MCI (P) 047/06/2017 PPS 1812/01/2013 (025534) ISSN 0219-6166

www.onscreenasia.com Vol. 25 | Issue 01 | January-March 2019

New Wave of Young Filmmakers television ASIA.indd 1 20/2/18 10:19 am editor’snote

Publishing K.Dass Editorial Director/Publisher The secret is out! [email protected] (65) 6828 9333 It’s no rumor; Television Asia Plus has been acquired by HARVEST INFORMATION recently. The Editorial only Asia-Pacific base broadcast publication that has Yi An Ang stolen the limelight for over twenty-seven years has Editorial AsSISTANT settled down after much uncertainty in 2018. Well, its [email protected] business as usual now with enhanced content and direct links to the editor /publisher @ editorial@harvest-info. (65) 6828 9333 com. The new management has promised sensible pricing, editorial support and you get amplified across all Ang Ler Sing platforms. Editorial AsSISTANT [email protected] Enough of the nonsense we’ve been hearing for months. (65) 6828 9333 So don’t go into hiding with another as Television Asia Plus has been second to none in the industry. Breathless K. Dass, Editorial Director Alison Yeo contestants do give excuses when they perceive injuries on the winner. Well, the champion is back on the race and we will justify with results. Editorial Assistant [email protected] HKFILMART opens this March (65) 6828 9333

About 880 exhibitors from 35 countries and regions will participate in the design/production 23rd edition of FILMART. Alongside major Hong Kong film companies, this year’s Samantha Tham event features exhibitors from various international cities together with cities and Graphic Designer provinces from Mainland China, including Beijing, Shanghai, Guangdong, Hangzhou [email protected] and Hunan. Exhibitors from Jiangsu, Hengdian and Xiamen will form new regional pavilions for the first time. In addition, more than 390 exhibitors from Belt and Road (65) 6828 9333 countries, including Russia, Thailand, India, Indonesia, Ukraine, Poland, Cambodia, Turkey and Vietnam, are taking part in FILMART to explore both mainland and global opportunities via the Hong Kong platform.

Documentaries will be a strong focus at this year’s FILMART, with visitors able to explore the documentary works of 290 exhibitors from the United States, the United Kingdom, Japan, Korea, Taiwan and Hong Kong. A seminar titled “Documentaries: Why does your story matter?” will be held on the first day of the event featuring Esther van Messel, CEO of First Hand Films; Lex Zhu, Producer of A Bite of China; and David Weiland, EVP Asia at BBC Studios.

Other conferences and seminars will feature a heavyweight line-up of international and local speakers, including Jonathan Spink, CEO of HBO Asia (production house of Folklore and Master of the Drunken Fist: Beggar So); Sean Park, Marketing Director of YouTube International Markets; Jim Packer, President of Worldwide TV and Digital Distribution, Lionsgate (distributors of movie series The Hunger Games); Joe Aguilar, Emmy Award-winning producer; Belle Avery, Producer of The Meg; Sin Kwoklam, producer of The Legend is Born – Ip Man; Pang Hocheung, Director of Love in a Puff; and Derek Tsang, Director of Soul Mate. Meanwhile, Yu Gong, Founder and CEO of iQIYI,Inc will speak at a sharing session titled “Insights with iQIYI”.

To help participants foster new business partnerships, FILMART will also feature over 60 networking events, thematic seminars and press conferences. More than 300 screenings will be held over the four days of the event, including around 100 international and Asia premieres. Guests at the event will include Paul Chan, Financial Secretary of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region; Margaret Fong, HKTDC Executive Director; Liu Meiru, Deputy Director-General, TV Drama Department, State Administration of Radio and Television; Peter Lam, Chairman of the HKTDC Entertainment Industry Advisory Committee; and Leon Lai, Ambassador of the Harvest Information Pte Ltd Entertainment Expo. 39 MacTaggart Road #05-01 Asia Media Center, Singapore 368084 Tel: +65 6828 9333

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january-march 2019 television asia plus | 1 contents New Wave of Young Filmmakers 3 The Rundown 8 The Hong Kong - Asia Film Financing 7 People Forum announces Operation Greenlight projects and additional 8 Tradeshows award sponsors. 10 Feature: Addressable TV 11 Feature: Confronting Pollution This year’s shortlisted Operation 12 Feature: Wicked Tuna Greenlight projects include: 13 Feature Netflix - A Pele Da Flor 14 Managing Asia - Unclaimed 15 Technology - Just for Lease - Leaves fall in Spring 16 Review

10 Addressable 11 TV: the perfect Mongolia’s Reindeer balance of local People Confront Pollution in Poignant impact and global Double Music Video scale Follow directing duo Sil & Jorik as they show a unique culture under threat in breath-takingly beautiful 12 films for Novo Amor Wicked Tuna returns for Season 8 13 National Geographic’s hit reality fishing Netflix competition returns for Concurs anime an eighth season in the production unrelenting waters of the North Atlantic. Netflix has entered into partnerships to create anime series with Anima, Sublimation Game Changer in the and David Production. 14 Philippines One of the country’s two dominant players, GMA Network delivers local- language entertainment on its 15 flagship channels as well as on nonlinear platforms. GMA Ooyala Network’s Vice President Roxanne Barcelona tells K. Evaluates Dass about what drives their success in the Philippines.

Patricio Cummins, Vice President for Asia-Pacific and Japan, recently shared Ooyala’s predictions for this coming year. 19 Epic Drama He provided some insight to the ever-changing media and Beecham entertainment industry with new content trends capturing House set to audience attention. air in the US Top French TV Execs Fremantle secures 16 US deal for Gurinder take to MIPTV stage Chadha’s upcoming France Televisios, TF1, CANAL+, ARTE, Banijay series set in India Group and Picture Perfect Federation to Keynote in France Country of Honour Programme.

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tvN’s romance drama Encounter leads viewership ratings charts HOOQ bags three awards at the inaugural Asian SINGAPORE – Viu fans can now enjoy Encounter four hours after Korea’s telecast with the platform’s exclusive Academy Creative Awards streaming rights acquisition for Asia and watch their favourite Hallyu stars on selected Samsung Smart TVs.

SINGAPORE – HOOQ Originals Encounter, this year-end’s highly-anticipated blockbuster drama series, premiered with stellar viewership ratings and dominated awards for Indonesia with looks set to rule the drama charts with very positive ratings, impressing viewers with scenic views and a captivating three wins, including the coveted storyline. Best Leading Actress award. Featuring two household names – Park Bo Gum and Song Hye Kyo – as its main leads, the debut episode broke HOOQ, Asia’s first and largest tvN’s viewership ratings record for a Wednesday-Thursday drama premiere and continues to be a leading drama in video-on-demand service, picked its timeslot across free-to-air and cable TV channels. up three awards at the inaugural Asian Academy Creative Awards The debut episode recorded an impressive viewership rating of 8.7 per cent, surpassing the 6.3 per cent rating 2018 including ‘Best Sound’ and of hit K-drama Goblin’s premiere. Encounter has also claimed the top spot in its timeslot last week, outperforming ‘Best Cinematography’ for Marlina SBS’ An Empress’s Dignity and MBC’s Children of Nobody, with viewership ratings of 7.6 per cent and 3.9 percent The Murderer in Four Acts and ‘Best respectively. Encounter also holds the second highest premiere viewership rating among tvN’s dramas. Actress in a Leading Role’ with Adinia Wirasti for Critical Eleven. Amazon Prime Video announced Season Two HOOQ was nominated for 12 awards of the Prime Original at the inaugural Asian Academy Series Breathe Creative Awards 2018 including ‘Best Original Screenplay’, ‘Best NATIONAL – Amazon Prime Sound’, ‘Best Cinematography’, Video has announced that it has ‘Best Original Programme by a commenced production of an all- Streamer/OTT’ with Marlina The new season of the Prime Original Murderer in Four Acts, Best Comedy Series, Breathe. Programme’ with Aliansi, and drama awards including ‘Best Actress in Created by Abundantia HBO Asia and Catchplay announces new Taiwan original a Leading Role’, ‘Best Actor in a Entertainment, the second season drama Leading Role’ and ‘Best Direction of the hugely successful show (Fiction)’ with Critical Eleven for also marks the digital streaming HBO Asia’s newest original Taiwanese drama series, The World Between Us, Indonesia; ‘Best Original Programme on-screen debut of Bollywood is a ten-part hour-long series that follows the aftermath of a mass-shooting by a Streamer/OTT’, ‘Best Comedy star Abhishek Bachchan. where all parties involved – the killer, the victims, the victims’ families, the Performance’ and ‘Best Comedy media and their representing lawyers, whose fates are all intertwined. Programme’ with Saranae Love The show will continue to You for Thailand; and ‘Best Actress be directed by Mayank Sharma The World Between Us premieres in Asia on Sunday, March 24 with two back- in a Leading Role’ with How To Be A and he, along with Bhavani Iyer, to-back episodes from 9pm (SIN) onwards exclusively* on HBO GO and HBO. Good Girl for Singapore. Vikram Tuli and Arshad Syed, have In Taiwan, the series will also be available on the CATCHPLAY On Demand helmed the narrative as writers of platform. Two new episodes will debut at the same time every Sunday. The the show. Actor Amit Sadh returns series will also be available on HBO On Demand. The series is produced by in his award-winning role as Kabir Taiwanese broadcaster, Public Television Service (PTS), and will be jointly Sawant. distributed by HBO Asia and CATCHPLAY outside of Asia.

CTE Appoints Bomanbridge Media as Worldwide Distributor for KIX Original Productions

Celestial Tiger Entertainment (CTE), operator of the largest bouquet of pan-Asian channels dedicated to Asian entertainment, announced the appointment of Bomanbridge Media, a Singapore-based distribution agency and production company, as the exclusive worldwide distributor for two original reality series produced by its action entertainment channel KIX, The Ultimate BROcation and Extreme Ends.

Under this appointment, Bomanbridge will distribute and license exclusively to worldwide markets the original version as well as The Ultimate BROcation and Extreme Ends, both collaborations between KIX and the Hong Kong Tourism Board.

The Ultimate BROcation, a hilarious reality series with NO GIRLFRIENDS, NO KIDS, NO SLEEP, follows four famous guys on an all-expenses-paid fantasy vacation. Extreme Ends is an action-adventure reality show featuring four celebrities and their special guests as they experience the extreme features of a city, such as “fast vs slow” or “high vs low”. These themes showcase the fascinating contrasts, non-stop intensity and distinctively trendy attributes of our favourite Asian cities.

Fast-paced and entertaining, these series have great appeal among Asian audiences, resulting in stellar ratings performance. The Ultimate BROcation won its premiere timeslot with male audiences 20 to 39 among regional English general entertainment (GE) channels in the Philippines and in Malaysia, while Extreme Ends also won its premiere timeslot and was the highest-rated premiere episode of any KIX reality series in 2018 in the Philippines.

jauuary-march 2019 television asia plus | 3 therundown

CTE achieves stellar ratings in 2018

HONG KONG – Celestial Tiger Entertainment (CTE), operator of the largest bouquet of pan-Asian channels dedicated to Asian entertainment, ended 2018 on a high note with 7.6 million additional subscribers and stellar ratings for its channels.

Celestial’s footprint expanded significantly in 2018, with 7.6 million additional subscribers driven by new deals in Korea, Vietnam, Indonesia and Myanmar, across the Network’s Celestial Movies, CCM, KIX, Thrill and Miao Mi services. New affiliates added in 2018 include Korea Telecom’s olleh tv and LG U+ in Korea; Vietnam Television Cable Corporation’s VTVCab, Viettel’s nextTV and FPT Telecom’s FPT in Vietnam; Telkomsel’s MAXstream in Indonesia; and Miniso goes global with the collection, which will be CANAL+ Myanmar FG in Myanmar. with Cartoon Network’s comprised of plushies, stationery, Adventure Time gifts and accessories such as CTE’s channel brands also achieved stellar ratings in 2018 across key backpacks and cosmetics. In the measured markets in Southeast Asia. Celestial Movies (CM), CCM, cHK, KIX Miniso has teamed up with Cartoon near future, the collection will add and Thrill all achieved significant viewership growth in 2018. Network to present an epic 264- even more items as well as expand item collection of Adventure to additional territories. In the Philippines, three CTE channels (KIX, Thrill and Celestial Movies Time products in its stores across Pinoy) were among the top 20 paid TV channels in the country in 2018. In 62 territories around the world. “The scale of this range addition, KIX continued to be the top regional English general entertainment From Europe to Asia, and Africa demonstrates the popularity and (GE) channel in 2018, growing its national audience by 17%, while Thrill also to North America and South enduring qualities of the Adventure attracted notable viewership, growing 33% in 2018. During the same time, America, the retailer is stacking its Time franchise globally,” said Vikram Celestial Movies Pinoy was among the top 5 highest-rated channels among shelves with items featuring iconic Sharma, Vice President of Cartoon all pay TV channels on Cignal’s platform with their audience in 2018, doubling characters including Finn, Jake, Network Enterprises, Asia Pacific. its audience size last year. The channel also ranked in the top ten paid TV BMO and Lumpy Space Princess. “Miniso has been a great partner for channels among cable and satellite viewers. us. And when they wanted a brand Launching this month as part of a that could provide young fans with phased global rollout, Adventure Blue Ant International announces continued rollout of an instantly-recognizable and fun Time fans will be able to enjoy an premium series and brands at NATPE 2019 association, Adventure Time was immersive in-store experience the obvious, mathematical choice!” Blue Ant International, a transatlantic distributor of premium content and a division of Blue Ant Media, announced at NATPE 2019 its latest round of PBT EU collaborates with O-Video international sales. The distributor continues to broaden its global footprint with new original and acquired programmes from its key tent-pole categories: PBT EU collaborated with Romanian reseller-partner O-Video to create a High Impact Documentaries, Factual Entertainment, Specialist Factual, Kids “virtual” computer-generated news studio for NCN TV. The news station & Family and Scripted & Digital Studios. was designed by the O-Video team using PBT EU’s customised solutions implementing PlayBox Neo equipment. Blue Ant International has secured a sale for Architect Films’ Lakefront Luxury by national U.S. television network, Bravo (US), which is the #1 cable The PlayBox Neo workflow included a main news studio, 5 playout channels network among female viewers in the US market. The series will complement with a Production AirBox Neo and TitleBox Neo. Other additions included an the network’s popular line-up of acclaimed original series in cable across MCR, video wall, and a secondary studio with display and backup playout America. The ten-part series is the ultimate escape from the hustle and channel with interactive CG and integration for Sony ODA and Panasonic bustle of the daily grind with stunning views, gorgeous waterfronts and cameras. serene sunsets. Viewers will tour properties with unlimited budgets and Owner of NCN TV, Liviu Alexa had heard of various projects PBT EU and endless wish-lists as each episode introduces luxurious homes that go O-Video had undertaken and took interest. The PBT EU team demonstrated beyond one’s wildest dreams. that PlayBox Neo, AirBox Neo and TitleBox Neo were ideal for his news studio, and was keen to take part.

