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SingTel’s Mio ups ties with Malaysia, Indonesia New carriage deals push regional exposure, boost premium potential

A new cross-border content era begins on 15 December with carriage deals that take Malaysian and Indonesian content to unprecedented levels in Singapore. SingTel’s Mio TV IPTV platform will carry three channels – !nsert, Showcase, and Bioskop Indonesia – from Indonesian broadcaster TransTV. This is the first time the channels, which carry a mix of lifestyle and entertainment programming, are available in Singapore. Entertainment/celebrity and lifestyle channel, !nsert, offers day-and-date releases of titles airing on TransTV and Trans7 in Indonesia. Showcase airs comedy, reality and talk shows. This is the first time much of this content will be seen outside Indonesia, SingTel says. Bioskop Indonesia features quality In- donesian movies without commercial

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15 DECEMber 2014 - 11 JAnuary 2015 page 1. c ntentasia 15 DECEMBER 2014 - 11 January 2015 Page 2.

From page 1: SingTel breaks. The three channels are being offered free to SingTel’s entire Mio TV subscriber base until 15 February. Pricing details have not yet been announced. The TransTV carriage agreement fol- lows a major on-demand Malay movie deal with Malaysia’s Astro First. SingTel says the deal gives it the largest on-demand movie catalogue, featuring movies from Skop Productions, Tayangan Unggul, Astro Shaw and Line Clear Films, among others. In line with industry trends, SingTel has also gone for shorter windows and says the Cine-Ekspres service now carries more GMA ramps titles that premiere within two weeks or Lam Chi Thien, IMC (Int’l Media Joint Stock Company) Vietnam; up Vietnam biz close to cinematic release. Roxanne Barcelona, GMA Worldwide Philippines Biggest deal ever Malay on-demand movie titles include Lagenda Budak Setan 3, Amir & Loqman sealed with IMC GMA Worldwide, the distribution arm of acquires Pergi Ke Laut and Mistik Syirik Tahyul. for 2015 Philippines’ broadcaster GMA Network, between Mio’s Malay offerings have also been has closed its first volume deal with Vi- four and six strengthened with box office hits such as etnam’s International Media Joint Stock titles a year, KL Gangster and Adik Manja Returns. Company (IMC). Barcelona says. Mio TV will also offer TV movies that The three-year deal was sealed by GMA Past acquisitions have are not available in cinemas. The first of Worldwide’s vice president Roxanne J. Bar- included drama series Losing Heav- these is Saloma, a two-part biopic about celona and IMC’s chief executive Lam Chi en, One Three Love and Lost Children. P Ramlee’s wife starring Nabila Huda. Thien at the ATF in Singapore last week. Drama drives much of GMA’s prime-time The IMC deal involves more than 400 and afternoon schedules, with the latest hours a year of GMA content starting in shows such as The Half Sisters and More 2015. than Words among the top performers in The package includes the latest drama Mega Manila, according to Nielsen rat- series such as Carmela (2014), The Bor- ings data. rowed Wife, which aired in the Philippines Like rival ABS-CBN, GMA Network has from January to May this year, and The ramped up its regional and global syndi- Secret of Annasandra, which premiered in cation efforts. October this year as part of GMA’s after- Figures released earlier this year showed noon prime-time block. GMA sales of 1,000 hours in the first quarter IMC, GMA’s first Vietnamese partner, to Myanmar, Cambodia, Vietnam, Malay- started buying from the Manila-based sta- sia, Brunei, Singapore, South Korea and the Saloma tion two or three years ago and generally U.S. – by Malena Amzah c ntentasia 15 DECEMBER 2014 - 11 January 2015 Page 3.

India’s Court dazzles SGIFF jury 10,000 people viewed 147 films, organisers say

Indian director Chaitanya Tamhane’s first feature film, Court, about India’s justice system, won Best Film at this year’s Silver Screen Awards in Singapore. Tamhane also won Best Director award at the event, organised by the 25th Singa- pore International Film Festival (SGIFF).

Studio Ghibli docu honoured Mami Sunada, director of The Kingdom of Dreams and Madness Japan’s Mami Sunada wins Japan’s Mami Sunada, director of The Grave of Kingdom of Dreams and Madness, was the Fire- at TheWIFTS Court director Chaitanya Tamhane (left) with one of four winners of this year’s TheWIFTS flies, M y producer Vivek Gomber Foundation International Visionary Docu- Neighbor To- The festival jury for Asian feature films, mentary Awards in Los Angeles earlier this toro and Princess headed by China’s Wang Xiaoshuai, month. Mononoke. described Court as a “glittering gem” The 2014 Women’s International Film The other three winners were Amy Glick- that “dazzles with its simplicity, elegance Television Showcase (TheWIFTS) celebrat- man Brown (U.S.) for The Green Girl, a and breathtaking naturalism. Every facet ed 20 women from 11 countries and six documentary about Susan Oliver, Mona of this film shines, from the humanity of its continents. The awards honour filmmakers Friis Bertheussen (Norway) for Twin Sisters, screenplay, to the originality of its struc- “whose stories reflect artistic and creative an international documentary about twin ture, to the assuredness of its direction. A brilliance, family ties, and self-discovery in sisters from China who were separated brilliant achievement”. today’s ever changing world,” TheWIFTS and adopted into two different corners Kirsten Tan’s Dahdi (Granny) won Best Foundation says. of the world; and Holli Rae and Sara Film in the Southeast Asian Short Film The Kingdom of Dreams and Madness Landas (U.S) for The Goddess Project, a category. goes inside Japanese animation studio, documentary about two women on a 11 feature films and 19 short films com- Studio Ghibli, and explores the work of journey of self-discovery who traveled peted in the awards. The SGIFF ran from producer Toshio Suzuki and filmmakers 10,000 miles across America interviewing 4-14 December. Organisers said 10,000 Hayao Miyazaki and Isao Takahata. Stu- incredible women about their paths to people saw the 147 festival films. dio Ghibli classics include Spirited Away, self discovery.

contentasiasummit.com facebook.com/ContentAsia @contentasia c ntentasia Singapore 2-4 September 2015 Creating whole new conversations about content in Asia save the date Sponsorship info from Masliana Masron at [email protected] or +65 6846-5988 c ntentasia 15 DECEMBER 2014 - 11 January 2015 Page 4.

