Gan Ling Sze Head of Content Sales, Asia, AETN International Asian markets are still very much glued to the genre of staged competitions, in the format similiar to Pop Idol and You Have Got Talent. While some channels will buy such formats, others are producing their own. Soap drama still tops the rating charts throughout Asia, and Korean drama is everywhere. However, there are signs that Taiwanese dramas led by young, attractive actors and actresses are gaining appeal among audience here. In … [Read more...] about Content à la carte
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Super-market sweep
Airin Zainul General Manager, Brand Management Group, 8TV Our viewers love all international shows, be it from Hollywood or the Asian region. At the same time, locally formatted shows of international franchises are also well received. However, nothing beats a homegrown programme with local relevance such as our Gol & Gincu, Sky (drama series), Ho Chak! (food magazine), Trippin’, Destinasi Bajet and Go Travel (travelogues). Ugly Betty and Princess Hours did well for syndicated programming … [Read more...] about Super-market sweep
Fighting the format rip-offs
The format business is bedevilled by a recurring problem in Asia and, indeed internationally: producers or broadcasters making a show which appears similar to an existing brand. Historically, many Chinese broadcasters have shown scant regard for copyright laws, and Korea and Taiwan have rarely bought formats from Western companies. So what can copyright owners do to protect their intellectual property? Legal action is one option, albeit expensive. The Format Recognition and Protection … [Read more...] about Fighting the format rip-offs
Formats flourish in the digital age
In the television word, Patrick Schult remembers a time when ‘interactivity’ meant folks sitting in their lounge room, screaming at the TV when a game show contestant didn’t know the answer to a question. “Now it means a lot more. With a growing plethora of media platforms, interactivity means getting our product as connected to each of these platforms as possible. This along with off-screen rights and in-program product/ brand integration is increasingly important to our … [Read more...] about Formats flourish in the digital age
Formats frenzy in Asia
The formats business in Asia is booming. Game shows are hot. So are dancing/singing shows. And comedy is fast becoming the new frontier for clever concepts that can travel. China is busily commissioning local versions of Western productions. Of the emerging markets, Vietnam is devouring numerous formats, and Pakistan is becoming more receptive. And telenovela producers see great scope in adapting their shows for Asian markets with local partners. Summing up the buoyant mood, Pierre Cheung, … [Read more...] about Formats frenzy in Asia
Thinking global, acting local for High School Musical 2
OverviewBased at the regional headquarters in Hong Kong, Simon George is responsible for directing the marketing strategies for Disney channelsacross the region, and overseeing the development of television franchises by working closely with other divisions of The Walt DisneyCompany. He joined the Company from Cartoon Network in October 2006 with extensive experience in marketing, brand management and commercial exploitation. His first major project in Asia -franchise management for the … [Read more...] about Thinking global, acting local for High School Musical 2