News

Celestial Tiger Entertainment Acquires First and Exclusive Rights to Stephen Chow’s The Mermaid

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Chow’s fantasy film is the highest-grossing film of all-time in China

HONG KONG (March 22, 2016) Celestial Tiger Entertainment (CTE), operator of the largest bouquet of pan-Asian channels dedicated to Asian entertainment, announced today that it has secured the first and exclusive pay TV rights to Stephen Chow’s The Mermaid as part of a licensing deal with Sony Pictures Television for CTE’s channels in Malaysia, Brunei, Indonesia and Singapore. The Mermaid is now the highest-grossing film of all-time at the Chinese box office.

“We are very excited to secure rights for Stephen Chow’s record-breaking blockbuster The Mermaid through our deal with Sony Pictures Television,” said Ofanny Choi, Executive Vice President, TV Networks, Celestial Tiger Entertainment. “Stephen is a master filmmaker both in front and behind the screen, and we are glad to secure his latest hit for our channels. This film, together with the films from our five output deals, cements our commitment to bring our viewers the biggest Chinese blockbusters with the biggest stars.”

The Mermaid is the tenth directorial effort by visionary filmmaker and comedy superstar Stephen Chow. The fantasy comedy stars newcomer Jelly Lin Yun as a mermaid who is tasked to seduce a ruthless real estate developer (played by Deng Chao) in order to save her kind’s natural habitat. The US$60 million production shattered box office records in China during the Lunar New Year holiday, including the biggest opening day ever for a local film. The Mermaid is also the highest-grossing film of all-time in China with a box office gross of US$520 million and counting.

In addition to The Mermaid, CTE has also secured two other Chinese blockbuster hits of 2016 for its channels: The Monkey King 2, starring Aaron Kwok as the legendary Monkey King and Gong Li as Lady White Bone, and From Vegas To Macau 3, the all-star action comedy sequel starring Chow Yun Fat, Andy Lau and Jacky Cheung. The Monkey King 2 and From Vegas to Macau 3 were the second and third biggest hits in China during the lunar New Year holiday respectively. The two films and The Mermaid helped propel the Chinese box office to over US$1 billion in February, surpassing the U.S. box office for the first time.

CTE has the most exclusive output deals among Chinese movie channels in the region, including deals with renowned Hong Kong movie studios Distribution Workshop, Emperor Motion Pictures, Media Asia, Mega-Vision Project Workshop and Universe Entertainment.

– END –

Media Contact:

Pauline Poon

Celestial Tiger Entertainment

T: 852 2239 6131

E: pauline.poon@celestialtiger.com

About Celestial Tiger Entertainment

CELESTIAL TIGER ENTERTAINMENT (CTE) is a leading independent media company dedicated to entertaining audiences in Asia and beyond. The company creates and distributes branded pay television channels and services targeted at Asian consumers.

CTE operates a powerful bouquet of distinct pay television services including: CELESTIAL MOVIES, the premier 24-hour first-run Chinese movie channel in Asia and beyond; CELESTIAL CLASSIC MOVIES, the world’s most-widely distributed Chinese movie channel with an unparalleled array of Chinese movie masterpieces; cHK, a general entertainment channel offering cool, chic, and contemporary celebrity-powered Hong Kong entertainment; KIX, the ultimate destination for action entertainment; MIAO MI, the Mandarin edutainment channel created for preschool kids across Asia; and THRILL, Asia’s only regional horror, thriller and suspense movie channel. All of CTE’s channel brands are available as linear, on-demand and over-the-top services. CTE also produces original production for its bouquet of channels.

Headquartered in Hong Kong, CTE’s majority shareholders are Saban Capital Group, a leading private investment firm specializing in the media, entertainment and communications industries; Celestial Pictures, a diversified Asian entertainment company owned by Astro Overseas Limited; and Lionsgate, the world’s largest independent filmed entertainment studio.

For more information, please visit www.celestialtiger.com.

18 March, 2016

Welcome to News Views, CASBAA’s news round-up culled from sources across the industry for the week ending Mar 18th. Curated by CASBAA, News Views keeps you in the loop. We always value your feedback, so tell us what you think!

Brought to you by:

