Major Asian content deal for Netflix

Netflix has landed a raft of Asia-originated series after striking a content deal with Singapore’s biggest TV group Mediacorp.

The deal – announced at the ongoing ATF market in Singapore – gives Netflix 20 Chinese-language series for its streaming service, with the shows rolling out from early 2017.

Titles include The Little Nyonya and The Golden Path, and more recent dramas like The Dream Job and The Truth Seekers. All of the shows were produced in Singapore, and Netflix will launch them internationally.

Netflix has been criticised for a lack of local content in Asia and the Mediacorp deal marks an attempt to address that concern. Local rivals have been largely dismissive of the US streaming service in the region because of its US-led programming offer, and its high price relative to local pay TV and OTT offerings.

Freemium services such as PCCW’s Viu are growing strongly, and Viacom has launched Hooq, an Indian and Singaporean OTT service, as consumers in the region increasingly demand streaming options.

Cheah Chee Kong (better known as CheeK), Mediacorp’s chief content officer, said: “We are delighted to have this opportunity to showcase our local dramas to a global audience on Netflix, and give them a taste of made-in-Singapore content.”

Mediacorp makes 1,600 hours of programming a year in four languages, and the Netflix agreement brings the programmes in this deal to over 100 international territories.

“We hope to cultivate more discerning fans beyond our shores, who are looking for high-quality Asian content,” CheeK said.

Jessica Lee, vice president, communications, Netflix Asia, added: “Netflix’s content library is growing every day and we are excited to be adding homegrown dramas by Mediacorp to the service. These popular local shows will now find new audiences all over the world, truly making Netflix a service that has something for everyone.”