Goodbye StarSat, Hello IWant TFC

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StarSat has been going through somewhat of a phase since the pandemic which cost them several premium international channels such as FOX, Discovery Family, DreamWorks Channel, Smile, The Smithsonian Channel, Love Nature and that list will keep going on.

Just like every other pay-tv operator, they're trying to adapt and survive on top of all these hurdles. While some other brand opts to local dramas and sports, StarSat on the other hand helps promote smaller brands but the one thing that keeps viewers going is telenovelas primarily Phillipine.

If there's one thing that the platform doesn't disappoint on then its definitely Phillipine dramas. Some of the titles viewers would have come across include Love Thy Woman, Sharpshooter (Asintado), Bridges Of Love, The Heiress (Kadenang Ginto) and the popular cop drama, Brothers.

 

 

What the 6 mentioned series have in common is Alto Broadcasting System and Chronicle Broadcasting Network (ABS-CBN).

A Philippine network (composed of television through free-to-air terrestrial, cable or satellite, radio and new media through "streaming media, internet or online") and syndication, program distributor, and production company (operating primarily under the name ABS-CBN Entertainment) that serves as the flagship property of ABS-CBN Corporation, a company under the Lopez Group.

It's basically the home of all their Phillipine catalogue but what's interesting about is the streaming alternative (as seen in previous paragraph under "streaming...online").

 

 

Pay-tv platforms have a tendency of sourcing out third party content some of which come with their very own streaming hub. There's several where you'd probably need VPN if you want but with IWantTFC that's where it all changes.

iWant TFC an over-the-top content platform and production company owned and operated by ABS-CBN Corporation. iWant TFC offers live video streamings from various sources including media made for the Kapamilya Channel, The Filipino Channel, ANC, and TeleRadyo and on-demand contents of ABS-CBN on various platform basically StarSat's entire Phillipine catalogue.

There's a lot to love about IWant TFC, firstly you can browse over 10000 hours of programming and you're not only getting dramas from this platform but getting to invest in their culture with a selection docu-series and reality shows and if that's not enough there's even sitcoms and movies.

 

Hate monthly fees no worries you can get a free package where you can browse a selected amount of shows but if you're feeling bored there's always a premium package for as little as R135p/m where you can get full access to the latest content.

You can access the content on their website or download the app on iOS, Google Play Store, Roku or selected brands of Smart TVs. Just signup with your email address and mobile number and let IWant TFC keep you on the edge of your seat.

Roundups #59: Preschool Scooby-Doo Coming Soon To Cartoonito, Michael K. Williams Launches A Documentary On eXposed And Doodsondes Returning For A Fourth Season On e.tv

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Scooby is coming to Cartoonito

A Scooby-Doo series is in the works for the younger audience! HBO Max and Cartoon Network are developing the first-ever preschool series as part of the franchise – Scooby-Doo! And the Mystery Pups! It will also be a part of Cartoonito’s preschool block in 2024.

Scooby Doo and the gang have been entertaining children for years, but never a series for ones so young. So this is an exciting addition for parents and the network alike!

 

 

What can you expect from the series? It will follow Scooby and Shaggy as camp counselors who don’t know much about canoes and archery. But, they’re pros at solving a mystery! Their summer will be filled with nature hikes and fireside ghost stories, but the duo will also share their love for chasing clues with three young camper pups destined to become their own preschool version of Mystery Incorporated.

Black Market is coming to eXposed

During the month, Vice TV solidified their agreement with eMedia Investments which would see several shows such as Dark Side Of The Ring, Most Expensivest and F*** That's Delicious made available to the male centric, eXposed channel on Openview.

Also part of the agreement includes the new documentary series Black Marker which follows actor Michael K. Williams as he meets society's outcasts in an unflinching look into the lives of the people who work in underworld economies.

 

 

The first season of Black Market airs Thursdays at 8pm on eXposed from 2nd June. A day prior to the launch, eExtra will be rolling out a Turkish drama currently seen on eVOD through the Kuiertyd block, Die Binnekring.

Doodsondes S4 has a release date

As mentioned by several eMedia sources, the popular drama Doodsondes is making a comeback but from what's seen it won't be on eExtra as initially stated but on e.tv as a replacement to Droomvelore which ends in August.

