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www.onscreenasia.com Vol. 26 | Issue 02 | April-May 2019

PAY-TV CONSOLIDATION TO ACCELERATE IN APAC Daily website update • Bi-monthly Magazine • Searchable archive

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For advertising opportunities, please contact: K. Dass at Tel: (65) 68289333 | email: [email protected] editor’snote

Publishing K.Dass Collaboration & acquisition Editorial Director/Publisher [email protected] paves the way of future video (65) 6828 9333 streaming Editorial Yi An Ang I hear of economic doldrums that have set the stage Editorial AsSISTANT smaller until more doors are open for opportunities in the market. But remember, the show must go [email protected] on and we are the drivers. APOS, the C-Suite (65) 6828 9333 conference in Bali this month ensures promising breakthroughs for telcos, broadcasters, operators, Ang Ler Sing producers and investors as they discuss, assist and Editorial AsSISTANT collaborate in many a times. [email protected] (65) 6828 9333 Setting the stage right and creating opportunities for many is Netflix. The streaming champion Alison Yeo recently announced a new slate of ten original Indian K. Dass, Editorial Director films, taking to 15 the number of Indian movies set Editorial Assistant to be available on the streaming service globally by the end of 2020. Given [email protected] the diversity, history and culture, India is home to powerful stories waiting (65) 6828 9333 to be told to audiences around the world. The depth of talent and vision of its creators is enabling Netflix to create films viewers will fall in love. Netflix strives to be the home for India’s finest filmmakers where their stories travel design/production to more people than ever before. Samantha Tham Graphic Designer Online video hosting platform Vimeo has announced plans to acquire Magisto, [email protected] a video creation service with over 100 million users, in a deal said to be (65) 6828 9333 worth in the region of $200 million. Magisto short-form video creation; as such, the combination of Magisto’s professional video creation capabilities will complement Vimeo’s suite of video hosting, distribution and monetisation tools, the companies said.

Following the acquisition, Vimeo and Magisto will work together to develop new short-form video creation capabilities for the Vimeo platform, and Magisto users will also be able to access Vimeo’s full suite of workflow tools. Here’s a positive story to encourage!

Of all the innovations in sport, OTT streaming will arguably have the most significant impact. Millennial and generation z aren’t watching less sport content; a commonly held view in the industry, but the mechanisms upon which they engage with that content is changing. As these types of fans demand more flexibility, more engagement and lower prices to access their favourite clubs and teams, operators of all sizes need to invest in the areas where their audiences see value in order to keep pace.

Topping the news is AT&T and Hulu. Fulfilling regulatory obligations of the mega merger with the media behemoth, communications giant AT&T has sold the minority stake in the Hulu OTT service that it gained through acquiring WarnerMedia back to the joint venture.

With AT&T’s 9.5% interest worth at US$1.43 billion, the transaction values Hulu at US$15 billion. The communications provider noted that the transaction did not require any governmental or other third-party approvals and was simultaneously signed and closed.

Launched in 2008 as a J/V between Disney, 21st Century Fox and TimeWarner, Hulu has grown to more than 25 million subscribers, adding eight million in 2018 alone. The divestment by AT&T of the TimeWarner share, Pte Ltd about 9.5% of the Hulu business, now means that it is now 70%-owned by 39 MacTaggart Road Disney, following its takeover of Fox’s assets, and 30% by Comcast. #05-01 Asia Media Center, Singapore 368084 Tel: +65 6828 9333

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april-may 2018 television asia plus | 1 contents

3 The Rundown A lfred Haber secures rights to Motown 60: 8 People 3 A GRAMMY Celebration 9 APOS Alfred Haber, President of Alfred Haber, Inc., announced 16 C-Suite that the company has secured 18 Feature the exclusive international 21 Review distribution television rights to Motown 60: A GRAMMY Celebration, the two- hour special honouring the legendary record label, Motown Records, which introduced the world to the incredible sounds of popular soul and R&B music. 4 Pact announces new legal framework 5 i r o n m a n for UK-China co- appoints CPLG productions As Licensing APAC Rising Agent 9 Here are our insights on what’s to come in 2019 10 Pay-TV consolidation to accelerate in the Asia-Pacific region - in APAC including new offerings from • MPA releases latest edition of Pay-TV OTT providers, new data Networks Channel Database activation technology and increased transparency • Severe deterioration for earnings and efforts throughout the supply profits ex-India in 2018 chain. K. Dass reviews. •Quest for synergies and scale will speed up consolidation

TV5MONDE’s Alexandre 13 Muller Global fixed- 15 K. Dass examines the French powerhouse broadband in Asia that has transformed into an market to influential global TV network with a huge 17 reach 1 billion subscribers base. subscribers by end-2019 Viu the power of social media engagement 18 PCCW’s Managing Director, Janice Lee NIPPON TV Malaysia to host MusicXpo said, “There are more than 3.4 billion active Format heads to MIPTV social media users in the world today Business: Why with Four more and ForuMuzik which represents nearly 80% of all internet in KL Jamm users. The digital generation is constantly don’t Japan new scripted and actively engaging on social media in and Korea buy formats particular with their social media idols. We want to embrace this phenomenon, and more formats? 19 therefore put social media at the heart of No Sleep No FOMO. We have integrated 20 new interactive social media elements into The Amazing 22 the production and let our fans participate and be a part of the idols’ adventure, turning Sunway City viewers into active co-creators of the show.” Pact announces new 29 Challenge Premieres legal framework for UK- to International China co-productions Audience

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NENT Group and NBC Universal extend exclusive content partnership

Nordic Entertainment Group (NENT Group) and NBC Universal (NBCU) have extended their long-term exclusive content partnership in a multi-year deal. New films from NBCU will reach viewers in Sweden, Norway, Denmark and Finland first on NENT Group’s Viaplay streaming Alfred Haber secures rights to Motown 60: A service and Viasat pay-TV channels, GRAMMY Celebration along with an extensive range of popular NBCU library titles. A broad PALISADES PARK, N.J – Alfred Haber, President of Alfred Haber, Inc., selection of NBCU’s TV series will also be available on NENT Group’s free-TV announced that the company has secured the exclusive international channels. distribution television rights to Motown 60: A GRAMMY Celebration, the two- hour special honouring the legendary record label, Motown Records, which The line-up of new and upcoming films includes action adventures such as introduced the world to the incredible sounds of popular soul and R&B music. Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom and Fast & Furious Presents: Hobbs & Shaw; dramas such as Fifty Shades Freed and Lady Bird; musicals like Mamma Hosted by Cedric the Entertainer and music legend Smokey Robinson, Mia! Here We Go Again; kids films including Paddington 2, How to Train Your Motown 60: A GRAMMY Celebration features an all-star line-up of performers Dragon: The Hidden World, Sing 2, Minions 2 and The Secret Life of Pets 2; including Motown icons Diana Ross and Stevie Wonder, as well as Ciara, and many more. Chloe X Halle, Fantasia, Tori Kelly, John Legend, NE-YO, Pentatonix, Meghan Trainor, and more. A wide array of classic TV series and films from NBCU’s extensive library will also be available on Viaplay and Viasat. Selected new and library NBCU films Some of the classic Motown songs featured in this musical tribute include I’ll will be shown on NENT Group’s free-TV channels, along with popular reality Be There, My Girl, You Can’t Hurry Love, Please Mr. Postman, Ain’t Nothing series such as Keeping Up with the Kardashians and The Real Housewives Like The Real Thing, Nowhere To Run, Superstition, Shop Around, All Night of Beverly Hills. Long, What’s Going On, Super Freak, I Can’t Help Myself (Sugar Pie, Honey Bunch), and more. Also, the incomparable Robinson shares a medley of his Viewers can also continue to access content from NBCU’s pop culture greatest hits, including The Tracks Of My Tears, Ooh Baby Baby and Tears Of A Clown. channel E! via NENT Group’s streaming and IPTV services. TVAplus

Motown 60: A GRAMMY Celebration is produced by AEG Ehrlich Ventures, LLC. Ehrlich is executive producer, Ron Basile, and Chantel Sausedo are producers, and David Wild is the writer/producer. TVAplus

E! Asia launches ‘BE POP CULTURED’ Campaign

SINGAPORE – E! Asia – NBCUniversal International Networks’ (NBCUIN) ABS-CBN’s ISD partners with Animation Intl. Ltd. pop culture powerhouse – announced the launch of its ‘BE POP CULTURED’ campaign for E! Online Asia – the new, ultimate digital destination for all The titular robot cat from the future, along with his friends Nobita, Shizuka, Suneo, and Takeshi was introduced to the public as a member of the things entertainment from Hollywood to Hallyu and everywhere in between. Kapamilya network during a recent trade event. ABS-CBN’s Acquisitions and International Sales Distribution (ISD) division partners with Animation Intl. The multi-platform campaign features quotes designed to test audiences’ Ltd., ShoPro, and ADK Emoticons, Inc., the companies that owns the rights topical knowledge with cheeky, pop culture references such as “If you think to distribute the Doreamon franchise. Catriona Gray is a new colour, you need to be pop cultured.” Set to air on ABS-CBN’s TVplus channel, YeY!, starting May, Doraemon”follows the adventures of Nobita Nobi, a young boy who suffers from bullying, and The campaign embraces what it means to be “in-the-know” and reflects E! his trusty friend Doraemon, a robotic cat sent by one of his descendants Online Asia’s unique position delivering Asia’s Pop Culture fans celebrity, from the future to protect and guide Nobita. Using his four-dimensional entertainment and lifestyle content driven through an Asian lens. Focusing pocket from where Doraemon pulls his gadgets, Doraemon helps Nobita in on the latest news, blended with innovative digital content featuring an his adventures. assortment of digital lifestyle video series spotlighting Asian stars and Watch out for the premier of Doraemon on May 27 at 5 pm on YeY, available Hollywood celebrities in Asia. TVAplus on ABS-CBN’s TVplus. TVAplus

april-may 2018 television asia plus | 3 therundown

Cartoon Network celebrates 20 years of The Powerpuff Girls A+E Networks’ Seven Year Switch launches in Italy and Finland SINGAPORE – On International Women’s Day, Cartoon Network officially NEW YORK – On the heels of ratings success around the globe for its celebrates the birthday of The Powerpuff Girls in Asia with #Empowerpuff. The hugely popular social experiment format, Seven Year Switch, A+E Networks campaign is a movement that embraces empowerment and puts the spotlight is launching local versions in Italy and Finland. on driven girls, young ladies and women who are Asia’s game changers. Local productions of Seven Year Switch will premiere Monday, March Can you believe that it has been 20 years since super-cute/super-fierce trio 11, 2019 on Fox Life in Italy and Nelonen in Finland, joining Seven first used their awesome powers to save the world before bedtime? Time Network Australia, Antena 3 Spain, RTL4 Netherlands, C4 UK and LIFETIME flies as fast as these wide-eyed superheroes, and now Cartoon Network is U.S. who have all achieved success with the A+E Networks format. celebrating the ultimate girl-power ambassadors in ways that would make even Princess Morbucks happy. In Australia, the format’s first season on Seven Network consistently ranked as the top one or two series for the night with key demos across its run. In the UK, all 6 premieres on Channel 4 ranked #1 in their timeslot with all 16- Over the next few months, Cartoon Network will premiere a series of short- 34s. In Spain, the format ranked #2 in its time slot on Antena 3 with Women form content on its social and digital platforms featuring trailblazers making 16-54 and all 25-44s. In the Netherlands, it ranked as the #2 most watched a name for themselves. The series will include the likes of Singapore-based channel among A25-54. The premiere seasons of Seven Year Switch in the crochet artist Kelly Limerick and Instagram baking sensation Susanne UK, Australia, and Spain each averaged 1 million total viewers or more. Decochiffon, in addition to other influencers in the Philippines. Each woman will share their life-story and will partner with Cartoon Network to create Seven years marks a point in many romances when couples find themselves bespoke experiences, content and products. restless and dissatisfied; some even wonder what it would be like if they had picked a different partner. Seven Year Switch lets them find out as it follows These local and regional efforts come under the larger initiative which the journeys of couples at a breaking point. Each of the couples participate includes a global content-creation partnership with five female artists to in an innovative experiment known as “switch therapy” in which they swap create seven seconds of animation of The Powerpuff Girls in their own unique partners and take part in experimental relationships with a stranger for two weeks. It is the ultimate social experiment to determine whether absence style. The five included two from Asia: Dahee Jeong from South Korea and really does make the heart grow fonder. TVAplus Xiya Lan from China. TVAplus

Pact announces new legal framework for UK-China co-productions

LONDON – The leading UK producers trade association, announced a new legal framework, designed to protect the sharing of confidential ideas and intellectual property between UK and Chinese co production partners.

Fully compliant with both UK and Chinese law, the new framework is a new addition to a suite of legal and logistics documents featured SERIES MANIA hosts the International Premiere of CBS’ in the UK-China Film & TV Toolkit, a The Twilight Zone Dawn McCarthy resource developed along with the UK’s Intellectual Property Attaché to China based in the British Embassy in SERIES MANIA will be hosting the International Premiere of the classic Beijing and the British Film Institute (BFI). cult series re-imagining: The Twilight Zone. The programme will be as follows on Saturday March 30th, 3.30pm at UGC: screening of 2 exclusive Announced on the eve of the 3rd annual UK China Creative Exchange episodes, Nightmare at 30.000 Feet and The Comedian, including a programme, the new framework is designed to foster deeper collaboration masterclass with Adam Scott. between British and Chinese content producers and stimulate trade by protecting and promoting the co creation of ideas. Jordan Peele and Simon Kinberg’s modern re-imagining of the classic series will premiere on April 1 on CBS All Access in the U.S. Peele will also host and Supported by the Department for International Trade (DIT) and the Department narrate the new series. for Digital, Culture Media and Sport (DCMS), the 2019 UK China Creative Exchange sees eleven executives from leading Chinese broadcasters and The original The Twilight Zone premiered on Oct 2, 1959 on CBS. The series production companies travel the UK to co create new programming ideas took viewers to another dimension, a dimension not only of sight and sound, with UK partners. but of mind. As the godfather of sci-fi series, the show explored humanity’s hopes, despairs, prides and prejudices in metaphoric ways conventional During the week-long programme, each Chinese executive will visit three dramas could not. participating indies across the UK’s nations and regions and work to build strategic relationships and co-develop projects. There will also be facilitated On April 1, 2019, viewers will enter another dimension with Jordan Peele kick-off and wrap-up sessions in London to aid the participants in developing and Simon Kinberg’s modern re-imagining of the classic. The Twilight Zone joint ways of working. TVAplus anthology series will bring the original show’s legacy of socially conscious storytelling to modern day audiences, exploring the human condition and holding a lens up to the culture of our times. TVAplus

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Tech Storm TV inks deal with Sony Pictures, all3media and Looking Glass

SINGAPORE – Tech Storm TV recently picked up shows from major content distributors, Sony Pictures Television, all3media international and Looking Glass International. Shows include Shark Tank, StartUp, Buy It Now, The Gadget Show, VR 101, Future of Mobility and others.

