Discovery Network to air SE Asian content
FILIPINO and other Asian productions will be shown on the Discovery Channel and lifestyle channel TLC this year.
Discovery Networks AsiaPacific ( DNAP) announced that 16 new local productions have been commissioned out of Southeast Asia for the network’s flagship brand Discovery Channel as well as TLC across both linear and digital platforms. Discovery has collaborated with local creators and storytellers to co- create content that cater to the diverse viewership in Southeast Asia.
“For over 20 years, Discovery has had a great track record in innovative and immersive storytelling. Based on data- driven insights, we understand the power of telling homegrown stories,” Rohit Tharani, director of Content Curation, Discovery Southeast Asia was quoted as saying in a release. “In 2017, we are taking the lead and investing in more local content than ever before, bolstering our flagship channels and broadening the appeal for the millennial generation. We are well- positioned to take risks and be experimental with the content we are curating across platforms. This presents a unique opportunity to deepen our connection with existing and new audiences across Southeast Asia.”
There are two Filipino shows. You Have Been Warned deconstructs the science behind Internet clips featuring home- made inventions, human guinea pigs, nature- obsessed thrillers and adrenaline junkies, and says exactly why these shouldn’t be attempted at home. Fronted by science enthusiasts Ramon Bautista, Jun Sabayton, Lourd De Veyra, RA Rivera, and Angel Rivero, this is a production of the Jesuit Communications Foundation, Inc. Meanwhile, Worst Vacation Ever follows celebrity brothers KC and Troy Montero as the duo relive the worst and most unbelievable holiday anecdotes on the Internet. The show is produced by Montero Productions.
From Malaysia come Frontier Borneo which focuses on those who uncover and protect Borneo’s stunning tropical landscape and rich biodiversity, and Surviving Borneo, which follows TV host Henry Golding who goes on a personal mission to discover his tribal roots.
Set in Thailand, Bangkok Hooker follows fishing enthusiast Oz Chanarat who goes on a mission to experience the weirdest and wildest fishing adventures Thailand has to offer.
All the shows will air on the Discovery Channel.
Meanwhile, airing on TLC are Say Yes to the Dress Asia, which will showcase the colors and diversity of Asian weddings.
From the Philippines comes The Kings, a reality show featuring car connoisseur and transgender woman Angelina Mead King and her model- host wife Joey Mead King. The series is produced by Active TV.
Eight short- form films from JumpCut Asia, which stem from Discovery’s inaugural creative workshop in 2016 to enable Singapore’s media talent to tell stories using new production technologies, will be shown. JumpCut Asia will tell the stories on Discovery’s digital platforms. The stories span from the bizarre world of chicken beauty pageants, amateur wrestlers struggling to attain superstardom, to a village where those with dementia live and play.