 

In the new season, Halit's regaining his former power was welcomed with joy by everyone and the Argun family returned to their old order. Halit's goal is to regain Yildiz, who supported him a lot in his difficult days, and to remarry with her. However, Yildiz is confused because of Kerim and she doesn't know what to do. She has to make the right decision quickly.

Although, eMedia is being hush hush on a date Doodsondes will likely air from 23rd August. Good news for DStv customers, it's on the main channel and not eExtra which is set to go off air until further notice.

Superhero Sprinter Galore Is Back For More Adventures Alongside Some New Animal Buddies On Da Vinci Kids Africa - June 2022 Highlights

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Kids Programmes
Baby Animals — PREMIERE 
7 x 30 mins
From June 18th – Saturdays & Sundays 16:40
Meet the world’s tiniest, cutest baby animals and see how they travel the road from birth to adolescence and adulthood. From building strong family ties to learning how to escape predators, these little creatures explore the world around them all day long.

Superhero Sprinter Galore — NEW SEASON
26 x 5 mins
From June 23rd – Every day 08:05
Welcome to the planet of Bhilka, where Superhero Sprinter Galore uses the newfound knowledge from his life on Earth to solve daily problems and help his fellow citizens. And just like all superheroes, Sprinter also has a rival who hates all his innovations.

Continuing kids programmes include Briko — Fridays 15:45, Gaming Show (In My Parents’ Garage) — Wednesdays & Thursdays 16:05 and The Deep — Saturdays & Sundays 10:30.

 

 

Monthly Special
Level Up Your Learning
Sunday, June 12th from 13:00 to 15:45
13:00When I Grow Up — Robotics Engineer
Mikaela meets Allison, a robotics engineer who shows her the future of robots. In the engineering shop she discovers all the things you need to design a robot. Together they create a robot to help Mikaela with her filming.

13:10When I Grow Up — Motion Capture Manager
Mikaela visits a video game company to meet Michelle and learn about motion capture. She creates a storyboard about a dancing robot named Judge. Then they use motion capture to turn Mikaela's movements into dance moves for Judge.

13:20When I Grow Up — Ice Cream Maker
Mikaela visits a giant ice-cream factory and meets Keith, a food technician. He shows her how ice cream is made and helps her create her very own Ooey Gooey Marshmallow flavour.

13:35Search it Up! — Help! I’m Lost Online!
A lot like the world outside, not everywhere on the Internet is “nice and just right for you.” If you find yourself in an upsetting situation, it’s important to stop and ask a trusted adult for help.

13:40Matilda and The Ramsay Bunch — The Mexican Party
Matilda and her family plan a Mexican party. They build a piñata with a difference to surprise their father. Matilda prepares tacos, spiked corn with cheese coriander and lime, and chocolatey churros.

13:55Matilda and The Ramsay Bunch — The Sea Lion Rescue
Matilda and her family go to the Californian Wildlife Centre to learn about rescuing sick sea lions and how to make them better. Matilda bakes and sells delicious cakes and biscuits to raise money for the centre.

 

 

14:15Animal Embassy — Limp Penguin
Annabelle, the king penguin, is displaying some worrying symptoms. She’s waving her head about skywards and Jorge is concerned she may have some neurological problems. Will Annabelle rejoin her friends on the great, icy mound at Loro Parque ever again?

14:35Animal Embassy — Frederica the Turtle
Federica, the turtle, has arrived from Italy after a run-in with a container ship. Loro Parque has offered to be her ‘forever home’, but how will she go sharing her new digs with others? Esmeralda, the iguana, has a lumpy belly and Jorge, the vet, is worried.

15:00The Dream Job — Hello
Six children from a broad range of backgrounds work at ‘Hello!’, one of Britain’s most popular celebrity magazines. They’ll run a VIP event, stage a photoshoot and cover a royal engagement. They must turn these assignments into feature articles ready for publication.

Sunday, June 19th from 13:00 to 15:45
13:00When I Grow Up — Google Software Engineer
Mikaela goes to the Google headquarters and meets Melissa, a computer scientist. She discovers what software engineers do and finds out that at Google they work in teams. She learns how to write her first piece of code and creates an app to help clean her room.

