Former U.S. Vice President Al Gore to host live, 24-hour broadcast on climate change; Intelsat provides global contribution and distribution services

Luxembourg, 04 December 2017
Intelsat S.A. (NYSE: I), operator of the world’s first Globalized Network and leader in integrated satellite communications is providing global communications services for The Climate Reality Project’s “24 Hours of Reality: Be the Voice of Reality” live broadcast. Intelsat’s contribution services will be used to uplink video featuring performances and leaders from around the world. Intelsat’s distribution services will be used to reach millions of people globally via the Intelsat 19, Intelsat 20, Intelsat 34, Intelsat 905 and Galaxy 17 satellites.

The live event, hosted by former U.S. Vice President Al Gore, will begin today, Dec. 4 at 6 p.m. EST. During each hour of the program, regional climate experts will highlight stories of climate activism in six regions, including North America, Oceania, the Middle East and Africa, Europe, and Central and South America. The event will also feature conversations with political leaders, thought leaders, climate scientists and cultural icons, as well as musical performances and short films.

In its seventh year of supporting The Climate Reality Project, Intelsat will use its Globalized Network, which includes its satellite network and IntelsatOne terrestrial services. Intelsat will contribute video from multiple locations worldwide, and support the broadcast of the event to more than 100 countries via traditional platforms such as Telemundo, France 24, SKY, PhoenixTV, and iHeartRadio.

“Climate Reality is grateful for Intelsat’s support for this year’s 24 Hours of Reality broadcast,” said Stacie Paxton Cobos, Climate Reality’s Senior Vice President of Communications and Marketing. “24 Hours of Reality: Be the Voice of Reality will showcase activism around the globe with the goal of inspiring millions to take action to solve the climate crisis. We are thrilled to partner with Intelsat once again to reach a truly global audience, and mobilize citizens around the world to stand up for the health of our planet.”

“A global organization like The Climate Reality Project requires a globalized network to ensure its message reaches people all around the world,” said Kurt Riegelman, Intelsat’s Senior Vice President, Sales and Marketing. “Intelsat’s expansive network and video neighborhoods are proven platforms for reaching the largest international audiences and are ideal for collecting video from multiple locations. We have supported The Climate Reality Project and the work of Vice President Al Gore on climate change since the groundbreaking Live Earth broadcast in 2007. Our long history working together is a testament to the breadth of Intelsat’s globalized network and the strength and reliability of our satellite-based contribution and distribution services.”

Supporting Resources:
Intelsat Media Services: http://www2.intelsat.com/e/48312/solutions-media/5x9yfr/297730488

About Intelsat
Intelsat S.A. (NYSE: I) operates the world’s first Globalized Network, delivering high-quality, cost-effective video and broadband services anywhere in the world. Intelsat’s Globalized Network combines the world’s largest satellite backbone with terrestrial infrastructure, managed services and an open, interoperable architecture to enable customers to drive revenue and reach through a new generation of network services. Thousands of organizations serving billions of people worldwide rely on Intelsat to provide ubiquitous broadband connectivity, multi-format video broadcasting, secure satellite communications and seamless mobility services. The end result is an entirely new world, one that allows us to envision the impossible, connect without boundaries and transform the ways in which we live. For more information, visit www.intelsat.com.

Takes Home Five Awards for AXN and The Amazing Race Asia Season 5

SINGAPORE (December 4, 2017) – Sony Pictures Television Networks, Asia scooped the pool at the 22nd Asian Television Awards in Singapore taking home five awards including the highly coveted ‘Cable & Satellite Network of the Year’.

Sony’s flagship channel in Asia, leading English general entertainment powerhouse, AXN, won ‘Cable & Satellite Channel of the Year’. The channel was also recognized for its hit-rated, pan-regional original production, The Amazing Race Asia Season 5, with three competitive awards: ‘Best General Entertainment Program’, ‘Best Reality Program’ and ‘Best Adaptation of an Existing Format’.

“We’re celebrating SPT Networks’ 20th anniversary this year and the five Asian Television Awards we received is a testament to the incredible teamwork, passion and creativity that we invest in our network every day. As the leader in genre-defining channels, it’s in our DNA to know our viewers’ habits and then deliver compelling content to win their hearts, minds and screens,” said Virginia Lim, Senior Vice President and Head of Content, Production and Marketing, Sony Pictures Television Networks, Asia.

Lim added, “AXN has a celebrated track record of creating blockbuster, pan-regional original productions that truly engage our viewers across multiple platforms. In 2016, it was The Amazing Race Asia Season 5, and this year we’re owning Thursday nights with Asia’s Got Talent Season 2. Watch this space as there will be more award-winning original productions coming up, including AXN’s new magic series, The Elements with Cosentino, premiering in January 2018.”

The Amazing Race Asia Season 5 premiered in October 2016 securing AXN’s position as the #1 English General Entertainment channel in its Thursday night timeslot, with a 51% share of the genre. Hosted by TV personality Allan Wu, The Amazing Race Asia Season 5 was also the top rated original production of the year, which followed the adventures of 11 fearless teams who traversed Asia in a bid to win USD100,000. The Amazing Race Asia Season 5 was produced in collaboration with award-winning international production company, Profiles Television and globally renowned series creators Bertram Van Munster and Elise Doganieri.

AXN Asia: A leader in original productions
AXN is a leader of regionally produced original content in Asia, with notable ratings successes including the hit-rated, award-winning Asia’s Got Talent, five seasons of the international Emmy-nominated The Amazing Race Asia; the Asian Television Award-winning Cash Cab Asia and Cash Cab Philippines; The Apprentice Asia; and the Asian Television Award-nominated Cyril: Simply Magic.

About Sony Pictures Television Networks, Asia
Sony Pictures Television (SPT) Networks, Asia is a leading operator of ad-supported channels including English general entertainment powerhouses AXN and Sony Channel; and Asian content giants Animax, GEM and ONE. SPT Networks’ portfolio collectively features the biggest and best titles from Korea, Japan and the U.S that are first run, exclusive and aired close to the original telecast. Taking the content beyond the screen, SPT Networks immerses viewers in its premium entertainment via large-scale festivals, celebrity fan meets and social platform conversations. In Asia, SPT Networks’ portfolio is available across 19 territories and in over 42 million homes.

