Category: Broadcast

Loop Media, Inc. Launches The Wiggles Channel Exclusively First On The Roku Channel Beginning August 19th

  • Expands Loop Media’s Content and Growing Roku Presence with its First Program Offering Specifically for Children

Loop Media, Inc. (Loop) (OTC: LPTV), a leading multichannel streaming platform that provides curated music video and branded entertainment channels for businesses and consumers, today announced a significant expansion of its existing partnership with Roku, Inc. Loop will bring its fully-dedicated The Wiggles Channel exclusively, initially to Roku(R) beginning August 19th.

Now, through Loop Media, The Roku Channel will be the home for 24/7 availability of one of the world’s most popular children’s entertainment groups. Launched in 2017, The Roku Channel is the home for free entertainment on America’s No. 1 TV streaming platform based on hours streamed (Hypothesis Group, April 2021).

Today’s announcement and launch follows closely on the heels of the companies’ recent partnership announcements in both the U.S. and Canada that bring several customized Loop Media music video channels to Roku customers, thereby expanding Roku’s entertainment line-up.

The Wiggles are one of the most successful global children’s franchises of all time. For the past thirty years, The Wiggles have educated, entertained and enriched the lives of millions of pre-schoolers (and their parents) all over the globe. Today, generations of fans that grew up watching are sharing their love of The Wiggles with their own children. Loop’s dedicated streaming and broadcast channel for The Wiggles, first available on Roku, will initially air content from the original Wiggles, featuring Greg, Anthony, Murray and Jeff. It will include series such as “Wiggle TV” and “The Wiggles Show,” as well as specials such as “Wiggle Time!”, “Yummy, Yummy” and “Baby Antonio’s Circus.”

“The Wiggles brand has established itself as a global powerhouse for decades in the children’s world, delighting kids and parents alike through song and dance,” said Ashley Hovey, Director, The Roku Channel AVOD. “We are thrilled to bring this family-friendly, sought-after content to the millions of engaged users on The Roku Channel just in time for Kids & Family’s second anniversary. It’s a great way to celebrate this milestone!”

“Loop’s partnership with Roku will finally allow our fans continuous access to some of the most popular Wiggles content of all-time,” says Anthony Field, Blue Wiggle and founding member of The Wiggles. “In today’s age of cord-cutting and streaming preference, it is important that we give our fans as many options as possible to enjoy The Wiggles.”

“Roku has been a fantastic partner to Loop Media for our streaming music video channels, so we are pleased that they are our inaugural partner for this channel launch,” said Jon Niermann, CEO & Co-founder of Loop Media. “The Wiggles Channel is something that we are very excited about and grateful to have the opportunity to produce and distribute. This is another fantastic, curated revenue-generating channel for Loop Media, and is one that will entertain kids and families globally like few other kids branded channels can.”

About Loop Media
Loop Media, Inc. (“Loop Media”) (OTC: LPTV) is a leading multichannel streaming platform that provides curated music video and branded entertainment channels for businesses and consumers. Through its proprietary “Loop Player” for businesses and interactive mobile and TV apps for consumers, Loop Media is the only company in the U.S. licensed to stream music videos directly to consumers and venues out-of-home (“OOH”).

Loop Media’s digital video content reaches thousands of OOH locations including hotels, bars/restaurants, office buildings, and retail businesses, as well as millions of consumers in the U.S., Canada, and Latin America through its apps for iOS, Android, and Huawei, as well as connected TVs and Smart TVs. These TV platforms include Amazon Fire TV, Android TV, AT&T TV, Hisense, JVC, LG, Philips, Roku, Sharp, Sony, Toshiba, VIZIO, and free ad-supported TV platforms TIVO+, Plex, DistroTV, and GSTV.

Loop is fueled by one of the largest and most important libraries that includes music videos, movie trailers and live performances. Loop Media’s non-music channels cover a multitude of genres and moods and include movie trailers, sports highlights, lifestyle and travel videos, viral videos, and more. The Loop Media consumer apps allow users to create their own playlists, or “Loops,” and share them live with interactive watch parties. Loop Media’s streaming services generate revenue from advertising, sponsorships, integrated marketing, and branded content from free-ad-supported-television (“FAST”) and from subscription offerings.