13:10When I Grow Up — Forensics Investigator
Mikaela goes to the police forensics unit on her search for a sandwich thief and gets tips from investigators Rhonda and Lawrence. She discovers that fingerprints can be analysed using magnetic powder, chemicals and laser.

13:20When I Grow Up — Meteorologist
Mikaela meets meteorologist Ross to discover the science behind weather predictions and how to deliver the forecast on TV. She learns that meteorologists use lots of different equipment, including satellites, thermometers and anemometers.

13:35Search it Up! — Hey! Time’s Up Gran!
Respect and kindness are a big part of screentime and finding the right balance with technology is something adults need to be aware of just as much as kids.

13:40Matilda and The Ramsay Bunch — The Birthday
Matilda and her siblings prepare a surprise birthday breakfast for their mother – smiley faced pancakes with blueberries, bacon and maple syrup. Later, Matilda cooks a noodle dish and a very special birthday cake. 

 

13:55Matilda and The Ramsay Bunch — The Last Days of Summer
Matilda and her family throw a party at their home in London. Matilda is in charge of the party food – sausage sandwiches and popcorn cakes. When their friends arrive, they play a game with a watermelon.

14:15Animal Embassy — A Day in the Life of Rafa
Meet the Loro Parque Foundation Scientific Director - Rafa, also known as the ‘Birdman of Loro Parque’. He wears the badge with pride and every day he surrounds himself with all things ornithological - from parrots and puffins to penguins.

14:35Animal Embassy — Gorilla Foot
Ubongo, the gorilla, has a massive cut on his foot. But how do you treat a 400-pound gorilla with a sore foot? And have you ever seen a sloth take a shower? Hugo, the sloth, will draw back the shower curtain and reveal all.

15:00The Dream Job — Montezuma
Six children work for a week at Montezuma’s - an artisan chocolate business. The kids must design a brand-new box of truffles for Father’s Day and try to sell them to a major retailer.  It’s a challenge they can only accomplish by working as a team.

Sunday, June 26th from 13:00 to 15:45
13:00When I Grow Up — Chocolate Maker
Mikaela meets chocolate-maker Samantha. She discovers that delicious chocolate starts with great cocoa beans. She learns about how the bean grows, how you can tell it’s a good bean, and why it is roasted before being turned into a chocolate bar.

13:10When I Grow Up — Veterinarian
Mikaela finds out what it's like to be a vet when she brings her dog Patty to an animal hospital and meets Dr Andrea. She learns that cats and dogs have different health problems, and she practises suturing on a banana.

13:20When I Grow Up — YouTube Studio
Mikaela travels to the YouTube headquarters to meet studio manager Mark. He shows her how to help YouTubers make better videos. He gives tips on lighting, writing, performing and editing, and his top tip is to be yourself when making videos.

13:30Search it Up! — My Pop Star Disaster
What you think is shared privately may not always be under your control - information can spread extremely quickly online, so take care if you share.

 

13:40Matilda and The Ramsay Bunch — The Sunday Lunch
Matilda cooks Britain’s favourite Sunday meal for her family – a classic Sunday roast with Yorkshire pudding and gravy. But not everyone is in agreement about the best vegetables to serve.

13:55Matilda and The Ramsay Bunch — The Hospital Challenge
Matilda and her family visit a hospital and help the patients find ways to beat boredom. She makes popcorn and an edible message board. They all play a silly cheesy puff challenge, and she plays a trick on the nurses with ice cream.

14:15Animal Embassy — Panda and Macaw
Posse, the red panda, and Santiago, the saki, have been having issues with their teeth and the dentist brought his big pliers! Ever heard the tale of how the blue-throated macaw parrot was saved from extinction and started a new fashion trend in the process?

 

14:35Animal Embassy — Orca Baby
Morgan, the deaf orca, is about to give birth to her very first calf. The stakes are high, and the staff at Loro Parque are holding their collective breath as the scene is set for the greatest natural phenomenon in the zoo’s history.

15:00The Dream Job — Hunters
Six kids work for a week at the head office of Hunters Estate agents in York.  The kids’ responsibilities include running the Harrogate branch for an afternoon, marketing two new properties, running an open house and negotiating a six-figure property deal.

