Tag Archive for SONY

ONE Reigns Supreme as the #1 Korean Entertainment Channel in South East Asia

Legend of the Blue Sea and Scarlet Heart Beat Rivals Descendants of the Sun and Goblin as the Top Korean Dramas of 2016

SINGAPORE (January 17, 2017) Sony’s powerhouse ONE Channel dominated the Korean entertainment genre in 2016, doubling the ratings of its closest competitor in Singapore and Malaysia.

Unleashing an arsenal of groundbreaking Korean dramas throughout the year, including the epic blockbusters Legend of the Blue Sea and Scarlet Heart, ONE commanded a 66 per cent share of viewing among the four Korean channels in Malaysia, and was ranked #2 during primetime viewing (6pm-1am) among all pay-TV channels on Astro.

ONE mania extended to Singapore where it scooped a 51 per cent share of the Korean genre and took the crown as the #1 pay-TV channel among female audiences. The allure of ONE and its premium programming also secured its place as the #3 pay TV channel in Singapore, ahead of movies and kids’ channels.

In Indonesia, ONE was consistently the #1 entertainment channel on leading platform, Indovision, in 2016. It was also among the top three pay-TV channels on the platform.

“ONE’s channel name consistently lives up to expectations, bringing viewers Korea’s hottest content first to South East Asia. Our viewers know and trust that ONE is the top destination for the latest in Korean talent, storytelling and high value productions and they expect only the best. We’ll continue to deliver on this expectation so viewers do not need to go anywhere else for their daily fix of Korean entertainment,” said Virginia Lim, Senior Vice President and Head of Content, Production and Marketing, Sony Pictures Television Networks, Asia.

Despite fierce competition from other high profile dramas, ONE’s 2016 epic showstoppers Legend of the Blue Sea and Scarlet Heart were the undisputed new darlings of Korean entertainment.

In Malaysia, the average rating of Legend of the Blue Sea was three times the average rating of rival Descendants of the Sun and more than 10 times the average rating of Goblin.1 

The series performed equally well in Singapore, with both Legend of the Blue Sea and Scarlet Heart doubling the average ratings of Love in the Moonlight and Goblin. 2

“ONE is not just a TV channel it’s a lifestyle for lovers of Korean entertainment and culture. We go beyond the screen to immerse viewers in the world of Korean drama via fan meets, roadshows and social conversations. ONE is South East Asia’s gateway to Korea,” said Lim.

Source: Kantar Media, Malaysia DTAM 2016, combined HD and SD ratings for channels with same HD and SD content / Singapore SG-TAM Oct-Dec 2016, combined rating of ONE Mandarin/Malay and Oh!K Mandarin/Malay / Indovision Nielsen Rating Report. Target: Pay TV 4+. Consolidated activities run on Jan 9 2017.

  1. Average consolidated premiere timeslot ratings of Legend of the Blue Sea until episode 13 and Goblin until episode 10, full season of Descendants of the Sun
  2. Average consolidated premiere timeslot ratings of Legend of the Blue Sea until episode 13 and Goblin until episode 10, full season of Love in the Moonlight

 

Sony Pictures, American Heart Association Partner for ‘Angry Birds’ Promotion

16 Aug, 2016 by: Erik Gruenwedel

Sony Pictures Home Entertainment Aug. 16 announced a co-promotion with the American Heart Association for ‘The Angry Birds Movie,’ which is now available on DVD, Blu-ray, 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray and Digital HD.

Specifically, SPHE is assisting the AHA for the launch of the “Angry Birds, Happy Bodies” fitness initiative for children nationwide. The two entities are working with two-time Olympic (2008, 2012) swimmer Chloe Sutton, who served as ambassador of the initiative, making an appearance at the kick-off event in Los Angeles.

The national initiative launches with events from coast to coast, helping students kick off the new school year with healthy goals. Red, Chuck, Bomb and some of the green piggies are joined by AHA “jump teams,” in which students will participate in jump rope challenges that can be a part of their daily fitness routines. The campaign will continue through the school year to support school physical education programs.

“We love that Red, Chuck and Bomb are helping kids keep their minds and bodies happy and healthy,” Lexine Wong, senior EVP of worldwide marketing at SPHE, said in a statement. “With our release of The Angry Birds Movie timed around the global athletic events in Rio, it is the perfect time to encourage everyone to keep active.”

