The Job Space The place to look for the jobs that count C NTENTASIA See page 4
www.contentasia.tv Issue 95: April 26-May 9, 2010
Strong pay-TV prospects June rollout for Food Network Asia in Asia-Pac, MPA Scripps ramps up local content acquisitions
India’s pay-TV market is Scripps Networks International poised for long-term profitable is rumoured to be prepping for growth as media owners and a 1 June rollout of its HD Food atiger’seyes distributors expand market Network in Asia. share “with an eye on profits The Food Network Asia will de- What’s really going on rather than at the expense of but in at least two markets, and out there... profits”, Media Partners Asia’s possibly four. These almost certain- (MPA) new report, Asia Pacific ly include Singapore and Taiwan, Pay-TV & Broadband Markets Food, glorious food… with best bets that the other two and this year’s MIPTV 2010, says. will be Malaysia and Korea. But regulation, “which had a higher focus than ever Scripps has not confirmed the – both on and off screen – on continues to commoditise launches, saying the announce- and destroy industry value,” all things edible. ments will come from its carriage At the top of our culinary remains a major threat to partners. growth assumptions for India, fabulosity list this year are Meanwhile, the network has Scripps, AETN and Fremantle- a country poised to become picked up season one of Aussie the largest direct-broadcast Media. cooking show, Luke Nguyen’s And then there was Japa- market on earth in two years Vietnam, from SBS Australia for time, MPA says. nese public broadcaster NHK, the global food channel. which combined iconic sushi Released on the eve of More on page 11 MPA’s Asia Pacific Pay-TV Op- Luke Nguyen’s Vietnam images with knives/forks to erators Summit in Bali in early May, the report forecasts 446 Co-pros command top billing million pay-TV homes in Asia Pacific by 2014, growing to Major MIPTV focus on new alliances 513 million by 2020. More on page 6 Co-productions are taking a China’s state-owned agency, higher profile than ever on the China International Television international stage. Broadcasters Corporation (CITVC), as well as and producers acknowledge that, multiple alliances announced by National Geographic despite the higher hassle factor of government bodies in Singapore AETN’s green-pea remake Channel Asia more partners, big-budget pro- and Malaysia. symbolise the new relation- Military history, football and earth ductions are much more likely to Japan’s NHK, one of the ship NHK is fostering with the issues have taken top billing on happen these days with a broader world’s most powerful co-pro Western world. the National Geographic Chan- range of funding sources. partners, took the lead during Introducing their newly nel this year. This runs alongside Asia is at the centre of some the market. The public broad- merged NEP entity, NHK heads an increased focus on local of the highest profile alliances caster formally unveiled its new said the combination of im- production and co-production, announced at this year’s MIPTV global entity, NEP, during the ages “indicated the strong including global series such as programming market earlier this market. NEP was officially formed commitment to cultural diver- Megaquake with Japanese month. on 1 April by the merger of NHK sity and to bridging East and public broadcaster NHK. The slew of co-pros include a Enterprises and international West”. www.asiacontentwatch.com major Chinese telenovela pro- distribution arm MICO. page 9 duction between Televisa and More on page 11 More on page 6
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01 ContentAsia Issue 95: April 26-May 9, 2010 02 April 26-May 9, 2010
AETN breaks Asia records thetweetlife AETN International has signed planned for January 2011. quarter, selling about 450 hours its largest-ever content deal – Sean Cohan, AETN’s senior of content across 25 broadcast- Waiting with baited breath to and its first local partnership – in vice president, international, ers in the region. see if yesterday’s clarification China. says the block, which premiered In addition, AETN has a new meeting on Singapore’s new The new agreement comes on in its first market in March, is output deal with Japan’s BS-TBS cross-carriage... http://bit.ly/ top of a record Asia quarter for beating Discovery and National for History content that will air as aGac75 the U.S.-based distributor, AETN Geographic content in similar part of the networks’ dedicated 16:07 PM Apr 24th via web International execs say. distribution environments. history slot, BS History Hour. The ramped up China initiative The structure of the output A second Japan deal was We’re told there were fireworks revolves around an output agree- deal with local partner, Yuan signed with Nippon TV for the Life at S’pore govt’s clarification ment for a one-hour daily Man- Chuan, has not been disclosed, After People series. briefing on new anti-exclusive darin-language factual block as but Cohan said the company Cohan attributed robust region- regulations yesterday. What well as a new trial partnership to had “high hopes of realising al activity this year to the strong did they expect? launch AETN content on China’s revenue inherent in the China performance of AETN’s channels 15:56 PM Apr 24th via web cellular mobile platform. market”. in the U.S., and the significant on- The New Horizons-branded The mobile agreement signed going investment in content. BooHoo on World Cup (or TV block combines History, Bio between AETN International Moving into the second quar- none) in S’pore. Gov’t says and Crime and Investigation and CNG (Chinese National ter, AETN also “has more feet on we should take a leaf out of content, including Cities of the Geography) puts AETN content the street”. The expanded sales young people’s books for “al- Underworld, How the Earth was – including clips from Biography, force includes Joanne Lim, who ternative” access. Hmmm. Made and Crime 360. BioBites and Need to Know – on has joined AETN’s International 10:13 PM Apr 20th via web The block has a technical China’s cellular mobile platform. office in Singapore as content reach of 18 million subs at the AETN says the content “will serve sales executive, Asia. Lim will Today’s FAQ: What’s there to moment in a handful of territo- as an educational tool to help take care of Southeast Asia, do in Cannes on a non-mar- ries. These include Shanghai, subscribers to learn English”. Hong Kong and Taiwan, and ket weekend while stranded Tianjin, Guangzhou and Liaon- Speaking during MIPTV, Cohan reports to Asia content sales TV people wait for the skies ing. A Beijing launch is being said AETN had had a record first director Ling Sze Gan. over... http://bit.ly/bLEWhV 7:30 AM Apr 16th via Facebook
