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Editor’s Note

Dear Reader,

Welcome to the October issue of Television Asia Plus. On this issue, we’re featuring the growth of Chinese content throughout Southeast Asia, backed up by insightful interviews from streaming platforms such as iQiyi, Viu, and Asian content channel provider, Celestial Tiger Entertainment.

While we cannot be physically present at this year’s MIPCOM in Cannes, we’ve put together an exciting presentation of content showcases from select exhibitors such as A+E Networks, DCD Rights, ViacomCBS Global Distribution Group, and Abacus Media Rights, to name a few.

We’ve also put together insightful features such as ZEE5 Global and Weibo. With the Asian Television Awards just around the corner, a feature interview with Asian Television Award alumni Sahana Kamath, the executive producer behind the Asian adaptation of Pretty Little Liars.

We hope you enjoy browsing through our October issue, and hopefully, we can meet in person next year in Cannes!

Monina EugenioEditor

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iQiyi announced a new original K-series Bad and Crazy with Studio Dragon. Created by the team behind The Uncanny Counter, the new series features Lee Dong Wook (Tale of the Nine Tailed and Goblin: The Lonely and Great God), Wi Ha Jun (18 Again, Something in the Rain and Midnight), Han Ji Eun (Lovestruck in the City and Be Melodramatic), and N (Cha Hak Yeon) (Mine and Children of Nobody). This action-packed detective story will be exclusively available on iQiyi in 191 countries and regions this December.

Bad and Crazy is the third top-notched collaboration between iQiyi and Studio Dragon, after My Roommate Is a Gumiho and Shooting Stars which is currently being filmed. Both parties produce a wide variety of genres, from romance, mystery, to actions, all in feature film quality for exhilarating audiovisual experiences.

Eccho Rights has added two new titles from mother company CJ ENM to its autumn slate, High Class and Hometown which premiered on South Korea’s tvN in September.

High Class features Cho Yeo-jeong, star of the Oscar-winning movie Parasite, as Song Yeo-wool, a successful lawyer falsely accused of murdering her husband. The accusation sees her ostracised by her peers, and starts to affect her son’s life at his prestigious elementary

iQiyi Original K-drama series Bad and Crazy confirmed for December premiere

Eccho Rights to represent two new K-dramas from CJ ENM

school. One of the other mothers from the school offers her support, and Yeo-wool’s fortunes look to be lifting, but all is not as it seems…

Hometown is a mystery thriller, following a small-town detective whose investigation into a missing child leads him towards finally solving the case of his murdered wife, with a terrorist cell seemingly behind both crimes. The series stars Han Ye-ri, who made her name in Minari, the Golden Globe-winning movie from 2020.

NEWS CONTENT

Still from High Class

Still from Hometown

(L-R) Bad and Crazy cast members Lee Dong Wook, Wi Hajun,Han Ji Eun, and Cha Hak Yeon.



Keshet International (KI), Annapurna Studios and streaming platform aha have collaborated to bring India’s first adaptation of Keshet 12’s rom-com The Baker and the Beauty which screened in September.

Based on the globally acclaimed Israeli format originally created by Assi Azar for Israel’s most-watched TV channel, aha’s Indian adaptation of The Baker and the Beauty is produced by Annapurna Studios, directed by Jonathan Edwards and scripted in Telegu. A tale of two opposites starring Santosh Shobhan and Tina Shilparaj in the lead roles, the 10x60’ drama centres on an unlikely romance between a middle-class youngster Vijay, who manages his parents’ small-time bakery and a film star Aira Vasireddy, a loner at heart despite having the world at her feet.

Netflix and Vishal Bhardwaj, bring to you a spy thriller, Khufiya, inspired by true events and based on an espionage novel “Escape to Nowhere” by Amar Bhushan.

Produced by Vishal Bhardwaj Films and directed by Vishal Bhardwaj, Khufiya is a story about Krishna Mehra, a R&AW operative who is assigned to track down the mole selling India’s defence secrets. All along, grappling with her dual identity of a spy and a lover. The film

Telugu OTT platform aha picks-up ‘The Baker and the Beauty India’

Vishal Bhardwaj and Netflix come together for the upcoming spy-thriller Khufiya

CJ ENM once again proved its global competency in drama with Yumi’s Cells premiering in more than 160 countries overseas. The show, based on a popular Korean webtoon, is already drawing huge attention. The series is directed by Lee Sang-yeob of My Holo Love and Familiar Wife, and written by Song Jae-jung of Memories of the Alhambra.

Yumi’s Cells follows an ordinary living girl named Yumi, an accountant in a noodle company. Her life is monotonous, with the occasional boyfriends who come and go. Her first boyfriend Woong, was a game developer who she dated for over a year. Her passion lies, in fact, in writing love stories. With the support of her next boyfriend, Bobby, she finally is able to get one story published. Yumi has a very packed ‘Cell Town.’ Her primary cell is her ‘Love Cell’ while other cells include: the ‘Emotion‘ Cell’, ‘Rational Cell’, ‘Hunger Cell’, ‘Writer Cell’, ‘Detective Cell’, ‘Confidence Cell’, ‘Washing Cell’, ‘Suspicion Cell’, ‘Anxiety Cell’ and many more.

Kim Go-eun of Guardian: The Lonely and Great God and The King: Eternal Monarch has been cast to act as Yumi, and Ahn Bo-hyun of Itaewon Class as her first boyfriend Woong.

CJ ENM’s K-drama series ‘Yumi’s Cells’ to premiere in over 160 countries worldwide’

Yumi’s Cells

The Baker and the Beauty received its web-based premiere across India on 10 September 2021 on aha, the 100% Telugu OTT platform owned by Arha Media and Broadcasting Private Limited, which showcases the latest blockbusters and path-breaking web shows.

Annapurna’s adaptation of The Baker and the Beauty has been updated to mirror the sentiments and sensibilities of a Telugu audience. Beyond its lead characters and the rom-com setting, the feel-good show offers a grounded picture of the conflicts, aspirations across Telugu middle-class households and the elite sections of the society with a pinch of humour and sensitivity. The romance chapter in the lives of a ‘pakka local’ guy and a young damsel in distress promises a rollercoaster ride of emotions for aha’s viewers in India.

stars Tabu, Ali Fazal, Wamiqa Gabbi and Ashish Vidyarthi in pivotal roles.

Pratiksha Rao, Director, Films and Licensing, Netflix India said, “We are thrilled to partner with the master of storytelling, Vishal Bhardwaj on Khufiya. His films are known to brilliantly showcase inherent conflicts between different characters and their worlds through moving stories, and we can’t wait for our members to experience this through the incredible story of Khufiya.”

The cast of Khufiya. (L-R) Vishal Bhardwaj, Tabu, Ali Fazal, Ashish, and Wamiqa.


Dubai-based content distribution and production company SynProNize announced that it has acquired four top-rated dramas from Filipino broadcaster GMA Network. The four series which will be distributed into Africa include A Place In Your Heart, Heart and Soul, Legally Blind, and The Way To Your Heart.

Roxanne J. Barcelona, Vice President, Worldwide of GMA Network said, “GMA is very pleased that SynProNize is taking four of our top drama series into Africa. All four programs: A Place in Your Heart, Heart and Soul, Legally Blind, and The Way to Your Heart have performed extremely well in other parts of the world and we are confident they will resonate well with African viewers.

Tencent Video, announced details of its latest Tencent Video Original production, Rainbow Bubblegem. A delightful 3D animated fantasy aimed at children aged 6-9, the show is being produced for Tencent Video and Chinese partners Live Fun by Campfire Aniworks, Korea. Due to launch in early 2022, the 52 x 11’ series has already been pre-bought by EBS Korea.

Currently in production, Rainbow Bubblegem recounts the magical adventures of seven mermaid princesses who must go to school on land to search for enchanted jewels to save their undersea realm from an evil witch.

Rainbow Bubblegem follows Tencent Video’s recently announced Tencent Video Originals co-productions with leading European studios Sixteen South (The Coop Troop), Zeilt Productions (Deep in the Bowl) and Silvergate Media (tba).

SynProNize acquires top-rated series from GMA Network for distribution to Africa

Tencent Video announces sparkling new show, Rainbow Bubblegem

NEWS CONTENT

Legally Blind



The Story Lab and Fuji Television Network Inc. (Fuji TV), announced their new entertainment format, The Spin, the first title to be launched by their recently announced global strategic co-development alliance.

The Q is all set to enthral television audiences by bringing MX Players’ critically and commercially-hit limited series Aashram to Indian homes.

The Story Lab and Fuji Television Network unveil new entertainment format The Spin

The Q announces the world television premiere of Aashram

An exciting new twist on the studio physical game show, The Spin is a simple, yet hugely entertaining format; jam-packed with hilarious challenges, high energy dizzy gameplay and non-stop surprises. The perfect viewing solution for all the family.

A team comprised of five players must step up to The Spin, the huge spinning machine, competing individually in two-part challenges over a series of five rounds to collaboratively build and take home their ultimate prize pot.

This highly anticipated project first launched in Japan on Fuji TV on 23rd March 2021.

The Story Lab and Fuji TV are now bringing The Spin to the international marketplace for the first time this October, at MIPCOM 2021.

Directed by Prakash Jha, Aashram is a limited series and one of India’s most popular ones in thriller and crime genres, with Bobby Deol as Kashipur Waale Baba Nirala in the

leading role. The first season of Aashram will air exclusively on The Q starting Monday, October 11, 2021, at 8:30 p.m. and will air from Monday to Friday.

