HOOQ Signs First-Look Deal with Anthony Chen

HOOQ has signed a three-year first-look and co-production deal with Anthony Chen, the award-winning filmmaker who collaborated with the VOD service on Wet Season, its first original movie for Singapore.

Wet Season, produced by Giraffe Pictures in association with HOOQ, Rediance and New Century Influence Films, is Chen’s second feature following his Cannes Camera d’Or-winning Ilo Ilo. Starring Malaysian actress Yeo Yann Yann, the new movie takes place during the monsoon season in Singapore, following the plight of Chinese-language teacher Ling as her marriage and school life fall apart as she struggles to conceive a child. The pact between HOOQ and Chen will include film, TV and digital content produced or directed by him out of his Giraffe Pictures outfit.

Peter Bithos, HOOQ CEO, said, “Our partnership with Anthony and Giraffe Pictures underscores HOOQ’s commitment to push boundaries through unique, compelling and edgy stories to people across Asia and beyond.”

Bryan Seah, head of original productions at HOOQ, added: “At HOOQ we invest in stories and storytellers. As a fellow Singaporean, I am thrilled to be part of Anthony’s exquisite and moving film and in providing Wet Season a home at HOOQ after its cinematic run.”

Chen commented: “My team and I at Giraffe Pictures are excited to have found like-minded partners in HOOQ with the vision of championing young Asian talent and producing regional stories that will resonate with a global audience. We are in discussions for new upcoming projects and can’t wait to announce our next collaboration really soon.”