Tech Storm TV Founder and CEO Debbie Lee shared that it is high time to raise the bar by introducing a fresh new way to engage with Asian audiences. “As the world’s first tech and entrepreneurship media destination, we are delighted to work with top notch, best in-class content providers to add their titles to our line-up for non-stop entertainment and exclusive content for Beecham House MIPTV World Premiere TV Screening as savvy audiences looking for unique entertainment.” part of CANNESERIES Tech Storm TV actively seeks to expand its content and interests to include PARIS – Beecham House, Fremantle and Bend It TV’s new original series TV shows on demand to its channel. TVAplus from director and creator Gurinder Chadha (Bend It Like Beckham), will have its MIPTV World Premiere as part of CANNESERIES on Sunday 7 April, at 7.00pm in the Palais des Festivals (Grand Auditorium Lumière). Major broadcaster speeds up delivery of flagship content with Bitmovin The international market for TV content development and distribution, MIPTV (8- 11 April 2019), and the Cannes International Series Festival, CANNESERIES LONDON – Bitmovin, a world leader in online video technology, announced (5-10 April 2019) will team up for two joint events with World Premieres that the British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC) is using the Bitmovin preceded by the Pink Carpet: Sunday 7 April and Tuesday 9 April. The Encoder to speed content preparation and maximise quality for selected Tuesday screening will be announced shortly. live and UHD content on Catch Up TV and Video on Demand (VOD) services.

From award-winning production company Bend It TV, part of the Fremantle The Bitmovin solution enables the broadcaster to make live shows from the production family, Beecham House is set on the cusp of the 19th century in BBC’s TV channels available rapidly on satellite provider set-top boxes (STBs), Delhi before the British ruled in that region. so flagship programmes can be seen soon after the time of broadcast.

Beecham House depicts the fortunes of the residents of an imposing The Bitmovin Encoder solution utilizes proven massively parallel processing mansion surrounded by acres of exotic woods and pristine lawns. Tom for fast encoding. The content can, therefore, be available in the required Bateman (Vanity Fair, Jekyll and Hyde, Murder on the Orient Express) takes format shortly after the live broadcast or episodic TV series release from the role of enigmatic, soulful John Beecham, a handsome former soldier who post production, and delivered to consumers using a public cloud-based has purchased the magnificent mansion, Beecham House, to begin a new life platform. with his family. The solution is also being used in ultra-high definition (UHD) and High Dynamic The ensemble cast includes Lesley Nicol (Downton Abbey), Gregory Fitoussi Range (HDR) trials. This includes Dynasties on the broadcaster’s on-demand (Mr. Selfridge, The Bureau), Adil Ray (Citizen Khan, Ackley Bridge), Pallavi service, which was available via hundreds of Smart TVs and cable provider Sharda (Lion), Dakota Blue Richards (Endeavour), Leo Suter (Clique, Victoria), set-top boxes. TVAplus Bessie Carter (Howard’s End), Viveik Kalra (Blinded By The Light) and Marc Warren (Safe, Hustle). TVAplus IRONMAN appoints CPLG As Licensing Agent

LONDON – IRONMAN, a Wanda Sports Holdings Company, has appointed CPLG as its licensing agent for the IRONMAN Triathlon Series and the IRONSPORT brand in Europe.

CPLG will work closely with the IRONMAN Group to develop a range of strategic licensing alliances with best-in-class licensees across a range of categories, including loungewear, underwear, winter accessories, bags and luggage, fitness accessories, healthy snacks, meal kits, homewares and personal care.

The IRONMAN Triathlon Series offers athletes the opportunity to push beyond their perceived limits by swimming 2.4 miles (3.8km), biking 112 miles (190km) and running 26.2 (42.2km) miles in route to completing one of the world’s most challenging single-day endurance races and earning the coveted title of IRONMAN. Since its inception in 1978, the IRONMAN triathlon has come to represent the ultimate test of body, mind and spirit for both professional and amateur athletes.

Phase two of the licensing program will see CPLG develop a range of IRONSPORT products for non-technical apparel and athleisure wear, fitness and training accessories, outdoor sporting gear and beyond. To inspire aspirational athletes, the IRONSPORT powered by IRONMAN brand was launched in 2018. The brand extends IRONMAN to those who are passionate about living a fun, active, fitness-fueled life through outstanding products and services. TVAplus

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Hotstar announces first-ever social cricket-watching experience for VIVO IPL 2019

MUMBAI – Hotstar, India’s leading premium streaming platform, is poised to elevate the experience for the upcoming VIVO IPL 2019, India’s largest sporting extravaganza. With the motto of ‘Koi Yaar Nahi Far’, the streaming giant is rolling out a first-ever social cricket-watching experience for the new season which kicks off on 23 March 2019.

This year, with ‘Koi Yaar Nahi Far’, Hotstar will bring people together irrespective of their location. Viewers will get the opportunity to invite their friends and family to Hotstar, enabling them to watch the matches and participate in the Watch N’Play game together. Fans will be able to compete and see where they stand against their friends and family through the new social leader board.

They will also be able to make their voices heard by chatting about the match or their Watch N’Play experience, not only with their friends and family, but also with experts and celebrities. In an interesting product integration, winners of the Watch N’Play games will be able to redeem their points courtesy the exclusive partnership with Amazon Pay. The campaign TVC showcasing these features rolls out on 8th March 2019.

As a global first, Hotstar is offering ad targeting for live sports at a scale like never before, making the 12th edition of VIVO IPL an exciting affair for all involved. Advertisers will be able to target 24 different cohorts during the live streaming. Additionally, through contextual branded cards showcasing offers, mini-games, and polls, brands have been provided with a unique opportunity to engage viewers at scale during a live game and be a part of their moments of joy for the entire tournament. TVAplus

Dielectric wins large TV and radio antenna deals in the Philippines

RAYMOND, MAINE – Dielectric, the leading manufacturer of broadcast antennas and RF systems for TV and radio, today reports that Philippines partner 90 Degrees North has secured several UHF TV and FMbroadcast antenna deals in the country. APC Kids starts gaming roll out for Kid-E-Cats

The projects include high-power FM antennas for a religious radio station run PARIS/LONDON – APC Kids, the children’s entertainment distribution by Far East Broadcasting Company (FEBC), low-power FM antennas for state- company of boutique co-producer and distributor About Premium Content run Philippine Broadcasting Service (PBS), and a TUM panel UHF DTV antenna (APC), has started rolling out the global gaming plan for its hit animated for CNN Philippines (CNN PH). The latter is owned and operated by Nine series Kid-E-Cats, signing a deal with Russian developer DEVGAME to exploit Media Corporation in association with Radio Philippines Network (RPN). six mobile games worldwide (excluding Russia, CIS, Australia and China).

For CNN Philippines, Dielectric received a purchase order for a new 30 kW TUM Following a successful launch in the CIS countries with seven million panel UHF DTV antenna that is scheduled to ship in May for an early July downloads of the ‘Kid-E-Cats: Picnic’ app, the new games will now roll out installation. Launched in 2015, CNN PH broadcasts 24-hour programming internationally in 16 different languages. The games are all based on stories primarily via terrestrial TV towers, supplemented by cable TV, satellite and from Kid-E-Cats and will involve mini-games that train the memory, improve streaming media services. logical thinking and develop motor skills in children. According to John Achilles Denna, CEO/COO of 90 Degrees North, Inc., CNN PH is taking proactive steps to transition from its analog VHF operation Kid-E-Cats tells the story of three kittens: Cookie, Pudding and their kid sister to the ISDB-T DTV broadcast standard. This move initially only affects Candy who are forever ready to jump into action with endless enthusiasm their Mega Manila operation’s move to Channel 19, while the rest of its and energy. Their imagination also knows no bounds, and these kitties are large station group will continue broadcasting in analogfrom terrestrial capable of the most absurdly funny problem-solving suggestions. Through towers around the nation’s 7,000+ islands. life’s little lessons, they learn to look before they leap - well sometimes!

Since the new TUM panel antenna is wideband and suitable for multiplexing The series is based on an original Russian series produced by CTC Media channels, Cory Edwards, global sales for Dielectric, explained that this gives and Studio Metrafilms and is the second-best performing pre-school series CNN PH the flexibility to lease its spare bandwidth to other broadcasters— in Russia. The third season is currently in production following a commission or to launch new channels of its own—to help defray its operational and from CTC last year and series one and two are currently available on Nick Jr upgrade costs. Having multiple transmitters feeding a single antenna also internationally in over 170 territories following a deal signed between APC reduces operating costs. TVAplus Kids and Nickelodeon International last year. TVAplus Series Mania Forum announces winner of the co-pro pitching sessions

LILLE, FRANCE – Ms. Laurence Herszberg, founder and general director of Series Mania, and professional jury president Meghan Lyvers, SVP Co-Production & Development, CBS Studios International, announced this evening the winning project of Series Mania Forum’s annual Co-Pro Pitching Sessions.

Of the 16 projects selected and pitched on the first day of Series Mania Forum, the industry arm of the Series Mania Festival, the jury team selected the French drama series Purple as winner of the Series Mania Forum Best Project Award.

Along with Lyvers, the jury included Nathalie Biancolli, Director of Acquisitions & International Fiction, France Télévisions; Anne Croneman, Head of Programme Film & TV Drama, SVT; Caroline Torrance, Head of Scripted, Banijay Rights; and Christian Vesper, EVP & Creative Director for Global Drama, Fremantle. Together they had the honor of presenting a check for €50,000 to Harold Valentin, Aurélien Larger, and Simon Trouilloud from Mother Production, who are teaming with Judith Nora and Priscilla Bertin of Silex Films and writer-creators Judith Havas and Noémie de Lapparent to produce Purple, a drama set at a ‘90s Paris lesbian nightclub. TVAplus

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CBS announces premiere dates for drama series

CBS announced premiere dates for drama series airing this summer, including the new action-adventure series Blood & Treasure; the seventh and final season of the modern day Sherlock Holmes and Dr. Watson drama, Elementary; and the second season of Instinct, starring Alan Cumming and Bojana Novakovic.

The new action-adventure series Blood & Treasure premieres with a special two-hour episode Tuesday, May 21 (9:00-11:00 PM, ET/PT), following the season finale of NCIS (8:00-9:00 PM, ET/PT). The NCIS: New Orleans season finale moves up one week to Tuesday, May 14 (10:00-11:00 PM, ET/PT). Endemol Shine Israel’s hit drama series sold to SBS Blood & Treasure airs in its regular time period beginning Tuesday, May Australia 28 (10:00-11:00 PM, ET/PT). The serialized drama stars Matt Barr and Sofia Global content creator, producer and distributor Endemol Shine Group Pernas as a brilliant antiquities expert and a cunning art thief, respectively, announced that hit Israeli drama Harem has sold to SBS in Australia. who team up to catch a ruthless terrorist who funds his attacks through stolen treasure. As they crisscross the globe hunting their target, they Created and produced by Endemol Shine Israel for Reshet 13, Harem is unexpectedly find themselves at the center of a 2,000-year-old battle for the inspired by cults in Israel and the world, this fictional tale tells the exhilarating cradle of civilization. story of a charismatic mystic healer who lives in Tel Aviv with 20 wives, who birthed him more than 40 children. Elementary begins its farewell season Thursday, May 23 (10:00-11:00 PM, ET/PT). In season seven, Holmes (Jonny Lee Miller) and Watson’s (Lucy Liu) The series has been ordered for a second run which is currently in production new careers as consultants for Scotland Yard are disrupted by news that a with creators Anat Barzilai, Hadar Galron and Gadi Taub. The deal was member of their inner circle has been gravely wounded in the United States. negotiated ahead of Series Mania by Endemol Shine International’s Sales Director Australia and New Zealand, Lyle Bettson-Barker. As Holmes’ stateside legal trouble – the result of a confession to a murder he didn’t commit – threatens to keep them from returning to New York, their Endemol Shine Group’s award-winning labels include those from the Nordics greatest foe to date, tech billionaire Odin Reichenbach (James Frain), waits (Filmlance, Rubicon), Germany (Wiedemann and Berg), Netherlands (NL on the horizon to test their limits. TVAplus Films), France (ES Fiction), Iberia (Diagonal), and scripted teams in Israel, Italy, Poland, Russia, India and China. Last year these labels were behind 50 non-English language scripted productions.

Other recent and forthcoming dramas from Endemol Shine Israel include Queens for broadcaster HOT which is in production for a second series and Just for Today for YES which has been selected for Series Mania’s Official Competition with a premiere screening on 23rd March at 19:00 in Lille, France. TVAplus

29% of Indonesian consumers use pirated TV Boxes

JAKARTA – In a recent study of the online content viewing behaviour of Indonesian consumers, it was revealed that 29% of consumers use a TV box ABS-CBN documentaries to screen in Hong Kong which can be used to stream pirated television and video content. These TV boxes, also known as Illicit Streaming Devices (ISDs), allow users to access hundreds of pirated television channels and video-on-demand content. ABS-CBN DocuCentral’s two documentaries—HIV Rising, which tackles Pirated applications which are either free of charge or charge low subscription the growing number of HIV cases in the Philippines and Hallyu and I, an in- fees are also often come pre-loaded which provide ‘plug-and-play’ access depth look on the Korean wave phenomenon—will be showcased to global to pirated content. The survey found that IndoXXI Lite, LiveStream TV and audiences as it screens in the Hong Kong International Film and TV Market LK 21 Reborn are among the most popular pirate applications amongst (FILMART). Indonesian consumers. More alarmingly, 55% of respondents admitted to using free streaming services, with the IndoXXI Lite app (29%) in particular Dubbed as Asia’s largest entertainment market fair, Hong Kong FILMART representing a larger userbase than all local legitimate online video platforms gathers industry professionals to exhibit their best works, launch projects, combined (19%). and more from March 18 to 21. This year’s fair will screen to attendees HIV The survey, commissioned by the Asia Video Industry Association’s (AVIA) Rising on March 18 and Hallyu and I on March 20 after both documentaries Coalition Against Piracy (CAP), and conducted by YouGov, also highlights premiered last year in the country via ABS-CBN. the detrimental effects of streaming piracy on legitimate subscription video services. Of the 29% of consumers who purchased an illicit streaming device HIV Rising, a documentary of award-winning broadcast journalist Korina for free streaming, two in three (66%) stated that they cancelled all or some Sanchez-Roxas, aims to shed light on Filipinos who live with HIV and AIDS and of their subscription to legal pay TV services. Specifically, 33% asserted investigates probable links of the rising HIV cases to the “hook up” culture. that they cancelled their subscriptions to an Indonesian-based online video Experts from the Department of Health (DOH), Department of Education service as a direct consequence of owning an ISD. International subscription (DepEd), the Research Institute for Tropical Medicine, and various NGOs also services, which include pan-Asia online offerings, were also impacted - more share their insights in this slow epidemic affecting the Philippines. than one in three (31%) Indonesian users abandoned subscriptions in favour of ISD purchases. Meanwhile, in Hallyu and I, ABS-CBN reporter Marie Lozano flies to South The surge in popularity of ISDs is not unique to Indonesia. Similar YouGov Korea to uncover what makes Korean culture so well loved by Filipinos consumer research has been undertaken in other South East Asian countries and other nationalities from across the globe. To understand the “Hallyu” where high levels of ISD usage was also found: 15% of Singapore consumers, phenomenon, Marie visits shoot locations of Korean drama series, 20% of Hong Kong consumers, 25% of Malaysian consumers, 28% of Filipino interviews Korean superstar Lee Dong-Wook of Goblin, samples traditional consumers and 34% consumers of Taiwanese consumers use a TV box which Korean dishes, and immerses herself in Korean beauty and fashion in the can be used to stream pirated television and video content. TVAplus Myeongdong district. TVAplus

