VIDEOAGE December 2023 Asia TV Forum ATF: Bigger in Conference Rooms Than Market Floor Some people in the entertainment industry have complained that the annual Asia TV Forum (ATF) is too domestic. But others have been drawn in by the fact that the event focuses mainly on the South East Asia TV market. ATF will host its 24th edition in the city-state of Singapore on December 5-8, 2023 at the Marina Bay Sands Convention Center. Film and TV trade shows are very popular in Asia, especially for hardware manufactures and distributors, but in recent years, content providers have been getting in on the game with a plethora of trade shows such as Filmart (March, Hong Kong), Broadcast Asia (Singapore, May), Content Tokyo (June), Production Studios Expo (Tokyo, July), Tiffcom (Tokyo, October), and CineAsia (Bangkok, December). But Asia TV Forum has a particular appeal that caps all of them. Last year, ATF returned to an in-person edition, after a two-year shutdown due to the pandemic. The event returned with a “green” format. Out went the plastic that used to cover the badges, and out went the paper-wasting printed guide that used to list the exhibiting companies. In fact, there wasn’t even a flyer anywhere with this much-needed info. But being resourceful, ATF organizers had human billboards (aka people wearing sandwich boards, as shown on the front cover) serving as walking “help desks” that dispensed useful information to attendees in need of data regarding exhibitors and stands. Oddly, the ATF press office could not confirm the exact number of stands, and reported only that the “total number of sales companies was 637.” This year, participants can expect a big showing at FAST-themed seminars, as the concept has become all the rage at recent TV trade markets and events. December 6 will see two such FAST events, “Up to Speed With the FAST Ecosystem” and “Studios Adapting to New Priorities.” DS 12 (Continued from Cover) (SEA) film-TV industry is expected to become more competitive. The business is also likely to become more global, with more collaborations between Asian and Western media companies. At the backdrop of the ATF is the melting pot of Asian stories yet to be told. SEA has emerged as a hotbed for cinematic and television production. According to industry reports, the region’s film market has shown significant growth, with a projected box office revenue of over U.S.$4 billion by 2023. Industry experts highlight the significance of storytelling deeply rooted in Asian culture, which has captivated global audiences hungry for fresh and authentic narratives. With critically acclaimed projects like Parasite, Squid Game, and Hellbound from South Korea, Trese from the Philippines, Girl from Nowhere from Thailand, The Falls from Taiwan, and Crazy Rich Asians from Singapore, Asian filmmakers have proven their prowess in crafting compelling stories that resonate with diverse audiences worldwide. The rise of streaming services has also led to a surge in demand for original Asian content. In response, major players in the industry are heavily investing in the production of localized content tailored to specific regional tastes. For instance, Netflix has significantly expanded its slate of Asian original series and films, acknowledging the importance of catering to diverse audiences with culturally relevant content. Looking ahead, the industry is poised for continued growth, driven by several key trends. One such trend is the increasing collaboration between Asian countries in co-productions, which fosters crosscultural exchanges and creates a melting pot of storytelling techniques. Additionally, there is a growing emphasis on diversity and representation, with efforts to showcase stories from underrepresented communities within the region. Industry experts foresee a rise in demand for interactive and immersive content, driven by advancements in augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR) technologies. These innovations are expected to revolutionize the entertainment experience, offering viewers a more engaging and personalized way to consume content. Studios in the West are actively seeking partnerships and co-productions with Asian counterparts to tap into the region’s vast market potential and storytelling expertise. This cross-pollination of ideas and talent is fostering a more globally inclusive entertainment landscape. Despite the rapid growth and promising trajectory, challenges persist within the Asian entertainment industry. Issues such as piracy, content censorship, and regulatory hurdles pose significant obstacles to the industry’s expansion. Navigating these challenges while maintaining creative integrity and meeting audience demands remains a crucial balancing act for stakeholders in the market. (By K Dass, editor, Viral Media) K Dass, editor, Viral Media
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