Download the Loop Media app by searching “Loop Media” on your Smart TV’s app store or opening loop.tv/app on your mobile device. To learn more about Loop Media products and applications, please visit us online at Loop.tv

Follow us on social:
Instagram – @looptvofficial (consumer), @looptvbiz (business)
Twitter – @looptvofficial (consumer), @looptvbiz (business)
LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/company/looptv/

About The Wiggles
For three decades, The Wiggles have educated, entertained and enriched the lives of millions of pre-schoolers (and their parents) all over the globe. Today, generations of fans that grew up watching are sharing their love of The Wiggles with their own children. Having sold over 30 million albums and DVDs, 8 million books globally, as well as accumulating over one billion music streams and 2 billion views on YouTube, The Wiggles are a dominant player in the preschool entertainment scene. Their live shows annually sell out to audiences on three separate continents, and their videos are seen in over 190 countries around the world. For more information, visit www.thewiggles.com.

Safe Harbor Statement and Disclaimer
This news release includes “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, including, but not limited to, Loop Media’s ability to compete in the highly competitive markets in which it operates, statements regarding Loop Media’s ability to develop talent and attract future talent, the success of strategic actions Loop Media is taking, and the impact of strategic transactions. Forward-looking statements give our current expectations, opinion, belief or forecasts of future events and performance. A statement identified by the use of forward-looking words including “will,” “may,” “expects,” “projects,” “anticipates,” “plans,” “believes,” “estimate,” “should,” and certain of the other foregoing statements may be deemed forward-looking statements. Although Loop Media believes that the expectations reflected in such forward-looking statements are reasonable, these statements involve risks and uncertainties that may cause actual future activities and results to be materially different from those suggested or described in this news release. Investors are cautioned that any forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance and actual results or developments may differ materially from those projected. The forward-looking statements in this press release are made as of the date hereof. Loop Media takes no obligation to update or correct its own forward-looking statements, except as required by law, or those prepared by third parties that are not paid for by Loop Media. Loop Media’s SEC filings are available at http://www.sec.gov.

Roku is a registered trademark of Roku, Inc. in the U.S. and in other countries. Trade names, trademarks and service marks of other companies appearing in this press release are the property of their respective holders.

Loop Media, Inc. Press:
Justis Kao
Loop Media, Inc.
justis@loop.tv

A new book, “How To Talk To Strangers” by Kerrie Phipps, launched to help people decrease anxiety, build confidence, and heal the pandemic affected world

A new self-help book, How To Talk To Strangers by Kerrie Phipps, was launched globally along with the co-authors of the book, reaching over 1000 people through the event was aired live on Facebook and Youtube. The book is an invitation to think more deeply about how you connect with others, so you don’t overlook essential connections or risk missing opportunities to impact people and the chance to change your own life in the process.

Kerrie Phipps, the Author and publisher, says, “Stories of the kindness of strangers are so moving, the impression they have on people, and the power of encouragement in our lives – strangers or friends, family, colleagues, and it was vital to share some in a book.”

At the launch, Coen Tan, Director of Ministry of Influence, said, “I grew up as a socially awkward child who was often bullied in school. I was even referred to the Institute of Mental Health for treatment for depression. However, over time, I’ve developed my speaking and social skills and now, I train and coach leaders internationally to inspire through their stories. I hope that my stories in this book will inspire people, that like me; they too can find their voice and connect confidently with strangers.”

Krescendo Communications, Founder, and Global Goodwill Ambassador for Singapore, Malaysia and India, Ganesh Somwanshi, one of the contributors, quips, “I am fascinated with connecting with people since I am in the business of communications. This book is the manifesto of connecting with strangers, a work of light amid dark times. Let us embrace the new normal; let us connect with the world with an open heart and mind. Together we can we shall.”

Cathy Johnson, Authentic Leadership Coach, shares, “It’s so beautiful to read (and hear) stories of how a stranger can build your confidence – and they often have no idea they’re doing it! Let’s keep coming together and building our relationships with each other.”

Conor O’Malley, Executive Coach, Author of “Trust – Begins and Ends with Self”, adds, “I feel I have talked to strangers all my life, however never really seen it that way. I see strangers as real people with a story to share. I hope my stories in this book serve you well when it comes to having a conversation with someone or trusting yourself to reach out to a stranger.”

