Middle East
Asia’s Original Content Wars Heat Up
While Netflix and Amazon are pouring investment into local-language content across Asia, several regional platforms are entering the fray with a slew of announcements in recent months.
Chinese-Speaking Markets
iQiyi, Sony’s 'Chosen' Starts Shooting In Australia
iQiyi and Sony’s Chinese-language adaptation of US drama Chosen has started shooting in Australia with Lan Cheng-lung and Deng Jiajia heading the cast.
Chinese-Speaking Markets
iQiyi To Stream 'Lord Of The Rings' Under Warner Bros Deal
Deal for streaming rights to more than 200 library titles also covers the Harry Potter franchise, Godzilla, Gravity and The Great Gatsby.
Chinese-Speaking Markets
China’s LeEco Denies India Exit Despite Downsizing
China’s LeEco has refuted Indian press reports that it will leave the India market after firing 85% of its local workforce.
Chinese-Speaking Markets
FESTIVALS: 'Love Off The Cuff' To Open HKIFF
Pang Ho-cheung's Love Off The Cuff will receive its world premiere as the opening film of this year’s Hong Kong International Film Festival.
Middle East
Middle East OTT Heats Up With Viu Launch
Competition in the OTT space in the Middle East is intensifying with PCCW’s Viu becoming the latest platform to roll out across the region.
Chinese-Speaking Markets
Alibaba Invests $200m In South Korea’s Kakao
Alibaba’s payment affiliate Ant Financial is investing $200m in South Korean messaging service Kakao, as part of the Chinese tech giant’s move to build out online payment systems around the world.
Chinese-Speaking Markets
FESTIVALS: HKIFF To Screen Edward Yang’s Films
The Hong Kong International Film Festival (April 11-25) is presenting a retrospective of the work of late Taiwanese filmmaker Edward Yang.
Middle East
FilmDoo Scoops Up Slate Of 19 Asian Titles
UK-based streaming platform FilmDoo has acquired TVOD rights to 19 Asian films from distributors including Asian Shadows and Stardust Pictures.
Chinese-Speaking Markets
Sony, iQiyi To Co-produce Chinese Version Of 'Chosen'
China’s iQiyi has struck a deal with Sony Pictures Television (SPT) to co-produce a Chinese-language adaptation of US drama Chosen.
Chinese-Speaking Markets
Lionsgate Extends Output Deal With iQiyi
Lionsgate has signed a new long-term output deal for library titles and upcoming films, including Robin Hood and Patriots Day, with Chinese streaming platform iQiyi.
Chinese-Speaking Markets
Netflix Beats Subs Forecast, Scraps China Plans
Netflix posted better-than-expected earnings and subscriber numbers for the third quarter of 2016, while confirming that its China plans are on hold due to a challenging regulatory environment.