8i is an extension of Singapore‟s leading free-to-air Mandarin channel – Channel 8. It is a 24-hour channel dedicated to popular Chinese dramas with themes revolving family ties, romance, action, period and much more. It offers six hours of fresh content daily that include both the latest dramas and well-loved classics from MediaCorp‟s vast library of content.

Glocal Media Networks, a leading industry player in digital technology delivery system based in the United States, provides the technical platform to play out 8i on FetchTV.

Mr Chang Long Jong, Deputy Chief Executive Officer of MediaCorp, is optimistic that 8i will appeal to the Chinese viewers in Australia, he commented, “We are pleased to launch 8i on FetchTV in less than a month after it debuts on Indovision, Indonesia‟s largest satellite and cable operator. Our Mandarin dramas have been popular in Asia, coupled with the fact that FetchTV is currently available on several Internet service providers in Australia, we are confident that we can extend the reach of our content to even more Chinese viewers in Australia. We are also glad to partner with Glocal Media Networks, a leader in its field, in Australia to deliver 8i on FetchTV.”

“Multicultural programming is an important part of the FetchTV strategy. We recognise the need in our community for quality, affordable programming catering for Australia‟s diverse range of cultural backgrounds. The Singapore-Taiwan package offers Mandarin speaking Australians access to well-known channels from home, and 8i, with its award-winning content is an integral part of the appeal of this package,” said Mr Scott Lorson, Chief Executive Officer of FetchTV.

Mr Dennis Young, Chief Executive Officer of Glocal Media Networks also expressed his excitement, “Glocal is excited to partner with MediaCorp to expand their reach internationally and launch 8i in Australia with FetchTV. We know that there are many Singaporeans living in Australia and for the first time ever, we are pleased to be able to offer them all of the great shows from MediaCorp exclusively through FetchTV.”

8i is part of the Singapore-Taiwan package offered by FetchTV. It includes 12 other channels such as CCTV News, CIT TV, Celestial Movie Classics and JET TV, for a subscription fee of AUD19.95 per month. FetchTV is currently available on Internet service providers iinet, Westnet, Internode, Netspace, Adam Internet and „Yes‟ Optus.

About MediaCorp
MediaCorp is Singapore‟s leading media company with the most complete range of platforms, spanning television, radio, newspapers, magazines, movies, digital and out-of-home media.

It pioneered the development of Singapore‟s broadcasting industry, with the broadcast of Radio in 1936 and Television in 1963. Today, MediaCorp has over 50 products and brands in four languages (English, Mandarin, Malay and Tamil), reaching out to all adults in Singapore every week.

Our industry firsts include the Digital Video Broadcast technology for outdoor digital television, and Asia‟s first Digital Audio Broadcast radio service. Initiatives in the digital space include online classifieds, Internet TV-on-demand and High Definition TV broadcast.

MediaCorp is an active regional player through co-productions in TV dramas and movies, magazines publishing, as well as Channel NewsAsia International, one of the first Asian-owned English news channels.

Our financial and strategic relationships in the region since 2007 include a venture with Indonesia’s most integrated media company PT Media Nusantara Citra and its parent, Global Mediacom, and International Media Corporation in Vietnam, set up to develop and produce television entertainment and economic news content.

Winner of numerous international awards and accolades including Asia Television’s Broadcaster of the Year, MediaCorp‟s vision is to become Asia‟s top media company, delivering valued content to the world.
For more information, please visit www.mediacorp.sg

About FetchTV
FetchTV is an Australian founded and owned business, with backing from the Malaysian based ASTRO ALL ASIA NETWORKS subscription tv group.

FetchTV is a wholesale subscription tv provider to leading Australian internet service providers. The FetchTV service is unique in that it provides access to digital free-to-air channels, subscription channels, video on-demand and interactive content via an unmetered broadband connection. Content is delivered to the tv in SD and HD quality, instantly with no downloading delays.

