Mediacorp Pacts with ViuTV, Unveils First Wattpad Title

Mediacorp has inked a deal to co-produce two Chinese-language titles with ViuTV and unveiled the first title to emerge from its alliance with Wattpad.

The two-title deal with the Hong Kong broadcast and streaming service kicks off with Ink at Tai Ping, a 15-episode cross-genre murder mystery. The cast hails from Hong Kong and Singapore and includes Chrissie Chau, Alex Lam, Desmond Tan and Elvin Ng. Series development will be led by director-producer Kevin Tong of Wondersky Media. Production in Singapore will be spearheaded by executive producer Winnie Wong. Shot in Singapore, Hong Kong and Taiwan, the series is due to premiere in September 2020 on Toggle (to be renamed meWATCH from January 2020) and in Q3 on ViuTV.

Lofai Lo, director and general manager of ViuTV parent company HKTVE, said, “We are excited to embark on a second collaboration with Mediacorp. This time, we are upping the ante by committing to two projects so as to deliver the most creative, plot-driven and gripping stories to our discerning audiences. We hope this unique undertaking will reinforce our reputation for originality and diversity in production.”

Irene Lim, chief customer officer at Mediacorp, added, “ViuTV and Mediacorp share a passion for stellar storytelling paired with high production values. We look forward to working together to create compelling content in fresh formats that amplify our audience reach and recognition of the creative talent in our region. This collaboration complements our continuous efforts to ensure Mediacorp’s robust expansion in an evolving multi-platform mediascape.”

Doreen Neo, chief content officer at Mediacorp, added, “This collaboration underscores how resolute Mediacorp is about going regional in a bid to boost and win over both local and international audiences. Rallying resources with ViuTV is a strategic move which will grant us greater scale in expanding co-productions as a growth segment. The deal is also a declaration that Mediacorp is ever open for business. We are proactively pursuing partners for future projects, and look forward to co-creating content that will inspire and connect with our communities.”

At ATF today, Mediacorp also announced Slow Dancing as the first title to emerge from its word-to-screen adaptation deal with Wattpad. The six-episode series is being developed under the umbrella of Mediacorp’s ongoing Lights. Camera. Singapore. showcase of Singapore storytelling. Slow Dancing by author Noelle has more than 9.5 million reads to date. Production by Mediacorp Studios begins in March 2020, led by supervising executive producer Tan Wei-Lyn. Lillian Wang is head writer.

Dexter Ong, head of Asia at Wattpad Studios, said, “With a page-turning mix of mystery, suspense and romance, Slow Dancing has built an international fanbase, connecting with readers all over the world on Wattpad. We’re thrilled to work with Mediacorp to turn the story into a series that can find new fans everywhere.”

Sapna Angural, head of English audiences at Mediacorp, noted, “This deal demonstrates Mediacorp’s dedication to the regular reinvigoration of our content, this time via the way we source for stories that speak to our shared Singapore spirit. The production of Slow Dancing with Wattpad signals the start of an exciting endeavor to equip fledgling writers with a launchpad to make their mark, at home and beyond.”

Slow Dancing will be streamed on Toggle and will be available on Mediacorp Channel 5.