A crime fiction drama inspired by true events, Aashram was launched in 2020 and quickly became a topic of discussion in the virtual world. Aashram revolves around the story of Baba Nirala, an actual conman who ensures that his devotees or followers devote their wealth to him and stay attached to the Aashram. The story unfolds as SI Ujagar Singh (portrayed by Darshan Kumar), a police officer goes on to unravel and investigate more about the Aashram and Baba Nirala. With a gripping storyline, each episode is filled with mystery and is sure to keep viewers engaged and wanting more.


NEWS OTT

Singapore based WeWatch, a TV service platform and leading omni-content provider, has launched the first Android TV powered set-top-box. Since its commercial launch in Singapore, Cambodia and Indonesia, WeWatch has made available all its content on an Android TV-powered Set-top-box and its Application in Google Play and Apple Store. The company is now looking to bring more service and innovation to the communities.

Branded as WeWatch SuperBox and WeWatch-Everywhere, these latest Android TV powered set-top-box and mobile Application incorporate news, TV channels, movies, video games, smart community and other interactive content all in one, providing a full suite of entertainment options to its subscribers in the living room and on-the-go. Through the intuitive WeWatch SuperBox’s launcher, clients can follow live news from leading news networks or stream shows from content partners effortlessly. Premium subscribers even have access to a vast library of fun, exciting and educational games, thanks to WeWatch’s game partners.

WeWatch Super Box is meticulously designed with an optimal viewer experience in mind and puts them firmly in the driver seat. With intuitive controls and easy-to-use features such as voice dictation, viewers can browse, select and interact with the content with great ease. Not only can subscribers enjoy the WeWatch branded content, but they also have access to many Applications in Google Play store, e.g. Youtube, WeTV, etc.

Discovery, Inc. announced the launch of discovery+ in the Philippines in partnership with Globe. Widely accessible in October, Filipino viewers can enjoy an extensive library of shows from beloved brands including Discovery Channel, TLC, HGTV, Investigation Discovery, Food Network, Magnolia Network, Travel Channel, Animal Planet and Asian Food Network, as well as top non-fiction library content from History Channel and the BBC’s largest natural history offering.

discovery+ offers an inspiring pipeline of premium real-life storytelling across key passion genres - from relationships, food, true crime and home, to paranormal, nature, Korean reality, and lifestyle.

At launch, the service is also home to more than 45 unmissable discovery+ Original titles, with more than 200 episodes of exclusive content. Filipinos

Cathay CineHome, the streaming video rental service of leading cinema operator Cathay Cineplexes in Singapore, and ABS-CBN Australia Pty. Ltd., a subsidiary of leading Filipino media and entertainment network ABS-CBN Corporation that serves international audiences, are teaming up to give fans top-quality Filipino movies flexibility on how and when they want to watch their favourite films.

The Filipino box office hits are available for rent for as little as SGD$4.98 on Cathay Cinehome. Available films include the romantic drama Unbreakable (2019), Always Be My Maybe (2016) Block Z (2020), and Quezon’s Game (2018). All films will be presented in the original Tagalog with English subtitles. More box office hits and favourite movies will be added regularly.

discovery+ launches in the Philippines with exclusive Globe partnership

ABS-CBN TFC brings blockbuster Filipino movies to Cathay Cinehome in Singapore

WeWatch TV launches its Super Box powered by Android TVcan also watch leading shows from

true crime channel, Investigation Discovery, with shows like Evil Lives Here and Signs of a Psychopath, as well as exclusive content from Magnolia Network, the multiplatform joint venture with Chip and Joanna Gaines. discovery+ also features award-winning premium natural history series from the BBC, including Planet Earth and Life, and top non-fiction library content from History Channel.

Cathay Cinehome is the digital extension of the Cathay Cineplexes, a streaming service for video-on-demand (VOD) for movies in Singapore. The streaming service was launched in 2020 to serve as a complementary platform to the cinema exhibition business, by creating additional viewing opportunities for movie lovers.



NEWS PAY TV

TechStorm announced a new partnership with Hong Kong Cable Television Limited on their pay television service - Cable TV, that started in September 2021. Marking TechStorm’s 10th market foray after a string of hugely successful rapid launches across Singapore, Indonesia, Philippines, Thailand, Malaysia, Brunei, Cambodia, Sri Lanka and Taiwan since its rollout in early 2019.

Coming up, TechStorm will air uRight Music Video - ShiGGa Shay ft. Jay Park, a Singapore, Korean music video collaboration between Singapore rapper ShiGGa Shay and American-Korean rapper Jay Park plus South-east Asia’s first virtual reality concert ShiGGa Shay’s 365 Mixed Reality Experience on 16th September at Prime Time 7pm HKT, The Gadget Show S32 on 21st September every Tuesday to Thursday at 9pm HKT, hosted by gadget-lovers Craig Charles, Georgie Barrat, Jon Bentley and Ortis Deley showcasing the latest tech from around the world, Forging The Future on 22nd September every Wednesday to Thursday 10pm HKT that is a deep dive into how the most cutting-edge technologies will impact in the real-world and the hopeful futures they will create for humanity and the planet; available in local language closed captions. On TechStorm’s dedicated esports timebelt weeknights at 11pm HKT, there are tournaments and games reviews for popular games such as Fortnite, Minecraft and Call Of Duty: Modern Warfare.

Rewind Networks announced the launch of HITS and HITS MOVIES on Hong Kong Cable Television Limited (CABLE TV), Hong Kong’s first pay-tv operator, providing cable television services in the territory for over two decades. Starting 1 October 2021, HITS will be available on Channel 310 and HITS MOVIES on Channel 213 on CABLE TV’s basic package. Both channels will be available in HD with Traditional Chinese subtitles.

The launches signal a continued and growing demand for Rewind Networks’ specially curated and

Celestial Tiger Entertainment (CTE) expands its distribution of Celestial Movies and CCM in Malaysia with unifi TV, the content platform operated by Telekom Malaysia. Both channels launched on unifi TV’s Ruby Plus Pack and Ultimate Pack on October 1.

Celestial Movies is available on Channel 288 and CCM is available on Channel 289 on unifi TV from 1st October 2021. Both channels will be made available to all unifi TV packs subscribers from 1st October 2021 until 31st December 2021 and the channels will be included in the Ruby Plus Pack and Ultimate Pack starting from 1st January 2022. Both channels

HITS and HITS Movies debuts on Hong Kong Cable Television Limited

Celestial Tiger Entertainment expands distribution of Celestial Movies & CCM in Malaysia

TechStorm makes inaugural launch in Hong Kong

beloved channels among leading pay-TV operators in the region.

The CABLE TV launch raises the reach of HITS to 21 million homes across 14 territories in Asia. It also sees HITS MOVIES enter its ninth market in the region.

HITS and HITS MOVIES feature a carefully curated selection of hit TV series and films from Hollywood and International majors such as NBCUniversal, Warner Bros., Sony Pictures, The Walt Disney Company, MGM Studios, ViacomCBS, Lionsgate, Fremantle, BBC and ITV Studios.

and the respective branded Catch-up on demand movies are also available on-the-go with unifi PlayTV app.

Still from Pride and Prejudice.

Still from The Love Eterne.


NEWS PLATFORMS

BBC Studios launched two of its premium channels on AIS on September 1. BBC Lifestyle and BBC World News are available for the first time on AIS via AIS Play, the leading streaming service in Thailand.

BBC Lifestyle brings the best lifestyle programming from BBC Studios and other British producers. The channel is home to Gordon Ramsay’s latest series Gordon Ramsay’s 24 Hours to Hell and Back, as well as Grand Designs, Masterchef, The Great British Bake Off and The Graham Norton Show. Internationally the BBC Lifestyle channel is available in

BBC Lifestyle and BBC World News launch on AIS in Thailand

Astro and TVB Anywhere, the OTT service of Television Broadcasts Limited (TVB) is pleased to announce that Astro Dynasty Pack customers can enjoy FREE Premium Service access to the best of Hong Kong entertainment

Astro expands OTT aggregation play with TVB Anywhere+ App

on the TVBAnywhere+ app in Malaysia starting 13 September 2021.TVBAnywhere+ offers an extensive library of over 40,000 hours of the biggest Cantonese entertainment, comprising the most in-demand variety shows to the hottest drama series. The Premium Service comes with a fully-fledged complimentary content offering including the VOD Zone that provides complete access to the latest TVB dramas and variety shows within one hour after the HK

countries such as Singapore, Malaysia, Taiwan, Myanmar, Indonesia, South Korea, and South Africa.

BBC World News is the world’s most trusted international broadcaster serving breaking daily news, world-class analysis and reporting on business, technology, health and more. With more journalists on the ground than any other broadcaster, BBC World News is the BBC’s biggest Television service operating in more than 200 countries and territories, the channel is available in over 450 million households and 3 million hotel rooms.

TV premiere; and the Channel Zone that offers five linear TVB channels namely TVB International Jade, TVB News Channel, TVB Entertainment News, TVB Finance and Information Channel and TVB XingHe with a 3-hour playback function.

TVBAnywhere+ is the latest addition to Astro’s expanding line-up of premium app partnerships which include HBO GO, Disney+ Hotstar, IQIYI and soon to be launched Netflix.

Still from The Great British Bake-Off.

IN10 Media’s DocuBay has partnered with Struum, a streaming service created by senior-level Disney and Discovery executives, to offer the OTT’s SVOD content to the US market.

Under this partnership, the aggregation platform will allow consumers to seamlessly discover and consume content from DocuBay’s library via a credit-based exchange system with a single subscription.

DocuBay’s premium (SVOD) factual entertainment content across multiple genres like biographies, sports, nature, science, technology, and more will be made available. Some of the flagship documentaries are the Himalayan Gold Rush, The Creepy Line and WHO is in control.

The partnership will enhance DocuBay’s growth plans to increase availability to more audiences -around the world, expanding its global presence and growing its user base.

