"The arrival of new digital players across Asia Pacific has created new avenues to reach consumers and built demand for great content... The trend, which developed in China and Korea, is extending across Southeast Asia, Japan, India and Australia as digital players emerge in these markets.”

Ken Lo, SVP, International Distribution, Asia Pacific, Sony Pictures Television

“Indian content, especially drama, is being enjoyed more and more across the globe.”

Sunita Uchil, Global Head – Syndication & CRO – International Sales, Zee Entertainment

“Drama production and entertainment formats were big this year.”

Marcel Vinay H,VP International Sales, TV Azteca, says, adding that he will follow the same business models and partnerships going into 2016. While Southeast Asia has always been a major market for TV Azteca, the company entered new markets in 2015 with formats and co-productions as well as the development of drama channels in the region.

“Asia, just like any other placein the world, is interested ingood stories that enchant and entertain.”

Raphael Correa,Netto, Executive Director, International Business, Globo

“There are many new digital platforms, in Asia, whether local or regional. Technology has changedthe way people consume entertainment, and is giving people the ‘anywhere, anytime’ freedom to enjoy watching their favourite show. In 2016, we will continue to see the exponential growth of the digital world with traditional TV adjusting their business to keep up the pace. Animation content has less competition when compared to entertainment for adults...we are definitely seeing changes in the ways animated shows are produced.”

Henry Or, VP, Asia, FremantlMedia Kids and Family Entertainment

“In October 2014, A+E Networks introduced A+E Studios International, a banner under which the company will distribute premium scripted series, TV events and movies. The studio launched with nearly 40 hours of content including series UnREAL and Gangland Undercover, which have both been renewed for new seasons and have been well-received across Asia. We expect that trend to continue to grow in 2016.”

Glen Hansen, VP, Content Sales, Asia Pacific, A+ E Networks

“Major trends in the region are platforms and channels strengthening their services and offerings with more demand for non-linear multi-screen rights such as OTT and TV Everywhere. Legitimate SVOD offerings are also emerging as serious players in the region and they are becoming increasingly competitive in the market.”

Nicole Sinclair, VP, Managing Director, Asia, CBS Studios International

"Major trends include: factual reality. Game shows with a comedy spin are also in heavy demand. We are also experiencing major growth in the OTT space, opening up new opportunities.”

Jamie I, VP Sales, Asia Pacific,Red Arrow International

“The ongoing trend continues to be factual TV, especially entertainment (i.e. applied everyday science, docutainment). Higher spending power among the population has triggered an increased demand for health and wellness programmes in some countries. Demand for animal and lifestyle programming will remain high during the year to come.”

Petra Schneider, Director, Distribution, DW Transtel

"In 2015, we saw an increase in revenue opportunity as global and pan-regional partners pushed the envelope and launched new digital services. The clear lines between linear and digital are becoming more fluid from the consumers’ point of view. As a result, linear and digital channels are looking for programming, particularly ad-driven formats and strong drama, which can help set their brands apart. In 2016, we expect the new services launched in 2015 will gain traction, becoming a genuine source of quality programming with viable revenues.”

Sonia Fleck, Founder & CEO, Bomanbridge Media, who also said the company was focusing on developing its own format IP in 2016

"The trend in Asia is the adaptation of formats for local production. We expect for this trend to continue... We’ve also witnessed a return to Latin content with a strong interest in titles that have proven to be successful worldwide – original stories with great production value that have the potential to perform outstandingly in the Asian continent, as they have worldwide."

Xavier Aristimuño SVP International, Telemundo

“We are seeing significant growth in all our markets this year. We expect this to continue in 2016, for both linear and digital businesses.”

Justin Che, MD, Asia Pacific, Distribution & Networks, NBCUniversal

“Our focus is to continue to place our shows on significant platforms and to also forge production partnerships.”

Henry Or, VP, Asia,Fremantlmedia Kids and Family Entertainment

“Our particular focus in 2016 includes Vietnam, Thailand and Japan.”

Jamie I, VP Sales, Asia Pacific, Red Arrow International

“We are noticing a stronger demand in the Asian market for series, footage and telenovelas.”

Lisette Osorio,VP of International Sales, CaracolInternacional

“For 2016 we will continue our expansion efforts in the region, every country is essential... We are giving special attention to digital platforms, we understand that the market is revolutionising constantly and new demands are arising.”

Lisette Osorio, VP of International Sales, Caracol Internacional

"DW Transtel is active throughout Asia, with special emphasis on Vietnam, India, Indonesia and Myanmar, where syndication of programming has been on a steady increase.”

Petra Schneider, Director, Distribution, DW Transtel

"We are focusing on Asia as a whole, from South Korea to China, Indonesia, Pakistan and Australia.”

Raphael Correa Netto, Executive Director of International Business, Globo

“We are operating in an evolving media landscape where consumers are demanding more personalised, shareable content. Although television still remains the primary platform, multiple screens and access points have become increasingly important to drive engagement and viewership.”

Mark Whitehead, EVP/MD, Asia,Viacom International Media Networks

This article first appeared in ContentAsia Issue 6, 2015, published in December 2015.