Early Morning with Da Vinci
Every day from 06:00
06:00The Treehouse Stories
06:10Do You Know?
06:30Siesta Z
06:45 Mily Miss Questions
06:55Marvellous Makes
07:00PinCode
07:20Darwin & Newts
07:35Addison
07:50 Doki
08:05Wild Kratts
08:30Kosmix
08:40The Fixies
08:50Superhero Sprinter Galore

Roundups #58: #FreeMaoMao As Cartoon Network Withhelds The Second Season, BBC Lifestyle Is Coming To Cape Town And Die Binnekring Makes Its Linear Debut On eExtra

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Mao Mao needs your help

Mao Mao: Heroes Of Pure Heart centers on the title character, Mao Mao, a daring cat who has high intentions for action and adventure. who stumbles upon a town called Pure Heart Valley with his co-hero Badgerclops, a cyborg-armed badger, and meets Adorabat, a cute little bat. Together, the three go on adventures to protect their citizens of Pure Heart Valley from the forces of evil while they find a way to fix the Ruby Pure Heart to its original state.

The show made its debut on Cartoon Network by mid 2019 and was renewed for a second season a year from that period. For almost two years, there's been no MaoMao not even a single rerun leading some to speculate the potential demise of the series.

 

According to sources, Cartoon Network is withholding the new season of Mao Mao. A user asked the creator when the awaited second season will be released and the creator responded to say "Ask Cartoon Network". Since then several fans of the show insert the hashtag #FreeMaoMao in an attempt to free it from captivity.

Listing Cape Town coming soon to BBC Lifestyle

Take a glimpse inside Cape Town’s most luxurious homes, from farms in Franschhoek to sublime sunsets in Fresnaye, the Listing series returns with five new agents in the affluent suburbs of Cape Town.

Following the success of Listing Jozi in 2021, viewers can look forward to Listing Cape Town, the second season of the hit property-themed reality TV show, from 1 June 2022 . Listing Cape Town will join BBC’s local line-up on Wednesdays at 20h00 on BBC Lifestyle, DStv channel 174.

 

This season will take viewers into homes across the Atlantic Seaboard, Green Point, Sea Point, Bantry Bay, Fresnaye, Clifton, Camps Bay, Llandudno, De Waterkant, Cape Town City, Bishopscourt as well as inland properties in and around Franschhoek, Val de Vie and Pearl Valley. From manicured stud farms in and around the Cape winelands, to breath-taking beach bungalows, Listing Cape Town will feature some of the Mother City’s most opulent and over the top properties ranging from R15 million to R280 million in value.

More eVOD for Openview consumers

Amidst the news of a pay-tv competitor for eExtra's Kuiertyd block, we can now confirm that the action series Die Binnekring which began streaming on eMedia's streaming service eVOD earlier in the year will make way to eExtra replacing Die Put on weekdays from June 1st at 20:30.

 

Die Binnekring brings two young people from different places as they stand side by side and fight against a conspiracy. They bring to account old notebooks, dirty cases, big and small lies. They also face a mysterious danger known as Halka.

Until further notice: eExtra is expected to cease transmission on the DStv platform by the end of June as MultiChoice couldn't reach an agreement with eMedia that took them to court regarding the channel alongside eToonz, eMovies and eMovies Extra.

Roundups #57: "Hangman" Adam Page Goes One On One With CM Punk For AEW World Champion In Double Or Nothing On TNT Africa, The 2022 MTV Movie & TV Awards Is Coming To MTV Africa And World Renowned Martial Artist IP Man Makes His Grand Entrance On KIX Africa

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TNT is going all out

Double or Nothing is considered All Elite Wrestling's (AEW) marquee event, having first been held in 2019, which was the promotion's first pay-per-view (PPV) produced. It is held annually around Memorial Day and is one of AEW's "Big Four" PPVs, which includes All Out, Full Gear, and Revolution, their four biggest shows produced quarterly.

Matches confirmed for the PPV event include Hangman Pag vs. CM Punk for the AEW World Championship and Thunder Rosa vs Serena Deeb for the AEW Women’s World Championship.

The event airs Sunday, 5 June at 11:40 CAT, only 1 week after the live US PPV.

