Ling-Sze Gan Content Sales, Asia, AETN International
Demand for our HD titles has been growing throughout Asia, particularly in Korea and Japan. There’s been a lot of interest from buyers in series such as The Universe, Lost Worlds, How the Earth Was Made, Dogfights, Engineering an Empire, among others.
Criss Angel Mindfreak continues to be our most popular series in the region. In addition to sales to broadcasters in individual Asian countries, AXN Asia also picked up the series to add to their mix of entertainment offerings to pan-Asian audiences.
CCTV’s acquisition of Criss Angel Mindfreak was an exciting development for us, as Chinese broadcasters generally air Chinese/ Asian entertainment programs, and there are a limited number of international acquisitions in the entertainment genre that make it to air in China.
Finally, we inked a major agreement with Thai PBS, one of our biggest successes for 2009. The deal includes key series from the HISTORY catalog, along with a number of episodes from our acclaimed BIOGRAPHY series.
Local content, including TV drama serials, variety shows and news still rank as the top program choices among Asian audiences. That said, more Asian cities are opening their respective markets for co-production opportunities with international content players, including China, Korea and Singapore. I believe we will start to see more Asian stories based upon international formats on television moving forward.
TV acquisitions executives are increasingly looking to add digital media rights, such as IPTV and VOD, to the broadcast rights they are acquiring, and I think this trend will continue to grow in 2010.
If 2008 was the year of the Olympics, 2009 was the year of the environment. Green and environment related documentary programming was very much in demand last year as Asian TV audiences became increasingly aware and interested in this topic.
Moving into 2010, the trend is moving back to factual programs that feature topics of universal human interest and that cut across cultural backgrounds.
Last year, many broadcasters cut back on their acquisition budgets, and some TV stations had to schedule more repeats in anticipation of a bad financial year-end.
Thankfully, the financial crisis was not as bad as many had predicted, and since the start of 2010, channels from across the region are buying again and gearing up for fresh content and schedules for the upcoming year.
Dr Christopher Chia Chief Executive Officer, Media Development Authority
Dinosaur Train, a collaboration between Singapore’s Sparky Entertainment and The Jim Henson Company has been telecast on US’ PBS Channel and it was one of the highest rated kids’ programmes on PBS in December 2009. It has also been named by People Magazine as one of the year’s Best New Kids’ Shows for 2009. The 40-episode series has also secured sales in Latin America, Finland, France, Italy, Norway, Portugal, Spain, Sweden, Poland, Croatia, the Middle East, Australia, and Canada.
In addition, The Little Nyonya, a 34-episode serial produced MediaCorp and supported by MDA, made TV history when it became the mostwatched drama in Singapore in the last 15 years. It has been sold to countries such as China, Malaysia, Cambodia, Vietnam and Hong Kong.
Asia is experiencing an increasing appetite for Asian-produced content. Localised content, especially drama, is a big hit with Asian viewers. Singapore producers are responding to this trend by producing Asian-themed content. Sun Tzu: War on Business is a 13-part reality series featuring Dot.com millionaire and Apprentice runner-up, James Sun, as he helps turn businesses around using the principles of the Art of War, an ancient Chinese text. Co-produced by The Right Angle Media and China Multimedia Networks, and distributed by BBC Worldwide, the series will premiere across Asia on Channel NewsAsia International in the first half of 2010. In addition, we see demand for content emphasising on multi-platform delivery.
This is also where MDA’s support is geared towards. Last year, MDA supported Lonely Planet – Roads Less Travelled. It is a collaboration between Lonely Planet Television (LPTV), Beach House Pictures (BHP) and BBC Worldwide that demonstrates an integrated approach to building multi-platform IP – a franchise spanning a 13-part TV series, website, DVD, mobile/ web-TV, book and magazine.
In light of the current economic climate, buyers have become more selective in their choice of acquisitions. Long-running series format (content with more episodes), and high-end showpieces presented in single hour or short series seem to be the trend for broadcasters, and our producers are catering to this demand. They are also looking into content for other platforms such as online, mobile like the iPhone. Over the past year, MDA supported the build up of our producers’ capabilities in Content 360TV with development funding via collaborations with other agencies (ScreenWest of Australia, UK’s Southwest Screen), broadcaster (All Asia AETN All Asia Networks) and distributor (FreemantleMedia Enterprises) which amount to a total of USD3.9M.
