Event Preview: Asia TV Forum & Market

Hui Leng Yeow, senior project director of ATF and ScreenSingapore at Reed Exhibitions, talks to TV Asia about this year’s Asia TV Forum & Market.

Asia TV Forum & Market (ATF) has positioned itself as the leading platform in rising Asia for “engaging the TV entertainment industry’s top players from around the world,” according to Hui Leng Yeow, senior project director of ATF and ScreenSingapore at Reed Exhibitions. Taking place from November 28 to December 1 at the Marina Bay Sands in Singapore, the annual event is co-located with ScreenSingapore, a marketplace for the film industry, where attendees can explore co-production opportunities, seek financing, make deals and learn about the changing film landscape.

“With a well-rounded program, we expect to receive more than 5,000 content buyers and sellers from Asia and beyond, looking to buy, sell, co-produce and distribute over the four days,” says Yeow.

The market portion attracts leading studios and brands from around 60 countries. “ATF is a must-attend market for companies keen to connect with Asian stakeholders,” Yeow says. “Industry players looking to try their hands at virtual reality should visit a zone on the market floor that will showcase the latest and most innovative VR technologies and content.”

There is also a conference element to the event. “Just like the dynamic ATF market, the conference also constantly evolves and adapts to meet the needs of attendees looking for fresh insight pertinent for succeeding in today’s content business,” explains Yeow. “Industry professionals keen to learn more about content business-technology strategy should not miss the ATF Leaders’ Summit on November 28.” On this day, the focus will be on “big data,” a key tool for industry players to gain a better understanding of audience behaviors and preferences.

On November 29 during The Content Connection, delegates will gain knowledge about fresh content and strategic opportunities in markets such as China, India and South Korea. For producers and commissioners looking for collaboration opportunities, Production Day will take place on November 30. This day will focus on how to engage kids through 360-degree experiences, what’s trending in Asia, attracting angel investors and venture capitalists, as well as creating formats with staying power.

Alongside the conference sessions, exclusive networking breakfasts will see various well-established market research agencies such as Kantar release their latest findings about Asia’s content market at ATF 2017. These include the latest statistics on the future of entertainment, the OTT landscape in Asia and the emerging Indonesian market.

“Producers looking to grow their reach and receive advice from well-established industry veterans can also look forward to our premier pitching competitions,” says Yeow. This year, ATF has launched a brand-new ATF Animation Pitch, with Green Gold Animation as the global partner. The winner will receive a $19,000 prize from Green Gold Animation, comprising a $2,500 cash award and a consultancy package worth $16,500 that is tailor-made for the winner to develop their project. The call for submissions is open till October 31.

ATF Formats Pitch returns for a second edition, backed by all3media international. “Asia-based producers looking to take their ideas across and outside the region with an established format distributor should participate in this competition,” Yeow says.

As part of an initiative by the Singapore Media Festival (SMF), ATF 2017 will place a spotlight on Indonesia as the Country of Focus. “With a population of over 263 million and over-scrutiny of China and India, the world’s fourth largest country (by population) has been the new star of 2017,” notes Yeow.

“As Asia’s leading entertainment content market, ATF curates our four-day event to meet the needs of the burgeoning region,” Yeow asserts. “Into our 18th edition, ATF remains committed to gathering the most relevant and current industry leaders to speak at our conference, to enable delegates to develop a deep understanding of current and emerging trends in rapidly developing Asia, and recognize the opportunities present.”

In addition, the ATF market features “fresh content from Asia and beyond, year-on-year, while networking opportunities strengthen existing relationships and enable delegates to meet potential partners,” she continues.

“Pitch competitions at ATF also open opportunities for partnerships, as industry players discover upcoming bright talents who will present their innovative format or animation concepts.

“With fresh insight gained and strong collaborations forged through the four days, ATF attendees will certainly find the keys to bring their businesses forward and strengthen their foothold in rising Asia.”