Christopher Slaughter CEO	Hong Kong’s NOW TV is the latest platform in the region to announce a partnership with streaming giant Netflix, integrating the service into its set-top boxes and new 4K all-in-one appliance “now one” starting in Q2 this year. This is definitely part of a broader trend that’s emerged since Netflix began partnering with cable companies in late 2014; so far this year, it’s also struck partnership deals with Starhub and Singtel.
John Medeiros Chief Policy Officer	Lots of governments in Asia are focused on Netflix (lucky them!), but as we in the industry know, there are also plenty of other OTT services also coming online. Taiwan is having a public debate about OTT policy because Chinese internet TV company iQiyi is seeking to enter Taiwan’s market. Mainland media investment in Taiwan has long been controversial, and politicians in the now-ruling DPP have expressed alarm about mainland OTT platforms entering the market. But the chairman of the regulators at the NCC pointed out there are no laws allowing them to regulate internet content. Attention to this issue is likely to continue.
Mark Lay Vice President, Singapore	Other notable stories in the OTT realm this week: Turner Broadcasting said it plans to jump into the direct-to-consumer business with a couple of products by the end of the year. At the same time, CBS Predicts 8 Million Subscribers for CBS All Access and Showtime Streaming Services by 2020. Meanwhile closer to home, Celestial Tiger and LeEco team up for horror OTT, Thrill 360.
Kevin Jennings Vice President, Programme	It wasn’t exactly a nail-biter, as these deals go, but Youku Tudou shareholders have approved the company’s acquisition by digital behemoth Alibaba. That means Youku Tudou’s 290 million active users will be added to Alibaba’s 390 million, which makes for a pretty compelling logic. It’s an all-cash transaction, and although Youku Tudou will de-list from the NY Stock Exchange, the brand will continue to operate independently under Alibaba’s ownership.
Christopher Slaughter CEO	Just in time for the FCC’s presumptive draft approval of the Charter/Time Warner Cable merger proposal, Variety is featuring a lengthy cover story on “Cable Cowboy” John Malone, positively chock full o’ speculation about what his Liberty Global is up to. But it’s also a pretty good look at the “content consolidation” landscape among US media companies, filtered through the prism of Malone’s various holdings, and quotes the man himself saying on CNBC late last year: “Clearly there is still room in the media sector to create some bigger and more global entities.” (That quote comes about 15-16 minutes in, but there’s more than 45 other minutes of Malone wisdom in that link, so fill yer boots!)
Mark Lay Vice President, Singapore	Every week, I try to provide at least one article that gets you thinking about where this business is going and how you can play a part. This week I link to the 3rd in a series of articles from REDEF that does just that. And like the other two, it’s a must read. By Obsessing over the Present, Big Media Has Forgotten Its Past and Endangered Its Future (But It’s Not Too Late). If you missed them before, click for Part 1 and Part 2. Worth your time.
John Medeiros Chief Policy Officer	In piracy news this week, French police jailed the 22-year old operator of pirate website Full Stream, which according to one newspaper, was “one of the world’s most-visited French language websites.” In Italy, the police busted a “hybrid” pay-TV piracy ring, which delivered content to its users either by hacking satellite CA systems or just streaming it over the web. And in Australia the first site-blocking suit seems to be moving forward and the press says the key hearing will be held on May 6. Meanwhile, the content industry announced a rebranded copyright alliance called Creative Content Australia.
Kevin Jennings Vice President, Programme	Napster’s co-founder Sean Parker is ruffling more than a few feathers with a controversial new business plan to make new movies available in the home for $50 on the same day they hit theaters via an encrypted set-top box . While Parker has said he would offer a revenue split, hundreds of smaller independent and art house theaters are crying foul. In an open letter to Penn’s new company, the Screening Room, the Art House Convergence — representing 600 cinema owners — said the proposed model is “incongruous with the movie exhibition sector by devaluing the in-theater experience and enabling increased piracy”. Major US theatre circuits Cinemark and Regal Entertainment aren’t expected to immediately partner with The Screening Room, and Hollywood studios may be reluctant to license their films unless a majority of the bigger circuits go along, even as a raft of top filmmakers, including Steven Spielberg, J.J. Abrams and Peter Jackson, are reportedly supporting the Screening Room, saying the plan is good for cinema owners since it will target consumers who don’t normally go to the movies.
John Medeiros Chief Policy Officer	Not surprisingly, the idea of replacing national copyright laws with a US-style “fair use” system continues to be much discussed. After Hong Kong (where a “fair use” amendment went down the tubes, along with other Copyright Ordinance changes), it’s on the table in Australia, and the Sydney Morning Herald published a very good column explaining that “The only certainty of moving to a US style fair use system is that a significant increase in litigation will be required to determine its boundaries.” “Proponents of fair use say copyright stifles innovation but cannot say how,” says the author. And from far-off Winnipeg, in Canada, comes a heartfelt plea from an author that it’s time for folks to consider the negative effects of their actions: “I’ve tried to get the pirated copies (of her books) removed from the web,” she says, “but it’s like a game of whack-a-mole. Folks just keep passing along my work illegally for free.”
Kevin Jennings Vice President, Programme	Twenty-five members of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences who are of Asian descent — among them two-time best director Oscar winner Ang Lee and the actor George Takei have sent a letter to the organization protesting “tasteless and offensive skits” about Asians that were featured on the 88th Academy Awards on Feb. 28, the same ceremony at which the Academy’s alleged bias against black people was a primary focus of host Chris Rock. The Oscar-night references to Asians that have members of the Asian community most upset: a skit in which Rock introduced three Asian children as Academy accountants, and comments ad-libbed by presenter Sacha Baron Cohen that insinuated that Asians have small genitalia. Dawn Hudson, AMPAS, has responded and called their concerns “valid” , promising that “future Oscar telecasts [will] be more culturally sensitive.”
Jane Buckthought Advertising Consultant	Ever have a thumbstopper moment? Maybe its because you’ve passed the age of 24, or more likely you have them but had no idea they had a name and for more info click here.
Christopher Slaughter CEO	Amidst all the hoo-hah about VR over the past couple years (remember the Gartner hype curve…?), the latest has been Sony’s announcement that it will launch its Playstation VR headseat in October for US$300. For those of you suffering from VR hype fatigue, there is a compelling argument that this one might be the gadget that actually cracks the market open.
John Medeiros Chief Policy Officer	Hey, we all hate paying bills, right? But one Bangladesh cop, confronted with a request to pay his cable TV bill, just pulled out his gun and shot the bill collector. This is not what the pay-TV industry means when it asks the police to pay more attention to our issues……..
Christopher Slaughter CEO	During the OTT Summit a couple weeks ago, we talked about gamer-focused streaming platform twitch.tv, which allows gamers to watch other gamers playing games (I know, right?). Now the platform is branching out in a bizarre way, running a marathon of classic cooking show “The French Chef” by Julia Childs. It seems like the real reason for running these is to give twich’s chronically ADD viewers a chance to make sarcastic live comments… a typical contribution, from user outergrafia: “THINGS JUST GOT VEAL.”
Christopher Slaughter CEO	And while it might not be related to Julia Childs, it was only a matter of time… the trend toward legalisation of cannabis in the US has created a market opportunity for… you guessed it… “Weed TV.” (As distinct from the TV show “Weeds” that is.) There are at least two companies exploiting the niche (and providing financial info on pot-related stocks), so this might be more than just a pipe-dream. Just don’t expect to see either channel go beyond the Internet any time soon.

