Dated: 20 March 2009
Amidst a strong line-up of animation content and factual titles will be a slice of Peranakan culture at international trade show MIPTV in Cannes, France this year.
MediaCorp artistes Qi Yuwu and Jeanette Aw of "The Little Nyonya" will join the Singapore delegation at one of the world’s largest fairs for the buying and selling of audiovisual content to promote the 34-episode serial. Revolving around the trials and tribulations of a woman born of Straits-born Chinese or Peranakan heritage, the drama weaves Peranakan culture into its storyline, and brings to life some of the more intriguing aspects of this ethnic group. It became Singapore’s most-watched drama in 15 years when it aired late last year.
The lead actors of the drama join a 10-company strong delegation at MIPTV to promote for sale and distribution a slate of 41 titles under the Singapore Pavilion, led by the Media Development Authority of Singapore (MDA).
Headlining the slate is a strong line-up of animation co-productions, including three titles making their market debut. These include "Dinosaur Train", which is Big Communications’ collaboration with The Jim Henson Company, and supported by MDA. A children’s programme, "Dinosaur Train" has secured sales in Norway and Canada, with broadcasters from Nickelodeon Australia, Germany's Super RTL and France 5 also expressing interest in purchasing the 40-episode animated series. "Dinosaur Train", follows Buddy, a preschool-age raptor who learns about the vast world and fascinating life of other dinosaurs as he searches for his own species and is scheduled for debut in the last half of 2010.
The Jim Henson Company has appointed global distributor RC2 Corporation as the global master toy licensee for the animated series, which will produce a line of preschool products surrounding the series.
Also making its market debut is the 3D animated series "Jack" by Singapore’s Sparky Animation and Canada-based PVP Animation. Aimed at children aged six to nine, Jack centers around the adventures of a little alien who with his friends go on exciting adventures of discovery. Another new animation project is "Rob The Robot", a new 26-episode 3D animated television series targeted at three to five-year-olds. This is a co-production between local company One Animation and Amberwood Productions Services from Canada.
Other animation titles to be promoted include "Katakune" (Character Farm), "RPG High" (Scrawl Studios), "ZZZ-Force" (Tiny Island Productions) and "Shapes" (Peach Blossom Media).
New factual and lifestyle programmes at this year’s MIPTV such as "After 12", "It’s Organic" and "Culinary Asia" at this year’s MIPTV continue a trend of strong HD programmes.
In all, MDA including the Singapore delegation will be promoting more than 313 hours of programming across factual, lifestyle, animation and drama genres.
Commenting on the Singapore line-up, Dr Christopher Chia, Chief Executive Officer of MDA said: “The slate demonstrates the breadth and depth of Singapore companies in producing and co-producing quality content, whether in animation or factual programmes, with broad international appeal. In titles like The Little Nyonya, we are also showcasing original stories with themes unique to Asian cultures and sensibilities and we believe this will resonate with both Western and Asian audiences.”
This year’s MIPTV takes place from 30 March to 3 April 2009. The Singapore Pavilion is located at Stand 05.20 –07.19. Please refer to Annex A for the list of programmes at MIPTV and to Annex B for the companies.
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Media Development Authority of Singapore (MDA)
Formed in 2003, the Media Development Authority of Singapore (MDA) plays a vital role in transforming Singapore into a Global Media City and positioning it at the forefront of the digital media age. MDA spearheads initiatives that promote developments in film, video, television, radio, publishing, music, games, animation, media services and Interactive Digital Media. At the same time, in ensuring clear and consistent regulatory policies and guidelines, MDA helps to foster a pro-business environment for industry players and increase media choices for consumers. For more information, please visit www.mda.gov.sg and www.smf.sg.
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