Alejandro Toro Canal Sales Executive Asia & Africa, Caracol TV
Our biggest sales success in 2009 was being able to enter the Chinese market selling our hit telenovela Luna the Heiress to CCTV. We also entered the format market in Vietnam selling the format of Roman x 2 which will be aired in the second semester of 2010.
We saw an emerging trend of format demands in countries like Vietnam where this was not a custom in the past and we see that Indonesia, Philippines and Malaysia are now getting more dynamic and are producing more every time. We have better perspectives for this year. Clients are going out to the market to search for new content.
The economic downturn has not affected our market much in Asia. Our sales in Asia have grown in the past year and we are establishing good relationships with our new clients. Clients are looking for value added products that attract their audiences for extended periods of time with good quality and at fair prices.
In 2010, we have high hopes for Pretty Ceci and Mr. Indiscreet, The Mafia Dolls and our new telenovela, Mariana & Scarlett.
Raphael Correa Netto Head of International Sales, Globo TV International
In 2009, Globo TV International consolidated itself in the market by offering products of different genres, without forgetting to successfully commercialize the telenovelas, which is its main driver. The Favorite and Two Faces, for example, were the biggest hits of last year. The Favorite was sold to 21 countries and Two Faces was sold to 16.
Among the highlights for 2009, it’s also worth emphasizing the performance of the comedy series like The Cleaning Lady. The show is in its third season and was sold to 21 countries, with Malaysia, Ecuador and Russia standing out. Last year, we officially entered the non-scripted program segment, and since then, we’ve been in negotiation with channels in different parts of the world.
We seek to understand the necessities of the market and offer programs that can adapt themselves to the programming strategies of that region. We know that multi-content is becoming more and more important and following this tendency, Globo TV International has closed some good deals. We’re among the companies that rely on a complete portfolio diversification. Globo TV International is betting on coproductions and formats as the big trend for 2010.
The producer launched The Clone with Telemundo and announced a partnership with Mexican TV Azteca for the production of Louco Amor. In 2010, we’ll continue looking for strategic partners for international co-productions. For example negotiations are already underway in the Iberian Peninsula and the US. So, we hope to have good news to announce throughout the year.
The formats are also right up there. Globo TV International will bring two new items: the first is Profession Reporter, an original program of reality journalism that reveals what’s behind the scenes of the news and shapes new talents. It’s currently on air at TV Globo with 14 million viewers weekly. Sketch it Out has already been the audience leader for eight years, being broadcast during Brazilian prime time.
Stephen Driscoll VP International Sales, ALL3MEDIA International
Our biggest sales successes in 2009 include the travel series Piers Morgan On (6 x 1 hour), which sees the former newspaper editor turned interviewer and talent judge offering a unique view on major global destinations; youth drama Skins (37 x 1 hour); Fifth Gear (30 x ½ hour ongoing), an informative motoring entertainment series; Chinese Food Made Easy (6 x ½ hr), the compelling series featuring Ching-He Huang, the brightest star in modern Chinese cookery; George Gently (9 x 90 mins), starring Martin Shaw as the renowned detective who has escaped 1960s London for the seemingly peaceful hills of Northumbria; and Midsomer Murders (81 x 2 hours). There is continued demand for lifestyle and crime programming across the region as well as big budget documentaries and event dramas. Demand for HD programming has also risen with new HD services now available.
New channels are being launched across Asia by a number of major players which is creating a very competitive market. So although budgets are under pressure, demand remains high for strong content. Buyers continue to be focused on long running successful brands that can be stripped across the schedule.
Undercover Boss (1 hour series continuing) has been a big hit for CBS in the States and we are closing a number of deals that we will announce at MIP-TV. This series has really captured the current economic mood and I feel that its mix of strong characters, uplifting storylines and big business will have high appeal for audiences.
Going Postal, a 2 x 2 hour HD fantasy mini-series, which is based on the novel by Terry Pratchett, will be our big launch for MIP-TV. Pratchett’s novels are known the world over and Mob Films production has really brought this story to life with fantastic special effects and a highly entertaining script. Mini-series aimed at a family audience are perfect for holiday schedules and we have a number of buyers following this production keenly.