 

MTV unveils the slate of content launching next month

MTV MOVIE & TV AWARDS
Live from Los Angeles Barker Hangar honoring the biggest and best in movies and television
90 mins // 6 JUNE 2022

MTV MOVIE & TV AWARDS UNSCRIPTED
Returning for the second time to celebrate all things reality television. Over-the-top, funny and completely fresh, the night will celebrate the jaw-dropping, no-rules, drama-filled moments from our favorite reality shows.
90 mins // 6 JUNE 2022

 

HIP HOP MY HOUSE
In each episode of HIP HOP MY HOUSE Cam’ron will surprise our superfan at their doorstep, tour their home, check out their wardrobe, sample their music collection and find out how hip hop has impacted their life.It could be a single artist, an iconic video or it could be an entire era or moment in hip hop history.
9 x 30 // 24 JUNE 2022

Ip Man biography is coming to KIX

Ip Man is a series of Hong Kong martial arts films based on the life events of the Wing Chun master of the same name. The franchise consists of 5 films 2 of which happen to be spinoffs.

 

Thanks to KIX's team, we were able to recieve confirmation of the first two instalments Ip Man and Ip Man 2 starring Rogue One: A Star Wars Story and XXX: Return Of Xander Cage star Donnie Yen.

The instalments are set to air in the coming months ahead of the channel's expansion to the DStv Family and Access bouquets which was originally for March but delayed for another 2 months now launching on May 31st.

New Buddy Comedy Series Is Coming To Nickelodeon Africa And A Fresh Batch Of Shows Return For More Adventures - June 2022 Highlights

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OVERLORD AND THE UNDERWOODS
NEW EPISODES: #111 - 120
MONDAY – FRIDAY, 06 JUNE –17 JUNE @ 13:35 WAT and 18:30 WAT for the rest of the territories
The Underwoods, a normal, good-hearted family, have their lives thrown off kilter when the second most wanted bad guy in the galaxy moves in with them under witness protection.

THE PATRICK STAR SHOW
NEW EPISODES | #109, 111 - 113
MONDAY - FRIDAY FROM 13 JUNE - 22 JUNE @ 11:30 WAT and 16:20 WAT for the rest of the territories
The Patrick Star Show follows everyone's favourite sea star at home with his family as he hosts an imaginary variety show that comes from the bizarre and hysterical depths of his own brain.

 

NICKY, RICKY, DICKY & DAWN
THE HOLIDAY STUNT
MONDAY - FRIDAY FROM 20 JUNE - 24 JUNE @ 12:00 WAT and 18:30 WAT for the rest of the territories
Nicky, Ricky, Dicky and Dawn are quadruplets with only two things in common: their birthdays and parents. This dynamic foursome battle sibling rivalry at every turn, but in the end when they are together, nothing can stop them.

HENRY DANGER
HOLIDAY STUNT
MONDAY - FRIDAY FROM 27 JUNE – 07 JULY @ 12:00 WAT and 18:30 WAT for the rest of the territories
13-year-old Henry Hart lands a part time job as Kid Danger, the sidekick- in-training to superhero Captain Man. After promising to keep his new identity a secret, Henry must navigate a double life.

 

 

WARPED
NEW SEASON
EPISODES |#101 - 113
MONDAY - FRIDAY FROM 30 MAY - 15 JUNE @ 12:45 WAT and 17:40 WAT for the rest of the territories
Milo, the beloved head geek and manager at a popular comic bookstore whose microcosm is disrupted when his boss hires the loud and excitable, Ruby. Despite their differences, the two form an unlikely alliance when they team up to create the next great graphic novel with friends, Hurley, the pizza worker next door, and Darby, who dreams of opening her own fashion line.

DANGER FORCE
NEW EPISODES
EPISODES | #201 - 209
MONDAY - FRIDAY FROM 23 MAY – 01 JUNE @ 12:20 WAT and 17:15 WAT for the rest of the territories
13-year-old Henry Hart lands a part time job as Kid Danger, the sidekick- in-training to superhero Captain Man. After promising to keep his new identity a secret, Henry must navigate a double life.

CBS Reality: Why The Judge Judy Channel Isn't As Bad As It Appears To Be?

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CBS Reality has been available on DStv for as long as Zone Reality was around before ChelloZone got purchased by AMC International. The offering consisted of factual programming ranging from courtroom, medical, lifestyle, crime and drama.

One of the shows that have become a pillar to this brand is Judge Judy. The cancelled daytime court show has been seen as a double bill on weekdays and 10 hour marathon on weekends.