april-may 2018 television asia plus | 7 people

Endemol Shine Group appoints new Head Thomas Schmidt Joins ESL as Chief of Digital Distribution & Monetisation Commercial Officer MTG is pleased to announce Thomas Schmidt is joining ESL as Chief Global content creator, producer and Commercial Officer to support the world’s largest esports company distributor, Endemol Shine Group, achieve its ambitious growth plans. announced the appointment of Kasia Jablonska as Head of Digital Before joining ESL as a Non-Executive Board Member in October 2018, Distribution & Monetisation. Thomas was responsible for the global media rights business of the UEFA Champions League and the UEFA Europa League. In his new role Kasia will join Endemol Shine in April, as Chief Commercial Officer, he will be responsible for developing ESL’s reporting into the Group Director global sales and expanding all existing and new brand partners and of Commercial Operations, Yannick media distribution revenue streams. Ferrero. She will beresponsible for building on the success of Endemol Kasia Jablonska Jørgen Madsen Lindemann, President CEO of MTG: “Thomas’s Shine Group’s VOD, AVOD, SVOD, to showcase their catalogue of experience in expanding the distribution and marketing of the UEFA PPV and Electronic Sell-Through content beyond linear, from YouTube Champions League will together with the ESL team help this young businesses, maximising the value to Facebook, TikTok, Amazon, Roku esports industry reach its true potential. He is a great addition to the of the Group’s content across these and Xumo to name a few. The digital ESL team and will be key to driving continued growth for MTG’s world- areas. Kasia will also lead the Group’s team works closely with distribution leading esports business.” digital distribution strategy globally arm Endemol Shine International to and in local markets, identifying maximise opportunities across the Thomas Schmidt: “Over the past few years, esports enjoyed an explosive emerging platforms and new Group’s deep content library which growth in popularity all around the world. However, the commercial opportunities for growth. contains more than 100,000 hours of development of esports is still in its infancy and has just started to programming. explore its potential. Kasia joins Endemol Shine Group from media strategy consultancy Endemol Shine Group’s digital team ESL is the global powerhouse of esports, and in my view best placed to firm MK&K Consultants, which she have recently launched a number of drive the sport forward and lead its commercial direction. I’m delighted founded in 2018. Previous positions successful genre-based channels such to join ESL’s vibrant team of ambitious and talented people.” include senior commercial and affiliate as Reel Truth which features factual sales roles at Scripps Networks, A+E documentaries and series from around The esports industry is expected to continue to grow significantly over Networks and NBC Universal. the world. The Group are also seeing the next several years, reaching USD $1.663 billion revenue by 2021. success on emerging platforms This represents an 85 percent increase compared to today according to Endemol Shine Group’s digital content including TikTok where brands such the Newzoo September 2018 market report update. ESL will continue attracts significant global audiences, as Simon’s Cat and Mr Bean are and solidify its global leadership in the industry as the go-to brand of averaging over 3 billion monthly video finding significant new audiences with views across Facebook, Instagram, choice for esports. TVAplus each attracting more than 500k fans Twitter and YouTube alone. since joining the platform in January. And Mr Bean continues to amass DHX Media appoints two new Distribution The Group’s digital team are huge audiences across multiple Sales Managers responsible for licensing and self- platforms globally, with more than 83 publishing content and curated million page likes on Facebook and channels across digital platforms. surpassing 12 million fans on official They partner with a variety of platforms YouTube channels. TVAplus Insight TV appoints Head of Global Brand Partnerships Amsterdam, Netherlands – Insight TV, the world’s leading 4K UHD HDR broadcaster and producer of native UHD content, has appointed Joost Geurtsen as Head of Global Brand Partnerships. Geurtsen will use both Darcee McCartney Rebecca Lugo his extensive commercial experience and creative skills to foster Insight Halifax NS – DHX Media, a global children’s content and brands TV’s branded entertainment and sponsorships for continued growth. company, announced that it has bolstered its Distribution sales team for key territories with two promotions. Darcee McCartney and Rebecca This latest appointment further reflects Insight TV’s commitment to its brand Lugo have both been promoted to the position of Sales Manager, solutions and media sales department, which launched in October 2018. The team reporting to Jerry Diaz, VP, Distribution. is responsible for leading the experimentation of new innovative ways of telling brand stories, thereby attracting consumer engagement, leveraging Ms. McCartney will oversee client relationships for Central Eastern Insight TV’s original productions, global influencer network and consumer Europe, Poland, Russia, Portugal, Greece, Turkey, Middle East, and insights so that brands can deliver entertainment to their target audiences. Africa. Based in Toronto, Ms. McCartney has been with DHX Media for seven years and was previously Senior Manager, Client Operations. She For the past two years, Geurtsen held the position of Creative holds a BA in Radio and Television Arts from Ryerson University. Director at EndemolShine, working in the company’s commercial partnerships Ms. Lugo will oversee client relationships for Latin America, Brazil, US department at its global headquarters in London. Together with brand marketeers Hispanic, Local US Digital, Ireland, and In-flight. Based in Toronto, Ms. and creatives from all over the world, he developed and executed multi-territory Lugo has been with DHX Media for five years and was previously a Sales branded entertainment projects and managed partnerships with both consumer Associate. She holds a BFA in Film Production from York University. brands and social networks.

“Both Darcee and Rebecca are passionate about kids’ and family shows Prior to this he worked as a digital consultant in the PR industry. This was and have a keen understanding of the international content market,” said when he first discovered the power and possibilities of branded content and Mr. Diaz. “We’re confident they’ll be strong assets on the sales team, and storytelling. When he moved to EndemolShine, the world’s largest independent we’re happy they’ll be joining us at Miptv this April to share our exciting TV production company, he put this experience to use to develop native branded entertainment concepts and creative sponsor integrations in new and existing slate of new shows with clients, as well as our deep library of classics.” formats. TVAplus TVAplus

8 | television asia plus april-may 2019 APOS:feature APAC Rising

Here are some insights on what to expect in 2019 in the Asia-Pacific region - including new offerings from OTT providers, new data activation technology and increased transparency efforts throughout the supply chain. K. Dass reviews.

2018 was a year of record growth for online video in Asia-Pacific There is no dough that innovation (APAC), with overall digital ad in the TV space is really starting spend in the region continuing to to fire up in Asia, with a steady grow and become a significant stream of OTT services from contributor to global ad spend broadcasters, telcos and other with 5 of the top markets for media owners hitting the market. the region and also challenges for personalised ad serving in long- growth being in the region. Services like Malaysia’s Iflix, existing broadcasters to innovate form content. It also represents Singapore’s HOOQ, Indonesia’s in order to compete and maintain exciting new personalised The key drivers of this continual OONA, Hong Kong’s Viu, Vietnam’s audience share. advertising opportunities for growth were the boom in over- VTC Now and options like Netflix’s brands in 2019, as media owners the-top (OTT) video services lower-priced mobile only plan are The good news, all this means use this technology to stitch pods and connected TV (CTV) devices just a few examples. huge growth in premium, brand- of ads into long-form content and the amount of video being safe, long-form content for to mimic the TV advertising streamed on mobile devices, an A true mobile-first region, Asia will brands to run video ads against. experience. arena where APAC is a real market see more OTT services focusing leader. As audience targeting on mobile offerings, as well as the Hot on the heels of video-on- Advertisers are gaining access to improves, and better quality transition of SVOD (subscription demand services, is the uptake more data every day. But, while video ad experiences are being video on demand) services to of live and linear programming in there is a wealth of data available, offered on connected devices, AVOD services (advertising- OTT environments. This growth there have been long-standing the spike in video ad spend is set funded video on demand). This opens up the opportunity for challenges stalling its use. to continue. creates a new opportunity across dynamic SSAI, the technology A publisher’s audience is arguably behind the move to dynamic, its most valuable resource, but if the data that comes along with it isn’t leveraged, that value is decreased. With advances in cookie-less targeting for mobile and connected TV devices, all environments are available for personalised ad serving.

For connected TV, advertisers should employ a similar strategy as linear TV – less restrictive in terms of execution length than mobile devices. In the near future, there will be increased buying and selling that mimics the way advertisers buy linear TV inventory, but with the ability to target the same consumer with cohesive messages as they access content across different screens. TVAplus

APOS Keynote Speakers

Allen Andre Avinash Bill Carter Lew Kudelski Himatsinghani Holmes Pilcher

april-may 2019 television asia plus | 9 APOS:feature Pay-TV consolidation to accelerate in APAC • MPA releases latest edition of Pay-TV Networks Channel Database • Severe deterioration for earnings and profits ex-India in 2018 • Quest for synergies and scale will speed up consolidation

The pay-TV markets in Asia-Pacific US$0.9 billion, approximately from MPA’s Pay-TV Networks for the consumer wallet with an is entering a phase of accelerated the same rate of decline as Channel Database, executive increasingly scalable Disney and consolidation as subscriber 2018, ramping up industry director Vivek Couto said: a newly integrated WarnerMedia growth and spend deteriorates pressure. India stands alone as “Consumer demand for traditional within AT&T.” across key territories, according the last major buffer against pay-TV has been impacted forever to leading independent research & secular weakness in pay-TV in by high-speed broadband, which MPA’s Pay-TV Networks Channel consulting group, Media Partners Asia, although new regulations is driving rapid increases in Database includes the following Asia (MPA). The latest edition of threaten pay-TV subscription and online video consumption as well businesses: (1) Star India & MPA’s Pay-TV Networks Channel advertising growth in India too, at as piracy. These trends have Fox Networks, both now part Database, published today, shows least in the near term. The 2018 intensified downward pressure of Disney, as well as Disney’s that aggregate revenues across fall in Ebitda steepens to an 8% across Asia’s pay-TV ecosystem, own branded channels; (2) 13 major pay-TV networks in Asia drop to ~US$0.5 billion for the especially in Southeast Asia, WarnerMedia networks owned Pacific grew by just 1% in 2018 to measured companies when Star led by Singapore and Malaysia, & operated by HBO and Turner; reach ~US$4.9 billion (after 5% India and Sony India are excluded. alongside secular shifts in (3) Sony India (including Ten growth in 2017), while combined Australia and New Zealand. This Sports) plus Sony’s ex-India Ebitda fell by 5% in 2018 to Commenting on the key findings will accelerate consolidation branded networks business; (4) as well as major shifts in how Discovery, including Scripps; (5) channels and content are BeIN Media; (6) Viacom (excluding marketed and sold. an unconsolidated 49% interest in Viacom18 India in 2018); (6) “Pay-TV’s first big wave of Universal; (7) A+E. consolidation, led by Disney buying Fox and AT&T buying Across the 13 groups covered by branded networks from Turner the research, India accounted for and HBO, will play out with 62% of Asia Pacific pay channel momentum across Asia Pacific revenues in 2018, led by Star India over the next year. Future (now owned by Disney) and Sony. consolidation and rationalization If revenues from Star and Sony will be defined by global moves India are excluded, Southeast and M&A possibilities involving Asia leads, contributing 32% of large assets in India. Major revenue in 2018, driven by Disney players such as Discovery, (including Fox), WarnerMedia and CBS, Viacom, A+E, Sony and BeIN. India would then contribute Universal are now competing 18%, led by Disney, Discovery

APOS Keynote Speakers

Chatri Dan David Deborah Derek Sityodtong Reed Lynn Mei Chang

10 | television asia plus april-may 2019 APOS:feature

and WarnerMedia, followed by Japan with 16%, led by Disney, Discovery, WarnerMedia and Viacom. Hong Kong & Taiwan and Australia & New Zealand contribute 10% each in this scenario.

Meanwhile, factual & lifestyle channels had the biggest share of revenue by genre, excluding large local networks in India, with 21% in 2018, closely followed by kids channels (21%), then English GE (17%, a material decline from 19% in 2017), sports (15%, up from 14% in 2017), English Movies (12%, up from 11%); (6) Asian entertainment (9%, up from 8%), news (3%), and music (2%). report, MPA executive director At the same time, Asia’s relatively Net Ad spend in Vivek Couto said: young online video market continues to expand rapidly, “The general outlook remains fueled by advertising scale positive, buoyed by steady APAC to grow by growth across almost all markets in particular. Ex-China, where internet video is a highly regulated over 2019 and 2020. In addition, domestic phenomenon, online elections in India, Indonesia, 6.2% in 2019 Philippines and Thailand will video revenues in Asia Pacific grew 40% in 2018 to total ~US$8 • Net Ad spend in Asia-Pacific passed further boost ad prospects this year, while India will also billion, according to MPA. As part US$180 billion in 2018, and will move close to of this, online video advertising benefit from marquee cricket. In US$195 billion in 2019, according to MPA’s latest India, TV remains an advertising grew 36% to reach more than forecasts US$5 billion while subscription mainstay, even as affordable revenue grew 50% to surpass • India will experience the fastest growth high-speed broadband and a US$2.8 billion. Outside China, over the medium term, overtaking Australia and strong start-up economy powers Google (YouTube), Facebook, Korea to become APAC’s third-largest ad market internet advertising in tandem, Netflix and Amazon still dominate by 2023 especially online video. China’s advertiser and wallet share, • Digital’s share of ad spend across the ad market slowed from 10.3% although local players are starting region will expand from just over 50% in 2019 growth in 2017 to 7.8% in 2018 to emerge with scale, including to 59% by 2023, with online video contributing amidst macro issues, a clean- Stan in Australia, Hotstar (now 20% up in online advertising and an owned by Disney) in India, Hulu ongoing downward trajectory in Japan and Viu in Hong Kong Advertising revenue across Asia- different media across 14 major in TV. Nonetheless, the future and Southeast Asia. Pay-TV Pacific expanded by 6.3% in 2018 markets. The outlook across Asia- for China’s ad market remains and telecom operators are also to top US$180 billion, and is on Pacific remains positive with MPA reasonably robust, with an increasingly investing in platforms course to grow by a further 6.2% analysts forecasting ad gains in estimated 10% CAGR for online and technology to aggregate OTT in 2019 to move close to US$195 almost all markets this year, with advertising over 2018-23 fueling services and provide more choice billion in revenue, according to a ad growth across the board over overall growth. to their customers along with new report from Media Partners 2018-23. MPA expects net ad simpler packages of pay channels Asia (MPA). spend in APAC to total US$235 “TV advertising meanwhile with digital rights. billion by 2023, representing a remains important but is under Asia-Pacific Advertising Trends 5.4% CAGR from 2018. pressure from online video and By Media Partners Asia research. 2019, forecasts net ad spend after near-term macro headwinds, TVAplus commissions and discounts for Commenting on the findings of the especially in Australia, Indonesia, APOS Keynote Speakers

Ernest Greg Harit Henry Hua Fung Cu Hart Nagpal Tan Teh

april-may 2019 television asia plus | 11 APOS:feature

online ad revenue in 2018. Japan was second with US$13 billion in online ad revenue in 2018, followed by Korea (US$3.7 billion) and India (US$1.9 billion). In China, tighter regulations around online advertising reined in digital ad growth in 2H 2018. Nonetheless, China’s online ad market, led by Alibaba, Baidu, Tencent and ByteDance, will still grow at a 14.4% CAGR over 2018- 23, according to MPA. Mobile remains the largest contributor, driven by in-feed advertising in popular apps such as WeChat.

