Global Media Company Launches Singapore Digital Studio on Heels of Rapid Audience Gains
NEW YORK/ SINGAPORE, 27 FEBRUARY 2018: A+E Networks® has begun rolling out digital studios outside of the United States, under an A+E Digital International initiative, with the first digital studio having launched in Singapore, for Asia, it was announced today by Sean Cohan, President of International & Digital Media, A+E Networks. The rollout further cements its leadership position in creating cross-platform content and reaching viewers everywhere they consume content.
The full-service, integrated creative and content creation units will specialize in producing original, premium short- and mid-form digital content assets, themed around network brands and those of its partners.
In Asia, these brands include HISTORY®, Lifetime®, FYI® and Crime+Investigation®. In its bid to effectively respond to the changing preferences of Asian consumers, this content will be distributed through online platforms, adding to its already substantial OTT offerings, which include some of the most compelling long-form content in the industry.
“At A+E Networks, we are storytellers who understand the needs of our audience, especially in today’s highly dynamic content landscape. A growing share of the consumer’s time is spent consuming short- and mid-form content. We have recognized this opportunity and are taking a leadership position in investing in the creation of digital-first storytelling that is in keeping with the high creative standards we have set for our brands globally,” said Cohan.
Continued Cohan, “Harnessing our strong cross-disciplinary content creation capabilities, we are excited to roll out digital studios to help our viewers experience all their favorite brands through the new lens of short- and mid-form content. Moreover, it also helps our partners and clients leverage our fan base and engagement through meaningful branded experiences and bespoke branded content.”
“We are delighted that A+E Networks has chosen to further expand operations in Asia with the launch of their first digital studio in Singapore. This is a testament to Singapore’s attractiveness as a location for global media companies to innovate and experiment with new business models
for the region, as well as add to our base of digital content creation and commercial capabilities across the media sector,” said Mr. Tung Meng Fai Director, Infocomms and Media, Singapore Economic Development Board.
In Asia, A+E Networks has forged strong growth for its brands in the online space since October 2016 with a unique reach that has doubled to 331 million and engagement that has grown 196 percent to 81 million. Collectively, the network’s flagship brands – HISTORY®, Lifetime® and FYI™ garnered over 218 million video views and 3 million watched hours across its digital platforms. During this period the company also created bespoke branded solutions for regional brands such as POSB Bank, Silk Air, Shiseido and Nestlé.
With the new digital studio in Asia, A+E Networks will be able to provide an additional value-add service in the form of integrated content marketing solutions to help brands build stronger fan bases and meaningful brand experiences in the volatile online and mobile space.
Standing out among the completed work is HISTORY®’s digital-first series, The History Hustle, a host-led short-form edutainment show featuring Simon Yin (Hidden Cities: Extreme). In partnership with POSB Bank, which celebrated its 140th anniversary, special episodes were created to showcase the bank’s technological advancements through interesting trivia around Singapore.
OMG! Philippines showcases amazing Filipino artists and artisans. The short-form digital piece features, among others, a sculptor who carves miniatures out of crayon sticks and an artist who harnesses sunlight through a magnifying glass to create his masterpieces.
In the same vein, Shiseido worked with Lifetime® to show how the region’s top female MMA fighter, diver, pastry chef and dancer all find their strengths while showcasing Shiseido’s latest product.
Nestlé also collaborated with Lifetime® to create short-form branded clips focused on an active and healthy female lifestyle and featuring the food and beverage brand’s own ambassadors in action.
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About A+E Networks
A+E Networks® is an award-winning, global media content company offering consumers a diverse communications environment ranging from linear channels to websites, gaming, watch apps, SVOD products and educational software. A+E Networks is comprised of A&E®, Lifetime®, HISTORY®, Lifetime Movies, FYI™, VICELAND®, Blaze™ and Crime+Investigation™, as well as its own long-form production division A+E Studios™; film division, A&E IndieFilms®; digital product development division, A+E Networks Digital®; short-medium-form digital content-creation and storytelling hub, 45th & Dean™; strategic investment division, A+E Ventures™; and A+E Networks Consumer Products™. A+E Networks’ channels and branded programming reach more than 335 million households in over 200 territories. A+E Networks is a joint venture of Disney-ABC Television Group and Hearst. Follow us on Twitter at twitter.com/aenetworks and Facebook at facebook.com/AENetworks.
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