SPTI to Distribute Korean Fare in Asia

HONG KONG,
November 27: Sony Pictures Television International (SPTI) has entered into a
long-term agreement with Korea’s CJ Media to distribute a selection of its
upcoming drama series to broadcasters and digital content providers across Asia
outside of Japan, China and Korea.
The pact strengthens the partnership between SPTI and the CJ Group, which was
established last year when SPTI acquired the distribution rights from CJ
Entertainment for the two Korean features How to Keep My Love and The Greatest Expectation.

The deal also
expands SPTI’s involvement with Asian programming by providing it with a
continuous flow of hit Korean series to distribute. Currently, SPTI distributes
Hollywood blockbuster movies and series along with Asian hits such as Kung
Fu Hustle and Crouching
Tiger, Hidden Dragon; animation from Japan and Korea; and
the Japanese miniseries Tokyo Friends.
“Korean dramas have enjoyed unprecedented popularity domestically and abroad in
recent years and we are thrilled to partner with one of the largest media and
entertainment corporations in Korea,” said Ross Pollack, SPTI’s senior VP of
distribution for Asia. “We are proud that CJ has continued confidence in our
ability to reach all Asian audiences.”
“Based on our over 10 years of experience in producing and broadcasting on the
Korean television market, we are geared up to create and produce quality
original content for not only Korean audiences, but audiences throughout Asia
and beyond,” said Won-Pil Shim, CJ Media’s executive VP of broadcasting. “CJ
Media is planning to produce approximately 50 hours of original drama and made-for-television
movies in 2006-2007, and increase the number of hours down the line.”

The first drama
to be distributed as part of the deal is Hyena, a 16-episode series following the lives of four
playful guys who seek casual relationships and sometimes find true love.