By 2023, internet advertising will account for 70% of net ad spend in China. Over the same time-frame, digital’s share of ad spend will be in the 50-70% range in Australia, Taiwan and Malaysia, between 40-50% in Hong Kong, Japan, Korea, Singapore and Vietnam, and around 30-40% in Japan, Korea and Thailand. TV 23, the region’s key markets are: Digital Advertising & Online India, Indonesia and Thailand. advertising across Asia-Pacific India (a 10.7% CAGR), Vietnam Video India remains one of the region’s contracted by 1.9% in 2018 and (8.8%), the Philippines (7.5%) and Online advertising remains most scalable markets for digital will be down by 1.4% in 2019, Indonesia (5.6%). In Japan and a major motor of growth, advertising, on track to generate according to MPA forecasts. At Australia, both large and mature expanding by 16% across Asia- US$5.1 billion in online ad revenue the same time, broadcasters in a markets, ad spend is projected Pacific in 2018 to top US$85 by 2023. number of markets - most notably to grow by 2.4% and 4.3% billion. MPA projects online ad Australia, Hong Kong, India, respectively over 2018-23, driven spend in APAC to climb a further Online video advertising, mostly Japan and Korea - are gaining by digital. 13.5% this year to reach ~US$97 dominated by YouTube ex-China, share in online video advertising billion, supporting an estimated grew 29% across Asia- Pacific in with their own branded AVOD Despite a marked slowdown, 10.2% CAGR between 2018- 2018 to reach ~US$12.4 billion, platforms. Shifting dynamics in China will remain APAC’s biggest 23. China remains the region’s 15% of all online advertising. TV and online are likely to force dynamo of advertising growth, largest digital ad market by far, Online video’s share of the digital more consolidation and M&A in accounting for 65% of new ad generating ~US$55 billion in Indonesia, Korea and Thailand dollars in the region between in particular, as well as other 2018 and 2023. The second- markets in Southeast Asia.” largest contributor of incremental spend will be India (11% over MPA’s new report shows that the 2018-23), followed by Japan Philippines will experience the (10%) and Australia (5%). In terms fastest ad growth in APAC this of market size, India is on course year, with net ad spend expanding to overtake Korea in 2019 and by 15.2% on the back of elections Australia by 2023, rising up the and digital growth. India is next, ranks to become Asia-Pacific’s with 11.8% projected ad growth third-largest ad market behind this year, followed by Vietnam China and Japan. (8.8%), China and Indonesia (7.6% each), and Thailand (5.3%). In terms of ad growth over 2018-

APOS Keynote Speakers

Hugh Jane Janice Joe Joseph Marks Basas Lee Ravitch Paul Caliro

12 | television asia plus april-may 2019 APOS:feature

ad pie is expected to grow to projected data (2013 to 2023); net 20% across APAC by 2023, advertising revenues across TV, representing US$27 billion in internet (including local and global spend. The largest markets for online video platforms), print online video advertising in APAC (newspapers and magazines), over the next five years will be out-of-home, radio and cinema; China, Japan, and Australia, with macroeconomic analysis and India following close behind in impact including GDP growth and fourth place. currencies; and analysis of key drivers and challenges by market. About Asia-Pacific Advertising Market coverage comprises: Trends Australia, China, Hong Kong, Asia-Pacific Advertising Trends, India, Indonesia, Japan, Korea, published annually by Media Malaysia, New Zealand, the Partners Asia (MPA), contains Philippines, Singapore, Taiwan, detailed analysis of media across Thailand and Vietnam. TVAplus 14 markets in Asia-Pacific. Key metrics include: historical and

Global fixed-broadband market to reach 1 billion subscribers by end-2019

By: Julija Jurkevic, Senior Research Analyst at Kagan

According to Kagan, the global fixed-broadband market is on track to reach 1 billion subscribers by the end of this year, driven by unprecedented growth of fiber connections in Asia-Pacific, particularly China.

· At the end of 2018, broadband subscriptions reached 974.7 million while broadband household penetration reached 45.5%, up from 43.2% in 2017. However, household penetration is projected to remain under 50% until 2025. · Fiber-to-the-premises (FTTP) broadband subscriptions overtook DSL in 2016 to become the largest fixed-broadband platform on a global scale, accounting for 51.4% of the total market by end-2018. It remains the fastest- growing fixed-broadband platform growing by 13.8% year over year in 2018. · China and the USA remain by far the largest fixed-broadband markets, together accounting for half (50.7%) of the global total in 2018. China alone claims 40.1% of the global total and 74.4% of Asian broadband subs due to large-scale fiber deployments as part of the country’s national Broadband China project. · Singapore maintains the highest fixed-broadband household penetration in the world, at over 100%. · DSL remains the dominant multichannel platform only in the Middle East and Africa, and Western Europe, while cable leads in North America and Latin America, and fiber subscriptions have overtaken DSL in Asia and Eastern Europe. China, Japan, Russia, South Korea and the U.S. are the five largest fiber-optic markets in the world. TVAplus

APOS Keynote Speakers

Mike Manu Ma Kevin Kamal Hopkins Sawhney Zhongjun Mayer Khalid

april-may 2019 television asia plus | 13 C-Suite Alan Taylor to helm The Swarm

together to tackle one of the biggest challenges mankind has ever faced. They make the chilling discovery that we are not the only intelligent species on this planet – and that deep down at the bottom of the sea resides a collective intelligence which has suffered the ravages of civilisation on its habitat and decided to fight back.

Alan Taylor said: “We all now are living at a time where there is a tremendous amount of material out there. It is rare to come across a show that is global in scale and yet really functions at an emotional and character level, while being highly relevant to what we are wrestling with today. It’s amazing material with the structure of a thriller. It builds towards an ending which I find devastating and transcendent, all at the same time. I’m very grateful to be a part of this.” Intaglio Films and NDF broadcaster ZDF. To be shot in producing The Swarm, together with

International Production English, The Swarm will be one NDF’s managing director Eric Welbers Intaglio’s Frank Doelger added: have tapped Emmy Award- of the most ambitious television in partnership with the rights holding “We’re delighted that a director of winning director Alan Taylor series ever to come from Europe company Swarm Production KG, Alan Taylor’s calibre is joining the for upcoming series The and ZDF’s first big step towards run by Till Grönemeyer and owned talented team working on The Swarm. Swarm (Der Schwarm), an launching major television events. by Athos, and Frank Schätzing and With Alan helming this epic-scale adaption of Frank Schätzing’s Additional broadcasting partners will his publishing house Kiepenheuer production - which is both immensely best-selling environmental be announced soon. Frank Schätzing & Witsch. Schätzing will serve as timely and gripping - and bringing his thriller novel that has been and the producers are currently executive producer, with Friedemann creative leadership and vision, we’re translated into 25 languages. considering the production of future Goez (The Same Sky) and Charlotte confident The Swarm will resonate Production on the 8x45’ series seasons. Groth also on board as producers. with audiences both in Germany and is set to begin in early 2020. globally.” The Swarm was featured as part For years, mankind has been looking

Taylor is currently directing David of MIPTV’s In Development strand up at the stars in search of another Frank Zervos, ZDF Senior Vice Chase’s The Sopranos feature for New with a session entitled “Deep Dive intelligent race - but what if all this President Films and Series said: “We Line and has helmed multiple episodes into The Swarm: The Making of a time we’ve been looking in the wrong are so happy that Alan Taylor, one of of acclaimed HBO series including Highly-Anticipated Drama Series”. direction? The Swarm is a global the world’s most experienced and Game of Thrones, “The Sopranos”, The session was headed by Intaglio’s environmental thriller, set in present innovative directors of internationally “Deadwood”, “Sex and the City”, creative director Frank Doelger, day, where anomalies and unnatural successful high-end series, shares our “Boardwalk Empire”, “Bored to Death”, Eric Welbers (CEO, NDF) and Frank behavior in marine animals are excitement for Frank Schätzing’s The “Big Love” and “Oz”. His TV credits also Zervos (SVP Films and Series, ZDF). causing upheaval all over the world. Swarm and is on board for its include “Mad Men”, “Nurse Jackie”, The panel will focus on adapting The Millions of strange worms suddenly adaptation. This is immensely “The West Wing” and “Homicide: Life Swarm from a best-selling novel into appear on the bottom of the North affirming. It shows that right now is the on the Street”, along with feature films an international drama series and the Sea, drilling their way through frozen exact moment to make this gripping “Palookaville”, “Thor: The Dark World”, team’s experience turning the book’s methane, threatening to destabilize and important subject into a TV series “The Emperor’s New Clothes”, “Kill the unique themes and gripping story into the entire continental shelf. Swarms that appeals to a large audience.” Poor” and “Terminator: Genisys”. eight thrilling episodes. of mussels stop large vessels from

maneuvering. Toxic jellyfish, lobsters NDF’s Eric Welbers added: “Alan Intaglio Films, the new scripted joint Marking Intaglio Films’ debut and whales start attacking people will definitely help us to make Frank venture between Beta Film and ZDF production, Intaglio head and multi- along the coasts of the world. Schätzing’s amazing The Swarm into Enterprises, and NDF International EmmyAward-winning creative director the unique and compelling TV series Production are developing The Frank Doelger (executive producer on The Swarm follows a global group of we all want it to be.” TVAplus Swarm together for German public HBO’s Game of Thrones) is executive scientists and militaries who come

14 | television asia plus april-may2019 C-Suite

young, urban, family oriented, lifestyle available in HD format to the 90,000 TV5MONDE’s etc – and provided them with content subscribers of TRANSVISION, a long- that they couldn’t find elsewhere in this established satellite TV provider. In Alexandre Muller region. Most the content is taken from Macau, via MACAU CABLE TV, 100% of mainstream networks in the French- subscribers, both residential and out- speaking world, notably France of-home have access to TV5MONDE Télévisions from France, RTBF from Asie in HD format. In Taiwan, through Belgium, TSR from Switzerland, and CYC, TV5MONDE Asie is available in the Radio-Canada and TVA networks HD format to 90,000 subscribers. in Canada. In addition to international TV5MONDE Asia-Pacific channels’ HD news, TV5MONDE broadcasts Ligue format now reaches 30% of the 102 1, films and music magazines. million subscribers in the region.

His vision paid off. With TV5MONDE TV5MONDE Pacifique has also Asie and TV5MONDE Pacifique, migrated its 4 million subscribers TV5MONDE has emerged as a leader of the Olleh TV IPTV offering by and offers a standalone over-the- KT Corporation to HD format. The top service available on any device, expansion of HD distribution in Korea everywhere in the Asia-Pacific comes alongside a new agreement region. Upon subscription, viewers to be featured in the premium can access more Live content, VOD package of the operator LGU+. Since and catch-up TV. Its interface is 2017, IPTV has been the leading available in four languages (French, distribution platform in South Korea English, Korean, Japanese) and with a penetration rate of 72% of TV offers subtitles in French, English, households. Vietnamese, Russian, simplified and traditional Chinese. TV5MONDE successfully runs three live channels, two linear services and Alexandre has taken advantage of a VOD offer on their TV5MONDE+ the shift in the way audiences are Asie OTT platform. TV5MONDE consuming TV content. Hence, he initially started with the live channels K. Dass examines the French a potpourri of subtitled prime-time transformed TV5MONDE’s niche featuring multi-thematic content due powerhouse in Asia that films and dramas, in-depth coverage French content offering into an OTT to viewer demand. One of the most has transformed into an of international news, live sports service available across connected popular offers on the service is geared influential global TV network events, high-quality documentaries devices, accessible anywhere in the toward children’s content. Before with a huge subscribers and discovery magazines, kids’ Asia-Pacific region. Consequently, TV5MONDE launched it, families often base. TV5MONDE started programmes, cooking, design, and TV5MONDE has surfaced as a leading struggled to find good French video its OTT journey in Japan exciting game shows, TV5MONDE independent, known for pioneering content to help their children learn in 2005 offering French is designed for those who want to innovative models and adapting to the culture and language. With over entertainment content as watch a different kind of TV content. changing viewing habits by creating 1 billion people and sizable audience a web-based service. Over In Asia-Pacific, TV5MONDE offers new windows and pricing strategies segment below the age of 15 in the the years, the company three live channels to over 100 million fit for today’s digital world. Asia-Pacific region, TV5MONDE saw a continued to see the demand cable, satellite and IPTV homes and lot of potential for growth. TVAplus for French language content a subscription-based TV everywhere In Asia, TV5MONDE Asie’s migration rise through one key market service to 250 million OTT users. to HD format has strengthened its indicator, the increase in base in Cambodia, the Philippines, its subscriber base. This As Managing Director, Alexandre Indonesia, Macau and Taiwan. propelled TV5MONDE to Muller has never shied away from TV5MONDE Asie channel is widely capitalise on the growing taking calculated risks and new distributed in Cambodia since its interest among locals and approaches in the television industry. launch in 1996. It reaches more French speaking expatriates He has combined the nimble, quick- than 1.2 million households and is living across the Asia-Pacific decision-making entrepreneurship now available in HD format through region to launch an OTT of an independent with his years of SINGMENG TELEMEDIA and ONE service to extend its content experience in managing talent and TV. In the Philippines, the channel across iOS, Android, and building international channel and renewed its agreements with CIGNAL connected TVs. distribution business. (satellite television service provider), allowing 300,000 subscribers to In brief: TV5MONDE is the world’s In shaping TV5MONDE, Alexandre at receive TV5MONDE Asie in HD format. cultural TV network in French. Offering first identified his audience niches – In Indonesia, TV5MONDE Asie is now

april-may2019 television asia plus | 15 C-Suite Viu the power of social media engagement

Viu’s 30 million users had No Sleep No FOMO after the first ever Pan-regional travelogue with social media was launched. The series rides on lifestyle phenomenon of FOMO (fear of missing out) and turns and original YouTube challenge into a new innovation show with high-end production takes audience on a highly energetic journey across Asia. The new element gave social media followers and audience the opportunity to co-create segments in the show. Fans were able to follow and watch No Sleep No FOMO come to life through dedicated hash tags.

PCCW’s Managing Director, Janice Lee said, “There are more than 3.4 billion active social media users in the world today which represents nearly 80% of all internet users. The digital generation is constantly and actively engaging on social media in particular with their social media idols. We want to embrace this phenomenon, and therefore put social media at the heart of No Sleep No FOMO. We have integrated new interactive social media elements into the production and let our fans participate and be a part of the idols’ adventure, turning viewers into active co-creators of the show.”

Janice shares her Viu with K Dass.

