Dated: 1 December 2004
Asia’s first-of-its-kind Chinese 3G mobile drama showcasing popular Asian idols will be produced, developed and distributed by MediaCorp Studios. For the first time in Asia, a Chinese drama will be released to mobile phones even before it hits free-to-air TV or the video market.
The evolution of 3G video streaming technology has transformed the function of the mobile phone. From a traditional tool of communications, the mobile phone has now progressed into a platform for visual entertainment, i.e., TV. The 3G technology allows mobile phone users to download and watch their favourite entertainment programmes anytime, anywhere.
The project is in collaboration with and supported by the Media Development Authority (MDA).
"MediaCorp is proud to be partners with MDA on this very significant milestone for the media industry in Singapore as well as Asia. The development of quality content that travels as well as the strategic use of technology as a growth driver are key to our business strategy. We are also fully supportive of MDA’s blueprint for Singapore to be the media hub of Asia," said Mr Ernest Wong, Group CEO, MediaCorp.
Mr Wong added, "Our MediaCorp Studios is the largest producer of Chinese and English language television programming in S.E. Asia. This also marks our first venture in new media productions using our established capability outside of our core TV platform."
Applauding MediaCorp Studios' project, the Chief Executive Officer of the Media Development Authority, Dr Christopher Chia said, "This heralds a positive development for both MediaCorp Studios and the Singapore media industry as it breaks new ground in content and distribution. The 3G mobile platform is an exciting and innovative step forward. It will certainly play a pivotal role in opening new markets and expanding existing ones for Made-by-Singapore content by the Singapore media industry."
Upcoming 3G mobile portals in Singapore offer mainly music videos, movie trailers, news and sports video clips to 3G mobile users. This new initiative from MediaCorp Studios will add a new entertainment option to the mobile community in Singapore.
Telco operator M1 has inked a deal with MediaCorp Studios to be its first telco partner to invest in this project for the Singapore market, offering exclusive preview of this 3G mobile Chinese drama to 3G mobile users in Singapore from mid-2005.
Mr Neil Montefiore, Chief Executive Officer of M1, says, "M1 strives on being innovative and interesting. This collaboration with MediaCorp Studios to offer a world’s first made-for-mobile Mandarin drama for 3G delivery is part of our commitment to enrich the mobile lives of our customers. With 3G, M1 customers will have entertaining and exciting content like this available anywhere, anytime."
The Chinese 3G mobile drama consists of 45 episodes, featuring leading Singapore and Asian stars. For use on the 3G mobile platform, each episode of the mobile drama is only two minutes long, unlike the usual long-duration content of traditional TV and video. Upon completion, the mobile drama will be made available to 3G mobile users for periodic downloads.
This new mobile drama collaboration also serves to illustrate Singapore's readiness in embracing new technology and taking the lead in the production of global multi-platform content.
MediaCorp Studios is also in negotiations with regional telco partners to distribute this first made-for-mobile drama to reach the rapidly growing number of 3G mobile users in Asia and beyond.
Jointly issued by MediaCorp, Media Development Authority and M1.
For more information, please contact:
Genevieve Woo
Director
Group Communications
MediaCorp
Tel: 63 575 656
Fax: 62 515 628
E-mail: genevieve@mediacorp.com.sg
Tan Poh Cheng
Assistant Director
Corporate &Marketing Communications
Media Development Authority
Fax : 6336 4142
Email : tan_poh_cheng@imda.gov.sg
Chua Swee Kiat
General Manager
Corporate Communications
M1
DID: 6895 1060
Fax: 6899 3902
Email: chuask@m1.com.sg
About MediaCorp Studios
Established in April 2000, MediaCorp Studios is the largest TV content provider in South East Asia, producing up to 1,400 hours of television programmes in English and Mandarin. It also provides facilities and services for productions, artiste management and promotion, in addition to marketing and the distribution of productions in the regional and international markets.
MediaCorp Studios’ subsidiary, MediaCorp Raintree Pictures, produces such hit films as I Not Stupid and Homerun.
MediaCorp Studios is the production arm of MediaCorp, the largest and most established broadcaster in Singapore with a complete range of media businesses spanning TV, Radio, Entertainment Productions, Movie Productions, Newspapers, Magazines, Electronic Media and other broadcasting services.
About MediaCorp
MediaCorp features prominently in the development of Singapore’s broadcasting history. With more than 68 years of radio and 41 years of television experience, MediaCorp is Singapore’s largest and most established broadcaster with a complete range of media businesses spanning TV, Radio, Entertainment Productions, Movie Productions, Newspapers, Magazines, Electronic Media and other broadcasting services. We are committed to service excellence and leadership in the media industry and to remain as The Choice in Singapore and the region.
Currently, MediaCorp programmes command the highest ratings and dominate the Top Ten TV Programmes in Singapore each week. MediaCorp also reaches out to 89% of the population in Singapore every week with MediaCorp Channels 5 and 8 being the most-watched English and Chinese channels. MediaCorp’s Channel NewsAsia is Singapore’s most-watched news channel (both Free To Air and cable). Furthermore, MediaCorp’s radio stations are listened to by 97% of radio listeners with 8 out of the top 10 radio stations in Singapore belonging to MediaCorp Radio. MediaCorp’s TODAY newspaper is the second largest circulating daily newspaper while our “8 DAYS” and “i-weekly” are the most widely-read entertainment magazines in Singapore. For more information, visit www.mediacorp.com.sg
About the Media Development Authority of Singapore
The Media Development Authority of Singapore (MDA) aims to develop Singapore into a global media city. Its Media 21 strategy seeks to create a vibrant environment for the industry and public via five key thrusts: establish Singapore as a media exchange;export 'Made-by-Singapore' content;internationalise local media companies;nurture local media talents and develop digital media.
About M1
M1, Singapore's most exciting and innovative mobile and IDD service provider, was launched in April 1997. Since then, it has made significant inroads into the local mobile communications market, gaining considerable brand presence and market share. M1 aims to be the leader in personal voice and data communications, focusing on value, quality and customer service. More information on M1 is available at www.m1.com.sg
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