Alibaba, Fosun To Foster Chinese Talent; Netflix Takes ‘Pandora’ – Global Briefs
In response to new market demands and technological applications, Alibaba Pictures is joining forces with the Shanghai Theatre Academy and Fosun Group to explore new models for developing film and TV talent in China. An aim is to reform arts education and open new areas for the integration of industry, academia and research, as well as helping to build a world-class film school in Shanghai. Alibaba, STA and Fosun will use STA’s existing film academy as a platform, bringing in new teachers and managers from around the world to integrate with STA’s teachers, students and resources. The partners are looking to foster talent that is adaptable to the demands of a globalized market. Alibaba Pictures, which is continually increasing its footprint in the film business and recently took an equity stake in Steven Spielberg’s Amblin, and Fosun, which backs Jeff Robinov’s Studio 8, will provide financial support for the plan. Alibaba Pictures CEO Zhang Qiang says the company is “committed to nurturing young talent in the film and television industry and to create space for their development, which also stands at the core of its strategy… Furthermore, this cooperation will cater to the long-term development of China’s film and TV entertainment industry as it will significantly improve and upgrade the infrastructure of the industry.”
Netflix has acquired the rights to Korean feature Pandora. Under an agreement with Next Entertainment World, the nuclear disaster pic from CAC Entertainment will be available to stream in 190 countries next year. It will become available in Korea after its theatrical release. Pandora is directed by Park Jung-Woo and takes place in a quiet town where disaster strikes a nuclear power plant as an earthquake unexpectedly hits. The Pirates star Kim Nam-gil plays Jae-hyuk, a man who risks his life to save his family and country from the impending atomic explosion. The film also stars Kim Young-ae (The Attorney), Jung Jin-young (Miracle Of Cell No 7) and Kim Dae-myeong (Misaeng). Netflix has also separately acquired hit Israeli TV series Fauda about a team of undercover operatives who are trying to capture a notorious Hamas terrorist. The series is written by Times of Israel correspondent Avi Issacharoff and lead actor, Lior Raz. Its first season aired in 2015. Netflix will make it available beginning December 2, The Times of Israel reports.
Vice Media is expanding into Indonesia. The youth media brand will launch a full-scale operation, producing local content and creative agency services to reach a young population of over 100M. In addition, Vice has secured multi-platform partnerships with Jawa Pos TV and Google that will bring linear and digital programming to the country. Content will be available in both English and Indonesian. The 18-34 demographic makes up 50% of Indonesia’s overall population with the average person spending five hours on the internet per day. Indonesia adds to Vice’s Asia operations in Japan, China and South Korea. Branded Viceland blocks will eventually become 24-hour channels in 18 South East Asian territories, including Indonesia, through a partnership with local media outfit MultiChannels Asia.
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