It has only been a couple of years since Something Special made its debut, but the number of alliances it has made with high-profile partners has already put it on the map in the format business. The company, which dubbed itself South Korea\u2019s first TV agency to exclusively represent format producers, was set up by Jin Woo Hwang, former formats head at CJ ENM, and InSoon Kim, previously head of formats at SBS\u2019s FormatEast.<\/p>\n
The motivation behind the creation of Something Special was \u201cconnecting dots, enhancing creativity and providing more opportunities for Korean\/Asian content,\u201d Hwang tells TV Formats Weekly<\/em>. \u201cThis is and will be our motivation driver, just like how Something Special\u2019s company philosophy is \u2018We connect and create.\u2019\u201d<\/p>\n For partnership among Korean parties, the business structure varies, he says. There are long-term partnerships, for example, including with production companies such as SH Enter & Company. With creative talents, it\u2019s largely project-based deals. For partnerships with international companies, it is mostly format co-development, distribution or project-based productions.<\/p>\n Hwang and his Something Special business partner Kim are firm believers in and fans of international collaboration. \u201cCollective creation is the heart of format development, and input of different perspectives leads to better originality and quality,\u201d he says. \u201cAnd, of course, it provides a long-term sustained opportunity.\u201d Among the projects to be released this year are a new hiking expedition series, a reality game show, a singing entertainment series and a physical quiz game show. \u201cAll of them will be 100 percent original and never-seen-before ideas, thanks to co-development,\u201d Hwang adds.<\/p>\n There are, however, some challenges to co-development, he notes. \u201cFirstly, it takes time. While [embarking on] co-development, both parties have to mediate language barriers, cultural differences, local industry habits. Therefore, when we advise co-development, we always ensure scheduling and timelines. Secondly, and most important of all, co-development has to be agreed with sharing responsibilities.\u201d<\/p>\n He adds that mutual respect between two parties is a must. \u201cThere is no such thing as, \u2018You bring the idea, and we will evaluate.\u2019 If there is a potential idea, it is very important to share and input each party’s opinion. I believe this is where the responsibility comes in.\u201d<\/p>\n As Hwang evaluates the current format landscape, he’s identified dating shows as a trending genre. “Whether it\u2019s sensual or platonic or even self-loving, there are huge demands for finding love. I believe there will be more fresh dating formats coming up this year.\u201d<\/p>\n Another trend he sees is entertainment that is gamified, including traditional game shows. \u201cWe are expecting to see more gamified elements in reality, singing, talent, etc.,\u201d Hwang says.<\/p>\n He also believes the world should keep a close eye on Korean formats and says that more demand is on the horizon from the international market for ideas from this creative hub.<\/p>\n Hwang himself was recently named as chairman of the Korean Format Alliance, and for many years, has been a diplomat for Korean content. \u201cWhen the country\u2019s creative industry is in its golden era for being noticed in the international market, I feel more responsibility for doing my task,\u201d he says. \u201cAnd I think that is why the members wanted me and elected me for the role, even though I am at an independent company. I will do my best to promote Korean creativity, and at the same time, respect the international way in the industry. Knowing that more Korean content is being consumed outside of Korea, the alliance will work together to bring their dynamic competitiveness and potential to the world.\u201d<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" Something Special’s Jin Woo Hwang on how the alliances that the company has made with high-profile partners have put it on the map in the format business.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":350,"featured_media":8672,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"pmpro_default_level":0,"footnotes":""},"categories":[68,69],"tags":[1099,2158],"class_list":["post-8671","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","","category-profiles","category-top-stories","tag-jin-woo-hwang","tag-something-special","pmpro-has-access"],"yoast_head":"\n