ITV

Tag: MDA

  • MIPCOM: Singapore brings fresh content for global market

    MIPCOM: Singapore brings fresh content for global market

    MUMBAI: Asia’s film and television industry has seen strong growth, rising prominence, and international recognition for its talent and content in the past year. Singapore’s newly-formed Info-communications Media Development Authority (IMDA) was established to keep pace with the growth in Asia and the rest of the world, further harnessing the opportunities arising from media convergence to spur new innovations in media and technology.

    This year, IMDA brings fresh content from Asia for the global market to MIPCOM 2016, leading a delegation of 14 Singapore media companies and presenting over 650 hours of compelling Asian stories across more than 40 titles. Launched on 1 October 2016 following the restructuring of the Info-communications Development Authority (IDA) and the Media Development Authority (MDA), IMDA will create a robust ecosystem to support innovation, transformation, and creation of content for business and for the community.

    Some key announcements include:

    Singapore-based August Media Holdings announced a licensing agreement with Epigram Books to adapt internationally-acclaimed children’s book series Sherlock Sam for television and film, with the TV programme currently scheduled for 2018. The Adventures of Sherlock Sam will be available at the MIPCOM trade market.

    One Animation (Oddbods, Insectibles) announced that it is continuing its rapid expansion with the hiring of animation industry heavyweight and producer, John McKenna, as studio head. McKenna, whose career has seen him set up and lead studios for Disney, Warner Bros. and 20th Century Fox, will oversee current productions as well as the development of new multiplatform properties.

    International trade partners at MIPCOM can network with the Singapore delegation during Singapore Hour, taking place today, 17 October, 4pm – 5pm at the Singapore Pavilion (P-1.C16, P-1.D15).

    This year, Singapore’s IMDA lead a delegation of 14 Singapore media companies to MIPCOM 2016, presenting over 650 hours of compelling Asian stories across more than 40 titles. The companies represented range from animation and factual content producers such as One Animation, Monstrou Studio and ActiveTV Asia; to content distributors like Sunrise Entertainment and Ying Group.

    Over the past year, the Asian film and television industry has seen strong growth, rising prominence, and international recognition for its talent and content. The newly-formed IMDA was established to keep pace with the growth in Asia and the rest of the world, further harnessing the opportunities arising from media convergence to spur new innovations in media and technology.

    Capturing the Asian voice; fresh Asian-themed content

    Barangay 143 is an original animated series about a lost youngster in search of a father, and how he finds an unlikely family in a team of misfits. Set against the action-packed world of street basketball, this story on love and family is co-produced by August Media Holdings (Singapore) and Synergy88 Entertainment Media Inc (Philippines), and is slated to be completed in 2017. Barangay 143 will be available for distribution in both English and Tagalog.

    Two coastlines, two visions, one big adventure! An iconic race across the Land of the Morning Calm, Going Koastal features two adventurous hosts as they trek 2,413km along the coastline of South Korea, discovering the diverse cultures, foods, festivals and geography along the peninsula. This travel series is being developed by IO Creative (Singapore) and Mountain TV (Korea), and has already gained interest from international broadcasters around the world.

    Anticipated titles to look forward to in 2017 and beyond; gearing up for exciting content & formats

    The Adventures of Sherlock Sam follows the mystery-solving exploits of smart, observant, food-loving, 10-year-old, Samuel Tan Cher Lock – Singapore’s greatest kid (a.k.a. Sherlock Sam). Singapore-based August Media Holdings announced last week a licensing agreement with Singapore publisher Epigram Books to adapt the award-winning children’s book for TV and Film, and the series will be available in 2018, starting with three languages – English, Bahasa Melayu and Bahasa Indonesia.

    Look at My Wedding is a fresh lifestyle programme looking at everything it takes to make a good wedding memorable. Look at My Wedding features exotic destinations include Bali, Byron Bay, Perth, Malaysia, Maldives, Singapore and Jakarta, and is slated to be completed in 2017 by TVS Asia and Sunrise Entertainment.

    Salam Ramadhan UK & Salam Ramadhan Korea follows the lives of Muslims living in the United Kingdom and Korea, and how they observe Ramadhan, the holiest month in the Islamic calendar. The brand new info-edutainment series presents the narratives of individuals from these local communities in an engaging and entertaining fashion, and is expected to be completed in 2017. Both series are produced by Monstrou Studio, in association with Clover Sky.