Multi-screen rights top Asia TV Forum asks Vietnam soaks up Philippines drama, thumbs up for new location

This year’s Asia TV Forum (ATF) wrapped The new environment “pushes PHILIPPINES DRAMA ROCKING on Friday (12 Dec) with Vietnam as one the need for everyone to acquire Vietnamese broadcaster IMC of the three-day market’s top buyers and better, quality content,” said Benn has gone big on drama from the optimism about potential syndication and Watson, vice president of inter- Philippines, acquiring hundreds format deals in Thailand, Indonesia and national sales at U.S.-based GRB of hours from both ABS-CBN and Cambodia. Entertainment. GMA Network. Leng Raymundo, The Singapore-based annual television As the industry moves deeper ABS-CBN Philippines ABS-CBN’s head of international market retained its reputation this year as into the multi-screen environment, distribution, Leng Raymundo, said a place to follow up discussions started at opinion is strengthening around online Vietnam had become one of the Manila- Mipcom in October as well as a meeting media as additive. based national network’s biggest buyers. ground for buyers and sellers who don’t “Our biggest business in Asia is still with Thailand was also rising, with the first vol- necessarily attend the European markets. the TV networks, but digital is grow- ume deal for ABS-CBN drama, and First timers included Japanese broad- ing,” said Richard Goldsmith, The more interest from Cambodia and caster Nippon Television, which celebrated Jim Henson Company’s EVP, Myanmar, she said. its win of Youku Tudou’s youth award for global distribution and interna- Demand for variety and real- Parasyte – The Maxim at the Young tional consumer products. ity formats as well as finished Choice Carnival 2014. The event N e x t A n i m a t i o n ’ s drama was strong in Indonesia, in Beijing coincided with the ATF Lee said the traditional Raymundo added. Richard Goldsmith, in Singapore. “Our presence here 22-minute episode “will The Jim Henson Strong story lines were driving increases our visibility. It has been always be around and Company sales across the region, she said. useful to keep in touch with peo- that’s not going to change. The ABS-CBN’s top shows at the moment in- ple,” said Shigeko Chino, Nippon Vincent Lee, Next content at the end of the day has clude Two Wives, Forevermore and Dream TV’s senior director, international Animation Taiwan to fit the platform and not the other Dad. ABS-CBN makes about 600 hours of business development. Nippon TV was at way round”. drama a year and is pushing to do more. ATF as part of the Japanese government- MONEY TALKS... OR NOT budgets across BUY & SEEK GRB’s Watson said he’s seen backed Japan country pavilion. much of Asia are tight, and disappointing more demand for one-off documentaries Exhibitors in Singapore said a notice- advertising revenue growth in some mar- from buyers out of Korea, Philippines, Tai- able – if predictable – trend across the kets in 2014 has enforced caution for now. wan and Malaysia. three days was the rising interest Even so, some markets – and Vietnam India and West Asia were high on the in over-the-top (OTT) rights and in particular – are on fire and snap- 2015 priority list for Japan’s NHK Enterprises, distribution, and increasing com- ping up format and drama rights. which said neighbouring markets in East petition among traditional and Just ahead of the market open- Asia had so far proved easier because of non-traditional platforms. ing on Wednesday (10 Decem- their proximity. “Everyone is looking for good ber), ZenithOptimedia forecast Although NHK didn’t sign any actual content, but most importantly, an adspend pick up to 5.1% a year deals at the market, Shintaro Kanbayashi, Benn Watson, ‘can that content be translated GRB Entertainment from 2015 to 2017 across Australia, senior manager, programme sales and onto a second screen?’,” said New Zealand, Hong Kong, Singa- development, was optimistic. Vincent Lee, Next Media Animation Tai- pore and South Korea. This lent a more Kanbayashi said tastes in the region wan’s director of brand and licensing. Lee optimistic note to discussions about 2015, had swung towards entertainment, which added that OTT buzz was higher this year even though the latest growth forecasts seemed to have pulled ahead of factual/ than ever before. have been revised down. documentaries for now. Thailand’s Joe Suteestarpon, managing Markets such as China, Indonesia, Phil- NHK’s ATF best sellers included the director of STG Mediaplex, said he was ippines, Taiwan, Thailand and Vietnam 150-episode Hanako and Anne, based on focusing on Hollywood content, both – ZenithOptimedia’s “fast track Asia” – the life of the Japanese translator of Anne scripted and non-scripted, for new OTT are forecast to grow 10.1% in 2014, and of Green Gables. The series was part of service, Doonee, which launches com- between 10% and 11% a year for 2015 to NHK’s domestic channel’s daily morning mercially in January 2015. 2017. More on page 5 c ntentasia 15 DECEMBER 2014 - 11 January 2015 Page 5.