About Sony Pictures Television Networks
Sony Pictures Television Networks operates branded entertainment channels reaching over one billion households around the world. Based in Culver City, Amsterdam, Budapest, London, Madrid, Miami, Milan, Moscow, Mumbai, Munich, Singapore and Tokyo, Sony’s linear and digital networks offer high quality film and television content from Sony Pictures and third-parties, as well as original content commissioned globally and locally. Sony Pictures Television Networks is a division of Sony Pictures Television Inc., a Sony Pictures Entertainment company.

www.SonyPicturesTelevision.com

Source: Kantar Media Malaysia DTAM (consolidated activities); Singapore IMDA SG-TAM (consolidated viewing); Kantar Media Philippine TAM Service All Urban Panels; Nielsen Taiwan TAM Service. Target: Pay TV 4+.

Premiere timeslot: 13th October to 15th December 2016 Thursdays 9pm-10pm (MY/PH/SG); 14th October to 16th December 2016 Fridays 8pm-9pm (TW)

~From 10th Dec every Sunday at 7pm on Star Plus & Hotstar~
~ Glacéau Smartwater from Coca-Cola comes on board as the title sponsor on Star Plus~

Mumbai, November 30, 2017: The campaign #DontKillideas from Star Plus heralds its ideas inspiring limited edition show- TED Talks India Nayi Soch, launching on 10th December, every Sunday at 7 pm on Star Plus & Hotstar. Partnering the campaign as title sponsor on Star Plus is Glacéau Smartwater from Coca-Cola. The opening episode will be simulcast across Star Gold, Movies OK, Star World, Star Pravah, Star Jalsha along with Star Plus & Hotstar.

The first phase of the campaign which featured two films – Rotimaker and Drone directed by Nitesh Tiwari, generated a lot of interest and captured everyone’s imagination with many industry stalwarts and creative leaders weighing in on #DontKillIdeas. Star Plus kick starts the second phase of the campaign, featuring the host of the show, someone known for his irresistible charm and magnetic persona, the one and only – Shah Rukh Khan. At the heart of this campaign is the core premise of ‘Ideas’ – keeping oneself open to possibilities of what an idea can do, be it the potential to open one’s mind or the power that is unleashed on sharing.

Conceived and executed with the host exuding his trademark charisma, Shah Rukh Khan says, “Ideas are the new cool currency, the new rock n roll. This show is a unique and powerful initiative towards opening people’s minds to the power of Ideas and encouraging Nayi Soch. An idea can inspire you with limitless possibilities, give you an alternative perspective to look at oneself, one’s surroundings and future.”

Vijay Parasuraman, Vice President Marketing at Coca-Cola India and South West Asia says, “Today’s world is all about ideas. About disruption. The extremely fast pace at which tech is changing the way we live and think makes innovation an integral part of life today. We are happy to partner with Star Plus in bringing to the Indian audiences the power of ideas. Ideas are as essential as water! You just can’t do without it!”

“In TED Talks India Nayi Soch the idea is the hero,” says Narayan Sundararaman, Business Head, Star Plus. “This show redefines the very concept of entertainment and brings audiences stories that involve a range of personalities, situations and ideas that are diverse and inspiring.”

Catch TED Talks India Nayi Soch on Star Plus & Hotstar starting Dec 10 at 7 pm every Sunday…& get inspired.

TED Talks India Nayi Soch Promo with SRK – http://bit.ly/2j4GUsN

************

About Star India:
Star India has defined the Indian media landscape since 1991 and today is one of the country’s leading media conglomerates, reaching approximately 700+ million viewers a month across India and more than 100 other countries. Star generates 30,000+ hours of content every year and broadcasts 60+ channels in 8 different languages, reaching 9 out of 10 C&S TV homes in India.

The network’s entertainment channel portfolio includes Star Gold, Channel V, Star World, Star World Premiere HD, Star Movies, Star Movies Select HD, Star Utsav, Star Utsav Movies, Star Bharat, Movies OK and Star Plus, India’s No. 1 Hindi General Entertainment Channel. It has a leading presence in regional broadcasting as well, through a bouquet of channels which include Star Jalsha, Jalsha Movies, Star Pravah, Maa channels and affiliate channels Asianet, Asianet Plus, Asianet Movies, Suvarna, Suvarna Plus and Vijay. It is also present in the Indian movie production and distribution space through Fox Star Studios, an affiliate joint venture company.

Star India is making quantum leaps in transforming sports in the country by leveraging the group’s strengths in superior content and audience engagement. Star’s sports business has grown rapidly to 12 channel properties (Star Sports 1, 2, Star Sports Select 1, Star Sports Select 2, Star Sports Hindi 1; Star Sports HD1, HD2, Star Sports Select 1 HD, Star Sports Select 2 HD, Star Sports Hindi 1 HD; India’s first Tamil Sports channel Star Sports Tamil 1 and India’s first private FTA sports channel Star Sports First), making it the leading sports network in the country.

Star is set to drive the agenda on digital content consumption in the country with Hotstar, Star’s revolutionary digital platform that brings your favourite TV shows, movies and sports in one destination.

Star India is a fully owned subsidiary of 21st Century Fox.

Follow us on http://www.startv.com/

A Man Has A Name. He Is Tom Wlaschiha.

Download images of Tom Wlaschiha in Singapore here
Download production images of Jaqen H’ghar here

SINGAPORE, NOVEMBER 30, 2017 – Best known for his role as Jaqen H’ghar in the HBO Original hit series GAME OF THRONES, German actor Tom Wlaschiha is in Singapore this week to celebrate HBO Asia’s 25th Anniversary. His character is best known for helping Arya Stark (played by Maisie Williams) learn the deadly arts of his order, the Faceless Men, at the House of Black and White in Braavos. The Faceless Men have the ability to change their appearance at will.

The penultimate season of GAME OF THRONES (#GameofThrones) culminated with its seventh episode earlier this August, boasting the longest runtime of 79 minutes and 43 seconds in the entire series. All seven seasons of the award-winning series are available for streaming on HBO GO and HBO On Demand.