    Exciting Genres & Formats; offering refreshing perspective & innovative storytelling

    The Big Idea is a feature documentary with a focus on the new innovations and advances in science and technology happening at breakneck speed. Distributed by Singapore’s national broadcaster, Mediacorp, it attempts to distil the very technologies we believe have the potential to impact our lives.

    Combining motoring insights with charismatic high-profile celebrities from across Asia, Celebrity Car Wars is a new highly-entertaining reality series by ActiveTV Asia. Each hour-long episode follows the journeys of the guest celebrities as they are coached and cajoled by experts and put through challenges – while leaving viewers with motoring knowledge in an animated and entertaining manner.

    In Big Food, host Greta Georges discovers what it takes to make, manage and move massive amounts of food. This larger-than-life television series, produced by The Moving Visuals Co., will see her travelling the globe in search of the giants of the catering world – from a paella competition in Spain, a free kitchen feeding 80,000 people a day in Punjab, to a wedding for 1,400 guests in Singapore!

  • MIPCOM: Singapore brings fresh content for global market

    MIPCOM: Singapore brings fresh content for global market

    MUMBAI: Asia’s film and television industry has seen strong growth, rising prominence, and international recognition for its talent and content in the past year. Singapore’s newly-formed Info-communications Media Development Authority (IMDA) was established to keep pace with the growth in Asia and the rest of the world, further harnessing the opportunities arising from media convergence to spur new innovations in media and technology.

    This year, IMDA brings fresh content from Asia for the global market to MIPCOM 2016, leading a delegation of 14 Singapore media companies and presenting over 650 hours of compelling Asian stories across more than 40 titles. Launched on 1 October 2016 following the restructuring of the Info-communications Development Authority (IDA) and the Media Development Authority (MDA), IMDA will create a robust ecosystem to support innovation, transformation, and creation of content for business and for the community.

    Some key announcements include:

    Singapore-based August Media Holdings announced a licensing agreement with Epigram Books to adapt internationally-acclaimed children’s book series Sherlock Sam for television and film, with the TV programme currently scheduled for 2018. The Adventures of Sherlock Sam will be available at the MIPCOM trade market.

    One Animation (Oddbods, Insectibles) announced that it is continuing its rapid expansion with the hiring of animation industry heavyweight and producer, John McKenna, as studio head. McKenna, whose career has seen him set up and lead studios for Disney, Warner Bros. and 20th Century Fox, will oversee current productions as well as the development of new multiplatform properties.

    International trade partners at MIPCOM can network with the Singapore delegation during Singapore Hour, taking place today, 17 October, 4pm – 5pm at the Singapore Pavilion (P-1.C16, P-1.D15).

    This year, Singapore’s IMDA lead a delegation of 14 Singapore media companies to MIPCOM 2016, presenting over 650 hours of compelling Asian stories across more than 40 titles. The companies represented range from animation and factual content producers such as One Animation, Monstrou Studio and ActiveTV Asia; to content distributors like Sunrise Entertainment and Ying Group.

    Over the past year, the Asian film and television industry has seen strong growth, rising prominence, and international recognition for its talent and content. The newly-formed IMDA was established to keep pace with the growth in Asia and the rest of the world, further harnessing the opportunities arising from media convergence to spur new innovations in media and technology.

    Capturing the Asian voice; fresh Asian-themed content

    Barangay 143 is an original animated series about a lost youngster in search of a father, and how he finds an unlikely family in a team of misfits. Set against the action-packed world of street basketball, this story on love and family is co-produced by August Media Holdings (Singapore) and Synergy88 Entertainment Media Inc (Philippines), and is slated to be completed in 2017. Barangay 143 will be available for distribution in both English and Tagalog.

    Two coastlines, two visions, one big adventure! An iconic race across the Land of the Morning Calm, Going Koastal features two adventurous hosts as they trek 2,413km along the coastline of South Korea, discovering the diverse cultures, foods, festivals and geography along the peninsula. This travel series is being developed by IO Creative (Singapore) and Mountain TV (Korea), and has already gained interest from international broadcasters around the world.