Anupama Singal, Fashion & Technology Entrepreneur, Speaker, Creator & Co-author of SYZYGYmoments, notes, “This book is all about how talking to strangers can sometimes be a life-changing experience and how you could find meaningful connections with strangers. It feels great to be a contributor and share some memorable experiences from my life.”

Brandhood Media Founder and Thought Leadership Brand Specialist Nathan Shooter, “When you push beyond your fear, to enter the world of others, you’ll discover those small conversations can create big change. People are looking to you for hope and connection, now more than ever.”

The insightful Foreword by Masami Sato concludes with, “I invite you to ponder on the power of human connection with me and with us – no matter whether you think you are an extrovert or an introvert. Surprisingly, it starts with just one conversation, one smile, one interaction. That is all it takes – a look, a smile and a conversation. It’s powerful. And it really can change our world.”

Click https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0994157347/ref=dbs_a_def_rwt_bibl_vppi_i4 to buy the book in digital or print format. Kerrie’s other books include DO Talk To Strangers – How To Connect With Anyone, Anywhere and the sequel, DO Talk To Strangers Travel Toolkit.

For media queries contact:
Ganesh Somwanshi
(+65) 9779 1286

Aaron Herps steps up as General Manager of AVIA’s Coalition Against Piracy

The Asia Video Industry Association (AVIA) has appointed Aaron Herps as the General Manager of its Coalition Against Piracy (CAP), following the departure of Neil Gane, who leaves AVIA to take up a position with the Alliance for Creativity and Entertainment.

Herps joined AVIA in 2019 as the Operations Manager for CAP, working alongside Gane on all CAP initiatives from government outreach to criminal investigations and associated enforcement actions against syndicates and streaming website operators in Southeast Asia, Hong Kong and Taiwan.

In his role as General Manager of CAP, Herps will build on the strong legacy that he and Gane have built, maintaining the coalitions and alliances across the industry which have made CAP so effective and continuing to provide expert technical and forensic analysis of the shifting state of the piracy ecosystem to members and government officials.

“Aaron has been instrumental to the success of CAP over the last two years so it gives me great pleasure to see him now taking over the role of General Manager. The fight against piracy never remains static but Aaron has the creativity and skills to lead our industry’s efforts as both the threat and our response to it evolve. I am looking forward to the next chapter of CAP,” said Louis Boswell, CEO, AVIA.

Herps has over 15 years of content protection experience in the sports and entertainment industries across Asia Pacific. Prior to joining AVIA, Herps was Manager of Digital Content Protection for Asia Pacific at beIN Media Group and was the Senior Manager of Global Content Protection at the Motion Picture Association of America for more than a decade.

About the Asia Video Industry Association

The Asia Video Industry Association (AVIA) is the trade association for the video industry and ecosystem in Asia Pacific. It serves to make the video industry stronger and healthier through promoting the common interests of its members. AVIA is the interlocutor for the industry with governments across the region, leads the fight against video piracy through its Coalition Against Piracy (CAP) and provides insight into the video industry through reports and conferences aimed to support a vibrant video industry.

For media enquiries and additional background please contact:
Charmaine Kwan
Head of Marketing and Communications
Email: charmaine@avia.org
Website: www.avia.org
LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/asiavideoia
Twitter: @AsiaVideoIA

Positivity reigns among the Filipino video industry’s top leaders at AVIA’s Philippines In View

The Asia Video Industry Association‘s (AVIA) Philippines In View seminar held on 18th May brought together more than 700 industry delegates to discuss the state of the TV and video industry in the archipelago country with over 7000 islands. Some of the industry luminaries present include Manuel V Pangilinan, Chairman, President and CEO of PLDT, Ernest Cu, President & CEO of Globe and Dennis Anthony Uy, Founder & CEO of Converge ICT Solutions.

The seminar opened with a discussion on Policy and Regulations for the 21st Century in the Philippines with Arnold “ALI” I. Atienza, Undersecretary, Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) for Government Digital Broadcast Television and the Digitalization of the Entertainment Industry Sector, Emerging Technologies, Senior Citizens, Persons with Disabilities and Special Needs Sector. Undersecretary Atienza reiterated that the impact of TV could not be overemphasised, being a source of business, shopping, spiritual fulfilment, medical and legal information, among many others, for the average Filipino. While it needs to be regulated without affecting freedom of speech and expression, challenges remain regulating it across the different platforms. Hence the DICT welcomed industry and the private sector, to work closely with the DICT for help and support.

