Editorial Director
Janine Stein
janine@contentasia.tv
Events Manager
CJ Yong cj@contentasia.tv
ContentAsia Marketing & Awards
Heather Berger awards@contentasia.tv
Production
Rae Yong Research
Rhealyn Rigodon iyah@contentasia.tv
Associate Publisher (Americas, Europe) and VP, International Business Development
Leah Gordon leah@contentasia.tv
Assistant Publisher (Asia/Middle East)
Malena Amzah malena@contentasia.tv
What is ContentAsia?
ContentAsia is an Asia-based multi-platform information resource that refines today’s info-deluge into usable, digestible and reliable intelligence about video content creation, funding, financing, licensing, & distribution across the Asia-Pacific region.
To receive your regular free copy of ContentAsia, please email contentasia@contentasia.tv
ABS-CBN Studios
ABS-CBN Broadcast Center
Sgt. Esguerra Avenue corner Mother Ignacia Street, Diliman, Quezon City, 1103 Philippines
E: internationalsales@abs-cbn.com
W: https://www.abs-cbn.com/internationalsales
Who’s who...
Pia Laurel
Sales Head, OTT and Co-production
E: Pia_Bacungan-Laurel@abs-cbn.com
Whatsapp/Viber: +63 917 5372573
Laarni Yu
Sales Head, Europe, MENA, and Africa | Airlines
E: Laarni_Yu@abs-cbn.com
Whatsapp/Viber: +63 917 569 8531
Wincess Lee
Sales Head, Asia and Latin America
E: Wincess_Lee@abs-cbn.com
Whatsapp/Viber: +63 998 991 5838
As part of our commitment to creating meaningful stories that promote the human good, we’re bringing invigorating genres, beyond those we are more known for, to existing and new partners while elevating the local drama production scene. This is evident in our action-packed series, Incognito. We’re constantly opening up new opportunities for our stories to reach even more viewers, by forging mutually beneficial partnerships and getting more of our dramas adapted in the region. This year, we are also putting a stronger focus on our internationallyrecognized game shows, which we believe have the universal appeal and makings of the next big hit.”
Pia Laurel, Sales Head, OTT and Co-production
Since 1953, ABS-CBN has been a premiere source of high-quality Filipino content and primarily involved in high caliber productions for television, online and over-the-top platforms, cable, satellite, cinema, events and radio, for both domestic and international markets. ABS-CBN’s road to transformation provided not only strong affinity with the local audiences, but also agility in going global, with 60,000+ hours sold worldwide in over 50 territories.
Genres
We have everything from FTV-ready romance and family dramas to exciting action and thriller series, both in long form and compressed 20-hour formats. We’re also building our non-scripted IP slate, adding in the recent winner from MIPFormats Pitch 2025: physical game show Save Your Cash to join our other awardwinning game show Everybody, Sing!
Original production/ co-production
Our new action series INCOGNITO – first seen on Netflix Philippines – has been at the top since its launch. It delves into the lives of seven disillusioned people who unite to engage in high-stakes missions. We pulled out all the stops for this drama, with the powerhouse cast training in martial arts, tactical combat and war games to properly portray the relevant expertise on screen – set against breathtaking shooting locations around Italy, Japan and of course, picturesque Philippines.
SAVING GRACE, our adaptation of Nippon TV’s Mother; launched on Prime Video months before TV release, the drama explores the complexities of motherhood when a school teacher whisks away an abused student in an effort to save her. Our version emphasizes strong familial and community ties central to Filipino culture. As a result, a rich, cross-cultural viewing experience awaits our international audiences. The special 14-episode edit exclusive to the platform also topped the charts.
Our newest co-prod. with Viu, HOW TO SPOT A RED FLAG, just ended its run this February. The romcom follows a spunky barista torn between a quirky nice guy and a confident bad boy who are both catfishing her. Marking the two companies’ 2nd project together, the series touches on youth-oriented insights into topics like the “talking stage” and “ghosting”, while tackling real lessons on cheating and how genuine relationships blossom.
Supernatural horror feature film project HYSTERIA, winner of the ATF x EST N8 Horror Pitch 2024 in Singapore, tells the story of a self-righteous priest seeking to end a wave of demonic possessions in a town trapped in its own contradictory beliefs, only to uncover a dark past and his own role in the dreadful phenomenon. We are currently looking for co-producers for this latest IP.