In an exclusive and intimate press session with both local and regional media this afternoon, Wlaschiha said, “I am very honoured to be part HBO Asia’s anniversary celebration and I am enjoying the warm hospitality and the vibrant culture that the region has to offer,” He further remarks, “Just like everyone else, a man is looking forward to the ultimate season of GAME OF THRONES.”

On his first trip to Singapore, Wlaschiha immersed himself in the eclectic mix of cultures that the little red dot has to offer. He visited a Chinese and an Indian temple in Chinatown and the Sultan Mosque (Masjid Sultan) in Kampong Glam, and went to iconic sights including the Singapore Botanic Gardens and Boat Quay. He also indulged in some of Singapore’s local culinary delights including Hainanese chicken rice and chilli crab.

In addition to HBO Asia’s 25th Anniversary festivities, nine Asian directors, showrunners and cast members from HBO Asia’s upcoming titles, including actresses Yuko Takeuchi (Japan), Shihori Kanjiya (Japan) and Kuo Shu Yau (Taiwan); directors Joko Anwar (Indonesia), Chen Ho Yu (Taiwan), Ho Yuhang (Malaysia), Eric Khoo (Singapore) and Lee Sang-Woo (Korea); as well as showrunner Mike Wiluan (Indonesia), were in Singapore to share insights about their upcoming HBO Asia Original productions and celebrate the milestone.

About GAME OF THRONES
Based on the popular book series “A Song of Ice and Fire,” by George R.R. Martin, this hit Emmy®-winning fantasy series chronicles an epic struggle for power in a vast and violent kingdom. Members of the ensemble cast for the seventh season include Emmy® and Golden Globe winner Peter Dinklage, Nikolaj Coster-Waldau, Lena Headey, Emilia Clarke, Aidan Gillen, Kit Harington, Sophie Turner and Maisie Williams. Season seven credits: executive producers David Benioff, D.B. Weiss, Carolyn Strauss, Frank Doelger and Bernadette Caulfield; co-executive producers, Guymon Casady, Vince Gerardis, George R.R. Martin and Bryan Cogman; producers, Chris Newman, Greg Spence and Lisa McAtackney.

A worldwide TV phenomenon, GAME OF THRONES is available for streaming on HBO GO and HBO On Demand.

# # #

ABOUT HBO ASIA
Singapore-based HBO Asia brings the best of Hollywood to Asia first through its exclusive licensing deals with major Hollywood and independent studios, including Paramount Pictures, Sony Pictures, Universal Studios, Warner Bros. and Lionsgate. HBO Asia has proprietary and award-winning HBO and HBO Asia Original programmes that are produced exclusively for HBO viewers. Wholly owned by HBO (a Time Warner company), HBO Asia reaches 23 territories across Asia and offers a bouquet of channels and services including five 24-hour commercial-free subscription movie channels in standard-definition and high-definition – HBO, HBO SIGNATURE, HBO FAMILY, HBO HITS and CINEMAX – as well as a 24-hour Asian movie channel, RED by HBO, and other services such as HBO GO, HBO ON DEMAND and 鼎级剧场 (ding ji ju chang) in China. HBO Asia is also the exclusive distributor of BabyFirst and DreamWorks channels in Asia. Log on to www.hboasia.com for more information.

For more information, please contact HBO Asia:

Karen Lai
Senior Director, Communications
Tel: (65) 6381 1796
Email: karen.lai@hboasia.com

Cheryl Foong
Manager, Communications
Tel: (65) 6381 1838
Email: cheryl.foong@hboasia.com

Chan Zi Ning
Executive, Communications
Tel: (65) 6381 1746
Email: zining.chan@hboasia.com

Now TV will live broadcast all 64 matches ViuTV will broadcast 19 selected matches at TV prime time

PCCW (SEHK:0008) – HONG KONG, November 30, 2017 – PCCW announces that Now TV and ViuTV will exclusively broadcast the 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia™ in Hong Kong.

The FIFA World Cup™ is the biggest single-event sporting competition and the most widely viewed sporting event in the world. It is held every four years and FIFA has hosted 20 tournaments to date.

Russia is the host country of the 2018 FIFA World Cup™. The opening match will be played on June 14, 2018, followed by group matches, round of 16, quarter-finals, semi-finals, the 3rd place match, and the final on July 15.

Now TV will be exclusively broadcasting all 64 matches live, while ViuTV will broadcast 19 selected matches live, including the opening match, the two semi-finals and the final. Now TV will live broadcast the draw ceremony for the final stages to be held in Moscow on December 1 at 10:55 p.m. (HK time) via Now Sports 2 (Ch 632), while ViuTV will live broadcast the ceremony on ViuTVsix (Ch 96) at 11 p.m. (HK time).

Ms. Janice Lee, Managing Director of PCCW Media Group, said, “PCCW Media is pleased to bring the exclusive Hong Kong broadcast rights of 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia™ to viewers in Hong Kong. With our extensive experience in producing and broadcasting large-scale international and local sporting events, including LaLiga, Premier League, UEFA Europa League and UEFA EURO 2016, Now TV aims to offer viewers superb World Cup enjoyment, whether on a live or on-demand basis, on our TV, Internet and mobile platforms. And with ViuTV’s local production strength and creativity, we aim to add more excitement and entertainment to this mega event for the enjoyment of viewers in Hong Kong.”

Mr. Lo Ting-fai, General Manager of HK Television Entertainment Company Limited, said, “ViuTV is very excited to bring this world-class sports event to the wider audience of Hong Kong. As most of the matches will be held after dusk in Hong Kong, all family members can enjoy all the FIFA World Cup™ excitement during the prime time television viewing hours, whether they are at home or out-of-home. ViuTV will produce a series of exciting lead-in and supporting programs to enhance the FIFA World Cup™ viewing experience and to cater to the interests of the diverse audience as the FIFA World Cup™ is an event that is enjoyed by viewers of all ages.”

Mr. Philippe Le Floc’h, FIFA’s Chief Commercial Officer, said, “We are very pleased to be working with such a strong broadcast partner to share the passion of the 2018 FIFA World Cup™ with Hong Kong’s huge football fan base.”