The broadcasting channel which launched in Cluj late last year has been Thaicom Announces Full-Year 2018 Results positioned as the country’s leading national news station. The channel features virtual newsreaders as well as high-profile “real-life” presenters Thailand’s first satellite operator has announced financial results for 2018. such as Razvan Dumitrescu, who also produces Antena 3.

The Company’s consolidated revenue from sales of goods and rendering of services for 2018 was Baht 6,008 million, a decrease of 10.2% from Baht 6,689 million for 2017—mainly due to the worldwide industry downtrend and price decline, as well as the churn of customers during 2017.

The Company reported a consolidated net profit of Baht 230 million, taking into account impairment, and improving on last year’s net loss of Baht 2,650 million due to the recognition of gain from sales of shares of CS Loxinfo Public Company Limited (CSL), a decrease in depreciation and amortization after the recognition of satellite assets impairment in 2017, and an improved cost management.

Lao Telecommunications Co., Ltd. (LTC), Thaicom’s telecommunication and mobile service provider subsidiary in Lao PDR, reported total mobile subscribers (excluding fixed wireless) of 1,488,196. In January 2018, the country’s market leader entered into a sale and purchase agreement to acquire 500,000 shares or 100% of Vimpelcom Company Limited—one of the mobile operators under the brand name “BEELINE”—from the Lao government.

This acquisition will significantly help to expand its market and target the country’s young consumers, as well as enhance LTC’s network efficiency. Lao Telecommunications currently holds 56.1% market share in the mobile business.

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Federation Kids and Planeta Junior Kick of Licensing in Globo’s God Save the King is licensed to MBC Group Italy for Find Me In Paris Globo’s medieval super production God Save the King will be aired in the PARIS, FRANCE, AND MILAN, ITALY – Federation Kids & Middle East and North Africa. The telenovela premiered during NATPE Family announced its licensing partnership in Italy with leading kids 2019 and was licensed to MBC Group, the region’s largest multi-media entertainment company Planeta Junior, for its premium time-traveling ballet entertainment conglomerate. God Save the King, with its dramatic and comic series Find Me In Paris. elements, begins with two prince brothers who do not want the throne: one is afraid of becoming the king and the other renounces the crown in pursuit Find Me In Paris launched on the Disney Channel Italy in November 2018, of an otherwise impossible romance with a commoner. alongside a worldwide debut on the most important platforms across the globe including NBC Universal Kids and HULU (US), Nickelodeon (UK), France A big hit on Globo’s Access Prime Time, with a reach of more than 45 Télévisions (France), Disney (France), ZDF (Germany), ABC (Australia), and million viewers in its last episode, the telenovela involved meticulous and VRT (Belgium), among others. impressive work in technology, costumes and set design for the building of the kingdoms where the story takes place. 2 also aired on Globo in Portugal, Planeta Junior will take on the licensing rights to the series, concentrating where it secured Globo’s leadership among the country’s pay-TV channels. on the extraordinary opportunities provided by a tween live action series revolving around music, ballet and modern dance – set against the backdrop To bring the vast hilly fields, horses and carriages to life, in their majestic of the most iconic opera house, in the most famous city in the world. A first scenarios, in addition to the two medieval kingdoms with all the grandeur of key book deal has already been signed with publishing giant, Mondadori, and this universe, God Save the King was shot entirely indoors at Estúdios Globo, is set to launch this year. in Rio de Janeiro, with prominent computer graphic usage.

Toonz Media Group launches Gummibär And Friends: The Gummy Bear Show Season 2 on YouTube

Toonz Media Group, in partnership with Gummybear International launched, on 13 December, the second season of their successful animated series Gummibär And Friends: The Gummy Bear Show. Toonz Media Group’s new non-dialogue comedy Boo Bah B also just launched exclusively on YouTube and the YouTube Kids app on 30th November, strengthening the partnership with the platform.

The hugely successful Gummibär And Friends: The Gummy Bear Show premiered on YouTube on 24 June 2016 with immediate success. The Surprise Egg, the most watched episode of season one, generated more than 36 million views alone. Overall, the first season has received over 330 million total views on the Gummybear International YouTube Network – the Gummibär centric MCN. With over 12.6 billion total views and over 9 million subscribers, Gummibär is the most viewed animated character on the internet.

Wildside to develop Drama Series on Audrey Hepburn

Mario Gianani and Lorenzo Mieli’s Italian production company Wildside is to develop a drama series Armoza’s The Four licensed in Colombia on Audrey Hepburn’s life, based on a story by Luigi Spinola and Audrey’s Armoza Formats announced that prime time singing competition The Four has been commissioned in Colombia by son, Luca Dotti. Canal 1.Originally developed and produced by Armoza Formats, Colombia’s local adaptation will begin airing daily in prime time in early March 2019 and is set to air live under the name The Four: Los Cuatro Finalistas. In writing the New York Times bestseller, Audrey At Home, the two Most recently it was announced that The Four has been taken in Spain by Warner Brothers International TV Production explored the singularity of Audrey’s Spain and in Portugal by SP Entertainment. real self and discovered along the way that “it all matched”, the In, The Four, four superstar-quality singers will be presented in the season premiere, starting where other music muse, the mother and the later competitions end. Selected by a panel made up of music industry heavyweights, only the cream of the crop will make humanitarian all closely relate to a the cut and live like VIPs from the start. But they should not get too comfortable, because in a singing competition girl that never stopped to be amazed more extreme and more exhilarating than any other, in every episode they will have to battle talented newcomers by the gift of life. trying to steal their coveted spots. Anyone can issue a challenge at any time through submissions on the dedicated app, but only the best will be able to challenge the reigning four. Who will manage to win the audience’s hearts and In developing the new series, Dotti hold on to their spot? And in the season finale, who will be crowned the winner when the final four are pitted against will contribute unprecedented each other? historical research of his mother’s formative years. Production of the drama series is set to start in 2020.

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Tata Sky ShortsTV to showcase Oscar nominated short APAC Effie Reveals the Full Jury Line-up films The Final Heads of Jury for the 2019 APAC Effie Awards have been announced A collection of Academy acclaimed shorts are to broadcast in India for the along with the full jury line-up. Arthur Wei is the Senior Vice President for first time. To celebrate Oscar season, Tata Sky ShortsTV has planned a Sina Corp. and the General Manager for Sina Sports. He is responsible power-packed schedule filled with carefully curated Academy acclaimed for maintaining Sina’s leadership in Sports content, and led Sina Sport’s shorts. transition from a digital media channel to a full-fledged sports company with their own portfolio of sporting events such as the Sina 3x3 Golden League The channel will premiere a short film previously recognised by the Oscars basketball tournament, the Sina 5x5 Golden League futsal tournament, daily. The shorts will come from varied genres (Live Action, Animation and International Youth Equestrian Tournament and others. Documentary) and will include titles such as The Voorman Problem, Bear Story and The Fantastic Flying Books of Mr. Morris Lessmore among others. Wei has accumulated more that 20 years of experience in marketing, sales and brand strategic management for global technology corporations, Tata Sky ShortsTV will also air a special Oscar marathon on the day of the heading international teams to solve complex challenges. Prior to joining Oscar ceremony with back-to-back Oscar films and interviews with Oscar Sina Corp., Arthur was the Chief Marketing Officer for Lenovo China Geo nominated filmmakers. and Ecosystem and Cloud Services Business Group, and before that, with Hewlett Packard. The broadcast of previously nominated Oscar shorts on Tata Sky ShortsTV comes ahead of the theatrical release of the 2019 Oscar Nominated Shorts Aside from his regular day job, Arthur also serves as a visiting professor for Films in Indian cinemas. The 2019 release will be the first time the Oscar Antai School of Economics and Management in Shanghai Jiaotong University, Nominated Short Films will be screened in Indian cinemas and will give Indian Central University of Finance and Economics, and is also Vice Chairman of short film fans the opportunity to see the latest Oscar nominated shorts on China Sports Industry Research Center. Arthur is also a seasoned Effie judge the big screen. and has judged at both the Global and Greater China Effie Awards.

Fabrik Entertainment series “Interrogation” finds its Thunderbird’s Atomic Cartoons Partners with Cyber detective Group Studios on Worldwide Licensing Deal for The Last Kids on Earth Peter Sarsgaard will play the lead in Fabrik Entertainment’s upcoming CBS All Access series Interrogation, a true-crime drama series which encourages Atomic Cartoons, the kids division of Thunderbird Entertainment Group the viewer to do the detecting. The series will be produced by CBS Television Inc. announced that it has entered into a worldwide licensing agreement Studios and Fabrik Entertainment, a Red Arrow Studios company. Co-creators with Cyber Group Studios, the Paris and L.A. based animated production Anders Weidemann (30 Degrees In February) and John Mankiewicz (House and distribution company, for its upcoming animated series The Last Kids of Cards, Bosch) are executive producers alongside Fabrik Entertainment’s on Earth. Currently in production, the premiere of the animated series is Henrik Bastin and Melissa Aouate. Fabrik’s Paul Hilborn and Abbey Morris scheduled to appear on Netflix later this year. are producing. The series will be distributed internationally by CBS Studios International. Under the terms of the agreement, Cyber Group Studios will become the sole and exclusive representative worldwide for merchandising, ancillary and Sarsgaard will play the detective in the series which is based on a true second window TV rights for the series. The brand is scheduled to debut at story that spanned more than 30 years, in which a young man was charged Licensing Expo in June 2019 and the animated series will be debuted for and convicted of brutally murdering his mother. Each episode is structured TV sales at MIPJR/MIPCOM, the world’s leading kids entertainment industry around an interrogation taken directly from real police case files. The first event, in 2020. nine episodes of the series will be available to watch in any order, and the conclusive season finale will be released on a later date.

The Other Side of Paradise licensed in Africa

Telenovela The Other Side of Paradise, one of Globo’s flagships for NATPE 2019, is scheduled to premiere on March, on STV’s prime time, in Mozambique. The fast-paced plot with its irresistible links created by Walcyr Carrasco, winner of the International Emmy Awards (Hidden Truth), peaked the interest of the African country’s main broadcast channel, a long-standing partner of the Brazilian network.

With an average daily reach of about 50 million viewers during Brazil’s prime time, The Other Side of Paradise revolves around the story of Clara (Bianca Bin, Precious Pearl), a simple country girl who falls madly in love with the handsome Gael (Sergio Guizé, Forever and Ever). What began as a fairy tale ends as a nightmare: Clara has her baby taken away and ends up in a psychiatric facility. Betrayed and humiliated, Clara turns her fate around and returns as a rich and powerful woman ten years later, thirsty for justice and vengeance.

Full of twists and turns, the plot won over the audience from start to end. In its final episode, seven out of 10 households watching TV were tuned in to the telenovela’s finale. More than 62 million Brazilians watched Clara’s triumphant victory, when she reconciles with her son and gives love another chance. The Other Side of Paradise conquered the Portuguese audience as well. The production was aired by SIC and led the ratings for its time slot.

With an average daily reach of about 50 million viewers during Brazil’s prime time, The Other Side of Paradise revolves around the story of Clara (Bianca Bin, Precious Pearl), a simple country girl who falls madly in love with the handsome Gael (Sergio Guizé, Forever and Ever). What began as a fairy tale ends as a nightmare: Clara has her baby taken away and ends up in a psychiatric facility. Betrayed and humiliated, Clara turns her fate around and returns as a rich and powerful woman ten years later, thirsty for justice and vengeance.