Some additional links you might be interested in:

Member News

Oh!K Expands Reach in Indonesia

MarriageContractOhK

Turner’s Korean Entertainment Channel Launches on Tribe

HONG KONG (March 18, 2016) – K-entertainment fans in Indonesia will now be able to catch the latest and best Korean content within hours of its world premiere, with the launch of Oh!K on Tribe.

This new OTT service from XL, a telecommunications operator, offers its subscribers via the Tribe app exclusive access to fresh, first-run, localized and high quality video, via mobile devices and online.

Tribe users can view a robust line up of top-rated premium drama series, variety shows and music programming. Oh!K currently boasts a slew of hit series including Monster, which will premiere later this month, and Marriage Contract, which is currently running on the channel. These express titles air within 24 and 48 hours of Korean telecast, respectively.

Phil Nelson, Turner’s Managing Director for Southeast Asia, said “Since Turner launched Oh!K in October 2014, the channel’s reach and popularity has grown significantly. In just 18 months, partners in Singapore, Malaysia, Hong Kong and now in Indonesia with Tribe, have responded to the growing appetite for quality Korean content. The brand has truly delivered on viewer demand within the Southeast Asia region.”

Other express titles on Oh!K include Just Married and Korea’s number-one variety show Infinite Challenge – starring celebrity hosts Yoo Jae Suk, Park Myung Soo, Jung Joon Ha, Jung Hyung Don, Hwang Kwang Hee and Haha. It is a game of friendly rivalry featuring hilarious, and sometimes ridiculous, challenges.

Oh!K’s programming is also supplemented by special live simulcasts from Korea, such as the MBC Drama and Entertainment Awards and Gayo Daejun (Korean Music Festival) available on the channel. These glitzy, annual affairs feature only the most prestigious Korean actors and singers awarding them for their contribution to the K-entertainment scene.

-Ends-

For media enquiries, contact:

James Moore

Director of Communications

Turner International Asia Pacific Limited

+852 3128 3720

James.Moore@turner.com

About Oh!K

Oh!K offers viewers the ultimate Korean entertainment, including premium drama series as well as variety and music programming. A TV channel powered by major studios and content creators including MBC, one of Korea’s leading broadcaster and content provider, Oh!K is for everyone who loves drama – packaging iconic and award-winning hit series from an unrivalled catalogue of content. The channel is available in Southeast Asia and provides local audiences access to first-runs and exclusives, many soon after their transmission debut in Korea. Oh!K is brand created and distributed by Turner, a Time Warner company. Visit OhK-tv.com for the full schedule and Facebook.com/OhKTVAsia.

About Turner Asia Pacific

Turner creates and distributes award-winning brands throughout Asia Pacific. In the region, Turner runs 64 channels in 13 languages in 38 countries, including CNN International, CNNj, CNN, HLN, Cartoon Network, Adult Swim, Boomerang, POGO, Toonami, World Heritage Channel, Warner TV, Oh!K, TCM Turner Classic Movies, truTV, WB, MondoTV, TABI Channel and HBO in South Asia. Turner Broadcasting System Asia Pacific, Inc. is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Turner, a Time Warner company.

