Buyer Profile: AXN Asia

PREMIUM: AXN and AXN Beyond are on the lookout for high-end drama series to replace 24 and Lost, according to VP Wong Yan-Jong, while female-skewing lifestyle shows and drama series are on the shopping list at Sony Entertainment Television.

ON THE RECORD: Wong Yan-Jong, VP, AXN Asia

Are you increasing your programming budget, now that economy is in full recovery mode?
We did not significantly cut back on our budget when the conditions of the economy were more challenging. Now, we continue to be prudent, but are definitely willing to invest if and when the right shows come along.

What are some of the slots you’re currently looking to fill?
We are seeing some popular U.S. drama series ending after very long and successful runs such as 24 on AXN and Lost on AXN Beyond. We are hoping to acquire new productions of similarly high quality to replace these series. We are also on the lookout for more female-skewed lifestyle entertainment programming and drama series for Sony Entertainment Television.

What have been some of your most successful acquisitions recently?
Drama series continue to be a key programming pillar for our channels. Our 2009 acquisition and top new drama series in the U.S., NCIS: Los Angeles has drawn a steady fan-base on AXN and has been a great buy for us.

Going forward, we are expecting upcoming, newly acquired U.S. drama series from CBS, including the 2010-remake of the classic crime and investigation series Hawaii Five-0, as well as Blue Bloods starring Tom Selleck and Donnie Wahlberg, to do very well when these premiere in November 2010 and in the first half of 2011, respectively, on AXN.

We also believe comedic legal drama The Defenders starring Jim Belushi and Jerry O’Connell will be well-received on AXN Beyond and Sony Entertainment Television in the months ahead; as will the highly-anticipated Battlestar Galactica [prequel] series Caprica, when it debuts this December on AXN Beyond.

How much do you buy annually?
As a network, SPE Networks – Asia buys consistently around the year to ensure our channels are always serving up a wide variety of the freshest and best programs available on the market.

What are the main genres you are acquiring?
Drama and reality series, as well as movies of good quality and high production values continue to be the key content that we look out for.

Are you acquiring formats from the international market?
Yes. We are exploring fresh reality formats.

Are you interested in co-production opportunities?
As one of Asia’s leading players in branded entertainment, SPE Networks – Asia is always on the lookout for co-production opportunities. If the right opportunity presents itself, we will definitely be open to exploring it.