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Fremantle promotes executives in its Leon Lai returns as Entertainment Expo international content team Ambassador page, with lucky draws to follow. London – Global distributor content acquisitions teams in Hong Kong superstar Leon Lai Stay tuned to the Facebook page Fremantle announced the London and L.A., and continue has once again accepted the for more details. promotions of Angela Neillis to her work to drive Fremantle’s non- invitation of the Hong Kong Trade Senior Vice President of Non- scripted acquisition strategy of Development Council (HKTDC) to The EE will be held from 18 scripted Content, and Rebecca developing, financing and securing be the Ambassador for the annual March to 14 April and comprises Dundon to Vice President of Scripted content from its in-house production Entertainment Expo (EE). 2019 will eight events covering a global Content. Both roles will report to teams and world-class third-party mark the fifteenth edition of the mix of film, TV, music and digital Jens Richter, CEO, International, producers. Over the years, Neillis event. entertainment. The events include Fremantle. has forged relationships with a list the HKTDC Hong Kong International of impressive non-scripted talents Following a viral tongue-twister Film and TV Market (FILMART), Based in London, Neillis joined including Jamie Oliver, Nigella promotional video, Mr Lai decided Hong Kong International Film Fremantle in 2013 and has led the Lawson & BBC Studios, Naked, True to take up the challenge again Festival (HKIFF), Hong Kong Film efforts in bolstering the distributor’s to Nature, Lightbox Entertainment, by introducing a video showing Awards (HKFA), Hong Kong-Asia non-scripted slate. In her new role, Atlantic Productions and Associated the EE’s eight events in reverse. Film Financing Forum (HAF), Hong Neillis will head the non-scripted Producers. The video ends with the slogan Kong Asian-Pop Music Festival “Be Sure to Know the Schedule (HKAMF), ifva Festival, the Digital by Heart” as Mr Lai invites the Entertainment Summit, and the TV public to take part in this annual World International Forum. industry extravaganza and give their support to Hong Kong’s entertainment scene.

The promotional video for 2019’s Angela Neillis Rebecca Dundon EE began showing at more than 50 cinemas across Hong Kong on the DHX Media appoints first day of Chinese New Year (5th February). The video has also been Lara Ilie as VP of uploaded to the HKTDC Facebook Leon Lai rights strategy and Rachel Taylor as Superights taps Pedro Citaristi to reinforce Commercial Director its team DHX Media, a global children’s content Lara Ilie & Rachel Taylor Superights announced that Pedro and brands company, is pleased to Citaristi is joining its sales team in the to announce that its wholly-owned announce the appointment of Lara next few weeks. Ilie to the position of Vice President subsidiary, WildBrain, has appointed Rachel Taylor to the position of of Rights Strategy, reporting to Alongside Nathalie Pinguet, Deputy Commercial Manager, reporting Anne Loi, Chief Commercial Officer. Managing Director of the company, he to Jon Gisby, Managing Director, In this newly created position, Ms will also push the company acquisition Pedro Citaristi Ilie will develop and help implement WildBrain. Responsible for expanding strategy and the development of new his career in management consulting integrated strategies to monetize the WildBrain’s commercial partnership activities, such as international sales industry. After this experience, he Company’s portfolio of intellectual business with third-party brands, Ms of family feature films. joined Italian company Atlantyca property rights across business Taylor leads WildBrain’s sales and Entertainment (Geronimo Stilton) units and territories. Working with operations teams, as well as client Based in Paris and in Milan he will where he ran the international sales the senior management team, Ms management. Based in London, handle sales in Southern European department. Then, he joined Italian Ilie will be responsible for formulating UK, Ms Taylor comes to WildBrain (Spain, Portugal, Italy), Latin American theatrical premium documentary strategies to keep DHX Media at the with extensive experience in content and Asian markets. producer and distributor Nexo Digital, forefront of market trends and grow distribution and monetization, coupled Pedro Citaristi graduated from Milan where he founded its international revenue from the Company’s leading with a background in the toy-making University Bocconi before starting sales department. portfolio of kids and family brands. industry. In addition, Ms Ilie will manage sales of DHX Media’s content library in During her career, she has held senior Vertiv announces appointment of new Canada, Italy, Spain and Australia. business and commercial roles at Senior Director Sony Pictures Entertainment where Danny will now have an expanded Based in DHX Media’s Toronto she was Director of Commercial Vertiv announced the appointment role that includes Australia and offices, Ms Ilie has worked for DHX Partnerships for EMEA and Director of Danny Wong as its senior New Zealand. He will focus on Media since 2007 and was previously of Global Commercial Innovation and director for telecom for the entire pushing the full suite of Vertiv Senior Director of Sales, responsible Strategy, and at Twentieth Century Asia market. Based in Kuala telecom products including the DC for Iberia, Italy, Benelux, Nordics, Fox. Prior to joining WildBrain, she Lumpur, Malaysia, Danny will Power, hybrid energy and edge Canada, Australia and New Zealand. was International Sales Director for drive programmes to support computing solutions, business Prior to DHX Media, she worked in Australian toy company, Funtastic, telco operators in their digital development programs and sales and acquisitions for Romanian and was tasked with re-launching the transformation initiatives. customer engagement initiatives Television and Pro TV. business’ own IP brands and growing to support the local markets in its international distribution footprint. Previously covering only Southeast the region. In addition, DHX Media is pleased Asian and North Asian markets,

january-march 2019 | television asia plus | 7 tradeshows: HKFmart New Wave of Young Filmmakers

The Hong Kong - Asia Film Financing Forum announces Operation Greenlight projects and additional award sponsors.

history of developing young space. There, a group of local talent, many of whom outcasts share the home in have become internationally search of love and life, but at a recognized filmmakers.” cost too high to bear. Catherine KWAN serves as producer on This year’s shortlisted Operation the HK$8 million (approx. US$1 Greenlight projects include: million) project.

1. A Pele Da Flor: Director CHOI 4. Leaves Fall in Spring: Riley Po-yu draws from her own LEUNG directs this HK$6 million experience of battling depression (approx. US$750,000) drama in this drama about Hannah, about a young taxi driver who a suicidal young woman, who spends the best years of his befriends an older tattoo artist. life looking for his roots, while “When I got my first tattoo, I went missing out on life’s many other for a sun tattoo on my arm,” Choi opportunities, including love. The says. “It is the proof of my victory fear of losing prevents him from over depression in 2015. Hannah’s longing for anything meaningful. story, to a certain extent, is a Dan IP produces. reflection of my life.” Norman Chan will produce this HK$6.5 Operation Greenlight - Hong million (approx. US$830,000) Kong Young Filmmakers Pitch project. Session

2. Unclaimed: A story of Date: 20 March 2019 (Wednesday) forgiveness from director Steve Law about a troubled journalist, Time: 1:30 p.m. – 3:00 p.m. Kuen, who is determined to learn the identity and life story of a man Venue: Moonlight Theatre, Hall found dead in the sea. Immersing 1, Hong Kong Convention and himself in the dead man’s story, Exhibition Centre (HKCEC) Kuen eventually is able to get his life back on track. Film veterans Remarks: Registered badge Chan Hing-kai and O Sing-pui will holders of FILMART, HAF and co-produce this HK$10 million Operation Greenlight are (approx. $1.28 million) mystery- welcome to attend this event. Hong Kong - The 17th Hong realise their projects. drama. Kong - Asia Film Financing Four projects selected from New HAF Awards and Forum (HAF) unveiled CreateHK and FDC’s First 3. Just for Lease: Director Returning Sponsor four projects shortlisted Feature Film Initiative will be Yorkie Kam’s thriller is set in a for this year’s Operation presented during HAF in an open coffin home – a common living HAF is pleased to announce Greenlight, which will take pitch session to an audience of environment in Hong Kong where three more new awards this place on 20 March 2019 at industry professionals, including people are cramped into a tiny year. The WIP Documentary the Hong Kong Convention sales agents, distributors, and Exhibition Centre. producers, financiers, and festival programmers. Concurrently, HAF is pleased to confirm four more awards for this These young filmmakers will year, including three new ones, be offered advance advice and bringing the number of award guidance by industry mentors on categories to 15, with a combined how to polish their presentations, value of HK$2,100,000 (approx. and a dedicated Operation US$267,000) in cash and in kind. Greenlight team will assist them to schedule meetings with In its 5th edition, Operation interested parties afterwards. Greenlight is an initiative by Create “Operation Greenlight is an Hong Kong (CreateHK) and the important platform for emerging Film Development Council (FDC), filmmakers to present their in conjunction with the Hong Kong works to established industry International Film Festival Society professionals,” said Mr. (HKIFFS) and HAF, to help talented Wellington Fung, FDC Secretary- young Hong Kong filmmakers General. “Hong Kong has a long 1: A Pele Da Flor

8 | television asia plus january-march 2019 tradeshows: HKFmart

Award, presented by CreateHK, political ideology or social FDC and HAF, is to encourage structures. and promote the development of documentaries. All WIP However, since the turn of the documentary projects are eligible decade, the new generation of to compete for the cash award, moviemakers have proactively which has a value of HK$78,000 chosen this path. For them, the (approx. US$10,000). term “independent” is a badge of honor: They deliberately shun The KOFIC Award, with a cash funding from government bodies prize of HK$100,000 (approx. and other organizations “within US$12,800), is presented by the the system,” in order to claim Korean Film Council (KOFIC), which authority and ownership over the is committed to the growth of the stories they tell. Meanwhile, they Asian film industry. The award seek new forms of fundraising is to recognize the outstanding — crowd funding, selling their potential of an Asian film project houses, or borrowing money from for its development. friends and family — thereby debunking the myth that good The Cinerent Award, presented movies cost huge sums of money by Cinerent Beijing Ltd., aims to make. to support and encourage 3. Just for Lease high-quality film projects. All HAF projects are eligible to compete for this award, with a value of RMB150,000 (approx. HK$175,000). The winning project is required to shoot in Mainland China in order to entitle the benefits.

HAF also welcomes returning sponsor Wanda Media with the Wanda Elite+ Plan Award, with a cash value of HK$100,000 (approx. US$12,800). It is dedicated to discovering and cultivating new film talents for the Chinese film market with the advantages of Wanda’s integrated industry chain.

Chinese Film Industry 4. Leaves Fall in Spring Since 2010, a new form of independent cinema led by directors born in the 1980s have become a veritable force in the Chinese’s film industry. Like its predecessors, this “new independent cinema” is privately funded, sometimes by foreign organisations, and generates publicity through screenings at international film festivals. These productions are different from their predecessors, because their directors explore their subjects through more innovative methods. In many cases, their works are commercially viable in spite of the fact that they do not pander to consumer tastes.

Prior to 2010, filmmakers mainly created independent movies as a last resort, in part because of their conscious rebellion against certain aspects of Chinese 3: Just for Lease

january-march 2019 television asia plus | 9 feature Addressable TV: the perfect balance of local impact and global scale By Rashmi Paul, Commercial Director, APAC, FreeWheel

The horizons of the living room audience categories based on spending to blanket campaigns TV set are expanding. Although estimated reach — addressable that only engage a fraction In particular, regional diversity linear is still the main medium TV aims for specificity. of viewers, brands can forge makes for disparate content in many parts of the region — deep connections with select distribution regulations and absorbing over 95% of viewing Using data collected from smart clusters, often at lower cost. advertising standards, as well as time in Vietnam, Thailand, TVs, set-top-boxes (STBs), video For example, connected viewer rates of technological adoption and the Philippines — digital on-demand (VOD) and over-the- data might reveal non-prime- and maturity. For instance, consumption is increasing. In top (OTT) services, advanced time shows offer an equally Japan said goodbye to analogue fact, the total volume of pay TV platforms instantly determine powerful opportunity to capture TV back in 2011 but Singapore subscribers across Asia Pacific is what is being watched in certain key audiences as blockbuster is only just about to reach its due to hit 686.4 million by 2023. households. programmes — enabling efficient deadline for transition. spend management, as well Because of this, the market is Additionally, high-quality first as opening up TV ads to newer For addressable TV to thrive, a experiencing rising investment and third party data, including players with smaller budgets. collective effort from all industry from advertisers keen to authenticated VOD viewing players to improve cross-market influence growing audiences, with history, can also be leveraged to And finally, addressable TV capability and consistency spending expected to top U.S. define the location and interests can amplify the effect of linear will be essential. That’s not to $60 billion this year, alongside of household groups. when used as part of a multi- mention the fact that advertisers, greater expectations. Brands do channel campaign. For example, content producers, and tech not just want TV campaigns to Combined, these insights allow synchronised activity such vendors must also be prepared reach as far as possible, but also brands to precisely personalise as running paid search ads to embrace new ways of buying make the meaningful local impact TV ads in real time. immediately after TV creative is and selling TV ad placements, needed to drive high engagement broadcast can help marketers to replace the existing siloed and returns. What does it do for harness trends like mobile approach. advertisers? second-screening to continue So, TV faces a key question: how conversations across channels; Tipped as the greatest industry can it perfect this delicate balance The most obvious benefit of and bridge the divide between shift since the arrival of and ensure continued success? addressable TV is that it improves online and offline. programmatic, addressable TV It seems the best answer lies ad tailoring and resonance. When will inevitably require significant in embracing addressable TV messages align with the unique Brands may also chose to use industry adjustment. technology. attributes of each household, targeted ads ahead of a TV event they have a better chance of to build anticipation, viewing However, with the power to Addressable TV 101 seizing viewer attention and rates, and exposure. deliver the perfect TV advertising fuelling positive responses. balance — large-scale exposure In brief, this approach involves 2019 and beyond: the and individual impact — the serving different ads to different This is especially useful for addressable future investment will be more than households. For example, one brands operating in vast regions worthwhile. home might receive an ad for such as APAC. Using smart While addressable TV is reaching holiday insurance while their tools and granular insight, they advanced levels of growth among In addition to helping brands cut neighbour is served a message can ensure ads match viewer early adopters — U.S. spend through the noise and fine-tune promoting health foods during preferences, local language, and alone exceeded $2 billion in 2018 targeting, this approach is set the same break. How it does this cultural nuances. — it remains an emerging trend to herald a new era of flexible, is more complex. in many markets, including Asia culturally appropriate ads that Furthermore, the flexiblePacific. Consequently, there are offer optimal value for audiences Where traditional advertising tailoring of ads has a valuable still some challenges that must be and advertisers. is built on gross rating points by-product; reduced wastage. overcome before advertisers can (GPR) — placing ads using broad Instead of allocating huge realise its full range of benefits.