DocuBay goes live on US-based streaming service Struum



NEWS PLATFORMS

TVU Networks, the market and technology leader in cloud and IP-based live video solutions, announced Japanese broadcaster TV Asahi supplemented the host broadcaster’s world feed coverage of The Open Championship using two TVU Remote Production Systems (RPS). Synchronized signals from the venue were sent over IP networks for production at the TV Asahi studios in Tokyo.

Using two TVU RPS systems, TV Asahi was able to deliver unique coverage, catered to the specific tastes of its audience. A total of 12 synchronized signals were sent from the U.K.’s Royal St. George’s golf course to the TV Asahi studios.

TV Asahi deploys TVU Networks Solution for localized, live coverage of The Open Championship

The signals included coverage such as: wireless cameras from the golf course; locally switched signals of Japanese players in action; multiple camera angles from each hole; and the host broadcaster’s world feed backup and world feed preview.

With each signal synchronized, frame-accurate switching between the live feeds was easy. TV Asahi was able to produce scenes that easily transitioned from golfer to golfer and hole to hole - a critical element of live golf production.

Using the public internet instead of satellite or dedicated fiber saved considerable expense for the broadcaster. The production also

ATEME, the leader in video delivery solutions for broadcast, cable TV, DTH, IPTV and OTT, announced that Indian multi-system operator DL Gtpl Digital TV & Broadband Services (DL Gtpl) chose ATEME’s TITAN headend solution to upgrade its cable-TV platform.

ATEME enables DL Gtpl to launch cable headend In India

required less crew and equipment than what’s needed with a typical mobile truck scenario.

TVU RPS leverages existing studio infrastructures and the public internet to synchronize multi-camera live remote production. It’s available in four- and six-channel versions. Feeds are synchronized from the venue, sent to the broadcaster’s studio for on-air delivery, while a bi-directional IFB maintains communication between locations. While it delivers broadcast-quality production standards, personnel and equipment requirements are minimized, and it eliminates the need for a mobile truck on location.

ATEME’s TITAN solution enables DL Gtpl to improve its subscribers’ viewing experiences while reducing operational costs, by ensuring exceptional video quality at very low bitrates. It also makes operations easier for both DL Gtpl and its operators thanks to its full software approach, which simplifies

deployments and operations: profile reconfigurations, automatic switchovers, and fast updates become much easier. And it reduces CAPEX as it runs on any COTS or virtualized server.


PEOPLE

Close on the heels of launching their own OTT platform, Toonz Media Group is set to venture deeper into the platform entertainment business. Toonz has constituted a new SBU - Toonz Media Networks – with the aim of widening the scope of the company’s platform business.

Toonz Media Networks SBU will supervise the launch of the Group’s new linear television channels in the fast-growing kids’ television markets of Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore & MENA (Middle East & North Africa). Toonz has roped in former Zee Entertainment chief operating officer Mukund Cairae to give strategic leadership to the new SBU, which seeks to expand to more territories in the next two years.

In June, WarnerMedia announced that Amit Malhorta has joined the company as Managing Director for HBO Max in Southeast Asia and India. He reports to Johannes Larcher, Head of HBO Max International, and will take the lead in the rollout and management of WarnerMedia’s direct-to-consumer platform in the region.

Amit assumes responsibility for the management of the OTT streaming service HBO GO, and in the future,

Toonz Media Group announces Mukund Cairae to head newly-constituted Media Networks division

ViacomCBS Networks International appoints Catherine Park to expand its streaming business in Asia

WarnerMedia announces Amit Malhorta appointed as Managing Director for HBO Max in Southeast Asia and India

Mukund Cairae

Amit Malhorta

Catherine Park

will spearhead the introduction of HBO Max in the region and will lead WarnerMedia’s exploration of future opportunities to launch the platform in additional markets and as a potential future launch in India.

Amit previously served as the Regional Lead for Disney+ in Southeast Asia and was responsible for the launch and operations of Disney’s streaming services in the region, including Disney+, Disney+ Hotstar, and Hotstar. In addition, he also led the Content Sales and Distribution division as part of The Walt Disney Company’s Direct-to-Consumer & International business in South APAC and the Middle East.

ViacomCBS Networks International (VCNI) has appointed Catherine Park as Senior Vice President, Head of Office & Streaming for Asia. Catherine will lead the Asian market and focus on accelerating streaming efforts in the region, while also working with the team to grow the local consumer products and location-based experiences business. With this change, Pierre Cheung, who was Senior Vice President and General Manager for Asia, exits the organisation.

Mukund said that apart from the market potential, each of these geographies has been identified based on the scope for revenue capturing and effective content repurposing, in order to make it relevant and adaptable to the local markets. As part of this, Toonz’s home-grown content will be dubbed into a slew of global languages like Bahasa Indonesia, Bahasa Maleyu, Arabic, Urdu, Thai, French and Swahili. Additionally, Toonz will also be actively pursuing content partnerships in these regions to co-create premium content, including e-Sports, to engage the tweens and teens besides the kids audience category.

Park has more than two decades of experience in the entertainment and media industry, with a proven track record of leading businesses and driving growth for large media organisations, as well as successfully launching products with solid go-to-market strategies. She was most recently with Korea’s Coupang Corp. as Head of Content of its streaming service, Coupang Play.


COVER STORY

Asia’s growing appetite for the C-drama waveBy Monina Eugenio

The demand for Chinese content is steadily growing across Southeast Asia. As Asian streaming platforms offer an array of high-quality productions of Chinese content, how will this demand shape up in the years to come?

According to a recent study on Southeast Asia Online Video Consumer Insights & Analytics published by Media Partners Asia, the growth of streamers such as WeTV and iQiyi has strengthened Chinese content consumption in Indonesia, Philippines, Singapore, and Thailand, boosted by the significant volume of free content on the platforms.

The growth of Chinese content consumption reflects the positive results of a recent study that iQiyi conducted in August using Pollfish. Presented during The Ferryman: Legends of Nanyang press conference, the pilot study surveyed 5,200 respondents across 26 countries. Among its findings are

76% of global respondents started sampling Chinese dramas in the past two years, with 43% watching these content on streaming platforms. The study also revealed that 1 in 2 of those surveyed claimed to enjoy watching Chinese dramas and would recommend them to others.

The study also revealed that respondents who enjoyed Chinese content come from Thailand (80%), Singapore (70%), and Malaysia (71%). Additionally, over 40% consider it important for a streaming service to offer Chinese language content.

What’s driving the demand for Chinese content?

Kuek Yu-Chuang, the Vice President of International Business at iQiyi said that three key factors are driving up the demand for Chinese content: improvement in the quality of content, streaming technology, and marketing efforts

not seen in the last three to five years.“There is a tight correlation between the economics and financing of content with the kind of quality and demand, and I think Chinese content is in a virtuous cycle right now,” Kuek said. “The Chinese domestic market is just big enough to have that demand. And with that demand comes competition. And with competition, you are looking at different players.”

Kuek said that increased production budgets correlated with high production budgets and increased production value, which then goes back and generates more demand. The Vice President also noted that they’re currently seeing the demand move from China to outside of China.

iQiyi’s 2018 Chinese drama The Story of Yanxi Palace generated a lot of buzz online, with the show becoming one of the most googled shows of 2018, according to the BBC. The streamer also listened in on social media, where people made comparisons



Kuek Yu-Chuang, Vice President of International Business, iQiyi

of Chinese titles with Korean titles, or mentioning Chinese stars and Korean stars interchangeably. Kuek commented, “I think these are all the signs of the quality of the content is ready to break out of domestic markets and go to the international market.”

He added that another factor that is driving the success of Chinese drama is the current streaming technology. “Without streaming availability in more traditional environments, we would probably have to compete for theatre screens. We would [also] have to compete for programming spaces with the broadcasters because with streaming, there’s unlimited shelf space. I think the global audience gets to enjoy this kind of plurality or diversity of entertainment choices. I think streaming has made it possible that people could sample different things, and we’re a beneficiary of that trend,” Kuek said.

Meanwhile, Ofanny Choi, the President of Celestial Tiger Entertainment, a Hong Kong-based channel provider specialising in Asian and Chinese content, commented that there are two factors that have led to the rise of Chinese content. First, the change in content consumption brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic and the acceleration of digitization.

Earlier, Kuek said that higher production budgets mean an increase in production value and Ofanny seems to agree. The President said that the huge investments in Chinese entertainment had led to higher production budgets allowing for better quality content to be made across Chinese movies and dramas, further amplifying the demand.

Ofanny added, “As more successful programmes get exported internationally, the awareness for Chinese language content also rises and this brings on more demand. We now see Chinese stars becoming more internationally acclaimed, and young Chinese stars and idols already have a huge fan base outside of their country of origin.”

Marianne Lee, Chief Content Acquisition and Development at Viu said that there are cultural similarities between the markets in Southeast Asia as a whole. Consumers in Asia need to consume content daily, and apart from global titles, they want to see similar faces and stories that resonate in their own language, and that has been Viu’s focus.

“This focus sees us streaming primarily Asian content for the region,” Marianne said. Viu started off with Korean content and they

Offany Choi, President of Celestial Tiger Entertainment

Marianne Lee, Chief Content Acquisition and Development, Viu


COVER STORY

had a lot of success in the genre, eventually branching off to Chinese content produced in various parts of Asia as well as Japanese content. “We have progressed to producing original local content in markets such as Indonesia, Malaysia, and Thailand, to name a few,” she added.

Continued investments in fresh genres and high-quality productions

iQiyi, which not only streams a wide selection of Chinese content but also popular K-drama titles, sees an overlap in the K-drama audience that they’re able to pull them to Chinese drama. Kuek said, “I think we’re trying to make sure that we always try out different styles and genres. We want to break out beyond that group so that people don’t pigeonhole

Chinese content to only period dramas or rom-com.”

