New ABU initiative to strengthen cooperation between Asia-Pacific broadcasters

The ABU, in partnership with the Japanese Government has launched a new co-production scheme for ABU members to develop greater cooperation in the region.

The 1Asia Project, supported by the Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communication in Japan, encourages co-production and collaboration between Asian broadcasters and producers.

Organisers say the project aims to generate sustainable relationships between broadcasters, promote cross-border transactions to increase sharing of Asian content, create opportunities for capacity building between countries with varying levels of know-how and forge business networks within Asia They say it is an opportunity to discover a variety of resources in the different regions of Japan by working in collaboration with local companies and municipalities.

Submissions must fulfil a number of requirements. They must be compelling proposals from ABU broadcasters showcasing Asia’s synergy  to co-produce with  Japanese regional broadcasters and production companies, of any genre. Proposals must contain cross-cultural themes promoting both ABU partner countries and Japan. Co-production assistance and subsidies will be offered and only one submission per organisation is allowed.

The deadline for submissions is 30 June 2013, and by 8 July 2013 the best five proposals will be chosen for co-production, along with five regional Japanese broadcasters.

There will be a match-making session in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, on 25-26 July 2013 followed by in-country assistance and filming and editing.

Final production should be completed by early 2014, with transmission of all five programs at the respective ABU members’ stations during March 2014.

For further enquiries, contact Ms Hanizah Hamzah, ABU Senior Executive TV at hanizah@abu.org.my.