13 May 2015 - Initiative offers Singapore production houses an opportunity to produce factual content under the mentorship of the world’s leading international TV network.
Documentary producers in Singapore are set for an opportunity of a lifetime with FOX Formats Lab, the latest initiative between FOX International Channels (FIC) and the Media Development Authority (MDA).
A unique initiative devised by FIC in a first-of-its-kind partnership with MDA, FOX Formats Lab was conceived to support the development of local content production talent and ramp up creation of international TV content by local production companies. The initial phase of the initiative will see content created for the network’s flagship factual entertainment network - National Geographic Channel, Nat Geo Wild and Nat Geo People.
The FOX Formats Lab initiative is a developmental platform aimed at enhancing skills and encouraging knowledge sharing from experienced professionals within FIC’s vast global network to aspiring local talents. Participants have the opportunity to tap into the global expertise of FIC executives to hone their skills, learn about the factual content development process at NGC, and ultimately better position themselves to work with international broadcasters in the future.
The initiative will kick off with a production workshop in May this year where invited Singapore registered production companies will be presented with a commissioning brief. Interested parties can then submit show concept proposals based on the brief, for the opportunity to be selected to take part in a series of workshops hosted by experienced executives and producers from FIC. These workshops are aimed at helping the participants to develop their ideas into full production proposals.
The process culminates with select proposals being chosen to be developed and produced into a documentary series for NGC, which will be co-funded by FIC and the MDA. The production development funding for FOX Formats Lab totals S$6 million.
Executive Vice President and Head of International Content for NGC International, Hamish Mykura, said, “We’re very pleased to be launching this unique initiative, in which production companies will have unprecedented access to our global content development team. By aligning producers with commissioners, the FOX Formats Lab will not only provide a window into how channels operate and what drives our creative decisions, but will also result in new programming that will resonate with a global audience.”
Commenting on the initiative, Joon Lee, FIC’s EVP of Content & Communications for APAC & Middle East said, “FIC and NGC have always believed in creating content at all levels – globally, regionally and locally. There are many local stories to be told in Asia and there’s no better entity to facilitate this story telling than NGC. With Singapore already a strong hub for content creation and creative talent, we jumped at the opportunity to launch a worthy initiative like FOX Formats Lab with the MDA. We get to invest back into the talent pool as well as gain great locally-developed content for NGC in the process. It’s a win-win for all.”
Angeline Poh, Assistant Chief Executive (Industry) MDA, said, “We are excited to launch this partnership with FIC to deepen Singapore’s factual production talent-pool. Through the FOX Formats Lab initiative, promising producers will be mentored by industry veterans, and also given the opportunity to demonstrate their ability to develop compelling content for international audiences. We look forward to presenting to viewers the innovative formats that will emerge from this initiative.”
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About FOX International Channels
FOX International Channels (FIC) is 21st Century FOX’s international multi-media business. We develop, produce and distribute 300+ wholly- and majority-owned entertainment, sports, factual and movie channels in 45 languages across Latin America, Europe, Asia and Africa. FIC’s core channel brands include FOX, FOX Sports, FOX Life, FOX+ and National Geographic Channel. FIC’s movie channels include FOX Movies, FOX Movies Premium and Star Chinese Movies. Our non-linear brands include FOX Play, FOX Play+ and Nat Geo Play. These networks and their related mobile, non-linear and high- definition extensions, reach over 1.8 billion cumulative households worldwide. In addition, FIC owns and operates two production studios and produces thousands of local programming hours for its wholly owned channels and third parties. In operation since: August 14, 1993.
About National Geographic Channels International
National Geographic Channels International (NGCI) inspires viewers through its smart, innovative programming that questions what we know, how we view the world and what drives us forward. A business enterprise owned by National Geographic Ventures and FOX Entertainment Group, NGCI contributes to the National Geographic Society's commitment to exploration, conservation and education through its various channels: National Geographic Channel, National Geographic Channel HD, Nat Geo Wild, Nat Geo Wild HD, Nat Geo People and Nat Geo Mundo. Globally, National Geographic Channel (including NGC U.S., which is a joint venture of NGV and Fox Cable Networks Group) is available in more than 440 million homes in 171 countries and 45 languages. For more information, please visit www.natgeotv.com.
About Media Development Authority
The Media Development Authority of Singapore (www.mda.gov.sg) promotes the growth of globally competitive film, television, radio, publishing, games, animation and interactive digital media industries. It also regulates the media sector to safeguard the interests of consumers, and promotes a connected society. MDA is a statutory board under the Ministry of Communications and Information (www.mci.gov.sg).
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