For more information, please visit www.fetchtv.com.au

About Glocal Media Networks
Glocal Media Networks is an US based media company focused on the creation and operation of ethnic pay-television channels worldwide. The Company currently operates 12 ethnic television channels in 5 countries, including U.S., Canada, France, Singapore and Australia. The Company also provides the channels to industry leading pay-television operators in each country including, AT&T, DISH Network, Rogers, Bell, Shaw, SFR, StarHub, and FetchTV.

For more information, please visit www.gmni.tv

The Asia Television Forum (ATF) enters its second decade with a theme that reflects the rapid growth of the region’s television industry on the background of economic optimism in Asia – “Above and Beyond”. Driven by greater interest in made-in-Asia content and cross-platform convergence, ATF is well-positioned as Asia’s leading content market in the years to come.

The 11th edition of ATF is witnessing positive growth in the Asian TV content market, presenting a record number of 13 pavilions, including four new pavilions from China (2 groups), Finland and Japan. Returning pavilions are France, Italy, South Korea (2 groups), Malaysia, Singapore, Spain and Taiwan (2 groups). Besides an increase in the number of pavilions, the market also saw an approximate 14% increase in seller companies and 18% in buyer participation. In general, ATF is saw an increase of 15% in overall participation. An expected 150 companies created waves in ATF for first time.

Yeow Hui Leng, Project Director of Reed Exhibitions, said, “ATF was launched in 2000 to serve as a platform for regional buyers to acquire international content. However, the tides are fast changing. More Asian sellers have entered the arena to distribute programmes or explore international co-production, to meet demand for content that’s closer to home.”

ATF buyers from both regional and international organisations shared their thoughts on the market. Seyeon Lee, Head of Global Marketing Team, Korea Creative Content Agency, said, “Through ATF this year, we introduced a number of great Korean programmes to not only buyers from Asian countries, but from Europe as well.” Sayuri Hata, from CREi Inc, remarked, “Having attended ATF for the past few years, we find it valuable to be able to make contact with Asian companies, especially those from Southeast Asia.” Said Joyce Yeung, Senior Vice-President & General Manager Asia for BBC Worldwide Sales & Distribution, “As Asia’s premier international content market, ATF offers an ideal opportunity for BBC Worldwide to spend time with all our valued clients in Asia and meet new clients.”

Eva Zalve from the Economic & Commercial Office of Spain echoed Yeung’s sentiment. “We decided to participate in ATF because of the positive experiences that our pavilion’s companies had in previous years. The market allows us to develop new relationships, close deals, and reach new audiences in Asia.”

New programmes launched at ATF 2010 by international and regional companies, indicated the significance of the market on the global platform. Companies including Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC), IMC Vision, Telemundo Internacional, Zee Entertainment Enterprises, and Zodiak Rights also presented new offerings at the market. Natalie Lawley, Sales Manager, Australian Broadcasting Channel (ABC), said, “The ABC was able to contract a substantial amount of deals at ATF last year and we continue to build on that this year. We will be bringing a new title called “Unbelievable”, a six-part documentary-style programme that tests irrational beliefs.”

Tina Cai, Head – Syndication Manager – Subscription & Advertising Zee Network – Asia Pacific shared, “Pavitra Rishta and 2010 Zee Cine Awards are our new launches at ATF. Pavitra Rishta (Pure Relationship) recently won the “Jury’s Special Prize” at Seoul International Awards, and the Zee Cine Awards is slated to be held in Singapore in January 2011.”

Co-production activities and collaboration between international companies are also on the rise. An example is the joint-venture between A&E Television Networks (AETN™) and ASTRO ALL ASIA NETWORKS plc to form AETN All Asia Networks. Original productions from this joint-venture will be available at ATF.

“The programmes that we co-produced with Singapore’s Media Development Authority and Malaysia National Film Development include a few Asian history and crime series such as Hidden Cities, Crime Investigation Asia and The Maguindanao Massacre,” said Ling Sze Gan, Regional Director, Content Sales – Asia Pacific, AETN.