From page 4: Asia TV Forum format Exit, which Chino says has been ... Plus a summary of drama slot. Kanbayashi says Southeast copied in China as X-space and is doing Asian (particularly Vietnamese) and well. Nippon TV is attempting to negoti- who said and did what Taiwanese buyers, favoured ani- ate with the same broadcaster an at the ATF and elsewhere mation and drama. authorised version of the show, in around Asia from Volume deals were part of the which a team of contestants face discussion with Chinese TV a room-escape challenge. ContentAsia’s ATF and film production LOCATION, LOCATION, LOCATION market dailies company, Beijing Most exhibitors liked the new fifth Hualu Baina Film & Joanne Azzo- floor “ballroom” location, which TV Inc. “We have a pardi, Beyond Distribution has a bay view, above the previ- good market here ous “bunker” venue. “It’s a much with a lot of South- more beautiful space to do east Asian buyers Natalie Lawley, business,” said The Jim Henson from TV companies Escapade Media Company’s Goldsmith. and channels from Government-backed coun- Thailand, Indonesia and Cambodia, try-pavilions, including sprawl- who are looking at a volume pack- ing Malaysian, French and age mix of modern, romantic, com- Shigeko Chino, Japanese stands, dominated Anugerah Lawak Warna, Astro Warna Nippon Television edy, family and costume TV drama,” in-hall space. Astro’s Warna rolls out in Singapore said Angelina Xiang, the company’s inter- Australian distributors, including Beyond Malaysia’s sole Malay comedy channel, national department director. and Escapade Media, joined forces inde- Astro Warna, launches in Singapore on 1 New contacts were a priority for Hong pendently (“we wish we had government January 2015 on pay-TV platform StarHub. Kong-based Japanese animation distribu- support”) to create a bigger presence at StarHub also rolls out its two reworked low- tor, Muse Communication. Assistant man- the market, which they described as “re- cost channel packs in January. ager, Amanda Ip, reported high interest ally good”. from Indonesia, Vietnam and Malaysia. Beyond Distribution’s VP, Aus/NZ/Asia, DreamWorks plans new Asia channel Korean broacaster and distributor, Joanne Azzopardi, said lifestyle program- DreamWorks Animation is launching its first Munhwa Broadcasting Corporation (MBC), ming performed best at the Singapore linear channel across Asia in second half was optimistic about Infinite Challenge, market this year. At the same time, she 2015. HBO Asia will manage affiliate sales which it brought to the ATF for the first reported a new interest in older dramas at and marketing and tech services for the time. A domestic chart-topper, the original the market, along with interest in scripted kids and family channel, DreamWorks said Korean version of Infinite Challenge would formats for mainland China. in a statement out of the U.S. DreamWorks air in Singapore, Malaysia and Indonesia “People are interested in good stories, has promised original content and 2,000 in 2015, with format rights in China on the even if they are older, if they were success- hours of existing DreamWorks TV content agenda, said HyukJae Choi, director of ful there is interest,” she said, adding that in addition to more than 1,200 half-hours MNC’s global business team. a few more buyers were asked for new of animation currently in production. COPRODUCTION Co-productions are a media rights than before. perenial on discussion agendas, and this Escapade Media, which has just cel- 300+ Nat Geo docs on China’s Tencent year was no different. ebrated its first anniversary, signed an India Mainland platform Tencent Video will “Animation is such a small industry, so it deal at the market. This was a good sign, carry a branded National Geographic is really good to collaborate with each said managing director Natalie Lawley, Channel block from 2015 in a “strategic other and work together on all the dif- who attented multiple ATFs in her previous cooperation” between Tencent and Fox ferent projects,” said Next Animation’s job at ABC Commercial. International Channels. The two will also Vincent Lee. Escapade has seven titles in develop- co-produce China-focused programmes. PIRACY Although anti-piracy inroads have ment, including two dramas and one been made, piracy remains a critical issue lifestyle show. “It’s a really good market, Mongolia’s Got Talent green lit for 2015 in Asia, both buyers and sellers say. Even I wouldn’t miss it,” Lawley said, adding: Mongol TV has commissioned the first lo- in markets where official versions have “I haven’t signed a deal at the ATF for 14 cal Got Talent for the second half of 2015. been licensed, unofficial versions are rat- years. We’ve signed deals because of the The multi-season deal with Syco Entertain- ing well. ATF before, but not ever at the ATF”. – Ja- ment and FremantleMedia for Mongolia’s One example is Nippon TV’s game show nine Stein, Malena Amzah, CJ Yong More on page 6 c ntentasia 15 DECEMBER 2014 - 11 January 2015 Page 6.

From page 5: Asia TV Forum Got Talent follows the quip by Got Talent April release for Astro Azteca drama creator Simon Cowell that Mongolia was one of the last regions in the world where the format didn’t have a presence.

HBO Asia nabs Oscars 2015 from Fox HBO Asia has taken exclusive rights to next year’s Oscars away from Fox Interna- tional Channels (FIC), which has aired the awards show for more than a decade. The Academy Awards will air live across HBO’s 18 territories in the region.