About Tribe

Tribe is an OTT platform for online video fans in the region, allowing consumption anytime, anywhere on their device of choice. Tribe is one of the first OTT services in Asia to deliver a highly-tailored content proposition to serve different customer segments combining live and on-demand content.

nowTV and Netflix announce partnership

The first Hong Kong broadcaster to provide
Netflix content via all-in-one IPTV/OTT set-top boxes

PCCW (SEHK:0008) – HONG KONG, March 17, 2016 – now TV, Hong Kong’s largest pay-TV and a leading OTT service provider, and Netflix, the world’s leading Internet TV network, announced today a partnership that will start delivering Netflix to customers through now TV’s set-top boxes and the new 4K all-in-one appliance “now one” from the second quarter of 2016. This makes now TV the first broadcaster in Hong Kong to provide the best large screen experience for Netflix via its set-top boxes.

Ms. Loke Kheng Tham, PCCW’s Executive Vice President of Pay TV, said, “This partnership will enable now TV customers to enjoy high quality content through the Netflix app which is directly integrated into our set-top boxes and “now one”, our new ultra HD 4K all-in-one appliance, for the best big screen experience. Being Hong Kong’s largest pay-TV operator, now TV has a track record of innovation and commitment to satisfying the diverse viewing habits of our customers. Integration of Netflix into our service demonstrates our firm commitment to offering the widest possible range of content and functionality to our customers.”

Ms. Tham added, “Our partnership with Netflix builds on now TV’s leading position as Hong Kong’s ideal partner for global content creators. now TV offers a one-stop shop for unrivalled content breath to meet the entertainment needs of the entire family. We have long been proud of providing the widest range of first-run US, UK and Asian dramas, along with award-winning local and international movies to now TV customers with our leading content partners. We look forward to forging a great partnership with Netflix as we continue to bring the best of premium entertainment to the benefit of Hong Kong viewers.”

Mr. Bill Holmes, Netflix’s Global Head of Business Development, said, “Partnering with now TV is going to be an important component of Netflix growth in Hong Kong. We are delighted that Hong Kongers’ love for the wide variety of content on Netflix can now be experienced through now TV’s set-top boxes backed up by HKT’s best-in-class Internet provision and content distribution network.”

now TV customers with a Netflix membership will be able to watch popular Netflix original series such as Master of None, Marvel’s Daredevil, Marvel’s Jessica Jones, and Orange is the New Black as well as a wide variety of documentaries and feature films.

Mr. Holmes added, “As early as the start of our global launch, our content library has been growing with new TV series and movies being added. Netflix members in Hong Kong can expect even more great content in the months ahead.”

Netflix offers three service plans in Hong Kong with monthly fees of $63 for 1-screen in standard definition, $78 for 2 screens simultaneously in high definition and $93 for 4 screens simultaneously in HD and Ultra HD 4K. The partnership will enable now TV customers to enjoy any tier of Netflix subscription via now TV’s set-top boxes and “now one”*.

– # –

* Video quality of Netflix programmes is subject to customer’s Internet service and subscription to now TV’s HD/4K service. Other terms and conditions apply.

About Netflix

Netflix is the world’s leading Internet television network with over 75 million members in over 190 countries enjoying more than 125 million hours of TV shows and movies per day, including original series, documentaries and feature films. Members can watch as much as they want, anytime, anywhere, on nearly any Internet-connected screen. Members can play, pause and resume watching, all without commercials or commitments.

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 entertainment and infotainment programmes. This is complemented by leading Asian and international content and brands across news, entertainment, information and sports genres including the exclusive Barclays Premier League.

now TV’s premium content can be accessed through linear TV channels, on-demand and via OTT companion apps while on the move. 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 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.

Cont’d…

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 over-the-top (OTT) video service under the Viu brand in Hong Kong and other places in the region.

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 overseas investments including the wholly-owned UK Broadband Limited. To learn more about PCCW, please visit www.pccw.com.

For media enquiry, please contact:

Ivan Ho

PCCW

Tel: +852 2883 8747

Email: ivan.wy.ho@pccw.com

Jessica Lee

Netflix PR

Phone: +65 9723 8662

Email: jessical@netflix.com

Tiffany Chan

MSLGROUP (Netflix PR Representative in Hong Kong)

Phone: +852 2804 8110

Email: tiffanyhn.chan@mslgroup.com

Issued by PCCW Limited.

Fox Possesses the World with a Massive Day & Date Launch of Robert Kirkman’s New Outcast

THE SERIES, WHICH WAS PICKED UP FOR A SECOND SEASON EARLIER TODAY, WILL BEGIN ITS GLOBAL ROLLOUT ON JUNE 3RD ACROSS 125+ FOX CHANNELS OUTSIDE THE USA

Austin TX | March 14, 2016 – FOX networks in over 125 countries will mount a massive global premiere for OUTCAST, the group’s first original production. Created by Robert Kirkman, and developed and produced by FOX International Studios, OUTCAST will launch its ten-episode season starting Friday, June 3^rd, exclusively on FOX channels in over 125 countries outside the USA. In the US, OUTCAST was picked up by Cinemax as an original series. Cinemax announced a June 3^rd start date and a second year pick up earlier today at SXSW.