Virginia Lim promoted to Senior Vice President and Head of Content, Production & Marketing, Sony Pictures Television Networks, Asia

SINGAPORE, August 10, 2016 — Virginia Lim has been promoted to Senior Vice President and Head of Content, Production and Marketing at Sony Pictures Television (SPT) Networks, Asia, it was announced today by Ang Hui Keng, Senior Vice President and General Manager for SPT Networks, Asia.

Based in Singapore, Lim continues to oversee the entire network portfolio of Asian and English content channels, including leading general entertainment powerhouses AXN and ONE, as well as Animax, Sony Channel and GEM. Specifically, Lim is responsible for the overall content management for the five channels, including programming, acquisitions and original productions; as well as brand marketing and on-air promotions.

“Since taking over the consolidated content group in April 2015, Virginia has made an outstanding contribution to growing SPT Networks’ business in Asia, ensuring our channels remain leaders in their respective genres and that we continue to deliver entertainment that is multi-screen, locally relevant and engaging for our viewers in Asia,” said Ang.

“It is highly satisfying to select and deliver engaging content to expand our presence in Asia,” said Lim. “In this dynamic industry, we must remain nimble, so we’ll be rolling out a pipeline of initiatives in the near future that will bring our stories, talent and brands even closer to our viewers across the region.”

In the past year, Lim has spearheaded several key initiatives for SPT Networks, Asia. For AXN, Lim oversaw the pan-regional roll out of the channel’s brand refresh, complementing the dynamic new look with a stellar programming lineup that included the premiere of the highly anticipated FBI drama, Quantico. On the original programming front, Lim led the local adaptation of Cash Cab for AXN in the Philippines and the return of the hit-rated series, The Amazing Race Asia Season 5, which premieres this October.

In addition, Lim has cemented ONE’s leading position in Southeast Asia, introducing the express telecast primetime belt “Ppalli Ppalli” (“quick, quick” in Korean), and a major schedule refresh earlier this year to better reflect the needs of ONE’s viewers. The recent premiere of the wildly popular Doctors, which stars Park Shin Hye (Pinocchio) and TV veteran Kim Rae Won (Punch), was the highest rated Korean drama series in Singapore and Malaysia this year across all Korean channels.  Later this month, ONE will premiere the region’s first ever same-time-as-Korea drama telecast of Scarlet Heart, the highly anticipated South Korean remake of the similarly titled Chinese series.

SPT Network’s portfolio was further strengthened by the launch of GEM in October 2015, with Lim collaborating with the channel’s joint venture partner, Nippon Television Network Corporation, to ensure a steady pipeline of prime Japanese content. A relative newcomer to the Asian entertainment genre, GEM recently expanded its distribution footprint to include Indonesia, Singapore and the Philippines, in addition to its launch markets of Cambodia, Hong Kong and Thailand.

Lim joined SPT Networks, Asia in 2008 as Director of Programming for Animax and became Vice President of Asian Content in 2012. In this capacity, Lim oversaw the programming, marketing and on air promotions for ONE, Animax and GEM.  In 2015, Lim was promoted to Vice President, Content and Marketing where she oversaw all functions of programming and marketing for the entire networks portfolio. Prior to joining SPT Networks, Asia, Lim worked with StarHub for over 10 years.

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.
www.SonyPicturesTelevision.com

Media Enquiries:
Jennifer Doig
Sony Pictures Television Networks, Asia
jennifer_doig@spe.sony.com / +65 6622 4278

ONE set to premiere ‘Scarlet Heart’ at the same time as Korea

‘Doctors’ achieves 2016 ratings records in Singapore and Malaysia

Scarlet Heart

SINGAPORE (August 4, 2016)— In a first for Southeast Asia, Sony’s ONE channel is set to premiere the highly anticipated South Korean drama series Scarlet Heart at the same time as its telecast in Korea on August 29. The unprecedented announcement comes hot on the heels of the successful Doctors series premiere last month, which tops primetime as the highest rated Korean drama series amongst all Korean channels in Singapore and Malaysia.*

Virginia Lim, Senior Vice President and Head of Content, Production & Marketing, Sony Pictures Television Networks, Asia said, “ONE continues to break new ground when it comes to bringing the best South Korean entertainment to our viewers. Scarlet Heart’s simulcast with Korea means that fans will enjoy unprecedented access to the latest episodes as soon as they are released, with absolutely no waiting. Scarlet Heart, together with the incredible popularity of Doctors and our other captivating series, further strengthens ONE’s position as the top destination for the best in Korean entertainment.”