Sisimpur season 6 slated for summer airdate No way Al Jazeera quit Sin- gapore because of restrictive Sesame Workshop and Dhaka- of Merit for the Sisimpur season A 2009 study, “Understanding license conditions, minister based production house Nay- four episode, “Rhythm is Every- BTV’s Audience”, supported said in Cannes. No viewers, antara Communications are where”. by the BBC World Trust Serv- no carriage. That’s it. filming a sixth original season of Sisimpur’s sixth season, sched- ice, found that among all BTV 1:43 PM Apr 13th via web award-winning children’s series uled to air this summer on Bang- programmes, across all demo- Sisimpur, the Bangladeshi version ladesh Television (BTV), focuses graphic groups, Sisimpur ranks Singapore info minister took of Sesame Street. on increasing positive attitudes third among the most watched questions at MIP yesterday. The announcement this towards nature, increasing chil- programmes. The study also Brave. As promised, we put month followed the Hugo Televi- dren’s knowledge about the showed that Sisimpur is the Al Jazeera & pay-TV regs on sion Award’s natural world and encouraging most watched educational pro- the... http://bit.ly/aYW8D3 Certificate behavior that demonstrates gramme on BTV, and BTV is the 1:38 PM Apr 13th via Facebook respect and care for the environ- most watched channel in the ment, Sesame Workshop says. country. Missing: 1 “I made it in Singa- “Research shows that intro- Season six also highlights the pore” poster from the rooftop ducing young children to the culture of indigenous people of the Cannes Palais. Naughty natural world is the first step from Shreemongol and Dur- naughty wind. No word on a towards helping them develop gapur as well as coastal areas reward for its capture. a caring attitude towards the where residents need to take 6:34 AM Apr 12th via web environment,” said psychologist specific measures such as storing Dr. Mehtab Khanam, director of essential items, listening to radio Great sports excitement in education and research. announcements, and perform- Singapore over StarHub’s 50% “Environmental education ing safety drills to prepare for the price cut and 4 new chan- for preschoolers, through the sometimes unpredictable forces nels. But, no, pathetically, still lens of exploration, pro- of nature. no World Cup deal. vides children with the Other segments include spoofs 6:49 AM Apr 9th via web opportunity to feel a on local TV reality shows Dhoom part of nature as they ta na (the Bengali version of So discover and make You Think You Can Dance) and www.twitter.com/contentasia connections about the Ebar Jombe Khela (game show) natural world around in segments called “Sim ta na them.” na” and “Eber Kehlbo Khela.”
03 April 26-May 9, 2010
Classic picks up Baraem’s Nan & Lili Classic Media has acquired the space worldwide TV and home en- C NTENTASIA tertainment distribution rights J b (excluding Middle East) to the the place to look for the jobs that matter first Arabic animated pre-school series, Nan & Lili. The series was created by AT DISCOVERY NETWORKS ASIA-PACIFIC, WE LIVE AND Chocolate Moose Media’s BREATHE THE ATMOSPHERE OF DISCOVERY CONSTANTLY. award-winning director and executive producer, Firdaus With seven leading networks --- Discovery Channel, Animal Planet, Discovery Travel & Living, Discovery HD, Discovery Home and Health, Discovery Turbo and Discovery Science --- reaching Kharas, for Al Jazeera Children’s 462 million cumulative subscribers across 32 countries and territories in Asia-Pacific. Channel (JCC). The 200 three-minute epi- Discovery hires the very best and brightest talent who are enthusiastic and passionate to fulfill sodes are available in Arabic, the company’s mission of empowering people to explore their world and satisfy their curiosity. In French and English. Another 100 exchange for their talent and drive, employees are provided with an engaging, diverse workplace episodes are in development for and the resources they need to learn, thrive and grow in their careers. delivery later this year. Director, Advertising Sales, Southeast Asia
Key Objectives: • Develop ad sales strategy for the Southeast Asia business unit, including development of new and existing markets and exploration of all ad sales revenue opportunities • Drive ad sales growth across key territories and increase local advertising sales activities • Manage the network of local advertising sales representatives in Southeast Asia • Develop and manage systems to ensure efficient ad sales operations • Work closely with the DNAP regional ad sales team to ensure both regional and local ad sales objectives are achieved
From Left: Nan and Lili creator, Key Responsibilities: Firdaus Kharas, with Al Jazeera • Work with the advertising representative network to develop detailed sales strategies with Children’s Channel and Baream TV programming director Malika clearly defined targets Alouane, and Classic Media EVP • Work with the advertising representative network to ensure each representative has the tools, Chloé van den Berg information and support to achieve all sales targets • Assist the SVP-GM, Southeast Asia in the review of existing advertising sales relationships and Nan & Lili currently airs on pre- development of new partnerships school channel Baraem TV. • Attend key agency/client presentations in market with agency representatives • Work with DSEA corporate functions to provide support for local advertising sales, including “The positive feedback that the production of on air sponsorship elements, supply of research data, creation of sales the channel has received from presentations, creation of sponsored programming elements, and trade marketing efforts mothers and pre-school teach- • Monitor campaign fulfillment in consultation with the DNAP business operations team. ers from across the Arab world is • Assist to develop and implement incentive programmes for local advertising representative a clear testimony that the series’ teams innovative methods of delivering • Manage timely and detailed reporting from advertising representatives to ensure accurate educational values have suc- tracking of performance ceeded,” Alouane says. “For the first time an animated Requirements: series made for the Middle East • Minimum of 7 years’ TV sales/sales related experience, preferably in Southeast Asia will travel the world – a historic • An advertising sales representative or advertising solutions background achievement that reflects the • Experience of managing an advertising representative network would be a plus • Knowledge of Pay TV advertising operations quality of the programming • Strong management and leadership skills broadcast on Baraem TV,” • Excellent communication skills, both written and spoken. Kharas said. This position will be based in Singapore.