Outcast was created and executive produced by Robert Kirkman (“The Walking Dead”), and executive produced by showrunner Chris Black, David Alpert, Sharon Tal Yguado and Sue Naegle.

“It’s been an incredible ride watching Outcast come to life from an idea, to a comic and now to a television series that is going to be seen across the globe through our partners at FOX,” said Kirkman. “Having Outcast find the same international home as The Walking Dead, and having it launch day and date with the US, just like The Walking Dead did six years ago, is surreal. I hope international fans enjoy the world of Outcast, and hopefully, are a little bit scared of it too.” he added.

FOX has long been the world’s most widely distributed premiere entertainment destination, known for groundbreaking, trend setting and critically acclaimed programming beloved by audiences in the U.S. and abroad. The day & date TV launch model is a staple of the FOX programming and marketing strategy for its viral, high-profile series, including The Walking Dead, X-Files, American Crime Story, Wayward Pines and others. FOX is available as a linear channel and non-linear offering in over 340 million homes across the U.S. and virtually all international TV markets.

OUTCAST, based on the Skybound/Image comic title by creator Robert Kirkman and artist Paul Azaceta, follows Kyle Barnes, a young man who has been plagued by demonic possession all his life. Now, with the help of the Reverend Anderson, a preacher with personal demons of his own, Kyle embarks on a journey to find answers and regain the normal life he lost. But what Kyle discovers could change his fate — and the fate of the world — forever.

Patrick Fugit (“Gone Girl”) stars as Barnes, a man searching for answers, and for redemption, who sequesters himself from those he loves for fear of causing greater hurt. Philip Glenister (“Life on Mars”) stars as Reverend Anderson, a West Virginia evangelist who believes he is a soldier in God’s holy war against the forces of evil on Earth. An inveterate drinker and gambler, he doesn’t believe God intends people to sweat the small stuff. Gabriel Bateman (“Stalker”) stars as Joshua Austin, an eight-year-old who lives across town from Kyle. To his family’s dismay, he appears to be in the clutches of demonic possession, but there’s something very different about this possession and its connection to Kyle Barnes.

The pilot was directed by Adam Wingard (“The Guest”).

“Like” OUTCAST on Facebook at www.facebook.com/Outcast. Follow the series on Twitter at @outcastfox and join the discussion using #Outcast. See photos and videos on Instagram by following @outcastfox

###

ABOUT FOX

FOX is the #1 general entertainment channel globally. The brand is synonymous with groundbreaking Hollywood entertainment and delivers a varied programing schedule that includes comedy, drama, science fiction, action and animation. It is inclusive and broad in its appeal, and delivers the best shows first to a wide audience. FOX offers international viewers exclusive, original and breakthrough series such as The Simpsons, The X-Files, The Walking Dead, Empire, American Horror Story, Homeland and Wayward Pines. FOX is available in 31 local languages in over 255 million homes across 127 countries outside the U.S. As a result of its scale and global synergies, FOX was able to pioneer a global day-and-date release strategy for key series, and remains the only international network able to release TV series at the same time as the U.S. at scale. FOX is available as a linear SD and HD channel and through authenticated FOX Play apps.

FOR MEDIA INQUIRIES, PLEASE CONTACT:

Alexandra Marinescu

Vice President, Global Marketing | FOX Networks Group

Email: alexandra.marinescu@fox.com

Tel: +1.310.369.5467 | +1.213.399.4151

Kelly Jang

Vice President, Marketing & Communications | FOX Networks Group Asia

Email: kelly.jang@fox.com

Tel: +852.2621.8875

Sony Pictures Television Networks Launch “Picture This” App for Android and iOS

PICTURE THIS

New App Invites Users to Create and Share Their Own Images in Support of Global Environmental Campaign

Culver City, CA (March 15, 2016)—Sony Pictures Television Networks announced today the launch of a free app to help users capture and post images of a better world. The app supports Picture This, the company’s global campaign on behalf of efforts to preserve and protect the environment.

The new Picture This app was developed by REDspace, known for their award-winning interactive design and development services, and is available for both iOS and Android smartphones and tablets..

Whether an urban garden, a person recycling unwanted items, or a clean waterway, users are encouraged to post images that show beautiful urban and rural landscapes that illustrate what a better world can look like and efforts—big and small– that can accomplish this.

“Through photo storytelling, we’re inviting everyone to capture and share images of a better place, a more sustainable community and a cleaner environment,” said Andy Kaplan, president of worldwide networks for Sony Pictures Television.

“Using our expertise to not only create revolutionary interactive experiences but also influence positive change in the world we live in? Well, it doesn’t get any better than that,” says Mike Johnston, REDspace’s President & CEO. “Especially when it involves working with an incredible collaborator like Sony Pictures Television, whose passion for inspiring others to work together and make a global impact is infectious.”

