Christopher Chia

CEO, Media Development Authority of Singapore

What are some of the top properties available from Singaporean companies at MIPTV?
Lonely Planet – Roads Less Travelled” (HD) co-produced by Lonely Planet Television and Beach House Pictures (Singapore) which follows Lonely Planet writers and photographers on assignments to seek out, unearth and road-test exciting new possibilities for travellers. The series is distributed by BBC Worldwide and broadcast on National Geographic Adventure Channel.
Kungfu Kitchen" (HD), a six-part action-parked culinary series, is produced by Sitting In Pictures for broadcast on Channel News Asia International across Asia in first half of 2010.
Rob The Robot (HD) by Amberwood Entertainment (Canada) and One Animation Pte Ltd (Singapore) follows the space adventures of Rob and his friends, and encourages young viewers to explore different planets and have fun as they learn through this 3D animated adventure series.
Dinosaur Train, a collaboration between Singapore’s Sparky Entertainment and The Jim Henson Company has been telecast on US’ PBS Channel and it was one of the highest rated kids’ programmes on PBS in December 2009. It has also been named by People Magazine as one of the year’s Best New Kids’ Shows for 2009. The 40-episode series has also secured sales in Latin America, Finland, France, Italy, Norway, Portugal, Spain, Sweden, Poland, Croatia, the Middle East, Australia, and Canada.
Silly Bitty Bunny is a fresh new pre-school series about the novelty of life as a kid. Each episode focuses on “first times” as experienced by the titular hero – those key moments, at once difficult and exhilarating, that are the hallmarks of growing up.

What are some of the highlights of the Singapore pavilion this year?
Singapore will be represented by a 14-strong delegation of media companies at the Singapore Pavilion (booth number: 05.20 – 07.19), ranging from live action, distribution to animation companies. A highlight will be a showcase of stereoscopic 3D content by companies which have made the early move into 3D production and post-production, including a pulsating racing game. Our project offerings include a slate of factual, lifestyle programmes (mostly in HD) totaling around 172 hours.

Is there any other information you would like to share regarding your participation at MIPTV this year?
Singapore’s participation at this year’s MIPTV, which is MDA’s 10th expedition to the market, is significant in several ways. This year, Singapore will be the “Country of Focus” at MIPTV 2010—which is a first for Singapore. We will host a half-day conference offering an overview of the latest developments in Singapore’s media ecosystem and our capabilities in 3D, with a view to encouraging more co-productions and collaborations between Singapore producers and the world.
Singapore’s Acting Minister of for Communications, Information and the Arts (MICA) Mr Lui Tuck Yew will be Guest-of Honour at several "Country of Focus" activities at Cannes, including the half day conference. Other events being planned are an exclusive VIP lunch and a networking event in the evening for exploring collaboration deals and networking with leading Singapore producers on co-production, animation and 3D Stereoscopic projects.
In addition, we would be reaching out to international media players through a special game in an exciting advergame campaign that would feature the best of Singapore’s media industry and collaboration opportunities in a refreshing way. Titled journey.sg, the campaign features a journey to and through Singapore as the Heart of New Asia Media in an online board game which would be refreshed for key international markets. Visit www.smf.sg or www.journey.sg for more details.