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www.contentasia.tv Issue 123: 4-17 July 2011 what’sinside Kimchee craze sweeps Disney My 360º Life Major Korea channels play kicks off Gerald Smith, Endemol ContentAsia’s regular 2011 section asks media execs what downtherabbithole differences the latest gadgets, tablets, applications & other tech wonders are making to their lives and thoughts. What’s really going on page 8 out there...

INproduction So, the long-awaited D- Red Communications day for mandatory cross A who’s who of production carriage in Singapore is 1 houses across Asia Pacific August (See ContentAsia page 9 Insider, 1 July). Our bet is that the main- BUYERtalk stream pay-TV industry, which Mohd Mokhtar Abdul Rahman, has had 16.5 months to digest Alhijrah Media Corporation this regulatory turn, isn’t going Asia’s buyers and programers to skip any more beats. talk about what they’re think- No one is going to call friends ing, buying and why From left (front): Luke Kang, So Jin-Woo, Moon Kim, Carolina Lightcap, Greg Park; at the WTO bleating about page 10 (back) Laura Wendt with cable colleagues Gil Jong Seop and You Jae Hong IP infringements, or demand guns-blazing global interven- Disney’s first-ever wholly local places the English-language tion. And they won’t down- PLUS Korean channel went up on Disney pass-through channel on grade (or upgrade) Singapore • All about 3D Friday (1 July) as part of the all platforms in Korea, will be fol- on their priority lists as a result. • HBO sweeps top movie spots year-old Television Media Korea lowed on 11 July with a Korean If Singapore does come • 10th Discovery HD launches (TMK) joint venture with Korean version of Disney Junior. Disney’s up in conversation, it’s much • Nick in Singapore high telco giant SK Telecom. current number of subscriber more likely to be how to get • MCA nabs Kiteboard Tour The new channel, which re- More on page 6 • Ross launches Lightning kids into school (www.moe. • Ist Moneydrop hits Asia gov.sg/education/admis- • Nielsen talks co-viewing Viacom ups Vietnam focus sions/international-students/ • Old-style TV’s rule in India or www.singaporeexpats. New MTV channel launched with BDH Media subsidiary com/guides-for-expats/inter- Viacom Int’l Media Networks has Local content includes re- national-schools.htm); to ask launched dedicated Vietnam quest show MTV Thích Mê in the whether Singapore is really as What goes where: Malaysian MTV channel with local partner two-hour prime-time weekday boring to live in as some say it media conglomerate Media UTV, a subsidiary of production block. Local angle on weekend is (no); and where to buy stuff Prima has made its first foray company BDH Media. shows, MTV K-Pop Top 50 and (Marina Bay Sands’ Shoppes, into the pay-TV space with a MTV Vietnam has carriage on MTV Chart Attack Top 20, is lo- ION, Tiong Bahru Market...). ‘retro’ channel aimed at tech- VCTV, HCTV, K+, VTC, MyTV, and cal VJs – Vu, Khoa and Chi. The It’s a whole other story on savvy Malay audiences. HCATV, and a reach of about idea eventually is a fully local- the consumer end of this new page 11 900,000 homes. ised channel. More on page 12

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MCA seals exclusive “If you only have 2D, you’ll be left behind” Kiteboard Tour for Outdoor Asia Pacific channels distributor, 3D biz up 800% in the past year, 3ality’s Schklair says Multi Channels Asia (MCA), has signed an exclusive regional 3D box office in the U.S. may partment can be in using depth to illustrate a deal to air Kiteboard Tour Asia have dipped so far this summer, go out and character’s isolation. (KTA) watersport events on its but even if audiences aren’t sell tickets”. At the same time, 3D knowledge Outdoor Channel. Outdoor said going for the stereoscopic 3D “You need has already spread wide, with no on Friday (1 July) that it would versions of big summer releases good con- shortage of post houses capable provide full regional coverage of like Kung Fu Panda 2, there’s lit- tent if you of managing 3D delivery. the KTA 2011 and 2012 tours. tle sign that industry optimism for want people Schklair forecasts four to five the medium is wilting. to watch,” years before the majority of Nick celebrates S’pore high All that’s happening is that Schklair says, content is shot with a 3D option Singapore kids between 10 and “the novelty of 3D is starting to adding: “3D Steve Schklair – and 10 years to a glasses-free 14 are loving Nickelodeon, putting wear off,” says Steve Schklair, layered on 3D experience. “$100 glasses are it in top spot among cable chan- chief executive of stereoscopic top of a bad movie is nothing a barrier to entry,” he says. nels for seven consecutive months 3D specialist, 3Ality Digital, which more than a bad movie with At the same time, as more 3D from November 2010 to this year. is involved in films such as The 3D.” projects finish on schedule, more Nick’s latest viewership data Amazing Spiderman and Jack Exploitative content won’t stop 3D production is being added to release says monthly ratings for the Giant Killer. 3D growth, but it will have an the TV archive. May increased to 0.42% (+17%), And that audiences are being impact on the timing, Schklair “If you only have 2D, you will primarily due to a 53% increase a bit more picky about what says. “Good content will grow be left behind,” Schklair says. among the 10-14 age group. they’re getting in return for a the industry. Content with 3D just Schklair also says producers Much of the credit goes to higher price and glasses. layered on top doesn’t help the are most worried about what 3D SpongeBob Squarepants, which In Singapore for the Broad- industry,” he adds. will do to their production sched- took eight of the top 10 pro- castAsia exhibition in June, Schk- Schklair says 3D “is a language ules. “The most expensive part gramme/episode spots for the lair said there was no substitute waiting to be developed”. of a production are the days. If 10-14 demo and six of the top for a good story and that 3D was 3D gives filmmakers the you’re not extending the days, 10 spots for the 4-14 age group. “a tool, not an end... 3D can’t chance to integrate depth into you’re not increasing the price. Nickelodeon said Malaysian be arbitrarily slapped onto a their stories. Schklair says good Adding two people and four ratings were holding steady at movie so that the marketing de- use of 3D might, for instance, cameras is not a big deal”. the same time as ratings for the competition was dipping.