In a country that has been buffeted by major changes in the media industry over the last year, TV continued to remain resilient. According to Leo Jaymar G. Uy, Head of Research, BusinessWorld, despite total tv ad spend shrinking by a slight 4% year on year, digital video ad spend actually rose by 4.8%. And even though viewership has not recovered to pre-pandemic levels, it is showing signs of recovery. Pay TV subscriptions have also increased and the roll-out of digital terrestrial television (DTT) continues to progress. Online is certainly one of the beneficiaries of growth as well, with OTT adoption expected to continue rising even after the effects of the pandemic. Constraints on internet speed and infrastructure also suggests there is still room for growth in this segment, and with the country’s relatively low internet penetration rate, Pay TV can still coexist with OTT.

Robert P. Galang, President and CEO, Cignal TV and TV5, shared these sentiments as well. Galang expects growth for both Free and Pay TV in the next 5 years, as well as with DTT. Even though TV5’s bread and butter will still be subscriptions on DTH, it is also seeing growth in OTT and ad revenue for TV5. While continued consolidation will have an impact on Pay TV, Galang still believes it is a strong proposition and the move to digital will provide an even bigger market for Pay TV.

Indeed, the growth in OTT has made Philippines the most attractive market for OTT advertisers in Southeast Asia, with the highest advertising attractiveness index, according to a recent report by The TradeDesk and Kantar. Marilyn See, SVP and Head for Digital Publishing and Digital Advertising, GMA New Media, also said that spend on YouTube has been moving to OTT inventory, and it was a matter of time before OTT revenues can outpace TV ad spend.

This move to digital has been a large part of Globe’s transformation through the decades. In the keynote conversation with Ernest Cu, President & CEO of Globe, Cu shared that it was part of Globe’s purpose to make people’s lives better and solve everyday problems in a digital way. “It is a journey we have embarked on for many years, it’s just part of what we do now, as part of our DNA at Globe,” said Cu. And while streaming now dominates the entertainment landscape, the pandemic also brought about dramatic changes in consumer habits and a need for new lines of services, from remote health services to online grocery shopping, paving the way for a huge leap in ecommerce and making GCash the largest e-wallet service in the Philippines today. “We live by the adage, if we don’t disrupt ourselves, somebody else will… the other alternative is to go away and be obsolete,” summed up Cu.

Philippines In View is generously supported by Gold Sponsor Globe and Silver Sponsors Brightcove, TV5MONDE, Cignal, PLDT, Smart.

For media enquiries and additional background please contact:
Charmaine Kwan
Head of Marketing and Communications
Email: charmaine@avia.org
Website: www.avia.org
LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/asiavideoia
Twitter: @AsiaVideoIA

International Artist Arnel Pineda, Lead Singer of the Rock Band Journey, Book “Journey of My Life” Represented by Agent Alan Morell of Creative Management Partners (CMP)

Arnel  Pineda book being adapted to TV/Film via CMP

Announced today, international recording artist Arnel Pineda, lead singer of the rock band Journey, whose book “Journey of my Life” is represented by agent Alan Morell of Creative Management Partners (CMP). Mr Pineda’s book is being adapted for TV/Film by CMP.

Arnel Campaner Pineda (born Sept 5, 1967) is a Filipino singer and songwriter. He performed locally in the Philippines and Hong Kong during the 1980’s but rose to international fame in 2007 when he was selected as the new lead singer of the American rock band Journey.

Said Mr Pineda: “My manager Rene Walter (Sanre Entertainment Group) has been a trusted friend and associate for more than a decade. He led the search for the right person to represent my life story. Our clear choice was Alan Morell, for which I am very pleased and honored.”

Said Rene Walter: “We looked for this attribute when we searched for the best Literary Agent to help us bring Arnel’s ‘Rag to Riches’ story to life, and this led us directly to Alan Morell and Creative Management Partners (CMP.) Alan is highly respected within the Entertainment, Sports and Literary fields, where he is known for his professionalism, honesty, and charm. He has the knowledge, the relationships, the flexibility, and most importantly, the mindset to deliver success.”