It’s extremely competitive recently with lots of streaming providers in the region. What’s the content strategy for Viu? What is fuelling Viu? You are different from other OTT content providers? Janice: Right from the start you saw that we are Asian content centric. I think Janice: We emphasize on localisation wholeheartedly. So a Korean content can there’s definitely growing interest in Asia for OTT video viewing. So if you look be subtitled within 4 hours to multiple languages. In terms of content selection, at internet consumption, it has grown over the last 10 years by 3 to 4 folds. we have done both TV scripted series as well as unscripted, so we’ve done Consumer viewing screen time is much more than before. I think that has given things like The Bridge which was released recently and produced in Malaysia rise to people’s desire to obtain a share of this increasing media consumption. and Singapore with appeals in Indonesia and other markets. That was the format Instead of watching less, they are actually watching more despite the notion that we acquired and developed into an original show with HBO Asia as our that TV is declining. Even if that is true, this tremendous growth in the number partner, broadcasting Viu original as well. of hours that people are consuming is phenomenal today. And now, we wanted to challenge ourselves a little further. We’ve integrated a lot On top of that, we’ve been producing Viu originals. Hollywood content is of social media elements into this production. We are an extremely digital native globalised and we wanted to pick a proposition that’s locally relevant. So we service but realised that some of our users were not using Viu when they belong started with an Asian content proposal and supplemented it with Viu originals in to the social media crowd. So, we wanted to intertwine ourselves into the whole each market. Hence, the Pan-regional content is Korean. fabric of social media and embrace this new lifestyle. We gave a challenge to the production team. They’re not used to doing this sort of production because Viu originals and a handful of produce from Hong Kong, Malaysia, Thailand, they were used to planning everything. When they began production, they had Indonesia, India and recently, this is Singapore’s first Viu original. We are very to consult the fans during the shoot to find out, how to chart the course of the excited but what is different about this Viu original, No Sleep, No FOMO is that adventure for the celebrities? So the market is aware of the show because fans it crosses markets. While it’s produced out of Singapore you can see that we were already involved as co-producers of the programme. cast celebrities and influencers who are local and have regional appeal. They are being followed by people in their own market. Besides, the other thing is that IIs every show going to be based on spontaneous accounts? they have very strong instagram following. So Viu now has 30 million in terms Janice: No, there has to be a balance. We don’t want to be producing only one of monthly active viewer. We have grown from 16 million to 30 million in 2018. genre of show. As I mentioned, for The Bridge, the publicist and the show being With a base of 30 million, we want to create more of our own IPs which is what produced now in Hong Kong is more scripted and different in terms of talent and that gave rise to Viu originals. cast. We used a Malaysian actor with a Singaporean lead actress.

16 | television asia plus april-may2019 C-Suite

How many hours of content are we talking about, when you kick start? Janice: As for our own original, last year we release about 70 titles, so that’s about 900 episodes besides the content that we acquired. This particular show, I believe is eight episodes released once a week. At the end of the day, you can binge all eight episodes shot in five destinations.

Viu has expended in the region especially in terms of your originals. Are there any focus markets and do you have a different content strategy for different markets? Janice: We are currently in 17 markets and achieved all that in a span of three years. The focus markets that are fastest growing with great potential OTT offering in general is fantastic. Viu’s content, Netflix and the others are obviously the bigger markets like Indonesia and Thailand. But in places are all incredible. but where are you in terms of revenue? like Malaysia, Hong Kong and Singapore, we’ve got very sophisticated viewers Janice: We are most transparent with our results. Our users grew from 16 and great pool of talent available for production. Having said that, we are also million to 30 million. Our OTT video, just the video portion of the revenue grew producing in Thailand, and Indonesia as well. In each market, we remain loyal by about 40% year on year. We’ve just announced our 2018 results; the video with relevant locally content whether it is acquired or produced. segment grew a lot particularly. When we started, we didn’t start with plain

subscription, we had a very strong advertisement platform then. How do you add third party titles to your offering? What you look for when you acquire for Viu? How did No Sleep No FOMO really came But digital advertising, particularly video advertising is growing very significantly about? year on year. So we’re trying to capture both opportunities and stay focus on Janice: We acquire at two levels. We acquire Pan-regional content. Those are monetisation. The more views we generate, our viewing minutes also grow. The content that travels to many markets including Korean content that we spoke more customers view us, the more ad inventory we will develop. So viewership, about because, that is popular across the region but we do localising it. We even at the free level is paid by someone because advertisers want to target also acquire content locally. In Thailand, we are dealing with GMM Grammy, and these viewers watching long-form premium content in a brand-safe environment. they are one of the biggest content producers. We also acquire local content in For the whole OTT segment last year, we reported about US$117 million. Malaysia and Indonesia.

Right, what are some of the controls or options available for advertisers? We want to continue pushing ourselves to develop new content in terms of I think advertisers will be interested to know whether there are new formats that create impact. We are constantly experimenting and trying to push opportunities in Viu. ourselves to discover what else can be done. For example, we know most of our Janice: In relations with No Sleep No FOMO, FWD is the main sponsor for this viewers are from the digital generation. So, how do we embrace their lifestyle in programme. They are an insurance company. So you can observe, No Sleep No order to serve them better? FOMO is a very adventurous programme that fit very well with that sort of brand. You can observe if there is an alignment between the programme and the core That’s when; No Sleep No FOMO (no fear of missing out) was discovered. That’s value of the brands - a Pan-regional brand. what the youngsters do; they don’t sleep and do a lot within a short time. They can be watching something and texting their friends and updating the social How much are you spending on all these content? media, all at the same time. We thought about, how to harness this experience? I Janice: We recently reported our results - our EBITDA is about 40+million felt something like this was unique and viewers will be seeing it for the first time. negative, but we are looking at profitability in the next few years and you can Moreover, we will really be engaging the fans and making them co-creators of see our revenue growing quite significantly. segments of the content.

How are your India and Middle East market doing? Janice: Middle East is also fast growing and we have a very solid fan base in terms of user number. because there is a lot of expatriate workers with seemingly very high disposable income. They spend a lot on video entertainment because they don’t leave the house for the fact that there aren’t many other forms of entertainment. India is a hugely competitive market, so we’re there in a very measured way but we are producing a lot of originals which are also funded by advertisers.

So, what’s next? You have achieved much, 17 markets in a short span. Janice: It’s been really a great journey for me as well as the team in Hong Kong. We simply made the best out of technology available in the media with all these. We’ve been in the media business for 15 years but it’s the first time we have taken our experiences and skills and applied it in a bigger market. 15 years ago these opportunities were not assessable because internet streaming wasn’t available in these markets. But today, with streaming technology, social media and improvement in bandwidth, data adoption, and mobile phone penetration, have allowed the convergence and made it possible for us, located in Hong Kong to address the bigger markets. TVAplus

april-may2019 television asia plus | 17 feature Malaysia to host MusicXpo and ForuMuzik in KL Jamm

Asia’s music market set to increase from USD 900 million with inaugural international music industry forum and market

spirit of collaboration to adopt the industry in Asia is well- alive and it about RM2.20 of output for the Music Unlimited International world’s best industry practices. needs to gather the whole industry, Malaysian economy. In addition, the will be organizing KL Jamm from artist to publishers to record music ecosystem has a value-added International Music Festival from APEX (Asia Pacific Music Exchange) labels to high-tech companies impact (GDP) between RM5.5 billion 26 April to 28 April 2019 at the is a stage inside MusicXpo whereby to brands, all under one roof to to RM6.1 billion per year. The core Malaysia International Trade and emerging and promising new talents combine our knowledge, expertise, industries generated 36% of the Exhibition Centre (MITEC), Kuala from the Asia Pacific region will get resources and contacts to take the music industry’s GDP impact, while Lumpur, Malaysia. the chance to showcase their talents world by storm. We strive to lead associated industries generated and share their music with fans. and grow the Asia Pacific music 64%, illustrating the significant KL Jamm is not solely about ecosystem, consisting of the core economic contribution of associated concerts, but also a valuable trade music industry and associated music industries. event to stimulate growth of the industry, to a global scale,” said digital and live music business in Adam Ham, CEO of Global Creative As one of the Top 40 music markets the Asia Pacific region. The festival and Media Agency (GCMA), and co- in the world with diversified talent gathers regional and local artistes, organizer of KL Jamm Music Festival. pool, multilingual and multi-cultural music industry professionals, fans society, Malaysia is well positioned and associated industries across the According to a recent study, it is to play a strategic and significant Asia Pacific region. found that the economic output role in creating a hub for live and impact of the music ecosystem in recorded music in the South East KL Jamm comprises of several Malaysia is between RM12.2 billion Asian region and the launch of KL components including Forum, to RM13.4 billion per year. This Jamm International Music Festival in Exhibition, Showcases and Live means that for every Ringgit spent 2019 is timely. TVAplus Concerts. These components are in the music industry generates designed to encourage and increase collaboration amongst the creative and business communities to create a vibrant music eco-system.

MusicXpo is the trade show segment of the festival. National Pavilions, Norman Abdul Halim, Music Labels, Music Streaming Festival Director Platforms, Technology Companies, Music Schools, Brands, Talent Dato’ Norman Abdul Halim, Festival Management Companies, Film Director of KL Jamm, said, “KL Studios and many more are able Jamm is a platform where artistes to showcase their products and and fans can enjoy the energy of services. The three-day expo is live music, where fellow industry divided into two parts whereby the professionals can engage with one 26 April is open for trade visitors another to collaborate on their next only, while the next two days is big venture while creating the soul in opened to the public. brands through the magic of music that unites people from all walks of The Forum component, entitled life.” ForuMuzik, provides a venue for key industry players to share success “As the inaugural year of KL Jamm stories, issues and solutions to Music Festival, we hope to gain the embrace changes in the industry support of the industry to make it landscape while capitalizing on the a success. I believe that the music

18 | television asia plus april-may 2019 feature NIPPON TV HEADS • Four titles chosen based on demand around TO MIPTV WITH • Nippon TV’s successfully adapted drama series FOUR MORE • Mother, Woman –My Life for NEW SCRIPTED My Children and Abandoned FORMATS

In addition to the previously announced new scripted format Weakest Beast and new game show format Beat the Rooms co-produced with Red Arrow Studios International, Nippon Television Network Corporation (Nippon TV), the leading commercial broadcaster network and production in Japan, announced today that they will be heading to this year’s MIPTV with four more additional scripted formats to meet the demand of the international drama creative market. Mr. Atsushi Sogo, President of International Business Development for Nippon TV, made the announcement.

The new hour-long formats, Without Family, May Tomorrow Bring Sunshine, The Happy Prince, and Love of My Life, were selected based around the high demand from buyers for Nippon TV’s successful drama series that are currently enjoying high acclaim around the world, including Mother, Woman –My Life for My Children- and Abandoned.

“We are delighted to be offering these four new scripted formats at MIPTV,” commented Mr. Sogo, “Each title offers a unique and compelling story for our international buyers. Without Family follows a young girl living in poverty who tries to stay strong despite the hardships, ultimately leading to an icy demeanour; a very unique child character not seen in many international series.

May Tomorrow Bring Sunshine features a blend of cheerful comedic touches and tear-jerking moments about a single mother and her sweet daughter, and is set to touch the empathy of women from all backgrounds.

The Happy Prince revolves around a love triangle that dramatically exposes the psyche of those who decide to sacrifice themselves for love. Powerfully gripping, we think it is a suitable match to the preferences of viewers in Turkey and Central and South America, for example. Rounding out our format offerings is Love of My Life, a modern-day Romeo and Juliet romantic drama, about two people from opposite worlds whose love is riddled with difficulties and will surely win the hearts of viewers all over the world.” TVAplus Details of the four formats include: Without Family The Happy Prince Running time: 25 x 60’ Running time: 11 x 60’ Genre: Drama Genre: Drama, Romance Type: Series Type: Series Without Family is a touching drama about This is a tragic love story of a young a 12-year-old girl who is forced to be man, who with a heart of gold lets resourceful as she deals with a drunken the love of his life slip away. He goes father and her hospitalized mother. from being an admired ambitious With her keen sense of ability to read person with a bright future, to a people, she is able to take advantage scarred and physically damaged man of situations and will even try to pay for that is shunned by his family and her mother’s medical bills by any means friends. Each episode reveals the necessary. Her signature phrase is, “If despairing truth of his character flaws you feel sorry for me, give me money.” that ultimately leads to his demise. As she is underprivileged, she is teased A true-to-life love story that depicts and bullied by her classmates causing the challenges of living sincerely with her to develop a tough outer shell. courage, strength, and hope despite Beyond her poor circumstances, she is the heartbreaking obstacles to love. determined to help her mother, the only one who has really loved her. Love of My Life Running time: 10 x 60’ May Tomorrow Bring Sunshine Genre: Drama, Romance Running time: 10 x 60’ Type: Series Genre: Drama A story about a boy and a girl, who from opposite social backgrounds, Type: Series meet and fall in love. The boy, living an underprivileged life, works very This is a universal story of an attractive hard to fight for the survival of a small ship repair factory inherited from single mother who works diligently to his father. As a result, he has forgotten how to smile. In contrast to him, raise her daughter without the support he meets a cheerful young girl who is born into a wealthy family and is of her parents. While working at a coffee blessed with affluent love. Love of My Life displays a pure love story of shop, one of her regular customers, how two opposites can attract and fall in love. a TV producer, recognizes her beauty and gives her a chance to work as a weathercaster. Unsure of her talents and a demanding new job, she fights with balancing her work and raising her daughter. With the help of her strong network of friends she shows how women can make the most of every chance in life.

april-may 2019 television asia plus | 19 feature Format Business: Why don’t Japan and Korea buy more

formats? Michelle Lin, K7’s Asia Pacific Manager

Only public-funded broadcaster NHK NTV’s signature shows and is based The crucial thing to understand about The scarcity of imported acquired unscripted formats from on ‘rakugo’, the traditional Japanese popular entertainment in Japan and entertainment formats in South overseas in 2018 - Radio Gaga and story-telling performance art. South Korea is that many shows Korea and Japan has largely gone Undercover Boss. The Bachelor was have a clear concept or subject unremarked in recent years. In also picked up for the region, but as Japanese audiences are also fond of matter, but broadcasters and 2018, each country acquired only this was put out by US-owned SVOD shows which combine national trivia producers prefer to allow what we three unscripted formats, and none Amazon Prime Video Japan it is an would consider “format points” to of the titles broke into the top 10 outlier in more ways than one. emerge organically while the series ratings. In contrast, over in their is on air, allowing the on-screen geographical neighbour China, the talent to define the shape of a show. ratings are overwhelmingly filled with New production teams often create imported titles or shows inspired segments for already popular shows, by overseas formats. This disparity which can then become new series raises the question: What do these in their own right. local shows have that so charm the Japanese and South Koreans, that None of this fits comfortably with not a single foreign format can break the usual format-led approach of through? TV development, and goes a long way to explaining why format sales You may argue that this might and acquisition with Japan and not purely be down to audience South Korea are such a hard sell. preference. The improvement Thanks to the picky appetites in of local production facilities, an Japan and South Korea, whenever My Little Old Boy outburst of new homegrown talents a well-structured unscripted format and favourable government policies If we closely look at the top 10 with light-hearted comedy. This type makes its way to the top 10 list have all contributed to this situation, unscripted shows in 2018, on of show is particularly associated of the year, the format is likely to such as the financial support from television in Japan and South Korea, with NTV, which has been Japan’s find a large global fan base. MBC’s KOCCA, (Korea Creative Content they share some similar features. top TV channel five years in a row. singing competition show King Agency) or the invisible but powerful Celebrities are a key driver to the Sekai no Hate Made Itte Q!, which of Mask Singer, which debuted in effect of cultural preservation in most highly rated shows in each premiered in 2007, follows hosts 2015, is a good example; the show Japan. country. In Korea, SBS’s My Little who travel around the world to solve has maintained its popularity even Old Boy, and MBC’s I Live Alone famous mysteries by conducting three years after its premier. The That much is evident to outside and Omniscient Interfering View are silly experiments. Question for one charismatic format was brought to eyes, but in these countries, one of all celebrity-driven observational hundred million people!? Waratte the US on FOX early this year and the main reasons for an emphasis on reality shows that feature comedy Koraete! is a panel quiz show in received the best ever review for domestic unscripted shows comes celebrities as the subject while their which hosts George Tokoro and a Korean entertainment format. from the fierce competition amongst friends and families watch and react celebrity guests watching vox pops TVAplus the local networks. According to to the footage, Gogglebox-style. of people from across the country. KOCCA, there is an average of 300 new shows launched in South Korea In Japan, celebrities often gain each year which are never renewed their fame through comedic panel and disappear from air. Similarly in shows, one of the most popular Japan, the five major commercial genres in the country. Typically, it is broadcasters who dominate linear more difficult for solo comedians to viewing all have large in-house make it big in Japan, so many of the research departments constantly popular variety shows are hosted monitoring viewers’ tastes and by comedy groups. Dancing Sanma behaviours. These networks know Place is Nippon TV’s long running that the stakes are too high to test panel show where 12 celebrities a new import in a prime-time slot, share true stories based on a weekly if the format is written in stone and theme, with the celebrity who has cannot be tweaked to respond to the best story winning a prize. This is local audience reaction. not a new development either. First launched in 1966, Shoten, is one of Sekai no Hatte Made Itte Q!