IPTV still “challenging”, Astro says Malaysia’s Astro Holdings has reported a 12% increase in after-tax profit to US$108 million for the first nine months of the finan- cial year ending 31 January 2015. Rev- Hisyam Hamid, Anzaina Nasir, casts; Datin Zaiton Muhd Jiwa, Global Station; Khairul Anwar Salleh, enue was up 10% year-on-year to US$1.1 Astro; Marcel Vinay Jr, Comarex; Khalidah Mohd Darus, Finas Malaysia billion, and ARPU was up 3% to US$28. As- tro has 4.3 million subscribers and is in 62% Malaysia’s pay-TV platform Astro has set an April 2015 premiere date for the local of Malaysian homes. Among other things, version of Mexican telenovela Memori Cinta Suraya (A Love To Remember). The long- Astro CEO Rohana Rozhan said the IPTV running drama will air on telenovela channel Astro Bella. Malaysian production house business “remains challenging as we strive Global Station has already produced around 50 episodes and aims to finish all 148x60 to establish an acceptable broadband mins by April next year, Global Station chief executive, Datin Zaiton Muhd Jiwa, said. service level to our customers”. Astro and Global Station own rights to the show for 15 years. The telenovela is part of a co-production slate between Spanish-language producer/distributor Azteca, Astro Thailand’s Zense picks up Endemol duo and Global Station announced at MipTV in April this year. Thai production house Zense Entertain- ment has secured rights to Endemol Asia’s iQiyi doubles original production in 2015, rience across devices,” says CTO, Leo Yao. entertainment format Your Face Sounds Mainland Chinese online video portal Lao said the three new products – a WiFi Familiar. Zense will produce the 12x75 mins iQiyi plans to more than double original router, smart TV box, and large Android format, scheduled to air in May 2015 on production in 2015, with at least 30 titles tablet – were part of a goal to “develop free-TV channel BBTV 7. Zense has also and 500 episodes on the slate so far com- the software, hardware, and services to secured Endemol’s Singer Takes It All, a pared to 13 in 2014. iQiyi’s chief content execute our grand vision. Games and 26x30 mins multi-platform singing game officer, Ma Dong, said content investment digital home entertainment hardware are show for Thailand. The show is slated to depended on “needs of our viewers”. For just the beginning”. air twice a week on an as-yet unnamed instance, RMB5 million per episode spent free-TV channel. on drama The Lost Tomb, “was much more Thai Money Drop breaks rating records than we initially anticipated but because Thailand’s game show format The Money Boomerang back, Cartoonito binned the programme is worthwhile, the invest- Drop Thailand season one has hit the high- The new incarnation of Turner’s kids chan- ment is worthwhile,” Ma said. The Lost est TVR score for its time slot on terrestrial nel Boomerang launches in six Southest Tomb will be released in March 2015. station BBTV 7. The episode on Saturday, 6 Asia markets – Philippines, Cambodia, December, recorded a TVR of 9.8 (source: Indonesia, Hong Kong, Singapore and Youku Tudou rolls out new devices AC Nielsen) and is the highest rating ever Myanmar ­– from 1 January 2015. In Philip- China’s Youku Tudou rolls out its first batch for the 6pm-6.30pm time slot, says pro- pines, Cambodia, Indonesia, Hong Kong of cloud-based entertainment products in duction company Zense Entertainment’s and Myanmar, the channel replaces January 2015. The new products are part foreign and format development man- Cartoonito, which is being axed. Titles on of a “grand vision” to “ensure that Youku ager Sorayuth Sagrikananda. The Money the Asia schedule so far are the all-new In- Tudou’s content and services reach all Drop Thailand premiered in August (on spector Gadget, Turbo Fast, Tom and Jerry, internet enabled screens in the forms that Saturdays and Sundays) and is slated to Looney Tunes and Scooby-Doo. our users want, and offer a seamless expe- More on page 7 c ntentasia 15 DECEMBER 2014 - 11 January 2015 Page 7.

From page 6: Asia TV Forum HK pushes back analogue switch off air until the third week of January 2015. A Hong Kong has pushed the analogue second season will run straight on. switch off date back by five years from the end of 2015 to the end of 2020, with Out now! Malaysia sets US$4m target a review period scheduled for 2017/8. Malaysia’s media companies in Singapore Although Hong Kong authorities said for the ATF set a collective US$4 million tar- the new date would allow more time for get for deals generated at the market. 28 about 480,000 Hong Kong homes not yet companies participated in the initiative to receiving digital terrestrial signals to mi- boost Malaysia’s presence in the region. grate, the decision was clearly influenced The initiative is led by Malaysia’s National by a bigger mainland agenda. Film Development Corporation (Finas) with the participation of other agencies Asia trio pick up Armoza’s Upgrades including the Creative Content Associa- Thailand, Vietnam and Myanmar have tion of Malaysia (CCAM). picked up rights to local versions of Armo- za’s Upgrades formats. Thailand’s Content Nat Geo, TVB pick up Food Detectives Lab, part of the JSL Global Media Group, activeTV’s original series, The Food Detec- has acquired rights for Thailand. Lagar- tives, has been picked up by Nat Geo dere Entertainment Asia has bought rights People as well as Hong Kong’s Television for Vietnam and Myanmar. The three new Broadcasts Ltd (TVB) for domestic and deals follow the end of Upgrade season international release. The show, made for three on China’s CCTV2. MediaCorp’s Channel 5, has also been sold in Europe. Bomanbridge sales hit 277 hours Bomanbridge Media headed into the ATF Outdoor expands in Korea, Taiwan, China with sales of 277 hours to broadcasters in • Formats Outlook 2015 Multi Channels Asia’s (MCA) Outdoor Thailand, Korea and New Zealand. Thai Channel has expanded reach in Korea, Public Broadcasting Service (PBS) bought Taiwan and China in a series of deals 88 hours. Titles include It Only Hurts When • Eye on a new year that makes the channel available in an I Laugh, Life’s Funniest Moments and additional two million homes with further Animal Atlas. • Ricky Ow talks access to about 94 million monthly online users in China. New deals include Korea’s Nat Geo, NHK, CCTV back climate doc Turner round KT Skylife, Digidom Cable TV in Taiwan and Electus has sold Years of Living Dangerously iQiyi in China. to National Geographic Channels Interna- • Who’s turning One tional, NHK (Japan) and CCTV-2 (China). Rewind Networks’ Hits channel hits #1 The nine-episode series travels the world Rewind Networks’ one-year-old Hits chan- finding stories about real people “facing nel has topped prime-time charts in aver- the crippling effects of climate change”. all in ContentAsia... age time spent during weekends for the in print+interactive nine months from March to November. FIC, WingsMedia, Zee get sexy at www.contentasia.tv Among other wins, Hits said it ranked Fox In’l Channels (SEA), Shanghai Wings- number one in average time spent on Media (China) and Zee Network prime-time weekends for all peo- (India) have bought this For editorial info, contact Janine at [email protected] ple, adults 25+ and females, year’s 2014 Victoria’s To advertise in any of Conten- beating well-established Secret Fashion Show from tAsia’s publications or online, general entertainment chan- Alfred Haber. The one- contact Masliana at mas@con- nels in the English-language hour special aired on tentasia.tv (Asia, regional space. (Kantar CBS in the U.S. last Australia and Middle East) or Leah Media Singapore) week. at [email protected] (Americas and Europe)

Animal Atlas, Bomanbridge c ntentasia 15 DECEMBER 2014 - 11 January 2015 Page 8.

