Discovery to offer mobile docs in Asia

Discovery Networks Asia-Pacific has begun offering its doc content on mobiles for the first time in the region via a partnership with online distributor Viddsee.

A Discovery First Time Filmmakers documentary showcase launches today on the Viddsee platform. The FTFM initiative aims to foster local filmmaking talent.

The showcase comprises Singapore Stories, a 5x30mins series of five docs from Singaporean filmmakers commemorating the country’s 50^th birthday; Super Japan, a 5x30mins effort that celebrates Japanese culture’s contributions to the world; while Nanjing Calling, comprising five films that reveal how Chinese city Nanjing balances support of tradition, technology and innovation.

Korea Next is also 5x30mins, comprising five films looking at South Korea in the 21^st Century; and First Time Filmmakers Vietnam, a 4x30mins effort showcasing authentic local Vietnamese stories.

The plan is part of Discovery’s strategy to “diversify its product offering [and] engage new audiences”.

“Discovery specialises in telling local stories that resonate not just with the local community but also on a regional and international level. Distributing our content on digital platforms is only going to deepen and grow our audience engagement,” said Charmaine Kwan, head of products – Southeast Asia, Discovery Networks Asia-Pacific.

“In delivering entertainment to our community, we’ve seen conversations grow very healthily around genuine and local stories, as it helps with the discovery of the world around us,” said Derek Tan, co-founder of SInagpore-based online movie distributor Viddsee. “We believe that Discovery’s FTFM films will satisfy some of that curiosity in part.”