Top shows are…
Incognito
Brought together by a rigid tactician, a group of ex-soldiers form a unit to undertake perilous contracts. But as they entrench themselves deeper into covert missions, they unwittingly uncover a powerful enemy. Episodes/length: approx. 60x45 mins
Saving Grace
Learning that a student of hers is being abused at home, a schoolteacher impulsively takes the girl away from her mother. The story soon attracts the attention of a seasoned journalist whose expertise lies in reuniting families. Episodes/length: approx. 38x45 mins
Lavender Fields
Unaware that she got involved with a married man, the life of a reserved florist is upended when her baby is kidnapped as the man’s ruthless wife and her crime lord father target her. Now, to get even, a name change is required –among other things. Episodes/length: 44x45 mins
Boat Rocker
310 King Street East Toronto, Ontario
Canada, M5A 1K6
T: +1 416 591 0065
W: www.boatrocker.com
Asia: 17/F, Millennium City 3 370 Kwun Tong Road, Kwun Tong Kowloon, Hong Kong
T: +852 3759 1676
Who’s who...
Henry Or SVP, Strategic Partnerships Asia
E: Henry@boatrocker.com
Fabien Ching
Senior Manager, Global Sales & Licensing, Asia
E: Fabien@boatrocker.com
W: www.boatrockercontentsales.com
Trends & Outlook 2025
2024 was a turbulent year for the TV industry, and it will be no surprise to see the same in 2025 with potentially more M&A and over-supply of content due to fewer buyers. We may see more co-productions as producers are de-risking investment by sharing rights among partners in different regions. Additional consolidation in the streaming sector is also possible, as the number of SVOD services in each country is expected to peak with some trying to stay afloat.”
Asia focus in 2025
To address all those challenges, we have already expanded into scripted format licensing last year. In addition to formats, we own, we helped broker 3rd party format for our Chinese producers. Our company is also taking a lead in a tripartite co-production that involves partners from Europe and Asia on a new scripted project. We value the importance of our traditional distribution business, but we also see the importance of diversification so we will be creative and innovative, not just in production, but how we operate our business in Asia.”
Henry Or SVP, Strategic Partnerships Asia
Boat Rocker is an independent, integrated entertainment company that specialises in the development, production, and distribution of premium, award-winning global content, and franchises across all major genres via its Scripted, Unscripted, and Kids & Family divisions. Boat Rocker distributes and licenses thousands of hours of its own and third-party content around the world through its Rights & Brands division. For more information, please visit www.boatrocker.com.
Genres
Scripted, Factual, Kids & Family (live action & animation), Feature Documentary.
Original production/co-production
In 2024, Boat Rocker has partnered with New Zealand’s Great Southern Studios and UK-based Sinner Films to produce The Ridge, a new six-part premium scripted psychological thriller series for BBC Scotland and Sky New Zealand. Boat Rocker will distribute the series globally.