Part of the streamer’s efforts is to experiment with different styles and genres. An example of this is the Chinese horror series The Ferryman: Legends of Nanyang and the crime-themed Danger Zone. iQiyi is also betting on the upcoming drama Rainless Love In A Godless Land, which plays on Taiwanese mythology mixed with an urban setting.

“If you look at our new attempts like Ferryman, we haven’t seen Chinese horror move beyond markets,” Kuek commented. “This is a big bet from us, it’s an unknown but we want to be market leaders and we want to be ahead of the curve. I think the new trend is that you’re going to see continued investments into genres that might be refreshing

Still from The Ferryman: Legends of Nanyang

for audiences that have no Chinese content, mainly through either period dramas or romance.”

Meanwhile, Celestial Tiger Entertainment, whose recent activities include launching on Singtel TV with the premium movie channel CM+ and the announcement of its expansion of Celestial Movies and CCM in Malaysia with unifi TV, believes that action and Kung-Fu movies will still become popular choices among viewers.

Commenting on why Chinese content resonates well with Asian audiences, Ofanny said, “I believe the audience will always connect with the authentic content, which is what Chinese content creators do well in. The simple and direct storylines, with common themes that apply across similar Asian cultures, also help the



We Are in Love

audience to identify and empathize more with the content.”

Marianne said that for Viu, the supply of high-quality Chinese content has been popular and is gaining momentum with a wider audience in the region. She pointed to several changes such as the scale, quality in production in terms of story and star power. “Chinese content will continue to come from more than one country, including the likes of countries in the region like Singapore and Malaysia,” she added.

Consumer growth in Chinese content

iQiyi remains positive on the growth of Chinese content in the Southeast Asian market. Kuek said, “We’re excited about the growth that we are seeing in Southeast Asia where we are actually very confident that Chinese content could [have] mainstream appreciation soon.”

Kuek pointed out that amongst Southeast Asian markets, iQiyi

experienced the most growth in Thailand and Malaysia, adding, “I think these are two data points of the markets that we think are going to pop.”

Ofanny shared that Celestial Tiger Entertainment has seen growth in the Philippines, Africa, South Korea, and Thailand. In the Philippines, Celestial Movies Pinoy channel shows Chinese movies dubbed in Tagalog and it has consistently done well since its launch over five years ago.

She said, “The channel’s reach has also grown steadily in recent years due to popular demand and we believe it will do even better moving forward.” They also noticed the same trend in Korea, with Celestial Movies being present in major platforms such as LG U+ and SK Broadband.

Elsewhere, Celestial Tiger Entertainment’s presence in Africa through KIX, has done extremely well, featuring over 80% of Chinese content from Asia. “We understand that Thai consumers who love Chinese content are seeing more

demand there, especially in SVOD consumption during the pandemic period,” Ofanny shared.

Meanwhile, Viu has been continuously expanding its offerings and delivering content that is tailored to the needs of an expanding population of online viewers in the region.

In July, the company bolstered its Asian content through volume deals with Huace Film & TV and Huace Croton Media, which brings over 65 Chinese drama titles to seven east Asia territories such as Hong Kong, Singapore, Malaysia, and Indonesia. Currently, Viu is in partnership with its sister company, ViuTV, which allows them to simulcast high-quality dramas produced in Hong Kong for the streamer’s Southeast Asia territories.

Viu is also placing its bets on localized content with subtitles and dubbing and sees growth across the region because of this. She said, “While one would see the traction in Hong Kong, Malaysia, and Singapore,


COVER STORY

non-Chinese speaking markets like Thailand will see growth due to our dubbing strategy.”

With Southeast Asia’s willingness to experiment and sample Chinese content coupled with high production values and captivating stories, it looks like there will be a continued appetite for Chinese drama.

Summing it up, Kuek noted the success of the award-winning 2020 thriller Bad Kids: “I think that ownership is the first thing we need to do to really be doing something to lead the C-wave. We’re pushing the boundaries in terms of coming up with an eight-episode format, the gritty noir that the Chinese audience hasn’t seen before.”

Beyond Light Years

He added that in terms of OTT, having cutting-edge technology is also helping the Chinese streamer lead the wave and investing in the availability of shows having different languages so that they’re closer to the audience. “A hallmark of our commitment is that amongst the regional or global streamers with Asian roots, I think the commitment to understanding what the local context is will help us push this Chinese drama wave.”

Marianne added, “OTT’s offering of choice and flexibility has made online viewing become mainstream, with a market where users are now open to engaging with more than one service. At Viu, we pride ourselves in recognizing trends quicker, such as the appetite for Korean dramas across several languages used in the region and demand for a free subscription tier. The aim is to continue to be frontrunners in the digital entertainment space in Asia.”

Still from Bad Kids



TRADESHOW MIPCOM

From October 11 to 14, MIPCOM will once again welcome delegates at the Palais des Festivals in Cannes. This year, MIPCOM will be supported by a digital extension, designed not as a virtual market but as a networking, discovery, marketing, and lead generation platform that will be used by those in attendance in Cannes as well as online for those who are not able to travel.

Conference highlights

The conference programme features an impressive lineup of TV players and inspiring networking events with the MIP Game Changers Keynotes, MIPCOM Diversify TV Excellence Awards, and more.

• Game Changers Keynotes: Top industry leaders, bold creators and forward thinkers share their vision of the future of content and

MIPCOM returns to Cannes in 2021

the impact the industry can have on the world of tomorrow.

• Featuring keynotes on women in Leadership; global streamers such as discovery+, Paramount+, Plutoplay, Viaplay, and more.

• Production Funding Forum: The Production Funding Forum is back in Cannes for its 4th edition. Investors and producers will meet and discuss new ways of funding creativity and unlocking creative funding. Featuring a Formats Showcase, Producer’s showcase, and investors briefs.

• Content Trends: Crack the new world order with cutting-edge market analysis and insights from leading research companies in Drama, Factual and Formats. Featuring talks on Global TV trends, Non-scripted, and streaming’s effect on drama.

• MIPJunior will now take place during MIPCOM (Oct. 11-14). MIPJunior conferences & networking will take place in a dedicated location in the Palais.

• Showcases & Screenings: MIPCOM is the international launchpad to the freshest and most anticipated content. Enjoy content showcases, market screenings & World Premiere TV Screenings in partnership with CANNESERIES

• Awards & Recognition: MIPCOM is the place to celebrate the best in content! Major top-class events are organised during the market days featuring: MIPCOM/Variety Vanguard Award - The 10th International Emmy® Kids Awards - MIPCOM Diversify TV Excellence Awards

• (Re)Connect: (Re)connect with your peers, friends and future partners in a series of structured networking formats


Red ElectionNew/Returning: New | Genre: Scripted | Duration: 10x60 | Language: EnglishProduction Company: Mopar Media Group AB.Status: Completed

Synopsis: Against a backdrop of international tensions, we follow two female agents — one British, one Danish — who must join forces to avert a Russian terrorist attack on British soil.

Invisible MonstersNew/Returning: New | Genre: Crime & Investigation | Duration: 6x60 | Language: EnglishProduction Company: Category 6 MediaStatus: Completed

Synopsis: Bundy, Gacy, Dahmer — the names of these infamous serial killers strike fear into the hearts of many, but how were they able to evade capture for so long? Featuring exclusive interviews with survivors, investigators and family members, this series unpicks the complex cultural landscape that allowed these monsters to hide in plain sight.

Next of KinNew/Returning: New | Genre: Scripted | Duration: 8x60 | Language: English, Finnish, DanishProduction Company: Mopar Media Group AB.Status: Completed

Synopsis: Liv, a psychologist suffering from mysterious pains, joins forces with Wolf, a cybersecurity agent, to uncover the true reason why her DNA was recently stolen, ultimately revealing a dark past of genetic tampering. Will Liv’s secret origin become humanity’s biggest threat or its greatest hope?

Secrets of PlayboyNew/Returning: New | Genre: Crime & Investigation | Duration: 8x60 | Language: English Production Company: Mopar Media Group AB.Status: Completed

Synopsis: Dive into the dark underbelly of the Playboy lifestyle, featuring candid interviews with the friends, employees and confidantes of Playboy founder Hugh Hefner. Their stories reveal the crumbling foundation on which the hedonistic pleasure palace was built.

A+E NETWORKS

TRADESHOW MIPCOM CONTENT SHOWCASE



Sort Of New/Returning: New | Genre: Drama | Duration: 8x30Produced By Sienna Films in association with CBC

Synopsis: Dramatic comedy Sort Of sees Sabi Mehboob (Baig), a fluid millennial who straddles various identities from sexy bartender at an LGBTQ bookstore/bar to the youngest child in a large Pakistani family, to the de facto parent of a downtown hipster family.

ABACUS MEDIA RIGHTS

Best Dog India New/Returning: New | Genre: Documentary Feature | Duration:1x60A Beach House Pictures production

Synopsis: India is known for many things, yet few know that it has a serious canine obsession. Every year, the Kennel Club of India holds a nationwide tournament to select the country’s top dog; a series of shows taking in the length and breadth of the country. Only the best dogs are good enough, and competition is stiff.

Vikings: The Rise and FallNew/Returning: New | Genre: Fiction | Duration: 6x60Produced by Dash Pictures (formerly SWR Media) and Night Train Media

Synopsis: Throughout history, Vikings waged war from the seas, notoriously ruthless and with their own set of rules. The Viking expansion was unprecedented in the veracity of its spread. Known for merciless bloodshed, the fearless Norsemen took on man and nature to become the most feared people in history. This reconstruction, voice-over and interview led documentary series will reveal the rise and fall of an unstoppable empire.