Ms. Janice Lee, Managing Director of PCCW Media Group, and Mr. Lo Ting-fai, General Manager of HK Television Entertainment, announce that Now TV and ViuTV will exclusively broadcast the 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia™ in Hong Kong.

About Now TV

Now TV is one of the world’s largest commercial deployments of IPTV and Hong Kong’s largest pay-TV provider. It is delivered by PCCW Media Limited, the multimedia and entertainment subsidiary of PCCW Limited. PCCW also holds interests in telecommunications, IT solutions, property development and investment, and other businesses.

Now TV offers the widest range of local and international content on its platform in Hong Kong. Its quality self-produced content includes two news channels and a diverse line up of sports and entertainment programmes. This is complemented by leading Asian and international content and brands across news, sports, movie, drama, entertainment, information and kids genres.

Now TV’s premium content can be accessed through linear TV channels, on-demand and via OTT (over-the-top) companion apps. Now TV can also be enjoyed on the eye devices provided by HKT, the telecommunications business of PCCW.

To learn more about Now TV, please visit http://nowtv.now.com/.

About ViuTV

Dedicated to bring Hong Kong audiences a huge variety of television entertainment, HK Television Entertainment Company Limited operates two free-to-air channels – ViuTV (Channel 99), the Chinese-language channel, and ViuTVsix (Channel 96), the English-language channel. With 24 hours daily broadcast of factual entertainment, variety show, drama, travelogue, infotainment, news and sports programmes, ViuTV has established itself as the epitome of high quality, creative local TV production in Hong Kong.
ViuTVsix provides top-notch television programmes from around the world. The channel also collaborates with major news networks worldwide to provide a variety of news programmes, along with live broadcasting of the world’s top sports events.

About PCCW Media

The media group of PCCW is a leading, fully integrated multimedia and entertainment group in Hong Kong.

The media group operates the leading pay-TV service in Hong Kong under the Now TV brand delivering both self-produced and licensed content to its customers using advanced IPTV technology. Now TV offers more than 190 linear channels and on demand library of local, Asian and international programming. Its premium content can also be accessed via Now Player app. It is also a leading producer of Chinese language news, financial news and sports programming in addition to Asian infotainment content which complements its wide portfolio of licensed movie and international television content.

The media group is also engaged in the provision of OTT (over-the-top) video service under the Viu brand in Hong Kong and other places in the region. In addition, MOOV is a hugely popular lossless music digital streaming service in Hong Kong.

Moreover, the media group operates one of Asia’s leading directories businesses under the Yellow Pages brand.

About PCCW Limited

PCCW Limited ( SEHK: 0008) is a global company headquartered in Hong Kong which holds interests in telecommunications, media, IT solutions, property development and investment, and other businesses.

The Company holds a majority interest in the HKT Trust and HKT Limited, Hong Kong’s premier telecommunications service provider and leading operator in fixed-line, broadband and mobile communication services. HKT meets the needs of the Hong Kong public and local and international businesses with a wide range of services including local telephony, local data and broadband, international telecommunications, mobile, and other telecommunications businesses such as customer premises equipment sale, outsourcing, consulting, and contact centers.

PCCW also owns a fully integrated multimedia and entertainment group in Hong Kong, PCCW Media. PCCW Media operates the largest local pay-TV operation, Now TV, and is engaged in the provision of OTT (over-the-top) video service under the Viu brand in Hong Kong and other places in the region.

Through HK Television Entertainment Company Limited, PCCW also operates a domestic free television service in Hong Kong.

Also wholly-owned by the Group, PCCW Solutions is a leading information technology outsourcing and business process outsourcing provider in Hong Kong and mainland China.

In addition, PCCW holds a majority interest in Pacific Century Premium Developments Limited, and other overseas investments. To learn more about PCCW, please visit www.pccw.com.

For media inquiries, please call:

Ivan Ho
PCCW
Tel: +852 2883 8747
Email: ivan.wy.ho@pccw.com

Portia Wong
ViuTV
Tel: +852 3665 5834
Email: portia.wong@viu.tv

Jointly issued by PCCW Media Limited and HK Television Entertainment Company Limited

Projects include 6 productions based in various countries across Asia including China, Indonesia, Japan, Korea, Malaysia, Singapore, Taiwan and Thailand.

Seated (L-R): Kazufumi Nagasawa, Shihori Kanjiya, Yuko Takeuchi, Jonathan Spink, Kuo Shu Yau, Jessica Kam
Standing (L-R): Fan Bei Bei, Mike Wiluan, Eric Khoo, Ho Yuhang, Joko Anwar, Lee Sang-Woo, Chen Ho-Yu
Download Hi-Res Images here

SINGAPORE, NOVEMBER 30, 2017 – This year marks the 25th Anniversary of HBO Asia and the regional network is celebrating this milestone by bringing to Singapore ten regional and international talents and unveiling its plans to ramp up the number of HBO Asian Original productions scheduled to premiere in the coming years. Six projects were announced today and these productions will be filmed and based in various countries across Asia including China, Indonesia, Japan, Korea, Malaysia, Singapore, Taiwan and Thailand.

Being one of the first regional networks to produce original content in Asia since 2012, HBO Asia has produced ten Asian Originals to date and is committed to expand its repertoire further for audiences in the region and globally. A panel of directors, showrunners and cast members from four of HBO Asia’s upcoming original productions shared insights about their productions at a press event today. All upcoming HBO Asia Originals will be available exclusively on HBO Asia’s network of channels including HBO’s online streaming platform, HBO GO and the on-demand service, HBO On Demand.

In 2017, HBO Asia premiered four Asian Originals including the second season of HALFWORLDS, the dark action fantasy drama series set in Bangkok that premiered in January; the award-winning THE TEENAGE PSYCHIC (通靈少女), HBO Asia’s first original Chinese series set in Taiwan that premiered with breakthrough ratings in April; SENT, HBO Asia’s first comedy drama series that premiered in September; and THE TALWARS: BEHIND CLOSED DOORS, HBO Asia’s first original documentary series that premiered last Sunday. HALFWORLDS and SENT were produced as part of a two-year partnership with the Info-communications Media Development Authority (IMDA). IMDA has renewed the partnership with HBO Asia for another two and a half years, to further develop the drama production capabilities of media companies and talent from Singapore. This collaboration will continue to feature Southeast Asian talent in various roles in front and behind the camera for HBO Asia’s upcoming pipeline of productions.

