According to the Korea Creative Content Agency (KOCCA) newly-merged with the KBI, the three major Korean networks, the producers of Korean drama series, attracted the interest of foreign buyers with respect to formats of Korean drama series and entertainment programs, confirming the potential for Korean content in European markets. Korean documentaries, in particular, exceeded expectations. KBS Media sold Noodle Road to Spanish terrestrial broadcasting network TVC, and Asian Corridor in Heaven to Russian satellite broadcasting company Premium TV. Noodle Road has so far been exported to 12 countries and aired in nearly 40 countries, while Asian Corridor in Heaven has been sold to 20 countries and broadcast in around 60 countries. Major German broadcasting company Super RTL purchased EBS’s Koreanosaurus last spring for the highest price in Korean documentary history. According to Disney-owned Super RTL, the first and second episodes of Koreanosaurus aired on August 1 and 8, at 8pm on Saturdays during the primetime hours, achieving ratings of 3.5 percent and 4.2 percent respectively – surpassing the average channel rating of 2.9 percent by more than 30 percent. Consequently, Super RTL expressed its intention to purchase the third episode of Koreanosaurus, which follows the making of the first and second episodes. Furthermore, European broadcasting companies also showed great interest in The Lion King of Africa, the latest project of legendary MBC nature documentary-producer Choi Samgyu, even though the project is still in the preliminary production stage. The largest change in the Korean Common Hall at this year’s MIPCOM was the sharp increase in the number of format buyers. Particularly, there were endless inquiries regarding purchasing formats to companies which had made substantial investment in format businesses, including M-net Media or distributor Every Show. Market interest is growing with respect to how well Korean companies would do not only in Asia (the major market for the Korean Wave) – such as TIFFCOM on November 20 in Tokyo, Japan and ATF in December in Singapore – but also at CAMAR on November 12 – 16 in Egypt, the most reputable trade fair in the Middle East and Africa. And Korea’s film industry is set to receive support from Singapore’s Media Development Authority (MDA) International Film Fund. Neon Sign the first tri-co-production between Singapore-China-Korea will be directed by Korean filmmaker Pil Gam-Sung (Musa). Produced by Bang Productions (Singapore) and Nabi Picture (Korea), Neon Sign is due to be released in 2011 and is backed by Asian film giants CJ Entertainment and Beijing Polybona Film Distribution Co. Ltd with assistance from MDA. This announcement is the second feature film co-production deal between Singapore and Korea. In September 2009, the first co-production deal; Host 2 by Singapore’s Boku Films and Korea’s Chungeorahm Films was announced ahead of the American Film Market Commenting on the deal, producer Min-whan Jo of Nabi Pictures said, “Nabi Pictures is excited to be working with great partners across Asia and a wonderfully talented director, Gam-Sung Pil. With his Chinese-Korean background, we believe Pil’s cultural and creative sensibilities will capture the essence of the Neon Sign story perfectly.” Neon Sign is set in China’s picturesque Yunnan province. The movies centres around a highly sought after Korean pop idol that flees to China to escape paparazzi following scandal at home. During the quest to find a fan that could be the answer to his career woes, he is stranded in the remote but magical countryside of Yunnan with two wayward traveling companions in tow. Announced around the BCWW event, held early September at COEX in Seoul, KOCCA and AETN All Asia Networks (AAAN) entered into a deal to co-produce 5×1 hour HD documentaries for History, Biography Channel and Crime & Investigation Network. Produced by Korean production companies and executive produced by Off The Fence, these documentaries will contain Asian themes and content. Production will be given the green light this year and completion and airing is expected in 2010 and 2011. The documentaries will be shown on AAAN’s channels in South East Asia, Hong Kong, Taiwan and Macau. “We are excited to establish our first international factual network partnership with AAAN,” said Jae-Woong Lee, president and CEO, KOCCA. “As a part of renowned international television network, History, Biography Channel and Crime & Investigation Network provide the perfect platform for Korean produced documentaries to reach Asian viewers. Moreover, we want to develop and bring Korean talent to the attention of a global audience.” According to Louis Boswell, general manager, AAAN, the deal underscores the emphasis that is placed on localizing the channels and offers the opportunity to selected production houses to have their own content aired on leading factual TV channels throughout the region. KOCCA has entered into co-production deals with China, Mongolia, Vietnam, Philippines and Indonesia to produce several documentaries that cover themes that showcase the diversity of Asian cultures. Natural resources, economic development, culture, tourism and ties with Korea are just some of the topics being covered. KOCCA main objective for entering into international co-productions is to increase understanding between Asian countries and create closer ties with broadcasters throughout the region. These documentaries consist of 21×60 minute episodes. Mongolia, Vietnam, Philippines and Indonesia will be co-producing four episodes and China will be co-producing five. Uzbekistan, Myanmar, Cambodia and Brazil have entered into a tentative agreement to participate in the project.
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