3D – more than just a tech challenge, experts say Bananas headed for Disney Junior in SE Asia Great user experience, native 3D content will drive take up Disney Junior has picked up the CGI animated version of Austral- 3D requires a completely new “Quality means native content Urging the industry not to ian series Bananas in Pyjamas for and native approach to con- with story-boarding and content be concerned about current its Southeast Asia feed, which tent production, delegates at production optimised to suit the “depressing” reports about the launches 11 July. ABC Com- this year’s BroadcastAsia con- particularities of 3D entertain- 3D industry, Canigueral said mercial has also sold the 104- ference heard. ment,” Fritsch said. there could be more ep series to free-to-air “3D is more than just a tech- Albert Canigueral, ADB’s than 400 3D channels broadcasters in Thai- nology challenge. It is not Asia Pacific deputy general either launched or on land (BBTV and Tiga), just a new technology for old manager, said the consumer the horizon in 2014, up Singapore (Okto), content,” Detecon Asia-Pacific experience would make or from today’s 40 or 50. the Philippines senior consultant, Michael break 3DTV. At the same time, (ABS-CBN), Fritsch, said in his presentation, “People’s expectations of the just under a quarter and Hong 3DTV – Hype or a Sustainable TV experience are really really of TV sets will be 3D Kong Business. high,” he said. enabled. Top (TVB). Fritsch said 56 million 3DTV sets He added that the user’s 3D 3D content were forecast to be sold in 2014, experience had to be simple would be ei- and that 3DTV households pene- and consistent, given all the oth- ther sports or tration would be up 7.5% globally er things viewers were doing at live, he said. in 2014. Leading countries were the same time as watching TV. “Don’t worry U.S., U.K., France and Japan. “The important thing here is to about the cycle of However true mass market be consistent. When you move hype... the important take-up would take longer. from 2D to 3D, the experience thing is not to forget “What the business needs now has to be the same,” Can- about the home user is high-quality affordable con- igueral said. 3D effects could experience, especially tent. Price skimming risks ruining also not be too exaggerated. “If when moving from 2D a market that still needs to be you have too may effects, it will to 3D,” Canigueral developed,” he said. create confusion, dizziness.” added.

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4-17 July 2011 04 4-17 July 2011

10th Discovery HD channel for Asia stuff2know Malaysia’s dominant pay-TV platform, Astro, has Ross launches Lightning added factual network Discovery HD World to its ITV’s former Asia head, James B.Yond HD bouquet. The channel – Discovery’s 10th Ross, has formed Lightning HD channel in Asia since Japan launched in 2005 – International, to “provide con- will also be carried on Astro’s IPTV platform. tent owners from The channel carries a unique HD line up, around the world including Ultimate Power Builders, which looks with a launch at big, ambitious and environmentally friendly platform into projects that will shape the Earth’s landscape Asia”. Lightning for future generations; Elizabeth 1: Killer Queen, International, which investigates whether one of the most based in Hong controversial royal love affairs in history led to Kong, launches with France’s savage murder; and aerial show The World Trace TV as its first client. From Above. Ultimate Power Builders, Discovery HD

1st Money Drop hits Asia Karate Kid sweeps HBO to top of Asia’s movie charts Endemol Asia and Singa- pore’s free-TV broadcaster Hollywood channel a hit in Malaysia, Taiwan, Philippines, Singapore MediaCorp premiere The Money Drop in a prime time Movie channel HBO has topped and the Philippines for the period. Quoting data from Kantar Me- slot on 9 August. The debut English-language movie channel The top movie among all dia (Singapore, Philippines) and on English-language Channel charts in Malaysia, Taiwan, the English-language movie cable/ AGB Nielsen (Malaysia, Taiwan), 5 on Singapore National Day Philippines and Singapore for the satellite channels in Singapore HBO Asia said HBO was also the is the game show format’s first year to 20 June, the Singapore- was Transformers: Revenge of most watched international local appearance in Asia. based regional network says. the Fallen (4 February). channel year-to-date across The Asian TV premiere of 2010 Other cable and satellite chart Asia with the highest combined Nielsen talks about hit The Karate Kid on 19 June was toppers in the four territories reach of 77% or more than 31 new form of co-viewing the top English-language movie were Robin Hood: Prince Of million cable and satellite televi- Social media has created a among all viewers on cable and Thieves, The Blind Side and Troy, sion viewers in Malaysia, Taiwan, new form of “co-viewing”, satellite TV across Malaysia, Taiwan all of which aired on HBO. the Philippines and Singapore. according to The Nielsen Company’s SVP analytics HBO: Top 2 English-language movies in four markets and insight, Jon Gibs. Simul- taneous TV and online usage Rank Title Date Day of Week Start time Rtg% data shows “an awful lot Singapore (Target Audience: Cable 4+) of usage of social media... 1 TRANSFORMERS: REVENGE OF THE FALLEN 4/2/2011 Friday 22:35 2.87 it’s one of the highest things 2 TROY 15/5/2011 Sunday 13:00 1.85 that’s used during the time Malaysia (Target Audience: Astro 4+) that people are watching 1 THE KARATE KID 19/6/2011 Sunday 22:00 1.26 television,” Gibs said recently, 2 ROBIN HOOD: PRINCE OF THIEVES 28/5/2011 Saturday 15:15 1.13 adding that people were Philippines (Target Audience: Cable 2+) watching TV together, but 1 THE KARATE KID 19/6/2011 Sunday 21:00 5.98 virtually over social media 2 THE KARATE KID 20/6/2011 Monday 13:00 4.07 rather than in the same room. Taiwan (Target Audience: Cable 4+) This allowed programmers to 1 THE KARATE KID 19/6/2011 Sunday 21:00 2.31 embed social media cues 2 THE BLIND SIDE 17/4/2011 Sunday 21:00 1.76 within their programming. Source: HBO Asia: Kantar Media (Singapore, Philippines) and AGB Nielsen (Malaysia, Taiwan)

