News Release For Immediate Release
Singapore brings a slice of colourful Peranakan culture to MIPTV 2009
Singapore, 20 March 2009 – Amidst a strong line-up of animation content and factual titles will be a slice of Peranakan 1 culture at international trade show MIPTV in Cannes, France this year.
MediaCorp artistes Qi Yuwu and Jeanette Aw of The Little Nyonya will join the Singapore delegation at one of the world’s largest fairs for the buying and selling of audiovisual content to promote the 34-episode serial. Revolving around the trials and tribulations of a woman born of Straits-born Chinese or Peranakan heritage, the drama weaves Peranakan culture into its storyline, and brings to life some of the more intriguing aspects of this ethnic group. It became Singapore’s most- watched drama in 15 years when it aired late last year.
The lead actors of the drama join a 10-company strong delegation at MIPTV to promote for sale and distribution a slate of 41 titles under the Singapore Pavilion, led by the Media Development Authority of Singapore (MDA).
Headlining the slate is a strong line-up of animation co-productions, including three titles making their market debut. These include Dinosaur Train which is Big Communications’ collaboration with The Jim Henson Company, and supported by MDA. A children’s programme, Dinosaur Train has secured sales in Norway and Canada, with broadcasters from Nickelodeon Australia, Germany's Super RTL and
1 For centuries, the riches of Southeast Asia have brought foreign traders to the region. While many returned to their homelands, some remained behind, marrying local women. The Malay term ‘peranakan’ which means ‘locally born’ refers to communities that developed in Southeast Asia like the Peranakan Chinese, Chitty Melaka and Jawi Peranakans. The Peranakan Chinese are descendants of Chinese traders who settled in Malacca and around the coastal areas of Java and Sumatra, as early as the 14th century. In the 19th century, the Peranakan Chinese, drawn by commerce, migrated to the bustling ports of Penang and Singapore. Information courtesy of Peranakan Museum, Singapore
Page 1 of 13 France 5 also expressing interest in purchasing the 40-episode animated series. Dinosaur Train, follows Buddy , a preschool-age raptor who learns about the vast world and fascinating life of other dinosaurs as he searches for his own species and is scheduled for debut in the last half of 2010.
The Jim Henson Company has appointed global distributor RC2 Corporation as the global master toy licensee for the animated series, which will produce a line of preschool products surrounding the series.
Also making its market debut is the 3D animated series Jack by Singapore’s Sparky Animation and Canada-based PVP Animation. Aimed at children aged six to nine, Jack centers around the adventures of a little alien who with his friends go on exciting adventures of discovery. Another new animation project is Rob The Robot , a new 26-episode 3D animated television series targeted at three to five- year-olds. This is a co-production between local company One Animation and Amberwood Productions Services from Canada.
Other animation titles to be promoted such as Katakune (Character Farm), RPG High (Scrawl Studios), ZZZ-Force (Tiny Island Productions) and Shapes (Peach Blossom Media).
New factual and lifestyle programmes at this year’s MIPTV such as After 12, It’s Organic and Culinary Asia at this year’s MIPTV continue a trend of strong HD programmes.
In all, MDA including the Singapore delegation will be promoting more than 313 hours of programming across factual, lifestyle, animation and drama genres.
Commenting on the Singapore line-up, Dr Christopher Chia, Chief Executive Officer of MDA said: “The slate demonstrates the breadth and depth of Singapore companies in producing and co-producing quality content, whether in animation or factual programmes, with broad international appeal. In titles like The Little Nyonya , we are also showcasing original stories with themes unique to Asian cultures and sensibilities and we believe this will resonate with both Western and Asian audiences.”
Page 2 of 13 This year’s MIPTV takes place from 30 March to 3 April 2009. The Singapore Pavilion is located at Stand 05.20 – 07.19. Please refer to Annex A for the list of programmes at MIPTV and to Annex B for the companies.