    Anticipated titles to look forward to in 2017 and beyond; gearing up for exciting content & formats

    The Adventures of Sherlock Sam follows the mystery-solving exploits of smart, observant, food-loving, 10-year-old, Samuel Tan Cher Lock – Singapore’s greatest kid (a.k.a. Sherlock Sam). Singapore-based August Media Holdings announced last week a licensing agreement with Singapore publisher Epigram Books to adapt the award-winning children’s book for TV and Film, and the series will be available in 2018, starting with three languages – English, Bahasa Melayu and Bahasa Indonesia.

    Look at My Wedding is a fresh lifestyle programme looking at everything it takes to make a good wedding memorable. Look at My Wedding features exotic destinations include Bali, Byron Bay, Perth, Malaysia, Maldives, Singapore and Jakarta, and is slated to be completed in 2017 by TVS Asia and Sunrise Entertainment.

    Salam Ramadhan UK & Salam Ramadhan Korea follows the lives of Muslims living in the United Kingdom and Korea, and how they observe Ramadhan, the holiest month in the Islamic calendar. The brand new info-edutainment series presents the narratives of individuals from these local communities in an engaging and entertaining fashion, and is expected to be completed in 2017. Both series are produced by Monstrou Studio, in association with Clover Sky.

    Exciting Genres & Formats; offering refreshing perspective & innovative storytelling

    The Big Idea is a feature documentary with a focus on the new innovations and advances in science and technology happening at breakneck speed. Distributed by Singapore’s national broadcaster, Mediacorp, it attempts to distil the very technologies we believe have the potential to impact our lives.

    Combining motoring insights with charismatic high-profile celebrities from across Asia, Celebrity Car Wars is a new highly-entertaining reality series by ActiveTV Asia. Each hour-long episode follows the journeys of the guest celebrities as they are coached and cajoled by experts and put through challenges – while leaving viewers with motoring knowledge in an animated and entertaining manner.

    In Big Food, host Greta Georges discovers what it takes to make, manage and move massive amounts of food. This larger-than-life television series, produced by The Moving Visuals Co., will see her travelling the globe in search of the giants of the catering world – from a paella competition in Spain, a free kitchen feeding 80,000 people a day in Punjab, to a wedding for 1,400 guests in Singapore!

  • SSL to provide satellite for Azercosmos, Intelsat partnership

    SSL to provide satellite for Azercosmos, Intelsat partnership

    MUMBAI: Space Systems/Loral (SSL), which is a provider of commercial satellites, is selected to provide a communications satellite to Azercosmos, the national satellite operator of Azerbaijan.

     

    Under the strategic agreement with Intelsat, the satellite will be located at the 45 degrees east orbital location where it will provide service in Africa, Asia, Europe and the Middle East.

     

    “SSL has a long history of partnering with satellite operators. We look forward to supporting Azercosmos in its collaborative project with Intelsat by building the spacecraft that will help both Azercosmos and Intelsat meet their growth objectives,” said SSL president John Celli.

     

    Azerspace-2 will be Azercosmos’ second telecommunications satellite, and will expand on the current capacity of Azerspace-1. It will support growing demand for DTH, government, and network services in Europe, Central and South Asia, the Middle East and Sub-Saharan Africa. 

     

    For Intelsat, the satellite will provide continuity of service for the Intelsat 12 satellite currently stationed at 45 degrees East, an orbital location which hosts DTH platforms for Central and Eastern Europe as well as the Asia-Pacific region. Intelsat 38 will also provide connectivity for corporate networks and government applications in Africa. Intelsat 12 was also built by SSL and launched in 2000.

     

    “This new satellite will provide Azercosmos with additional capacity for the increasing demand in the region, and will allow us to continue to bring the best service to our customers. We are pleased to collaborate with two world leaders in the satellite industry,” added Azercosmos chairman and CEO Rashad Nabiyev.

     

    “Intelsat 38 is an example of the collaboration taking place across the satellite industry today. Our partnership with Azercosmos and SSL will enable us to meet the content distribution demands of viewers in Central Europe and Asia and provide corporate networks in Africa with the broadband connectivity they need to build and expand their businesses,” said Intelsat EVP and chief technical officer Thierry Guillemin.