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05 4-17 July 2011

From page 1: Disney Korea homes has not been disclosed. In Seoul last week for the stuff2know launch, Disney Channels World- Cartoon Net in new hunt wide president, Carolina Light- for Singapore creativity cap, outlined a strategy that Cartoon Network has tied up will eventually include content with Singapore’s MDA to find creation and production on the creative talent in Singapore. ground in Korea. No details yet on the money Hyunjoo Lee is heading up angle of the Snaptoons TMK’s programming and pro- project, but the partners did duction. use words such as “investing” At launch this month, the in the official announcement channels will carry the required at end June. Snaptoons is 40% quota of local content. already up and running in The balance – including sig- Hyunjoo Lee, Director, Programming and Productions, TMK India, Malaysia and Australia. nature programmes such as Singapore submissions dead- Full caption from page 1: Luke Kang, MD, The Walt Disney Company, Korea; Phineas and Ferb, Stitch and line is 30 September. Good Luck Charlie – will come So Jin-Woo, President, Platform Business and Co-CEO, SK Telecom; Mun Yeon from Disney. The launch slate (Moon) Kim, GM, TMK; Carolina Lightcap, President, Disney Channels Worldwide; Greg Park (SVP and Head, New Media Business Division, SKT Telecom. Back: Disney bets on India 3D also features films such as Rata- Laura Wendt, VP and MD, Disney Channels, ANZ, Korea and SEA; Gil Jong Seop, Disney has released Blu-ray touille, Camp Rock and Pirates of President, KCTA; You Jae Hong, MD, Channel A. 3D discs in India, making it the Caribbean: The Curse of the the first studio to back the Black Pearl. format in India’s home en- Like elsewhere in the region, Dis- (SVOD) platform. SVOD usage the development. In other mar- tertainment space. Debut ney Junior goes up in Korea with was one of the metrics available kets where it’s more nascent titles are Tron: Legacy and Jake and the Neverland Pirates to Disney in choosing content for we have one point person with Tangled. Another 16, includ- and Mickey Mouse Clubhouse. Korea, says Laura Wendt, vice all of the work done outside. It ing Alice in Wonderland and president/MD, Disney Channels will be a case-by-case decision Bolt, are scheduled for a Australia, New Zealand, South- once we understand what there September release, followed east Asia and Korea. is to do,” Lightcap adds. in 2012 by 35 titles. The discs Online destinations – Disney- TMK will own rights to content cost Rs1,299/US$29. Channel.co.kr and DisneyJunior. produced locally – and will be co.kr – are being rolled out at encouraged to add Korean the same time. productions to Disney’s global Content Television picks Local content is currently ac- network. Disney retains rights to up China heritage series quired, but the plan is to move the Korean dubbing of Disney Content Television has bought into local production. Details shows for the Korea networks. worldwide rights (excluding are still being worked out. “There Disney has production units in China and Japan) to factual are great production companies Japan, Latin America and Eu- series World Heritage of China. here with whom we could part- rope, and Lightcap says “what- The HD series, which took eight ner, at least to get started and ever we can make there that years to make, is produced then we will decide what’s to travels, we are very happy to by China Central Television come,” Lightcap says. see travel. I would hope Korea (CCTV), China’s Oriental Me- Phineas and Ferb in Korea About 20%-30% of Disney would be no exception. But we dia Co and Japan’s China All shows have been custom- Channel/Disney Junior current still have a way to go. We need Stories Inc. Producers have ised, including reworking names and upcoming programming is to get started”. promised never-before-seen and fonts to appeal to Korean currently outsourced to Korean Lightcap says the Korean joint images, including Juizhaigou audiences. Disney also created its companies, including episodes of venture may be replicated else- Lake and the classical gar- own font for the Korea service. Phineas and Ferb, Special Agent where in the region, depending dens of Suzhou. English-language program- Oso and Gravity Falls (2012). on the market and the partner. “It ming will continue to be of- “In some markets where we would have to be a market that is Suphajee in at Thaicom fered through Disney’s existing do significant production we worth it for us, like Korea, a market Suphajee Suthumpun has subscription video-on-demand have in-house people guiding with great potential,” she says. been appointed chief executive officer of Thai satellite operator Thaicom from 1 August. She replaces Arak Face to Face with Asia’s Buyers & Programmers Chonlatanon, who is retiring but will stay on as chief advisor conTenTASIA 5-6 December 2011, Singapore until the end of September this year. Suthumpun previously summit www. contentasiasummit.com worked with IBM Thailand.

06 4-17 July 2011 07 4-17 July 2011 iPads changed our lives, apps are our new best friends, you’re either engaging with social media or risking ir- relevance, and being liked is the next great measure. ContentAsia’s 2011 section, My 360° Life, asks media industry execs what differences the latest gadgets, tablets, applications & other tech wonders are making to their lives and thoughts – on the job and off.