For more information, please contact:
Ms Sharon Tan Ms Phoebe Seow Manager, Communications Assistant Director, Communications Media Development Authority Media Development Authority Tel: + (65) 9726 3153 Tel: +(65) 9716 3150 Email : [email protected] Email: [email protected]
Media Development Authority of Singapore (MDA) Formed in 2003, the Media Development Authority of Singapore (MDA) plays a vital role in transforming Singapore into a Global Media City and positioning it at the forefront of the digital media age. MDA spearheads initiatives that promote developments in film, video, television, radio, publishing, music, games, animation, media services and Interactive Digital Media. At the same time, in ensuring clear and consistent regulatory policies and guidelines, MDA helps to foster a pro-business environment for industry players and increase media choices for consumers. For more information, please visit www.mda.gov.sg and www.smf.sg .
Page 3 of 13 Annex A: List of Programmes at the Singapore Pavilion (05.20 – 07.19)
Item Synopsis Format Producer/s Language Tel Email
TV Peranakan heritage and culture takes centre-stage in this Chinese period drama blockbuster. The 34-episode drama chronicles the life, struggles and The Little 34 episodes challenges of bibik Yue Niang from pre- MediaCorp Mandarin (65) 6350 3251 [email protected] Nyonya x 60 mins war days through present day. From their delicate needleworks, to their explicit dining culture, get a taste of what a true nyonya really is on. While on his dad’s new boat in Vancouver Jason and his best friend Lee are drawn up into a swirling vortex. They emerge into Stormworld, a parallel universe where people and objects arrive randomly and Theatre Red, without reason. They are saved by Flees Great Western Stormworld (in 26 episodes Entertainment (377) 9797 and Ogee but are constantly caught up in English [email protected] HD) the many adventures in Stormworld. The x 30 mins and Brightlight 1600 storyline involves many characters but Pictures there is one constant in almost everyone (Canada) on Stormworld: the search for a way home.
Page 4 of 13 Understand the culinary histories and reinventions of Taiwan, Korea and Japan. Discover how Ramen, a Chinese (65) 6226 2338 adaptation becomes a Japanese food Oak3Films and (Oak3) Culinary Asia 6 episodes x [email protected] symbol. Find out how Taiwan bands Threesixzero English (65) 6377 0747 (in HD) 45 mins [email protected] together its best traditional food makers to Productions (Threesixzero) promote iconic street food and how Korean food like kimchi, bibimbap and bulgogi are enjoyed in many foreign countries. An exciting travel series that takes you to 10 episodes quaint corners around Asian cities that are x 30 mins / (44) 2072 2024 After 12 (in buzzing with life right through the witching 10 episodes Oak3 Films English 19 [email protected] HD) hour and beyond. x 2 mins
(mobile series) It’s Organic covers the current development of the organic movement. From organic fashion to organic communities, It’s Organic tells the stories of organic apparel designers, farmers, grocers, restaurateurs, hoteliers and (44) 2072 2024 It's Organic (in 8 episodes x communities of organic “citizens”. Very! English 19 [email protected] HD) 30 mins Spanning across nine countries, It’s Organic travels to pristine farmlands, organic mega markets, small grocers, forward thinking design companies and more to bring viewers first hand accounts of these organic practitioners.
Page 5 of 13 A unique design series that showcases some of the most creative designs around the world. This series takes a more unique Design A-Z (in approach by looking at anything 10 episodes Threesixzero English (65) 6350 3682 [email protected] HD) ingeniously designed and created. Each x 30 mins Productions episode runs with the alphabets and using an upbeat and stylistic approach, Design A to Z packs a lot of punch and pace. In 1998 German engineer, Tilman Walterfang, found a shipwreck from the 9th Secrets of the Century. Discover the last days of the 1 episode x (65) 6224 6366 Tang Treasure ship’s journey that reveals one of the Infocus Asia English [email protected] 60 mins (66) 2652 1541 Ship (in HD) ancient world’s greatest trading routes, the treasure on board the ship, and the men who braved the treacherous waters. DOODLECHAMPS.COM is an art competition for kids. The format is integrated as a 360° engagement Doodlechamp integrating television, internet, mobile, live 13 episodes Earthtree English (65) 6227 6681 [email protected] s.com (in HD) events and merchandise. The participants x 30 mins compete to demonstrate their skills in imagination and drawing to become DOODLECHAMP.