Simply Raymond Blanc (Season 2) New/Returning: New | Genre: Factual Entertainment | Duration: 10 x 60’ (20 x 60’ now available) Production Company: Mopar Media Group AB.

Synopsis: Following a hugely successful first series, Raymond Blanc welcomes you back to his wonderful kitchen gardens at Le Manoir aux Quat Saisons. What could be nicer than using the freshest and tastiest ingredients and creating something truly delicious for your loved ones?


DCD RIGHTS

Hidden AssetsGenre: Drama | Episodes: 6x60’A Saffron Moon, Facet4Media and Potemkino Production for RTÉ, Super Channel and Acorn TV

Synopsis: A routine raid led by Emer Berry (Angeline Ball), a detective in the Irish Criminal Assets Bureau, reveals that a small-time drug dealer has been receiving substantial funding from a seemingly untraceable source–not in cash, but in rough diamonds. When these diamonds are linked to a series of bombings in Belgium, Emer is forced to work with Police Commissioner Christian De Jong (Wouter Hendrickx). Eventually, they unravel a political conspiracy fueling domestic unrest for financial gain; caught up in this web of greed are the Brannigans, a wealthy Irish dynasty with ties to Antwerp.

Secrets of the UndergroundGenre: Documentary | Episodes: 6x60’ | Language: EnglishProduction Company: Category 6 MediaStatus: Completed

Synopsis: Join railway historian Tim Dunn and the London Transport Museum’s Siddy Holloway as they explore the hidden and disused parts of London’s underground network. Whether hunting around Piccadilly Circus, Euston, Holborn or Highgate, Tim and Siddy uncover secrets that reveal the histories of the stations and lines, and the extraordinary people who designed them. Siddy’s privileged access to Transport for London’s tunnelling, ventilation and signalling experts also allows Tim to learn more about the underground’s engineering and construction feats, and how the modern network has developed over the past 150 years.

Scottish Islands with Ben FogleGenre: Documentary | Episodes: 4x60’Tern TV Productions for BBC One & BBC Scotland

Synopsis: In this stunningly shot travelogue series, adventurer Ben Fogle sets out on a personal pilgrimage across Scotland’s breathtakingly beautiful islands. In a quest to rediscover his own sense of spirituality, he braves the elements to sail from the magical Outer Hebrides to the wild Shetland Isles: finding remote cliff top hideaways, temple ruins, and secret beaches for cold water dips! Along the way, Ben encounters characterful locals who teach him how these ancient landscapes nurture values and beliefs as strong as the winds that blow across them.

Penn & Teller: Fool US Series 8Genre: Entertainment | Episodes: 6x60’1/17 Productions & September Films for the CW Network

Synopsis:This competition series celebrates the world of magic and features the legendary duo Penn & Teller. During each episode, four aspiring magicians perform their best trick, ranging from the skilful to the hilarious, in order to try and fool the world-famous team. The prize? A chance to perform with Penn & Teller in their celebrated show at the Rio Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas. Host Alyson Hannigan helps the viewer to judge if Penn & Teller were truly fooled, as they try to figure out the magicians’ secrets for themselves–there are no camera tricks, secret edits, or helpful cuts… This is all real magic.




GAUMONT

Narcos: MexicoDuration: 30 x 1 hour (3 seasons) | Genre: Action Drama, True EventsStarring: Diego Luna, Michael Peña, Scoot McNairy

Synopsis: In the 1980s as Miguel Ángel Félix Gallardo takes the helm of the Guadalajara Cartel, unifying traffickers in order to build an empire, DEA Agent Kiki Camarena moves his wife and young son from California to Guadalajara to take on a new post. Though hungry for success, Camarena quickly learns that his assignment will be more challenging than he ever could have imagined. As he garners intelligence on Félix and becomes more entangled in the mission, a tragic chain of events unfolds, affecting the drug trade and the war against it for years to come. Season 3 coming on November 5 to Netflix!

The Art of Crime Duration: 24 x 1 hour (5 seasons) | Genre: Procedural Drama, Soft CrimeStarring: Nicolas Gob, Eléonore Bernheim, Philippe Duclos, Benjamin Egner

Synopsis: Hotheaded but with a keen insight for investigation, Antoine Verlay, a Paris police detective teams up with the Louvre’s renowned art historian, Florence Chassagne. As Antoine and Florence solve a series of modern-day crimes across France’s storied museums and landmarks, they unveil some great mysteries of the French cultural and historical heritage. Nominated for the TV France International Export Awards 2021.

Nona and Her DaughtersGenre: Dramedy set in modern-day Paris | Duration: 9 x 30’Starring: Miou-Miou, Virginie Ledoyen, Valérie Donzelli, Clotilde Hesme, Barnaby Metschurat, Rudiger Vogler, Michel Vuillermoz

Synopsis: In love with André and freed from her three adult daughters she adores, Nona, 70 years old, lives life to the full, in the heart of the Parisian neighbourhood of Goutte d’Or. Until doctor Truffe tells her that she is pregnant...

Bionic MaxDuration: 52 x 11’ | Genre: Animated Buddy Comedy | Target: Kids 6-11 | Style: 2D Animation

Synopsis: Max, a malfunctioning bionic guinea pig and his goldfish buddy, JC, escape from their laboratory into the bustling streets of Woodchuck Woods. Adapting to the urban jungle is no small feat for our pair of intrepid misfits, who try to fit in with the local wildlife while living madcap and clumsy adventures. Coming soon to Gulli and Canal J!


HAT TRICK INTERNATIONAL

Conviction: The Case of Stephen LawrenceGenre: Drama | Episodes: 3 x 60’Produced by HTM Television in association with Baby Cow Productions

Synopsis: This is a true story of love and loyalty and a fight for justice told through a compelling police procedural, a gripping and emotional tale about the ultimately successful conviction of two of the suspects in the crime that changed policing and the legal landscape in Britain. It’s also the story of an investigation that was beset by hostility, obstruction and sabotage–which exposed astonishing levels of complacency, racism and corruption within the UK’s largest police force. Starring Steve Coogan (Stan & Ollie), Sharlene Whyte (Small Axe) and Hugh Quarshie (Breeders).

BloodlandsGenre: Drama | Episodes: 4 x 60’Produced by HTM Television for BBC One

Synopsis: When an expensive car containing a suicide note–but nobody–is pulled from the sea, veteran Northern Ireland police detective Tom Brannick (James Nesbitt - The Missing, Cold Feet) instantly sees the connection to an infamous cold case that holds enormous personal significance for him–a notorious and long-buried series of mysterious disappearances. Bloodlands follows Tom Brannick’s obsessive campaign to identify and unmask the semi-mythical figure behind these events–a figure code-named Goliath, after the giant shipyard cranes, Samson and Goliath that dominate the Belfast skyline. It’s a case that comes from the dark past.

From ScratchGenre: Factual | Episodes: 20 x 60Produced by UnLTD Productions

Synopsis: This culinary and cultural series sees former child actor David Moscow (Big), now a TV host and adventurer, meet amazing chefs from around the world and then hunt, fish, forage and source the ingredients for their signature dishes which he then recreates himself at the end of each episode. He tells stories of different countries, cultures, farmers, fishers and those who put food on our table. This wide-ranging travel series includes episodes from Sardinia, Mexico, Iceland and Kenya, among other locations from across the globe, and David reveals how our unconscious consumption habits affect our world and humankind directly from the people who grow, cultivate and harvest our food.

My Country KitchenGenre: Factual Entertainment | Episodes: 52 x 30’A Lune Media Production

Synopsis:In these challenging times, many of us are dreaming about a simpler life. The good old days when a home-cooked meal could be shared with family and friends. A time when the kitchen was the heart of every home. Australian chef-turned-farmer Paul West goes back-to-basics as he builds his new life in a quaint country farmhouse. He’ll re-discover some of the skills our grandparents knew so well, and the recipes that have sustained us for generations. With the spectacular Australian landscape as his backdrop, Paul will help with tips on creating your own vegetable and herb gardens, advice on composting and worm farms–even if you don’t have your own backyard!.




KESHET INTERNATIONAL

Furia (Fury)Genre: Drama | Episodes: 8x60’ finished tape and formatProducers: Monster Scripted (Norway) and X Filme Creative Pool (Germany)

Synopsis: Furia is a tense crime thriller with a dark, twist-laden plot, set against the backdrop of two of Europe’s most distinguished capital cities–Oslo and Berlin–as well as rural western Norway. An edge-of-your-seat mix of undercover thriller and prescient political drama, the story centres around a far-right extremist terror cell, hellbent on carrying out an atrocity the likes of which Europe has never seen before. Special ops officer Asgeir (Pål Sverre Hagen: Beforeigners) is living a quiet life in western Norway after escaping from the Russian underworld and assuming a new identity. When his world collides with Ragna’s (Ine Marie Willmann: Exit), they face a race against the clock to prevent the unthinkable from happening on German soil.

PørniGenre: Comedy Drama | Duration: 18x30’ finished tape and formatProducer: Monster Scripted (Norway)

Synopsis: Henriette Steenstrup (Ragnarok, Lilyhammer) stars as a middle-aged single parent who always puts others first–even though she wants more from life for herself. With a job in child protection services, three teenagers and an ageing father at home to take care of–and no time for any of them–life as a working parent is not much fun for Pernille, nicknamed Pørni. Moreover, she is grieving for her sister and has a hopeless ex-husband to contend with. How will she ever catch-up with her own love life?

