APOS 2019: HOOQ eyes 100 new titles by year end
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Rebecca Hawkes
| 25 April 2019

Asian video-on-demand (VOD) service HOOQ is seeking a massive injection of local originals with 100 titles planned for production by the end of 2019.

To be produced across HOOQ territories, including Singapore, Indonesia, Philippines, Thailand and India, the titles will span content genres from horror to comedy, factual to lifestyle, the company said.

The first new region-wide release is BHAK, the inaugural winner of the first-ever HOOQ Filmmakers Guild. Inspired by real-life events, the dramedy from aspiring filmmakers Arjun Chatterjee and Shreyom Ghosh, BHAK is loosely based on their experience trying to break into the Bollywood film industry.

Among the other titles, Indonesia’s light hearted family drama Keluarga Badak will make its return to the over-the-top (OTT) video platform on May, with the second season of crime thriller Brata following by the end of the year.

“There is an increasing demand for high-quality entertainment in developing and emerging markets to tell the stories that resonate with those in the region. Whether it’s the latest local and regional stories, or Hollywood and international, we’re investing more to bring HOOQ users the most engaging storylines, immersive narratives and exemplary productions that will not only challenge conventions, but also captivate their attention and imagination. We are super excited to bring them even more shows and films that we’re sure they’ll love,” said Jennifer Batty, chief content officer of HOOQ.

The company - a Sony Pictures Entertainment, Warner Bros and SingTel joint venture - said it would also invest in creating more HOOQ Originals for its newly enhanced ‘freemium’ layer, which was recently rolled out across Southeast Asia.

At the ongoing APOS conference in Bali, HOOQ also unveiled Singaporean entry , She’s a Terrorist and I Love Her as the winner of the second HOOQ Filmmakers Guild programme. Created by Terence Chea and Haresh Tilani of the popular comedy brand, Ministry of Funny, She’s A Terrorist And I Love Her stars breakout actors from Singapore including Haresh Tilani, Alexis Sueann, Noah Yap, Farah Lola, Tiffany Gnanaraj and Jacky Ng.