Said Agent Alan Morell: “Arnel is a fantastically gifted artist and performer. My sincere interest is to bring his wonderful story to life – the story of his struggles and heartache to the moment he was lifted from obscurity to become the lead singer of the legendary band Journey. Arnel has risen to international acclaim as he and the band helped bring Journey to the pinnacle of success. In the end, talent wins out.”

Arnel’s book submission to publishers will be in Q4, 2021 for bid out.

About Alan Morell:
Mr Morell has 30 years of global experience managing over 3,000 campaigns in the successful development and management of talent, literary, TV and film packaging, commercial rights, corporate consulting, media positioning, sponsorship of live events and intellectual property (IP) rights. Mr Morell is one of the few in the sports, entertainment, and the arts industry, who has represented and managed clients, that have won the whole gamut of prestigious awards: Grammy, Tony, Oscar, Emmy, ESPY, Victors, Clio, Telly and NY Times Best Selling Authors.

Links:
Journey Lead Singer Arnel Pineda Official Site … https://arnelpineda.com/
Arnel Pineda – Wikipedia Site … https://tinyurl.com/bpkz7axj
Rene Walter Representative of Journey Lead Singer Arnel. … https://www.prweb.com/releases/2013/12/prweb11391246.htm
2019-2020 Literary and Broadcast News: Announcing Allan Morell … https://tinyurl.com/d9daf9y5
Hollywood Talent Agent Icon Harry Abrams, Founder/Chairman of Abrams Artists Agency … https://tinyurl.com/2yp3e8b3
2020-2021 Creative Management Partners (CMP) Highlight … https://tinyurl.com/4kxjsjth

Contact Information:
Creative Management Partners LLC (CMP)
9440 Santa Monica Blvd. Suite 301, Beverly Hills, Ca. 90210

New survey shows Vietnam among highest in online piracy in Southeast Asia

A new study of the online content viewing behaviour of Vietnamese consumers has found that 60% access streaming piracy websites or torrent sites. The levels of piracy went as high as 65% within the 18-24 age demographic. The survey, commissioned by the Asia Video Industry Association‘s Coalition Against Piracy (CAP) and conducted by YouGov, found that 59% of consumers who accessed piracy sites cancelled their subscriptions to both local and international content services.

The levels of piracy in Vietnam now dwarfs neighbouring Malaysia and Indonesia, which have both seen substantial reductions in online piracy in the last 18 months. In Indonesia, a similar YouGov survey found a massive 55% reduction in Indonesian consumers accessing piracy services with 28% of consumers admitting to accessing piracy websites in 2020, compared to 63% in 2019. In Malaysia, a YouGov survey found a 64% decline in users accessing piracy sites in 2020 when compared to a similar YouGov survey in 2019. In both countries a key variable for the decline in online piracy levels was the government’s proactive piracy site blocking initiative.

The recent YouGov survey suggests that a regulatory site blocking mechanism would be supported by the majority of Vietnamese consumers. When given choices of what they thought were effective measures of reducing piracy behaviour, 48% of Vietnamese agree that a “government order or law for ISPs to block piracy websites” would be the most effective.

The damage that digital content theft does to the Vietnamese creative industries is without dispute. However, the damage done to Vietnamese consumers because of the nexus between online piracy and malware, also needs to be better understood and actioned by government and stakeholders. When asked by YouGov about the negative consequences of online piracy, Vietnamese consumers placed funding crime groups (58%) , malware risks (55%) and loss of jobs in the creative industry (49%) as their top three concerns. The malware risk was corroborated in a March 2021 study by UK-based White Bullet, which also found that 72% of popular piracy sites in Vietnam contain high risk advertising such as illegal gambling ads and fraud/malware ads. The study tracked advertising on over 800 popular piracy websites in Vietnam for a three-week period.

Of those Vietnamese consumers who admit to accessing streaming piracy websites or torrent sites, 35% said they would stop this behaviour should the government take deterrent action.

Neil Gane, the General Manager of AVIA’s Coalition Against Piracy (CAP) commented, “The wide variety of legal services in Vietnam which provide premium entertainment content are reliable and importantly are legal. The piracy alternatives fund crime groups, put consumers at risk of malware infection and are unreliable. Piracy only benefits the criminal organisations who are behind these illegal websites.