Arturo Casares Cortina Advisor, Asian countries, China, Televisa Internacional
Fighting Youya! adapted from Televisa’s original format Dumb Girls Don’t Go to Heaven, did very well in China on Dragon TV. On the international front, Don’t mess with an Angel was very successful in terms of sales and ratings.
In China, we sold Dear Enemy and we believe it will become very successful in the market.
In China, Korean dramas were down and that allowed us to gain some space in the minds of the networks.
Also the internal rearrangements of SMG will have an important impact on the Chinese media landscape.
In light of the recession, I think there would be less production and more demand of cost-effective content. Partnerships will be the name of the game.
We’re still promoting Don’t mess with an Angel because it is a family drama with a very powerful story that has big potential in Asia.
For Love or Money is a recent success for us in Mexico and we believe it has huge adaptation potential.
Televisa has a very sound base and is well prepared for a more complex and interesting entertainment world as the one we have ahead.
Grace Chan Executive Director, Syndication, Asia Pacific, Turner International Asia Pacific Ltd.
We had a great response to our entertainment offerings last year with interest in our content that spanned the news, kids, movies and general entertainment genres.
Some of our hottest properties were Cartoon Network’s two original movies, Race Against Time and Alien Swarm which were popular with free to air channels. truTV’s line up of actuality-based content; Smoking Gun Presents, Haunting Evidence Specials and World’s Wildest Vacation Videos proved that there is an appetite for real, unscripted drama in Asia. In addition, Robot Chicken and Harvey Birdman from Adult Swim were also success stories for Turner.
Format rights and game shows were in demand in 2009 and we anticipate that this trend will continue this year. Turner is home to some fantastic original productions and we are exploring how these can align with today’s market trends. An example is M.A.D., a multiple award winning program on POGO in India, which features Music Art and Dance for children. Given the international interest in this show it is now available as a format.
Buyers were slow and cautious in acquiring last year, but they have not stopped considering high quality programs.
Turner has an exciting line up of news and entertainment content available and we’ll be continually adding to the inventory to keep the viewer experience fresh and engaging. We’re very excited about the content from our newly launched channel truTV, where shows such as Disorder in the Court; Conspiracy Theory of Jesse Ventura; new seasons of World’s Wildest Vacation Videos and Smoking Gun Presents are sure to appeal to audiences across the region.
Turner’s high quality HD lifestyle programs from our two channels in Japan, Tabi and Mondo 21 will be a key focus. We’re also representing the 3D animation FREEJ from Lammtara Pictures, while CNN’s Talk Asia and Hollywood Reporter remain popular programs for syndication.
Ganesh Rajaram Senior Vice President, International Distribution and Home Entertainment, Asia, FremantleMedia Enterprises
Our big brands went from strength to strength – Merlin, American Idol, America’s Got Talent, Project Runway, True Beauty all performed very well in 2009. Our branded lifestyle content including Jamie Oliver, Martha Stewart, Swords: Life on the Line and Tornado Road were also big successes last year.
Good reality programmes were very popular in 2009 and will continue to be in 2010 – American Idol, with new host Ellen Degeneres, is already breaking all sorts of ratings records in Asia. I also see an increased demand for lifestyle and factual content as there are more speciality channels emerging. Brands like Jamie Oliver, Martha Stewart and factual titles from Original Productions, Travel Channel and Atlantic Productions will do well.
Programmers have become more prudent with programme selections and approval processes, and clients take longer as more layers are involved. Inventory is also under more scrutiny where stocks are only replenished on a case by case basis. And of course cash flow is always a problem in some markets because of the recession.
FME is fortunate in that programmers will very often opt for tried and tested brands such as American Idol, Project Runway, Jamie Oliver, Martha Stewart, etc. We also have some of the best content across a wide variety of genres so there is always something in our catalogue that will appeal to a broadcaster.
Apart from our blockbuster returning series and franchises, I’m very excited about some new titles that we are bringing to the market: Jamie Oliver’s Food Revolution sees him taking on the challenge of changing American food habits; Nigel Marven gets up close and personal with Pandas in Nigel Marven’s Panda Adventure; and we’ve got some exciting new entertainment series like Kell on Earth and What Chilli Wants. We definitely have something for everyone this year!