     

    The satellite Azerspace-2/Intelsat 38, will be designed and built by SSL, a US company based in Palo Alto, California, and owned by MDA. As part of the agreement, MDA will provide knowledge transfer cooperation related to radar Earth observation directly to Azercosmos. The satellite design is based on the highly reliable SSL 1300 satellite platform that provides the flexibility for a broad range of applications and technology advances. It is scheduled for launch in 2017.

  • SingTel appeal over EPL cross-carriage rejected

    SingTel appeal over EPL cross-carriage rejected

    MUMBAI: Singaporean IPTV operator mioTV will have to share its English Premier League coverage with rival platform StarHub after losing an appeal seeking an exemption to the country’s cross-carriage rules for pay-TV content.

     

    In April, the Media Development Authority (MDA) ruled that SingTel-owned mioTV’s non-exclusive deal for EPL live matches for three seasons beginning this August triggers the “Cross-Carriage Measure,” which took effect in August 2011.

     

    Under the cross-carriage ruling, pay-TV platforms that acquired any exclusive content on or after 12 March, 2010, must make that programming available through the set-top boxes of other platforms. SingTel subsequently lodged an appeal against the MDA decision with the Minister of Communications and Information.

     

    “The minister’s decision to reject SingNet’s appeal was made based on the assessment of a number of factors,” a statement from the ministry said. “A key consideration was whether certain clauses in the agreement between SingNet and the Football Association Premier League prevent or restrict or are likely to prevent or restrict the EPL content from being acquired or otherwise obtained for transmission on selected network platforms in Singapore by other pay-TV operators.”

     

    “The minister considered the qualitative and quantitative effects of these clauses. The minister also noted that the key objectives of the cross-carriage measure include addressing the high degree of content fragmentation and encouraging pay-TV operators to shift from a content-centric strategy to other forms of competition, such as service and content innovation. Pay-TV operators should keep this in mind and continue to provide better value to the consumers. The minister has also suggested that MDA consider providing further guidance on the circumstances that may trigger the cross-carriage measure so that pay-TV operators can provide more certainty to consumers.”

     

    Customers on both platforms will be able to purchase an EPL stand-alone subscription, granting access to some nine channels, for S$59.90 ($47) a month.

  • BBC Worldwide, Beijing TV, MDA co-produce show ‘A History of Beijing’

    BBC Worldwide, Beijing TV, MDA co-produce show ‘A History of Beijing’

    MUMBAI: With international eyes turned towards Beijing as the city gears up to host China’s first Olympic Games, BBC Worldwide will take audiences on an in-depth tour of the Chinese capital and its people with a new series A History of Beijing.

    This regional co-production, with Beijing TV and the Media Development Authority of Singapore, marks the first such collaboration for BBC Worldwide’s Global Channels business since its launch in 2006.

    A History of Beijing showcases the rich history of the city taking audiences on a fascinating journey behind its growth – from its nomadic beginnings, to its iconic dynasties and today’s modern, thriving metropolis. Many of the ancient city’s greatest historical moments are recreated through stunning reconstructions.

    A special three-part version of the series will premiere first and exclusively on BBC Knowledge across Asia in August 2008. It will also be broadcast on BBC Knowledge in Poland and in some European territories on BBC Prime.

    The TV trade also got a first glimpse of the highly anticipated series at the BBC Showcase in Brighton, UK from 24 to 27 February.

    BBC Global Channels Asia-Pacific SVP and GM Christine Leo-McKerrow says, “Producing with Asian partners content that has relevance for regional and global audiences has been our intent since introducing the BBC-branded channels to this part of the world.

    “With the BBC being one of the world’s largest and most renowned producers of documentary programming, it is a natural progression for us to extend this expertise through local productions, and with local partners, such as Beijing TV.”

    “This series comes at a highly opportune time when there is a massive interest in China, and in particular, Beijing. Through this series, audiences can find a deeper understanding of Beijing and its people before the world descends on the ancient city in August,” adds Leo-McKerrow.

    BBC Knowledge celebrated its global launch in Singapore last July. Since then the channel has also launched in Hong Kong and Poland.