Who was at... Rewind Networks’ Hits 1st Anniversary celebrations

Lisa Sam, Carolyn So, Sandie Lee, Avi Himatsing- Anurag Dahiya, SingTel; Avi Himatsinghani, Re- Agnes Rozario, Astro; Alistair Jennings, Sony hani, Lynn Huang, Kif Ting, Junius Yang, Endah wind/Hits; Karen Lee, SingTel; Ricky Ow, Turner Pictures Television Evryana, Rewind Networks

Lee Soo Hui, StarHub Michael Dick, Fox In- Richard Samuels, 20th Century Fox; Shitiz Jain, Karen Lee, SingTel; Shu Fen Lin, StarHub; Basil ternational Channels Turner; Steve Burton, HBO Asia Chua; Sam Seow, StarHub

Brendan Zauner, 20th Century Fox; Joanne Tsai, Lethika Nair, Carsey- Vivek Couto, Media Linh Hong Phan, Magdalene Ew, HBO Fox International Channels Werner Partners Asia (MPA) Thaole Vietnam Asia

Ranganathan S, StarCom Mediavest; Sandie Lee, Kok Siew Yeo, Discovery; Alan Hodges, A+E Net- Hud Woodle, Scripps Networks Interactive; Jonas Rewind Networks; CK Lee, Astro works; SeowSi Chin, Discovery Engwall, RTL CBS Entertainment Networks; Caro- lyn So, Rewind Networks; Daniel Fung, RTL CBS party pics brought to you by Entertainment Networks c ntentasia 15 DECEMBER 2014 - 11 January 2015 Page 9.

Who was at... HBO Asia/Casbaa drinks & the ATF opening party

Avi Himatsinghani, Rewind Networks; Mag Ew, Leena Singrajah, Derek Chang, Scripps Networks HBO Asia; Justin Che, NBCUniversal Interactive

Magdelene Ew, HBO Asia; Diana Zakis, Content Media

Kelly Jang, Fox Interna- Bruce Tuchman, AMC Michael Dick, Fox Int’l Channels; Hud Woodle, tional Channels Global Networks Scripps Networks Interactive; Adrian Lim, StarHub

Evgeniy Drachov, Film UA; Almira Ravil, Screen Media Ventures; Igor Storchak, Film UA

Richard Woo, A+E Networks; Shu Fen Lin, StarHub Sarah Jacks, Scripps; Pauline Bohm, NBCUniver- sal; Carol Sun, Disney

Sandie Lee, Rewind Networks; Greg Robertson, MGM; Caroline Edwards, Carla Ferry, MGM; Gabriel Ash- Jonna Kalvia, Tuija Snellma, YLE The Finnish Broad- ley, Stephanie Lam, Warner Bros International TV; Bo Sun, HBO Asia casting Company party pics brought to you by c ntentasia 15 DECEMBER 2014 - 11 January 2015 Page 10.

theJC NbTspaceENTASIA the place to look for the jobs that count

A new landmark factual TV channel in Asia is on the lookout for dynamic individuals to join our team. Our wide range of programming will focus on engaging human stories; blue chip documentaries; and experiences that celebrate Asia. We are looking to hire the following personnel

RIGHTS CONTENT MANAGER PROGRAMMING MANAGER ROLE & RESPONSIBILITIES: ROLE & RESPONSIBILITIES: -Coordination & organisation of program portfolio -Plan program lineup for the Channel based on its positioning; -Editing for platforms & press including determining appropriate program acquisitions -Preparation of quarterly & annual reports -Compile weekly highlights & information on content to be -Responsible for archiving, metadata & materials relayed to partners & press. -Liaising with broadcast partners re licences and metadata -Liaise with the purchasing department -Responsible for Content Management System -Oversee licensing issues and ratings -Coordination of VOD program delivery -Optimise programming based on ratings research REQUIREMENTS: -Supervise VOD product range -Understand legal/compliance issues REQUIREMENTS: -Proven experience in contracts and rights management -Proven experience in broadcast scheduling; understanding -Organised; strong command of written and spoken audience viewership trends English -Good knowledge of digital media platforms to maximize the Channel’s product offerings -Strong organizational & analytical skills CONTENT/COMMISSIONING PRODUCER -Self-starter and able to work independently -Strong command of written and spoken English ROLE & RESPONSIBILITIES: -Originate & develop the commissioning and acquisition of MARKETING MANAGER & MARKETING EXECUTIVE programs reflecting the Channel’s brand and positioning The Marketing Manager oversees day to day marketing -Manage and quality control the commissioned work activities for the marketing of the Channel and its products. -Work closely with various depts within the Channel to ROLE & RESPONSIBILITIES: promote the new programs including extensions for multi- -Planning, developing and implementing effective marketing platforms. communication campaigns REQUIREMENTS: -Writing copy for all marketing collateral, including brochures, -Understanding of the commissioning process & TV letters, emails and website production -Understanding the products and customer profiles for each -Track record of ideas development demonstrating creative marketing project flair, decision-making & problem-solving in TV production -Monitoring ongoing campaign spend against the budget, -Knowledge & understanding of broadcast/TV/audience keeping accurate records. trends -Undertaking detailed ongoing analysis of marketing cam- -Sound editorial & creative judgment and understanding of paigns to ensure targets are met. the Channel’s brand personality & values REQUIREMENTS: -A team player and good management skills -Ability to build and grow a brand -Familiar with new media platforms/trends -Strong networking capabilities to build contacts -Strong management & organisational skills -At least 2-3 years’ experience in a similar role. -The Marketing Executive will be assisting the Marketing Manager in all of the above

Interested applicants please send/email your resume together with a photograph, current and expected salary to [email protected]. We thank all applicants and apologise that only shortlisted candidates will be contacted. c ntentasia 15 DECEMBER 2014 - 11 January 2015 Page 11.