ATF 2010 is co-located alongside the Singapore Toys, Games and Comic Convention (STGCC), and the two overlapped for a day on 10th December. In conjunction with this co-location, the ATF conference featured an animation panel and Superpitch, as well as a licensing panel. The animation conference track focused on developments, trends, processes and financing of animation projects, while the licensing panel provided insight into the important details and challenges of licensing in the industry.

Other conference sessions include a 3D TV Seminar, which will explore the impact of 3D technology; and a music panel that will discuss cross platform distribution of content and its impact on the music business.

Critics are raving about the latest Clapton album as a new and inspiring body of work by one of the world’s most legendary guitar players. Co-produced by guitarist and long-time collaborator Doyle Bramhall II, the album features an all star cast of musical collaborations starting with the legendary JJ Cale, drummer Jim Keltner, bassist Willie Weeks, and keyboardist Walt Richmond—and the sessions later added guests including Steve Winwood, Wynton Marsalis, Sheryl Crow, Allen Toussaint, and Derek Trucks. Eric touches on everything from century-old traditional brass bands to little-known country blues to brand-new originals.

Eric has assembled an impressive band for the 2011 tour which will consist of long-time touring partners: Steve Gadd (drums), Willie Weeks (bass), Chris Stainton (keyboards) along with Michelle John and Sharon White as backing vocalists.

Eric Clapton is the only triple inductee into the Rock & Roll Hall Of Fame (as a member of both the Yardbirds and Cream and as a solo artist). He has also won or shared in eighteen Grammy Awards. Clapton has also contributed to numerous artists’ albums over the decades and toured extensively performing thousands of concerts around the globe. Throughout his career, critics and fans have viewed Clapton as one of the most important and influential guitarists of all time. Clapton was ranked fourth in Rolling Stone magazine’s list of the “100 Greatest Guitarists of All Time” and #53 on their list of the “Immortals: 100 Greatest Artists of All Time”. In 2010, Clapton was ranked #4 on Gibson’s Top 50 Guitarists of All Time.

The 2011 concerts mark the return of Eric Clapton to these shores with Lushington Entertainments, after being the first artist to kickstart the company when they promoted his 1990 Journeyman Tour. In 2007, Lushington encored the earlier shows with two sold-out shows again in Singapore and Hong Kong.

Eric Clapton – Live In Singapore

Date: 14 February 2011

Venue: Singapore Indoor Stadium

Time: 8.00pm

Tickets: S$399, S$299, S$199, S$99 from SISTIC Outlets, plus S$3 SISTIC fee

Bookings Hotline: (+65) 6348 5555

Web bookings: www.sistic.com.sg

Eric Clapton – Live In Hong Kong

Date: 18 February 2011

Venue: Hong Kong Asia World – Arena

Time: 8.00pm

Tickets: HK$1488, HK$1188, HK$888, HK$488 from HK TICKETING & ALL TOM LEE OUTLETS

Bookings Hotline: (+852) 31 288 288

Web bookings: www.hkticketing.com

Enquiries & Corporate Bookings: (+852) 2629-6240

Check out the John Little Expo Sale from 15 to 25 July 2010, and be spoilt for choice with an extensive range of products from fashion, kids’, toiletries & cosmetics to home essentials at irresistibly low prices!

Simply flash your StarHub mobile operator logo or StarHub bill to enjoy this exclusive offer.

Terms & Conditions apply
Date: 15 July 2010 – 25 July 2010*

Time: 10.30am to 10pm daily

Venue: Singapore Expo Hall 3

*Additional 10% discount is only applicable from 19-25 July for all StarHub Customers

10.30am to 10pm daily

Singapore Expo Hall 3

more information:

Introducing KIX and Thrill Pack at just $8.56 per month
A pack of two channels that provide the ultimate gripping action and horror is now available. KIX (Ch 207)
KIX a high-octane 24-hour action channel that not just boosts your adrenaline rushes, but also offers quality sports action entertainment in Asia. Expect a wide variety of shows from action reality, extreme sports, mixed martial arts fight event, drama series, anime and action movies. Thrill (Ch 618)
Thrill is an international thriller channel, that features not just thriller blockbusters and TV series from Asia, but across Hollywood as well. The 24-hour channel showcases a wide range of thriller programmes including suspense, horror, scary movie blockbusters and TV series from Hollywood, Asia and around the world. Catch the free preview of KIX and Thrill from 28 April to 16 May.
Simply tune in to the respective channel and you will be screaming for more!
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‘Iron Man 2′ Private Sneak Preview at Golden Village

Catch the exclusive sneak preview of ‘Iron Man 2′ with StarHub!

