News

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.

Korea & Japan

Amazon Checks In To Sion Sono’s 'Tokyo Vampire Hotel'

Amazon Prime Video Japan is working with maverick Japanese director Sion Sono on original series Tokyo Vampire Hotel, which is scheduled to stream from June 16.

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.

News

HOOQ Boards Indonesian Feature 'Marlina'

Singapore-based streaming service HOOQ has boarded its second original production in Asia, joining Indonesian filmmaker Mouly Surya’s new feature as a co-producer.

News

INTERVIEW: MovieSaints Brings Refund Concept To TVOD

Start-up streaming platform aims to encourage viewers to discover independent cinema by offering full or partial refunds if they don’t like a film.

Middle East

FESTIVALS: Focus Asia Unveils Inaugural Line-up

Focus Asia, the genre-themed co-production market of Udine’s Far East Film Festival, has unveiled its inaugural selection of 13 projects.

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.

News

Liberty Global Joins $90m iflix Funding Round

Kuala Lumpur-based streaming service iflix has raised $90m in fresh funding from US cable operator Liberty Global, Middle East telecoms operator Zain and other investors.

Korea & Japan

Netflix Boards Second Original Korean Series 'Kingdom'

Netflix has announced its second Korean original series, Kingdom, to be directed by Kim Seong-hun, whose last film Tunnel was a top five movie in Korea last year.

News

Netflix India Signs Partnerships With Airtel, Videocon, Vodafone

Netflix has signed distribution partnerships with three of India’s leading telecoms and DTH service providers – Airtel Digital TV, Videocon d2h and Vodafone.

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.

News

Amazon India Strikes Exclusive SVOD Deal With Lionsgate

Wide-ranging deal includes titles such as La La Land and Power Rangers, which will not be available on satellite or pay-TV in India.