 

It's one of the reasons why some viewers take this channel for granted and the other reasons was the volume of repeats available on the channel. Believe it or not, CBS Reality is far behind on Judge Judy.

Trust me, I don't see anything wrong with that but e.tv being a free-to-air is three seasons ahead. Not that the channel can't keep up but they often pull a FOX and air the same episodes continuously and bring in two seasons yearly (technically FOX).

 

Unlike FOX, CBS Reality was saved back in 2019 when Viacom and CBS merged onto a single unit before becoming Paramount. I know Judge Judy seems to set some people off but outside of that the channel has got plenty on offer like Botched Bodies, Motorway Patrol and Animal Hoarding.

In my opinion, CBS Reality is one of the most decent if not best reality stations on DStv if you're trying to keep away from any type of wife ranging from house to sport even teen moms, weddings and celebrity filled programming.

Xtreme Football League Makes A Comeback On ESPN In 2023

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The XFL announced a new, global multi-year agreement with The Walt Disney Company (“TWDC”) and ESPN, which includes exclusive broadcast rights for all gameday content, tentpole events and more, for its upcoming 2023 season through 2027. Each season, all 43 games (40 regular season games, two playoffs, one championship) will be featured on a combination of ABC, ESPN networks and FX. Additionally, the agreement includes exclusive content rights across TWDC and ESPN’s digital, social and direct-to-consumer outlets such as ESPN+. The XFL is excited to officially announce its 2023 season will kick off on Saturday, February 18, 2023.

The announcement was revealed at the Disney Upfront, where XFL owners Dany Garcia and Dwayne Johnson were in attendance and presented the news.

“Without question, we have long admired Disney’s distinct ability to engage an expansive consumer fanbase across verticals, while also maintaining a deeply authentic, nuanced and heartfelt approach to storytelling much like our own,” said Dany Garcia, Chairwoman of the XFL. “To find a partner that honors our foundation and to be able to root our vision of unwavering passion, accessibility and the future of football with Disney as our home, is a dream come true. We are extraordinarily excited to explore the endless possibilities of this partnership – today is surely just the beginning.”

 

“The XFL will tap into sports fans’ deep love of football by emphasizing competitive action while dedicating itself to innovation and entertainment,” said Jimmy Pitaro, Chairman, ESPN and Sports Content. “You can see a great path to success when you combine the reach and influence of ESPN and Disney with the collective vision of XFL leadership led by Dany, Dwayne and Gerry.”

Dwayne Johnson added, “This is a definitive moment for the XFL and the beginning of an incredible, long-term partnership for the league, building on my longstanding, very successful legacy relationship I’ve had with Disney throughout my career. We’re excited to be working with global visionaries that are aligned with the XFL’s values, are true team players and share our ambitious goals to grow the XFL as a global sports and entertainment business. Through the combined power of Disney, ESPN and the XFL, together we will create a new powerhouse on the sports calendar and bring a dynamic game of football to fans everywhere. Time to ball out.”

 

Gerry Cardinale said, “With today’s announcement, the XFL has launched a truly innovative partnership with The Walt Disney Company and its world-class platforms across media, culture, sports and entertainment.  It is a privilege to join forces with the incredibly talented team at Disney and ESPN and bring Dany and Dwayne’s vision for world-class football and live event entertainment to our fans and players.”

The Korean Entertainment Giant CJ ENM Produces Content For All Audiences

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The Cannes entry Broker represents one of the more cu­rious collaborations in this year’s competition lineup. The film is directed by revered Japanese auteur Hirokazu Kore-eda, but the entire cast is Korean and the action takes place in modern-day Seoul. While it’s yet to be revealed why Kore-eda chose to set his latest drama in Korea, the decision by Korean entertainment giant CJ ENM to distribute the film is far less opaque.

“We decided to participate, thinking that by utilizing CJ’s experience in the global market we could help promote an interesting project — ‘a Korean film made by a Japanese master,’ ” says Jerry Ko, head of the international film busi­ness division at CJ ENM.

 

Broker isn’t the only CJ film in this year’s competition. Park Chan-wook’s Decision to Leave, starring Tang Wei, will also compete for the Palme d’Or, marking the latest coup by CJ after Bong Joon Ho’s Parasite took home the fest’s top honor three years ago. Well before the success of Parasite, CJ had established a reputation for championing daring, boundary-pushing directors who had not yet achieved main­stream success — including Bong and Park, both of whom found a home at CJ early in their careers with titles like 2009’s Mother and 2000’s Joint Security Area, respectively.