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ANIMATION The show is set in a whimsically realistic, prehistoric world of jungles, swamps and oceans, all teeming with dinosaur life and connected by a shining steam train line known as the Dinosaur Train. In each episode, the series follows Buddy, a BIG preschool-age raptor, in his search for his 40 episodes Communications Dinosaur Train species. In every episode, Buddy visits a x 27 mins in Pte Ltd & The English (65) 6836 7636 [email protected] (in HD) new land and meets a new dinosaur 1080p HD Jim Henson species. Each species has something to Company teach him about the vast world and the fascinating life of the dinosaurs. Buddy is confident one day he will find other dinosaurs like him. In the meantime, riding the Dinosaur Train is as good as it gets! Fast-paced, funny and satirical, RPG High is an action comedy series about high school life for video game characters. The 52 episodes RPG High (in show centers around the growing up pains x 11 mins in Scrawl Studios English (65) 6225 0910 [email protected] HD) of 4 friends - Ginny, Rev, Scrax and 1080p HD Tomoko as they try their best to be the greatest game characters ever.
Page 7 of 13 The ZZZ-Force fights the nightmare monsters that lurk in the minds of dreamers. The series, targeted at boys and girls aged 6 to 12, is a mix of action, adventure and comedy, with story ZZZ-Force (in 26 episodes Tiny Island elements and characters that add English (65) 9765 6320 [email protected] HD) x 22 mins Productions excitement and appeal, including high-tech gadgetry, monsters and investigative techniques. There is also strong merchandising potential and content spin- offs across multiple media platforms. Katakune is an original and unique 3D animated cartoon created for children 2 to 5 years old. Katakune is designed to fill the gaps where most preschooler cartoons fail to do so. Whilst most preschooler cartoons focus mainly on things like counting and spelling, Katakune places emphasis on 260 episodes x 2 Katakune (in social interaction and EQ based topics. mins or 52 Character Farm English (65) 6323 3186 [email protected] HD) Educational and entertaining, Katakune shows children simple ways to deal with episodes x complex concepts of social responsibility, 11 minutes friendship, life skills and value systems. Subjects in basic science, geography, mathematics, health and hygiene, environmental issues and creativity are dealt with too.
Page 8 of 13 Shapes is a series targeting kids aged 4-6 years, in which enduring fables from all over the world are brought to life. In each Shapes (in story, characters, set and background 39 episodes Peach Blossom English (65) 9655 5764 emma@evergreenentertainme HD) design are played by a myriad of shapes, x 5 mins Media nt.tv which like perfomers in choreography, rearrange themselves as the story is narrated.