8TV in with Super Boy Interested applicants, please write to: Human Resources Malaysia’s 8TV is organising lo- Discovery Networks Asia-Pacific cal auditions for the int’l version 3 Changi Business Park Vista #03-01 of Hunan TV’s Super Boy talent Singapore 486051 format. Auditions on 22/23 May Or Email to: [email protected] in KL. 8TV has exclusive rights to Closing Date: May 7, 2010 the last 10 episodes, aired from July to September on Saturdays Only short-listed candidates will be notified. and Sundays at 4pm.
04 April 26-May 9, 2010
Who was at ... this year’s Asia dinner & drinks at MIPTV in Cannes.
James Ross, ITV Studios Global Entertainment; Natalie Yuen, Echobridge; Steve Ronson, Jude Turcuato, Michael Dick, Fox International Kerri Tarmey, AETN International AETN International Channels
Jeff Selamutu, Wallace Wong, Turner Rashmi Bajpai, ITV Studios Global Entertainment; Cristine Van Schoick, AETN International; Mike McKay, activeTV Leena Singarajah, IMG
Lee Mee Fung, Deutsche Welle; Amit Malhotra, Cyrus Farrokh, Shine International; Kris Imai, Ho Poh Lin, Vision Plus Malaysia; Indriena Basarah, Disney Media Group Fox Japan FremantleMedia Asia
Anna Wong, i-Cable Hong Kong John Neill, EyeViewTime Leah Gordon, ContentAsia; Michele Schofield, AETN All Asia Networks
05 April 26-May 9, 2010
From page 1: MPA more than 90% long-term. Ca- challenging future “as capital While cable remains the prima- ble will retain 70% market share Leading Asian Markets intensity and competitive dy- ry pay-TV platform, competition by 2014, falling to 64% by 2020, in Pay-TV Penetration namics are such that the pre- is intensifying with the growth of while DTH will scale up to almost mium placed on funding and direct-broadcast satellite and 35% share long-term. Market 2009 2014 execution skills is growing at an IPTV in key markets. Competition India’s DTH subscribers are alarming rate”. Korea 95% 98% is also emerging from online me- predicted to climb from a net In terms of volume, broadcast- Taiwan 91% 97% dia services, which have started installed base of 17 million in ers and local cable operators to have an impact in Australia, 2009 to 45 million by 2014 and 58 India 78% 90% (LCOs) will lead long-term, while China and Japan. million by 2020, the report says. Hong Kong 73% 79% LCOs and cable multi system Total pay-TV subs last year By 2012, India will be the larg- Singapore 63% 78% operators (MSOs) will lead in reached 340 million (46% pen- est DTH market in the world – New Zealand 52% 71% margins. etration of TV homes), up 9% on overtaking the U.S. – in terms of Malaysia 49% 68% “Nonetheless, most national 2008. India and China contrib- subscribers. Pakistan 43% 64% MSOs will be able to forge uted more than 75% of Asia’s India’s digital cable will grow China 42% 47% stronger last-mile links with 26.6 million new subscribers in to 17 million subscribers by 2014, the consumer long-term, with Vietnam 18% 41% 2009. and 29 million by 2020. Last year, positive implications for future More than 70% of pay-TV the region’s total digital pay-TV Source: MPA research estimates funding as well as large-scale homes across the region will subs base was 116 million (16% deployment of digital pay-TV have at least one digital box by of total TV homes and 34% of and broadband,” the report 2014, rising to 82% by 2020, when pay-TV homes). video on demand, HDTV and says. pay-TV penetration is expected In 2009, 15% of India’s pay-TV personal video recorders) will MPA expects most direct-to- to hit 58%, the report says. HDTV homes had at least one set-top contribute more than US$500 home satellite pay-TV operators reached seven million homes box; this number will grow to 38% million by 2014, rising to US$1.5 in India will start making money in 2009 and PVRs were installed by 2014 and almost 50% by 2020. billion by 2020. after 2013. in 2.4 million pay-TV homes. By HDTV will gain more traction in “India’s resurgent economy, “We are more positive on In- 2014, HD pay-TV adoption will India after 2010, driven by DTH an expanded pay-TV market dia’s DTH opportunity than previ- have reached 37 million homes, satellite networks. Cable broad- and the growth of regional me- ously, especially when anchored rising to 75 million in 2020. PVR us- band, a key driver of future ca- dia should help bolster pay-TV to consolidation and improved ers will top 19 million by 2020. ble sector profits, will grow from advertising growth to an aver- pricing power with continued MPA says HDTV and PVR will 850,000 homes in 2009 to three age annual rate of 14% over the growth,” MPA says, forecasting “remain the most profitable serv- million by 2014. next five years, and 10.5% over consolidation from six to four ices for pay-TV operators, while India’s total pay-TV subscrip- the next decade,” MPA says, platforms in three to five years. VOD will remain churn-limiting tion revenues will grow at an forecasting India’s total pay-TV “Finally, the combination of a defensive proposition”. average annual rate of 14% advertising market to reach strong economy, a larger pay- In India, MPA expects pay-TV over the next five years and 10% US$3.2 billion in 2014 and US$5.1 TV audience and digitisation subscribers to grow from 105 over the next decade, reaching billion by 2020. will also boost the market for million in 2009 to 149 million by US$8 billion by 2014 and more Commenting on the report, broadcast groups. Competition 2014, and 173 million by 2020. than US$12 billion by 2020. MPA executive director Vivek will remain intense, as the main This means pay-TV penetration Revenues from HDTV and Couto said cable MSOs in In- theatre of war shifts to regional will grow from 78% in 2009 to value-added services (including dia probably faced the most markets,” MPA says.
