Discovery Networks Asia-Pacific has inked a $5 million year-long deal with Info-Communications Media Development Authority (IMDA) to boost content production in Singapore using advanced techniques and technologies including 4K and Virtual Reality.
The content scheduled to premier on Discovery’s platforms globally, will be co-created with emerging and established production companies of the nation. Backed by Discovery Networks International and DNAP, the partnership is designed to provide a platform to new and upcoming producers, and give established producers the opportunity to showcase their expertise to a global audience.
In the joint press statement, IMDA and DNAP revealed that local producers will learn the latest techniques, train in using new technologies, experiment with various content formats and present them across multi-channel platforms. Discovery with this deal, intends to establish a training ground for Singapore producers to showcase great content that can resonate around the world. Louis Boswell, General Manager, Discovery Southeast Asia commented,
Together with IMDA, a long-time partner and supporter of the development and growth of our homegrown talent, we are pleased to have the opportunity to help mentor and invest in the next generation of Singapore producers.
The initiative will begin next month with a public call for entries and pitch brief, resulting in a bootcamp. The process will take aspiring producers through DNAP’s best practices of documentary-making for a global audience.
In partnership with Viddsee, the region’s leading online video platform for short-films, the training aims to prepare these upstarts for the big leagues across both linear and digital platforms, with the shortlisted films premiering on DNAP and Viddsee. Discovery had collaborated with Viddsee in June which marked online availability of former’s content comprising documentaries, short films, written content across Asia for the first time.
Next year, seasoned producers will participate in a series of workshops to learn the fundamentals and advanced techniques of 4K productions. This will culminate in DNAP’s first full 4K commission with selected Singaporean production companies, which will be aired on Discovery across the region. Also, Discovery’s experienced global crew will train local producers in VR technology – sharing their know-how and expertise on storytelling. The final films will premiere on the Discovery VR application globally.
Angeline Poh, Assistant Chief Executive Officer, Content & Innovation Group, IMDA, said,
We are pleased to partner Discovery to create this opportunity for Singapore’s media talent to tell their stories using new production technologies that deliver a more immersive and engaging experience for the viewer.