Top shows are…
Mix Tape
Daniel was the first boy to make Alison a mix tape. That was twenty years ago and Alison hasn’t thought about him in a very long time. Decades later, Daniel follows her on Twitter, with a link to a song from their shared past. For two blissful minutes, Alison is no longer a wife and mother in Sydney; she is sixteen in Sheffield, dancing in polka-dot leggings. She cannot help but respond in kind. And so begins a new mix tape. Alison and Dan exchange songs – some new, some old – across oceans and time zones, across a lifetime of different experiences. They have spouses and families of their own now, but they’re not really breaking any rules, are they? Until one of them does something that will change everything... Mix Tape is based on the critically acclaimed novel of the same name from former BBC producer, Jane Sanderson Genre: Scripted Drama. Episodes/length: 8x30 mins
Dino Ranch: Island Explorers
Dino Ranch: Island Explorers sees the Cassidy Clan getting ready for the adventure of a lifetime, filled with humour, peril, and fun. It’s time to trade their cowboy hats for explorer hats and head to the mysterious and exotic Dino Island. Uncle Jack Cassidy lives on the island which is teeming with brand new dinosaur species, humongous insects and prehistoric amphibians. Join Jon, Min, Miguel and their trusty dinos, as they explore the Island’s dino filled jungle, active volcano, and the previously undiscovered world under the water. Genre: Kids & Family, Comedy/Adventure/Pre-School. Episodes/length: 52x11 mins
Claw Hunter
Claw Hunters follows five bold lobster harvesters as they navigate the extreme weather of the North Atlantic in search of red gold. Steeped in tradition and generations of experience, these five Captains face perilous challenges and treacherous waters fishing during the most difficult time of the year. Risking their lives for their livelihood. With unparalleled access, every episode reveals new battles fought to get live-catch to its final destination. As these Skippers steam on, audiences get a first-hand account of the highs and lows of Lobster harvesting and why this red gold means so much to the market and to the men and women who fish it. Genre: Unscripted, Factual Entertainment. Episodes/length: 8x60 mins
Tuzak
Three siblings, scarred by a broken past, unite for revenge. Their target: a wealthy family harboring dark secrets. But hidden identities and conflicting loyalties threaten their plan. Umut, disguised as a lawyer, finds himself falling in love with Güne ş , the object of his revenge, and conflicting loyalties threaten their plan. As love and vengeance clash, truth unravels, forcing everyone to choose a side. Who is bad, who is real, who is fake? Who will win this twisted game of betrayal? Genre: Drama. Production: Acun Medya & Fabrika Yapım. Cast: Akın Akınözü, Bensu Soral, Talat Bulut, Rıza Kocao ğ lu.
Episodes/length: 82x45 mins
Poison Ivy
Though Macide comes from a poor family, she leaves a successful business career in order to use her psychology degree and work healing others. She falls madly in love with Kazım Işık, the smartest and the most successful businessman in the country, who finally returns her love at his weakest moment. However Kazım Işık is married to Nermin. Can he protect Macide from the cruelty of the rich and powerful life he created? Can Macide preserve the purity, innocence, and sensitivity she had when she first met Kazım? This is the story of a young woman who falls in love for the first time and heals herself by healing others, a love story that tells of two souls finding each other, despite the whole world, despite even themselves. Genre: Drama. Production: TMC Film & Alim Yapım. Cast: Neslihan Atagül Doğulu, Kadir Doğulu, Sarp Levendoğlu, Zuhal Olcay.
Episodes/length: 83x45 mins
The Ivy
A woman running out of the crime scene covered in blood: Ezgi… A woman whose dead body is lying on the ground: Arzu… Flashback to when this story begins, when Ezgi’s seemingly perfect life with her husband, Kerem, takes a dark and twisted turn, the moment a stranger claims Kerem wants to kill her. As Ezgi grapples with trust, she forms an unlikely bond with newcomer Arzu, who inadvertently sparks chaos in their housing complex. Friendships crumble and dark truths emerge, culminating in Arzu’s murder. The police investigation unveils a tangled web of deception, secret affairs, and lies within the community, where no one is who they seem. Genre: Drama, Crime, Mystery. Production: TOD Originals. Cast: Burcin Terzioglu, Onur Tuna, Hazal Turesan, Yigit Kirazci.
Episodes/length: 16x60 mins
Love Undercover
Onur Karasu, a brilliant young intelligence agent known for his analytical mind and diverse skills, has been trailing Civan Koral, who appears as the owner of a prestigious jewelry company but secretly represents an international crime syndicate. Learning of Civan’s plan to leave the country, Onur changes tactics, romancing Hilal, Civan’s sister, to gain access. However, a masked jewel thief, revealed to be Ece, beats him at his own game. Ece threatens to expose Onur unless they collaborate. Their tumultuous, fun, and dangerous relationship gradually brings them closer together. as they fall deeply in love. But both carry hidden truths. Can love triumph over adversity? Together, they’ll discover the answer. Genre: Romantic Comedy. Production: O3 Media. Cast: Şükrü Özyıldız, Burcu Özberk, Tuğrul Tülek, Aslı Sümen.