20 | television asia plus april-may 2019 review APC’s GIGANTES Banijay Rights secures recruits global partners NHK to produce Japan’s • A Number of Broadcasters are Boarding very own Secret life of 4 Epic Crime Drama from Telefonica Studios Year Olds • Season Two Launching at MIPTV 2019 Award-winning RDF format localised in Japan Leading independent production and distribution company About Banijay Rights, the leading distribution arm of Banijay Group, has today Premium Content (APC) has confirmed that NHK Enterprises, Inc. (NEP), the subsidiary to Japan’s signed a raft of global broadcast public broadcaster NHK, is producing RDF’s award-winning format The deals for Telefonica Studio’s Secret Life of 4 Year Olds in Tokyo. new high-end scripted returning series GIGANTES. Commissioned The show will launch on NHK’s free terrestrial General Channel on by Movistar+ in Spain in co- Saturday, 16 March, in a primetime slot. production with LAZONA Producciones, GIGANTES is at its heart a drama about complexities of The deal was completed by Samia Moktar, Sales Manager at Banijay family with the dark undertones of a mafia show. APC holds all global Rights. finished series and scripted format rights to outside Spain. Takako Ishikawa, Senior Producer at Global Content Development GIGANTES has already been commissioned for a second season Division, NHK commented, “The original Secret Life of 4 Year Olds has in Spain which will premiere on Movistar + on 22 March and will be won many fans in Japan and this response means we have decided launched internationally at MIPTV. A total of 12 x 52’ episodes are now to create a local version. We are delighted and thrilled to produce the available (two series of 6 x 52’). program which captures children’s emotions and relationships with rich and colourful moments in a unique approach.” Recent deals for series one include: Deutsche Telekom’s MagentaTV (Germany), SBS (Australia), Spike (Russia), CANAL+ (Poland), UPC (Switzerland), Telefonica (Latin America), Elisa Viihde (Finland) and a deal with a major US premium pay network soon to be announced.

Laurent Boissel, Joint CEO and Co-Founder at APC, said: “The response to GIGANTES since the launch last year has been phenomenal – we are proud to be partnering with leading broadcasters across the world to bring this series to an international audience. We have backed GIGANTES from inception and are delighted to see the series go from strength to strength - taking its place on a global stage and winning a second season commission.”

GIGANTES is a cinematic story of fraternal love and hate featuring a cast of world-class Spanish actors. It is directed by internationally renowned director Enrique Urbizu along with Jorge Dorado and written by Michel Gaztambide, Miguel Barros and Enrique Urbizu. Immersed in Spanish culture, GIGANTES depicts the violent and complicated relationships of a family acting in the criminal underworld of Madrid. Tim Mutimer, CEO Banijay Rights added, “This is an exceptional format – it’s truly funny and extremely uplifting, yet at the same time a real After betraying each other to take the head of the family in season eye-opener on the complex development of young children and how one, the Guerreros brothers now have to put their hatred for each they interact with each other. We are delighted that NHK has been the other aside and join forces again to survive. Both the gipsies and the first broadcaster in Asia to create its own local version, and it will be police want them dead, but the greatest threat will come from the extremely interesting to see how the show takes shape.” women around them: Sol Guerrero is tempted to give up on Tomas to protect their daughter Carmen whereas Angela Marquez is blackmailing Local versions of the format The Secret Life of 4 Year Olds have Barbara, Daniel’s ex-girlfriend, to help her catch the Guerreros once and previously been produced in France, Spain, Netherlands, USA, for all. Disappointed by her parents, Carmen decides to follow her own Australia, New Zealand, Germany, Belgium and Denmark. The finished path. What if she was the only remaining Guerrero capable of taking the tape versions of all the UK series have sold throughout the world. empire back? RDF Television’s award-winning documentary launched in 2015 in the UK and was Channel 4’s most popular factual programme of the past five years, leading to the commission of six full series. Additional special spin-offs include The Secret Life of Brothers and Sisters, and The Secret Life of 5 and 6 Year Olds.

Lifting the lid on a previously unseen world, watching ten four-year- old children meeting for the first time at nursery and interacting in unprecedented, intimate detail, The Secret Life of 4 Year Olds was originally created by RDF Television for the UK’s Channel 4. Thought- provoking, entertaining and genuinely surprising, the format presents a compelling insight into a high-pressure world filled with tears, laughter, drama, politics, power struggles and larger-than-life characters.

april-may 2019 television asia plus | 21 review The Amazing Sunway City Challenge Premieres to International Audience • Top Influencers from 10 Countries battle it out for the title of champion

• Samsung Note 9, Samsung A7 and Samsung A9 for grabs in watch-to-win contests for viewers

The Amazing Sunway City Challenge 5-episode series premieres today on SAYS.com, the official web broadcaster, IDN Times, ET Today, Line.tv, LUVE, Sunway City and WebTVAsia’s official social media platforms. The first of the ‘webisode’ premiered on 28 February. The second episode aired 7 March, the third episode on 14 March, the forth episode on 21 March and the finale on 28 March.

The 5-episode series will see the superstars battle across the world- class premier tourist destination of Sunway City Kuala Lumpur in gruelling challenges to win the ultimate prize of RM25,000 worth China’s Gong Yi in one United Arab Emirates’ Hadia Taiwan’s Ironbull giving his all of Sunway Pals points, the new of the scenes at Sunway Ghaleb cheering for her team to win the mission at Sunway Samsung Galaxy Note 9 and the Lagoon, Malaysia mates during a mission at Sunway Pyramid’s ice skating rink ultimate title as the champion of The Lagoon, Malaysia Amazing Sunway City Challenge. Hosted by Malaysia’s top influencer, Jenn Chia, the series will feature Asia’s top ten hottest social media superstars: Malaysia’s Jaa Suzuran, the Philippines’ Medyo Maldito, India’s RJ Abhinav, Indonesia’s Michelle Joan, Singapore’s The 10 influencer went through Matthew Stewart, Taiwan’s Ironbull, Thailand’s SorDor Style, China’s Gong Yi, South Korea’s Hong Young Gee and United some of the most challenging tasks Arab Emirates’ Hadia Ghaleb. bungee jump in Sunway Lagoon, team mission in Sunway Pyramid’s ice skating rink and hurtling down the world’s largest water ride, Vuvuzela. The Amazing Sunway City Challenge is an original production by Sunway, co-produced by Web TV Asia, and sponsored by Samsung Electronics Malaysia and Grab. Coupled with the strong following of the celebrity influencers, this show will reach out to more than 54 million viewers The Philippines’ Medyo India’s RJ Abhinav getting Watch how Singapore’s around the world. The influencers Maldito in the midst of ready to start his mission at Matthew Stewart conquered involved will also share their completing his mission Sunway Pyramid’s ice skating the challenging water ride in adventures in this fun challenge in after an exhilarating ride at rink Sunway Lagoon, Malaysia their social media. Sunway Lagoon, Malaysia BBC Studios and China’s BesTV announce BBC Earth branded space • Big Cats – a uniquely detailed portrait of this popular BBC Earth content extends reach to more than 46 animal family, this epic exploration is filmed across 14 countries and million of its subscribers across China chronicles 31 wild cat species, from the ghostly Canada lynx in the frozen North, to the tiny but daring rusty spotted cat of Sri Lanka. BesTV is China’s leading IPTV service provider covering 31 cities in China, and is a subsidiary of the Shanghai Media Group – one of the • Animals with Cameras – a revolutionary series where largest media and entertainment conglomerates in China. a variety of species across the globe are fitted with bespoke on-board cameras, allowing viewers to travel with them to inaccessible habitats From 1 April 2019, BesTV subscribers will be able to access premium and witness intimate and dramatic moments that have previously been BBC Earth programmes such as: out of reach.

• Dynasties – filmed over four years in glorious Cheng Xi, President of BesTV, commented: “BBC Studios is locations around the globe, this intimate landmark series pulls viewers renowned for producing high quality content across genres and fresh into the lives of some of the world’s most iconic animals, each fighting perspectives, all of which our discerning viewers seek. Through this against overwhelming odds for their own survival and the future of their cooperation, we hope to share the incredible wonders of our universe, families. and bring the magic of BBC Earth documentaries to a larger audience in China.”

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Kelvin Yau, SVP and GM of Greater China for BBC Studios said: “We are thankful for the trust in our premium content, and for BesTV – our long- term partner who shares in our vision to inspire, educate and entertain ABC Commercial families across the globe. With the success of the CBeebies branded space and Top Gear on BesTV, we hope that the BBC Earth branded reaches agreement with space will also be well-received when it launches.”

BBC Studios previously partnered BesTV in 2013 to bring award- TVO, joins kids-oriented winning CBeebies programmes Hey Duggee and Sarah & Duck to the market, and later developed a CBeebies-branded space to house the line-up growing collection of preschool content. Highly-acclaimed trio of ABC ME children’s BesTV is also home to the long-running Top Gear series, including the series to Canada latest Top Gear UK Series 26. ABC Commercial today MIPTV World unveils Beecham announced it has reached a new agreement with TVO, an House at French film festival Ontario digital learning and media organization, to bring an exciting new range of Australian children’s series to audiences in Ontario, Canada.

The agreement will see a trio of acclaimed ABC ME titles exclusively join the TVOkids programming line-up later this year, including Create, What’s For Dinner and Pet Superstars. The three series will also be available to stream in Canada at TVOkids.com and the TVOkids YouTube Channel.

Inspiring childhood inventiveness and imagination, Create (80 x 3’) follows a pair of expert hands filmed from a bird’s eye view as they perform various arts and crafts, with helpful tips provided throughout each episode for children to follow along at home.

Showcasing the significance of cultural diversity, What’s For Dinner (5 x 10’) sees Australian families from a variety of backgrounds each preparing a family The Premiere TV Screening at the CANNESERIE dinner. Episodes offer children the opportunity to learn about different cultures Beecham House, Fremantle and Bend It TV’s new original series from and their traditions, celebrating the ingredients that make different families director and creator Gurinder Chadha (Bend It Like Beckham), will special. have its MIPTV World Premiere as part of CANNESERIES on Sunday 7 April, in the Palais des Festivals (Grand Auditorium Lumière). With humour and heart, Pet Superstars (17 x 4’) goes inside the homes of kids to experience the love and chaos surrounding their relationships with their The international market for TV content developer and distributor, pets. Featuring domestic tabbies and miniature goats, the series explores the MIPTV, and the Cannes International Series Festival, CANNESERIES importance of unconditional love and companionship. will team up for two joint events with World Premieres preceded by the Pink Carpet on Sunday 7 April and Tuesday 9 April. The Tuesday “ABC Commercial is excited to be working with the TVOkids team to bring screening will be announced shortly. these fun and imaginative children’s series to families in Ontario,” said Jessica Ellis, Head of Content Sales & Distribution at ABC Commercial, “ABC ME has From award-winning production company Bend It TV, part of the had such great success with these programmes locally in Australia and we’re Fremantle production family, Beecham House is set on the cusp of the certain they’ll be just as eagerly received in Canada.” 19th century in Delhi before the British ruled in that region. “TVOkids is proud to present programming that helps young audiences to Beecham House depicts the fortunes of the residents of an imposing understand how children from around the world are just like their friends and mansion surrounded by acres of exotic woods and pristine lawns. Tom neighbours here at home,” said Marney Malabar, Director, Kids TV, TVO. “It is Bateman (Vanity Fair, Jekyll and Hyde, Murder on the Orient Express) fun series like these that help children to explore the importance of positive, takes the role of enigmatic, soulful John Beecham, a handsome former loving relationships; the celebration of cultural differences; and the power of soldier who has purchased the magnificent mansion, Beecham House, creativity and problem solving.” to begin a new life with his family. Create, What’s For Dinner and Pet Superstars will premiere on TVOkids and The ensemble cast includes Lesley Nicol (Downton Abbey), Gregory TVOkids.com later this year. Fitoussi (Mr. Selfridge, The Bureau), Adil Ray (Citizen Khan, Ackley Bridge), Pallavi Sharda (Lion), Dakota Blue Richards (Endeavour), Leo Suter (Clique, Victoria), Bessie Carter (Howard’s End), Viveik Kalra (Blinded By The Light) and Marc Warren (Safe, Hustle).

Beecham House is created and written by Gurinder Chadha (Bend It Like Beckham, Viceroy’s House, Bride and Prejudice), Paul Mayeda Berges (Viceroy’s House) and Shahrukh Husain (In Custody). Victor Levin (Mad Men) also serves as writer on the series. ITV’s Head of Drama, Polly Hill, has commissioned Beecham House for ITV in the UK and oversees production of the drama on behalf of the broadcaster.