Directed by Jon Favreau, this sequel to 2008’s Iron Man promised to be yet another blockbuster for the box office. Starring Robert Downey Jr. reprising his role as Tony Stark, an industrialist and master engineer, also known as the superhero Iron Man, watch how he forge new alliances and confront a powerful new enemy in this movie sequel.

To watch this exclusive sneak preview, simply submit your entry before 26 April 2010, 12pm and get a chance to win free tickets!

Submit your entry now!

Reaching out to audiences across an array of media platforms, the Mandarin 50-parter is a collaboration between the Media Development Authority of Singapore (MDA), Singapore media company Ufinity, and Chinese company Prime Time Entertainment. The series is supported by media platform owners SMRT Media, StarHub, The Straits Times RazorTV and At-Life Pte Ltd in Singapore; and Digital Media Group (DMG), Youku.com and Sina.com in China; and produced by Singapore’s ThreesixzeroProductions.

Singapore commuters will be able to enjoy the drama on more than 250 television displays in the train stations along the North-South, East-West and Circle lines. Following each daily broadcast of the two-and-a-half minute episodes in the train stations, the drama will be available on the internet (www.razortv.com.sg); cable TV (E City, StarHub Channel 56), mobile (StarHub Mobile Gee! portal), and 300 At-Life outdoor digital screens (located in QB House, McDonald’s, Delifrance Bistros and elevators in prime Central Business District buildings). In addition, My Paper will carry daily episodic synopsis for audiences to keep abreast of the drama’s developments.

In China, the drama will be screened on television screens within the trains, train stations and bus shelter displays managed by DMG Media Group. As with Singapore, the daily episodes will be available on Youku.com, China’s top, fastest growing website; and Sina.com, the largest Chinese-language infotainment web portal.

Together, the series will reach out to commuters on more than 1.4 million daily passenger trips in Singapore and 15 million commuters in China. The outdoor digital screens will reach out to 13.4 million viewers across Singapore while online portals will also reach out to at least 1.7 million viewers in Singapore and 9.8 million viewers in China.

The drama tells of a love story between a Singapore singer (Singapore Project Superstar alumna Kelly Poon 潘嘉丽 ), and a Shanghai youth (Taiwanese actor Robert Fan 范植伟 ) who pursues his studies and music aspirations in Singapore. Through the former, the Singaporean sees her hometown with a fresh pair of eyes. Filmed mainly in Singapore, the series presents the best of Singapore’s picturesque locations and heritage as well as an international crew including director Lisa Chen 陈秀玉 (Taiwan), and casts Mei Xin 美心 (Singapore), Nathan Lee 李承铉 (Korea),  Ivan Huang
黄阅 (China), Lawrence Wong 王冠逸 (Singapore), Johnny Jiang 姜育恆
(Taiwan) and Sky Wu 伍思凯 (Taiwan). The series’ soundtrack also features Singapore singers and songwriters. Plans are also in place to expand the drama into a feature film for theatrical release in late 2009.

Said Dr Christopher Chia, Chief Executive Officer, MDA: “A Starry Night is a significant milestone as Singapore’s first subway drama which will also be repurposed for Singapore and Chinese audiences to enjoy on multiple media platforms. Besides increasing the avenues for Singapore-made content to be enjoyed, the series also showcases our many iconic locations and talents from production to music composition.