From page 1: A Tiger’s Eyes them would be on air in 30 to 60 as we know it. Celebrating its Food Network days. He’s leaving the details for Food talent rollout around the world, Scripps affiliates to announce, but indus- was all over Fre- kicked off the market with a Se- try insiders say everyone is work- mantleMedia’s bastien Broda dinner menu that ing on early June launches. market-opening started at the gates of cuisine AETN earned its place on our media briefing, heaven and ended with eternal list with a magically crazy cock- from culinary tal- bliss in a white chocolate bowl. tail menu that gave “eat your ent show Look In between, the 30-year-old peas” a whole new angle. Who’s Cooking Broda displayed all the skill that Along with the perfectly half- to Masterchef, has just earned him/Le Park 45 a moon teaspoon-sized green-pea which comes Michelin star. moulds, AETN’s new caterers with a kitchen- Somewhere between the ump- gave other vegetables a whole full of branded teenth fabulous courses, Scripps new gloss. Think razor-shaved merchandise and Fish by Sebastien Broda for Scripps Networks Networks International president, carrots, beef wraps closed with other off-air op- Greg Moyer, talked about the tiny pegs... tions, including a magazine. with Singapore’s Imagine Omni- Food Network’s progress so far, AETN, which launched its new FremantleMedia is trying to Media on merchandising for the including launches in the U.K. factual series America – The replicate the format’s success in Hallmark Channel’s hit format, and EMEA. The EMEA channel Story of the US at the market, Asia, and has bought rights from The Biggest Loser Asia. goes on air on 1 May. swears all its food creativity was Shine for Vietnam, Singapore, Think cookbooks, diet shakes, Moyer said two carriage deals a happy coincidence and noth- Malaysia and Indonesia (Con- meal bars… maybe not the stuff had been signed for Asia, and ing at all to do with the creation tentAsia Insider, 12 April). of Michelin stars, but definitely that he hoped at least one of of the United States of America FremantleMedia is also working good for a tasty bank balance.
06 April 26-May 9, 2010
ContentAsia’s 20/20 interview asks those who have been in the industry in Asia for the past 10 years at least to look back – and forward – and tell us what they see. In the fourth of a series that will run through 2010, Chris Williams, Universal Networks International’s vice president for sales and com- mercial operations Asia Pacific, talks about govern- ment regulations, digital yesterday vs digital today, forecasts that didn’t come true and more.
What do you think the biggest of China to TV channels “… influence on Asia’s media in- when the door opens, we want dustry in the past 10 years has to be the first in line.” I seem to been? “Government regula- remember hearing that phrase tions. Sometimes confused; a few times.” sometimes non-existent; some very supportive of industry Is there anything that might development; and some the have happened that didn’t (or opposite. Whatever their form, hasn’t yet)? “The demise of they have had the biggest im- carriage fees: incredibly dam- pact on the industry’s develop- aging to all involved and yet it ment over the last 10 years.” continues.” The 10 years ago, lots of companies What would you never do again said they were totally digital. no matter how much money What’s the biggest difference you were offered? “Believe sub- interview between what you remember as scriber forecasts.” the digital of 2000 and your dig- ital of today? “iPod, iTunes and What would you do again in a iStore: launched in 2001, this de- nanosecond, even if no money vice, more than anything else, was involved? “Pursue a career has defined what it means to be in media.” “digital” in the way we consume iPod, iTunes and and think about media.” What’s your take on social networks? “Be careful, be very iStore... more than What are the biggest op- careful. Social networks are erational differences you have a crazy train that can veer anything else, has defined seen over the past decade? off unexpectedly at any mo- “For the international players, ment. They’re a virtual crowd what it means to be the ever-swinging pendulum of people, but we really don’t “digital” in the way we between centralisation and know who they are, or even if decentralisation. The turnover they really exist. They make an consume and think of executives at the large com- interesting laboratory to try a panies and the direction of the few things out, but as of today, about media.” wind at any given time tend to the risks of engagement for compel companies to reinvent companies probably outweigh themselves every few years, the benefits. One very interest- but most of the time amounts ing development is the real time will lead to a healthy business only costs of not getting on to little more than shifts on the commentary you get from some model and satisfied customers.” board with developments in axis between centralisation and social network sites for certain our industry and society at large decentralisation.” shows. The Biggest Loser Asia The phrase you take with you are associated with our ability has provoked a huge response into every biz dev meeting? as individuals and companies The forecasts that didn’t come from social networks.” “Would you do it if it was your to adjust to, or not to working true… (what do you remem- own money?” effectively within, new sets of ber)... Or the ones that came What are you still deeply unsure parameters. If we can’t keep true but not in the way you about? “I believe people will pay What do you think the costs of up with developments as com- expected. “The forecasts that for quality; I’m deeply unsure that all the focus of speed and tech panies or individuals we may as didn’t come true: the opening pushing prices down and down is? “Change is a certainty; the well give up and go home.”
