Local productions and Korean and Chinese dramas continue to monopolize eyeballs during prime-time on the major free-to-air broadcasters across much of the Asia-Pacific. But Big Brother is still going strong, Idols are popular and game shows are hot in many markets. Most US series are still relegated to late night or daytime slots on the leading networks. But if Steve Macallister, Senior Vice President and Managing Director of Buena Vista International Television (Asia Pacific) has his way, that … [Read more...] about Local content still in its prime
Co-Productions
Taboo TV
Whether you agree with it or not, the importance of adult content simply can’t be ignored. Just ask Sony, whose refusal to let its Betamax video-cassette be used by the adult entertainment industry is seen as the largest contributory factor to their loss of that particular format war. As for the TV content industry, the old adage that ‘wherever adult content goes, TV content will follow’ still rings true. From VHS to VCD, from DVD to downloads; now VoD and mobile offer … [Read more...] about Taboo TV
To market, to market
Maria Brown Managing Director, Programming & Acquisitions - Asian Food Channel Asian Food Channel (AFC) acquired, repackaged and reformatted a number of Asian titles which were well received across the region. Our unique platform and format places food-based content in the right context, with shows like Singapore’s Yummy King and $2 Wonderfood having done well as part of a pan-Asia programming strategy. Trends in food programming can be quirky and do not always follow larger programming … [Read more...] about To market, to market
ATV greets the future as it celebrates the past
With handsome new headquarters rising in Tai Po, four new HD channels on the way, and a recently-formed subsidiary ramping up drama production and expanding into artist management and live shows, Asia Television Limited (ATV) has its eyes firmly on the future. Chief Executive Chan Wing Kee underscores the upbeat mood at the company when he declares, “ATV will continue its success by focusing on Asia and breakthroughs in creativity. Our vision is to integrate Greater China and international … [Read more...] about ATV greets the future as it celebrates the past
The Death of Primetime?
A word of advice for budding techno-preneurs – if you’re planning to invent a new technology that can revolutionize the way people watch TV, try not to incur the wrath of Madison Avenue and the world’s multinational marketers by selling your device on the strength of its ability to skip television advertising. Such was the mistake made by firstmover manufacturers of PVR or DVR (personal or digital video recorders), who in attempting to be extremely user-friendly, proved to be … [Read more...] about The Death of Primetime?
India’s exit from cricket World Cup results in debate over ad money
New Delhi: Following India’s surprise first-round exit from the ongoing International Cricket Council’s (ICC) World Cup, being held in the West Indies, rights holder Sony Entertainment Television (SET) India has been embroiled in a major debate with advertisers and their media agencies over the huge investments incurred and value of such budgets.With television ratings expected to go down by over 30%, the industry is expected to incur losses worth US$33 million, whether SET and … [Read more...] about India’s exit from cricket World Cup results in debate over ad money