Gerald Smith, Director Asia Endemol Worldwide Brands

What’s the biggest difference the a whole and everything outside multi-device consumption envi- of the TV box is an important ronment has made to the way you part of the overall product. It do business in Asia? “Multi device isn’t just about promoting TV consumption is always top of mind shows via social media and when we develop or sell formats. online applications.” It is how audiences are increas- ingly experiencing our content What’s the most innovative 360º and we need to cater for this... thing you’ve done for a client in [Endemol] believes so strongly in Asia so far? “You could argue this growth that we set up a glo- that Big Brother was the first true bal division – Endemol Worldwide 360º-format back in 1999, with Brands – to handle just that. It is sms-voting and web-streams. all about extending our brands Next to Big Brother there are beyond the TV set, whether that is other iconic brands in our port- into digital, gaming, merchandis- folio, including Deal or No Deal, ing or live events.” 1 vs 100, WipeOut etc, which all have a long history of cross- What differences have devices platforms activation. In that such as smartphones and tablets sense Endemol has a reputation made on the way people interact to uphold. Local versions of The with Endemol? “It has led to a shift Money Drop... coming soon in in the way we view our products. Taiwan, Singapore and Malay- Endemol’s latest global game sia will all have live play-along A multi-platform experience show, The Money Drop, for ex- games, 24/7 stand-alone games, means each platform adds ample isn’t just a TV show. It is an events, social media etc.” entertainment brand that exists an additional face to the in online games, mobile applica- What is the most challenging part programme as a whole... it isn’t just tions and on social media net- of living and working across mul- about promoting TV shows...” works. The experience continues tiple platforms? “Distilling what even when the show is off air... all a platform offers, and creating of these devices provide us with content that really makes use of programme formats. For example, a social driver, providing ‘water more ways to engage audiences it. While ‘TV everywhere’ is great reality shows Married on MySpace cooler’ conversations. Now the and to create a richer entertain- and opens a lot of possibilities, it and The GAP Year were solely new devices allow users to share ment experience.” isn’t true digital engagement. produced for and distributed on those conversations with others, Only when you make digital social media platforms. I always whenever and wherever. It rein- What’s the hardest part (if there platforms an integral part of the say ‘we are moving where the forces the TV brand – and drives is one) of moving brands into brand, bringing it to life and eyeballs go’ in our efforts to follow audiences back to TV. It’s a full the multi-device environment? making the experience interac- and satisfy our fans wherever they circle ecosystem.” “Broadcasters and brands are tive, you fully utilise its potential. are. So we are moving into social very open to multi platform and That’s why, as content creators, gaming as well.” Is there anything you wish would branded content. But there is a we are so excited about all be happening in the 360º environ- tendency to view interactive ap- these new tools.” For all the talk of online and al- ment that isn’t – yet? “Content plications as nice-to-haves, ‘ex- ternative entertainment options, must be social and shareable... In- tensions’ or promotional tools for Is social media useful to you in traditional linear TV viewing is teractive content allows produc- the TV product. Our challenge a business sense? “Social media increasing… “Linear TV programers, broadcasters and sponsors to is trying to illustrate that a multi- platforms form a large part of our ming is still strong, but we believe create a dialogue with their audi- platform experience means that content itself. We often include that non-linear, multi-channel ences and customers. So I can each platform adds an addi- social media applications or in- consumption complements it. TV see a lot happening in the social tional face to the programme as teractivity via social media in our programmes have always been TV space moving forward.”

08 inproduction

ContentAsia’s INproduction looks at local production houses, what they’re making and what they’re thinking.

Apa Dosaku Clever Mahathir

Red Communications Sdn Bhd (Malaysia)

Background Red Communications, based in during World War 2. Winner, Best Director online, where info about HSBC’s latest prod- the Malaysian capital of Kuala Lumpur, was and Best Actress in Malaysia’s Seri Angkasa uct was available.” set up in 1999 as a production house with a Awards 2010 “mission to inspire change through innova- What would you most like to see happen tive content”. Has made a name since with Waktu Rehat for Disney Channel Southeast in Asia’s production industry? “Increase in programmes that draw attention to women, Asia (season 1, 16 episodes; season 2, 21 epi- production budgets for content creation, es- children and youth issues. Set up film subsid- sodes). A school sitcom targeting eight to 14 pecially Southeast Asia. This can be achieved iary, Red Films, in 2004. year olds. Based on a Disney Channel short- if countries with similar cultural and language form series in Italy, Quelli dell’Intervallo. audiences come together to fund produc- Who’s who Lina Tan, managing/creative di- tions to target a wider audience.” (Lina Tan) rector; Lee Mee Fung, business development Mahathir for AETN All Asia Networks (2x45 director. Employs 28 full-time staffers mins). A documentary about Malaysia’s lon- If there was one thing you would do to make gest serving Prime Minister. The programme a positive difference to local production in Genres Drama, reality, magazine, infotain- explores the former premier’s life from his Asia, what would it be? “Have more platforms ment, documentaries, TV commercials school days to his courtship of his wife, his for local producers from different countries vision for a modernised Malaysia, the contro- to come together and discuss common pro- Production hours a year 52 hours of TV versies and scandals that plagued his admin- duction problems, which are mostly funding, content, one movie and average 10 TVCs. istration, as well as his outspokenness. censorship controls and skilled manpower, Excludes average of five international pro- and invite local stations and agencies to duction support for shoots in Malaysia. Clever (Malaysia Edition) for TVIQ (13x45 participate. From here we could form a pro- mins). An infotainment programme target- ducers’ network to come together to create Budgets Ranges hugely. Production budgets ting primary school children featuring sci- new solutions to ongoing issues on content in Malaysia are among the region’s lowest. ence experiments in a quiz show format. creation. [At the] end of the day, everyone Each episode consists of up to five experi- wants to get to the audience.” (Lina Tan) Equipment/facilities Cameras, lights, grip, dol- ments. Based on the international format ly, tracks, sound equipment, 3 editing suites,1 Clever – Die Show, die Wissen schafft by What’s the hardest part of producing TV con- audio suite, mini studio, production vehicles Germany’s Constantin Entertainment. tent in Asia? “Understanding the multicultural differences, language and sensitivities. Just HD production capabilities 3 HDV cameras Rights arrangements “We create a lot of in Malaysia, Truly Asia itself we have to cre- and 2 full-HD edit suites content that is 100% sponsored by advertisers ate different content for the Malay market, and we keep the IP rights. For example, we Chinese market and Indian market and even Among 2010’s top productions are... produced an eight-episode drama series for then its divided into sub-catergories – urban, Apa Dosaku (8x45 mins + 120 min telemovie) HSBC, 8 Bulan (8 Months) about how a mar- non-urban. Hence budgets from stations and for Astro Citra, an eight-episode mini series ried couple turn their lives around in 8 months advertisers are smaller as they have to make set in the 1940s. The series tells the story of when an unexpected pregnancy happens. a variety of programmes to satisfy different Sybil Kathigasu, a war hero, wife and mother This was targeted at young couples who are audiences. But the upside is that producers in who found extraordinary courage and resil- starting out a family and injected financial Malaysia become very savvy in varied Asian ience to defy the Japanese Army in Malaya issues into the drama. The drama also went tastes.” (Lina Tan)