Thomas Jayet, Deputy General Director of Vietnam Digital Satellite Television Company LTD (K+) commented, “In addition to sport content, K+ invests a huge budget in local movies, latest TV series, and Vietnamese box office titles to broadcast on our platforms. Such premium content gives audiences a better choice of quality and safe entertainment at home, as well as contributing to the sustainability of the local economy especially during the current Covid pandemic.

In order to protect this content, K+ applies diverse countermeasures ranging from technical anti-piracy measures. A critical anti-piracy strategy that has proven to be successful in Indonesia, Malaysia and other APAC jurisdictions, is site blocking. Based on an analysis of Vietnamese law, ISPs would seem to have an obligation to block their users from accessing piracy websites, but only upon an order from the competent authorities. What is required is legal clarity and government mandated procedures for rights holders to refer site blocking requests to government.”

Phan Vu Tuan, Director of Phan Law Vietnam commented, “Piracy websites typically have a click-happy user base, and are being used more and more as clickbait to distribute malware. Unfortunately, the appetite for free content hides users from the very real risks of malware infection. The type of malware embedded within piracy websites can include particularly harmful malware such as remote access trojans which allows the hacker to activate and record from the device’s webcam without the victim being aware.”

YouGov is an international research and data analytics group. For further information visit https://hk.yougov.com. Study conducted in March 2021. All data is weighted to be representative of the online population. Sample size: Vietnam n=1,057

About the Asia Video Industry Association

The Asia Video Industry Association (AVIA) is the trade association for the video industry and ecosystem in Asia Pacific. It serves to make the video industry stronger and healthier through promoting the common interests of its members. AVIA is the interlocutor for the industry with governments across the region, leads the fight against video piracy through its Coalition Against Piracy (CAP) programme and provides insight into the industry through reports and conferences aimed to support a vibrant video industry.

Contact AVIA
For media contacts and additional background:
Charmaine Kwan
Head of Marketing and Communications
Email: charmaine@avia.org
Website: www.avia.org
LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/asiavideoia
Twitter: @AsiaVideoIA

Joy Spreader Included in the MSCI China Small Cap Index

On May 12th , Joy Spreader (06988.HK), a Hong Kong-listed company, announced that the Company is incorporated into the MSCI China Small Cap Index, with effect upon the closure of the market on May 27, 2021.

It is reported that the MSCI China Small Cap Index is one of the China market indices launched by Morgan Stanley Capital International (MSCI), which aims to measure the performance of the small cap segment in China’s stock market, covering PRC companies with excellent operating results and development potential. It is an important index for global institutional investors to evaluate their investment portfolios.

Joy Spreader is a leading MarTech company engaging in mobile new media performance-based marketing and marketing SaaS services in the PRC. It has achieved outstanding performance for years and has received considerable attention in the Hong Kong stock market since its listing.

According to the financial report, the revenue of Joy Spreader was HK$262 million, HK$538 million and HK$924 million from 2018 to 2020, respectively, and the earnings (net profit) during the year were HK$45 million, HK$77 million and HK$139 million, respectively. Joy Spreader’s performance has maintained rapid growth.

The Company’s board of directors believes that the inclusion of the MSCI China Small Cap Index shows the recognition of the Company’s performance and value by the capital market. It is expected that the inclusion will enhance the confidence of capital market and investors to the Company and increase the liquidity of the Company’s shares. At the same time, the inclusion will raise the Company’s profile and boost the Company’s business and cooperation.

Joy Spreader’s First Quarterly Results: Video E-commerce Business Soars 143.58%

On May 10, 2021, Joy Spreader (6988.HK), a MarTech company listed in Hong Kong, released the business update of the first quarter of 2021.

According to the announcement, in the first quarter, Joy Spreader achieved revenue of HK$ 248 million, representing an increase of 33.26% over the same period last year, gross profit of HK$77.4 million, representing an increase of 64.16% over the same period last year, and gross profit margin of 31.16%, representing an increase of 5.87 percentages points as compared with the same period last year.

In terms of specific business, the revenue of Joy Spreader’s interactive entertainment and other digital products marketing business in the first quarter was HK$220 million, representing an increase of 26.31% over the same period last year, while the revenue from e-commerce products marketing business was HK$28.45 million, representing an increase of 143.58% over the same period last year.

