Pioneer Productions, part of the Tinopolis Group has partnered with South Korean production company PAAN Media to launch joint venture company, Buzz Media.
Operating out of Seoul, Korea, the new production company will develop and produce a wide range of factual programming for UK, Korean and international broadcasters. From 4k natural history and science programming, to character-led access docs and factual entertainment formats. The company is already in advanced development for two landmark series for Korea and the global market.
Pioneer MD, Kirstie McLure will oversee operations and has appointed Patrick Youngtaek Suh as CEO to oversee the day-to-day running of the business.
Kirstie McLure, Managing Director of Pioneer Productions said, “Pioneer is incredibly excited to be entering into a joint venture with PAAN Media. Korea is such a dynamic and forward thinking market. Its talent base and CGI capabilities are incredible and they are way ahead of the game in terms of 4k, making it the perfect time to form a bridge between the two territories. Creating innovative factual content is in our DNA and working with PAAN Media over the past year on Treasures of the Earth has really opened our eyes to the opportunities available to create and harness more synergy. Not only will the joint venture compliment everything that Pioneer is doing with content, it will also take us to new technological frontiers and cement our presence in Asia.”
Patrick Youngtaek Suh, CEO of Buzz Media, added, “We are honoured to be participating in such a great venture with Pioneer. With their longstanding heritage in creating innovative specialist factual and factual content and our Korean capabilities in various fields of broadcasting, we are determined to make Buzz Media a successful company that takes content to new heights.”
Pioneer first partnered with PAAN Media last year when it brokered a tri-continent co-production deal for Treasures of the Earth (3 x 60’), a landmark three-part series that seeks to explain the origins, geology and powerful properties of earth’s most precious materials. Commissioned by award-winning science television series, NOVA for WGBH Boston and KBS in Korea, the series will be broadcast in in the United States by PBS and KBS in Korea. It is also being distributed worldwide by PBS International.