Boosting this multiplatform project is the involvement of regional talents from China, Korea and Taiwan which may herald the way of things to come in the future.” Added Ms Teo Chew Hoon, Managing Director, SMRT Investments Pte Ltd: “SMRT Media is proud to launch the subway drama series A Starry Night on our platforms. With more than 1.4 million passenger trips daily, our network of 58 train stations is a good platform to reach out to the masses.

We are delighted our commuters will be the first to catch the subway drama in Singapore, as SMRT’s daily broadcast is an  episode ahead of other channels. Through the wide range of media platforms on our extensive network, we will continue to enhance the travelling experience of commuters on the move.” Said Mr Felix Soh, Digital Media Editor, Singapore Press Holdings: “Razor is proud to be part of this ground-breaking and innovative project. As the online portal, we provide an additional platform to enjoy the series. It promises to be a very successful endeavour. I myself watched the first few episodes of A Starry Night and I’m already addicted to it!” Said Mr Chan Kin Hung, Head of Products and Solutions, StarHub: “We are excited to partner MDA and Ufinity to experiment with the innovative ‘bite-sized’ drama serial A Starry Night, that is specially tailored to entertain busy individuals with each episode created to last only two-and-a-half minutes. We know that our customers lead active lifestyles and by offering this drama serial on our mobile and cable TV platforms, we make the content readily accessible to busy individuals. They can view the content at their convenience either on the mobile phone anywhere, anytime or catch several episodes at one go in the comfort of their home via cable TV.”

Said Mr Srikanth Ramachandran, Managing Director, At-Life Pte Ltd: “We are pleased to partner MDA and Ufinity in promoting the drama A Starry Night. As a first-of-its-kind in Singapore, A Starry Night provided us an opportunity to showcase our capabilities in Interactive Digital Outdoor Media. Most importantly, it has also provided advertisers unique opportunity to wrap their messages around the content in a meaningful and
measurable manner.”

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 Trusted Global Capital for New Asia Media. MDA spearheads initiatives that promote industry growth in film, television, radio, publishing, music, games, animation and  nteractive 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, visit www.mda.gov.sg and www.smf.sg.

Ufinity
With origins dating back to 1996, Ufinity is a leading solution provider in interactive media and convergence services with innovative solutions spanning across the Telecommunications/ISP, Finance, Government and Media industries. Recent projects include Singapore’s first Web TV
Portal “The Straits Times Razor TV” (www.razortv.com.sg) and ST iPhone application; which became ‘Top Free Applications’ in Singapore AppStore. With offices in Singapore and China, Ufinity has customers from across Asia in Singapore, Hong Kong, Taiwan, China, Sri Lanka, Malaysia and the Philippines. For more information, please visit www.ufinity.com.

Prime Time Entertainment
Prime Time Entertainment Co., Ltd, the leading company that encompasses creativity, culture, fashion, entertainment and other resources was founded in 2007 with a niche focus on the Chinese market. Past projects spanned across movie production, new media production, concerts, PR and events, Artistes Management, Media and Publicity Planning, etc. To date,
Prime Time Entertainment has successfully managed many high-profile projects which included the subway operas, “A Sunny Day” (2007) and “Dancing Without You” (2008).

SMRT Media
SMRT Media is a subsidiary of SMRT Corporation Ltd, Singapore’s premier multi-modal transport service provider offering integrated island-wide transport services. A leading transit advertising operator and consultancy provider, SMRT Media offers a wide range of media platforms at our
stations, bus interchanges and on board our trains, buses and taxis. Working closely with our clients, SMRT Media delivers innovative and attention-grabbing campaigns that reinforce its appeal as a preferred outdoor advertising partner.

Digital Media Group (DMG)
DMG (Digital Media Group) is China’s leading operator of digital media inside subway systems. DMG delivers quality entertainment, information, advertising and its proprietary Passenger Information System (PIS) to over 15 million passengers a day through 16,452 digital screens. DMG’s network consists of 30 subway lines in nine cities including Beijing, Chengdu, Chongqing, Guangzhou, Hong Kong, Nanjing, Shanghai, Shenzhen and Tianjin as well as bus shelters in Shanghai. DMG is headquartered in Shanghai with its R&D activities based in Beijing. DMG group companies include Beijing Eastlong Technology Development Company Limited, Beijing Eastlong Advertising Company Limited and six DMG operating subsidiaries. For more information, please visit www.dmgtv.com.