  • Media Development Authority of Singapore unveils two-tier license framework for IPTV

    Media Development Authority of Singapore unveils two-tier license framework for IPTV

     MUMBAI: The Media Development Authority of Singapore (MDA) has rolled out a new two-tier license framework for Internet Protocol Television (IPTV) that aims to further facilitate the growth of IPTV services in Singapore, to tangible benefits for the industry and consumers.

    “We took into consideration the developments in technology in a rapidly evolving media landscape and local industry feedback when factoring flexibility in this license framework to address the needs of niche IPTV players vis-à-vis mass market IPTV players while ensuring that consumer interests are not compromised,” explained MDA director media policy Ling Pek Ling.

    “This will enable the entry of more industry players looking to provide a wide range of IPTV services to consumers including those who are currently not served or not well served by existing broadcasters. At the same time, consumers can look forward to richer and diversified content.”

    In line with the new license framework, MDA has issued SingNet Pet Ltd, a wholly owned subsidiary of Singapore Telecommunications Limited, a Nationwide subscription TV service license to roll out commercial IPTV services.

    According to an official release, the tiered IPTV license framework offers service providers two types of licenses:

    – Nationwide subscription TV License: Players providing services that have wide reach (over 100,000 subscribers) and impact. They will be awarded a Nationwide License, similar to that for a mass market pay TV operator.

    – Niche Subscription TV License: This facilitates the entry of new niche players offering IPTV services which have limited reach (100,000 subscribers or less) and impact. The licensee would be subject to a lighter license framework. For example, niche licensees will not be required to carry the local free-to-air channels.

    Where the subscriber base exceeds 100,000 subscribers, the following secondary criteria will be used to determine if the operator can still qualify as a Niche player to allow those targeting niche market segments like the expatriate community and hotels to grow their business and improve their business case:

    – Location: whether the service is offered chiefly to specific non-residential locations in Singapore.

    – Language: whether there is a high percentage of foreign language content.

  • IDM R&D unveils initiatives to support local, international R&D needs

    IDM R&D unveils initiatives to support local, international R&D needs

    MUMBAI: The Interactive and Digital Media (IDM) Research and Development (R&D) Programme Office has unveiled its comprehensive initiatives to support and develop IDM R&D in Singapore. The move is already garnering local and international industry support.

    The news follows last year’s announcement that the National Research Foundation had allocated SGD $500 million (USD$325 million) over the next five years to fund the development of a strategic IDM research programme. The foundation was to set up a multi-agency IDM R&D Programme Office within the Media Development Authority of Singapore (MDA) to spearhead the growth and development of Singapore’s IDM sector.

    The following four initiatives have been formulated to create an effective IDM eco-system involving all stakeholders including entertainment companies, institutes of higher learning (IHLs) and consumers:

    Drive demand for IDM services: To anchor and jumpstart the demand for IDM services, the IDM R&D Programme Office will seek the proposals of companies interested in developing applications, services and platforms that could generate new business models.

    Grow a network of local and international research organisations to augment the capabilities of the local IDM sector: Under this initiative, the IDM R&D Programme Office will call for research proposals from the world’s top IHLs and Research Institutes (RIs) to address key focus areas and custom-tailor R&D results to the needs of both the local and larger international IDM industries.

    Encourage the generation of innovative ideas and projects for the IDM R&D landscape: An online virtual jam session for idea sharing, i.Jam will be piloted in late January 2007, encouraging consumers to contribute their ideas and explore R&D projects. Ideas with potential for commercialisation will be further supported by the IDM R&D programme office through mentors from the industry or IHLs. With a full-scale launch slated for July 2007, i.Jam is envisioned to be a platform to capture and nurture ideas into viable projects.

    Establish Singapore as an international test-bed for IDM-enabling infrastructure and applications: The funding of innovative applications and services generated by the IDM R&D Programme Office will be administered by MDA, the Economic Development Board (EDB) and the Infocomm Development Authority (IDA). This extensive governmental support will help elevate Singapore as a global R&D leader.

    Speaking on the issue , Mica permanent secretary Dr. Tan Chin Nam said, “The economic potential of IDM is tremendous and its impact transformational. Collectively, the implementation of the four initiatives, together with the efforts of the agencies including MDA, EDB, IDA, A*STAR, the Ministry of Education (MOE) and Mica, will help position Singapore as a global media city.”