Who was at... NBC’s annual ATF dinner

Christine Fellowes, NBCUniversal; Chao Min, Justin Che, NBCUniversal; Derek Chang,; Scripps Scott Mackenzie, NBCUniversal; Jonas Engwall, Chunghwa Telecom Taiwan; Sandie Lee, Rewind Networks Interactive; Donovan Castillo-Mohlman, RTL CBS Entertainment Networks Networks/Hits NBCUniversal

Rajiv Dhawn, NBCUniversal; Tan Ying Zh, StarHub; Art Kaneearch, Channel 3 Thailand; Michele Pauline Bohm, NBC Sun Young Moon, Fox Karen Lee, SingTel Schofield, A+E Networks Universal International Channels

c ntentasia Daily news with Katheryn Lim, HBO Asia; Linh Hong Phan, Thaole; Ann Lee, JTBC Korea; Linfield Ng, NBCUniversal; Magdalene Ew, HBO Asia Charles Park, JTBC Korea ContentAsia Insider email [email protected] for subscription details

www.contentasia.tv

Mike Mendelson, Yan Jong Wong, Sony Teresa Chan, Yoyo TV Taiwan; Jesse Tse, NBC NBCUniversal Pictures Television Universal; Katie Chou, Yoyo TV Networks party pics brought to you by c ntentasia 15 DECEMBER 2014 - 11 January 2015 Page 12.

Jimmy Lai quits Next Media after Occupy Central protest cleared the space ASIA Hong Kong’s pro-democracy media JC NbTENT boss, Jimmy Lai, has stepped down from the place to look for the jobs that matter his roles as chairman and executive director of the listed Next Media, the company he founded after the Tianan- men Square protests in 1989. Lai’s decision follows his arrest along with Tech Storm, the international TV channel that brings global audiences closer to about 250 supporters of the pro-democra- technology, innovation and entrepreneurship stories, broadcasting in HD – the cy Occupy Central movement last week channel inspires and delights audiences with award-winning programmes across as police cleared the protest camp in linear, on demand, online and mobile screens. Admiralty. The movement paralysed cen- tral Hong Kong for months. Those arrested We are inviting talent to join our vivacious team based in Singapore to make a were released unconditionally on Friday. difference in breaking down barriers between awesome technology infotainment In a statement to the Hong Kong Stock and its fans everywhere. Exchange on Friday night, the company said Lai had decided to step down “to Affiliate Sales Senior Manager: Responsible for all distribution sales across the re- spend more time with his family and fur- gion, develop key client strategies, negotiations to effectively manage the sales ther pursue his personal interests”. pipeline. Act quickly to secure distribution growth opportunities, building and Group chief executive Cassian Cheung growing rapport with key clients. Must be a people-person, goal-driven, proving has been appointed interim chairman tangible results and with a high work ethic. Skilled in presentations and articulate, with immediate effect. The statement collaborate effectively with Programming and Marketing teams. said “Lai confirms that he has no disa- Marketing Senior Manager: Lead the channel’s marketing strategies, execution greement with the Board and there is no to achieve targeted yield and results on brand mindshare, drive ratings, support other matter that needs to be brought to affiliate sales and key clients’ initiatives. Hands-on experience in B-to-B and B-to-C the attention of the shareholders”. marketing is a must-have. Desired candidate should be tech-savvy, curious, pas- sionate about TV, skilled in articulating the channel’s USPs to stakeholders. Sony’s Pal debuts Talaash Sony’s new Hindi general entertainment Programming Senior Manager: Review, shortlist and compile suitable programmes rd channel, Pal, premiered crime drama from 3 party distributors for acquisition, follow-up on contracts, status of rights, Talaash at the weekend (14 December) adhere to budgets and reporting. Prepare key highlights documentation, lead Request-For-Proposals for original content creation, impartial assessment of pro- in a 1pm slot with an 8pm encore. The duction companies, ensuring timely delivery. Familiarity with broadcast censorship series stars Aamir Khan as investigator standards. Experience in acquisitions and/or production is a-must along with a Inspector Shekhawat and his quest to great work attitude, eye for details and a strong communicator.

On-air Promotions Senior Producers/Editors: Conceive, write, produce and edit on-air promotional spots and marketing campaigns, adapt on-air toolkit for on- going channel usage, proficient with Final Cut Pro, AE. Must have a strong eye for creative, visualization, able to deliver within given deadlines, a team player who collaborates well with Programming and Marketing teams.

Senior Programming Schedulers: Create on-air schedules using in-house scheduling software, hands-on with MAM systems, reconcile daily as-runs to ensure broadcast accuracy, updating programme synopses, EPGs, weekly and monthly programme Talaash grids for the channel. Must be detail-oriented and organized, preferred individual should have a passion for TV with a great attitude and strong team player. solve what seems to be the perfect crime while he struggles with personal issues. Interested applicants are invited to email their CVs to [email protected] Pal launched in September 2014, and indicating the position applied. targets women and families. c ntentasia 15 DECEMBER 2014 - 11 January 2015 Page 13.