10 | television asia plus january-march 2019 feature Mongolia’s Reindeer People Confront Pollution in Poignant Double Music Video Directing duo Sil & Jorik show a unique culture under threat in breath-takingly beautiful films for Novo Amor Directing duo, Sil & Jorik, launch otherworldly landscapes, the most challenging thing we have malfunctioning landing gear. a stunning double music video- family finally finds a new home done to date. As directors, we’re All the gears which were touch- short film for artist, Novo Amor. amongst reindeer herders in the always hoping to encounter an screen based, had to be gradually The news follows their recent forest. artist who is willing to take a risk acclimatised between internal signing to Park Village for UK and to trust us. Ali is this artist. and external settings as they representation across music The second chapter, ‘Repeat Until Ali’s music is awe-inspiring and would immediately condense. videos, branded content, and Death’, opens with the heartfelt working with him has been a true commercials. The fascinating relationship between the daughter blessing since day one.” Commenting on the unique films follow Mongolia’s reindeer and a reindeer. However, as the experience, Sil & Jorik say: “The herders, the Tsaatan, as they show goes on, she learns that The Dutch directing duo spent Tsaatan, like all Mongolians, are struggle to sustain their lifestyle even this seemingly untouched 20 days in Mongolia navigating very kind and very toughened amidst harsh climate change. world is changing. extreme shoot conditions. people. They welcomed us in They travelled from the city of their homes and even gave up The complete film runs for Ulaanbaatar passing the Nalaikh their beds. The Tsaatan live an 12-minutes in total and is split coal mine to the Northern-most exceptionally tough life. There into two music videos, which offer region of the country to find was no running water in the camp an eye-opening and poignant the Tsaatan tribe. Limited road so our Mongolian crew cut big glimpse into a beautiful and fast infrastructure and the Tsaatan blocks of ice from the nearby disappearing culture. tribe’s secluded location meant lake to drink as teas and soups. even their 4x4 jeep struggled to Whether it was a runaway deer, Ulaanbaater in Mongolia is the get the crew across bumpy dirt an intense snow blizzard, or world’s most polluted capital. tracks for days at time. leaving the camp in a rush due to Sil & Jorik (Sil van der Woerd The ever-changing climate has temperatures about to plummet and Jorik Dozy), who wrote and devastated the country’s herders Ulaanbaatar’s intense pollution, to about -45 degrees Celsius, directed the films, commented and nomads, weakening their only occurs in winter, when we constantly had to adapt our that: “After filming inside a animals and threatening an entire temperatures drop well below script and schedule. Besides sculpture emitting volcano culture with extinction. Only 40 -35 degrees Celsius. With strong these challenges, there were (Terraform) and underwater with Tsaatan families remain, resulting winds intensifying the cold, the also plenty of magical moments, a 13m prop whale in the ocean in many relocating to the city and crew could only be outside for such as the arrival of the herd of (Birthplace), we convinced Ali burning coal to stay warm. a maximum of 15-minutes at reindeer each afternoon from the (Novo Amor) to film his latest a time, even with solid outfits. forest, the zero-light pollution at videos in Mongolia, where we The first chapter, ‘Sleepless’, This extreme weather presented night revealing the milky way, the wanted to capture the country’s follows a miner, who escapes the challenges not only physically stunning twilight, the reindeer abundant beauty and its pressing city to find a shaman to cure his for the cast and crew, but also willing to endlessly lick your hand, environmental issues. Filming ailing daughter, who has fallen ill for the equipment. The team and the laughter coming from the at temperatures as low as -35 from air pollution. After an epic overcame issues with the tent of our Mongolian crew each degrees Celsius has been the journey across breath-taking, drones such as signal loss and night.”

Polluted Capital

Ulaanbaatar in Mongolia is the world’s most polluted capital. Its beautiful morning fog is nothing but air pollution. Every winter, as many as 220,000 households burn coal to stay warm. When families can’t afford coal, they sometimes burn tyres or other scraps. Air pollution, or “smoke” as the residents call it, often reaches several times that of Beijing or Delhi and can go up to 133 times the level the World Health Organization (WHO) deems safe. The hospitals are packed every winter, as thousands of children fall sick. Respiratory infections have increased at a rate of 270% over the last 10 years, and children living in the city have a 40% lower lung function than those living in rural areas - according to UNICEF.

Harsh winters have killed off millions of livestock, forcing rural herders to the capital for work. In 2004, almost 70,000 people moved from rural areas to the city. Since then as many as 45,000 people have been moving to the capital annually. Most collect in the Ger district - an area that officials say accounts for 80% of the city’s air pollution. Because of a lack of access to clean energy, people turn to coal to stay warm. The Tsaatan, Mongolia’s reindeer herders, are amongst these nomads forced to retreat from the wild.

Besides the burning, there is a massive traffic problem due to overpopulation in Ulaanbaatar. The city was built for about 600.000 - 800.000 citizens. Currently, 1.6 million people live in Ulaanbaatar.

january-march 2019 television asia plus | 11 feature Wicked Tuna returns for Season 8

National Geographic’s hit reality fishing competition returns for an eighth season in the unrelenting waters of the North Atlantic. In one of the teasers released last month, the network leaned heavily on the tension. The 45-second spot showed scenes of the men and women hard at work backwards to show where it all begins. The epic fishing battles are back for are pushed to their limits by the Nick ‘Duffy’ Fudge. Together, the The Wicked Tuna family also faced a highly anticipated eighth season twists and turns of the competition. team dedicates all of their fishing another tragedy last December, as National Geographic’s smash hit Underdog boat captain Wicked efforts to honour his memory. when William “Willbilly” Hathaway show Wicked Tuna premieres this Pissah speeds off to an early The network also shared a clip to was killed in a car crash in Salisbury, March. The action-packed series lead, swiftly followed by Captain confirm that Nicholas ‘Duffy’ Fudge’s Maryland. According to news William will air as a global event on National Ralph; reigniting the hearty spirit of death will be addressed by his swerved off a remote countryside Geographic in 172 countries and in competition. Yet, as viewers know, captain, Captain Tyler McLaughlin. road into a ditch. They added he 43 languages. Viewers across Asia in this unpredictable fishery race, In the scene, McLaughlin named reportedly told his wife he was fine may have tuned in to the premiere a dominating lead can disappear in his sister, Marissa, his new first after the incident but died shortly of Wicked Tuna this March on the blink of an eye. made. McLaughlin also said he is afterwards. He is believed to have National Geographic and video- dedicating the new season to his been pronounced dead in hospital. streaming service FOX+. Season 8 brings added surprises for late first mate. He was 36, and is survived by his viewers as original cast member Jay wife and infant daughter. Fans, Wicked Tuna is executively produced Muenzner marks his return as a first “No fish ever in my career has ever friends and family donated more by an Emmy-winning team including mate on the helm of new boat, The meant as much as catching this fish than US$91,000 to help his family Michael Cascio (Man v. Animal, Falcon, led by Captain Marciano. Jay right here. We want to catch this fish through a Facebook fundraiser. Banged Up Abroad, Deep Sea Muenzner has been a fan-favourite for Duffy,” McLaughlin said as he Killers) and Craig Piligian (American of the show since season 1, and caught his first fish of the season. Chopper, Survivor, The Ultimate a member of the winning team on Fudge died in July at age 28. His Fighter); as well as Lynn season 4. cause of death was never released, Sadofsky (Facing Trauma, Food However, in the midst of the but fishermen told New Hampshire Detectives, Classical Baby) and Mike competition, a newfound emotion Union Leader he may have died Nichols (Ghost Hunters, The Runner, is highlighted throughout this from decompression sickness. Shark Week). season – loss. Members of the “His passions were fishing and the Captains of Gloucester are mourning outdoors. As a child, Nick began Continuing under the narration of the passing of pinwheel mate tuna fishing with his father and Mike Rowe (Deadliest Catch, Mystery grandfather,” Duffy’s family Diagnosis, Ghost Hunters), season noted in his obituary. “After 8 of Wicked Tuna will showcase becoming one of the top the trials and tribulations faced by sport fishermen in the commercial fishermen as they battle country, he earned a place it out to see who can catch the on the National Geographic Tune in to Wicked Tuna Season 8 to most fish – specifically, the lucrative reality show Wicked Tuna for witness a season of high adrenaline, Atlantic blue fin tuna. multiple seasons. Nick also compassion and achievement Each episode offers a behind-the- treasured the environment that culminates in one of the most scenes look into one of America’s and he took seriously his memorable finales in Wicked oldest industries as the fishermen responsibility to protect it.” Tuna history.

12 | television asia plus january-march 2019 feature Netflix concurs anime production Netflix has entered into partnerships to create anime series with Anima, Sublimation and David Production. Productions include the animated series Altered Carbon: Resleeved from Anima, based on Netflix’s original live- action, science-fiction series which launched in February 2018 and is currently in production on a second season. Netflix will also partner with Sublimation on Dragon’s Dogma, an original anime series based on the video game, and with David Production on SPRIGGAN, based on a manga series. fans across Netflix’s 190 countries were it not for the company’s latest forays into the medium. “Netflix aims to be the most compelling and attractive home for anime fans, creators and production studios,” said Netflix director of content (Japan) Last month saw the streaming site premier two of the most talked-about John Derderian in a statement. “We are creating an environment where releases of 2018: the first-ever animated version of the classic Toho production houses can do their best work and deliver their shows on a franchise Godzilla and an edgy adaptation of Go Nagai’s 46 year-old service where we connect anime fans from over 190 countries to content Devilman manga, called Devilman Crybaby. The latter, with its rapid-fire they love.” storyline and adults-only, in-your-face graphics has some fans and critics bandying the word “masterpiece.” “We’re particularly excited by the production line deal as this allows our creative team to focus on creating great content,” said Anima representative Devilman Crybaby could not exist without its explicit violence and eroticism, director Shinya Sasahara in a statement. “We are proud to work on a well- argues Okiura, and it was only made possible by Netflix. Artistic liberties known title like Altered Carbon as the first title from this partnership, and to on the streaming platform enabled director Yuasa Masaaki to render the have the opportunity to bring our creation to fans all over the world. Please nihilism that infuses Nagai’s manga but was erased from its first animated look forward to anime unique to anima.” television broadcast as a superhero show for children in 1972. “Nagai’s stories always dig into the darker side of human nature,” Okiura “This deal opens us to story development for international audiences beyond Japan, as well as the chance to explore new technologies and creative expressions on a long-term basis,” said David Production president and CEO Koji Kajita in a statement. “With this new opportunity, we are ready to devote our creative passion as a player in the Japanese anime production space.”

Netflix’s director of anime, Taito Okiura, feels like a local baseball player who got drafted into the U.S. Major Leagues. Netflix knows how passionate Okiura is about anime. In 2007, he was a key producer on the then- groundbreaking trans cultural project, Afro Samurai, written and illustrated by Takashi Okazaki, animated by Japanese artists, voiced by American actor Samuel L. Jackson and scored by rapper RZA. Later that year he co-founded David Production Inc. (JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure), which he sold to Fuji Television in 2014.

Netflix’s strategy is to amass personnel with proven track records who can generate properties in-house, as opposed to merely repackaging says. “Finally his work has found an ideal media outlet for anime adaptation. pre-existing material. The company’s budget for content spiked from US$6 Yuasa is a genius, and Netflix allows creators like him the kind of freedom of billion IN 2017 to over US$8 billion last year. Earlier this month it poached a motion picture production. Devilman has some strong sexual and violent two top-tier American television producers, Shonda Rhimes (Grey’s Anatomy) scenes, true, but the purpose of those scenes is to describe human nature. and Ryan Murphy (Glee), from the ABC and FOX networks respectively. If it’s necessary to the art, it should be allowed.”

Still, none of this would matter much to the tribes of internet-addled anime The year is still young, of course, and by the end of it, Netflix has promised to deliver new exclusive anime series. As a further sign of its commitment to the culture of the Japanese industry — and to Okiura’s connections — the company last year inked an alliance with two studios renowned for their innovation and global reach: Production I.G (Ghost in the Shell) and its subsidiary Wit Studio (Attack on Titan), and Bones Inc. (My Hero Academia).

These collaborations are already bearing fruit. Production I.G’s first co- produced venture, B: The Beginning, started airing on Netflix in 2018. Bones’ A.I.C.O. Incarnation debuted last year.

