Discovery Networks Asia-Pacific has entered into a year-long partnership with Singapore’s Info-Communications Media Development Authority to co-create content with emerging and established production companies in the country using the most advanced techniques and technologies, including 4K and Virtual Reality.
The content developed through the partnership will premiere on Discovery platforms globally.
The $5 million partnership, driven by Discovery Networks International and Discovery Networks Asia-Pacific, is designed to 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 Discovery Southeast Asia general manager Louis Boswell in a statement. “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.”
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 short-film online video platform Viddsee. The shortlisted films will premiere on DNAP and Viddsee.
“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 IMDA assistant CEO, content & innovation group Angeline Poh, in a statement.
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.
Discovery’s global crew will also 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.