Full profiles of Asia’s leading production houses & more at www.asiacontentwatch.com

4-17 July 2011 09 buyertalk

ContentAsia’s ongoing focus on Asia’s most important buyers explores how they think and what they want.

Mohd Mokhtar Abdul Rahman, Acquisition and Programming Manager, Alhijrah Media Corporation (Malaysia)

Alhijrah Media Corporation’s and gathered a lot of interaction Mohd Mokhtar Abdul Rahman with viewers. It is important to acquires terrestrial and satellite recognise the essence of con- rights for a broad range of gen- tent that could ultimately turn res, including international mov- into a powerful product.” ies, Malay and Korean drama series, travelogues and kids What is your best buy ever? content. He steers clear of any- “Other than Sesame Street, it has The most important part of thing violent, including wrestling, to be The Dr. Oz Show from Sony my job is to be relevant in an beauty pageants and adults- Pictures Television Asia.” ever-changing world.” only content. Rahman previously worked for Malaysia’s leading Is there any show you wish you free-TV channel, TV3. He joined had bought? “I wish I could buy pecially being a new station and ability to get the right information Alhijrah Media Corporation in more variety shows such as Just costs are escalating, we need (trends/insights/feedback… in April 2010 to oversee acquisitions For Laughs and The World’s Best something flexible. There are also some cases we do focus groups and programming for Islamic life- Comedy Show from France’s No- variety candid gag show, Law to get direct response from view- style channel, TV Alhijrah. vavision as well as documentaries Kana Bainana (‘If he, Prophet ers). In this ever changing world, from BBC, Nat Geo and other Muhammad, is still with us’), and we should always be informed What kinds of sales pitches do you independent producers.” 174 episodes of The Dr. Oz Show, and be aware. I hate not know- respond best to? “Even though which offers about 50-60 bonus ing or failed to be updated.” we attend regional/international If money was no object, what vignettes about health care, posi- trade shows and get frequent would you buy? “Indonesian tive lifestyle, etc.” Is there anything you wish pro- updates from content suppliers, I movie, Dalam Mihrab Cinta, writ- gramme licensing and distribu- always believe in self effort. After ten/directed by Havibur Rahman, What do you find most difficult tion people would do that they being in the industry for so long who also wrote and directed about the programming/acqui- are not doing now? “More sup- (almost 15 years), the key to being popular movies such as Ayat Ayat sition process? “Buying content port in terms of how they can unique is to ensure that I am the Cinta and Ketika Cinta Bertasbih. is also about working hand in help to enhance our channel first one to get that content… a lot Although sometimes the pricing is hand with management and slot brand, their understanding to our of homework needs to be done. subjective, we have to compete custodians (brand management station’s standing and offering I make it a point to keep abreast to get quality content. So far I do team, brand managers). The customised, relevant content. It is of new content/product, trends not have any issue of not having way I look at it, as an acquisition a bonus for us if they can support among others.” enough money… the key chal- person, I am also the middle us marketing/branding wise.” lenge sometimes is getting suitable person for all the brand manag- How much of a show do you content and approvals from man- ers. I source content that not What do you think the most impor- watch before you decide? “For agement and stakeholders.” only meet viewers’ and adver- tant part of your job is? “To be rel- a 26-episode series, we preview tisers’ expectations, I also need evant to the ever-changing world. five to six episodes and for a What would you consider to be to meet budgets... The hard To be aware and able to analyse 13-episode series, we watch among your more expensive work involved doing thorough trends in the most effective way. about three to four episodes.” acquisitions? “Documentary, Al research, sourcing the right con- Plus being able to meet viewers’ Quran The New Dawn, which is tent and ensuring that we get and advertisers’ expectations.” Do you remember the first pro- not really hard preaching stuff, it the right content. We don’t want gramme you bought? “When I is more philosophical, like teach- to have a conflict of interests, so I What programme do you watch was a brand manager for TV3, ing one how to live in harmony, in have to work closely with all the most often for your own enjoy- I bought Sesame Street, which peace, to respect other religions, respective groups.” ment? “Movies. Movies that was already on RTM. The aim for a peaceful world. We got it inspires, motivates, that offer a was to take the content to a from a Middle East company for What do you hate most about real life experience. And docu new level and make the most a three-year multiple-runs deal. the acquisitions process? “I love dramas. I love to learn from other of it. We held on-ground events We consider this a good buy, es- the job. What I fear most is the in- people’s experience.”

