The Asia TV Forum & Market 2020 looks forward to a better 2021

By Monina Eugenio

The highly-anticipated Asia TV Forum & Market (ATF) 2020 is happening virtually from 1 to 4 December 2020.

This year’s theme, which aims to bring the industry together amid a challenging year while looking forward to a better 2021, is called, “Prelude to 2021: Be Part of the Conversation”.

What to look forward to

Consisting of several pillars, ATF Online+ offers a trade market element that features an extensive attendee library, targeted recommendations, program and video listings, a personalised matchmaking service, and click-easy meeting tools that allow video chats; virtual conference and pitches; a speed dating series that would allow potential partners, collaborators, coproducers, and commissioners to meet and engage online; and a full program that includes video and resource libraries that will remain available until 28 February 2021.

Programme lineup

The ATF Online+ programme lineup will see industry leaders discuss and provide insights on a broad range of topics such as digital transformation to partnership announcements and a look at how China’s film and TV industry has developed in 2020 with a 2021 forecast.

Among the things that the ATF Online+ will feature are key Asian brands who are at the forefront of digital innovation and production such as Dr. Michael Gryseels, President of True Digital Group from Thailand, and Archana Anand, Chief Business Officer of Zee5.

Meanwhile, a panel discussion will include the Singapore Tourism Board, Studio Dragon, and iQIYI who will come together and provide insights and share about their partnership to promote the Destination Singapore story.

Other speakers will include representatives from TUBI, Banijay Rights, Catchplay Group, Bluebird Pictures, BBC Studios, ITV Studios, True Digital, and many more.

ScreenSingapore

In conjunction with ATF Online+, ScreenSingapore will also take place virtually where filmmakers, distributors, financiers, and film buyers can explore co-production opportunities, learn about the changing film landscape, and more.

ScreenSingapore will also be hosting the Southeast Asian Film Financing (SAFF) Project Market and Conference, which was made possible through a partnership with the Southeast Asian Audio-Visual Association (SAAVA) and Ties That Bind: Asia/Europe Producers Workshop (TTB) that will connect filmmakers and producers from Southeast Asia and Europe.

SAFF Online+ 2020 will feature talks on content buying, workflow connectivity, best practices, and new perspectives in Southeast Asian co-productions.

IMDA: Singapore as a prime media hub for Southeast Asia

ATF Online+ is hosted by the Infocomm Media Development Authority (IMDA).

Howie Lau, the Assistant Chief Executive for Media and Innovation at the IMDA said, “Singapore is incredibly well-placed as the hub and heart of Asia—with our rich media ecosystem, internationally-recognised projects and talents, and trusted support for innovation.

It is also attracting attention as a regional base for both East and West corporations because of its advanced financial and legal system.

Over the years, we have demonstrated our role as a springboard into the region, bringing together Asian talent to network, connect, and collaborate.”

In an interview with Television Asia Plus, Mr. Lau discussed why Singapore is the prime media hub of Southeast Asia and what IMDA is doing to bolster Asian talent:

Howie Lau, Assistant Chief Executive, Infocomm Media Development Authority

Television Asia Plus: What is IMDA’s vision for the Singapore media industry, and what course of action is in the works to make those visions a reality?

Howie Lau: The Singapore media industry is composed of 2,200 establishments contributing S$2.4 billion value added to our economy.

It is a vibrant landscape that continues to evolve at a rapid pace while also receiving growing recognition for producing quality content.

We want to continue showcasing our media industry’s ingenuity, creativity, and resilience to the rest of the world, and establish Singapore as the region’s preeminent media hub by bolstering our slate of “Made with Singapore” partnerships.

We are achieving this vision in several ways and have ramped up plans in a year where the media industry requires greater support.

The IMDA supports several partnerships and capability development programs and providing platforms for various media sections to come together and drive the future of Asian stories and talent forward.

TVA: How has the Public Sector Broadcast funding and other content funding policies work towards developing more homegrown content for Singapore? Has IMDA been satisfied with the results and do you foresee any tweaks or any policies in this area?

Howie Lau: Public Service Broadcast (PSB) programmes play an important role in unifying Singaporeans through shared stories and experiences.

We have also seen especially during times of crisis, that viewers look to the national broadcaster Mediacorp, as a reliable and credible source of information.

As a key provider of PSB content, Mediacorp has seen steady growth in digital viewership on its key platforms such as meWatch and CNA.com.

To meet the diverse needs of Singapore’s multicultural society, IMDA will continue to support the provision of local PSB content across Mediacorp’s free-to-air TV and digital platforms.

Besides Mediacorp, we have also partnered with home-grown digital players such as Viddsee, Munkysuperstar, and The Smart Local to create short-form PSB content that appeals to younger viewers on their platforms.

The content from these partnerships has generated positive feedback from viewers and our Programme Advisory Committees.

In 2019, we launched a Public Service Media (PSM) Digital Partnership Fund to support co-productions or partnerships between local media companies and international counterparts to produce compelling and innovative PSB content for Singaporeans and audiences beyond.

The first co-production supported under the Fund, Falling Into You, a drama series produced by Singapore’s Infocus Asia and Taiwan’s GTV was recently released on meWatch.

We look forward to supporting more co-productions through this Fund and create opportunities for Singapore media companies to work with and learn from the best in class internationally, to produce the best content for viewers.

TVA: We noticed that several large digital content platforms like Tencent and TikTok have set up regional headquarters in Singapore. What do you see are some of the attractions Singapore offers?

Howie Lau: We are in the Asian decade.

There is no denying that the media industry has made a shift towards Asia in recent years and we are right in the midst of pivotal times where Asian content, talent, and storytelling are gaining spotlight across the globe.

Despite the uncertainty posed by the pandemic, Asia Pacific remains an attractive hub for global companies like Tencent, TikTok, and Alibaba.

What makes the Asian media landscape so special is its ingenuity, creativity, and resilience that presents diverse experiences.

Great stories have a way of transcending language and culture to connect people and inspire them – and that is exactly why the world has been looking to the myriad of interesting content and talent we have to offer in this part of the world.

Spotlight on 9Story Media Group

9 Story Media Group, a leading creator, producer, and distributor of award-winning animated and live-action content, will be highlighting numerous titles at the ATF Online+.

Donkey Hodie

Donkey Hodie, (80 x 11 min), is an imaginative series with a social-emotional curriculum that follows the adventures of Donkey Hodie along with her pals, Purple Panda, Duck Duck, and Bob Dog, as they empower preschoolers to dream big, persevere, and discover that they are capable of overcoming obstacles on their own—and laugh themselves silly along the way.

Bad Nature

Bad Nature, (25 x 5 min) targeted at kids 6 to 11, will join talking animals Marv the Mandrill, Gloria the Puma, and a madcap menageries of misfits as they delve into the disgusting, but truly amazing things that animals do.

Dr. Panda

The global hit, Dr. Panda, (39 x 7 min) will be returning with exciting new episodes in the all-new second season. It will see more of the wonderful world of Panda City, where Dr. Panda doesn’t just have one job, but hundreds of them!