Mr. Jonathan Spink, CEO of HBO Asia said, “HBO has always been known to produce high quality, premium Original productions. By harnessing the full potential of talent and production infrastructure the region has to offer, we are well-positioned to create premium, authentic and relevant content for our audiences in the region, many of which have been recognised for various creative and performance awards.” He further adds, “With its richness in culture and histories, Asia is a great source of stories which make for appealing content locally as well as globally. We are excited that as a start, two of our HBO Asian Originals, THE TEENAGE PSYCHIC and both seasons of HALFWORLDS will be available to audiences in the U.S. on the HBO U.S. service from next month.”

Series premiering soon on HBO Asia’s network of channels include (in alphabetical order):

FOLKLORE is a six-episode hour-long horror anthology series that takes place across multiple Asian countries including Indonesia, Japan, Korea, Malaysia, Singapore and Thailand and each episode will be based on each country’s deeply-rooted superstitions and myths. Helmed by different directors from various countries in Asia, each episode will seek to modernise or update Asian horror, exploring societal dysfunctions in a manner that is specific to the country but possessing themes that will resonate across the continent. Creator and showrunner of FOLKLORE is award-winning Singaporean film maker, Eric Khoo. Other directors involved in FOLKLORE are Joko Anwar (Indonesia), Ho Yuhang (Malaysia), Lee Sang-Woo (Korea), Pen-Ek Ratanaruang (Thailand) and Takumi Saitoh (Japan).

GRISSE is an eight-part hour-long period drama series set in the mid 1800’s within the colonial period of the Dutch East Indies. The series chronicles the story of a group of unlikely individuals who lead a rebellion against a brutal governor and suddenly find themselves in control of a Dutch garrison town called Grisse. The stories revolve around a number of unique characters, each from diverse backgrounds and creeds who unite for the chance to determine their own destiny from the yoke of tyranny. Showrunner for GRISSE is Mike Wiluan.

MASTER OF THE WHITE CRANE FIST: WONG YAN-LAM (龙藏深泉王隐林) and MASTER OF THE NINE DRAGON FIST: WONG CHING-HO (龙形侠影黄澄可) is the third and fourth instalment of the Chinese language martial arts anthology movie series following previous two instalments that premiered in 2016 – MASTER OF THE DRUNKEN FIST: BEGGAR SO and MASTER OF THE SHADOWLESS KICK: WONG KEI-YING.

Directed by Guo Jian-yong (国建勇), who also directed the first two instalments, MASTER OF THE WHITE CRANE FIST: WONG YAN-LAM (龙藏深泉王隐林) is set in ancient China during the late Qing dynasty and tells the story of four constables escorting a criminal crossing paths with a theatre troupe and a mysterious priest, setting off a series of events that will lead to the murder of a constable. Amongst them is the legendary Master of the White Crane Fist, who will unravel the consequences of greed, revenge, betrayal and opium-smuggling.

Directed by Si Xiao-dong (司小冬), MASTER OF THE NINE DRAGON FIST: WONG CHING-HO (龙形侠影黄澄可) is set in China in the early 19th century. A British businessman, Mr. James, sells opium as a “longevity enhancement medicine” that saw many locals become addicted to opium. The head of Guangzhou’s martial arts alliance, Wong Ching-Ho, decide to take action into his own hands and destroy Mr. James’ opium warehouses. To save his business, Mr. James instigated a Kung Fu master, Man Sing, to eliminate his enemy, leading Wong to develop his legendary Nine Dragon Fist.

MISS SHERLOCK (神探夏洛克小姐) is HBO Asia’s very first Japanese language eight-part, hour-long drama series, produced in collaboration with Hulu in Japan. The series, premiering across 20 countries in April 2018, pays homage to the classic by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, Sherlock Holmes, with bold interpretations of the iconic characters, Sherlock Holmes and Dr. John Watson. MISS SHERLOCK is set in modern day Tokyo and both lead characters are Japanese women – Dr. Wato Tachibana (played by Shihori Kanjiya), a surgeon recently returned from a volunteer doctors’ mission in Syria and Sara Shelly Futaba (played by Yuko Takeuchi), an investigation consultant to the police department who solves bizarre and difficult cases. Throughout the series, the pair solves mystery after mystery with Miss Sherlock’s extraordinary observation and reasoning skills. Catch the first official trailer here.

THE TEENAGE PSYCHIC (通靈少女) is slated to return with a second season with Kuo Shu Yau (郭書瑤) reprising her lead role as Xie Ya Zhen (謝雅真), a psychic born with the ability to see spirits and learning to use her abilities to help others. The second season of the series will once again be directed by rising Taiwanese writer-director Chen Ho-Yu (陳和榆). The first season of THE TEENAGE PSYCHIC (通靈少女) told a coming-of-age story that revolves around a 16-year-old girl who just wants to lead a typical teenage high school life. Born with the ability to see spirits, her life will never be normal. She must juggle the pressures of teenage life – first love, academic success and peer pressure – with the demands of the spirit world. THE TEENAGE PSYCHIC (通靈少女) Season 1 also recently clinched the coveted Best Mini-Series (TV Movie) award and Best Supporting Actress in a Mini-Series (TV Movie) for Nana Lee (李千娜) award at Taiwan’s 52nd Annual Golden Bell Awards 2017 and received two nominations at the 22nd Asian Television Awards 2017 for Best Actor in a Supporting Role for Chen Mu Yi (陳慕義) and Best Cinematography.

As part of the 25th Anniversary festivities, GAME OF THRONES actor, Tom Wlaschiha, best known for his role as Jaqen H’ghar, in the hit HBO Original series, was also in Singapore. His character is best known for helping Arya Stark learn the deadly arts of his order, the Faceless Man at the House of Black and White in Braavos. Catch up on all 7 seasons of GAME OF THRONES on HBO GO and HBO On Demand.