Blue MoonGenre: Drama | Episodes: 30x60’ finished tape (3 seasons) and formatStarring: Aetios Productions

Synopsis: Following her father’s accidental death, Justine experiences a profound life change on her return home from Afghanistan when she inherits the majority shares of his private security firm Blue Moon. Across three seasons, this fast-paced, all-action French-language drama combines Justine’s emotional journey with the explosive realities of undercover missions. Can she retain her own moral standards while working for an ethically dubious organisation?

The Perfect DessertGenre: Baking competition | Duration: Format

Synopsis: In The Perfect Dessert, looks are everything. Here judges vote with their eyes first–so only dishes with the combined ‘wow factor’ of looks and taste make it through to the next round, and ultimately, the finale. Each stage of this unique knockout competition format sees the non-professional contestants place their creations into a bespoke glass box to face a nail-biting double test. First test: aesthetics, judged behind closed doors. Second test: flavor, with sampling conducted in the company of the judges. Who will create the perfect dessert?


RAINMAKER CONTENT

Thunder In My HeartGenre: (International Drama) | Episodes: 8 x 30’A Viaplay Originals production for NENT Group

Synopsis: 22-year-old Sigrid is impulsive, frustrated and fed up with everything. Her belief in true love has been shattered by her parents who were terrible role models. She’s the kind of person who gets drunk on a Tuesday, and drinks to forget, if only for a little while. Her relationship with her father aside, she says what she thinks, rather than staying silent. When she’s angry she is really angry, when she’s happy she is the happiest person alive. Sigrid gives the impression of being an open person, but when it comes to talking about her family, she is very closed… a master at lying or joking when she is asked an intimate question.

Two SistersGenre: Drama | Duration: 8 x 30’

Synopsis: Alicia (Dilan Gwyn) and Vanessa (Julia Ragnarsson) are sisters and best friends who begin to drift apart in search of finding their identity in the adult world. Alicia lives a luxurious upper-middle-class life in Östermalm and looks to have the perfect life with her partner Philip (Hannes Fohlin) but under the surface, there are cracks in their relationship. Vanessa makes a comet career in the television industry but finds herself behaving destructively in Stockholm’s nightlife and falls helplessly for music producer Martin (David Larsson). As she struggles to protect her little sister, her responsibility and consideration towards her are easily misinterpreted.

Big LarsGenre: International Drama | Duration: 8 x 45’Produced by UnLTD Productions

Synopsis: Lille Lars fights to emerge from the shadow of his friends, Frank and Casper. Recently divorced, Lars is tired of his career as a mainstream stand-up comedian and is ready for a change and wants to be taken more seriously, which leads him into a series of absurd, embarrassing and humorous situations. When he falls in love with Julie, things start happening in his life that he could not have foreseen. They are convinced they deserve recognition in their own right and will do anything to become famous.

Critics’ Choice Awards 2022Duration: 1 x 180’

Synopsis: The Critics’ Choice Awards are bestowed annually to honour the finest in cinematic and television achievement. Historically, they are the most accurate predictor of Academy Award nominations. The 27th annual Critics’ Choice Awards will air live on The CW Network on Sunday, January 9, 2022. The show will continue its combined Film and Television awards format, honouring the finest in both cinematic and televised/streaming achievement. The event will be held in person and mark a return to the glamorous, star-studded revelry, celebrating the finest work of this upcoming season.




STUDIOCANAL

All Those Things We Never SaidGenre: Comedy-Drama | Duration: 10 x 30’Produced by Marc Levy, Susanna Lea, Alain Pancrazi (Holy Lands) and Jean-Baptiste Frey (For The Ones We Loved) for TCC, Anna Marsh and Françoise Guyonnet for STUDIOCANAL A STARZPLAY/STUDIOCANAL co-production for CANAL+ Group and STARZPLAY

Synopsis: A bittersweet comedy with soul, based on the best-selling novel by Marc Levy. A wryly fun father-daughter adventure story about a second chance and first love. Cleverly playing across two timelines and set in the beautiful European cities of Paris, Bruges, Berlin and Madrid, this original and ambitious, character-driven series is a unique family comedy drama.

Two Lives (Dos VidasGenre: Comedy Drama | Duration: 255 x 60’Shot in Spanish, Two Lives is produced by Ramón Campos and Teresa Fernández-Valdes of the award-winning Bambú Producciones, a STUDIOCANAL company

Synopsis: An ambitious daily drama series connecting two strong women in a fascinating universal story of love and family with a modern narrative echoing the past and the present. Julia feels trapped in her own life in Madrid. Her dreams of becoming a fashion designer are gone, and everyone, especially her controlling mother, is making decisions for her. She has just found out that even her husband-to-be is planning a move to Canada after their wedding. In the middle of this identity crisis, she receives a mysterious letter from a dying man who says he is her real father.

Uncoupling (L’amour Flou)Genre: Comedy | Duration: 9 x 30’Produced by Escazal Films for CANAL+ CREATION ORIGINALE

Synopsis: Based on a true story and adapted from the movie In the Move for Lov’. Romane and Philippe were together ten years, with two precious kids they adore and a dog, but now they’ve fallen out of love–well, they’re not in love, but they still love each other. Despite the misgivings of their family and friends, they come up with the idea of two separate apartments connected via the children’s bedroom.

Surge (VTC)Duration: 5 x 20’ or 1 x 90’Produced by Bridges for CANAL + CREATION DECALEE

Synopsis: Nora is a night driver for a ridesharing app. Addicted to amphetamines, her life is falling apart: She is drowning in debt, divorced, and she’s now sleeping in her car to save enough money to rent an apartment and obtain joint custody of her daughter.

When her brother Ben, also a cab driver, crashes his car, Nora offers to deliver a strange package for him and ends up being generously paid. Without realising it, Nora is now bound to a mysterious and dangerous underground network. Tonight will be the darkest night of her life.



VIACOMCBS GLOBAL DISTRIBUTION GROUP

CSI: VEGASGenre: International Drama | Duration: 10 x 60’Produced by CBS Studios in association with Jerry Bruckheimer Television and distributed internationally by ViacomCBS Global Distribution Group

Synopsis: CSI: VEGAS, the sequel to the global hit CSI: Crime Scene Investigation, opens a brand-new chapter in Las Vegas—the city where it all began. Facing an existential threat that could bring down the entire Crime Lab and release thousands of convicted killers back onto the neon-lit streets of Vegas, a brilliant new team of investigators led by Maxine Roby (Paula Newsome) must enlist the help of old friends, Gil Grissom (William Petersen), Sara Sidle (Jorja Fox) and David Hodges (Wallace Langham). This combined force will deploy the latest forensic techniques to do what they do best—follow the evidence—in order to preserve and serve justice in Sin City.

NCIS: Hawai’iGenre: Drama | Duration: 13 x 60’Larry Teng is an executive producer (initial episode only) and directed from a script by Bosack, Nash and Silber. The series is distributed internationally by ViacomCBS Global Distribution Group

Synopsis: The world’s most successful television series continues on the seductive shores of the Aloha State with NCIS: HAWAI’I, where the first female Special Agent in Charge of NCIS Pearl Harbor, Jane Tennant (Vanessa Lachey), has thrived and risen through the ranks by equal parts confidence and strategy in a system that has pushed back on her every step of the way. Together with her unwavering team of specialists, they balance duty to family and country while investigating high-stakes crimes involving military personnel, national security and the mysteries of the sun-drenched island paradise itself.

Dexter: New BloodGenre: Drama | Duration: 10 x 60’Produced by SHOWTIME, DEXTER: NEW BLOOD is executive produced by Clyde Phillips, Michael C. Hall, John Goldwyn, Sara Colleton, Marcos Siega, Bill Carraro and Scott Reynolds. The series is distributed internationally from ViacomCBS Global Distribution Group.

Synopsis: Set 10 years after Dexter went missing in the eye of Hurricane Laura, the series finds him living under an assumed name in the small town of Iron Lake, New York. Dexter may be embracing his new life, but in the wake of unexpected events in this close-knit community, his Dark Passenger beckons.

Dan Brown’s The Lost SymbolGenre: Drama | Duration: 10 x 60’The pilot episode of the project was executive produced and directed by Dan Trachtenberg. The series is produced by CBS Studios, Imagine Television Studios and Universal Television, a division of Universal Studio

Synopsis: Based on Dan Brown’s international bestselling thriller “The Lost Symbol,” the series follows the early adventures of young Harvard symbologist Robert Langdon (Ashley Zukerman), who must solve a series of deadly puzzles to save his kidnapped mentor and thwart a chilling global conspiracy.



WAG ENTERTAINMENT

I, The JurorGenre: Docu-Fiction | Duration: 1 x 90’

Synopsis: Based on true events with real interviews and fictional segments, I, The Juror, tells the story of Caterina, a young teacher from Cefalù (Sicily). Caterina is happy with her life. But one day her quiet routine is interrupted by a summons from the court of Palermo when she is selected to be a juror at the trial. She witnesses ruthless people who are responsible for hundreds of murders, mobsters and ordinary people parading in front of her. For the first time in her life, Caterina finds herself on the frontline, battling against the fear of violent threats from the Mafia. It is a deeply shocking experience that reveals in detail the brutal methods and murderous strategies of the top mob bosses on the island. Caterina’s courage and a strong sense of civic duty prevail, eventually allowing her to contribute to the mass convictions made as a result of the six-year battle for justice against Cosa Nostra and which most importantly judicially confirmed the existence of the Sicilian Mafia.

Mega Engineering FixesGenre: Engineering | Duration: 6 x 45’

Synopsis: The world is packed with engineering marvels, but what happens when they go wrong? The more extraordinary the engineering, the more complicated the fix! This series celebrates the incredible achievements of British engineering from a unique angle, exploring how constructions are fixed and maintained, and covers famous landmarks such as Canterbury Cathedral, The Royal Albert Hall and the world’s longest pleasure pier in Southend-on-Sea.