Lanny Huang General Manager, Playboy TV Asia & Japan
Playboy TV Asia is happy that the Playboy HD programming are well appreciated and are now distributed to the leading HD carriers of some Asia region. The HD titles with the regular SD titles are a bundle sales that contributed to revenues in 2009 and 2010. Also since Playboy HD is shot in true HD, many operators really appreciate the high quality production.
The content demand is more on branding programming since the acquisition budget is cut from buyers. I am optimistic with HD programming and even soon 3D programming.
Buyers’ budget is cut so many programs are repeated. Yet we see new channels and new programming are launching in end 2009 and in 2010. The alternate genres are being explored.
In 2010, we will maintain HD format (true HD) programming and true HD channels are the important content & programs, plus the new 3D ‘Side by Side’ programs that can be viewed by 3DTV.
Michelle Wasserman Head of International Distribution, Programming, Formats & Production Services, Telefe International
The romantic comedy ‘Los Exitosos Pells’ (The Successful Mr. and Mrs. Pells) and our new entertainment prime time show ‘Justo a Tiempo’ (Just in Time) were definitely our best sellers in 2009. We did very well with the teen series ‘Casi Angeles’ (Teenangels) new seasons (3 seasons up to 2009), therefore a fourth season will be coming up in 2010; and we continued performing amazingly well with ‘Manos Magicas’ (Trick and Treat with the Magic Hands) worldwide.
Creativity is the key to success. The concept: different stories in terms of formats, and talking about ready mades, new and different stories go along with outstanding production values. Formats are in the eye of the storm again because many production companies have limited budgets for creation and a very small margin to fail, thus leaning toward proven hits. On the other hand, ready mades are the most coveted by the channels to fill their grids, but not if they have to sacrifice format acquisition. Telenovelas have the advantage of the genre, the low cost, the viewer’s fiidelity that generates high ratings and thus publicity. With this scenario, Telefe International managed to adjust the sales strategy according to the region.
James Ross Regional Director for Asia, ITV Studios
There was growth of ITV programme sales right across the region, but particularly in China, Korea, Taiwan and Singapore. We have had successes particularly with cable/satellite licensing and also with IPTV for VOD services.
One example of this would be the deal to air a large amount of ITV programming as part of SingTel’s VOD package with Mio TV. We have also been developing the format market with new local versions of international hit shows. For instance we made an Indian version in Hindi, filmed in Malaysia, of I’m a Celebrity (Get Me Out of Here).
The trend across the industry was that generally people bought less new content – that’s the inescapable truth! That was partly a direct result of the financial downturn – less advertising revenue meant less cash for acquisitions, and partly that in some markets the relative weakness of the US dollar meant that acquisitions departments could buy less with their local currencies.
This was a particular problem in Korea. One by-product of the downturn has been that broadcasters are making more lowpriced entertainment and reality content, particularly studio based shows. Acquisition executives and programmers have been focused on how to maintain audience with no increase (and in some cases a decrease) in expenditure. Local shows are sometimes cheaper to produce than to acquire relatively expensive ‘international’ content.
In 2010, I have high hopes for the dramas The Prisoner, Bouquet of Barbed Wire and Poirot: Murder on the Orient Express, as well as the documentaries I Shouldn’t Be Alive and Survival with Ray Mears.
Also on the entertainment front, Four Weddings; Dancing On Ice; Marco’s Kitchen Burnout; Chinese Food In Minutes; and Future Food will do well.
Manuel Perez Vice President & CFO of Venevision International
Venevision International will be presenting at MIPTV 2010 the telenovela, Sacrificio de mujer (A Woman’s Sacrifice).
Clemencia’s life was shattered 20 years ago when she was abandoned by the man she loved and her newborn baby was abducted. Now a successful, yet bitter, businesswoman, she is harshly confronted by her past – discovering that the young woman she is bent on destroying is her long-lost daughter and the love she once felt for the man who deceived her is still very much alive.
Sacrificio de mujer stars Marjorie de Sousa and Juan Alfonso Baptista.