Page 9 of 13 Annex B: List of companies
No. Company Profile Spokesperson/Contact Details 1. BIG Communications Pte Ltd BIG Communications Pte Ltd is one of Singapore's foremost creators Vincent Lim of original HD documentaries and 3D animated programmes. Our Managing Director international co-productions include the 3D animated series "Master Tel: (65) 6836 7636 Raindrop", "Zigby" and "Dinosaur Train", as well as the HD Email: [email protected] documentary "FestivAsia". Roy Ng General Manager Tel: (65) 6836 7636 Email : [email protected]
2. Earthtree Pte Ltd Earthtree is a boutique TV and Animation production house that Stein Georg Lillemoen develops art and creative thinking content for children based on the Chief Executive Officer creative genius of Oistein Kristiansen. Programmes by Earthtree have Tel: (65) 6227 6681 been broadcast on Mediacorp, Nickelodean, Sun TV South India, NRK Email: [email protected] Norway, SMG Haha TV Aravind Vasu Executive Director Tel: (65) 6227 6681 Email: [email protected]
3. MediaCorp MediaCorp is Singapore’s leading media company with the most Shialey Tan complete range of platforms, spanning television, radio, newspapers, Assistant Vice President magazines, movies and digital media. It pioneered the development of Tel: (65) 6350 3212 Singapore’s broadcasting industry, with over 50 products and brands Email : in four languages (English, Mandarin, Malay and Tamil), reaching out [email protected] to audiences throughout Singapore every week
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4. Moving Bits Pte Ltd Moving Bits is a Singapore-based Project Studio engaged in Jay Soo productions around the world. With a full suite of production & post- Director facilities, it offers editing, 3D animation, music scoring and other Tel: (65) 6469 9163 specialist crafts. In 2007, Moving Bits was the only production house Email: [email protected] from Singapore to be nominated for a Cannes Film Lion. It is also the recipient of the CINE Golden Eagle for the past 3 years running from Jude Doss 2006-08 with a CINE Special Jury Award (Best of Show) in 2007. Also Executive Producer awarded at the US International Film & Video Festival. Tel: (65) 6469 9163 Email: [email protected]
5. Oak3 Films Oak3 Films earns its reputation as a reliable and creative partner that Zaihirah Banu Codelli has built a strong international networks and relationships with Chief Executive Officer broadcasters through its years of developing quality content. Oak3 Tel: (65) 6226 2338 emphasizes on creativity artistry, while focusing on the highest Email: [email protected] standard in execution. It remains prolific in creating original content for the global market. Nazrul Hakim Jumahat Development Executive (65) 6226 2338 Email: [email protected]
6. One Animation One Animation is a 3D Animation and Visual Effects Studio based in Yvone Foong Singapore, sepcializing in top quality productions for Film & Television. Managing Partner Our philosophy combines talent, experience and leading technology to Tel: (65) 9666 9186 deliver world-class CG imagery. Email: [email protected]
Phillip Stamp Managing Partner Tel: (65) 9666 9186 Email: [email protected]
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7. Sparky Animation Pte Ltd Sparky Animation is Singapore's leading CGI Animation house. The Jyotirmoy Saha company has a strong portfolio of animated shows which have been Co-Chief Executive Officer broadcast on NBC, Australian Broadcast Corporation, PBS Dubai TV, Tel: (65) 6281 0310 TVO and Knowledge Network as well as Theatrical and Direct to DVD Email: [email protected] movies. Sparky is always on the lookout for new opportunities in co- producing, co-financing and servicing new animated shows.
8. Sunrise Entertainment Pte Sunrise Entertainment is one of Singapore's leading distribution Chris Batson Ltd and Tape Link Singapore companies. Sunrise represents independent producers from Asia, Managing Director Pte Ltd Australia as well as producers from around the world. Tel: (65) 6337 1883 Email: [email protected] Tape Link Singapore has been an authorized provider of broadcast services since 1990. The lab facilitates analog, SD, HD, HD SR and Teresa Bollard digital in PAL or NTSC. Other services include library storage for Chief Executive Officer film/videotape, mastering, QC Check, deliverables and content Tel: (65) 6270 9108 transcription for language customization. Email: [email protected]
Kerra Schmidt Manager Tel: (65) 6270 9108 Email : [email protected] 9. The Right Angle Media The Right Angle is a Singapore-based independent production Adrian Ong company that specializes in factual entertainment with documentaries Chief Executive Officer at its heart. The creative team at The Right Angle also defines this Tel: (65) 6335 4201 genre to include food and travel, formatted gameshows, reality, Email: [email protected] science and engineering.
While our roots are in Singapore, over half of our productions reach out to the international market. Our programmes premiere on international channels like Discovery, National Geographic, BBC Knowledge, The History Channel and have been distributed to US, UK and European networks.
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10. Tiny Island Productions Tiny Island Productions develops and produces original properties in David Kwok partnership with international broadcasters and producers. With a CG Managing Director production studio facility that also provides television series and film Tel: (65) 6473 7357 outsourcing services, we are experienced in spearheading productions Email: [email protected] from conceptualization to final production. Sharon Tan Director, Business Development Tel: (65) 6473 7357 Email: [email protected]
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