Episodes/length: 28 x 45 mins
Asia focus in 2025
Our primary focus for the region is to broaden our distribution channels across both traditional TV and emerging VOD platforms by licensing our extensive catalogue of ready-made content. We are excited about the potential of our latest drama series, VALLEY OF HEARTS (Siyah Kalp), which is well-positioned for success in the SAARC region. Alongside this, we are actively pursuing licensing deals for both scripted and unscripted formats. Following our recent success with the Korean remake of our romantic comedy, LOVE UNDERCOVER (Ruhun Duymaz), we are now in advanced discussions for additional remake projects. Complementing our series, mini-series and feature films is a dynamic format catalogue that spans dating, reality, and music shows – exemplified by our newly launched singing competition, CROSSOVER, where contestants perform across various musical genres.”
Pelin Koray, Senior Sales, Acquisition and Strategy Manager
NBCUniversal Global TV Distribution
W: www.nbcuniversal.com
Singapore (Asia HQ): 10 Collyer Quay, #20-05/10, Ocean Financial Center, Singapore 049315
T: +65 6675 1296
Japan: Atago Greenhills MORI Tower, Atago 2-5-1, Minato-ku, Tokyo 105-6208 Japan
T: +81 3-6860-8967
Korea: 13th Fl. D1, D Tower, 17 Jong-ro 3-gil Jongno-gu, Seoul, Korea 03155
China: Room 1903-1908, ICC Office Building 2, No. 288 South Shaanxi Road, Shanghai, China, 200031
Who’s who... SALES
Chris Taylor Managing Director, APAC, TV Distribution and International Networks & DTC
E: chris.taylor@nbcuni.com
Rajiv Dhawn SVP, Sales Liaison, Asia
E: Rajiv.Dhawn@nbcuni.com
Atsushi Miyasaka SVP, Sales Liaison, Japan & Korea
E: Atsushi.Miyasaka@nbcuni.com
Barry (Bumsun) Choi VP, Sales Liaison, Japan & Korea
E: Bumsun.Choi@nbcuni.com
Jessy Tse VP, Sales Liaison
E: Jessy.Tse@nbcuni.com
Susan Liu Director, Sales Liaison China
E: susan.liu@nbcuni.com
Gorden Li Manager, Sales Liaison
E: Gorden.Li@nbcuni.com
Yuki Yoshida Sales Manager, Japan
E: Yuki.Yoshida@nbcuni.com
Lynn Zhou Manager, Sales Liaison (China & Mongolia)
E: Lynn.zhou@nbcuni.com
PRODUCTION
Linfield Ng VP, Format Sales & Production Asia
E: Linfield.Ng@nbcuni.com
NBCUniversal Global TV Distribution is responsible for licensing and distributing NBCUniversal product to all linear and streaming platforms in North America and 200+ territories internationally. This includes a vast and diverse content portfolio of over 6,500 feature films and 170,000 television episodes, including current and classic titles, unscripted, kids, sports, news, and long and shortform programming from Universal Pictures, Focus Features, Universal Television, UCP, Universal International Studios, Sky Studios, Universal Television Alternative Studio, NBC Late Night properties, DreamWorks Animation, Universal Pictures Content Group, Telemundo, and more, as well as locally produced content from around the world.
Genres
We license film and TV content from all genres.
Original production/co-production
NBCUniversal Formats, which is part of Universal International Studios, a division of Universal Studio Group, is the global sales team for scripted and unscripted formats. In 2024, the division strengthened its presence across Asia, including continued distribution of Korean formats – My Ranking (DiTurn) and Drive Thru-Oke (Space Rabbit); Spanish formats – 20 Little Piggy Banks and Don’t Say It (Phileas Productions) and The Secret Game Show Season 2, co-produced with ABC Japan, returned. In India, major first launches were secured, with Million Dollar Listing India on Sony Liv and Monk India debuting this year on JioHotstar, in addition to returning series SNL Korea (Coupang Play), Hollywood Game Night Thailand (Channel 3), and Singer Auction Vietnam (VTV3).
Top shows are…
All Her Fault
Marissa Irvine (Sarah Snook, Succession) arrives to collect her young son Milo from his first playdate, but the woman who answers the door isn’t a mother she recognizes. She doesn’t have Milo and has never heard of him. And so, begins every parent’s worst nightmare.
Devil in Disguise: John Wayne Gacy
This gripping drama series peels back the twisted layers of Gacy’s life while weaving in heartrending stories of his victims; exploring the grief, guilt, and trauma of their families and friends, and exposing the systemic failures, missed opportunities and societal prejudices that fueled his reign of terror.