We Are Jews Genre: Factual | Duration: 3 x 60’Produced by Escazal Films for CANAL+ CREATION ORIGINALE

Synopsis: Myriam Ackermann Sommer and her husband Emile are mastering the texts to become Orthodox rabbis. Although Myriam will make history as France’s first Orthodox female rabbi, it is unlikely the world’s most traditional Jewish societies will accept her, so she and her husband are making a community of their own and have inspired a cohort of young Jews to take her lead. Kokasi Keki is a young Ugandan Jewish leader who has been thrust into the role of principal at the Hadassah Primary School in Mbale, Uganda, where he navigates his own devotion to God, to keep Judaism and his community alive.

Strange Evidence S5Genre: Factual | Duration: 20 x 60’Produced by Bridges for CANAL + CREATION DECALEE

Synopsis: Around the world, 300 million surveillance cameras are watching us on our streets, at work and in our homes. Sometimes they see things that defy explanation. From bizarre levitating cars to a statue coming to life, Strange Evidence investigates incredible mysteries captured by security cameras, dash-cams and drones. With eyewitness testimony, expert opinion and exciting experiments, can science solve the mystery behind this strange evidence?


FEATURE STORY

How China’s top social media platform Weibo is diversifying its offerings through contentBy Monina Eugenio

More than just being one of China’s top social media platforms, Weibo has been expanding its offerings to cater to its 530 million monthly active users and Chinese video content creators. One of its efforts in terms of expansion is through licensing short video content as an attempt to seek out alternative opportunities for Weibo and its Chinese content creators.

Jennie So, the General Manager of Weibo International Department told Television Asia Plus that Weibo, as a middleman, consolidates and distributes Chinese short video content to various overseas media platforms. This helps to promote high-quality content that will cater to foreign audiences.

The General Manager said, “We believe that through licensing short video content to new TV platforms and traditional media in Southeast Asia, Chinese video content creators can obtain a new business model to achieve additional income as well as increase their influential power.” Through what Jennie calls a “social break-through”, Weibo’s new act can broaden new thinking and open up new business opportunities to Chinese creators and facilitate cross-platform development.

With the growth of OTT in recent years, Jennie believes that short video and medium-length video content should expand into new media such as OTT and VOD to get content consumption to reach new audiences.

Jennie said that the development of short video content in China has been increasing over the years, accumulating creative young people and professional content teams that produce high-quality video content. “By licensing short video to overseas

markets would allow them to develop new prospects compared to the fierce competition in the domestic market,” Jennie added.

A snapshot of Weibo’s offerings. (L-R) Mainstream, Hot Search, Discovery, and Hot Search Entertainment. Courtesy of Weibo.

Jennie So, General Manager,Weibo International Department



Weibo’s strength is that it is a public social media platform that supports all content forms. From text, photos, and videos, one of China’s top social media platforms has become a diversified high-value platform for accessing information and opinion sharing.

In 2020, the platform surpassed 80 million daily posts, while the total number of video posts increased 18%, and recorded 1.5 million pieces per day. Meanwhile, the platform’s text-to-picture post remains the major content form. Jennie shared that by the end of 2020, the platform started to support 4K HDR High-Definition Video. The General Manager added, “By supporting multimedia content forms, Weibo enables different features to suit for various content consumption scenes and diversified user groups.”

In terms of content, Weibo is the first social media platform to adopt in-depth vertical content field operation in China. Covering over 40 content fields such as entertainment, lifestyle,

travel, news, and more, Jennie explained that each field represents a vertical user interest group.

“With the operation work of the Weibo professional team, [the platform] intends to explore high-quality content and creators based on diversified interest and deliver high-value content to the right users based on their interest tags, user interactive behaviour, geographical features through technical methods such as interest tagging, user value tagging, and machine learning. Through this approach, Weibo can retain its users by keeping a diversified content operation approach,” Jennie shared. Weibo ensures that they provide a socially diversified discussion and cross-level interactivity. Jennie said that the platform’s operations team encourages and supports all kinds of experts and KOLs to get involved in the discussion and opinion-sharing on public events and topics. On the other hand, they also stimulate users to discuss viral topics.

Diversity is key

User retention

Weibo’s strength is that it is a public social media platform that supports all content forms. From text, photos, and videos, one of China’s top social media platforms has become a diversified high-value platform for accessing information and opinion sharing.

In 2020, the platform surpassed 80 million daily posts, while the total number of video posts increased 18%, and recorded 1.5 million pieces per day. Meanwhile, the platform’s text-to-picture post remains the major content form. Jennie shared that by the end of 2020, the platform started to support 4K HDR High-Definition Video. The General Manager added, “By supporting multimedia content forms, Weibo enables different features to suit for various content consumption scenes and diversified user groups.”

A version of this story was published on tva.onscreenasia.com.

Weibo boasts of over 10 years of development and its key objective is to retain active users and generate new ones as well.

Weibo is a content aggregator that supports all kinds of content provided by different media partners and provides diversified content that is suitable for different user groups. “The key point is to make good use of content operation and management in order to sustain user activities,” Jennie said.

For content creators and IP content owners, Weibo is the only platform that enables them to break through from a single vertical field creator to becoming an overall influential “Big V.” Jennie said, “Weibo is more influential and transmissible compared to other social platforms in China, making it more powerful in stimulating content creators to maximize their strengths to grow bigger and turn into revenue. In this case, both user activeness and content creation can be well kept.”

While China’s top social media platform has been setting its sights on licensing short video content, the company is currently focused on soliciting overseas business partners. Jennie said that they are also signing more Chinese video content creators to help enlarge its database.


FEATURE STORY

Asian Television Awards Alumni Spotlight: Sahana Kamath, Executive Producer, Pretty Little LiarsBy Monina Eugenio

Indonesian teen drama Pretty Little Liars captivated Asian audiences

as it addressed themes such as

cyberbullying, complicated female

relationships and empowerment—

all set in the picturesque location

of Bali. The 10-episode series,

which is streaming on Viu, features

an ensemble cast including Shindy

Huang, Anya Geraldine, Eyka

Farhana, Valerie Thomas, and Yuki

Kato.

The teen drama has received many

accolades since its premiere in

April 2020, among them the Best Adaptation of an Existing Format award at the 25th Asian Television Awards. Sahana Kamath, the

Executive Producer of Pretty Little

Liars said that the original U.S. show

came out at a time when young

adult shows were mostly centred on

coming-of-age stories, romance, or

betrayal.

“Pretty Little Liars had that mystery

layer at the centre of the show,”

Sahana told Television Asia Plus.

“And that drove a huge amount of

engagement and binge-ability even

before ‘binge’ was a thing. I think

this show always had those kinds of

hook points that you knew were just

going to keep people coming back

for more.”

The original U.S. version of Pretty

Little Liars spawned several spin-

offs including Pretty Little Liars: The

Perfectionists and Ravenswood.

“It’s a very timeless kind of show,”

Sahana said. “The series had a huge

fan base around the world, but it

wasn’t massively known in Indonesia,

Malaysia and the surrounding

markets. It was a chance for us to

bring this story to a new audience

and have it be very fresh and relevant

in the way it was adapted as well.”

Trends in adaptations

Sahana observed that there has

been a lot of movement in scripted

formats, calling it a “Renaissance”

period with a lot of formats coming

out from Asia. In her lengthy career,

Sahana has worked on a lot of format

adaptations including most recently

the Scandinavian format, The Bridge,

and the Korean format, Black.




“We’ll see a lot more Asian formats

being adapted for Asian countries,

simply because of the similarity in

taste, storytelling, relationships and

values,” she predicted.

Sahana, who has also worked

on many comedy adaptations

throughout her career, commented,

“People can be quite reticent to take

on a comedy format because there’s

this idea that comedy doesn’t travel

as easily. It is indeed harder to get it

right, and it takes a lot more time and

thoughtfulness in the writing and

performance of the adaptation. But

when it hits, it hits big and it can hit

for a region.”

With the COVID pandemic raging

on, Sahana believes that people

are looking to be entertained with

content that is lighter and takes them

out of the more difficult challenges

ahead. “I think whoever takes the risk

on a big comedy format adaptation

and does it well is potentially going

to have a huge success on their

hands. I hope somebody takes that

risk [and] I’d love to see that in the

next few years,” Sahana added.

More focus on premium content

Asia has seen a lot of streamers

producing their original content

and the competition among big and

small streamers is huge in the region.

Sahana said, “I think there’s always

been a lot of competition across Asia.

But now with the local, regional and

global streamers coming in, there’s a

great depth and breadth in terms of

what’s being produced.”

Sahana Kamath, the Executive Producerof the Asian adaptation of Pretty Little Liars

Sahana added that there’s been a

lot more focus on premium content.

While daily dramas are seamlessly

produced in markets such as the

Philippines, Thailand, Malaysia, and

Indonesia, there’s now a trend in

producing content that can compete

with the global streamers.

“The trend that we’re seeing now [is

that] everyone is stepping up to the

plate and saying, ‘Let’s show what we

can make out of Asia.’ Having more

money coming in, more resources for

everyone, and more opportunities

created inside of what has been quite

a closed system in the past… I think

that’s what’s amazing to see right

now about the current ecosystem

around premium drama across the

region,” Sahana said.

The Executive Producer’s fearless

forecast for popular genres in Asia in

the next year or so includes romance,

comedy, rom-com and mystery,

pointing out that lighter is better

for the current moment. She said, “I

suspect that in the next year or two,

broadcasters who had previously

handled exclusively darker genres

like crime and horror will perhaps

start moving towards balancing their

slates with series that are tonally less

heavy, just because that’s where the

audience is right now. I’m sure that

it will swing back at some point, but

I feel that this is probably where the

audience’s mindset is right now,

and we always, always follow the

audience.”