PlatformDoonee (Thailand)

How many titles do you offer at one time? “We offer Hollywood series all you can watch on streaming only around 100-150 seasons at one time.” How many new titles are added a month? About six to nine seasons or about 150-200 hours/month What’s the biggest operational challenge you are facing so far? ”Piracy. Websites offering free, pirated content and earn- ing incomes from advertising. Even after being caught and blocked by the gov- ernment, these pirates restart and launch their services.” What are Doonee’s priorities for 2015? “There is massive potential in Thailand for new media digital platforms such as OTT with the surge in number of Thai online In a regular section looking at up-and-coming OTT/online platforms and digital users. Therefore, our priorities in Asia, Malena Amzah speaks to Thai platform Doonee’s managing for 2015 will be on SVOD services with se- lective marketing strategies for both of- director, Joe Suteestarpon. fline and online via nationwide promo- tional campaigns, among others.” What is Doonee? An OTT platform offer- Store application, as well as in-house mar- The best thing that has happened to the ing subscription video-on-demand of Hol- keting projects to recruit new subscriptions OTT industry in Thailand this year... “With lywood series geo-blocked for Thailand via its own website. Doonee had more fast growing social media in Thailand, it via internet-connected devices, includ- than 2,000 users in its first month. is easier to connect with users and tell ing smartphones, tablets and smart TVs. Expectation on take-up by the end of 2015 them about our service. We continu- Operated by STG Mediaplex, Doonee 100,000 subscriptions nationwide ously use social media to create mar- trial-launched in October 2014 and will Social media More than 10,000 fans on keting campaigns to attract subscrib- launch commercially on 27 January 2015. Facebook in the first month and expects ers. Not only end users but our partners Doonee offers HD Hollywood television se- more than 200,000 fans in 2015. Uses Fa- on telcos, broadband providers or set- ries available in original soundtracks, cebook to announce key messages, top boxes are quite active in promot- Thai dubbed and subtitled over activities and promotions ing and co-marketing as we all see the 1,500 episodes. Offering The concept is “hits, fresh trend in Asia. It will happen in Thailand Who’s in charge Joe Suteestar- and varieties in HD quality with very soon.” pon, managing director; Phannu- some Hollywood series in parallel The best thing that has happened to ​ wat Klayginda, information and with U.S. broadcast date”. Doonee this year is... “Doonee had a technology manager; Vimolsiri Kit- Subscription/pay-per-view rates good response from the soft launch in tiprapat, content manager; Pavida Joe Suteestarpon THB159/US$5 with unlimited usage October gaining more than 10,000 reg- Chonwisaikajon, marketing man- How many hours of content do you istered users.” ager plan to acquire next year? And what are The biggest impact on the OTT indus- Target users Digitally savvy, young, urban you buying? ”We plan to acquire 1,500- try in Thailand in 2015 will be… “In 2015, males and females 2,000 hours every year and increase num- the OTT industry in Thailand will grow and Subscribers For the October soft launch, ber of hours in the following years. We will competition heighten. OTT will be one of Doonee partnered with Samsung via continue to focus on Hollywood content the mainstream technologies to deliver Samsung Showtime application and AIS, both scripted and non-scripted for our new media content.” Thailand’s mobile operator, via AIS Movie SVOD service.” c ntentasia 15 DECEMBER 2014 - 11 January 2015 Page 14.

“It is impossible to be global without being in India” Huff Post sets up in India, eyes profitability in two to three years

“Robin Hood army” – a group that distrib- utes excess food from restaurants to the poor – or as blogs, like that by a member of parliament writing about the benefits of technology as an enabler in making information available to millions.” Unlike the U.S. or Europe, newspapers are the most profitable part of India’s me- dia industry… “India is at a different time in its digital journey, but the eyeballs and the traffic is there. It is not a matter of if, but when the digital dollars will follow.” What’s your arrangement with the Times Group/GroupM? “Our inventory is com- mitted to GroupM for a year. Most of our international editions (India is the 13th one) have been joint ventures. However there is no joint venture here because of the 26% cap on foreign investment. So we are working through Times Internet. Times Group is a natural partner.” What are the targets for the India market Arianna Huffington, president and editor-in-chief, The Huffington Post Media Group in year one? “We would like to be one of The US$2.3-billion AOL-owned Huffington strategy in India? “Huff Post is a hybrid, the top news sites in India within three to Post launched its India edition this month a journalistic enterprise with our own five years. Because of all the lessons we in association with India’s largest media reporters, as well as a global newsroom learned in the U.S., in our international firm, the US$1.08-billion Times Group. available to each of our international markets we have an accelerated timeline WPP-owned GroupM, the country’s larg- editions, and a platform on which thou- for profitability. Typically, we see our edi- est media agency, is a strategic partner. sands of people can express their opinions tions on track to profitability within two to Vanita Kohli-Khandekar spoke to Arianna and tell their stories. In terms of specific three years.” Huffington at the launch... content mix, beyond covering politics, What do you see as India’s biggest Why India? “It is impossible to be global news, and business, we are committed challenges? “India has slower internet without being in India. We are coming at to covering good news. So while we will bandwidth on average than the other a great time in India’s history. There is talk cover relentlessly all that is dysfunctional, countries we’ve launched in so we have of 4G and the new government is com- we will also be putting the spotlight on to pay special attention to the user ex- mitted to broadband. Our model is ideally what is working; on start-ups, on creat- perience – including factors like page suited to this digital explosion.” ing jobs, non-profits, alleviating suffering performance and bandwidth for videos”. What are the key drivers of your content – either as news stories like that on the – twitter.com/vanitakohlik

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ContentAsia’s regular section, ContentAsia Formats, looks at formats and format development in Asia, including new seasons, series and trends and what these mean to channels, producers and the overall formats industry in the region.