# # #

About HBO Asia
Singapore-based HBO Asia brings the best of Hollywood to Asia first through its exclusive licensing deals with major Hollywood and independent studios, including Paramount Pictures, Sony Pictures, Universal Studios, Warner Bros. and Lionsgate. HBO Asia has proprietary and award-winning HBO and HBO Asia Original programmes produced exclusively for HBO viewers. Wholly owned by HBO (a Time Warner company), HBO Asia reaches 23 territories across Asia with six 24-hour commercial-free subscription movie channels: HBO, HBO Signature, HBO Family, HBO Hits, Cinemax and Red by HBO, internet streaming platform, HBO GO, subscription video on demand service, HBO On Demand, and in China, 鼎级剧场 (ding ji ju chang). HBO Asia is also the exclusive distributor of BabyFirst and the DreamWorks channel in the region. Log on to www.hboasia.com for more information.

For more information, please contact HBO Asia:

Karen Lai
Senior Director, Communications
Tel: (65) 6381 1796
Email: karen.lai@hboasia.com

Cheryl Foong
Manager, Communications
Tel: (65) 6381 1838
Email: cheryl.foong@hboasia.com

Chan Zi Ning
Executive, Communications
Tel: (65) 6381 1746
Email: zining.chan@hboasia.com

Enjoy the best and funniest Nickelodeon content through Telkomsel’s VideoMAX – NICKELODEON PLAY subscription

Indonesia, 30 November 2017 – Nickelodeon, together with its partner Telkomsel, leading operator of cellular telecommunications services, has launched the Emmy award-winning Nickelodeon Play app in Indonesia.

Nickelodeon Play is a safe destination jam-packed with the best and funniest Nickelodeon content and is now available for free download from the App Store or Google Play. The first kids’ pack in the Telkomsel OTT stable, Telkomsel’s base of over 190 million mobile subscribers will be able to enjoy the complete Nickelodeon experience by subscribing to the VideoMAX NICKELODEON PLAY package. This offers a dedicated data plan for Nickelodeon Play, where fans can unlock premium content by selecting “VideoMAX NICKELODEON PLAY” via MyTelkomsel, or activate by dialing *363# through the Telkomsel mobile service menu. The app is available in Bahasa Indonesia or English, dependent on mobile device language settings.

“We’re delighted to introduce Nickelodeon Play to fans in Indonesia, especially when viewers and in particular kids in Indonesia, are accessing a wide range of devices to view content[1]. The immersive and interactive app is a great new way to experience Nickelodeon’s unique brand of funny, while allowing kids to re-discover the content they already love,” said Ms. Syahrizan Mansor, Vice President, Nickelodeon Asia, Viacom International Media Networks.

Created for kids aged seven and above, and their parents and caregivers, users can look forward to regular new content, and unwind with non-stop humor and endless surprises. The content will include many full-length episodes, first and exclusive shows, short-form videos, games, and surprise elements from the network’s animated and live-action series.

Access to exclusive content requires a subscription with an affordable price of Rp 29,000, bundled with a 1.5 GB VideoMax data pack.

Crispin Peter Tristram, Vice President, Digital Lifestyle Telkomsel said, “Our customers appreciate entertainment on-the-go as well as the flexibility to watch what they want, when they want. Telkomsel’s partnership with Nickelodeon and the addition of Nickelodeon Play to our VideoMAX service, means that we can now better cater to our customers across ages, and give our subscribers greater choice and enjoyable entertainment with endless fun and surprise experiences, supported by our 4G network.”

The Nickelodeon Play app features:

Hundreds of episodes for non-stop laughs with the family
• Free access to selected episodes and on-demand access to Nickelodeon’s popular series such as SpongeBob SquarePants, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, Avatar: The Legend of Aang, and ALVINNN!!! and The Chipmunks.

Free games to keep you engaged on-the-go
• From action, to puzzle, to strategy game categories – fans can try various games such as Super Brawl World, Bikini Bottom Tic Tac Toe, and Block Party 3.

Endless surprises on-the-go
• The app promotes self-discovery as kids can uncover different things as they interact with the app anytime, anywhere. Check out the ‘Do Not Touch’ button for random surprises at your fingertips!

In Asia, Nickelodeon Play was first launched in Singapore in 2016 and Indonesia is the second market in the region to launch it. Nickelodeon Play is part of Viacom Play Plex, a suite of mobile apps for each of Viacom’s major international brands, offering video-on-demand (VOD) access to a range of current and library content, and other short-form, game and music video content.

[END]

About Telkomsel
Telkomsel is Indonesia’s largest mobile operator with more than 190 million subscribers. To serve customers all over Indonesia, including in remote areas, outer islands and border areas, Telkomsel has built more than 152,000 BTSs. Telkomsel has consistently implemented technology roadmap of 3G, HSDPA, HSPA +, as well as being the first mobile operator in Indonesia to commercially launched the 4G LTE services. Entering digital era, Telkomsel has been continuously developing a wide range of digital business, such as Digital Advertising, Digital Lifestyle, Mobile Financial Services and Internet of Things. To serve the needs of customers, Telkomsel operates a 24-hour call center and GraPARI across Indonesia.

About Nickelodeon
Nickelodeon, now in its 38th year, is the leading entertainment brand for kids. It has built a diverse, global business by putting kids first in everything it does. The company includes television programming and production in the United States and around the world, plus special events, consumer products, digital, recreation, books and feature films. Nickelodeon’s brands reach 1.2 billion cumulative subscribers in more than 170 countries and territories, via more than 100+ locally programmed channels and branded blocks. Outside of the United States, Nickelodeon is part of Viacom International Media Networks, a division of Viacom Inc. (NASDAQ: VIAB, VIA), one of the world’s leading creators of programming and content across all media platforms. For more information or artwork, visit http://www.nickpress.com. Nickelodeon and all related titles, characters and logos are trademarks of Viacom Inc. For more information about Nickelodeon in Asia, visit www.nick-asia.com.

