BBC KOREA LAUNCH
BBC Studios is launching’BBC Young People‘ in Korea as a monthly subscription service in Genie TV Jovens Land, a dedicated IPTV service for young children, in collaboration with telecommunications companies and web service providers K.T.. Through the partnership, BBC Studios Asia will bring a variety of children’s content to Korean audiences, in one place for the first time. The service will feature a combination of English content as well as a variety of popular titles dubbed in Korean for the first time. Available titles include seasons 1 to 4 of the BAFTA and Emmy Award-winning animated preschool series “Hey Duggee” on Genie TV Youngsters Land among IPTVs. Sequence 4 is exclusive to this service in Korea, “Andy’s International Adventures”, “Yakka Dee”, “Go Jetters”, “Sarah & Duck” and “My World Kitchen”. The service will be available for KRW 5,000 ($3.70) per month.
OBLIGATIONS OF THE SONG
Kang-ho music (“Parasite,” “Snowpiercer”) stars in “Uncle Samsik”, a political thriller sequel set for release Disney+ streaming platform from May 15th. Set in the 1960s, the show follows a bold idealist who strives to showcase his country’s industrial fortunes. He attracts the attention of Uncle Samsik, a shady fixer and social chameleon. The pair form an uneasy alliance, navigating the complexities of the established system, united by the common goal of a prosperous future.
Written and directed by Shin Yeonshick (“Cassiopeia,” “Romans 8:37”), the show also stars Byun Yohan (“Mr. Sunshine”, “Six Flying Dragons”). The streamer will release the show’s first five episodes on May 15, followed by two episodes per week until the three-part season finale on June 19. Hulu within the USA
RABBIT JUMP
Field work location in Hong Kong over the four-day Easter weekend (Friday to Monday) it increased by 22% compared to the same period last year. According to the knowledge of Hong Kong Ltd Field Workplace., theatrical revenues reached HK$36.8 million (US$4.72 million), in contrast to HK$30.1 in 2023.
The chart was led by “The 12 of us,” a local film starring the members of Hong Kong boy band Cantopop Mirror. The film grossed HK$13.2 million (US$1.70 million) over the long weekend, comfortably ahead of “Godzilla X Kong: The New Empire” (with HK$9.82 million) and “Kung Fu Panda 4” (with HK$5.38 million).
FREE FLY
Radio Free Asia, an online broadcast and information operation funded by the U.S. government, closed its editorial office in Hong Kong. The company said on Friday that it closed its office in response to the new Article 23 of the National Security Regulation, which came into force on March 23. The RFA will maintain its media registration with the city.
The legislation, which adds to the National Security Regulations injected into Hong Kong’s mini-structure in July 2020, imposes extreme punishments for interference by foreign forces deemed to threaten national security and criminalizes the possession or disclosure of state secrets and techniques. These can cover financial and social issues. It also criminalizes sedition.
Hong Kong authorities criticized the RFA, the BBC and different information organizations for their reports on new legislation. It asserts that it was its constitutional obligation to enact the new legislation, rejects claims that Article 23 restricts personal freedoms or is significantly different from security laws in other developed territories.
WARNER CONSUMER
Vikram Sharma has been named Group Vice President, Head of Consumer Merchandise, APAC, effective April 1. Sharma will report to Robert Oberschelphead of consumer products at Warner Bros. Discovery International and part of the revenue and strategy division of Warner Bros. Bruce Campbell.
Sharma will lead WBDGCP’s APAC region following long-standing Consumer Products Global Government Juliana LuaThe company previously announced his retirement after 33 years with the company. He will be primarily based in Singapore and will continue to work closely with WBD’s Head of APAC, James Gibbons.
Sharma has been with WBD for five years, working on leading teams in consumer products and licensing, ad sales and partnership roles. Previously, he spent nearly 9 years in roles related to growing responsibility in India and Southeast Asia in The Walt Disney Company.
SHANGHAI BALANCE
O Shanghai World Film Competition confirmed the dates of its 2024 version. It should take place from June 14th to 23rd and maintain its Golden Goblet Awards ceremony on June 22.
In addition to the main competing feature film section, the competition will feature: a short film section focused on 5-minute films; a week of science fiction films; O SIFF Young x Shanghai Young Filmmaker Support Program; and a market part that can also host seminars and conferences.
WITHOUT YOLK
Syracuse, New York-based The Dazey Section came on board as a worldwide sales agent for “Egghead and Twinkie,” a coming-of-age comedy film about coming out of the closet. Claiming to be the first feature film financed by TikTokthe film was directed by Sarah Kambe Netherlands and recently won best avant-garde comedy at the Austin Film Festival. The Dazey Section first joined as consulting producers on the post-production side of the film. The company was founded in 2021 by brothers Jake (“And just like that…”) and Eva Casey (“Fortaleza”) with Danielle Benedito (“Hell Is Empty”, “Aloo”) will join next year as head of strategy and business operations.