07 BUYERProfile April 26-May 9, 2010
ContentAsia’s ongoing focus on Asia’s most important buyers explores how they think and what they want.
Channel NewsAsia’s vice president for network programming and promotion, Donovan Castillo-Mohlman, talks about pitches that work, programming that pops, risks, shuffling schedules, and the hunt for award- winning, feature-length documentaries.
What kinds of sales pitches do you likely thinking, ‘I hope finance will about the programming/acquisi- respond best to? “For finished con- approve’.” tion process? “Staying one step tent, in today’s competitive en- ahead of your competition. With vironment, channels need to be Is there any show you wish you Channel NewsAsia, we are in the highly pro-active in monitoring the had bought? “No. There are pro- unique position where we offer international market and be the grammes I thought would never both high-quality news and local first to approach a distributor. Ap- work in certain markets that I’ve productions targeted at our Asian proaching first is my preference, been wrong about, but I’ve nev- audience, but we also need to however if a content distributor is er later on had programmer’s supplement with relevant ac- going to approach with a pitch, I envy. Once a programmer starts quired international content.” expect them to be aware of my wishing they had something What programme do you watch channel and my competition. If they don’t have, they lose that What do you hate most about the most often for your own enjoy- you come to sell a programme, I competitive edge. I’d much acquisitions process? “Negotiat- ment? “E!’s Talk Soup. It’s one expect you to provide an expla- rather think about how to best ing whose standardised contract of the cleverest programmes nation as to how what you’re sell- compete for viewers by sourcing will be used.” around. ing is a solution to a problem slot alternative programming.” I might have, rather than just flip Is there anything you wish pro- The key trade events you will be through your catalogue.” If money were no object, which gramme licensing and distribution attending this year and what will three programmes would you people would do that they are not you be looking out for? “Channel How much of a programme/ buy tomorrow? “I would commis- doing now? “For buyers like us who NewsAsia will most likely be at- episodes of a series do you watch sion an HD documentary series attend markets, we ask distributors tending MIPCOM and ATF again before you decide to buy? “It re- to rival the production values that when you send out requests this year, though we are looking ally depends. Channel NewsAsia of Planet Earth, the story telling for meetings, please take the time for other markets within Asia as both acquires and commissions of The Civil War, and the cultural to actually personalise your request well. My head of acquisitions, Tan programmes. So if you’re going to impact (at the time) of Nanook of and please don’t bulk email the Bee Leng, will continue to scour pitch a series or one-off documen- the North.” same request 20 or 30 times!” the trades and catalogues for the tary for commission, you should latest international content. While have your best elevator pitch What is/has been your greatest What’s the biggest programming our acquisitions have traditionally prepared. There’s nothing worse television extravagance? “I come risk you’ve ever taken? “Each been limited to 30 or 60 minutes, than hearing an hour-long pitch from a family of accountants, so I time you shuffle your program- we have started to look at more over and over again for a similar tend to be a bit more frugal. I’ve ming schedule, it’s always the award-winning feature-length programme that you’ve already never approached an acquisition biggest programming risk you’ve documentary acquisitions. turned down. For finished acquired as a must have and have always ever taken - until the next time programming, 10 minutes is usually been ready to walk away. I wish I you shuffle.” Donovan Castillo-Mohlman a solid gauge for a series and 20 could be “that” programmer just is among 500 buyers in Asia minutes for a documentary.” once, but even if I have had the What do you think the most impor- featured on ContentAsia’s budget I’d never be able to justify tant part of your job is? “The most subscription service, www. Do you remember the first pro- to myself or to my CFO on why important part is being caretaker asiacontentwatch.com For gramme/series you bought and we need to pay more than the of an amazing brand and having more information, please what you were thinking at the market rate.” the confidence and belief that email [email protected] time? “I don’t recall the exact title, there’s no better news channel in or call +65 6846-5988. although I’m confident I was most What do you find most difficult Asia than Channel NewsAsia.”
