ATF 2016: five reasons to do business in Asia Pacific

At this moment of the industry, when it is not easy to handle fresh business, many global corporations are putting emphasis in this fast growing part of the world, which has turned to a big pole of new media ventures. What makes the difference? Five reasons to put Asia Pacific on your future business plan.

First, it is the most populated region of the world with 4.4 billion of inhabitants (61% of the total) boasting a dynamic mix of highly-developed TV markets and others with untapped potential. This guarantees big-scaled business.

Second, it combines high-end developed territories with others just starting media industry, so all segments can be played: ready made programming, formats, production, but also digital, virtual reality/augmented reality and eSports developments, among other increasing areas.

Third, Asia shows one of the world strongest digital evolution, Internet and OTT initiatives. When you think of technology, the main Asian nations are big worldwide referents, like South Korea, Japan, China, etc. Fourth, it has developed very good programming in both, scripted and non-scripted. The region as a whole produces high end dramas that are now sold globally, with a very intense in-region market.

Fifth, Governments play a very active role promoting content business and especially co-production ventures, generating production hubs in many countries that bring Western titans. Many projects can reduce up to 30% their costs if they are produced within the region, especially Malaysia.

‘ATF constantly evolves and adapts to stay current’, says Yeow Hui Leng, senior project director, ATF & ScreenSingapore, Reed Exhibitions. She adds: ‘This year, we have introduced the new Digital@ATF, which houses the Digital Corridor, a showcase of one of the latest evolution of content, along with various technologies that support this growing appendage. Within the area is the VR Experiential Zone, where award-winning VR productions such us Notes on Blindness: Into Darkness and I, Philip immerse delegates into an alternate reality.’

Another new initiative is the inaugural ATF Formats Pitch 2016, a partnership between ATF and all3media International (UK). Hui Leng: ‘This brand-new competition looks to connect Asian-based producers and their in-development unscripted formats with commissioners, investors and co-production partners.’

Film producers seeking opportunities for their big break have submitted their projects to Southeast Asian Film Financing (SAFF) Project Market, while the C-Level Summit’s Analysts Super Panel is about the future of entertainment content and its fraternities. At another C-Level Summit session, telecom giants will speak on “The New Wave of Digital”.

Keynote speakers for the C-Level Summit are David Fernando Audy, president director of PT Media Nusantara Citra Tbk, and Yong-Ju Jeon, CEO, D’Live and iHQ, whose speeches address today’s evolving landscape in the digital realm.

During Junior@ATF, producers can gain a perspective on extending their brands through collaborations. Formats@ATF delves into “TV’s Future in Asian Formats”, providing intelligence into regional trends and opportunities.

Considering all of these advantages, it is clear why ATF provides a very active and effective market. ‘If you are keen to get a slice of this burgeoning multi-billion-dollar market, this is the place to be. It brings together movers and shakers from across Asia Pacific, providing insights and opening doors to key markets with immense potential such as China, Indochina and Southeast Asia’, concludes Hui Leng.

Fabricio Ferrara, from Singapore