    MDA CEO Christopher Chia added, “Going forward, as we prepare to move into the digital age, MDA will actively engage the community and work closely with our industry partners to ensure that consumers will enjoy more tangible benefits with the roll-out of these initiatives.”

    To provide focus for the R&D initiatives, three R&D directives have been identified:

    – Animation, games and effects – to strengthen investments in technology R&D, tools and platform development, as well as explore new genres.

    – Media intermediary services – to invest in technical capabilities in the organisation, distribution and security of digital media.

    – On-the-move media services – to invest in R&D to identify new ways of reaching and interacting with mobile-connected people who are always on the move.

    IDM R&D executive director programme office Michael Yap said, “We aim to bring together all the stakeholders including IHLs and businesses to build sustainable and vibrant industry sectors around these R&D focus areas. The four initiatives unveiled today provide the IDM R&D Programme Office with the necessary means to do so.”

    The IDM sector is projected to make a significant contribution to the growth of the media industry that aims to realise a value-added contribution of S$10 billion (UDS$ 6.5 billion), up from S$3.8 billion (USD$ 2.5 billion) in 2003, as well as create approximately 10,000 new jobs by 2015.

  • Singapore’s media industry projects unified front with ‘Singapore Media Fusion’ at MIPCOM 2006

    Singapore’s media industry projects unified front with ‘Singapore Media Fusion’ at MIPCOM 2006

    MUMBAI: The Singapore media industry will consolidate its presence in the global arena under a unified front called “Singapore Media Fusion”, showcasing the industry’s collective richness and diversity at Mipcom 2006.

    The project was initiated by Media Development Authority of Singapore (MDA) and developed in consultation with local industry players in a process spanning one year. It articulates the attributes of the media industry – the bold and creative energy inspired by the collision and fusion of different cultures in the cosmopolitan Asian city.

    This year, fifteen Singapore companies will be showcasing their products and services at the Singapore pavilion, highlighting the country’s ability to work across the entire range of media activities and genres – from creative services to post-production capabilities, from live-action documentaries to animation series.

    MDA Chairman Dr Tan Chin Nam, said, ” In addition to lending consistency to the manner in which the Singapore media industry is represented and promoted, ‘Singapore Media Fusion’ enhances Singapore’s profile at the international level by projecting a unique voice that harnesses the collective strengths of our media industry, both in the traditional and new interactive digital media space. At the same time, local industry partners can also look to ‘Singapore Media Fusion’ as a common platform to showcase their success, one that helps us to achieve our goal of becoming a global media city.”

    Commenting on the industry’s strategic positioning, Mr Tony Chow, Singapore’s Association of Independent Television Production Companies’ President said, “Singapore Media Fusion aptly describes the cultural diversity of our industry, and our position as an ideal East-West gateway.”

    Concurrently, an online portal singaporemediafusion.com will be launched to cultivate an online community of local and international media practitioners who are interested in the Singapore media scene, whether they are seeking content, co-production partners or specialised media services.

    In the last couple of years, Singapore’s media industry has made significant inroads into the international market, with a slate of co-production projects with leading international players across various platforms, and an increasing demand for made-by-Singapore content.

    Singapore’s media scene has never been more exciting. In content development, Singapore’s media companies have made strides in the global arena with leading international players including: House of Harmony, a Germany-Singapore telemovie production that premiered to close to seven million viewers in Germany on ZDF in October 2005; Secrets of Battleship Yamato, a US-Japan-Singapore television documentary which was beamed to households in US, Germany and across Asia; One Last Dance, a China-Singapore triad film thriller directed by Max Makowski and slated for release end of this year.

    Increasing awareness and demand for Singapore-made content internationally saw Singapore showcasing its productions at Tous les Cinémas du Monde (All the Cinema of the World) during April’s Cannes Film Festival; Zodiac-The Race Begins, Singapore’s first 3-D animated full-length feature, was sold to more than 20 countries since it was launched at Cannes Film Market in 2005; PS I Luv U, Asia’s first made-for-mobile phone Mandarin drama serial produced by Singapore, has been acquired by telcos in six Asian countries.

    This year, Singapore’s animation house Scrawl Studios, sold its 2-D animated TV series Nanoboy to Thailand and South Korea, while 3-D animated series Katakune, a Singapore-China co-production, has been pre-sold to China’s CCTV.