With the emerging short video e-commerce, video e-commerce business is becoming the largest increment of results of Joy Spreader. In the first quarter, the gross profit of the Joy Spreader’s interactive entertainment and other digital product marketing business reached HK$54.65 million, representing an increase of 44.96% over the same period last year, while the gross profit of e-commerce products marketing business reached HK$22.76 million, representing an increase of 143.68% over the same period last year, accounting for an increasing proportion of the overall gross profit.

At the same time, marketing SaaS service, another core business of Joy Spreader, is growing rapidly. Currently, Joy Spreader uses its own marketing SaaS platform to access content publishers in order to help their traffic to realize commercial value.

The announcement showed that as of the end of the first quarter, Joy Spreader’s marketing SaaS service customers comprised a total of 55,616 WeChat official accounts, representing an increase of 36.01% compared to the end of 2020. A total of 29,828 Douyin accounts in terms of short video, representing an increase of 37.01% compared to the end of 2020. Also, the Company had access to 11,567 clients of WeChat video channels. On the whole, Joy Spreader’s mobile new media realizable access points reached 638,950, representing an increase of 35.96% compared to the end of 2020, further consolidating the basis of business growth.

Filmmakers and National TV Stations May Submit Audio-Visual Productions with Original Music, Composers, Sound Designers May Compose for Films in FMC 2021

On March 28, FMC-Film Music Contest 2021 the unique international music competition and awards and one of the largest competitions of its kind in Europe expanding into Asia, has opened online registration for the regular and new competition categories.

1. Films, TV series, videos with original music

Film and TV creators, production companies, national and private television stations, independent creators and audio-visual content producers may also participate in the new year of the unique international competition and awards FMC-Film Music Contest 2021.

You may submit films, videos and TV series of any genre without regard to the date of their creation. This includes any experimental, animated, documentary sci-fi films, films for children or genre hybrids with original music.

The music is the main and most important component evaluated in these works.

Members of the prestigious international jury FMC 2021 will decide which films or television series with original music will be this year’s finalists and who will be the overall winner.

“In the past, we have discovered many very interesting films, videos and serials in different genres from many countries around the world for this category. The works were often visually ambitious; however, we were mainly interested in the sound component of the film and the original music score. We also screened the finalists at the closing gala ceremony, and it was a genuine experience for all the international guests in the hall,” said FMC Director Vlado Zeleznak Jr.

In the past, this competition category was dominated by American and EU production, but also included works from Australia and New Zealand.

“Since FMC is attempting to incorporate Asia, we believe that Asian filmmakers and television with their extensive and high-quality production will also sign up for this year’s competition,” added Vlado Zeleznak Jr.

You can submit your films and videos in mp4 format with a maximum file size of 500MB to this category with a maximum length of 10 minutes.

Registration around the world is already open online, directly on the official FMC website: https://www.fmcontest.com/product/films-videos-tvs-original-music/

The Deadline to enter Films, TV series, videos with original music is on August 31, 2021

2. Trailer Music “Iceland”

FMC in collaboration with talented film and video maker, photographer and traveler Vlado Lorinc brings a completely new opportunity for all musicians to create their creative idea and compose trailer music for the travel documentary “The way of inspiration Iceland”.

Iceland – popular spot and prominent location for Hollywood blockbuster films or tv series (Star Wars, Prometheus, Game of Thrones, Star Trek: Discovery, Interstellar, James Bond-Die Another Day, Fast & Furious 8) will be a location for all our competitors who will be able to realize their creative compositional ideas without any restrictions.

The competition is open to composers, sound designers, producers, musicians without age limit who will be able to work on the film in their studios and subsequently submit a film with original music online to the competition for the evaluation process.

For many composers, this may be their first experience of working on a professional film and try the whole process of musical composition. They will have plenty of time to create an interesting and unique musical perspective and further enhance the experience of this film work about a unique Iceland.

We believe that the whole process will be fun for the competitors, enriching with the same chance to advance to the semifinals and finals or become an absolute winner.

Read more about the category here: https://www.fmcontest.com/trailer-music/
Online registration is possible via this link: https://www.fmcontest.com/product/trailer-music/
The Deadline to enter Trailer music category is on July 31, 2021.

