SPARK / Astro / Moving Visuals Intl launch Asian doc-channel SPARK ASIA

Tuesday, 14 October 2014, 12:00 HKT/SGT

MIPCOM, Cannes, Oct 14, 2014 - (ACN Newswire) - SPARK, Astro Malaysia, Malaysia's leading consumer media group, and Singapore-based Moving Visuals International (MVI), have just signed a joint venture to setup Asia's first dedicated HD factual and documentary channel, SPARK ASIA. The Channel, which will go live in the first half of 2015, will offer a wide variety of exclusive Asian and global HD content. In addition, SPARK ASIA will empower the local community of producers and filmmakers by offering an alternative platform to showcase their documentaries and also drive training initiatives.

Leveraging on the strengths of its joint venture partners, SPARK ASIA will have both linear TV and digital content that will resonate among audiences across Asia. SPARK ASIA will promote knowledge; celebrate Asian values and traditions and bring Asia to the world in an exciting way. Its content genres will include science & technology, exploration, history, environment, nature and wildlife. SPARK ASIA will also draw its programming from the vast library of AUTENTIC and ZDF Enterprises. Asia is the latest launch of the factual entertainment brand SPARK, which is also available in Eastern Europe as well as in Africa.

Rohana Rozhan, CEO of Astro Malaysia said, "As one of Southeast Asia's leading content and consumer companies, Astro is always exploring new ways to meet the audiences' changing preferences. With the growing interest in Asian content, there is a huge opportunity in Asian factual content that resonates not only with audiences in Asia but around the world. In line with our strength in the creation of IPs and content brands we believe that the aggregation of Asian-centric stories and factual content in an Asian branded documentary channel is timely and has tremendous potential. This joint venture with like-minded partners enables Astro to take a stake in content that will resonate in Asia and around the world."

Galen Yeo, Director of Moving Visuals International (MVI): "As the world's most populous continent, Asia has long deserved a channel to harness its thriving diversity of culture, history, people and stories. We are pleased to work together with Spark GmbH and Astro on this landmark venture to promote Asian documentary filmmaking, and provide producers a unique platform that will support and promote their work to audiences all across Asia. Spark Asia welcomes opportunities to collaborate and work together with storytellers from around Asia and the world."

Patrick Hoerl, CEO of SPARK GmbH: "Being close to our viewers' lives and hearts has always been at the core of the SPARK brand. We can only deliver on that promise, if we team up with the best experts in our business in each region we operate in. It's hard to think of better partners than Astro and Moving Visuals for a truly Asian channel."

About Astro Malaysia Holdings Bhd

Astro Malaysia Holdings Berhad is a leading integrated consumer media entertainment group in Malaysia and Southeast Asia with operations in 4 key areas of business, namely Pay-TV, Radio, Publications and Digital Media. With a customer base of 4.2 million residential customers or approximately 60% penetration of Malaysian TV households, Astro offers 172 TV channels, including 40 HD channels, delivered via Direct-To-Home satellite TV, IPTV and OTT platforms. Astro provides HD, 3D, PVR, VOD and IPTV services through Astro B.yond and Astro On-The-Go. Fulfilling its promise to bridge the digital divide for all of Malaysia, Astro introduced NJOI as an entry-level DTH satellite TV service and is the country's first non-subscription based satellite TV, offering 22 TV and 20 radio channels. Astro Radio includes Malaysia's highest rated stations across key languages and is available on both terrestrial and digital channels, reaching approximately 12.6 million weekly listeners. Its digital arm is involved in digital publishing, applications and platforms as well as publication of entertainment and lifestyle magazines locally. Please visit www.astromalaysia.com.my.

About Moving Visuals International (MVI)

Moving Visuals International (MVI) focuses on developing dynamic media experiences for the global audience. Working closely with partners and platforms, we take an open and multi-platform approach to create and distribute content. MVI is an affiliate of The Moving Visuals Co, one of Asia's leading media content producers. Established 16 years ago in Singapore, The Moving Visuals Co. has filmed in over 130 countries and cities worldwide and its shows have aired internationally to millions of homes. Providing Visual Storytelling for all screens, The Moving Visuals Co.'s wide portfolio includes Factual Entertainment, Travel, Food, Lifestyle, Education, Branded Content, Kids and Youth Programming, Promos, Documentaries, Drama & TVC. Please visit www.tmvc.sg.

About SPARK GmbH

SPARK GmbH is a Joint Venture between ZDF Enterprises (ZDFE) and Autentic GmbH and operates two factual channels in South Africa and Central/Eastern Europe.

ZDF Enterprises was founded in 1993 as a commercial subsidiary of ZDF, one of the largest and most renowned TV broadcasters in Europe. Headquartered in Mainz, Germany, ZDF Enterprises is responsible for the worldwide sale of programs, the making of international coproductions, the acquisition of licenses as well as the merchandising of strong program brands in its own name, for the ZDF, and for third parties. ZDF Enterprises has successfully established itself as an independent market player on the German and international stage.

AUTENTIC, a joint venture of Jan Mojto's Beta Film and Patrick Hoerl, invests in high quality documentaries, distributes factual content, and operates thematic channels, representing a broad range of factual and documentary stories. Being platform-neutral, AUTENTIC delivers its services to both linear and non-linear players in the global market. Together with Spiegel TV in Germany, AUTENTIC operates the two channels SPIEGEL GESCHICHTE, broadcasted on Sky Deutschland and SPIEGEL TV WISSEN, distributed via all relevant cable- and IPTV-Provider in Germany and Swisscom.

For further information:

Beta Film/Autentic Press
Dorothee Stoewahse
Mobile: +49 170 63 84 627
press@betafilm.com
www.betafilm.com, www.autentic.com

Photos and trailer available under:

ftp.betafilm.com
Login: ftppress01
Password: 8uV7xG3tB
File: SPARK

Topic: New Service
Source: Spark Asia
Sectors: Film & Video, Media & Marketing, Broadcast, Film & Sat
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