THE annual Asia Television Forum which kicks off on Nov. 28 in Singapore looms as a crucially important event for producers and distributors of children’s programming.And not just as a venue to close or announce deals that were initiated at MIPCOM 2007.Generating revenues in Asia from the established channels as well as the IPTV, VOD and mobile TV ‘new kids on the block,’ has become even more vital as the BBC and ITV and some other European broadcasters have cut back on acquiring and producing children’s programming.“The biggest issue for kids TV producers in Australia is the uncertainty surrounding funding sources – both internationally and within Australia. “Conventional methods of obtaining international funds (pre-sales/distribution deals/ co-pros) necessary to finance series have been put to the test over the last three years or so,” says Southern Star Entertainment’s Noel Price, one of the region’s most experienced kids’ producers.