About Singapore Press Holdings Ltd
Main board-listed Singapore Press Holdings Ltd (SPH) is Southeast Asia’s leading media organisation, engaging minds and enriching lives across multiple languages and platforms. It publishes 17 newspaper titles in four languages and over 100 magazine titles in Singapore and the region. Every day, 2.9 million individuals or 79 percent of people above 15 years old, read one of SPH’s news publications. SPH’s internet editions of its major newspapers enjoy over 150 million page views with 9 million unique visitors each month. Other new media initiatives include AsiaOne, omy, rednano.sg, ST701, STOMP and The Straits Times RazorTV. SPH has also
ventured into broadcasting, outdoor advertising and properties. For more information, please visit www.sph.com.sg.

About StarHub
StarHub is Singapore’s fully-integrated info-communication company, offering a full range of information, communications and entertainment services for both consumer and corporate markets. StarHub operates Singapore’s fastest two-way HSPA+ mobile network that delivers up
to 21Mbps for downlink to complement its nation-wide GSM network, and an island-wide HFC network that delivers multi-channel cable TV services (including High Definition Television and on-demand services) as well as ultra-high speed residential broadband services. StarHub also operates an extensive fixed business network that provides a wide range of data, voice and wholesale services. Launched in 2000, StarHub has become one of Singapore’s most innovative info-communications providers, and the pioneer in ‘hubbing’ – the ability to deliver unique integrated and converged
services to all its customers. StarHub, listed on the main board of the Singapore Exchange since October 2004, is a component stock of the Straits Times Index and the MCSI Singapore Free Index. For more information, visit www.starhub.com.

Threesixzero Productions
Established in 2001 by New York Festival Finalists Han Kwang Wei and Ng Hwee Hoon, Threesixzero Productions Pte Ltd is one of Singapore’s leading production companies specialising in the production of Chinese factual and entertainment programs. It produces on average 80 hours of TV content annually and its programs range from travelogues to arts and cultural documentaries to design and food programs. Many of these programs have garnered international awards. For more information, please visit www.threesixzero.tv.

At-Life

At-Life is Singapore’s leading digital out-of-home (DOOH) media network with more than 300 locations via plasma screens in captive environments island-wide. Our media has a wide reach of highly targeted Youth, Families and PMEB’s viewers, delivering messages through cutting-edge technology to provide our advertisers and retailers an interactive mechanism for communicating with their audience. For more information, please visit www.atlife.sg

August 7, 2009, USA - Cannes: The Kitchen, the entertainment industry’s only Emmy Award Winning language translation, dubbing and subtitling services facilities (2002 & 2007), will again be represented at this year’s MIPCOM festivities, with a envoy lead by Executive VP, Deeny Kaplan.

“Each year we are seeing more and more of our clients wanting to take control of their programming,” Kaplan stated.  “No longer is it best to sell the series, and let someone else customize the language.  It is now the distributor, or the studio, or the network, who wants the ability to control the content and the adaptation of their programming, to and from all languages.  And there is more money to be made when one has the ability to sell a series, in its entirety, customized to any language in the world”.

Selling new, or existing programming at MIPCOM, has also been made easier with the custom language versioning demo package created by “The Kitchen”, allowing the seller to show their offerings in multiple languages in advance of the sale.

The language versioning, or language customization, part of the industry has become “big business” worldwide.  The Kitchen works to and from all languages, and to all formats and genres of programming, including: telenovelas; anime; children’s programming; series television; animation; reality; video games; news, sports and documentaries;  theatrical for TV and DVD, etc.

To arrange for an appointment to discuss your language customization program, please contact Deeny Kaplan directly at 818 306 5300, or write dkaplan@thekitchen.tv. During MIPCOM week Deeny Kaplan can be reached at 310 270 8214, or via email.