Full list of Asia’s buyers and programmers at... www.asiacontentwatch.com

4-17 July 2011 010 www.asiacontentwatch.com

Emas, Malaysia by Malena Amzah

Malaysian media conglomerate Core content is retro/classic, given the opportunity to watch 27 (4-10 July 2011) grid with 36 Media Prima has made its first Malay programming from the past favourites. hours/21.4% of the overall weekly foray into the pay-TV space with 1980s and 1990s. Media Prima is Emas has access to about schedule, followed by drama 28 a ‘retro’ channel aimed at tech- biling the channel as a taste of 30,000 hours of classic content hours/16.7% and women-/family- savvy urban Malay audiences. yesteryear’s best. from Media Prima’s library. oriented shows 28 hours/16.7%. A Malaysian first in the genre, Media Prima chairman Datuk Tentpole slots for premiere Week 27’s grid also carries 16 Emas launched on Telekom Ma- Johan Jaafar said many of shows are 1pm-3pm and 8pm to hours/9.5% movie, 14 hours/8.3% laysia’s IPTV platform HyppTV in the shows on Emas had cre- midnight. Most of the rest of the cooking, 14 hours/8.3% travel/ early June. The channel will also ated a benchmark for current schedule will be repeats. deco and 14 hours/8.3% comedy. be offered on a range of tablets programmes. He added that Entertainment/variety/talk and other devices. younger audiences should be shows dominate Emas’ week More on page 13

Date 4 July 2011 5 July 2011 6 July 2011 7 July 2011 8 July 2011 9 July 2011 10 July 2011 Day/Time Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday Sunday 6.30am: WOMEN/FAMILY 6.30am Nona (1986) Wanita Hari Ini (2003) # 5 # 29-34 7.30am: COOKING 7.30am Kuali (1994) Rasa Rasa Ikan Dari Dapur Istana # 13-14 # 3-5 # 1-2 8am: TRAVEL/HOME DÉCOR 8am Dekorasi Lanskap Suasana Kenali Malaysia Sr. 1 # 1-3 # 5 # 7 # 11 "Endoi" & #12 Burung Wak Wak 8.30am: DRAMA 8.30am Sembilu Kasih Begitulah Cinta Detektif Sembilu Kasih # 14-15 # 9-10 # 11-12 # 16 9.30am: ENTERTAINMENT / VARIETY / TALK SHOW 9.30am Melodi (1993) Sinaran (1995) # 19 & 23 Apa Apa Aje (2005) # 1, 3 & 4 # 11-12 10am (10am) Persona Bintang # 11 & 13 10.30am: MAGAZINE 10.30am: COMEDY 10.30am Pi Mai Pi Mai Tang Tu 10.30am: MOVIE Majalah 3 Yr. 1985 "Pikat" Pt. 3 "Kasih Tanpa Sayang" Pt. 1 "Kasih Tanpa Sayang" Pt. 2 "Sekolah Memandu" Pt. 1 CEREKA PERDANA # 9-10 11am: TRAVEL/HOME DÉCOR 11am Dekorasi 11am: MOVIE Airmata Ibu # 2 # 3 # 4 CEREKA PERDANA (1995) 11.30am: COOKING 11.30am Kuali (1994) Rasa Rasa Ikan # 13 # 14 # 3 # 4 # 5 Cuba Test 12pm: TRAVEL/HOME DÉCOR 12pm: ENT/VARIETY/TALK SHOW (1994) 12pm Kenali Malaysia Sr. 1 Kisah Benar Sr. 1 # 10 "Sabah/Masyarakat Bajau" # 11 "Endoi" # 9 "Wasiat" # 10 "Lipat Maut" Konsert Sudirman 12.30pm: LIGHT DRAMA 12.30pm Identiti Kolej Datin & Co Cinta Tsunami Emil Emilda # 5 # 5 # 5 # 6 # 6 1pm: WOMEN / FAMILY 1pm Wanita Hari Ini (2003) Nona (1986) # 29 (aka # 030303) # 30 (aka # 040303) # 31 (aka # 050303) # 32 (aka # 060303) # 33 (aka # 100303) # 34 (aka # 110303) # 6 (aka # 270486) 2pm: COOKING (Rpt) 2pm Rasa Rasa Ikan Kuali (1994) Resipi Keluarga # 3 # 4 # 5 # 15 # 16 # 1 # 2 2.30pm: COMEDY (1st. Run) 2.30pm Senario Pi Mai Pi Mai Tang Tu "Baby Sitter" Pt. 2 "Wrestling Championship" "Rumah Bujang" "Kasih Tanpa Sayang" Pt. 1 "Kasih Tanpa Sayang" Pt. 2 "Sekolah Memandu" Pt. 1 "Sekolah Memandu" Pt. 2 3pm: DRAMA 3pm Detektif Sembilu Kasih Begitulah Cinta Detektif # 10 # 13 # 14 # 15 # 9 # 10 # 11 4pm: ENTERTAINMENT / VARIETY / TALK SHOW 4pm Malam Bintang Pujaan Sinaran (1995) Apa Apa Aje (2005) Konsert Sudirman # 1 # 3 # 4 # 11 # 12 5pm: COMEDY 5pm: ENTERTAINMENT/VARIETY/TALK SHOW 5pm Senario Melodi (1993) 5pm: MOVIE "Baby Sitter" Pt. 2 "Wrestling Championship" "Rumah Bujang" # 19 # 23 5pm: MOVIE CEREKA PERDANA 5.30pm: ENT/VARIETY/TALK SHOW 5.30pm: TRAVEL/HOME DÉCOR CEREKA PERDANA 5.30pm Kisah Benar Sr. 1 Lanskap (5.30pm) Persona Bintang # 9 "Wasiat" # 10 "Lipat Maut" # 5 # 11 # 13 Tomoi Cuba Test 6pm: LIGHT DRAMA (1992) 6pm (1994) Identiti Kolej Datin & Co Cinta Tsunami Emil Emilda # 5 # 5 # 5 # 6 # 6 6.30pm: TRAVEL/HOME DÉCOR 6.30pm: COMEDY 6.30pm Suasana Pi Mai Pi Mai Tang Tu # 6 "Pikat" Pt. 1 "Pikat" Pt. 2 "Pikat" Pt. 3 "Kasih Tanpa Sayang" Pt. 1 7pm: WOMEN / FAMILY 7pm Wanita Hari Ini (2003) Nona (1986) Wanita Hari Ini (2003) # 28 # 5 # 29 # 30 # 31 # 32 # 33 8pm: DRAMA 8pm Begitulah Cinta Detektif Sembilu Kasih # 9 # 10 # 11 # 12 # 16 # 17 # 18

