[서울=뉴스핌] Reporter Lee Ji-eun = The Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism (Minister Yoo In-chon) and the Korea Creative Content Agency (Acting Director Yoo Hyeon-seok) successfully held the ‘2024 Series on Board’ in Japan, the UK, and the US to support domestic content producers’ overseas expansion.
Series On Board is an event that supports the expansion of direct overseas expansion, local networking, and creation of business opportunities for production companies with excellent domestic IP. This year, the K-broadcasting video content world tour was successfully completed, starting with Tokyo, Japan last September and holding events in London, England and LA, USA in November.
This year’s event includes ▲A Story, which successfully co-remade the British version of the drama ‘Kidnapping Day’ in last year’s Series On Board, as well as ▲Eo Contents Group ▲Big Ocean E&M ▲YNot Media ▲Studio 329 ▲Raemongraein ▲Keyeast ▲Climax Studio ▲ Leading domestic drama production companies such as SLL JoongAng 9 companies participated. In addition, participation support was expanded to non-drama genres for the first time this year, and two companies, ▲Something Special ▲Deaton, which are considered global format powerhouses, also participated in this event.
The September event in Tokyo, Japan was held at Komore Yotsuya, which has excellent accessibility to local broadcasters and content-related companies. At the event, major officials from the local broadcasting industry, including TBS Holdings, Asahi TV, Hulu Japan, and Content Seven, showed great interest in K-broadcasting video content. In addition, in cooperation with the Conjinwon Tokyo Business Center, we provided networking opportunities with major organizations such as ▲Visiting Organization of Japan (VIPO) ▲Digital Contents Association of Japan (DCAJ).
The November event in London, England was held at the British Film Institute (BFI), which has a history and tradition of video content. In particular, in cooperation with the British Broadcasting and Film Producers’ Association (PACT), including the Conjinwon UK Business Center, which officially opened last October, we have prepared an opportunity to interact with major buyers in the European region, such as ▲IR pitching ▲networking reception. In addition, major local channels and production companies, including ▲ITV Studios, ▲SC Films International Ltd., and ▲Three Tables Productions, attended and discussed joint production of various video contents.
The final event held in LA in November was held at the headquarters of CAA (Creative Artists Agency), a large American agency. In particular, in cooperation with ▲Korean American Leaders Association of Hollywood (KAHL) and ▲CAA, which have a large number of buyer networks, business matching was achieved between representative local buyers and domestic production companies, thereby establishing an important foothold for domestic broadcast video production companies to advance into the United States. did it Local buyers such as ▲Warner Brothers TV ▲Amazon Prime Video ▲20th Century Fox also attended and expressed active interest in K content.
At events in each country, discussions were actively held on various business models such as co-production, remake, and investment through private broadcast IP pitching and business matching. In particular, through private IP pitching that introduced works in the planning and development stages, participating companies had in-depth conversations with local buyers and explored the possibility of cooperation to enter the global market.
Meanwhile, the Tokyo event also provided an opportunity to strengthen networks and diversify overseas partnerships through a business luncheon with representatives of broadcasting companies and studios such as TBS, LA, and Paramount Studios. In particular, the luncheon with TBS was held in conjunction with a production site tour to seek opportunities for cooperation with related affiliates such as ▲TBS Global Business ▲TBS Korea ▲TBS Ent.
Oh Eun-young, CEO of Eo Contents Group, who participated in the event, said, “Series on Board was a meaningful opportunity where domestic production companies could collaborate with major content companies in various countries throughout the entire process, including planning, funding, production, and distribution.”
Ross Lewis, head of overseas business at the British Broadcasting and Film Producers’ Association, said, “Korean video content is very popular in the business market, and we expect to achieve global results like the British version of ‘Kidnapping Day’ this year as well.” “I do it,” he said, expressing active interest in K-broadcasting video content.
Jay Kim of the Korean American Leaders Association in Hollywood (KHAL) said, “We are happy to be able to cooperate in a position that will serve as a stepping stone for K content’s advancement into Hollywood, following the previous year. This year, there will be more attractive content, so we are looking forward to future results.” “He expressed his feelings.
“Through this event, we were able to realize the interest and popularity of K-content from all over the world,” said Park In-nam, head of the Broadcasting and Video Division at Conjinwon. “We will actively support it,” he said.
What initiatives are being implemented to support the growth of Korean content in international markets, particularly in the UK and Europe?
Thank you for taking the time to speak with me today about the 2024 Series on Board event recently held in Japan, the UK, and the US. My first question is for Acting Director Yoo Hyeon-seok of the Korea Creative Content Agency. Could you please tell our readers more about the significance of this event and how it benefits domestic content producers?
Yoo Hyeon-seok: Thank you for having me. The 2024 Series on Board event is a highly anticipated annual event that supports domestic content producers in expanding their overseas presence. This year, we successfully held the event in three different countries: Japan, the UK, and the US, providing opportunities for various domestic production companies to showcase their works and network with local industry experts. This allows them to create business opportunities, find potential partners for co-productions, and ultimately expand their global reach. By participating in such events, domestic content creators can learn about trends and preferences in different markets and adjust their strategies accordingly, ultimately increasing their chances of success in the global content industry.
My next question is for CEO Oh Eun-young of Eo Contents Group. As a participant in this year’s Series on Board, can you share your experience and insights on the benefits of this event? How do you think it can assist in the expansion of domestic content globally?
Oh Eun-young: Yes, of course. Participating in the 2024 Series on Board was a great opportunity for us to connect with industry leaders from around the world. The private IP pitching sessions were particularly valuable, as they provided a platform to discuss potential collaborations and business opportunities. Additionally, the networking events allowed us to learn about the latest trends and preferences in each country, which will be crucial for developing future content. I believe that events like this will play a significant role in expanding the global footprint of Korean content. By exposing domestic producers to international markets, they can gain valuable insights and form strategic partnerships that will help them reach a wider audience.
Moving on to Ross Lewis, head of overseas business at the British Broadcasting and Film Producers’ Association, could you share your thoughts on the popularity of Korean content in the UK and Europe? Have you seen any notable success stories in recent
