SINGAPORE : For the first time in Asia, a Chinese drama will be
released to mobile phones even before it hits free-to-air TV or
video.
MediaCorp Studios is spearheading the project, which will showcase
popular Asian idols, including Singapore stars.
The Chinese 3G mobile drama will consist of 45 episodes, each only
2 minutes long.
It will be made available to 3G mobile users for periodic
downloads.
Telco operator, M1, will be offering an exclusive preview of this
3G mobile drama from the middle of next year.
MediaCorp Studios is also in negotiations with regional telco
operators to distribute this drama in Asia and beyond.
3G mobile portals in Singapore offer mainly music videos, movie
trailers, news and sports video clips.
But this new initiative will add a new entertainment option for 3G
mobile users.
Announcing this, Senior Minister of State for Information,
Communication and the Arts, Dr Balaji Sadasivan, also revealed that
other projects are in the pipeline.
He said the Media Development Authority will be inking a deal with
Singapore animation studio, Peach Blossom Media, to produce seven
animation series.
Dr Balaji said Singapore will also be home to a brand-new Asian
Food Channel.
This pay-per-view service will start operation next year before
heading to Hong Kong, Malaysia and Thailand. - CNA