​Cambodia’s Next Top Model

Reality model competition show Cambodia’s Next Top Model is the first legitimate international format of its kind to be produced and aired in Cambodia. The series premiered on free-TV channel MYTV on 14 November, scoring a TVR of 3% (source: TNS Kantar Media) and airs Fridays at 7pm on general entertainment channel MYTV. The highest-rated programmes on MYTV so far this year have been dramas from Korea and the Philippines, which can reach 12% TVR. The Cambodia series features 35 model wannabes vying to win the title. The 16- part format is made up of an audition round in episode one, competition/ elimination rounds in episodes two to14, Cambodia’s Next Top Model recap episode 15 and finale episode 16. Local twists include an episode that fashion industry. “There is not a large pool have to stay in a cast house for nearly two challenges the contestants to learn the of designers, trainers, photographers months and pulled out halfway during the traditional Cambodian dance, and much or story producers to choose from in audition when they found out,” Lim says. less skin/sexy clothing than in some other Cambodia… there are also not many Some of the young would-be models also markets, says executive producer Lim Sujin. brands (especially international) to arrived at auditions without consulting The aim of the first season is to entertain participate in the show,” Lim says, adding their parents, which disqualified them. and educate viewers about international that local contestants are much less MYTV is owned and operated by modelling standards. Unlike markets such outspoken and conservative than in Cambodian Broadcasting Service as Singapore, Hong Kong and Japan, some other parts of the world. They are (CBS). CBS has been an active player in where “models are celebrities admired also unaccustomed to being filmed 24-7; Cambodia’s international formats scene. by young girls, there are still big sections besides the broadcast cameras, there are Cambodia’s Next Top Model is MYTV’s of the population here who are pretty 18 CCTVs in the cast house. second international format, after Hole conservative and they view modelling Producers also had to cope with In The Wall Cambodia. The 2015 plan is differently,” Lim says. widespread unfamiliarity with the Next Top to produce Hole In The Wall Kids and My Production challenges are mostly due to Model brand. “Contestants came to the Man Can. the young, emerging state of Cambodia’s audition without knowing that the top 15 c ntentasia FORMATS at the ContentAsia Summit 2015 2-4 September 2015. Be included. Contact Malena at [email protected] c ntentasia 15 DECEMBER 2014 - 11 January 2015 Page 16.

Mobile ads drive global adspend growth Social media rock mobile, ZenithOptimedia says C NTENTASIA

Editorial Director Mobile advertising is “by some their 10% share of all digital ad- Janine Stein Fast facts Assistant Editor distance” the main driver of spend,” the report says. Malena Amzah global adspend growth, Ze- “Their ads are designed to [email protected] nithOptimedia said in its new blend seamlessly into the con- 1. Mobile will ac- Research Manager advertising expenditure fore- tent feed – they look native CJ Yong casts released this month. count for 51% of all rather than intrusive. They can [email protected] Forecasts are that mobile will new ad dollars from track all their users’ media con- Editorial Research account for 51% of all new ad- sumption within their apps, and Aqilah Yunus vertising dollars between 2014 2014 to 2017. can tie that into their desktop [email protected] and 2017. activity through their login de- Design “We expect mobile advertis- tails. Social media provides a Rae Yong ing to grow by an average of 2. Facebook and great example of how to adapt Associate Publisher 38% a year between 2014 and to mobile.” Twitter on track to cap- (Americas, Europe) and VP, 2017, driven by the rapid spread ZenithOptimedia also said International Business Develop- of devices, innovations in ad ture 33% of all mobile agencies were “swiftly adopting ment technology and improvements adspend in 2014. programmatic buying, which al- Leah Gordon in user experiences,” ZenithOp- lows them to target display ads [email protected] timedia said. accurately and efficiently”. Sales and Marketing (Asia) However, mobile’s share of 3. ‘Traditional’ dig- “The technology has recently Masliana Masron adspend “remains well behind evolved to deliver better premi- [email protected] its share of media consump- ital display up 14% um, brand-building experiences. To receive your regular free copy tion,” the report added. In the in 2012 to 18% in This has provided a sharp boost U.S., mobile will account for to ‘traditional’ digital display, of ContentAsia, please email 6.2% of all adspend. Industry 2013. Up est. 26% in as well as video and social,” [email protected] estimates are that mobile con- 2014 – fastest growth ZenithOptimedia said. sumption will, at the same time, Growth in traditional display Published fortnightly by: account for 23.3% of media rate since 2007. leapt from 14% in 2012 to 18% Pencil Media Pte Ltd consumption. in 2013. Estimates put growth 730A Geylang Road “This is partly because a lot of at 26% in 2014, its fastest rate of Singapore 389641 conventional display advertising growth since 2007. Tel: +65 6846-5987 does not work well on mobile,” ZenithOpti- Around half of all display is bought di- contentasia.tv media said. The report added that, “com- rectly by advertisers, most of them small asiacontentwatch.com pared to desktop display, mobile banners companies spending a few thousand take up more screen space, are consid- dollars a year. They have little access to Copyright 2014 Pencil Media Pte Ltd. All Rights Reserved. ered more intrusive, and are more likely the programmatic marketplace, currently MICA (P) 111/06/2013 to annoy consumers than engage them. designed for large-scale campaigns. At- Because mobiles don’t accept cookies, tempts at adapting programmatic buying retargeting and tracking from the ad to for small businesses are at early stages. the purchase is usually impossible”. “As technology evolves to bring the Social media platforms, however, have advantages of programmatic buying to c ntentasia been “very successful on mobile”. small businesses we can expect another “Facebook and Twitter have rapidly re- boost to traditional display spending, Ze- Daily news with structured their operations for mobile con- nithOptimedia said. ContentAsia Insider email [email protected] sumption and advertising, and between The new adex forecasts put global ad- for subscription details them are on track to capture 33% of all spend up 4.9% to reach US$545 billion in mobile adspend in 2014. This is well above 2015, with a 6% increase in 2016.