The Picture This campaign launched on September 28^th, 2015 in 30 languages as an effort to bring attention to environmental issues in the networks’ footprint of 178 countries around the world. Forty-five networks are participating, using their resources—from on-air and social media campaigns to community events—to bring attention to the issues affecting their regions, and together make a global impact. Learn more at www.sptpicturethis.com.

About REDspace

REDspace has been pushing digital boundaries and providing clients with unforgettable, interactive experiences for nearly two decades. From Emmy Award-winning websites and mobile apps to hundreds of fun and addictive games, REDspace’s design and development services rank amongst the best in the world. The team of 140 works together to help top international media and entertainment brands, including Nickelodeon, MTV, Fox, Cartoon Network and Sony Pictures, achieve unrivalled results. www.redspace.com

About Sony Pictures Television

Sony Pictures Television (http://www.sonypicturestelevision.com), a Sony Pictures Entertainment company, is one of the television industry’s leading content providers, producing and distributing programming worldwide in every genre and for every platform. In addition to one of the industry’s largest libraries of award-winning feature films, television shows and formats, Sony Pictures Television (SPT) boasts a current program slate that includes top-rated daytime dramas and game shows, landmark off-network series, original animated series and critically acclaimed primetime dramas, comedies and telefilms. In addition to its US production business, SPT has 18 wholly-owned or joint venture production companies in 11 countries and also maintains offices in 31 countries. SPT’s worldwide television networks portfolio includes 150 channel feeds available in 178 countries, reaching more than 1.3 billion cumulative households worldwide. SPT also creates original content for and manages the studio’s premium streaming network, Crackle. Additionally, SPT owns US production company Embassy Row and is a part owner of the cable channel Game Show Network (GSN).

Contacts:

Jennifer Doig

Sony Pictures Television Networks, Asia

Jennifer_doig@spe.sony.com

+65 9852 1459

Zee Media names its Global English News Channel – ‘WION’ (World Is One News)

The channel to be launched mid-2016

Zee Media Corporation Limited (ZMCL) today announced that its Global English News Channel, slated to be launched this summer, will be called ‘WION – World is One News’.The channel will report global news and issues from a South Asian perspective.

Commenting on the new channel, Dr. Subhash Chandra, Chairman, Essel Group & ZEE said, “Zee Media’s new Global English News Channel – WION, will look to offer a seamless experience to empower, educate and energise our discerning viewers. Inspired by the Group’s motto, “Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam-The World is My Family”, WION aptly stands for ‘World is One News’ and will give a global view of the world with a South Asian lens.”

Sharing more details on the news network, Rohit Gandhi, Editor-in-Chief – English News Broadcast and Related Content said, “With WION, we will meet the aspirations of 2 billion South Asians by delivering a global News network reflecting a South Asian world perspective. It’s high time for South Asian reporting from front lines, war zones and prominent global capitals.”

“While a TV channel is the face of this mobile-first start-up, our newsgathering, reporting, production and publishing processes are an ambitious leap into a multiscreen future. We aim to disrupt conventional ways of thinking about news and set a new template for storytelling across platforms,” Rohit Gandhifurther added.

WION’s target audience is Generation Z, not in terms of age, but in terms of values, beliefs and attitude. A generation that is global, social, visual and tech savvy.

WION is a mobile/digital first platform and later will be an international television channel. The news content will be available to audiences at their convenience, on their preferred screens. The network will use technology to bring in user-generated content, it is the audience’s voice that will define WION. Its newsgathering teams will be equipped with mobile technology for an ‘anytime-anywhere’ live approach.

WION will have bureaus across the globe. Using a mix of young and seasoned journalists with diverse nationalities, WION will dare to be on the forefront of what’s happening today in thought-provoking ways.

Singtel picks EUTELSAT 70B satellite for network connectivity across South-East Asia

Photo credit: Astrium

Paris, Singapore, 14 March 2016 – Eutelsat Communications (NYSE Euronext Paris: ETL) announces that Singtel, one of Asia's leading communications groups, has selected capacity on its EUTELSAT 70B satellite to support network connectivity in South-East Asia.

Singtel is establishing a new relationship with Eutelsat, a global satellite operator, through a flexible contract that enables it to progressively ramp up capacity over the coming 12 months as demand grows.

The high-performance Asian footprint of EUTELSAT 70B, that stretches from Myanmar to Australia, enables users to operate secure, scalable networks and extend access to outlets in rural and isolated regions areas.

Jean-Francois Fenech, CEO of Eutelsat Asia, located in Singapore said: "We are honoured to win the confidence of Singtel following its consultation of various satellite alternatives, and to strike a new relationship with a reference telco in Asia. Thanks to the orbital position and footprint of the EUTELSAT 70B satellite it is in a strong position to serve diverse South-East Asia markets that include corporate networks, video distribution to cable headends and cellular backhaul. As part of Eutelsat‘s global fleet it also connects to the rest of the world. Satellites are a vital infrastructure in fast-developing Asian markets and we are delighted to increase our participation in this growth."