Anime is graduating from niche market to major player, according to Okiura, and while he concedes that Netflix alone cannot support every studio, he believes that the competition it spurs with other entertainment giants, such as Amazon, is reason enough for optimism. What’s more, his employer has begun making inroads domestically: Netflix Japan’s content library is now the largest in the world, surpassing even that of its home base, Netflix U.S.

january-march 2019 television asia plus | 13 managingasia Game Changer in the Philippines

Having built a portfolio of successful channels and beyond in the Philippines, GMA Network has spent the last few years bringing its distinctive programming ethos to the global market. One of the country’s two dominant players, GMA Network delivers local-language entertainment on its flagship channels as well as on nonlinear platforms. A prolific producer domestically, GMA has also ventured abroad with its content worldwide. Its international channels target communities Roxanne of Filipinos living abroad, while its content-sales arm has been placing drama series with broadcasters across Barcelona Asia, the Middle East and Africa. GMA Network’s Vice President Roxanne Barcelona tells K. Dass about what GMA Network drives their success in the Philippines. Vice President GMA Worldwide registered 34.8 % people audience share in the morning block, as against competition’s 30.9 %. The Network similarly won in the afternoon block with 40.1 % people audience share surpassing the 34.2 % of its rival network. It is consistently at the forefront of the ratings game. It’s strong programming lineup, particularly in the in the afternoon and evening blocks, has pushed its ratings up such that it has closed in on its main rival in nationwide TV ratings. How has revenue evolved over the last three years and what you deem contributed to it? Likewise, it also ruled the list of top-rated programs for January with One at Heart Roxanne Barcelona: There has been a shift in acquisition deals in the last three with Jessica Soho reigning supreme in the highly-coveted number one spot, years, with clients going for the inclusion of digital rights (OTT, AVOD, SVOD) on followed by sitcom Pepito Manaloto, new program 24 Oras, drama anthology top of the traditional free and pay TV platforms. Although the addition of more Forevermore, The Way To Your Heart, My Fairy Grandmother, and Studio 7. Also rights can mean additional revenue, it is still not as significant as revenue earned included in the list of ratings drivers for the month were Color of My Blood, and from free and pay TV. Destinies. As consumption habits change, how are you serving your audiences on What’s driving the success of GMA in the Philippines? multiple platforms? Roxanne Barcelona: GMA has maintained its ratings leadership in the Roxanne Barcelona: Given the primacy of convergence in the age of digital, Philippines because everyday part of the content, whether produced or acquired, the mandate to GMA New Media, Inc., GMA’s digital content provider, is to caters to the network’s targeted audience on any given time slot. Through years broaden GMA’s online footprint here and abroad, and boost preference for the of research and gathering viewer feedback, GMA understands the needs of its brand through AVOD channels such as YouTube, Dailymotion, and Facebook, as viewers, by giving the audience something different every year. well as through SVOD channels via content partnerships with Iflix, Hooq, PopTV, and Viu. GMA will also launch its DTT service in 2019 as it prepares for the Tell us about your overall strategy that is in place to drive sales for GMA country’s digital shift in 2023. Network. Roxanne Barcelona: We continue to introduce GMA content to new territories What are some of your other priorities for the network locally and particularly in Europe, CIS, South Asia and Africa, while pursuing proposals for abroad in the next 12 months? co-productions and drama formats. Roxanne Barcelona: Locally, GMA recently signed a partnership with the Philippines’ largest telecommunications company, PLDT and Smart. This Progam Highlights partnership will revolutionise TV viewing in the Philippines. GMA will provide the content while PLDT/Smart will deliver GMA’s content to its millions of fixed and Borrowed Embrace Genre: Contemporary Drama broadband subscribers. Duration: 40 x 45’ approx. (In production) GMA will also return to film production this year. It will also enter into co- Miren and Adrian discover that the production partnerships with local and foreign producers such as JKN Global child they adopted is the daughter of Media in Thailand. the man responsible for the death of their only child. To The One I Love Genre: Contemporary Drama, Kara Mia Romantic Comedy Genre: Contemporary Drama, Fantasy Duration: 20 x 45’ approx. (In Duration: 40 x 45’ approx. (In production) Gelay struggles to production) get to the bottom of her father’s Two sisters grow up as unique murder while trying to figure out individuals, each with her own face the affairs of her own heart. and mind but are trapped in one body due to a rare genetic malformation. Sahaya Written in the Stars Genre: Contemporary Drama, Genre: Contemporary Drama, Fantasy Musical Duration: 80 x 45’ approx. (In Duration: 50 x 45’ approx. (In production) production) Will a young woman’s new world A young singer’s rise to fame leads bring her happiness and peace? Or to the unraveling of her true identity will she return to her roots to find and the despicable secrets of her her purpose and destiny? family.

14 | television asia plus january-march 2019 technology Ooyala Evaluates Patricio Cummins, Vice President for Asia-Pacific and Japan, recently shared Ooyala’s predictions for this coming year. He provided some insight to the ever- changing media and entertainment industry with new content trends capturing audience attention.

Most recently, Netflix launched its interactive Black Mirror episode Bandersnatch, achieving big commercial success with the puzzle decoding format. At the same time, new technological developments such as artificial intelligence, 5G and polycloud adoption are also bringing new surprises to viewers. Patricio evaluates how each prediction relates to and Patricio Cummins impacts the Asia-Pacific region. Vice President

Are OTT Services at the saturation point? Not even close. to mention the growing number of cord nevers, but they have, by and large, There’s this bizarre predilection among pundits to compare OTT services to been able to mitigate those losses with the addition of broadband customers traditional TV. Many tend to look at the bumper crops of new OTT services that have signed up for high-speed Internet to access OTT. and say, “There are too many, the market is saturated, and new entrants are going to face unheard of challenges.” 2019 starts the next generation of cord cutters, this time broadband, as the technology quickly ramps up to offer wireless speeds and latency That’s absurd. performance that’s better than gigabit fiber, and that requires no digging up lawns to install. OTT is not traditional TV. It is only partially ad-supported, and continues to evolve and thrive on consumer choices, often using random interactions Globally, nearly two dozen of the 75 operators testing 5G are expected to and its own ability to iterate and respond to the changing conditions of the launch 5G in 2019; another two dozen plus are expected to follow next year. new TV environment. Some services are thriving, and others are wilting. Get ready for the next-gen cord cutting to kick off. Everybody is changing. Say hello to the ‘polycloud’ AI will play a major role in “mining” audiences for niche producers globally, 2019 won’t be about using the cloud, it will be about migrating to multiple enabling smarter solutions for distributors and consumers. Netflix and clouds; the term “polycloud” enters center-stage. Amazon continues to grow, while audiences supplement them with a revolving carousel of services they watch, churn, then return, before churning away As Ooyala founder and CTO Belsasar Lepe gives an example: With the again. This allows consumers to find individual channels, shows and even increasing role of AI, polycloud architecture acknowledges that Microsoft may episodes available for purchase. be better than Amazon at some things and that Google has its own special offerings in, say, machine learning. All three offer similar core services, but SVOD and TVOD are at the core of future growth. each has its own special expertise. Using multiple vendors allowing for a more custom solution, leveraging the strengths of each provider without Artificial Intelligence grows up making any sacrifices. Does AI hit its stride? Yes, because it has to. Amazon breaks up the Google/Facebook digital advertising duopoly Huge spending on AI by some of the biggest players in the space means Google and Facebook control almost 58% of the market, Amazon just 4% in we will see better management of data – Tencent, Baidu and Alibaba are 2018, according to eMarketer. That changes in 2019. positioning themselves to become the AI platforms of the future. This, in turn, will give us the ability to better utilise that data, in advertising, content Amazon’s customer relationships, its accumulated purchasing and browsing delivery and content development at the very least. We will be able to mine data, along with consumer credit card data on hand, make it a bigger player. data better in 2019, to produce true business insights and opportunities. Especially as Facebook’s audiences continues to skew older. Look for a double-digit share by 2020. In short – discovery, personalization, more meaningful and targeted advertising, and how content is produced, processed and delivered, will all More M&A in Media & Entertainment improve. In 2019, finally, AI’s potential is realised. The Magic 8-Ball says we’re a long way from being done with M&E M&A. And that consolidation makes it ever clearer that control of content is everything. Sports builds a new arena for larger audiences – the app It’s not just that you have original content, but how much you have that Simple fact – every sports team, league and conference will go over-the-top matters. The opportunity to control your content supply chain – and to also because that’s where their audience is. be able to sell to others that need your content is crucial.

Live is the most compelling reason to watch sports on TV, and the same On the horizon: rule applies to the global stream. Sports leagues like the Women’s Tennis - The Justice Department swings and misses in its “re-effort” to disrupt Association (WTA) have invested heavily in boosting its digital and on-the-go the AT&T/Time Warner deal; offerings, by attempting to combine live action and social insights for a more - Hulu will do-si-do and change partners like Comcast, Disney and AT&T compelling viewing experience. find it impossible to come to a mutual agreement on how the service evolves. 5G is winning the race before it – officially – even begins - AMC, Lionsgate, CBS and Univision – among others – are potential Pay-TV operators have been slammed by cord cutting, and cord shaving, not targets in 2019.

january-march 2019 television asia plus | 15 review year, in addition to his current position, he was appointed President of the Top French TV Execs group’s movie and TV production and distribution unit, STUDIOCANAL. CANAL+ Group, which operates premium, free-to-air and theme channels, has a high take to MIPTV stage international profile, with pay-Tv operations in Europe, Africa and Asia totalling France Televisios, TF1, CANAL+, ARTE, Banijay Group 16.2 million subscribers worldwide. and Picture Perfect Federation to Keynote in France Country of Honour Programme - Régine Hatchondo, Director-General of ARTE France, the French half of the Franco-German cultural broadcast group ARTE. Hatchondo has a long career An unprecedented line-up of leading French television executives are set to in the French audiovisual industry, including spells as head of the Forum des keynote as part of MIPTV 2019’s France Country of Honour conferences. images in Paris, the Cannes Film Festival’s sidebar Directors’ Fortnight, and MIPTV, the international market for entertainment content development and the French film promotion and export body UniFrance. She has also worked as distribution, takes place in Cannes, France from 8-11 April 2019. The MIPTV an advisor on cultural and media affairs for the City of Paris and former Prime France Country of Honour programme will include a series of conferences Minister, Manuel Valls. promoting the vibrant French TV industry, including several high-power keynote interviews with top executives from French broadcasters and leading - Stéphane Courbit , Marco Basseti, and François De Brugada of the Gallic- production groups. based production and distribution powerhouse, Banijay Group , will share the stage together. Chairman of Banijay, Courbit, began as an independent Taking place on the main stage in the Palais des Festivals, these will give producer before merging his company to form Endemol France in 1998. He MIPTV delegates an exclusive insight into the creative ambitions of France’s later created Banijay Group, today the world’s largest independent production talent, and explain the enduring appeal of Gallic programming to worldwide and distribution company with annual revenue of around €1 billion. He will be audiences. The keynote speakers will also outline their strategic initiatives interviewed alongside CEO, Bassetti, a leading entrepreneur renowned for to enhance the reach of French output, and sketch out their vision of the founding Endemol Italy before becoming President and CEO of Endemol Group; industry’s future in the face of new international alliances, technological and CEO of Banijay France, De Brugada, who has long and successfully led innovations and to delinear content consumption. Attendees will also get a France’s most prevalent production business – Banijay France. sneak peek at some upcoming French product.

- Another joint keynote interview will feature Pascal Breton and Patrick The keynotes so far confirmed are: Wachsberger, the duo behind the new joint-venture Picture Perfect Federation, dedicated to the production of premium TV series for the US marketplace and international coproduction. Breton co-founded French independent producer Marathon in 1990 (St Tropez). He founded Federation Entertainment in 2013, and recently joined forces with Picture Perfect Entertainment, the production banner of Wachsberger, Co-Chairman of the Lionsgate Motion Picture Group for the past six years, and oversaw the critically-acclaimed breakout hit Wonder and the global box-office phenomenon La La Land.

These keynotes are all scheduled on April 8 and 9. French audiovisual creativity will be showcased - Delphine Ernotte Cunci, President of the public broadcaster France throughout MIPTV as part of the Country of Honour programme, with premiere Télévisions. She began her career with France Télécom, rising from financial screenings and promotional events. analyst to Managing Director of the group, now called Orange. In 2015, was appointed president of France Télévisions, the first woman to hold this post. “This year’s MIPTV Country of Honour programme will showcase the incredible The state broadcast group operates six national networks and a string of creativity of France’s television industry. No other event brings together so international and theme channels, plus TV and film production entities and the many of France’s leading television executives to address delegates from over international sales arm, France Télévisions Distribution. 100 countries, and as a French company, Reed MIDEM is proud to play its part in the promotion of French television around the world,” comments Laurine - Gilles Pélisson, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of TF1 Group , Garaude, Director, TV Division, Reed MIDEM, which organises MIPTV. France’s leading free-to-air network, since 2016. In 1995, he became CEO of France is consistently among the leading delegations at MIPTV, with 535 Eurodisney before being appointed Chairman and CEO in 1997. In 2000, he companies and 1,420 participants at the 2018 edition. French exhibiting headed up the management team at the Suez-Telefonica consortium ST3G, companies already signed up for MIPTV 2019 include: About Premium and became non-executive Chairman at Noos, France’s leading cable network. Content, Ampersand, ARTE France, Banijay Group, Canal+ Groupe, Cinekita, Gilles Pélisson joined Bouygues Telecom in 2001 as CEO and was appointed Cofites, Cyber Group Studios, Eurodata TV Worldwide, Federation International, Chairman & CEO in 2004. In 2006, he became CEO and a Board member France Televisions Distribution, Free Dolphin International, Futurikon, Gaumont, of the Accor group before being appointed Chairman and CEO in 2009, a Lagardère Studios, Lagardère TV, M6 Metropole Television, Mediatoon position he held until 2011. Until 2016, Gilles Pélisson held non-executive Distribution, Mediawan, Millimages, Newen Distribution, Novocomedy directorships in a number of listed multinationals: Bic (Paris), NH Hotels Productions, Orange, PGS Entertainment, Prime Entertainment Group, (Madrid) and Accenture (New York). Superights Invest, TF1 Studio, Thema, Trace Global, TV France International, Viz Media Europe, Webedia Rights, Wild Bunch, Xilam Animation, and ZED. - Maxime Saada, Chairman and CEO of France’s leading pay-TV and media Recent Countries of Honour and Country Focuses at both MIPTV and MIPCOM company, CANAL+ Group, and Chairman and CEO of online video platform have featured China, Russia, Japan, Germany, Turkey, Nordics (Denmark, Dailymotion. Saada joined CANAL+ in 2004, becoming MD in 2015. Last Finland, Norway and Sweden), Mexico, Israel, and Argentina.