essential information only C NTENTASIA Be included. For details, contact: Leah Gordon (Americas, Europe) Masliana Masron (Asia) www.contentasia.tv on [email protected] on [email protected] www.asiacontentwatch.com or +1 310 926-6761 or +65 6846-5988
08 www.asiacontentwatch.com
National Geographic Channel Asia by Malena Amzah
Military history, football and earth The four-part HD Megaquake – ary at 9pm. The series will air on filmmakers”, and has led to further issues have taken top billing on the first co-pro of its kind between Nat Geo in Asia as a two-parter local production commitments. the National Geographic Chan- the two companies – decon- in early 2011. About 25% (42 hours) of the nel this year. This runs alongside structs earthquakes “to better Other local projects include weekly regional schedule is natu- an increased focus on local understand the science behind Asia’s Titanic, about the sinking of ral mystery documentaries, with production and co-production, these massive tremors and their the Dona Paz off Mindoro Island in science/engineering/technology including global series such as devastating impact”. Meg- the Philippines in 1987. This locally scheduled across 20% (33 hours). Megaquake with Japanese pub- aquake premiered on NHK’s main produced documentary is de- About 19 hours (11%) is devoted lic broadcaster NHK. channel General TV on 10 Janu- scribed as a “milestone for Filipino More on page 12
Monday 26 April Tuesday 27 April Wednesday 28 April Thursday 29 April Friday 30 April Saturday 1 May Sunday 2 May UAE Kong Hong Indonesia 9:00 9:00 5:00 About Asia About Asia About Asia About Asia About Asia 9:15 9:15 Generals at war World’s Toughest Fixes 2 5:15 Somewhere In China Somewhere In China Somewhere In China Somewhere In China Somewhere In China Midway 50 Ton Rudder 9:30 9:30 Silk Road Three Gorges Dam Ice City Going Local Beijing Boom 5:30 9:45 9:45 5:45 10:00 10:00 6:00 Situation Critical Trapped Hunter Hunted 10:15 10:15 Locked Up Abroad Interpol Investigates War Planes Megastructures 6:15 Assault On Entebbe (G1 Earthquake Rapid Response Danger In The Delta (G1 Party Girl Lethal Obsession (G1 & G2) The Age of Stealth Dam Busters 10:30 10:30 & G2) (G1&G2) & G2) 6:30 10:45 10:45 6:45 11:00 11:00 7:00 Monkey Thieves 2 Nat Geo Junior Nat Geo Junior 11:15 11:15 Searching For Sanctuary Wild Detectives: Sita Tiger Wild Chronicles #13 7:15 Dangerous Encounters Animals Like Us DogTown 2 Shark Men 11:30 11:30 Monster Crocs Medicine Pit Bull Rescue Big Mama Nat Geo Junior 7:30 Monkey Thieves 2 Nat Geo Junior Food Lovers Guide To The 11:45 11:45 Urban Exile Wild Chronicles #14 Planet:India 7:45 12:00 12:00 Food Lovers Guide To The Food Lovers Guide To The 8:00 Monkey Thieves 2 Planet Planet 12:15 12:15 The Living Edens Street Life Hunter Hunted 8:15 Shark Men DogTown 2 Tursish Delights Grill Masters Canyonlands: America’s Arctic Attack (Aka Polar 12:30 12:30 Size Matters Pit Bull Rescue Food Lovers Guide To The Food Lovers Guide To The 8:30 Wild West Monkey Thieves 2 Bears) Planet Planet 12:45 12:45 Home Hunters Community Power Hi Tech Taste 8:45 13:00 13:00 Monkey Thieves 2 9:00 About Asia About Asia About Asia About Asia About Asia 13:15 13:15 Beggar’s Banquet Shark Men 9:15 Somewhere In China Somewhere In China Somewhere In China Somewhere In China Somewhere In China The Hot Spot 13:30 13:30 Silk Road Three Gorges Dam Ice City Going Local Beijing Boom Monkey Thieves 2 9:30 13:45 13:45 Cops And Robbers 9:45 14:00 14:00 Food Lovers Guide To The 10:00 Planet 14:15 14:15 Outbreak Investigation 10:15 Turkish Delights Locked up Abroad Lockdown Don’t Tell My Mother Triumph of Life Triumph of Life The Bacterial Serial Killer Busted And Pregnant Gang Vs. Family Pakistan Survivors Winning Teams 14:30 14:30 Food Lovers Guide To The (G1 & G2) 10:30 14:45 14:45 Planet Community Power 10:45 15:00 15:00 11:00 Wild Indonesia Nat Geo Weekends 15:15 15:15 Triumph of Life Triumph of Life Wild Indonesia Wild Indonesia Locked Up Abroad 11:15 Creatures Of Island Shark Men Survivors Winning Teams Where Worlds Collide The Mystery Of Sulawesi Party Girl 15:30 15:30 Kingdoms The Hot Spot 11:30 15:45 15:45 11:45 16:00 16:00 Food Lovers Guide To The 12:00 LG Borderless Presents Nat Planet 16:15 16:15 Situation Critical Trapped 12:15 Locked Up Abroad Interpol Investigates Geo Premieres World’s Toughest Fixes 2 Tursish Delights Assault On Entebbe (G1 Earthquake Rapid Response Party Girl Lethal Obsession (G1 & G2) Engineering Connections 2 50 Ton Rudder 16:30 16:30 & G2) (G1&G2) Food Lovers Guide To The 12:30 Guggenheim Bilbao 16:45 16:45 Planet Community Power 12:45 17:00 17:00 Wild Chronicies Wild Detectives Monkey Thieves Monkey Thieves 2 13:00 17:15 17:15 #13 Sita Tiger #10 The Living Edens About Asia Beggar’s Banquet 13:15 Bonecrusher Queens Kamchatka: Siberia’s Somewhere In China 17:30 17:30 Wild Chronicies Food Lovers Guide To The Monkey Thieves 2 13:30 Hayden Turner’s Wildlife #7 Forbidden Wilderness Beijing Boom 17:45 17:45 #14 Planet:India Cops And Robbers 13:45 18:00 18:00 Theme Week 14:00 Theme Week Theme Week Theme Week
Wildlife/Natural history 25% Disaster 11% Travel 10% Crime 7% War/Military 2% Science & technology 20% People/Biography 11% Adventure/Action 9% Religion 2% Food 3%
Source: National Geographic Channel
The full schedule along with more than 70 others is available at www.asiacontentwatch.com
ContentAsia Issue 95: April 26-May 9, 2010 09 Save the date...
