Chinese-Speaking Markets
Netflix Set To Take On Asian Tigers
Netflix has announced plans to launch in the four Asian tiger economies of South Korea, Singapore, Hong Kong and Taiwan in early 2016.
Korea & Japan
Netflix, Amazon Prime Go Head-To-Head In Japan
As Netflix and Amazon Prime Video launch their assault on Japan, they may find their biggest battle is not with each other, but with domestic competitors and the idiosyncrasies of the Japanese market.
Korea & Japan
Viki Acquires Korean Fan Site Soompi
Singapore-based global streaming platform Viki.com has acquired Korean fan community site Soompi from Crunchyroll.
Korea & Japan
DramaFever Signs Distribution Deal With CJ E&M
US-based streaming service DramaFever has signed a multi-year deal with Korean powerhouse CJ E&M for exclusive rights to a package of Korean TV series and movies.
Chinese-Speaking Markets
Viki Seals Content Deal With Huala Baina
Singapore-based streaming platform Viki.com has signed a multi-year content deal with Beijing-based Huala Baina Film & TV (HBN).
Korea & Japan
Japan’s Softbank To Acquire DramaFever
Fresh from its deal to invest in Legendary Entertainment, Japan’s Softbank is buying video service DramaFever, which streams TV shows and movies from around the globe.
Chinese-Speaking Markets
Equity Crowdfunding Still On The Starting Blocks
UK director Simon West says he is using equity crowdfunding for $10m action comedy Salty, but speakers at last week’s Asian Film Market explained this form of film financing still faces regulatory hurdles around the world.
Middle East
Crouching Tiger 2: Not Coming To A Cinema Near You Soon
Netflix’s announcement that it is planning a global day-and-date release for martial arts action epic Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon: The Green Legend is meeting with strong resistance from cinema chains worldwide.
Middle East
'Crouching Tiger' Sequel To Smash Windows
Netflix and The Weinstein Company have announced that they will release the sequel to Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon simultaneously on the streaming platform and in IMAX theatres on August 28, 2015.
Korea & Japan
COMMENT: Thawing The Theatrical Model
Snowpiercer’s US release proves that VOD can co-exist with theatrical, although this pattern shouldn’t be used as a default setting for unusual films.