Eric was in Asia for the networks’ two launches in Thailand and Malaysia. Thailand was the first country in Asia to carry DreamWorks multi-platform service channel to feature the most original content of any kids channel in the region.
What exclusive content do you have for Asia?
Eric: The channel is rolling out new shows almost on a monthly basis. Currently, these are available exclusively on the DreamWorks Channel and nowhere else. In addition to series programming, we offer our audiences ‘movie moments’ and other DreamWorks highlights, making the channel and our digital destinations the home for all of the favorite DreamWorks characters.
Are there plans to localise content for Asia?
Eric: DreamWorks has for some time, been investing in localisation, and as a result, we’ve offered the channel from launch, fully dubbed in Thai, Bahasa Malaysian, Bahasa Indonesian, Tagalog, Cantonese and Mandarin. In addition to local languages, we’ve acquired and are telecasting shows from leading producers in the region.
DreamWorks programming in Thailand and Malaysia includes its signature original series All Hail King Julien, starring the world’s biggest party animal from the hugely successful Madagascar theatrical films, and The Adventures of Puss in Boots, featuring the sword-fighting feline fortune-hunter made famous by the Shrek franchise. Dragons: Race to the Edge, inspired by the critically acclaimed How to Train Your Dragon films, will further build out the schedule in Q4 this year, with even more original series expected to be added in early 2016.
Joining the award-winning line-up will be many other established characters, such as Casper the Friendly Ghost in his adventure series Casper’s Scare School, and the new original series Dinotrux, a action-packed adventure series of prehistoric proportions based on a series of award-winning children’s books. The channel will also present a daily morning preschool block, DreamWorks Junior, featuring favourites Raa Raa The Noisy Lion and Guess with Jess.
What are your plans (after Thailand/Malaysia)?
Eric: We couldn’t be more pleased with the response from affiliates across the region. The affiliate sales and marketing team at HBO Asia are bringing us the best partners from every country. From the outset, our aim has been to build a premium, HD, localised, TV-everywhere channel offering; we now telecast 24/7 in seven languages, launched a responsive marketing website and a Watch & Play iOS and Android app. As for forthcoming markets, we fully expect to be distributed in every major territory by next year.
Why Asia – is this your last frontier?
Eric: More like the first. The right opportunity at the right time presented itself in an exciting part of the world, with burgeoning growth, geographic expand and a young population where DreamWorks movies have long been popular.
What is your business proposition to partners in Asia?
Eric: DreamWorks Animation with its blockbuster movie origins represents a highly recognisable brand in a market with myriad choices. The rights we’re offering are across all media and generally exclusive, making us flexible partners to work with. Our content pipeline guarantees more original content at the highest levels of production than any other kids’ network.
How can Asian broadcasters work with DreamWorks?
Eric: As for traditional free-to-air broadcasting, we’re partnering with our affiliates in each country to offer the best of selected content to broadcasters, while at the same time, supporting the profile and premium quality of the 24/7 DreamWorks channel.