Suits LA
Ted Black (Stephen Amell, Arrow), a former New York federal prosecutor, has reinvented himself representing the most powerful clients in Los Angeles. His firm is at a crisis point, and he must embrace a role he’s disdained his entire career. Ted is surrounded by a stellar group of characters who test their loyalties to Ted and each other while they can’t help but mix their personal and professional lives. All this occurs while we slowly unravel the events that years ago led Ted to leave behind everything and everyone he loved.
Asia focus in 2025
In 2025, our focus in Asia remains clear: delivering bold, premium storytelling that captivates audiences and drives engagement across platforms. We continue to expand our slate with a mix of high-impact scripted dramas, gripping true-crime series, and compelling character-driven narratives that resonate with viewers in this dynamic region. Our upcoming lineup reflects this commitment and includes series such as All Her Fault, a riveting psychological thriller that taps into the growing appetite for layered, suspenseful storytelling; Devil in Disguise: John Wayne Gacy, which builds on the success of premium investigative crime documentaries, a genre that continues to attract strong viewership across Asia; and Suits LA, the expansion of the hit franchise, blending legal drama with high-stakes power plays, set against the glitz and glamour of Los Angeles. Additionally, Grosse Pointe Garden Society is a sharp, darkly comedic take on suburban intrigue; Atomic is a high-octane drama set in the world of nuclear espionage; and The Death of Bunny Munro is a visually striking adaptation of Nick Cave’s acclaimed novel, uniquely blending dark humor and emotional depth.”
Rajiv Dhawn, SVP, Sales Liaison, Asia
PBS Distribution
10 Guest St., Boston MA 02135 U.S.A.
Screening: https://pbsinternational.org/
Who’s Who...
Anna Alvord
Director of Sales Operations
E: agalvord@pbs.org
M: +1 (617) 945 4711
Trends & Outlook 2025
• Increased openness to LGBTQ+ Topics in Storytelling We are noticing a growing openness toward LGBTQ+ themes in content. While the region is gradually embracing diverse perspectives, there is a noticeable effort to catch up with global trends in inclusive storytelling. This shift creates opportunities for distributors to offer authentic and meaningful LGBTQ+ narratives that resonate with younger, more progressive audiences, while still respecting cultural nuances.
• Demand for Innovative Takes on Major Anniversaries
We forecast a surge in demand for innovative approaches to major anniversaries. As audiences seek fresh perspectives on familiar historical stories, there will be a growing emphasis on reimagining significant events through creative storytelling.
Asia focus in 2025
PBS Distribution delivers high-quality documentary and children’s programming to global audiences. As the international co-production and distribution arm of PBS, it offers award-winning content, including Ken Burns films, PBS KIDS series, and documentaries from NOVA, FRONTLINE, AMERICAN EXPERIENCE and more. With a robust catalog, PBS Distribution provides exceptional service to their partners, building strong client relationships while entertaining audiences worldwide across platforms and formats.
Genres
Factual, Science, History, Current Affairs, Lifestyle, Arts & Culture and Kids.
Top shows are…
The American Revolution : A Film by Ken Burns, Sarah Botstein & David Schmidt
The American Revolution, our six-part, twelve-hour series on America’s founding struggle, will present the story of the men and women of the Revolutionary generation, their humanity in victory and defeat, and the crisis that they lived through. By weaving together accounts of American political leaders and their British counterparts with the perspectives of the so-called ordinary people who waged and witnessed war, The American Revolution will be an expansive, evenhanded look at the virtues and the contradictions in the fight for independence and the birth of the United States. Episodes/length: 6x120 mins. Find out more.
Women of World War II : The Untold Stories
Uncover the hidden history of World War II with firsthand accounts from the women who cracked the codes and built the ships. With exclusive, never-beforeseen interviews – from “Fly Girls” who saved their fellow pilots, to “Rosie-the-Riveters” who kept those planes in the air – learn how these unsung heroes inspired and empowered future generations by winning the war. Episodes/length: 1x60 mins
Building Stuff
Engineering is all around us, and we humans have been doing it forever. But how does it actually work? Find out by watching some of the most creative folks in the game build stuff that helps amplify our abilities and alter our environment for the
In 2025, PBS Distribution’s primary focus in Asia is to expand its reach and deepen partnerships with both pan-regional and local streaming platforms. PBS is known for being the most trusted documentary brand in the U.S., with a strong commitment to providing authentic, reliable, and thought-provoking content. This aligns perfectly with the needs of streaming platforms, where audiences are increasingly seeking high quality factual programming. As streaming platforms continue to dominate, PBS Distribution aims to be a key content provider for those platforms, offering a unique value proposition of trust, depth, and quality.”
