Dated: 10 November 2003
Talented individuals who are interested to take their production career to the next level now have the chance to reach out to an international audience with the 'Documentary Director's Chair' initiative. Launched at the end of August this year, the initiative is jointly supported by leading global real-world content provider, Discovery Networks Asia (DNA), and the Media Development Authority of Singapore (MDA).
DNA and the MDA today unveiled the new website for the 'Documentary Director's Chair' - www.discovery-asiapac.com/ddc/index.html - where interested parties can find out more information about the initiative. In addition, there will also be a special 'Documentary Director's Chair' session at the Asia Television Forum, which will be held in Singapore on December 4 at 11 am. Potential producers and directors who would like the opportunity to helm the "Chair" for this inaugural year can clarify any outstanding issues at this session, which is taking place just ahead of the deadline for submissions on December 8.
The 'Documentary Director's Chair' is open to professional TV programme and filmmakers from any genre. It seeks to create more quality and exportable Made-by-Singapore content and offer a commercial outlet for promising talents. It will provide talented individuals with the opportunity to contribute to the emerging media hub in Singapore with various activities planned around the Chair during industry-wide events like the Asia Media Forum, Discovery's regional productions, official co-productions, the SilverDocs in Washington D.C., the MDA Masterclass Series and First Time Film Makers workshops.
DNA and the MDA will jointly fund the three-hours worth of original programming that will be broadcast to an international audience on one of six DNA's channels, namely, Discovery Channel, Animal Planet, Discovery Travel &Adventure, Discovery Health, Discovery H&L and Discovery Science. The exclusive collaboration between the two organisations is in line with the Media 21 strategy and marks the first time the DNA and the MDA are working together.
One talented individual from around the region including Singapore will occupy the chair for a year and hold key creative control. He or she will be responsible for overseeing the production of three to six original programs based on one or more ideas they have proposed. The Chair will also be tasked to invite and recruit other directors or producers to work on those films. The initiative aims to cull the region's talents to help local directors and producers to develop their art and knowledge, and foster the exchange of ideas and expertise.
To be eligible to apply for the 'Documentary Director's Chair', filmmakers should be film or TV producers or directors who have already built a reputation for innovative, high-quality filmmaking. The scheme is designed to offer further growth opportunities to those who have already made a mark. Throughout the duration of the Chair, the selected individuals will be based in Singapore, and work closely with the DNA creative team in bringing their vision to the screen.
The selection criteria will include the strength of the idea and the skills the individual brings to the Chair. The 'Documentary Director's Chair' selection panel will include DNA and MDA senior staff and a representative from media partner, TV Asia.
Ideas from individuals can be submitted immediately to James Gibbons, VP, Programming, Discovery Networks Asia, 20 Loyang Crescent, Singapore 508984. Final selection will take place at the Asian TV Forum in December. In addition to a written treatment, applicants are asked to include a resume and samples of their work. The intention is for the Chair to be occupied from January 1, 2004.
About Discovery Networks, Asia
Discovery Networks Asia (DNA), launched in 1994, reaches a cumulative subscriber base in excess of 176 million. DNA's portfolio comprises three channels across 22 countries in Asia Pacific;Discovery Channel, Animal Planet and Discovery Travel &Adventure. Programming is customized into eight languages and broadcast on 13 unique feeds.
DNA's parent, Discovery Communications Inc., is the leading global real-world media and entertainment company, which runs 14 unique TV brands. Launched in the US in 1985, the company now operates in 155 countries and territories with more than 950 million cumulative subscribers. DCI also consists of Discovery.com, Discovery Consumer Products and Discovery Channel retail stores. DCI is privately held;ownership consists of four shareholders: Liberty Media Corporation (NYSE: L), Cox Communications, Inc. (NYSE: COX), Advance/Newhouse Communications and John S. Hendricks, the Company's Founder, Chairman and CEO.
About The Media Development Authority of Singapore
The Media Development Authority of Singapore (MDA) was formed on 1 January 2003 to develop Singapore into a vibrant global media city, in effect fostering a creative economy and a connected society. The agency's Media 21 strategy aims to create a vibrant environment for the industry to flourish and the public to enjoy, via five key thrusts: to establish Singapore as a Media Exchange;to export 'Made-by-Singapore' content;to internationalise local media companies;to nurture local media talents;and to develop digital media.
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