Scarlet Heart is the South Korean remake of the similarly titled Chinese series, and is set to premiere on 29 August, every Monday and Tuesday at 9pm (8pm JKT), first and exclusively on ONE. The original Chinese series is widely perceived to be one of the most popular Asian romance period drama productions to date, and the remake has generated much buzz amongst Korean drama fans since it was first announced.

Helmed by a star-studded cast, Scarlet Heart builds on the same premise as the original Chinese series but is based on the Korean Goryeo dynasty instead of the Chinese Qing dynasty. Headlining the series as female protagonist is singer-songwriter and actress Lee Ji Eun (IU), whose character is catapulted back in time from the modern era. In the past, she finds herself trapped within a web of political intrigue and complicated love lines involving the princes of Goryeo, who are played by Lee Joon Ki, Kang Ha Neul, Hong Jong Hyun, Baek Hyun of K-pop boyband EXO, Nam Joo Hyuk, and Ji Soo. Rounding off the ensemble cast are rookie actress Kang Han Na and idol-actress Seol Hyun of Girl’s Generation fame, who will both play princesses.

The South Korean remake is led by director Kim Kyu Tae, whose past works include acclaimed series such as That Winter, the Wind Blows. Scarlet Heart will be fully pre-produced for a 20-episode run and has moved into post-production after filming wrapped earlier this month.

 *Doctors ratings notes:

Singapore

  • Doctors is the #1 mini-series on Korean channels in Singapore this year.
  • During the airing of Doctors, ONE is the top rated Korean channel, tripling the rating of all other Korean channels combined.

Source: Kantar Media Singapore TAM Jan 1 – Jul 15 2016, Doctors rating for the period of Jun 21-Jul 13, 2016. Target: Cable 4+

Malaysia

  • Doctors is the highest rated drama series on Korean channels in Malaysia this year.
  • During the airing Doctors, ONE is the top rated channel on Astro. Its rating is more than 10 times of the combined rating of other Korean channels.

Source: Kantar Media Malaysia DTAM Jan 1 – Jul 15 2016, Doctors consolidated rating for the period of Jun 21-Jul 13, 2016. Target: Astro 4+

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About ONE

ONE is the first Asian general entertainment channel from Sony Pictures Television Networks, Asia, the broadcaster of Asia’s leading cable channels AXN, Animax, Sony Channel and GEM.

ONE showcases the latest South Korean drama and entertainment programs. These include selected prime time dramas within 24 hours of their debut broadcasts in Korea. Viewers can catch the biggest stars and hottest names in Korean entertainment, from young and trendy idol dramas to popular soap operas, along with the current variety buzz and the top K-pop hits. In addition, ONE has also regularly brought South Korean artistes on promotional tours to meet with fans. Successful events have included stars like Ricky Kim and kids (Oh! My Baby), Joo Won (The Gang Doctor), Zo In Sung (That Winter, The Wind Blows), Lee Hyun Woo (To the Beautiful You), Lee Dong Wook (Scent of a Woman), Kim Sun-A (Scent of a Woman), Jang Hyuk (Midas), and K-pop boy group BTOB; as well as the resoundingly successful Running Man fan meet in Singapore and Malaysia. ONE has also recently launched an online news site ONE Scoop that brings its viewers the latest K-drama news, pop quizzes and giveaways. For the latest K-buzz, visit www.onetvasia.com/ONEScoop.

ONE HD is the high definition feed of ONE which is available in Australia, Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Malaysia and Singapore. See www.onetvasia.com for more.

Media Contacts

Sony Pictures Television Networks, Asia

Timothy Oh

Tel: +65 6622 4201

timothy_oh@spe.sony.com

Sony Pictures Television Networks, Asia Names Nirav Haji as Vice President, Affiliate Sales

SINGAPORE (July 7, 2016) Sony Pictures Television (SPT) Networks, Asia announced today the appointment of Nirav Haji as Vice President, Affiliate Sales.