16 | television asia plus january-march2019 review tournament owners and advertisers Esport wave poised to to reach, engage and monetise Rise wins the gaming and esports fanbase in strike Myanmar with Southeast Asia. Women’s Mr. Sebastian Quiroga, Marketing Manager of HOG Esports said, “We new collaboration had thousands of fans join us at the Mentoring playoffs event to watch their favourite team play during MPL Myanmar Season 1. Our livestream with a peak of over 10,000 concurrent viewers Award at is new to us and the entire country, and we’re proud to pioneer this. HOG Esports hope to inspire the youth National in Myanmar to take their passion for gaming and esports to the next level.” Mentoring

The idea of professional gamers was once exclusive to South Korea, Awards with competitions airing live on television. The hobby of gaming eGG Network leading the way in exporting Malaysian itself was considered queer not too 2019 esports expertise to Asean countries long ago. Now, it has exploded into an international multi-million dollar Moonton, eGG Network and HOG spectate,” says Mr. Jayden, Esports The non-profit advocate Esports are collaborating to take Manager of Moonton. fledging industry that shows no sign of stagnating. Such is possible due group for gender the new season of Mobile Legends diversity clinches its first Moonton and eGG Network’s to esports gaining traction in the Professional League (MPL) in ever award Myanmar to the next level. partnership began in 2017 with general masses, and industries turn to esports as another avenue for The Mobile Legends Professional the launch of the very first Mobile Rise, a non-profit advocate group for invest. One wonders how far this League (MPL) is the official premier Legends Professional League gender diversity within the broadcast esports wave can go, especially so Mobile Legends esports tournament (MPL) for Malaysia and Singapore. manufacturing and services sector, in the emerging Southeast Asian for both players and fans, and a The tournament saw tremendous took home its first award, the markets. platform for teams to showcase response from fans with 37 million National Women’s Mentoring Award, their strength and ultimately be livestream views and attracted at the National Mentoring Awards held March 1st, 2019. invited into regional leagues across over 190,000 fans to the Season 2 Southeast Asia. grand finals event. The partnership The National Mentoring Awards honours ‘Mentoring Excellence’ and give public achieved a new milestone in 2019 recognition to individuals and organisations who mentor across all walks of The first season attractedwith eGG Network’s involvement in life, whether in their business, community, personal or professional lives. The participation from 800 teams, MPL Myanmar Season 2. event, held in the UK was attended by over 300 of the UK’s top mentors, achieving over 10,000 concurrent mentoring organisations alongside business leaders, government officials and livestream viewers on Facebook. CK Lee, Head of Sports, Astro is CEO’s form every sector of business, and society. Season 2 of MPL Myanmar will optimistic about the partnership, boast an increased prize pool of believing it to be a significant Rise was recognised by the National Mentoring Awards because of its tireless US$40,000, where 768 teams moment for the esports industry. efforts to inspire and guide young professionals within the broadcasting competed in the qualifier stages, “eGG Network is proud to be working technology sector. Chelsey Baker Founder and CEO of National Mentoring with the Regular Season to kick off alongside HOG Esports in Myanmar, a Awards quoted, “The National Mentoring Awards matter because they on 29 March. MPL Myanmar Season first for eGG Network’s longstanding recognise the life changing work of mentors across the UK and from all 2 sponsors also include KBZ Banking, partnership with game developer sectors of business, education and society. We are proud to be able to honour HyperX and Facebook Gaming. Moonton. This is a milestone for us them and celebrate their achievements.” as we strive for the development “Mobile Legends has over 1 million of esports in Malaysia, working When asked about the win, Rise Director Carrie Wootten stated, “I am daily active players in Myanmar. alongside government bodies with absolutely delighted that the Rise Mentoring Programme has won this award. eGG Network share the same vision shared goals of a successful and It is recognition of the impact that the mentoring programme had on our as us - to ensure production quality sustainable industry. Our talent and mentees and our mentors involved last year, and then in turn, how this has and esports professionalism for expertise has grown over our years benefitted the wider broadcast manufacturing and services sector. It was our fans throughout the region. We of experience to become the gateway a truly inspirational evening and wonderful to be amongst organisations believe esports and gaming has no of esports in Southeast Asia. This delivering such fantastic programmes. I am really looking forward to reading barriers. With a professional esports would be our biggest regional project the applications for this year’s scheme and would like to thank all of our production, fans from different yet, and we’re aiming for greater industry sponsors and partners for supporting us and enabling this to happen.” countries can enjoy Mobile Legends opportunities together with our tournaments that are held outside partners.” Rise began in 2018 as a free to join mentoring scheme was founded to open of their country, while fans in the opportunity for female broadcast professionals in non-craft roles through host country can have an exciting eGG Network is an esports platform holding quarterly networking events, seminars, and of course the yearly on-ground experience. This is also operating in 8 countries. With the mentoring programme. The mentoring scheme benefits 20 brilliant, talented in preparation of our Mobile Legends support of Astro, eGG Network women each year who are either currently working in or aspiring to work in the Southeast Asia Cup (MSC) later in the became a multifaceted esports broadcasting technology sector. Mentees also benefit from one-to-one mentor year where teams and their fans from marketing platform and tournament contact and monthly meetings with their mentor. all over the region will participate and organiser for game publishers,

january-march 2019 television asia plus | 17 review E! Ooyala skyrockets efficiencies for Media Prima Using industry-leading Ooyala Flex Media Platform, Media Prima can now prepare, becomes manage and distribute content easily, reducing their time to market by 80% Ooyala, a leader in content production, distribution and monetization solutions, is powering content management, syndication, and distribution for Media Prima Berhad (Media Prima), Malaysia’s largest integrated media company. As a result, Media Prima has reduced the time taken for online content preparation and processing time by up to 80% and SHE! now distributes content to their digital channels and partners in a timely manner.

Celebrating strong Ooyala Flex Media Platform is the fastest growing media asset management and workflow automation solution. Used by females everywhere content owners to simplify millions of video workflows, it also provides Media Prima with a unified system for efficient in honour of content and metadata collection from various sources, and automated content processing, syndication and distribution international women’s of said data. day “Media Prima’s goal is to expand our digital reach and offer the best content to our audiences through different channels. Time to market and operational efficiencies are key to our success in expanding our business,” said Rafiq As a network that is for and about Razali, Chief Executive Officer Media Prima Digital. “With the Ooyala Flex Media Platform powering our online content females with strong points of view, management business, we are confident that we can add content syndication partners easily and deliver content to E! will transform into SHE! across all them in a timely manner.” platforms to celebrate International Women’s Day, on Friday, March 8th. “Media Prima’s content is highly sought after in the region,” said Jonathan Huberman, CEO, Ooyala. “We’re excited to The “SHE!” initiative, which will span help them cut out the complexities of content management and distribution so that they can get content to market across the network’s on-air, digital faster at a lower cost.” and social franchises, will salute boss women everywhere and feature Media Prima, a digital-first content and commerce company, offers video content via their Over-The-Top (OTT) service empowering messages from the tonton, and through various platforms and partners like Youtube, Dailymotion, Facebook and Viu. Media Prima currently women of E!. ranks third in Malaysia (behind Google and Facebook) in digital in 2017.

The programming event, which begins Friday, March 8th, will include Banijay Rights signs first look development with E!’s popular slate of female-driven shows with episodes of Keeping Up Greenacre with the Kardashians, Very Cavallari, Joining hands with Banijay, Greenacre sets sight on the U.S., UK and the world Busy Tonight where the E! logo Banijay Rights, the leading Marsh-Edwards said: “Now feels like portfolio and build upon the huge transforms into “SHE!” for 24 hours. distribution arm of Banijay Group, an exciting time to be embracing growth we are witnessing in the has signed a multi-year, first this new venture and expanding scripted market. Nadine and From Saturday,9 March, E! News will look development deal with U.K. on our slate of distinctive shows, Amanda have very strong track begin a week-long series telling the independent production company Banijay understands the ethos of our records and share an instinct for stories of impactful women making Greenacre Films. The agreement will company and we’re delighted to be original, authored work which is great strides in their communities, see Banijay Rights and Greenacre working with them” Jenks added: instrumental in an increasingly from young female executive Films working together to develop “Nadine and I share a vision to make competitive market. We are delighted producers taking over Hollywood to and produce TV series for U.S., UK Greenacre a distinctive place to to be working with them to help bring powerful girl-bosses running their and international markets. work, diversity in the broadest sense, their stories to life.” own companies. has always been at the heart of Greenacre Films was established everything we do and there couldn’t The alliance between Banijay Other interviews will include by award-winning producers and be a better time to be working in film Rights and Greenacre Films is for Afghanistan refugee-turned- development executives Nadine and television.” their television slate only and was investigative journalist, Nelufar Marsh-Edwards (Joe All Alone, instigated at IndieLab Accelerator, Hedayat, who put herself in Akala: Ruins Of Empires, Bhaji On Chris Stewart, Commercial the leading growth programme in the dangerous positions to uncover the The Beach, Young Soul Rebels, Sea Director, Scripted at Banijay Rights UK TV sector, helping independent black market and a conversation with Of Souls) and Amanda Jenks (The commented: “This partnership is production companies to scale-up famed photographer, Kate Parker, Girl, An Englishman in New York, further evidence of our strategy and super-charge their growth. who is capturing the attention of The Widower, Akala’s Odyssey). to develop our English language celebrities as she features young, Their recent critically acclaimed aspirational girls looking to make a feature film Been So Long starring difference. Michaela Coel (Black Earth Rising) and Arinze Kene (Misty) premiered at Additionally, each episode of Busy the London Film Festival 2018 and Tonight, hosted by Busy Philipps, is now a Netflix Original following the airing on 18 to 20 March, will streamer’s global acquisition of the showcase strong women including film at the Cannes Film Festival. activist and actress America Ferrara, comedian Margaret Cho, culinary Greenacre Films is building on expert Elizabeth Chambers and this success and eyeing a U.S. actresses from the hit show One scripted push to add to the raft of Day At A Time, Rita Moreno, Justina projects in paid development with Machado, Gloria Calderon Kellett. major UK. broadcasters.

18 | television asia plus january-march2019 review show is locally produced by Zense Epic Drama 5 Gold Rings Entertainment. kicks off 5 Gold Rings is a connected game show in which every pixel counts. It is Beecham House set strong in played on huge interactive LED floor projects animated pictures that are to air in the US Thailand the base off each question. Players answer the questions by putting rings Fremantle secures US deal for Gurinder Game show draws on the options given, with the added Chadha’s upcoming series set in India huge crowds in initial catch that the rings will become launch smaller as the game progresses, making it increasingly challenging Talpa’s connected game show 5 and tense. Gold Rings premiered in Thailand and scored outstanding ratings. The 5 Gold Rings is also available as launch episode was watched by more stand-alone game, within the same than 1,500,000 viewers and scored app as the play-along, co-created an 18.3% total market share, making by Talpa and Possessed, part of ITV it the winner in its time slot. The Studios. Gaumont and Dina Dattani to collaborate on TV drama series adaptation of Desmond Elliott Prize winner We That Are Young Preti Taneja’s award-winning novel to be adapted into a TV drama series by studio Gamont and lawyer-turned- producer Dina Dattani Gurinder Chadha’s ambitious new six-part drama series Beecham House will launch in the U.S. on MASTERPIECE on PBS, following a deal with Fremantle. From award-winning production company Bend It TV, part of the Fremantle production family, Beecham House is set on the cusp of the 19th century in Delhi before the British ruled in that region. Gurinder Chadha is a writer, director and producer responsible for numerous internationally successful films includingBend It Like Beckham, Bride & Prejudice and Viceroy’s House. Her latest film, Blinded by The Light, recently had its world premiere at The Sundance Film Festival 2019 to much critical acclaim.