28 hrs/16.7% Women/Family 28 hrs/16.7% Drama 8 hrs/4.8% Magazine 14 hrs/8.3% Cooking 36 hrs/21.4% Entertainment/variety/talk show 14 hrs/8.3% Comedy 14 hrs/8.3% Travel/Deco 16 hrs/9.5% Movies 10 hrs/6% Light Drama

Source: Emas, Week 27, July 2011 (Updated as of 24 May 2011)

The full schedule along with more than 70 others is available at www.asiacontentwatch.com

4-17 July 2011 011 4-17 July 2011

From page 1: Rabbit Hole will confusion and complication tomer service issue: what to say arrangement, which has given QC do? Guess. to customers who have one a uniquely Singapore meaning. The Holy Grail is that all plat- subscription, have bought the stuff2know QC (qualified content) chan- forms carry everything, that consumer-comes-first line, and nels are all the channels (we new operators are given a fair want channels and sports events Aus Network row rages don’t know how many yet) that crack at the market, and that all they can’t have? The battle for control of the signed exclusive carriage agree- operators compete on service While we think of a suitable Australia Network rages on... ments or have implied exclusive quality. That’s the nice clear bit answer to that one, we’re on and on. A decision, initially arrangements with any platform that’s easy to understand. the hunt for QC channels. So far, expected in early June, now since March 12 last year, when The challenge is, as always, in we’ve pored through whatever looks unlikely before Septem- the Minister announced the with- the execution. For one, there are documents MDA made avail- ber, according to reports on immediate-effect news. still exclusive contracts in place able from 6pm on Friday night the ground. and can’t find the list. [But, by The current contract expires The objective of the cross- car- the way, we love the sugges- on 8 August and has been ex- riage regime is not to support inef- tion from an unnamed industry tended to 8 February 2012. source to introduce a “whistle- The two contenders are ficient and under-capitalised pay-TV blowing scheme” to rat out any- the publicly funded Australia retailers but to address MDA’s one plotting to undermine the Broadcasting Corporation concerns over the developments in system? MDA says it will “review” (ABC), which holds the cur- the pay-TV market and how they are the necessity of such a scheme rent contract, and Rupert adversely affecting consumers.” but, in the meantime, there are Murdoch’s Sky News, which other ways and means to ensure has mounted an aggressive Media Development Authority closing note on Amendments to the Code of compliance. Who do you think campaign to win the A$200 Practice for Market Conduct in the Provision of Media Services 2010: Imple- could have suggested it?]. million-plus prize. mentation of the Cross Carriage Measure Meanwhile, in the great hunt Meanwhile, the government for QC, we found a whole lot of is being called upon to explain previously undiscovered fabulous why the final decision on who We have it on fair authority that predate 12 March. So those things. Apart from the training vid- will run the Asia-Pacific service that there aren’t any, but there channels won’t be available. eo, there are behind-the-scenes for the next 10 years has been must be because, surely, the au- And all the channels that have clips on SingTel’s Exclusive Video shifted from foreign affairs to thorities wouldn’t risk all this fuss carriage deals with one platform section. Dirty word? No. The the communications ministry, only to have no one show up at but haven’t closed deals with cross carriage doesn’t apply to which oversees the ABC. their party. We just don’t know the other won’t be available. exclusive online content. There’s The Australia Network, what they are yet. Given the imbalance between Glee’s Try a Little Tenderness, part of ABC International, More importantly, how are Mr/ subs numbers on different plat- plus The Making of Castle and was established in 2001 and Mrs Average Singapore going to forms, there could be some No Ordinary Family. SingTel also broadcasts to about 44 know what’s QC and what’s not? interesting conversations over has a sms reminder for when a countries in the Asia Pacific And what are they going to say pricing and value. new episode is available on its region, including the Indian when they find out that they’re subcontinent. not, after all, going to get every- “MDA is cognisant of efficiencies that thing they want for the same low arise from bundling and it reiterates that News Corp ups Farsi profile price they pay now? News Corp’s JV with Middle By some accounts, Mrs Aver- the Measure does not seek to interfere East’s Moby Group is launch- age Singapore needs a lot of with pay-TV retailers’ existing chan- ing a second Farsi-language help just getting her Mio box to nel bundling strategies nor ‘force’ any entertainment channel. work. We didn’t say it, SingTel did change to their contractual arrange- Broadcast Middle East’s in a quite funny training video (BME) female/family skewed (http://mio.singtel.com/miotv/ ments with content providers. It is sim- Zemzemeh (whisper or hum default.asp#quick-guide). ply incorrect to view that the Measure in English) goes up on 9 We’re dying to hear conver- ‘forces operators to unbundle’. July with a mixed schedule sations with SingTel/StarHub’s from the U.S., Europe, South already challenged service America and Korea, includ- hotlines about QC, ECAs, SQLs, Will the MDA try to force pro- on-demand platform ing Project Runway, Gypsies, RQLs, and whatever else these grammers to sell their channels at (of which we have always been, Queen of the South and The new measures are adding to knock-down prices to the other unashamed fans). Betrayal. an environment already crazy side? We don’t think they will. Whatever the sites do carry, BME’s first channel was with entertainment choice. And how many times will a plat- there is not a peep about QC Farsi1. Both channels will And, by Motion Picture Associa- form be able to march to MDA channels. We will bring them to be available to more than tion accounts, filled with more HQ, soggy weepy tissues in hand, you the minute we find them. Just 100 million Farsi speaking illegally downloaded content cry-babying that programmers like we’ll be on the hotlines on 1 people across the Middle per capita than anywhere else aren’t being nice to them and August, pressing lots of buttons East and Central Asia from in Asia. Clearly, no one needs giving them quality channels for and listening to a voice tell us BME’s Dubai Studio City an incentive to go elsewhere pennies on the dollar? how important our call is, to see headquarters. for their entertainment... what Back to Singapore’s big cus- what they say. Promise.