About Eutelsat Communications

Established in 1977, Eutelsat Communications (Euronext Paris: ETL, ISIN code: FR0010221234) is one of the world's leading and most experienced operators of communications satellites. The company provides capacity on 40 satellites to clients that include broadcasters and broadcasting associations, pay-TV operators, video, data and Internet service providers, enterprises and government agencies.

Eutelsat’s satellites provide ubiquitous coverage of Europe, the Middle East, Africa, Asia-Pacific and the Americas, enabling video, data, broadband and government communications to be established irrespective of a user’s location.

Headquartered in Paris, with offices and teleports around the globe, Eutelsat represents a workforce of 1,000 men and women from 37 countries who are experts in their fields and work with clients to deliver the highest quality of service.

For more about Eutelsat please visit www.eutelsat.com

Press

Vanessa O’Connor Tel: + 33 1 53 98 37 91 voconnor@eutelsat.com

Marie-Sophie Ecuer Tel: + 33 1 53 98 37 91 mecuer@eutelsat.com

Violaine du Boucher Tel: + 33 1 53 98 37 91 vduboucher@eutelsat.com

Investors and analysts

Joanna Darlington Tel. : +33 1 53 98 35 30 jdarlington@eutelsat.com

Cédric Pugni Tel. : +33 1 53 98 35 30 cpugni@eutelsat.com

Fox International Productions and Fox Networks Group Asia to Co-Produce Chinese-Language Content for Global Distribution

The two Fox entities will expand their current film productions in the Greater China region, the most lucrative international film market

Hong Kong, March 14, 2016 – Fox International Productions (FIP), 20^th Century Fox’s international production arm, and FOX Networks Group Asia (FNG Asia) today announced their collaboration to develop and co-produce Chinese-language content, including films, mini-series, and TV series for distribution globally.

Both FIP and FNG Asia have been actively producing and investing in Chinese-language content. Combining the resources and expertise of the two FOX units will further strengthen their capability and competitive edge in the production business, making them the go-to platform for local creative talents to work with in creating high quality content for audiences in China and around the world.

Tomas Jegeus, President of Fox International Productions, said, ”Greater China, and Asia overall, represent a very significant portion of our strategic focus on the production of feature films globally. FIP joining forces with FOX Networks Group Asia will now solidly position us as a go-to, one-stop shop for our local partners, and amongst the creative community overall in the region.”

Zubin Gandevia, President of FOX Networks Group Asia said, “There is an appetite for high quality Chinese-language content and FNG, through our well established and renowned Chinese movies channel brand SCM, is perfectly placed to drive positive developments in this area. Now with our partnership with our sister company, Fox International Productions, I have no doubt together we will be a formidable force in the Chinese content space.”

He continues, “There is so much talent in Asia and so much potential in Chinese and Asia film and TV making. FNG is committed to producing great content in and for this region. We look forward to working with FIP to help shine an international spotlight on Chinese content and see the genre gain the recognition and status it deserves.”

The collaboration will include development of new scripts and remake of existing Fox titles. The first title will start production in 2017.

Since its inception in 2010, FIP has produced, co-financed and distributed more than 50 local-language titles in 11 countries. The company has produced films specifically for the Greater China region, including Hot Summer Days; The Butcher, The Chef & The Swordsman; Love in Space; Kwai Boo: Crazy Space Adventure and Bride Wars.

FOX Networks Group Asia, through its flagship Chinese blockbusters movies channel, SCM, has co-produced and distributed a number of box office hits, including award-winning , critically-acclaimed Sara; Ah Boys To Men 3; Full Strike; 1965; Let’s Eat; and Go Lala Go 2.

# # #

About 20th Century Fox Film

One of the world’s largest producers and distributors of motion pictures, 20th Century Fox Film produces, acquires and distributes motion pictures throughout the world. These motion pictures are produced or acquired by the following units of 20th Century Fox Film: Twentieth Century Fox, Fox 2000 Pictures, Fox Searchlight Pictures, Fox International Productions, Twentieth Century Fox Animation and Blue Sky Studios.

About Fox International Productions

Fox International Productions (FIP) builds upon 20th Century Fox’s industry-leading international motion picture activities and upon parent company 21st Century Fox’s unparalleled global media reach by aligning all the company’s international film productions under one banner. FIP also complements Fox’s worldwide film releases with films sourced through partnerships with international producers, filmmakers, financiers, and strategic production & distribution agreements.

About FOX Networks Group

FOX Networks Group (FNG) is 21st Century Fox’s international multi-media business. We develop, produce and distribute 300+ wholly- and majority-owned entertainment, sports, factual and movie channels in 45 languages across Latin America, Europe, Asia and Africa. FNG’s core channel brands include Fox, Fox Sports, Fox Life, Fox+ and National Geographic Channel. FNG’s movie channels include Fox Movies, Fox Movies Premium and SCM (formerly Star Chinese Movies). Our non-linear brands include Fox Play, Fox Play+ and Nat Geo Play. These networks and their related mobile, non-linear and high- definition extensions, reach over 1.825 billion cumulative households worldwide. In addition, FNG owns and operates two production studios and produces thousands of local programming hours for its wholly owned channels and third parties.