Anna Alvord, Director of Sales Operations
better. Experience the ups and downs with engineers as they design, build and test their way through challenges, inspiring our inner “maker”. Episodes/length: 3x60 mins. Find out more.
Seven.One Studios International is a leading TV distributor of scripted, formats and factual shows from outstanding production companies, third party producers and digital content partners. With offices in Munich and London, Seven.One Studios International coproduces and finances global entertainment, and distributes hit content to over 200 territories worldwide. Seven.One Studios International is the new name of Red Arrow Studios International. Seven.One Studios International is part of Seven.One Studios, a ProSiebenSat.1 Media SE company.
Seven.One Studios International Medienallee 7, 85774 Unterfoehring, Germany
T: +49 89 9507 7303
W: sevenonestudiosinternational.com
E: sales@sevenonestudios.com
Who’s Who...
Joyce Dröse Sales Manager (Asia, Africa, Nordics, Inflight)
E: joyce.droese@sevenonestudios.com
Trends & Outlook 2025
Asian audiences continue to embrace long-running scripted series featuring beloved characters. A prime example is our acclaimed crime drama Vienna Blood, which recently launched its fourth season and was acquired by BBC Asia, with the help of Bomanbridge Media. Similarly, high-end scripted dramas like Plan B and The Gone have successfully returned for second seasons, with Plan B already greenlit for a third.”
Asia focus in 2025
Our priority remains premium drama and expanding long-running hit series, such as Departure, which performed strongly across Asia and debuted on Netflix across several territories earlier this year to great success. In the format space, we are emphasizing major global franchises like Married at First Sight and Stranded on Honeymoon Island, alongside forthcoming launches such as The Hunt, already commissioned by Channel 4 in the UK, which we recently announced. Our partner Bomanbridge Media is strengthening the presence of our catalog across mainland China, Southeast Asia, Hong Kong and Taiwan, while I lead efforts in India, Japan, and Korea.”
Joyce Droese, Sales Manager (Asia, Africa, Nordics, Inflight)
Genres
Scripted, Formats, Factual
Original production/co-production
Seven.One Studios International is known as a destination for strong commercial entertainment with broad appeal, spanning premium returning English language dramas, impactful foreign language dramas, and innovative formats. These continue to be our top priorities, along with a selection of premium factual content.
Top shows are…
The Gone S2
Detectives Theo Richter and Diana Huia are back, racing to stop a deadly killer while unearthing buried secrets and hidden traumas.
Written by Anna McPartlin & Michael Bennett. Directed by Dathai Keane & Peter Burger. Starring Richard Flood, Acushla-Tara Kupe, Carolyn Bracken, Michelle Fairley, Wayne Hapi, Vanessa Rare, Rachel Morgan. Genre: Scripted/Crime Drama. Producer/Broadcaster: Kingfisher Films & Keeper Pictures in association with Southern Light Films for TVNZ (New Zealand) and RTÉ (Ireland). Episodes/length: 6x60 mins
Plan B S2
The high-concept psychological drama returns for a second season; idealistic cop Mia Mia journeys into the past with unexpected consequences. Created/Written/ Directed by Jean-François Asselin. Starring Vinessa Antoine, Vincent Leclerc, Sarah Booth, Rossif Sutherland, Patrick Emmanuel Abelard. Genre: Scripted/Drama. Producer/Broadcaster: KOTV for CBC Gem (Canada).
Episodes/length: 6x45 mins
Vienna Blood S4
The thrilling crime drama set in 1900s Vienna, from acclaimed screenwriter Steve Thompson,
Steve Thompson. Starring
Bullmore, Conleth Hill.
Crime Drama. Producer/Broadcaster: Endor Productions and MR Film for ARD (Germany) and ORF (Austria).
Episodes/length: 2x90 mins or 4x45 mins
