Discovery Networks Asia-Pacific and Info-Communications Media Development Authority to Invest in Content Partnership

SINGAPORE, Oct. 17, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Discovery Networks Asia-Pacific (DNAP) and the Info-Communications Media Development Authority (IMDA) today announced a year-long partnership designed to upskill and co-create content with emerging and established production companies in Singapore using the most advanced techniques and technologies including 4K and Virtual Reality (VR). These content will premiere on Discovery's platforms globally.

Driven by Discovery Networks International (DNI) and DNAP, the USD$5 million (or SGD$6.8 million) year-long partnership is designed to both nurture new and upcoming producers, as well as give Singapore's established producers the opportunity to showcase their expertise to a global audience. Local producers will have the opportunity to learn the latest techniques, train in using new technologies, experiment with various content formats and present them across multi-channel platforms that will travel across the Discovery global network.

"Discovery is a pioneer in using cutting-edge technology to tell amazing stories. 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," said Louis Boswell, General Manager, Discovery Southeast Asia. "Building on Discovery's expertise across the globe, together with the industry's top players, we will establish a training ground for Singapore producers to showcase great content that can resonate around the world."

"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. We are confident that this combination of Discovery's experience in innovation with the creativity of Singapore's media talent will result in a series of new shows that will delight global audiences." said Angeline Poh, Assistant Chief Executive Officer, Content & Innovation Group, IMDA.

The initiative kicks off next month with a public call for entries and pitch brief, resulting in a boot camp aimed at taking 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.

In 2017, seasoned producers will be invited to a series of workshops dedicated to imparting 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.

As an early adopter with a dedicated virtual reality (VR) application, 2017 will also see Discovery's experienced global crew train local producers in VR technology -- sharing their know-how and expertise on storytelling. The final films will break new grounds and premiere on the Discovery VR application globally.  

About Discovery Networks Asia-Pacific

Discovery Networks Asia-Pacific, a division of the leading global entertainment provider Discovery Communications, is dedicated to satisfying curiosity, engaging and entertaining viewers with high-quality content through its portfolio of brands. From survival to natural history, wonders of science to extreme jobs, motoring to travel and lifestyle, and the latest engineering marvels to live sporting events, Discovery offers distinct must-watch programming to engage viewers across the region. The portfolio reaches 694 million cumulative subscribers in 37 countries and territories with programming customised in 14 languages and dialects. For more information, please visit www.discoverycommunications.com.

About the Info-communications Media Development Authority (IMDA)

The Info-communications Media Development Authority (IMDA) will develop a vibrant, world-class infocomm media sector that drives the economy, connects people, bonds communities and powers Singapore's Smart Nation vision. IMDA does this by developing talent, strengthening business capabilities, and enhancing Singapore's ICT and media infrastructure. IMDA also regulates the telecommunications and media sectors to safeguard consumer interests while fostering a pro-business environment. IMDA also enhances Singapore's data protection regime through the Personal Data Protection Commission. For more news and information, visit www.imda.gov.sg or follow IMDA on Facebook: IMDAsg and Twitter @IMDAsg.

SOURCE Infocomm Media Development Authority (IMDA)

Related Links

http://www.imda.gov.sg