MIPTV Spotlight: CJ E&M

CANNES: Toys come alive in Rainbow Ruby, one of the kids’ highlights that CJ E&M is presenting at the market.

The animated series “extends children’s imaginations,” according to Dongsig Shin, head of the company’s animation division. Also on offer is Robot Trains, an adventure series focused on such themes as self-development, teamwork and friendship. The animated show is aimed at young viewers between the ages of 4 and 7. Then there is Naughty Nuts, a detective story featuring elements of universal comedy.

“CJ E&M strives to be the leading content provider starting in Asia and extending worldwide,” says Shin. “Our goal is to build up long-lasting brands based on quality content that will enlighten everyone around the globe. At this MIPTV, we’d like to introduce new shows and unique content that reflects our goals…. We are [looking] to find new partners and, of course, to strengthen our existing partnerships.”

A time-traveling married man is the main character in Tomorrow with You, a scripted highlight from CJ E&M. The company is also presenting the dramas Tunnel and Lovely Love Lie. “Tunnel centers on two detectives who are from 1986 and 2016,” says Jangho Seo, the general manager of the global content business division at CJ E&M. “Having two very opposite approaches to solving crimes, they find their ways in working with the differences. Lovely Love Lie is originated from Japanese manga with the same title, telling us the younger and fresher love story.”

CJ E&M is also hoping to drum up interest for the upcoming scripted titles Chicago Typewriter and Stranger, both of which have strong casts and appealing story lines, according to Seo. “Seasoned with fantastical features in the story lines, our dramas are very strong and unique,” he says.

The new studio-based entertainment format Golden Tambourine looks on as two teams compete against each other in a musical competition. “The unique stage is divided by a moving wall,” says Seo. “The moving wall stage provides the winner of each round [the opportunity] to perform in the next round with more room and the losing team with less room.”

Another format highlight is The Gobbler Race, which sees contestants eat local dishes while traveling to cities around the globe. Then there is Crazy Market, a game show in which contestants use their five senses to answer questions about food and battle against professional chefs for the chance to win cash prizes. “[CJ E&M is] aspiring to become a leading format and IP studio,” says Seo.