Based in Singapore and reporting to Ang Hui Keng, Senior Vice President and General Manager, Mr. Haji will lead the sales, distribution and expansion of the networks’ five entertainment channels across the region: AXN, Sony Channel, Animax, ONE and GEM.

“As a leader in providing premium Asian and English entertainment, SPT Networks, Asia is set to strengthen its portfolio across the region in new markets and via new platforms. Nirav’s depth of experience together with his strong industry relationships will ensure Sony’s continued growth, while making our channels available to meet the changing demands of our viewers,” said Mr. Ang.

Mr. Haji has over 25 years’ of experience within the broadcast industry having worked in leadership roles at Discovery Asia, Fox International and Turner where his primary focus was on networks and content distribution.

“I’m thrilled to be joining SPT Networks, Asia at a time of exciting growth for both the company and the industry as a whole. My focus will be to further enhance and grow our existing partnerships in Asia while identifying key opportunities that bring Sony’s vivid world of entertainment to viewers in new and exciting ways,” said Mr. Haji.

-Ends-
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.
www.SonyPicturesTelevision.com

Media Contact
Jennifer Doig / Sony Pictures Television Networks, Asia
Jennifer_doig@spe.sony.com / +65 6622 4278

Top Japanese star Dean Fujioka headlines GEM’s first-ever original production

SINGAPORE, 25 May 2016 — GEM, the channel that brings the hottest dramas such as Goodbye Ghosts! and The Most Difficult Romance within a week of their Japan telecast, is set to air its first-ever original production We are Asia: Dean Fujioka & Friends.  Headlined by dashing actor-musician Dean Fujioka, the series is set for a global premiere on 19 June at 8.30pm/7.30pm (JKT/BKK).

GEM, which is a joint venture between Sony Pictures Television Networks and Nippon TV, is uniquely positioned to bring together the best entertainment from Japan and the rest of Asia.  Shot on location across 4 Asian cities including Japan, Cambodia, Hong Kong and Indonesia, We are Asia will feature the inimitable beauty, tradition and essence of Asia and its myriad cultures.

In this 5 episode documentary-style entertainment program, viewers will be taken on a cultural journey alongside Dean Fujioka and his celebrity friends: up-and-coming actor Shuhei Nomura, rock band WEAVER, and video projection dance sensation Siro-A.

Through the lens of these Japanese stars, audiences will be treated to a rare opportunity to witness the fusion of different cultures that springs from the exchange of knowledge between the local populace and the artistes.

Each episode of the program marks a step in a larger journey leading up to a spectacular finale stage, set against the magnificent backdrop of a World Heritage Site in Indonesia.  In a never-before-seen collaboration, viewers will be awed by the harmonious melding of cultures as Dean and WEAVER take to the stage with a gamelan orchestra, joined by Siro-A as well as a specially choreographed projection of Shuhei Nomura and the children they met on their expedition.  Performed live in front of an audience of 300 children from an Indonesian orphanage, the finale promises to put a smile not just on their faces, but also that of viewers from all around the world!

The global premiere of We are Asia: Dean Fujioka & Friends is set on 19 June, airing every Sunday at 8.30pm/7.30pm (JKT/BKK), first and exclusively on GEM, the glittering jewel of Asian entertainment.

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For further information:

GEM Media Networks Asia/ Sony Pictures Television Networks Asia
Timothy Oh
Tel: +65 9006 5979
Email: timothy_oh@spe.sony.com 

About GEM

GEM is the latest Asian entertainment channel from Sony Pictures Television Networks, Asia, the broadcaster of Asia’s leading cable channels AXN, ONE, Animax and Sony Channel Asia.

GEM promises to be the glittering jewel of Asian general entertainment. The channel features first-run and exclusive dramas, comedies and variety entertainment shows from Japan as well as other Asian territories including South Korea, China, Hong Kong and Taiwan. This also includes selected prime time dramas within the same week of broadcast in Japan.

Spanning across period, contemporary, action, comedy, family and romance genres, GEM is anchored by a wide range of Asian drama with the most compelling stories, the greatest characters and the brightest stars to keep audiences returning for more. The channel also boasts variety programs that spotlight the latest entertainment buzz around popular celebrities in the region, to complement its drama offerings.

See www.gemtvasia.com for more regional websites.

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