Tuesday, 7 December 2010, Singapore
ContentAsia Issue 95: April 26-May 9, 2010 010 April 26-May 9, 2010
From page 1: Scripps off at MIPTV with 13 new titles, Scripps has also optioned including the new season of rights to future seasons of the HGTV Design Star and Food series. Network’s Ace of Cakes. The 10-part show, which will Scripps formally announced air in Asia this summer, follows the launch of the Food Network celeb restaurateur Luke Nguyen HD in Asia in November last around Vietnam’s southern year. The advertising-support- regions. Culinary stops include ed HD channel is carried by Saigon, where Nguyen spends Malaysian satellite company time cooking with his extended Measat. family. The Food Network HD will be The series also travels to the programmed specifically for Mekong Delta, Dalat in the cen- Asia and will include local con- tral highlands, the historic town tent, Moyer said at the time. of Hoi An, and to Phu Quoc Luke and boats in Phan Thiet Island, which is famous for its fish sauce. From page 1: Co-Productions Lee series and state-broadcaster across the board,” said MIPTV Season two is currently in NEP’s focus includes new China Central Television (CCTV) director Laurine Garaude as the production. commercial co-production has just finished airing Televisa market in Cannes wrapped. Food Network HD’s Asia feed possibilities with producers that series Distilling Love. “With broadcasters still feeling is also highly likely to launch would not traditionally have Televisa said this was the most the effects of the dip in advertis- with local vignettes, interstitials stood a chance of co-producing ambitious cross-cultural project ing revenues, there is a need to and promos. These were all with NHK. for both companies. The hunt spread financing across several but promised last year, when NHK, meanwhile, will continue is already under way for a suit- partners,” she added. Scripps started talking about its to co-produce with the world’s able story “that will meet the Garaude’s sentiments were plans for Asia. largest public broadcasters and expectations of this significant echoed widely at both MI- Earlier this month, on the eve production houses. agreement,” Televisa said during PTV and this year’s MIPDOC, the of this year’s MIPTV program- Projects already under way the announcement. documentary fest that ran the ming market in Cannes, Scripps include the multi-million dollar Co-productions with Asian weekend before. Networks International presi- documentary, Squid: Last Mys- companies announced during Starz Media president/chief ex- dent, Greg Moyer, said the first tery of the Deep. A different the market include India’s DQ ecutive, Chris Albrecht, stressed service should be up and run- subsidiary of NHK – educational Entertainment, which has tied the need for producers to look ning in Asia within two months. division NED – has also tied up up with Method Animation, Story beyond their national borders In India, the network, which with Al Jazeera Children’s Chan- Board Animation and French both for financing and audi- bought a US$55-million stake nel for the 26-episode Discover public broadcaster France Tel- ences. in NDTV Lifestyle last year, is still Science series. evision on the US$12.4 million 3D “Whether you’re producing standing in line for the required The Televisa-CITVC telenovela animated production, The New a high-concept drama, a star- operating approvals. is billed as a ground-breaking Adventures of Peter Pan. studded mini-series or even an The Asian services follow roll- deal with the power to “change FremantleMedia races ahead, of-the-moment reality series, it’s outs in the U.K. as well as the the landscape of the TV in- announcing two alliances that simply impossible to make real Middle East and Africa. The dustry”. The production has a build on an already strong Asia money producing for your do- Food Network HD rolls out in potential market of more than business. These are the first mestic market alone,” Albrecht EMEA on 1 May, Moyer said. two billion people in China and creative job-swap between said during his MIPTV address. Scripps is also launching the Mexico/Latin America. FremantleMedia and Japanese “Where once the domestic Fine Living Network in EMEA. The MoU signed in Cannes is free-TV broadcaster Fuji TV, and market could be thought of as Last month, Scripps said it the first of its kind, and follows an animation fund between the major profit centre for studios was outsourcing international years of relationship building FremantleMedia Enterprises and and networks, now there are programme distribution to U.K.- between Televisa and Chinese Singapore’s Media Develop- very few shows that don’t reach based Passion Distribution so media groups. Past deals include ment Authority (see Insider, 12 into foreign territories, one way that it could focus on global the local Chinese production April 2010). or another, in order to become channel development. of Betty La Fea. Televisa also “It’s clear that there is an appe- the profit engines they need to The licensing deal kicked recently bought CITVC’s Bruce tite for international partnerships be,” he said.
