One of the most significant deals inked already this year is the partnership between ITV and Active TV, to form ITV Studios Asia. This potent mix capitalizes on the strengths of ITV’s popular shows with Active’s expertise in producing quality television in Asia. This new entity is not only a boon for ITV – one of the more recent channels to establish a base in Asia – but also for content providers and talent in this region. Speaking with E! News Asia host Dominic Lau at the launch of the partnership in Singapore last month, his excitement at the possibility of developing an Asian version of I’m a Celebrity…Get Me Out of Here!, for example, was palpable. And with ITV’s global distribution support, getting Asian made content into other markets will strengthen the region’s reputation as an international content provider. This investment in television here, its channels, talent and viewers, brings endless opportunities. Also making an impact is the wealth of documentaries being made across Asia. At last month’s Asian Side of the Doc, which I attended, 340 participants – including buyers from the U.S, Germany and France – discussed more than 100 documentary projects. The stories were eclectic, ranging from a Korean delivery man (“Uncle Joe”) who has become a bastion of hope – and banter – to 800 elderly villagers, to the pressing issue of education for the children of Chinese migrant workers who are not allowed to attend public school (A Class of their Own). Television in Asia is anything but ordinary. See you at MIPTV!