Media Contacts:

Yvette Yeo
Senior Manager, Communications, Southeast Asia
Viacom International Media Networks
T: +65 6420 7154 M: +65 9007 9570
e: yvette.yeo@vimn.com

Safira Maulidina
Senior Client Executive, Edelman; on behalf of Viacom International Media Networks
T: +62 21 2788 3888 M: +62 811 146 1224
E: safira.maulidina@edelman.com

Denny Abidin
General Manager, External Communications
PT Telekomunikasi Selular
M: +62 811 930 9007
e: Denny_Abidin@telkomsel.co.id

SINGAPORE (November 29, 2017) – The Japanese king of romantic films, Kento Yamazaki, will star in the highly anticipated drama series, “Kiss that Kills”, which premieres same time as Japan on January 7, 2018 at 9pm.

Kento Yamazaki plays the role of Otaro, the most sought-after host at a nightclub whose only passion is fearless pursuit of money and power. When Otaro is kissed by a mysterious woman, he dies but quickly comes back to life. What is the true identity of this mysterious woman? Can Otaro unravel the mystery behind the deadly kiss and the time loop?

“GEM has established its foothold as the top regional destination for extraordinary North Asian entertainment. “Kiss that Kills” is a testament to our ongoing commitment to consistently bring fans premium quality and highly creative content that captures their imaginations. Fans of Kento Yamazaki can expect his most breathtaking performance yet, and it’s one that is rich in mystery, drama and intrigue,” said Virginia Lim, Senior Vice President and Head of Content, Production and Marketing, Sony Pictures Television Networks, Asia.

To celebrate the premiere of “Kiss that Kills”, GEM fans from around the region will have the unprecedented opportunity to win an all-expenses paid trip to Hong Kong to meet Kento Yamazaki. In this up-close and personal closed-door session, Kento will share his thoughts about the drama, interact with fans and autograph exclusive drama merchandise. The meet-and-greet session will take place on January 21, 2018 and will be streamed live on Facebook on www.facebook.com/gemtvasia.

“The GEM experience is all about bringing content beyond the screen and into the real world to create “money-can’t-buy” experiences for our fans. This exclusive event featuring Kento will mark the first time in Asia that GEM subscribers will have the opportunity to spend time with their favorite actor – it will be a dream fulfilled for many!” said Virginia.

Commenting on the drama and his upcoming visit to Hong Kong, Kento Yamazaki said, “I have never been to Hong Kong before, so I am extremely excited to visit to promote this drama. The interesting part of the drama is its recurring time loop and as I have always enjoyed watching dramas like this, I am very excited to be involved in one. There are also parallel worlds, so I really feel like it is a story that is going to appeal to people in all sorts of ways. Please look forward to it!”

Kento Yamazaki made his debut in 2010 and rose to stardom with his role as L in the massive hit TV drama adaptation of “DEATH NOTE”. Since his debut, Kento Yamazaki’s versatility as an actor has made him a rising star in Japanese entertainment.

Fans can get their “Kento-fix” on GEM this December with the premiere of “Baseball Brainiacs” on December 13, every Wednesday and Thursday at 9:00pm (8:00pm JKT/BKK), and “Sea Side Blue”, premiering December 30, Saturday at 7:30pm (6:30pm JKT/BKK).

“Kiss that Kills” premieres on GEM same time as Japan on January 7, Sunday at 9pm, subsequent episodes will air on Sunday at 9:30pm.

For more information on GEM and the latest telecast details, visit http://www.gemtvasia.com/ or follow our conversations on social media (@GEMtvasia).

About GEM
GEM is the glittering jewel of Asian general entertainment. A joint venture between Sony Pictures Television (SPT) Networks and Nippon Television Network Corporation, GEM enjoys access to more than 500 hours of Japanese content per year exclusively from Nippon TV. The channel features first-run and exclusive dramas, comedies and variety entertainment shows from Japan as well as other Asian territories including China, Hong Kong and Taiwan. This includes selected prime time dramas on the same day and within the same week of their broadcast in Japan. GEM also made history for being the first channel to broadcast Nippon TV’s music festival ‘THE MUSIC DAY’ LIVE, and for simulcasting the Japanese drama series ‘Guard Center 24’ at the same time as Japan. In addition, GEM takes its shows beyond the screen and into the lives of viewers, and most recently brought Japanese star Hayami Mocomichi on promotional tours to meet with his fans in Hong Kong and Singapore.GEM Vietnam, which is also part of the Asian channels portfolio, is wholly-owned and operated by SPT Networks. See www.GEMtvasia.com for more.

About Nippon Television Network Corporation

Nippon TV is recognized as Japan’s viewer ratings champion having topped all timeslot categories for three consecutive years and garnering the largest profits in the country’s broadcasting industry. One of the biggest successes for the nation’s finest producer of all genres of programming is “Dragons’ Den”, a globally successful business show format that has sold into more than 30 territories including the UK, Canada, Australia, Russia, Germany, India, Italy and Nigeria. The Emmy award winning version, “Shark Tank”, airs in the US. Following closely is the success of “Mother,” a scripted format that has become a big hit in Turkey and has sold into many territories around the world. With well-established companies that deal in a broad range of businesses from animation, movies, events, to fitness clubs, Nippon TV is leveraging its coveted platform to revolutionize digital media in an ever-changing industry. Launching a channel in Southeast Asia named GEM through a joint venture with Sony Pictures Television Networks, and leading the digital content market through Hulu Japan- a subsidiary that boasts the largest SVOD subscriber base in the country, Nippon TV is steadily solidifying its presence and brand as a global media powerhouse. http://www.ntv.co.jp/english/

For further information, please contact:
Minsi Zhang
Sony Pictures Television Networks, Asia
Minsi_Zhang@spe.sony.com
+65 6622 4323 / +65 9772 7219

BBC Worldwide today at Asia TV Forum 2017 announced a format deal that will see a Japanese version of the award-winning science fiction thriller format Orphan Black premiere in Japan.

Known as Orphan Black – 7 Genes (オーファン・ブラック～七つの遺伝子～), it will be the first version of the series outside the original award-winning BBC AMERICA drama. It is also BBC Worldwide’s first scripted format in Asia.

