Cellcast

Cellcast Group Plc operates as a key provider of participatory television programming and interactive telephony technology within the cross-platform digital entertainment sector. Founded in 2001 by Andrew Wilson and Bertrand Folliet, the company initially focused on distributing mobile content, partnering with major entities like News Corporation and Yahoo!, and quickly became a prominent ringtone seller in Asia. Bertrand Folliet has an extensive background in the new media and technology sectors, having held director and executive roles at companies like Matra Hachette Multimedia Online and e-Lux Corp., experiences that directly informed Cellcast's strategic direction.

The company's business model centers on enabling broadcasters, content developers, and mobile network operators to monetize interactive television formats. Revenue is generated through services like phone-ins, teleshopping, quiz channels, and various forms of paid programming. A significant milestone was achieved in 2005 when Cellcast was listed on the Alternative Investment Market of the London Stock Exchange. Over the years, Cellcast expanded its offerings to include software development for the media industry, creating second-screen applications, mobile games, and utilizing direct carrier billing. The company produces over 1,000 hours of live TV content weekly from its studios in Milton Keynes and has managed projects globally in markets such as Brazil, India, and the United States.

Cellcast's services encompass a wide range of interactive solutions. A notable product is "Psychic Today," a UK TV channel launched in 2004. The company has also developed and managed voting systems for popular shows like The X Factor and launched various interactive game shows internationally. In addition to its broadcast operations, Cellcast provides a suite of software development services, including the creation of TV graphics with HTML5 technology and mobile-based gaming products capable of handling millions of transactions monthly. In 2019, the core broadcasting company was sold in a management buyout to Com & Tel Media Limited, while the investment operations were retained by Vintana Plc.

Keywords: participatory television, interactive media, mobile content distribution, teleshopping, broadcast technology, interactive telephony, second screen applications, TV production, mobile gaming, direct carrier billing, quiz channels, paid programming, digital entertainment, TV graphics, cross-platform media, interactive game shows, media software development, SMS marketing, broadcast services, TV airtime