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Mediacorp the first in 4 to 20 February 2022, will feature seven new events for a total of 109 Southeast Asia to secure events. By blazing the trail for Olympic Games coverage, Mediacorp will broadcast rights for become the “stadium” for audiences in Singapore. Mediacorp will deliver multi-platform coverage live, delayed and via catch up, on Tokyo 2020 and Beijing television, digitally, over radio, on outdoor displays and on social media. 2022 Ms Tham Loke Kheng, Chief Executive Officer, Mediacorp said: “The • Mediacorp secures sole broadcast rights to the Olympic Games is a global event that inspires people the world Olympic Games in Singapore. over and unites nations like no other. We’re excited about bringing the greatest sporting moments and the most compelling stories of human ambition and sacrifice synonymous with the Olympic Games • Mediacorp will deliver the Olympic Games to Singaporeans. We especially look forward to shining the spotlight on multi-platform programming, providing greater on Team Singapore and rallying Singaporeans behind their amazing access to viewership. endeavours.” Mediacorp has become the first media company in Southeast Asia to secure broadcast rights to Olympic Games Tokyo 2020 (Tokyo Ms Irene Lim, Chief Customer Officer, Mediacorp, who worked on 2020) and the Olympic Winter Games Beijing 2022 (Beijing 2022). closing the rights agreement with Dentsu, said: “Our agreement The company has obtained sole rights in Singapore to broadcast the with Dentsu and IOC is a win for sports fans and indeed, everyone in Olympic Games from Dentsu Inc., which had been awarded exclusive Singapore. Singaporeans will be able to experience the Olympic Games broadcast rights for the Olympic Games in 22 territories in Asia by the on Mediacorp’s broad range of platforms, anywhere, anytime. We will International Olympic Committee (IOC). also work with partners to make the Olympic Games as widely available as possible on more platforms.” Tokyo 2020, featuring 33 different sports in 339 events, is scheduled to take place from 24 July to 9 August 2020. Its vision is to be the Mediacorp has also clinched the broadcast rights to the next two most innovative Olympic Games in history, building on three values: upcoming Youth Olympic Games: Youth Olympic Winter Games “Striving for your personal best (achieving personal best)”, “Accepting Lausanne 2020, which will be held in Lausanne, Switzerland between one another (unity in diversity)” and “Passing on legacy for the future 9 and 22 January 2020, and Youth Olympic Games Dakar 2022 which (connecting to tomorrow)”. Beijing 2022,scheduled to take place from will be held in Dakar, Senegal.

Singtel TV and IMDA to bring Singapore stories to life Singapore, Singtel. Local content creators backed to tell stories of home “We are excited to partner Singtel TV to bring more short-form public Singtel TV is seeking talented local content creators and production service content to local audiences. We encourage Singapore content houses to produce up to 20 hours of original short-form content in creators and production houses to be part of this call and pitch their Chinese, in an initiative supported by Infocomm Media Development most creative story ideas to promote Singapore’s multi-cultural heritage Authority’s (IMDA) Public Service Broadcast Contestable Funds Scheme and national identity.” said Mr Howie Lau, Chief Industry Development (PCFS). Officer, Infocomm Media Development Authority (IMDA).

This is the first time that Singtel TV has taken the lead in Singtel TV invites local production companies to submit their interest commissioning Public Service Broadcast (PSB) content, which to participate in the project. Proposals will be evaluated on several promotes social values and harmony, and celebrates Singapore’s key criteria: the clarity of communication of PSB themes, creativity culture and national identity. and innovation in storytelling and delivery, audience appeal, resource planning and allocation, credentials of the production crew. “There are many uniquely Singapore stories waiting to be told and local creative talents to be discovered. We look forward to bringing The original local content produced through the initiative is expected these stories to life as we commemorate Singapore’s Bicentennial. to air in December 2019 on Singtel TV’s top-rated channels, Jia Le This initiative is part of our efforts to inspire, entertain and engage Channel HD (CH 502) and e-Le (CH 11 / 501). The content can also be Singtel TV viewers with content that is infused with distinctly local enjoyed by all Singaporeans with the Singtel TV GO mobile app for free flavours,” said Mr Goh Seow Eng, Managing Director, Home, Consumer without a subscription. Kung Fu Panda Spectacular Live to hold global premiere at the Marc Routh - and DreamWorks talents to one of the most Venetian Theatre in Macao Theatricals, a division of successful animated films of all Five-Time Tony Award® Universal Theatrical Group, time, Kung Fu Panda. Winner Susan Stroman today announced the launch of Leads Star-studded DreamWorks’ Kung Fu Panda DreamWorks’ Kung Fu Panda Global Creative Team Spectacular Live - a thrilling Spectacular Live is set to new live action entertainment at transform the entertainment Broadway Asia - one of the largest The Venetian Theatre in Macao landscape in Macao. Building on production, management and combining the best of Hollywood, the globally successful franchise distribution companies in the Broadway and circus. The five- of the beloved Kung Fu Panda global markets led by Executive time Tony Award® winner Susan films, the production has the Producers Simone Genatt and Stroman will bring her legendary wisdom, heart and humour of

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as the Super Bowl XLVI), and projection and video design by six-time Tony Award® winning 59 Productions (Tony Awards® costume designer William Ivey and Olivier Award Winners for An Long. The large-scale attraction American in Paris and War Horse). incorporates the best scenic The production also features the design by STUFISH/Ray Winkler original film score composed by (Las Vegas installation of Ka, the GRAMMY® and OSCAR® Winner Beijing 2008 Summer Olympics, Hans Zimmer. and many famous concert tours including Madonna and the Rolling Performances are scheduled to Stones), lighting design by Ken commence in late December Billington (designer of over 100 2019 at The Venetian Theatre in Broadway productions), and Macao. the world-renowned franchise, combined with the high-level Award-winning artist, Susan design and impact of a major live Stroman, has assembled a action immersive spectacular brilliant creative team including resident show. “The production some of the most sought-after will be an exciting new experience and acclaimed live entertainment for audiences of all ages -- as it artists around the globe. Co- incorporates storytelling, state- conceived by Susan Stroman of-the art projection mapping and David Thompson (the writer and video design, immersive of Broadway’s longest running aerial and acrobatics as well revival, Chicago), the live as extraordinary puppetry and action show features character martial arts,” said director and costumes and puppetry designed choreographer Susan Stroman, by the renowned Michael Curry “The hilarious and heart-warming (Broadway’s The Lion King characters from the films will and Frozen, the Sochi 2014 come to life in an extraordinary Winter Olympics opening and action filled live performance.” closing ceremonies, as well

SportsMax and Olympic Channel Launch Partnership in Caribbean Engaging new audience with 700 hours of content conveniently on all platforms The Olympic Channel and “We are excited to partner with Android or Apple users on any SportsMax announced a new SportsMax to further grow the network.” partnership featuring both Olympic Channel brand within linear and digital programming the Caribbean,” said Mark The agreement is complementary across 22 Caribbean territories Parkman, General Manager of to the International Media Content in support of their objective the IOC’s global Olympic Channel, Ltd., subsidiary of Digicel to engage new audiences and “Our collaboration will provide Group and parent company younger generations with the viewers with even more options of SportsMax, media rights Olympic Movement all year round. to discover, engage and share agreement with the International in the power of sport and the Olympic Committee (IOC) for The new strategic distribution Beginning on March 12, excitement of the Olympic Games the Olympic Games and Youth partnership with SportsMax SportsMax will broadcast over all year round as we look ahead Olympic Games through 2020. complements the Olympic 700 hours of Olympic-related toward Tokyo 2020.” Channel digital platform content under the Olympic Territories reached through expanding the Olympic Channel’s Channel brand on its channels as Olly McIntosh, CEO of IMC and the new partnership include global linear presence to 158 well as the SportsMax and Digicel SportsMax, said: “As the official Anguilla, Antigua & Barbuda, countries and territories. apps and websites including Caribbean broadcast partners of Commonwealth of the Bahamas, embedded video. the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games, Barbados, Belize, Bermuda, Through collaborations with the SportsMax and Digicel are excited British Virgin Islands, Cayman IOC’s rights-holding broadcast Programming will feature year- to bring our viewers closer to Islands, Dominica, Grenada, partners and National Olympic round coverage including Olympic the Olympic movement and Guadeloupe, Cooperative Committees, the Olympic Channel original programming athletes as we build up to next Republic of Guyana, Haiti, Channel is continuing to develop and live sporting events as well year. This partnership with the Jamaica, Martinique, Montserrat, localised versions leading to more as additional Olympic-related Olympic Channel enables us to St Kitts & Nevis, St Lucia, St personalised experiences for content that highlights locally reach everyone, whether they’re Vincent and the Grenadines, Olympic fans around the world. relevant stories created by both at home or on-the-go through the Suriname, Trinidad & Tobago and parties. SportsMax or Digicel apps for all Turks and Caicos.

april-may 2019 television asia plus | 25 review Blue Ant International Bolsters Its Catalogue with 19 New Titles Including Three Chilling Crime Programmes Series available for the first time at MIPTV Blue Ant International continues to grow both their premium content offering and their partnerships with the global content creation community with the acquisition of 19 new titles including three anticipated true-crime series BTK: A Killer Among Us (2x60’), Fred & Rose West: House of Horrors (1x60’), and See No Evil’s fifth season (16x60’) ahead of MIPTV. A division of Blue Ant Media, Blue Ant International is a worldwide distributor of premium content with over 3,500 hours of programming in their catalogue.

“We continue to acquire some of the most unique programmes on the market,” says Solange Attwood, EVP, Blue Ant International, “We also have grown our relationships with six new marquee producers like Oxford Scientific, Arrow Media, Saloon Media, Pixcom Productions, to name a few, and as a result, have some amazing new programmes to offer our buyers that really tap into global trends and the current zeitgeist.”

The new tent-pole programming includes 11 new factual entertainment series, four new high-impact documentaries, and four never-before-available nature & wildlife programmes.

Some new highlights from the factual entertainment catalogue include three paranormal series My Worst Nightmare (10x60’; HD; Pixcom Productions), ratings blockbuster Paranormal Survivor V (10x60’; HD; Our House Media) and the second season of UFOs: The Lost Evidence (10x60’; HD; Megalomedia). Four lifestyle series also make their debut at MIPTV including Saloon Media’s The Bryk Retreat (6x30’ HD), Architect Films’ Coolest Places to Stay (6x30’; HD), Sarah Off the Grid II (6x60’; HD) by Alibi Entertainment, and Stripe Media’s 100 Day Renovation - 99 Problems (8x60’; HD).

The high-impact documentaries category includes the new arrivals BTK: A Killer Among Us (2x60’; HD; Cream Productions), a two-part docu-series that provides an in-depth look at the entirety of Dennis Rader’s murderous legacy; Fred & Rose West: House of Horrors (1x60’; HD; Blink Films), a film detailing the chilling killings in a husband-and-wife serial killers’ home that shocked the UK 25 years ago; and on a lighter side, My Gay Pet and Other Animals (1x60’; HD; Arrow Media) that explores the question “Can my pet be gay?”.

Blue Ant International’s nature & wildlife library continues to offer new programming that explores our planet. In a televisual first, Turtle Beach (1x60’; 4K & HD | 1X90’; HD; Renegade Pictures & Merit Entertainment) reveals the complete story of a turtle nest for the first time - from initial egg-laying to the final hatching. Dogs with Extraordinary Jobs (5x60’; HDR, 4K & HD; Oxford Scientific Films) showcases some of our four-legged friends and how their natural abilities are being harnessed to improve lives. Hope for Wildlife IX (13x60’; 4K & HD; Arcadia Entertainment) is an emotionally charged look at what goes wrong when humans encroach on the natural environment; and Carpathian Predators (2x60’ 4K & HD; Blink Films) offers viewers a glimpse into a place where predators still roam wild and humans have adapted to coexist with these formidable animals.

Blue Ant International will showcase its new and existing catalogue at its MIPDOC and MIPTV booth R8.B7 starting April 6, 2019. GoQuest Media Ventures picks up drama content from China, Thailand and Taiwan GoQuest enters Asian drama space with content acquisition to Vietnam princess disowned for being born Culture Ltd, Hongkong; The out of wedlock. Spurred to life Masked Lover, Behind Your Smile, Independent content distributor by survival and his desire to stay Swimming Battle, Home Sweet GoQuest Media Ventures is at Li’s side, he embarks on a Home; Between from nationwide pleased to announce a raft of new series of adventures ranging from cable TV network Sanlih acquisitions from China, Thailand hysterical to heart-wrenching. E-Television, Taiwan and A Billion and Taiwan. Entering the Asian drama space, Love Game, and Chaoweha from Collaborating with leading Chinese GoQuest Media is also pleased Thailand’s True4U. streaming platform iQiyi, GoQuest to announce the acquisition of Commenting on the acquisitions, Media has secured the rights content through their Vietnam Vivek Lath, Managing Director for Vietnam to the epic drama office, headed by Harshad of GoQuest Media said, “It is a series Tang Dynasty Tour (36 x Wadadekar, General Manager, privilege to be offering viewers 45’). The costume drama, an Distribution Business. These in Vietnam great content iQiyi Original directed by Zhu include the rights for Vietnam homegrown in Asia and providing Dong-Ning and produced by to series such as Blind Date the ever-challenging TV market Gordon Chan revolves around Yun which is the Chinese remake with good quality programming. Ye, who one night falls asleep of Dori Media’s hit romantic There is huge potential for Asian and wakes amid the opulent scripted comedy Ciega A Citas, content and we strongly believe brickwork of an ancient Tang An Oriental Odyssey, The Lost that shows such as these will be Dynasty palace. Yun soon meets Swordship, Mr Swimmer, Legend well received.” the troubled Li Anlan, a Tang of S. Fire Walker, from Media

26 | television asia plus april-may 2019 review SKY ITALIA PARTNER WITH new voices and talent); The X FREMANTLE ITALY AND SYCO Factor Daily, a daily show which features the contestants as they ENTERTAINMENT FOR FURTHER prepare for their weekly live performance; the Strafactor, a SEASONS OF talent show in the talent show that discovers the most extravagant “THE X FACTOR” & “ITALIA’S GOT “pop icons”, and a cutting- edge voting system to increase TALENT” audience interaction.

The new exclusive deal will see four more excellences thanks to whom The impressive viewing figures seasons of The X Factor and two additional these shows marked a new confirm The X Factor as Italy’s seasons of Italia’s Got Talent course in entertainment. For all record performing social show these reasons, we are excited to and must-see TV event for be able to continue this journey Thursday nights. The show’s and to offer our audience unique, viewing figures continue to grow exciting and high-quality shows.” season to season. The grand final of the 2018 series was the “Fremantle Italy is very happy to most viewed on Sky with over 2.8 renew its partnership with Sky million viewers average and 13% for The X Factor and Italia’s Got share – with an all-time-record of Talent,” commented Gabriele 48 million votes. Immirzi, Fremantle Italy Chief Operating Officer, “This The first Sky-branded edition of agreement is an important Italia’s Got Talent was dedicated acknowledgement of the quality to a wide variety of talents. It of the work our creative and made its debut on Sky Uno in production teams have done, and March 2015 and has aired on TV8 once again shows the foresight since 2016. of a publisher that allows us to plan activities over a long period, Every year the Italia’s Got Talent contributing in a decisive way to Sky Italia has signed a new The X Factor and Got Talent next. team travels around Italy (from creating high quality formats. We four-year deal extension with the North to the South for are already working with Sky to Fremantle Italy and Syco “We are delighted to announce about 9,000 km) – with over 5 offer once again to our audience Entertainment, to remain that the extraordinary journey months of scouting and more exciting and engaging shows able the exclusive home of The X that led to the results we have than 10 months of production all to renew themselves constantly, Factor. The network has also achieved so far with The X Factor geared towards identifying the season after season.” extended their deal for Italia’s and Italia’s Got Talent will continue most extraordinary talent, of all

Got Talent for two further years. thanks to the renewal agreement ages, and disciplines. More than The X Factor made its debut on The entertainment series are with Fremantle Italy and Syco 20,000 spectators participate in Sky in 2011, with Italy being the two of Italy’s most successful Entertainment,” commented Nils the live shows which are filmed only country globally to air the international formats and flagship Hartmann, Director of Sky Italia in some of Italy’s most beautiful format on pay-tv and defined by shows for Sky Uno and TV8. Original Productions. theatres. The opening episode Simon Cowell as “the best in the of the current season of Italia’s world”. The Italian production The new season of The X “The work done in recent years Got Talent was watched by a team has introduced several Factor will launch on Sky Uno in has had, and will continue to combined audience of 4.2 million innovations since the show’s September 2019, and TV8 will have, two pivot points, courage viewers in the first week. The inception: The X Factor on the continue to air the hit talent and talent. The courage of an series is the most viewed non- Road (the trip around Italy seeking show Italia’s Got Talent, which entertainment show that has sport show ever on TV8. concludes its current season with been able to go beyond pure its live finale on March 22. entertainment and scouting of talents, becoming the mirror of Simon Cowell said: “Sky Italia our ‘Zeitgeist’ bringing together are incredible partners. They are generations and genres and fearless and constantly prepared transforming itself into a booster to reinvent themselves. Most of consciousness and awareness, importantly, they totally believe alongside the courage to dare in these shows. Some of the striving for perfection and biggest recording artists in Italy adopting new production and have been discovered by The creative standards to stage X Factor Italia, and it remains world-class shows. And the talent, one of my favorite international the vital element we look for productions. Alongside our and nurture not only on stage, partners Fremantle and Sony enhancing and supporting some Music, I am thrilled to continue of the best talents out there, working with this team and I look but also behind the scenes, forward to seeing where they take with real creative and technical

april-may 2019 television asia plus | 27 review Now we’re joining our unique storytelling with Kew Media’s global reach Kew Media and NENT and Adi Hasak’s uncompromising creative vision to create a hard-hitting Group to produce spy and truly unforgettable series.” The creator behind the series Adi Hasak, gave his input on the retelling thriller Margeaux of his experiences: “A meditation on violence and terrorism, gender politics, gay rights, redemption and love, Margeaux offers a unique Partnership to create award winning Adi Hasak’s perspective on who we used to be, and what has led to who we are historic reimagination today. I’m thrilled to have the enthusiastic support of NENT Group and Kew Media as my producing partners and distributors in this unique and international character-driven franchise.”

