Three original dramas from Viu and Media Prima

REGIONAL OTT video service Viu and Media Prima Television Networks (MPTN) will air three Viu Originals — Salon, Jibril and The Bridge — beginning next month.

(OTT stands for “over-the-top”, a term used for the delivery of film and TV content via the Internet, without requiring users to subscribe to a traditional cable or satellite pay-TV service.)

A first collaboration between MPTN and Viu, the three shows are slated for release on ntv7 first and then on Viu.

Vuclip’s general manager for Malaysia, Kingsley Warner, said: “This is a different take within the entertainment industry where there is a common misconception that OTTs challenge the TV industry. On the contrary, we see synergy between TV and digital audiences. This is possible because of a digitally-connected population that includes consumers of free-to-air TV.”

MPTN chief executive officer Johan Ishak said: “Partnering with Viu has surfaced because viewers demand authentic, specific-to-Malaysia content, while maintaining top-notch quality. We believe this can develop more notable dramas similar to TV3’s Nur. We also envision having a highly targeted digital reach through Viu’s platform and great quality content.

“Apart from attracting new audiences, we are rewarding loyal audiences.”

The Bridge, which begins in November, is a localised, 10-episode adaptation of the global phenomenon created by Hans Rosenfeldt. A Viu partnership with Double Vision, it stars Bront Palarae, Rebecca Lim, Cheryl Samad and Tony Eusoff.

Directed by TJ Lee, it is about a dead body found on the border of Malaysia and Singapore, forcing an investigator from each country to work together to solve the case.

Meanwhile, Salon, which is available next month, is produced by Monsoon Pictures and directed by Kabir Bhatia.

Starring Julia Farhana, Idris Khan and Corinne Adrienne, it tells the story of Anna who opens a new salon that becomes the talk of town. She has a dark past and a mission to find the criminal who killed her family years ago.

Jibril, which begins in October, is produced by Konda Kondi Studios and stars Aeril Zafril, Lisa Surihani, Zahiril Adzim and Sangeeta Krishnasamy. Directed by Megat Sharizal, it is about a lawyer who possesses exceptional intelligence, striking good looks and an uncanny power of deduction.

The Bridge is produced in Malay, English and Mandarin, while Salon and Jibril come in Malay only.

This marks a first for Viu Malaysia in producing its own originals and the series will be made available in all Viu territories.

Viu has also produced over 900 episodes of original content in other regions including Kenapa Harus Bule and Sunshine from Indonesia, and It Happened In Hong Kong, Love, Lust and Confusion; and Kaushiki from India.

To follow Viu Malaysia, go to www.facebook.com/ViuMalaysia. dchua@nst.com.my