3. Compose Music for the Animated Sci-Fi film “To the Pathfinders of the Universe” by filmmaker, artist and visionary Alexander Krasnov.

This film is a sequel to the successful film scoring category, where composers and sound designers will be able to compose an original composition for this visionary work.

“This video is dedicated to all the researchers of this astonishing and bottomless space called Cosmos. Whether it’s a vanguard of spaceships discovering new worlds, or scientists broadcasting from their sterile observatories – all of them, day by day, are helping us get closer to a more holistic understanding of the Universe,” said Alexander Krasnov author of the film.

Online registration is possible via this link: https://www.fmcontest.com/product/compose-music-for-the-animated-sci-fi-film/

The Deadline to enter Animated sci-fi film category is on July 31, 2021
Along with the opening of the competition, FMC 2021’s official video trailer was also unveiled.
https://youtu.be/x4F-IgfQjJg

Who will judge and listen to competition entries?
An elite group of professionals from the EU, USA, Asia and Australia will be made up of representatives from the music and film business who actively work for national TV broadcasters, the largest Asian and Hollywood film studios, cultural or theater institutions, agencies as well as for Netflix.

Valuable Prizes
Organizers are proud that thanks to this year’s exclusive partners as well as event partners the prizes will be in such a high value of more than 58 000 Euros.

Follow FMC-Film Music Contest on Social Media:
Facebook: facebook.com/FilmMusicContest
Instagram: instagram.com/fmcontest
YouTube: http://bit.ly/3oOaG48
#fmcfilmmusiccontest

Media Contact:
Mgr. Vlado Zeleznak Jr.
Director, FMC-Film Music Contest, PRESS FMC
E: press@fmcontest.com

AVIA appoints Celeste Campbell-Pitt as its new Chief Policy Officer for the region

The Asia Video Industry Association (AVIA) has appointed a new Chief Policy Officer to be based in its Singapore office, a first for the role.

Celeste Campbell-Pitt joins AVIA on Monday 3rd May, initially joining Chief Policy Officer John Medeiros, who will be retiring after a transition period. Medeiros, who is based in Hong Kong, and joined the Association then known as CASBAA, in 2005 as Vice President of Government Relations and Regulatory Affairs, has been Chief Policy Officer since 2013.

A key focus of AVIA is to represent the combined positions of its members and engage in constructive dialogue with governments so they may better understand the curated video industry and foster an environment of support for the growth of the industry. The Chief Policy Officer spearheads this goal, developing and executing policy initiatives relevant to the video industry, in consultation with and on behalf of AVIA member companies.

The role of the Chief Policy Officer has evolved over the years and has become a lot more critical as regulatory policies continue to develop alongside the sweeping changes the video industry has seen in recent years.

“This role is absolutely critical for AVIA and we have taken a long time to find the right person. While taking over from John who has made the role his own will be no easy task, I am delighted that we have found Celeste who has such a passion for the industry and a clear vision for how to build and develop the role,” said Louis Boswell, CEO, AVIA.

Campbell-Pitt comes with over twenty years of business and legal experience in the media and entertainment industry across both Europe and Asia. Prior to joining AVIA, she was consulting with various global media and technology companies as well as private equity firms who were looking to expand into the Asia Pacific region. Campbell-Pitt was previously the Vice President and Head of Business Development and Advertising Sales at Discovery Networks Asia Pacific, after her stint at Endemol Shine Asia Group as the Director and Head of Commercial and Operations. She has also held Senior Legal Counsel positions in international media companies including Star, Turner and Channel Four in the UK.

About the Asia Video Industry Association
The Asia Video Industry Association (AVIA) is the trade association for the video industry and ecosystem in Asia Pacific. It serves to make the video industry stronger and healthier through promoting the common interests of its members. AVIA is the interlocutor for the industry with governments across the region, leads the fight against video piracy through its Coalition Against Piracy (CAP) and provides insight into the video industry through reports and conferences aimed to support a vibrant video industry.

For media enquiries and additional background please contact:
Charmaine Kwan
Head of Marketing and Communications
Email: charmaine@avia.org
Website: www.avia.org
LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/asiavideoia
Twitter: @AsiaVideoIA