It was during a shoot in Bali that Malaysian filmmaker Justin Ong started hearing stories of a centuries old irrigation system that is still in use today. Such a mysterious system, considered to be “near perfect” by the locals was the impetus for Ong’s documentary Subak, one of the first documentaries to be commissioned for The Asian Pitch! (TAP), an initiative by NHK, KBS and MediaCorp, launched in 2006. “It was great timing,” Ong said. “Asia was becoming … [Read more...] about Pitchin’ in
Channel: Broadcaster
Philippines: Battle royale
The Philippines was the first country in Asia to ever have a movie industry. In fact, some of the earliest movies that came out of Asia were made in the Philippines. So important was the local movie industry been to Filipinos that over the years many movie stars have held important positions in local and national government. One – Joseph E. Estrada – even succeeded in winning the No. 1 position of president. In its heyday – up until the mid 90s – local film producers … [Read more...] about Philippines: Battle royale
India: A force to reckon with
This year marks a milestone for India television. For the first time it will cross the 50 per cent mark in terms of its advertising share. Advertising expenditure is expected to reach Rs.300 billion (US$6.6 billion) and the reach of TV in urban homes will be to the tune of 70 per cent and at an all-India level to the tune of 60 per cent. “The Indian TV market continues to grow primarily because we still have another 40 million homes, which don’t have TV sets,” said Mumbai-based … [Read more...] about India: A force to reckon with
Human Planet going global
London - BBC Worldwide has announced 22 sales of Human Planet, one of the natural history titles on its slate for BBC Showcase 2011. The eight-part co-production with Discovery Channel and France Television, has been sold to broadcasters in countries such as Japan (WOWOW), Italy (RAI), Israel (IBA), Slovakia (RTV Slovak), Spain (Wanda Films) and Thailand (Thai PBS) amongst others. Human Planet is the first programme from the BBC's Natural History Unit to focus entirely on human beings as a … [Read more...] about Human Planet going global
BBC Worldwide appoints Commercial Director for Indies and New Ventures
London - BBC Worldwide has appointed Simon Danker as its commercial director for independents and new ventures within the content & production business. Danker will be responsible for managing BBC Worldwide's relationships with independent production companies as well as driving the business forward into new commercial activities. The development of the team's digital initiatives will be a priority as well as providing a strategic overview of the business. Danker joined BBC Worldwide in 2000 as … [Read more...] about BBC Worldwide appoints Commercial Director for Indies and New Ventures
MediaCorp CEO Lucas Chow has resigned
Lucas Chow, CEO and Director of MediaCorp Pte Ltd. announced his resignation to the company's staff today. Mr Chow, who has held the top job at Singapore's state broadcaster since 2005, is expected to leave on 31 July 2011. Mr Teo Ming Kian, MediaCorp Chairman, said a committee has been established to consider a successor from both outside and within the company. Mr Chow said he plans to join another company which is in a different line of business. Before joining MediaCorp he was Chief … [Read more...] about MediaCorp CEO Lucas Chow has resigned