FEATURE STORY

ZEE5 Global: Capturing captivating stories from India to the worldBy Monina Eugenio

ZEE5 Global has been actively churning out original South Asian content to meet the demands of viewers in the Indian subcontinent and beyond. In this year alone, the streamer has announced several Original new series such as the Bangladeshi Original Ladies and Gentlemen and Pavita Rishta - It’s Never Too Late, as well as the grand launch of its expansion into the U.S. market in June.

Archana Anand, the Chief Business Officer of ZEE5 Global told Television Asia Plus that it’s been an exciting period for the streamer. ZEE5 Global has seen tremendous success across its key markets on the back of its content, as well as several market-specific strategic initiatives and partnerships.

“APAC and MENA both have built out as very strong markets for us across both AVOD and SVOD, especially

the latter, driving over 60 percent of viewership,” Archana said. “The lockdowns in several APAC countries such as Australia, New Zealand, and Singapore have also driven a strong ramp-up in our numbers from those markets in recent weeks.”

Archana revealed, “The U.S., despite having launched [in June], is already our largest market yet, and we are going very aggressive in Canada, too. Our subscriptions jumped by over 60 percent in FY 2020-2021 vs FY 2019-2020, the highest growth coming from MENA and Europe.”

South Asian Content makes its way to the U.S.

Archana touted the arrival of ZEE5 Global in the U.S. as “unprecedented.” The Chief Business Officer explained,

“Unlike our other markets where we have a freemium product, in the U.S., we are a pure SVOD platform.”

Several weeks before its launch in the U.S., ZEE5 has already grown exponentially to become its largest international market. “The South Asian diaspora in the U.S. is very clued into what content is trending back home, so they have been waiting for ZEE5 Global to launch for a long time,” Archana said.

Offering various price points of USD 6.99 for a monthly pack, and a limited-time offer of USD 49.99 from USD 84 for the annual pack, Archana said that viewers who come into ZEE5 Global’s platform are not just seeing huge choices of movies or series to watch, but fresh content that keeps getting added. Archana revealed that today, nearly 40 percent of ZEE5’s subscribers have opted to pick Annual Packs.

Archana Anand, Chief Business Officer of ZEE5 Global



Apart from this, ZEE5 has a slew of initiatives lined up to support its launch in North America. One such partnership is with the North American Association of Indian Students (NAAIS) that helps EE5 build strong connections with a much younger audience. In September, ZEE5 Global rolled out the ZEE5xNAAIS tour, an extensive student outreach plan that sees networking events and workshops conducted to over 150 universities in the U.S. and Canada.

The go-to destination for South Asian content

Not only is ZEE5 Global catering to the viewing needs of the Indian community, but it has also been investing in content for Pakistani and Bangladeshi communities in the U.S. and across the globe. “We’re further making it easily accessible to anyone interested in exploring South Asian content since this content is gaining much mainstream popularity,” Archana said.

ZEE5 Global is the only streaming platform globally with South Asian entertainment at such a massive scale. Boasting of a library of stories from India, Pakistan, and Bangladesh, they have over 130,000 Indian series and movies, over 1,000 hours of Pakistani content and Bangladeshi Originals across genres, the streamer is fast building its reputation as a single-point destination that audiences can go to for all entertainment from the region.

“South Asia combines thousands of years of rich history, culture, and traditions with modern-day narratives, and the stories from this region are hugely fascinating and relatable for audiences anywhere,” Archana added.

Diverse content for Indian and global audiences

Archana said that ZEE5 Global has recently redefined its content strategy. While they continue to launch movies and smaller shows, the streamer’s bigger launches are focused on five main languages—Hindi, Tamil, Telugu, Kannada, and Bengali.

Looking to launch about three or four big shows per language in a year, ZEE5 Global has launched titles in August such as the courtroom drama 200 Halla Ho!, thriller movie Dial 100, and TVF’s Engineering Girls Season 2. Archana revealed that another much-awaited release lined up is the “Baahubali” filmmaker S.S. Rajamouli’s upcoming magnum opus RRR in all South Indian languages.

In terms of viewership trends in key markets where ZEE5 is available, Archana said that TV shows from across the ZEE channels for ongoing shows such as Kundali Bhagya and Mithai and library shows such as Pavitra Rishta and

Jodha Akbar remain a huge draw, they see a strong uptake of their Original web series and movies as well.

With its wide sampling of content across Hindi and other regional languages, recent releases such as 14 Phere, State of Siege: Temple Attack, and Sunflower have done well for the streamer. They have also seen a huge demand for regional Malayalam titles such as Operation Java, Rang De, and Chathur Mukham.

Beautifully capturing the region’s rich 5,000-year-old legacy of history, language and stories that intersects with new narratives, ZEE5 Global presents fascinating narratives that they bring together for viewers on their platform. With their campaign, “Welcome to South Asia: Stories from Our World,” Archana said, “ZEE5 is the only platform globally that aggregates stories from across India, Pakistan, and Bangladesh; stories that bring alive the extraordinary and colourful realities that make up our daily lives in this region.”



POST EVENT: IQIYI

iQiyi launches first Southeast Asian Original The Ferryman: Legends of NanyangBy Monina Eugenio

iQiyi has officially launched its first Southeast Asian Original The Ferryman: Legends of Nanyang at a virtual press conference held on 20 August. The event was attended by Ferryman cast members Lawrence Wong, Qi Yuwu, Kate Kinney, Tay Ping Hui, Jeanette Aw, Debbie Goh, Jojo Goh, and Koe Yeet. The launch also saw the debut of the global trailers


for upcoming dramas Danger Zone and Rainless Love in a Godless Land.

At the event, iQiyi premiered special sizzles of Danger Zone, and Rainless Love in a Godless Land, alongside a 12 minute-long exclusive preview of The Ferryman: Legends of Nanyang, showcasing iQiyi’s niche in catering to diversity in tastes and genre

preferences, innovative storylines, and premium production quality.

Held virtually on-location at the Sands Expo & Convention Centre, the “iQiyi Leads C-Wave” APAC press conference and The Ferryman: Legends of Nanyang launch event were a resounding success made possible by Marina Bay Sands.



POST EVENT: THE FINAL PITCH SEASON 7

The Final Pitch Season 7 to premiere on CNN Philippines in OctoberBy Monina Eugenio

Filipino ingenuity takes centre stage in the seventh season of The Final Pitch, a business reality TV show that searches for the next big thing in the Philippines’ vibrant startup industry.

Slated for an October premiere on CNN Philippines, the 10-episode series will be hosted by show creator John Aguilar. With the theme “virtual edition,” the new season offers a hybrid setup where the show’s investor judges will virtually interact with the contestants as they pitch their businesses on-location at The Final Pitch studios.

Aspiring entrepreneurs and startups with business solutions equipped for the country’s transition to the new normal will have a chance to pitch


their innovative ideas to a diverse panel of investors looking to fund and back their initiatives.

John said, “We want to make a statement with this season that just because there is a pandemic and a delta variant out there, it doesn’t mean that we should stop conducting businesses, trying to look for solutions, and even making a living. This is also a very aggressive call out for entrepreneurs with solutions for all of the challenges we face and to those who had their businesses particularly adapted to the new normal.”

John will be joined by five of the Philippines’ most distinguished investor judges, including Dennis Uy,

Chief Executive Officer of Converge ICT Solutions; Bernard Dy, Cauayan City Mayor; Ricky Villarante, Chairman and CEO of 8Ventures; Rose Ong, Senior Executive Vice President - COO of Wilcon Depot; and David Almirol, Founder & CEO of Multisys Technologies Corporation.

All contestants will go through a virtual business mentorship with selected business mentors, namely Dean Bernales, Managing Director, Uniquecorn Strategies; Patt Soyao, Managing Director, Icon Executive Search; and Hiyasmin Neri-Soyao, Managing Director, Shoppertainment Live.


SHOW PREVIEW: ATF

The Asia TV Forum & Market returns with ATF Online+ 2.0 in December

This year, the Asia TV Forum & Market (ATF) goes hybrid. Going live on 1 December 2021, ATF Online+ 2.0 will continue to host the annual year-end market and conference from 1 to 3 December 2021.

Accessible for a longer duration until 30 June 2022, the digital platform will allow delegates from across the world to experience Asia’s leading entertainment content market from the comfort of home.

ATF Opening Day, which happens on 1 December at the Marina Bay Sands in Singapore will feature the opening ceremony, mornings with industry leaders and production afternoons.

ATF Online+ 2.0, which runs from 1 to 3 December, focuses on business industry leaders and decision-makers across all genres. Featured activities include Mornings with Industry Leaders, Lunchtime Buying, Teatime/Coffee Break Content Showcase, Production Afternoons, Speed Dating on Co-Production, and Targeted Business Matching Program.

The ATF Plugged-In Series will take place in March 2022 at ATF Online+, focuses on drama and kids and will feature conference keynotes, panels, latest analyst reports, and Business Leads @ATF, a segment that offers time-concentrated updates of

content, as well as matched meetings in the realm of co-production.

The ATF Plugged-In Series, which is slated for June 2022 at ATF Online+, focuses on formats and docs, will feature conference keynotes, panels, latest analyst reports and Business Leads @ATF, a segment offering time-concentrated updates of content, as well as matched meetings in the realm of co-production.

This enriched programme will provide companies with the opportunity to harness greater exposure and higher visibility, encouraging more conversations and dealings between delegates. To learn more, visit www.asiatvforum.com.


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OCTOBER - NOVEMBER 2021

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