The drama depicts the fortunes of the residents of an imposing mansion President, Television, U.S., Gaumont: Producer: Dina Dattani surrounded by acres of exotic woods and pristine lawns. Tom Bateman Gene Stein (Vanity Fair, Jekyll and Hyde, Murder on the Orient Express) takes the role Gaumont, the studio behind the scope and depth, providing a deep of enigmatic, soulful John Beecham, a handsome former soldier who has highly-successful drama series insight into today’s India, and the purchased the magnificent mansion, Beecham House, to begin a new life with Narcos, is collaborating with clash of tradition with modernization, his family. producer Dina Dattani (Brahman as well as nuanced sexual politics,” Naman, Mukti Bhavan, The Ashram) commented Gene Stein, President, The ensemble cast includes Lesley Nicol (Downton Abbey), Gregory Fitoussi on an adaptation of Preti Taneja’s Television, Gaumont U.S. “We intend (Mr. Selfridge, Spiral), Adil Ray (Citizen Khan, Ackley Bridge), Pallavi Sharda stunning and critically acclaimed to shoot this series on location (Lion), Dakota Blue Richards (Endeavour), Leo Suter (Clique, Victoria), Bessie debut novel, We That Are Young. in India with the highest degree Carter (Howard’s End), Viveik Kalra (Blinded By The Light) and Marc Warren of authenticity while creating an (Safe, Hustle). Released in August 2018, We elevated dramatic storyline with true That Are Young is a reimagining global appeal.” Lisa Honig, EVP Distribution North America, International, Fremantle, said: of Shakespeare’s King Lear set “Gurinder Chadha really delivers on this epic family saga. It has everything: in modern-day India. It tells the “Preti Taneja’s King Lear story gorgeous locations, exquisite costumes, rich diverse characters and a tale of a battle for power within a works remarkably well with a critical compelling script. We’re thrilled to be partnering with PBS to bring Beecham billionaire family dynasty, for status look at the balance of power in House to the widest possible audience in the US.” within a nation in a constant state contemporary India through its three Rebecca Eaton, MASTERPIECE Executive Producer, said: “I haven’t seen a of transformation, and for the love female protagonists in charge of series as visually sumptuous as Beecham House in a long time. This is a new and respect of a father disappearing a powerful dynasty in a patriarchal time and place for our audience...India in 1795, before the Raj. There is love into dementia. The novel received society,” added Dina Dattani, who and passion, too, and a storyline full of deepening mystery.” broad praise from leading media acquired the TV rights to the book on outlets including The Guardian, The first publication and who will serve Beecham House is created and written by Gurinder Chadha, Paul Mayeda New York Times, The Boston Globe, as an Executive Producer. “Gaumont Berges (Viceroy’s House) and Shahrukh Husain (In Custody). Victor Levin The Sunday Times, Publisher’s and I have a similar vision for this (Mad Men) also serves as writer on the series. Beecham House was originally Weekly and Kirkus Reviews, amongst series, and I feel honored to be commissioned by ITV (UK). ITV’s Head of Drama, Polly Hill, has commissioned others, and garnered Preti Taneja the collaborating with a company that Beecham House for ITV in the UK and oversees production of the drama on Desmond Elliott Prize. brought us the hugely successful behalf of the broadcaster. Rebecca Eaton will serve as EP for MASTERPIECE. Narcos, amongst so many other automation solution. “We That Are Young is a work of epic shows.”

january-march 2019 television asia plus | 19 review Discovery’s HGTV launches Mediacorp in Vietnamdemand Asian TV joins hands with apps pack Youtube Mediacorp is now The popular home and lifestyle channel airs with YouTube’s strategic distribution partner Thaole Entertainment provider to content partner in Singapore add an on-demand library of films and shows The world’s leading video-sharing Discovery Networks Asia Pacific will be successful in Vietnam as more Flip or Flop Nashville platform and Singapore’s largest continues to expand its lifestyle young people are moving out on DeRon Jenkins played college content creator and transmedia footprint in Southeast Asia with their own to start a family. With more football at the University of company announced strategic the launch of its popular home and disposable income, they are looking Tennessee, and his seven-year career partnership to deliver an enhanced lifestyle channel HGTV, in Vietnam. for inspiration and tips to make their as an NFL defensive back included a product experience for audiences HGTV is distributed in Vietnam by homes their own personal oasis. stint with the Tennessee Titans. So and advertisers in Singapore. Thaole Entertainment, one of the We are very happy to partner with it isn’t surprising that once Jenkins country’s leading content providers Discovery to make HGTV and AFC the retired from football, he decided The partnership, under the auspices and a well-established player in most successful and popular lifestyle to make the Volunteer State his of YouTube’s Player for Publishers the television industry. Thaole brands for us and our broadcast permanent home when he fell in love (PfP) programme, combines Entertainment also distributes partners.” with the capital of Nashville. That’s Mediacorp’s extensive, award-winning Discovery’s Asian Food Channel where Jenkins became a licensed content with the reach and marketing (AFC). contractor and began a romantic and prowess of YouTube’s platform. Among the shows they can professional relationship with real The PfP programme provides a HGTV most recently launched in look forward to include: estate agent Page Turner. This entry video hosting, streaming and ads Myanmar last month on SkyNet, on in HGTV’s “Flip or Flop” franchise management platform to publishers. SingtelTV in Singapore and HOOQ follows the business partners, who in Indonesia last October. With the find depressed properties in Nashville Mediacorp will host news, current introduction of HGTV in Vietnam, the and transform them into stylish and affairs, entertainment and lifestyle channel is now available in 7 markets functional family homes. content produced by two of its in Southeast Asia. flagship platforms, Channel NewsAsia and 8world, on their YouTube HGTV is one the leading home and channels. Through PfP, Mediacorp lifestyle entertainment channels is expanding its network to better in the region with hit shows such connect consumers with its news as The Property Brothers, Flip videos. The programme will also or Flop Nashville, Fixer Upper, give Mediacorp better control of its House Hunters and Restored by advertising opportunities on YouTube the Fords; it is the premier source through PfP’s specific features, for entertaining, relatable and reducing costs and simplifying the inspirational home as well as lifestyle video infrastructure to deliver the content. The channel delivers the most optimised user experience to superstar experts, fascinating Mediacorp’s audiences on YouTube. families, compelling renovations and stunning transformations to Hometown S2 Mediacorp has over 40 products in inspire viewers with fresh ideas and A shared love of simple, Southern four languages (English, Mandarin, authentic stories on how to find and living and revitalizing historic Malay and Tamil) on TV, radio, its Proprety Brothers: Buying & Sellling love their own dream home. properties keeps Ben and Erin Napier over-the-top service Toggle and other S7 busy in their hometown of Laurel, digital platforms, reaching 99% of The “Property Brothers,” Drew and Anna Pak Burdin, General Manager Mississippi. Follow the couple as they people in Singapore every week. Jonathan Scott, take their tag-team Southeast Asia, Discovery Networks renovate turn-of-the-century homes Globally, YouTube has over 1.9 billion real estate partnership to the next Asia Pacific, said “HGTV is a much- for first-time buyers, young families, logged-in users each month with level in “Buying and Selling.” Drew loved channel across Southeast Asia, and adults wishing to live closer to more than 400 hours of content helps home buyers find the right and we are thrilled to see it continue grandchildren. Erin’s keen sense of uploaded onto YouTube each minute. property to purchase, but before to grow in popularity. We have style and a background in graphic The website is ranked the second- closing on the deal, the buyers’ enjoyed our partnership with Thaole design guide the renovations, Ben’s most popular in the world, according current home needs attention, and over the past five years as our building and woodworking skills to Alexa Internet. distributor for AFC so we are really preserve and celebrate the home’s lots of it, in order to make it sellable. That’s where Jonathan comes in. To excited to introduce yet another of history, and by using found materials “We’re glad to welcome Mediacorp leverage its value, Jonathan comes our popular lifestyle channels to our and old textiles, they keep the as a PfP partner in Singapore. up with a plan to breathe fresh viewers in Vietnam with content that character intact but create modern Tailored to the needs of the media life into the home, and he and his we are sure they will love.” and affordable updates. industry, PfP’s goal is to reduce contracting team take over from Sophie Le, Chief Executive Officer, complexity, increase reach and there. Drew then oversees the selling Thaole Entertaiment, commented revenue potential. It adds to of the renovated home and the “HGTV is a channel that we believe Mediacorp’s multiplatform offerings buying of a new house.

20 | television asia plus january-march2019 review while providing YouTube users with – more great content that will educate, Singapore government to amend excite, engage and inspire YouTube audiences globally. We hope that our the Copyright Act (CA) to update technology will provide a solution as one of Mediacorp’s movements copyright regime to reach larger audiences,” said The government announces it will not allow importers, distributors and retailers to commercially benefit when knowingly Ajay Vidyasagar, Regional Director, dealing with set-top boxes enabled to allow access to unauthorized content. YouTube Partnerships. The Singapore government has announced that it will be amending the Copyright Act (CA) to update its copyright regime in an effort to support creators and users of video content. A critical part of the suite of amendments includes Mediacorp’s Chief Commercial and new enforcement measures to deter retailers from profiting from providing access to content through unauthorised Digital Officer Parminder Singh said: sources such as TV boxes (also known as illicit streaming devices - ISDs) that enable access to pirated TV channels and “We are pleased to be YouTube’s video-on-demand content. PfP partner in Singapore. This strategic partnership enables us Louis Boswell, CEO of the Asia Video Industry Association (AVIA) commented: “AVIA welcomes the government’s to offer our extensive range of proposals to update Singapore’s Copyright Act to be relevant to the technological developments of today. The brand-safe, quality content to the application and ISD ecosystem is seriously impacting all businesses involved in the production and distribution of die-hard fans and digital natives of legitimate content and generates huge revenue for criminal syndicates and retailers who profit from selling access to the YouTube communities. YouTube stolen intellectual property.” and Mediacorp share a passion for delivering great content and Neil Gane, the General Manager of AVIA’s Coalition Against Piracy (CAP) commented: “Illicit streaming devices and developing holistic advertising their associated applications are by far the most important copyright infringement issue in Singapore. Liability for ISD solutions to marketers, helping them retailers under the present version of the copyright act exists, but establishing it is not straightforward. We are pleased reach the most engaged audiences in that the government has recognised that this lack of legal clarity had allowed ISD retailers to mislead consumers that Singapore.” the content accessible through such TV boxes was legal and that requisite subscription charges went to rights-holders - which they did not. Hopefully ISD retailers will no longer be so heavily represented at Singapore IT exhibitions and IT malls”.

The Singapore government announced that the new amendments were intended to ‘complement the existing mechanism for the blocking of flagrantly infringing online locations’. In November last year, the High Court ordered Singapore’s internet service providers to block access to popular illegal applications that are frequently sold pre-loaded on android TV boxes. These apps, which flagrantly infringe copyright by acting as gateways to websites streaming pirated content, had been preloaded on TV boxes which are overtly sold in retail outlets such as Sim Lim Square, IT exhibitions and on popular e-markets.

A November 2018 study of the content viewing behavior of Singaporean consumers revealed that 15% of consumers use a TV box which can be used to stream pirated television and video content. The survey, commissioned by the CAP and conducted by YouGov, also highlighted the detrimental effects of streaming piracy on legitimate subscription video services. Of the 15% of consumers who purchased a TV box for free streaming, more than a quarter (28%) asserted that they cancelled their subscriptions to a Singaporean-based online video service as a direct consequence of owning an ISD.

is an important step in growing our NENT Group and Boxer Viaplay subscriber base. Our long and successful relationship continues extends distribution to bring the very best content to viewers across Denmark. In 2019 we’re looking forward to premiering agreement in Denmark fantastic Danish original series such Viaplay film and as ‘Straight Forward’ and ‘Face to Face’, so the timing couldn’t be series offering to be better to take Viaplay to even more included in BoxerTV households than ever before.”

Max Package while Ulf Lund, Boxer CEO: “Viaplay offers Boxer continues a unique combination of attractive to distribute NENT international titles and Danish content that customers can access wherever Group’s Danish free- and whenever they want. We expect TV channels Viaplay to be welcomed by our customers.” Nordic Entertainment Group (NENT Group) and Danish digital TV Viaplayís film and series offering, which will become available to all Boxer In addition to offering Viaplay distributor Boxer have extended their TV Max customers, includes a unique combination of original productions, directly to customers, NENT Group distribution partnership in Denmark international films and series, and kids content. has distribution partnerships with for several additional years. Starting the Nordic region. as well as popular Danish TV shows operators and service providers later this year, NENT Group’s Viaplay such as Masterchef and Robinson such as YouSee, Stofa, Waoo and streaming service will reach more Boxer’s extended distribution of Ekspeditionen. Telenor in Denmark; Telenor, RiksTV, households as part of Boxer’s largest NENT Group’s free-TV channels (TV3, Get, Canal Digital and NextGenTel TV package, while Boxer will continue TV3+, TV3 PULS, TV3 Sport and TV3 Kim Poder, EVP, Group COO and in Norway; Tele2, Com Hem, Boxer, to distribute NENT Group’s Danish MAX) in Denmark means that Boxer CEO of NENT Group Denmark: “We Bahnhof, A3, Universal Telecom, free-TV channels. The agreement customers can continue enjoying are the Nordic region’s leading Mediateknik, Canal Digital, Sappa, reflects NENT Group’s ongoing focus live action from high-profile sports entertainment provider, and Telia, Telenor, Kalejdo, Serverado, on distribution partnerships that events such as UEFA Champions extending our partnership with one Connect TV and Ownit in Sweden; increase the reach of Viaplay across League, Formula 1 and Superliga, of Denmark’s major TV distributors and DNA in Finland.