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War vet controversy hits KBS Taiwan authorities fast-track connected life Tempers are flaring in Korea over whether or not Korean war vet Taiwan is aiming for 7.2 million network construction and loosen- C NTENTASIA General Paik Sun-yup should fibre-optic network subscribers ing regulatory controls. have been used by state broad- by 2015. In addition to bringing forward caster KBS as part of the Korean That’s in addition to expecta- the analogue cut-off date by Editorial Director War anniversary commemora- tions that the country can top six months to June 2012, Taiwan Janine Stein tion in June. the 21 million wireless broadband authorities say the country is on Assistant Editor Opposition lawmakers are deep- subscriber mark over the next track to reach 80% penetration Malena Amzah ly unhappy with the KBS docu, and three years. of 100 mbps fixed broadband [email protected] said the General’s Japanese con- Government agencies also say network and 50% penetration of Research Assistant nections should have disqualified they expect digital cable’s pen- videotex services. Winnie Chen him from veneration. etration rate to reach the 75% The National Communications [email protected] The issue was raised during a level by 2015. Commission (NCC) says cover- hearing on KBS’ subscription/ Progress is being pushed by age rate for digital signals will be Design license fee increase. communications authorities, who 98% once the current gap filler Rae Yong Korea’s Joongang Daily disa- say they’re fast-tracking next-gen project is complete next year. [email protected] grees, and has called the opposition objections “reprehensible”. Production Assistant In an editorial on 29 June, the Small screens still top in India CJ Yong paper said “the beneficiaries of Old style TV sets at 72% market share, report says [email protected] a peacetime that came from the sacrifices of so many shouldn’t Old-style CRT television sets still lowest of any region, Display- dare utter such disgraceful words dominate in India, new consum- Search says in its global report. Associate Publisher against our veterans”. er electronics numbers show. The most popular size for (Americas, Europe) and The paper said Paik was a Although their dominance television sets in India is 22-24”; VP, International Business “war hero who staked his life to is dropping slightly, CRT sets these had a 41% share in the Development defend the principles that sustain had a 72% market share in the first quarter of this year. The Leah Gordon our country today. He was right- first three months of this year, leading screen size in most re- [email protected] fully highlighted in the television according to market research gions is 32”. Sales and Marketing (Asia) programme... aimed at younger company, DisplaySearch. The leading size range for CRT Masliana Masron Koreans who do not have war At the same time, flat panel TV sets in the India market is 14- [email protected] experience or the sense of danger display penetration increased 21”, which DisplaySearch calls of living in one of the world’s most slightly, from 26% in the last “a very unique trend”. To receive your regular free fortified lands”. quarter of 2010 to 28% in the first Sony dominated India’s flat- copy of ContentAsia, please quarter of this year. panel market with a 20.9% email [email protected] From page 11: Schedules India made up 41.5% – or 3.7 share in the first three months of million units – of the Asia Pacific this year. Samsung was second Published fortnightly by: TV market in the first quarter of with a 19.3% share, followed by Pencil Media Pte Ltd 2011, the DisplaySearch Quar- LGE at number three 18.4%. 730A Geylang Road terly India TV Shipment and For 22-24” sets, Videocon Singapore 389641 Forecast Database says. had the highest share among Tel: +65 6846-5987 Flat panel display TV set pen- all brands. DisplaySearch says Fax: +65 6742-9683 etration in the Asia Pacific in this is due to its strong sales www.contentasia.tv the first quarter was 53% – the network. What is ContentAsia? ContentAsia refines today’s Sudirman Concert Google Android leads Japan’s smartphone surge info-deluge into usable, di- Light half-hour drama makes Google Android leads the phone market in Japan. gestible, and reliable intelli- a brief appearance, with acceleration in Japan’s ComScore says that in March gence about entertainment 10 hours/6% and magazine smartphone adoption with 2010, more than 9.7 million content creation, funding, programmes come in at 8 4.6 million users at the end people owned smartphones financing, licensing, distribu- hours/4.8%. of March. This is more than in Japan (defined as phones tion, and technology across the region. ContentAsia’s Programme highlights include double the subscriber base in that use the Google, Apple, products – including elec- magazine show Majalah 3, wom- December 2010, according to Microsoft and other platforms). tronic, print and online pub- en-/family-oriented show Wanita new data from research com- This is an increase of 71% from lications – are tailor-made to Hari Ini, comedy Senario and en- pany ComScore. September 2010. deliver just what you need tertainment/variety Melodi. Apple ranked second with The surge in smartphone whenever you want it. Emas is among Hypp TV’s pre- 3.9 million mobile subscribers in adoption during the past six mium channels and costs RM3/ Japan. Despite giving up its #1 months has been led by An- Copyright 2011 Pencil Media US$1 a month on an a la carte position, Apple still grew 17% droid devices, which increased Pte Ltd. All Rights Reserved. basis. HyppTV offers about 46 in the past six months, the new its installed base by nearly 3.8 channels, including 31 premium data shows. million users while the market as MICA (P) 133/11/2009 channels, 14 VOD channels and The two leading platforms a whole has grown by 4.1 million 11 interactive channels. accounted for 87% of the smart- users, ComScore says.

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