CASBAA Singapore Satellite Industry Forum 2010 +VOFt4IBOHSJ-B 4JOHBQPSF More Than Bandwidth
011 April 26-May 9, 2010
“We’re all in the same boat” – Hot Spot’s Taha C NTENTASIA There’s a war on and we’re all Brazil, talking to experts about He also didn’t make a local fighting on the same side, says global warming and its impact documentary about the Middle veteran Egyptian docu-maker on Earth. East for a Middle East audience. Editorial Director Assaad Taha. And yet, woefully “Climate change and its sub- Waiting for Armageddon is Janine Stein few people in the Middle East sequent disasters is the last thing an international story for the Assistant Editor are aware of what serious dan- to worry people... All nations Arab world in an entertainment Malena Amzah ger they are in. including ours should agree to climate where way too little at- [email protected] Honoured this year as one tackle the issue,” Taha says in tention is being given to Earth, Research Assistant of MIPDOC’s five international the documentary, executive he says. Winnie Chen documentary trailblazers, Taha’s produced by Al Jazeera. The last 15 minutes of the film, [email protected] newest project is a travelogue- Speaking to ContentAsia on which took about six months to style global warming feature, the eve of this year’s MIPDOC in make, focus on Arab countries. Design Waiting for Armageddon. Cannes earlier this month, Taha “It’s easy to talk about politics Rae Yong “No matter what the scientists says his docu aims to tell a global in the Middle East,” he says. “But [email protected] and experts say, people usually story for an Arab audience. “We global warming? No one talks recognise the threat if it comes share this homeland, and we about that.” Production Manager in the forms of mortar shells and have to save it,” he says. Taha says Waiting for Arma- Nicky Olausson bombs,” he says at the end of He deliberately didn’t take a geddon is totally unlike his previ- [email protected] the 100-minute feature, which straight scientific line, preferring ous documentaries, which have follows him to nine countries, to go at the topic from a human conflict as a core theme. On including Paris, London, Co- and very personal angle, using his global warming, he says, “we’re Associate Publisher penhagen, Greenland and voice, his face, his experiences. all in the same boat”. (Americas, Europe) and VP, International Business From page 9: NatGeo Development to disaster/real-life series. Leah Gordon The rest of the schedule is [email protected] filled with people/bio series (18 Sales and Marketing (Asia) hours/11%), travel (17 hours/10%), Masliana Masron adventure/action (15 hours/9%), [email protected] crime (12 hours/7%), food (5 hours/3%), war (4 hours/2%) and To receive your regular free religion (3 hours/2%). copy of ContentAsia, please Primetime runs from 9pm to Monkey Thieves email [email protected] 11pm daily. ing series World’s Toughest Fixes Nat Geo says its three highest- (series two), which airs Thursdays Published fortnightly by: rated genres are military/historical, at 9pm, and returning series Pencil Media Pte Ltd wildlife and science. Monkey Thieves (series two), a 730A Geylang Road The Military Monday band (9pm- documentary about the life of Among the Great Apes with Singapore 389641 11pm) through April carried Gen- the Galta Gang monkey group in Michelle Yeoh erals At War (6x60 mins), about Jaipur. Monkey Thieves premiered Tel: +65 6846-5987 commanders from World War II’s Wednesday, 7 April, at 9pm. mins, 5 and 6 April); Secrets of the Fax: +65 6742-9683 greatest battles and their quest New series in April included the Jesus Tomb (1x60 mins, 8 April) www.contentasia.tv to outwit/outfight each other. four-part Shark Men (Wednesdays and Insider: Somali Pirates (1x60 Military documentary, War Planes, 10pm), an expedition to unmask mins, 17 April). What is ContentAsia? followed in the 10pm slot. the mysteries of the world’s larg- Last month’s highlights were ContentAsia refines today’s The Earth Week band, com- est predatory fish – the shark; Among the Great Apes with info-deluge into usable, di- memorating Earth Day, through Mystery Files (13x30 mins, Fridays Michelle Yeoh (one of the chan- gestible, and reliable intelli- April scheduled three back-to- 10pm), about legendary figures nel’s top shows so far), featuring gence about entertainment back programmes (Monday, 26 including King Arthur, Robin Hood, celebrity Michelle Yeoh and content creation, funding, financing, licensing, distribu- April) – Six Degrees Could Change Cleopatra and Anastasia; 4Real her adopted orang-utan at the tion, and technology across (8x30 mins, Tuesdays 10pm), an Sepilok Rehabilitation Centre in the World, Shark Eden and Diving the region. ContentAsia’s the Labyrinth – from 1pm to 4pm adventure series about pressing Malaysia; Nasca Lines Decoded, products – including elec- with repeats from 5pm to 8pm. issues and inspiring attitudes and about the mystery of the Nasca tronic, print and online pub- This year’s schedule will also initiatives taken to address them. Lines, and Florence Unlocked, a lications – are tailor-made to include a football/sports-themed Some of the celebrity guests documentary about the Italian deliver just what you need programme line-up for the World featured for season one are city of Florence. whenever you want it. Cup in South Africa. The football line Cameron Diaz, Most Def, Joaquin National Geographic Channel up has not yet been disclosed. Phoenix, Eva Mendez, Casey Af- is operated by Fox International Copyright 2010 Pencil Media Other tentpole returning franchis- fleck and K’naan. Channels Asia and is currently Pte Ltd. All Rights Reserved. es this year include Lonely Planet, Specials include one-hour Fight available in Hong Kong, Macau, MICA (P) 133/11/2009 World’s Toughest Fixes, Big Bigger Masters: Silat (24 April, 10pm), Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines, Biggest and MegaStructures. on the Malay martial art of silat; Singapore, Thailand, Vietnam, April’s schedule includes ongo- Secrets of the 10 Plagues (2x60 Australia, India and Taiwan.
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