“Ever since CJ started its culture business in the mid-1990s, it has continued to invest in creating an ecosystem that allows the market to produce high-quality content,” says Ko, who oversees the company’s global strategy. “While discovering talented creators and continuously supporting their work, we pushed our business forward in the direction of revitalizing the market by creating a healthy cycle in which the demand and supply could expand both in quality and in number. Although we may not have achieved short-term gains, in the long term CJ and Korean content managed to establish a foundation for global competitiveness. Films like Parasite are the fruit of those efforts.”

 

Indeed, CJ ENM’s presence as a global film behemoth is the result of a years-long mission to expand and diversify. Just in the past few years, the company has undergone a visible transformation. In November 2021, the company an­nounced it had acquired an 80 percent stake of the scripted business of Endeavor Content for $785 million. That acqui­sition was the company’s largest since investing in Dream­Works SKG in 1995, and the partnership is expected to serve as a gateway for Asian artists, writers and directors to en­ter the global market. And in December of the same year, the company also entered into a strategic partnership with Paramount Global, in a worldwide deal that includes co-productions for original series and films, content licensing and distribution through streaming services. The two companies will co-finance an original series, the sci-fi drama Yonder from veteran Korean director Lee Joonik, which is set to be released on TVING, the company’s streaming service, and Paramount+ globally.

And that’s not the company’s only connection to Hollywood. In addition to the TV adaptation of Bong’s 2013 hit Snowpiercer on TNT, CJ is currently co-producing more than 10 other projects, including an English-language remake of the hit film Miss Granny that has already been produced and released in eight countries/regions; Extreme Job, a comedy being produced with Universal Pictures; a U.S adaptation of the hit Korean drama series Hotel Del Luna, with David Ellison’s Skydance; the original U.S series The Big Door Prize for Apple TV+; and HBO’s upcoming adaptation of Parasite. Elsewhere, CJ’s music show I Can See Your Voice has been broadcast or remade in more than 23 markets.

 

In short, CJ has managed to help take Korean content mainstream in the U.S. — no small feat considering the language barrier and potentially daunting cultural differences.

“In Asia, especially Southeast Asia, actors’ name value or local response of dramas and films among the Korean audience are almost thoroughly delivered as they are,” says Senior VP of content business Seo Jang-ho. “In the U.S., however, there was only a niche market for teenage fans of K-pop and romantic comedy. But now, with the success of Parasite and Squid Game through Netflix, the scope of popular Korean content has expanded, making the fanbase much wider.”

Locally, the company is strengthening its own production line by acquiring some of the country’s leading production companies, including Moho Film, founded by Park, and JK Film, founded by director JK Youn, best known for domestic blockbusters like 2014’s Ode to My Father and 2009’s Tidal Wave. It also announced a plan to launch a new production studio, CJ ENM STUDIOS, which will focus on producing content for global streaming services. The studio is an addition to its existing production powerhouse Studio Dragon, which already is responsible for more than 40 percent of domestic broadcasting content exported overseas with local hits like Crash Landing on You, one of the highest-rated local TV shows of all time, and It’s Okay Not to Be Okay, both of which were acquired by Netflix.

 

“With the addition of CJ ENM STUDIOS, the company plans to establish a strong multi-studio structure that will strengthen its global content production capacity and global competitiveness, especially at a time when K-content is in high demand,” says an official within CJ ENM. “Each studio will have its area of expertise.”

One of the company’s latest successes is TVING, a global streaming platform to export content. The company’s partnership with Paramount Global to co-finance the platform’s original series Yonder is an example. Through the partnership, Paramount+ will also make its first entry into the Asian market through TVING.

 

With so much co-production activity, it would be easy to assume that CJ is approaching the limit on how much expansion it can pursue, but Seo argues that, as long as Korean content continues to be popular around the world, there are plenty of opportunities still on the horizon.

“I think there will be many of these multicultural projects in the days to come,” he says. “To that extent, we’re really seeing that the borders of content are diminishing, and I feel that the quality and value of the work itself has become much more important than in the past.”