama Code of Silence, which has been renewed for a second season, and Seven Network buying UKTV series The Marlow Murder Club. In Japan, Mystery Channel signed a multi-title deal including Season 1 of light BBC drama Ludwig, Season 2 of The Marlow Murder Club and Season 5 of Grace. New Zealand pubcaster TVNZ was another buyer of Code of Silence, and also took Ludwig Season 2 and the second run of Piglets.

BBC Tops Grierson Awards Nominations Longlist

The BBC has landed 31 entries in the longlist for the Grierson Awards, well ahead of rival UK outlets. Channel 4 was second with 17, followed by Netflix (16), Sky Documentaries (10), Disney+ (5), Prime Video (4) and ITV (3). Channel 5, Apple TV+, Discovery+, National Geographic and Mubi all landed two. Candour Productions and Rogan Productions led among production companies, with nominations in four categories each. Candour’s were for Groomed: A National Scandal for Channel 4, The Essex Millionaire Murders for ITV (two) and Channel 5’s Cause of Death. Rogan was nominated for Rose Ayling-Ellis: Old Hands, New Tricks, The Search for Nicola Bulley and The Rise & Fall of Michelle Mone for the BBC, Ayling-Ellis in the Best Documentary Presenter category. The awards, which are run by the Grierson Trust and are officially called Griersons: British Documentary Awards, will take place on November 18 at the Roundhouse in London.