Kew Media Distribution will be selling Margeaux globally. In the Nordic region, the series will premiere exclusively on NENT Group’s Viaplay streaming service. Card sharing piracy network shut down in the Netherlands VodafoneZiggo, AAPA and Dutch Police collaborate to bring card sharing pirate to justice

The operator of a Netherlands-based card sharing piracy network was convicted and sentenced to a conditional six-month prison sentence, Carrie Stein, EVP Global Adi Hasak, the creator with a probation period of three years, and 240 hours community Scripted TV Series at of Margeaux service, at a court in The Hague on 7 March 2019. The conviction is Kew Media Group the latest in a series of positive results of collaborative investigations led by Dutch Police, VodafoneZiggo and members of the Audiovisual Leading content company Kew Media Group has partnered with Anti-Piracy Alliance (AAPA). Nordic Entertainment Group (NENT Group), the operator of premium

Nordic streaming service Viaplay, on the international drama series The 29-year-old man from Oude Wetering in the Netherlands was Margeaux. Created by Adi Hasak, the creator of hit NBC series Shades convicted of criminal offences relating to card-sharing. The sentencing of Blue, Margeaux is a reimagining of the Munich Olympic massacre follows the conviction of a 40-year-old man in Groningen in July 2018, from the point of view of an Israeli Mossad psychologist as well as the also on offences relating to card sharing and the illegal sharing of Palestinian co-ordinator behind the attack. Ziggo services.

The series will be produced in multiple languages, including Hebrew, “Piracy is a crime which can impact the revenues of content owners Arabic, English and German, and will deliver the authentic essence of and rights holders and have serious consequences for the industry. the characters and their journey. Premium content is in high demand across the globe and the AAPA will continue to work with leading operators like VodafoneZiggo to help Margeaux is anticipated to begin production in fall 2019 and marks protect their investments and bring to justice criminals who are intent Hasak’s third straight-to-series show. Hasak will serve as showrunner on stealing and sharing this valuable content,” said Mark Mulready, Vice and will write the entire first season. JJ Wienkers will serve as co-writer President – Cybersecurity Services, Irdeto and Vice President, AAPA, as well as in a production capacity. “This conviction is a testament to the success of the collaboration between the industry and law enforcement groups and will hopefully The Munich Olympic massacre occurred during the 1972 Summer help the pirates to rethink their disregard for the industry.” Olympics. The Palestinian terrorist group known as Black September took eleven Israeli Olympic team members hostage and eventually Card sharing piracy continues to pose a major threat to pay TV killed all of them after a televised day-long stand-off. Subsequently, an operators and broadcasters. This form of piracy occurs when a pirate Israeli Mossad team was sent to track down those responsible and steals and retransmits a regularly changing control word that is passed avenge the murder of the Israeli athletes. between a smart card and a set-top-box (STB), allowing subscribers to watch TV content they have not legitimately paid for. The Israeli and Palestinian storylines in Margeaux will present both sides of the story and explore the personal and psychological scars of everyone involved as they spiralled into a cycle of violence of which Sri Lanka’s local wildlife entices they quickly lost control. Creator and writer Adi Hasak brings a unique perspective on this subject as he was a victim of a terror attack as a travellers to visit in new first-of- young boy and years later was caught up in a cycle of violence as an its-kind film Israeli paratrooper in 1980s Beirut. Watching wildlife from Carrie Stein, EVP Global Scripted TV Series at Kew Media Group, said: the point of view of the “Adi is a one-of-a-kind talent and it’s especially good to be working with wildlife him on a show that resonates so personally. We couldn’t be happier to The Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion be partnering with NENT Group, who like Kew, are casting a global net Bureau (SLTPB) has engaged an to find distinctive stories that are emotionally engaging.” award-winning team of nature documentary filmmakers to create Jakob Mejlhede Andersen, NENT Group EVP and Head of Content a first-of-its-kind three-minute film commented: “The psychological depth and dramatic scope of capturing the irresistible island of Margeaux demonstrate how high NENT Group is aiming with our original Sri Lanka, from the perspective series. We’ve already premiered more than 20 originals and seen our of the country’s rich and diverse shows picked up by broadcasters and streamers around the world. wildlife.

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The SLTPB released the film to evoke the essence of its new branding – ‘So Sri Lanka’ – which encapsulates the fact that Sri Lanka is more than Pact announces new just a destination, it’s a feeling. legal framework for UK- To entice experience-seeking travellers to visit Sri Lanka – named by Lonely Planet as the best country in the world to visit in 2019 – the film China co-productions captures Sri Lanka’s stunning landscapes and vibrant culture from the viewpoint of the country’s most extraordinary inhabitants: its wildlife. • New partnership agreement to The film includes ‘up close and personal’ footage shot with (and by!) bolster UK-China Film & TV Toolkit some of Sri Lanka’s most iconic residents – including elephants, turtles, leopards, blue whales and fishing cats. • Announcement coincides with 3rd UK China Creative Exchange

Pact, the leading UK producers trade association, announced a new legal framework, designed to protect the sharing of confidential ideas and intellectual property between UK and Chinese co production partners.

Fully compliant with both UK and Chinese law, the new framework is a new addition to a suite of legal and logistics documents featured in the UK-China Film & TV Toolkit, a resource developed along with the UK’s Intellectual Property Attaché to China based in the British Embassy in Beijing The filming and production team behind the film all have extensive and the British Film Institute (BFI). experience working with the BBC’s Natural History Unit, collectively responsible for some of its most spectacular series including Blue Announced on the eve of the 3rd Planet II, Africa, Human Planet and Our Blue Planet, the digital annual UK China Creative Exchange programme, the new framework is campaign around Blue Planet II. designed to foster deeper collaboration between British and Chinese content producers and stimulate trade by protecting and promoting the The captivating three-minute film takes us on a wild journey across co creation of ideas. the island nation’s stunning landscapes. Footage includes following a newly hatched sea-turtle’s journey to the sea on the endless white-sand Supported by the Department for International Trade (DIT) and the beaches of the south coast, to getting a soaring eagle-eye view of the Department for Digital, Culture Media and Sport (DCMS), the 2019 UK- spectacular ancient Sigiriya rock fortress; and watching the world’s China Creative Exchange sees eleven executives from leading Chinese largest elephants travel in their home in the sprawling Udawalawe broadcasters and production companies travel the UK to co create new National Park, as well as witnessing doves waking with the vibrant programming ideas with UK partners. sunrise over Colombo. During the week-long programme between 11 to 15 March, each Director and producer of the short film, Nicola Brown, said: “Sri Lanka Chinese executive will visit three participating indies across the UK’s is such a beautiful country with incredible wildlife and we thought a nations and regions and work to build strategic relationships and great way of telling its story visually would be from the perspective co-develop projects. There will also be facilitated kick-off and wrap-up of its animals. To achieve this, we utilised natural history filming sessions in London to aid the participants in developing joint ways of techniques and technology to capture an immersive view of Sri Lanka working. that would put the viewer in their world. We also had an opportunity to put the cameras in the animal’s world – literally. Cheeky toque macaque This is the third edition of the UK-China Creative Exchange since the monkeys in Polonnaruwa quickly learned how to unscrew our camera signing of the UK-China Television Coproduction Treaty in 2016. Over rigs and even ran away with our kit!” the past eight years, Pact has run several missions and attended markets in China, introducing more than 100 UK production companies SLTPB Chairman, Kishu Gomes, added: “Sri Lanka is like nowhere to Chinese broadcasters and producers, tripling trade between else in the world. We wanted to visualise what travellers can do, see participating businesses. and feel when they visit Sri Lanka in a way that is as unique as our country – which is why we wanted to tell our story from the viewpoint Pact’s Managing Director of Business Development & Global Strategy, of our amazing wildlife. Sri Lanka is one of the best Safari destinations Dawn McCarthy-Simpson MBE, said: “Bringing likeminded producers outside of Africa, and we also have many other pleasures for visitors together from the UK and China is key to fostering collaboration. This to discover; our beaches enjoy sunshine all year round, our people extension to our UK-China Film & TV Toolkit aims to provide the legal are warm and welcoming, and our food is abundantly flavourful. Sri structure and confidence for both parties to share creative ideas, safe Lanka must be felt to be believed, and we welcome all travellers to our in the knowledge that they jointly own the IP”. country for an experience like no other.” The UK China Creative Exchange 2019 took place from 11 to 15 The new ‘So Sri Lanka’ branding, developed by J. Walter Thompson March, commencing with a facilitated workshop session in London. and Landor, was revealed at the World Travel Market in London in November 2018 and marked the start of Sri Lanka’s fresh approach to destination marketing.

april-may 2019 television asia plus | 29 review India’s Hotstar Specials presents - Roar of the Lion Trailer promises an ultimate comeback story Hotstar Specials is delighted to present its first showRoar of the Lion, with Mahendra Singh Dhoni who speaks about the darkest point of his career, when he was accused of the worst crime in cricket and Chennai lost its beloved team.

The teaser left us wanting to know more about Dhoni’s ‘Zidd’ while the trailer sheds light on the emotions that played a big part in making Captain Cool what he is today. Demonstrating a side of him not commonly seen, the trailer includes the soon to be iconic line uttered by M.S. Dhoni, “The biggest crime I can commit is not murder, it’s actually match fixing.” between Dhoni Entertainment Pvt Ltd and Banijay Asia.

Roar of the Lion is a story of how a bunch of men in yellow jerseys While the trailer leaves a lot to be seen it brings to the screen some wrote one of India’s greatest comeback stories under the leadership of the voices who have for the first time shared their opinion about the of M.S.Dhoni. The series follows the human emotions of not only the ban including the CSK management, the people behind CSK. members of Team CSK, but also of their beloved fans, during the days Hotstar Specials presents Roar of the Lion, streaming from 20 March that led to the CSK ban and the 2 years that followed. onwards with all the episodes available for fans to watch.

Shot across multiple locations including Mumbai, Delhi, Chennai and Hotstar Specials, the new label launched by India’s biggest OTT player Australia, this is a finite story of 6 episodes, 30 minutes each. Shot - Hotstar- will bring big, bold, authentic stories created by some of across locations in India from Chepauk Stadium in Chennai to Dhoni’s biggest storytellers India has to offer. Featuring some of the most hometown of Ranchi, the story weaves in a narrative never seen before unconventional stories, every show on Hotstar Specials will be available for been created by master storyteller Kabir Khan, making his debut to crores of consumers across India in 7 languages (Hindi, Marathi, in the digital space, written by Kausar Munir, and is a co-production Bengali, Tamil, Telugu, Kannada and Malayalam). SERIES MANIA FORUM UNVEILS PROFESSIONAL VR PROGRAMME INCLUDING NEW VR SERIES PITCHING SESSIONS “With the growing impact of immersive media in the VR events for industry • Breathe, created by Diego Galafassi, Denmark/ audiovisual sector, the serial and talent set for 2019 Sweden/USA format is now spreading into all • Gloomy Eyes, created by Jorge Tereso and Fernando forms of narrative,” commented Following the announcement of Maldonado, Argentina/France Laurence Herszberg, “At Series the distinguished list of speakers • Into the Mind, created by Jessica Brillhart, USA Mania, we believe AR (Augmented for Lille Transatlantic Dialogues, • Mechanical Souls, created by L.P.Lee and Gaëlle Reality), VR and Mixed Reality Ms. Laurence Herszberg, founder Mourre, France/Taiwan are part of the present of the and general director of Series • Pagan Peak, created by Max Sacker and Ioulia series industry – thus, we are Mania, announced the final part of Isserlis, Germany proud to extend our co-production its 2019 professional program of • The Queen of the Forest, created by Priscila Guedes, initiatives to VR and immersive Series Mania Forum: the all-new Brasil media.” Virtual Reality (VR) Co-Production • Tinder is the night, created by Oriane Hurard, France Initiative set for March 26 at Lille • VoyeuR, created by Simon Buisson, France “Series are arguably the best Grand Palais. way to experience VR,” explained Michel Reilhac, “In part because Inspired by the success of the current VR headsets are best- Co-Pro Pitching Sessions, whose suited for short-term sessions, projects for 2019 were recently but mostly because immersive announced, the core of this media has this specificity of initiative will be new VR Pitching being a very intense watching Sessions which will allow eight experience. We are only starting international VR series projects to discover the immense to be presented by their creators possibilities offered by these new on stage in front of potential sensory interfaces: this is about financiers and broadcasters. learning to manipulate space, in Carefully handpicked by VR Series Mania Forum will also host dedicated conferences and panels the same way cinema learned to advisors Voyelle Acker (ex- on the next trends in VR content production, including a conversation manipulate time.” Nouvelles Écritures at France with Ioulia Isserlis (CEO & Creative Producer at AnotherWorld, Télévisions, immersive experience Germany), who will give her dual artist-producer input on how VR All VR projects and additional producer) and Michel Reilhac (VR creators are changing series production; and an exclusive dialogue experiences will be available program advisor for the Venice between Jessica Brillhart (Founder of Viral Pictures, USA) and via dedicated headsets in a VR Film Festival), the selection of Louis Derungs (Pain neuroscience expert, Mindaze, Belgium) on Experience area over the course the first VR Pitching Sessions will the tremendous potential of VR for therapeutic and experimental of Series Mania Forum, from 25 include the following projects: storytelling. to 27 March.

30 | television asia plus april-may 2019