It is produced by Telepack, for Free-To-Air (FTA) broadcasting company Tokai TV based in Nagoya and stars well-known South Korean actress and singer Kang Ji-Young as Sara Aoyama. Orphan Black – 7 Genes will premiere on Saturday 2 December, on the Fuji TV Nationwide Network across Japan, reaching over 40 million households.

Orphan Black – 7 Genes will tell the story of how Sara Aoyama, a broke and desperate single mother who wishes to live with her daughter Moe in peace, witnesses the shocking suicide of a woman who looks just like her. When she decides to steal the woman’s identity to run away from her problems, she unlocks a complex world of secrets that throw the life she has known into chaos. Sara discovers she doesn’t just look like this woman, she’s genetically identical: a clone – and she’s not the only one. As she finds more clones just like her, she comes to see them as family. Sara must protect them, and herself – because someone is trying to kill them, one by one.

“Orphan Black has won multiple awards and has been seen in over 170 territories around the world. We are very happy that we are partnering with Tokai TV to produce the first Orphan Black format in Asia. Starring South Korean break-out star Kang Ji-Young in the Japanese version, we are confident that the series will resonate with audiences in Japan, South Korea, and the rest of Asia where she is well-known,” said Soojin Chung, GM of BBC Worldwide in North East Asia.

Keisuke Matsumoto, Producer, Tokai TV, commented: “This is a truly challenging project from the casting of the lead actress to getting the cinematography and post-production right. The original BBC AMERICA Orphan Black drama has been well received by audiences worldwide, there is pressure to do the series justice, but there is also an excitement in producing a Japanese version of a global hit.”

The original Orphan Black series was produced by Temple Street, a division of Boat Rocker Studios, in association with BBC AMERICA and Space. It was co-created by Graeme Manson and John Fawcett, with Manson also serving as writer and Fawcett as director.

The original version has won a George Foster Peabody award, and a best-actress Emmy and Critics’ Choice award for lead actress Tatiana Maslany as well as a host of other writing, editing, direction and production design awards at the Canadian Screen Awards in 2017.

Orphan Black is distributed by BBC Worldwide.

-Ends-

For more information, please contact:

Jeanne Leong
BBC Worldwide
Tel: +65 6849 5292
Email: Jeanne.Leong@bbc.com

Jessie Lim
BBC Worldwide
Tel: +65 6849 5295
Email: Jessie.Lim@bbc.com

Who will form the government in Gujarat? All aspects related to this question were answered today at ‘Game of Gujarat’, the biggest platform on Gujarat assembly elections by Zee News. At least 50 political stalwarts, including BJP president Amit Shah, Gujarat CM Vijay Rupani, Union Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad, Congress leaders Randeep Singh Surjewala and Sanjay Nirupam, participated in the political conclave.

Speaking to Zee News Editor-in-Chief Sudhir Chaudhary at the Game of Gujarat conclave, BJP president Amit Shah said that his party will retain power in the state with at least 150 seats.

Shah said that the Narendra Modi government is sensitive about the issues of traders related to GST.

When asked about Congress vice president Rahul Gandhi’s questions on “vikas” in Gujarat, he said, “Vikas is a joke for Congress, but it is a belief for the BJP.” He added that the BJP will win with a majority bigger than before in the 2019 Lok Sabha elections.

Referring to Rahul Gandhi, he said that the Congress loses election everywhere the leader tries to win. “Congress does not have any leader in Gujarat, therefore they have outsourced the leaders.

On a question on nationalism by Sudhir Chaudhary, Shah said that “every worker of the BJP is a nationalist”. Talking about Ram Mandir, he said that it would be constructed only with consensus and follow a legal course.

In the first session of Game of Gujarat conclave, Gujarat Chief Minister Vijay Rupani spoke to Sudhir Chaudhary. Answering a question about the pressure on Gujarat BJP with the absence of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, he said that the former CM’s popularity had only risen in the state.

“When Modi ji was the CM, people gave 121 seats to BJP. And now that he is the prime minister, BJP will win more than 150 seats,” he said.

On Hardik Patel, Rupani said that the Patidar leader was in the lap of the Congress party and that would benefit the BJP. “We had said earlier also that Hardik was a Congress man,” he added.

Patel joined the second session of Gujarat, and claimed that his “state was not independent as the BJP had ignored more than 30 lakh members of Patel community”.

Talking about the CD controversy, he said that a CD could be made of anyone. On friendship with Rahul Gandhi, Patel asked if the Congress leader was a “terrorist”. “It is not mandatory for everyone to be friends with only Narendra Modi”.

OBC leader Alpesh Thakor joined Patel in the third session.

Union Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad also made some interesting remarks on the Gujarat elections in the fourth session of the conclave. He pointed that there had been no scam under the Narendra Modi government.

“It is the courage of Modi ji that he does surgical strike also and attacks black money with demonetisation,” he said, pointing that 2G scam took place when Rahul Gandhi’s party was in power.

Prasad further blamed the Congress party for the Patidar agitation in Gujarat.

In the fifth session, Congress leader Randeep Singh Surjewala claimed that the cloth traders in Surat were suffering because of GST. In the same session, Union minister Purushottam Rupala said that the development they have brought to Gujarat, they are going to do the same in the rest of the country.

Former Chief Minister Shankarsinh Vaghela refused to reveal his cards, but said that they can go with anyone if needed. He joined the sixth session of the conclave.

In the seventh session, deputy chief minister Nitin Patel and Congress leader Arjun Modwadia discussed the claims and the fact about development.

Patel said that the BJP had given government schools, hospitals and colleges, while Modwadia claimed that no government school was built during 22 years of BJP rule.

In the eighth session, Zee News tried to explore the mood of people. Social activist Sapna Vyas Patel, BJP leader Reshma Patel, Congress leader Amiben Yagnik and social worker Jakia Soman presented their views. The ninth session discussed the youth of Gujarat. During this session, Congress leader Sanjay Nirupam alleged that unemployment had gone up during 22 years of BJP rule. Responding to it, BJP leader Sambit Patra pointed that Gujarat got an award for job creation when the UPA was in power at the Centre.