january-march 2019 television asia plus | 21 review Superstar Akshay Kumar debuts digitally with Amazon’s upcoming Prime Original series, THE END (working title) From the creators of Breathe, starring Akshay Kumar. Another hit in the making? Amazon Prime Video has announced thrilling experience. Our goal that Indian Superstar, Akshay Kumar, is to make Amazon Prime Video the as lead actor in Amazon’s upcoming powerhouse of talent, in front as action-packed Prime Original well as behind the camera, and we thriller series, THE END (working are thrilled to have Akshay Kumar title). Coming from Abundantia and Abundantia Entertainment Entertainment, the creators of anchoring the show for us. We critically acclaimed Prime Original will continue to bring distinctive, Unafraid of taking risks, we are Khan, Zoya Akhtar, Excel Media & Series, Breathe, the show, also the fresh and high quality content to certain that he would be perfect for Entertainment and new creators like streaming debut of Akshay Kumar, our audiences and we believe, our the character he plays on the show Karan Anshuman, Mayank Sharma marks the second collaboration Prime members across the world are and his fans would be excited to see who marked their digital debuts on between Amazon Prime Video and going to absolutely love the show,” him back in an action packed role.” Amazon’s Prime Original Series. Abundantia Entertainment. The new says Jennifer Salke, Head, Amazon Vijay Subramaniam, the Director and series will be a globe-spanning, latest Studios. Actor Akshay Kumar also shares Head of Content for the local branch offering to the actor’s fans across his personal input. “I have always of Amazon Prime Video hopes that 200 countries and territories upon Founded in 2013, Abundantia is believed in bringing innovation to this collaboration would provide the its release exclusively on Amazon India’s premier content company my work and throughout my career, platform for the superstar actor to Prime Video. focused on developing and producing have tried to tell unique stories, work work his magic spectacularly to fans progressive, insight-based stories with break-through talent and be on the international stage. The multi-season show, THE for a global audience across Film, part of disruptive and high quality END (working title), is presently TV and Digital platforms. Under its story-telling. Together, Abundantia BBC’s under active development and aims belt are numerous highly-acclaimed and I have created some of my most revitalised to appeal to fans of the action-thriller works. Its Founder and CEO, memorable roles in films like Baby, genre worldwide. Being envisioned Vikram Malhotra has this to say this Airlift and Toilet-Ek Prem Katha and flagship at an unprecedented scale and upcoming collaboration. their passion towards their films and Sairbeen to cinematic experience, the show projects is incredible. From the very promises to bring in the next level of “Akshay and I have successfully concept of the show, I am working engage diverse the action genre. collaborated on multiple films over very closely with Vikram and his team audiences the last decade and his versatility as they create this compelling and The scale at which THE END (working in choice of roles is unmatched. We, highly intriguing story. I can’t wait to Improvements to news title) is being conceived is enormous now, mutually felt that it was time start rolling for this action adventure and speaks of our passion for programme to increase to take things to the next level. I series that will be Amazon Original its span of reach creating breakout programming am proud that he makes his digital for global audiences. The digital across genres. The storyline and debut with Amazon Prime Video & world excited me and I am delighted The BBC News Urdu flagship TV the action sequences have been Abundantia in a genre-defining, edge- to make my streaming debut with this news programme, Sairbeen, has brilliantly crafted to give viewers a of-the-seat action drama series. show. And if I were to make a small changed its format and the way it confession here, it was my son Aarav looks and sounds, to better serve its who suggested that I make my digital diverse audiences. With its innovative debut as that’s what the youth is studio technology, Sairbeen is fully hooked onto. On this medium, I want equipped to bring together in-depth to create something extraordinary journalism and what is happening on and connect with them”. social media platforms, offering the viewer a comprehensive glance at Since its launch, Prime Video has the day’s key news and topical talking also been home to some of the points. most popular and talented actors in India including R Madhavan, The new-look Sairbeen features Amit Sadh, Shilpa Shetty Kundra, touchscreen technology which is Vivek Oberoi, Richa Chadha, Pankaj pioneering for Pakistan’s TV scene. Tripathi, Ali Fazal, with the latest It allows the presenter to move addition of Abhishek Bachchan in the between news stories, analysis, returning season of Breathe along as well as four major social-media with top creators such as Kabir platforms, highlighting the day’s main

22 | television asia plus january-march2019 review stories and tapping into conversations on what BBC News Urdu has dubbed as ZEE5 strikes deal with Celcom in “Social-estan”. partnership with Apigate

The main presenter of Sairbeen, Aliya Nazki, comments: “The touchscreen is ZEE5’s bouquet of over 100,000 hours of multi-lingual a great storytelling tool. It helps us overcome challenges that TV journalism content to be available to Celcom subscribers faces at a time when social media platforms increasingly serve as key news In a press conference in Kuala sources. We hope that a wider range of viewers – including younger people, Lumpur, Archana Anand, Chief and women in particular – will find our fresher, innovative approach to news in Business Officer-ZEE5 Global this new-look Sairbeen, relatable.” announced ZEE5’s partnership with Celcom, Malaysia’s premier and In its new edition, Sairbeen features more live voices and reports. A special most experienced telecom operator. weekly slot on Thursdays will bring conversations with newsmakers, thought- This partnership will provide Celcom leaders and experts. customers a secure and convenient payment mode, through Apigate’s BBC News Urdu Editor, Mehvish Hussain, adds: “The refreshed Sairbeen will Direct Carrier Billing API, to subscribe further reinforce the BBC’s TV offer in Urdu. Supported by our news teams to ZEE5’s rich content bouquet. which work around the clock to keep our audience abreast of regional and ZEE5, which is a part of Zee global developments and conversations, the new-look Sairbeen makes our Entertainment Enterprises Limited content even more relevant and engaging, thus helping our viewers to make (ZEEL) offers 100,000 hours of more of the world around us.” Indian Movies, TV Shows, News, Videos and exclusive Originals, Chief Business Officer, ZEE5 Sairbeen is broadcast live from London by the Pakistani TV channel, AAJ across 12 languages including Hindi, Global , Archana Anand News. Shahab Zuberi, Group COO of AAJ TV says: “We value the association English, Bengali, Punjabi, Malayalam, with BBC News Urdu. For over five years, the broadcasting of Sairbeen has Tamil, Telugu, Kannada, Marathi, Oriya, Bhojpuri and Gujarati. It also offers delivered objective and independent news to our audience in Pakistan and 60+ popular Live TV channels, including ZEE’s best loved channels. beyond. We are pleased to see the programme refreshed, new elements added, and we are confident it will receive good reception by AAJ TV This collaboration brings the range of ZEE5’s exciting content, including top Tamil TV Shows like Sembaruthi, Poove Poochoodava and Yaaradi Nee Mohini; ZEE5 Tamil Originals including Kallachirippu, America Mapillai and D7 as well as recent blockbusters like Mersal and Kalavu to Celcom customers. The bouquet also includes Bollywood blockbusters like Kedarnath and Veere Di Wedding as well as dubbed Originals like Abhay (Kunal Kemmu), Final Call (Arjun Rampal) and Rangbaaz (Saqib Saleem).

“We have an extremely aggressive global rollout plan charted out for ZEE5 over the next fiscal and ensuring we have the most relevant partnerships in place is a key element of that. Malaysia is a high focus market for us, given its huge affinity for Indian and South Asian content and growing appetite for online video content. We will soon be launching content in international languages too including Malay, and we are extremely glad to partner with a key local operator like Celcom to jointly grow the opportunity in this market,“ said Amit Goenka, CEO, ZEE International and Z5 Global

“As we rapidly expand our partnerships across the Globe, we’re happy to announce Celcom as our first partnership in the Southeast Asian region. We’re already seeing a strong response in Malaysia, and partnering with a leading telecom operator like Celcom will enable us to quickly scale up awareness and access to ZEE5 among their huge customer base,” adds Archana Anand, Chief Business Officer- ZEE5 Global

Zoran Vasiljev, Chief Executive Officer, Apigate said, “Online Video streaming is a booming opportunity and we are excited to partner with a fast-growing platform like ZEE5 to enable their global expansion starting with Celcom in Malaysia.” Tech Storm TV Inks Major Deal with Sony Pictures Television, all3media international and Looking Glass International A new TV Channel dedicated to tech and entrepreneurship is about to debut in Asia featuring award-winning tech shows. Singapore - Tech Storm TV announced that it had picked up a few shows from leading content distributors, Sony Pictures Television, all3media international and Looking Glass International which include Shark Tank, StartUp, Buy It Now, The Gadget Show, VR 101, Future of Mobility and more.

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 savvy audiences looking for unique entertainment.”

Tech Storm TV actively seeks to expand its content and interests to include TV shows on demand to its channel.

“We welcome content collaborations, co-production opportunities and distributors to work with us to create a unique entertainment destination that will delight Asian audiences and beyond,” Debbie added.

january-march 2019 television asia plus | 23 review

TV Studios Australia to wait to start working with Three to make the series a hit there.”

Produce Love Island New MediaWorks Chief Content Officer, Andrew Szusterman, said: Love“ Island takes the concept of ‘appointment viewing’ to a whole new level and has been smashing records on air along with creating unprecedented social Zealand for Three media hype and audience engagement. I’m really proud that yet again Three is leading the way in entertainment television by bringing it first to New New Zealand becomes 12th territory to Zealanders.” commission the global hit format Since the beginning of 2018, Love Island has tripled its overall number of ITV Studios and Motion Content Group’s award-winning, record-breaking international production hours. On air in 7 territories last year, the format will format Love Island has been commissioned by Three in New Zealand, taking launch in at least five more countries in 2019, with Belgium (SBS), Holland the total number of original commissions to 12. Love Island NZ will be (RTL) and Poland (Polsat) joining New Zealand and the U.S. in commissioning produced by ITV Studios Australia, in what will be its first production for a New the series. In addition, the show will also return for a second series on TV4 in Zealand network. Sweden and a third run in Germany on RTL II.

In addition to launching the show in this year, the network has also acquired Viewing records were smashed in several territories last year, with Germany the rights to the second series in Australia, as well as licensing series 5 in the joining the UK and Australia in achieving huge ratings success. In Australia, the UK and the first series in the U.S. on CBS, all of which are also set to air later first episode secured the highest-ever Video Player Measurement (VPM) ratings this year. of any Australian reality series on catch-up service 9Now within 24 hours of broadcast, while the second season on RTL II became the most streamed ITV Studios Australia produced the hugely successful first series of Love Island show on Germany’s TV Now catch-up service. In the UK, the launch of season Australia last year, which broke viewing records for Network Nine’s catch-up four delivered ITV2’s highest overnight ratings since records began and was service 9Now. It has entered its biggest production year to date, with new and the highest-rated show across all channels in its timeslot. returning shows for 2019 including Operation Live, Sunday Night Takeaway, The Voice, I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out Of Here! The Chase; and its first Full of flirting, jealousy, rejection and fun, Love Island sees its occupants live scripted project, SeaChange, a co-production with Every Cloud Productions. the celebrity lifestyle in a stunning villa in a beautiful location. They are on the lookout for romance but as always, the road to love never runs smoothly, as David Mott, CEO and Managing Director, ITV Studios Australia said: “Part of they must not only choose their partner wisely but also win the hearts of the our ongoing strategy is to grow and develop production opportunities beyond public. It’s up to the viewers to decide who they want to stay in the show as Australia, with New Zealand being a key market for us in doing so. For Love they watch the relationships develop and ultimately which pair they want to Island to be our first commission in the territory is really exciting and we can’t crown the hottest couple on the island. The Wiggles coming to New Zealand as ABC Commercial and TVNZ collaborates A variety of The Wiggles, the highly-acclaimed pre-school programming is to air in New Zealand

ABC Commercial today announced it has reached a new agreement with free-to-air television network TVNZ to bring. The agreement will see The Wiggles’ brand new television series Emma! Series 2 receive a linear broadcast on TVNZ later this year, in addition to a number of standalone specials from the group, including Dial E For Emma!, The Wiggles Meet the Orchestra, Apples and Bananas and The Emma and Lachy Show! – with all programmes available to stream on TVNZ’s AVOD platform TVNZ OnDemand.

An iconic staple of pre-school entertainment across the world, The Wiggles’ popularity in New Zealand has grown rapidly since the group relaunched with their new look line up of Emma, Lachy, Simon and Anthony in 2013. Since then, The Wiggles have embarked on numerous tours throughout New Zealand, entertaining families at sold out shows across Auckland, Christchurch, Wellington and more – with ticket sales continuing to climb with each successive visit.

“ABC Commercial is pleased to partner with TVNZ to bring The Wiggles’ award-winning programming to New Zealand families everywhere,” said Jessica Ellis, Head of Content Sales & Distribution at ABC Commercial, “We’re excited for what the future holds for The Wiggles in the territory.”

“We know Kiwi kids love The Wiggles! We’re excited to bring the group’s fun new series and specials to New Zealand screens,” said Cate Slater, Director of Content at TVNZ. “We’ll be giving families choice over how they can watch, with episodes coming to TVNZ 2 and streaming on TVNZ OnDemand. Educational and entertaining pre-school content benefits our youngest viewers and it’s great to welcome these iconic entertainers to TVNZ.”

“We couldn’t be more thrilled to be coming to free-to-air television in New Zealand,” said Paul Field, Managing Director of The Wiggles. “The Wiggles have always had an amazing time performing for New Zealand fans and we’re ecstatic so many more will have the chance to enjoy our content.”

In addition to The Wiggles’ expanding television and touring footprint in New Zealand, the group has also seen considerable digital uplift in the territory. Since relaunching in 2016, The Wiggles’ YouTube channel has reached over 550 million views globally, with New Zealand-based audiences accounting for over 63 million minutes of watch time during that span. Left to right: Anthony Field, Emma Watkins, Lachlan Gillespie, Simon Pryce, Lachlan Gillespie

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