For media inquiries, please contact:

FOX Networks Group – Asia

Kelly Jang | Vice President, Marketing & Communications

Tel: +852 2621 8875 | Email: Kelly.Jang@fox.com

FOX Networks Group – Hong Kong

Valerie Lee | Assistant Manager, Marketing, Hong Kong Market

Tel: +852 2621 8870 | Email: Valerie.Lee@fox.com

now TV provides unprecedented coverage of Cathay Pacific/HSBC Hong Kong Sevens 2016

Another world-class sports event adding to now TV’s lineup as “Home of Sports”

PCCW (SEHK:0008) – HONG KONG, March 10, 2016 – now TV, Hong Kong’s largest pay-TV and a leading OTT service provider, will be the host broadcaster of the 2016 Cathay Pacific/HSBC Hong Kong Sevens to be held from April 8-10.

As one of Hong Kong's flagship sporting events, the Hong Kong Sevens is the most popular and prestigious event on the HSBC Sevens World Series. 28 teams from all over the world, including 16 in the core team competition and 12 in the World Rugby Sevens World Series qualifier, will compete in Hong Kong in April. These include all but one of the 12 teams already qualified for Rugby Sevens’ Olympic debut in Rio this summer.

As the host broadcaster, now TV will provide an unprecedented coverage experience for Hong Kong viewers. 10 HD cameras and a production team with over 100 people will be allocated to support this three-day mega event. now TV customers will enjoy full coverage of the event live on now SPORTS 4 (Ch. 634) in HD with exclusive interactive features including the Timeshift feature so that they will not miss a single moment of the action and entertainment. Customers also have the option to relive their favourite moments via now TV's VOD service, or to enjoy the games on the move via their smart devices on now Player.

The tournament will also be made available to the general public through a number of means. Live full broadcast is available on now SPORTS Prime (Ch. 630) via now Player for free. The public can also watch selected matches* via ViuTV, a free TV service to be broadcast via spectrum on channel 99 from April 6.

Ms. Loke Kheng Tham, PCCW's Executive Vice President of Pay TV, said, “We are proud to be Hong Kongers as Hong Kong is being chosen to host one of the greatest events in the world – Hong Kong Sevens. Being Hong Kong’s “Home of Sports”, now TV is dedicated to deliver the greatest content to local sports fans, and this is the reason why we strive to bring you back this world-class event again.”

Ms. Tham added, “now TV has always been and will continue to be in the leading role for providing a strong lineup of sports to Hong Kong viewers. We believe that the coverage of a variety of premium and exclusive sports content from around the world, including the top football leagues namely Barclays Premier League, La Liga and Bundesliga, tennis Grand Slams, ATP World Tour, NBA, all 4 golf majors, PGA Tours, F1, snooker, badminton, rugby and many more, will continue to entertain Hong Kong’s sports fans.”

Mr. Vern Reid, CEO of the Hong Kong Rugby Union said, “The HKRU is delighted to again partner with now TV as the host broadcaster of the world-famous Cathay Pacific/HSBC Hong Kong Sevens. Leveraging now TV’s range of innovative broadcast platforms will provide the ultimate access to the event for those not able to attend in person and will help spread the excitement and passion of Sevens to a vast local audience, a particular goal for us with Rugby set to boom after its Olympic debut in Rio this summer.”

– # –

* The broadcast arrangement will be announced in due course.

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's premium content can be accessed through linear TV channels, on-demand and via OTT companion apps while on the move. 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 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.

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.

About the Hong Kong Sevens

First established in 1976 and organised by the Hong Kong Rugby Football Union, the Hong Kong Sevens is the world’s premier international sevens event, marking its 40th year in 2015. In 1999, the Hong Kong Sevens became a part of the International Rugby Board’s World Sevens Series. To date, Hong Kong is the only HSBC Sevens World Series event to host 28 international teams, more than any other tournament, and offers the largest prize purse in international sevens (USD150,000). The Hong Kong Rugby Union is also the only international rugby union to have hosted two Rugby World Cup Sevens in 1997 and 2005.

For media enquiry, please contact:

Ivan Ho

PCCW

Tel: +852 2883 8747

Email: ivan.wy.ho@pccw.com

For further information on the HKRFU or the Cathay Pacific / HSBC Hong Kong Sevens please contact:

Sean Moore (English language enquiries)

Tel: +852 2808 0977

Email: sean.moore@elitestep.com

Andy Yeung (Chinese language enquiries)

Tel: +852 2808 0977

Email: andy.yeung@elitestep.com

Issued by PCCW Limited.

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Christopher Slaughter

CEO

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Chief Policy Officer

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The first Hong Kong broadcaster to provide Netflix content via all-in-one IPTV/OTT set-top boxes

The first Hong Kong broadcaster to provide
Netflix content via all-in-one IPTV/OTT set-top boxes