As the first year of MJ Global Communications (MGC) comes to a close, we wish to thank all our clients and supporters.  We’re pleased to share some of our highlights and look forward to a bright and expansive 2013. Happy holidays to everyone!

MGC was instrumental in leveraging our network to broker high-level meetings for Conduit executives with major tv and film studio executives at MIPCOM this year in anticipation of the launch of their game-changing social internet browser.

Also at MIPCOM, we secured several placements for GRB Entertainment in major entertainment trade publications including Variety, THR, C21 Media, VideoAge and the MIPCOM daily. Increased visibility at the market supported GRB’s sale of programs for international distribution.

Enlight Media based in Beijing, China is on the rise by producing top shows with stellar ratings such as “Clash of the Choirs” and “The X Factor.” MGC is proud to play a critical role in raising the visibility of the company and its President Harry Su in Western markets. Trades: C21, Content Asia, World Screen News, MIPCOM Daily, Video Age.

On behalf of Indiantelevision.com, MGC secured photo placement and interviews with numerous media outlets to raise U.S. visibility for talented Indian television actress Prerna Wanvari. Prerna presented at the International Emmy awards, attended by over 1,000 global industry in New York City. In addition, MGC provided digital public relations services including social media and personal branding services for the actress.

MGC was thrilled to handle marketing and communications for the International Radio Festival of Zurich for both the 3rd edition of the Festival as well as coordinating press and social media outreach for the first annual “IRF Search for the Best US College Radio DJ”.   MGC worked closely with the IRF to establish a dynamic Advisory Board, as well as secure sponsorship with iBiquity’s HD Radio.   

In collaboration with The Format People, we are pleased to be working with Mongol TV, raising its global awareness of the emerging channel, and its President Nomin Chinbat, through press interviews, stories and speaking engagements.  

MGC is successful due to great team effort. We look forward to partnering with our clients in the coming year to help them reach and exceed their business goals.

ATF report: The Asian entertainment market is poised to make a big mark in the global entertainment playing field and in the very near future. The biggest observation was the vast activity and positive attitude of the region both towards Western programming and its creators as well as enthusiasm by the West for the opening for growth into the region. 

Korea was showcasing its entertainment programs, not only exporting its popular dramas in the region and beyond, but now with the global popularity of K-Pop (who can resist the mass appeal of Girls Generation and  Gangnam Style recently made youtube history ) more light entertainment is also being reviewed internationally. This buzz was heard around the market as well as during the conferences. "The Running Man" is Korea's own Format and is number one in the country and is now expanding around the region.

Several western and Latin companies were present from at A+E, Fox International, Disney, FremantleMedia, ECBS, Televisa, Globo, GRB and others. They are keeping their eyes on not only Korea and China but also the emerging media landscapes of Mongolia, Vietnam, Cambodia, Thailand, Malaysia and Myanmar. The political, technical and economical statuses of those countries are changing to allow for investment into and out of these countries.

A+E just announced they are assuming 100-percent ownership of the Singapore-based joint venture it set up with Malaysia's Astro to roll out its pay-TV brands across Southeast Asia.  Astro will continue to carry HISTORY, Crime & Investigation Network and BIO in Malaysia and Brunei following A+E taking full control of AETN All Asia Networks, the joint venture established in 2007. In addition, A+E is establishing a regional production partnership with Astro.

One of the quickest ways for Western TV to get a foothold in the territory is to  localize already established Formats such as "X Factor," and "Clash of the Choirs" (seen not only in China but expanding throughout the region) and these shows are airing to high ratings. Enlight Media, the largest independent Chinese production company just announced its highest rating (2.4 of 10) for its premiere of the 2nd season of "Clash of the Choirs" on CCTV-1, representing millions of viewers. There is now a very strong competition among Chinese broadcasters to acquire the top formats, and as such, western Format distributors are now enjoying three times the price from just a year ago. The number one format in China is "The Voice"

Another way Western brands are getting into the space is with innovative entertainment models such as branded entertainment and social media entertainment models. Social media has proven to be a crucial component to drive awareness and consumer engagement in the region for programs and brands. This is evidenced by both increased viewership and product adoption. LiquidThread (Starcom Mediavest Group) in Hong Kong showed examples of branded content via webisodes of "Miss Puff’s Hourglass" who started online and is migrating to television after a strong campaign. They are working with companies like P & G and M & M Mars to reach even deeper into China and the region. As an entree into the region, brands are inserting themselves into existing as well as newly created programming.

Even though there is still a strong concern from the West about piracy, it is being somewhat overridden by the vast opportunity to be involved in the area. Eastern TV companies are hiring western producers to learn their production skills, business policies and practices.  The smart ones see the advantages of growing a better business reputation, whether it be to establish itself for the future to sell their own Formats and programs (and its experienced producers to train them) or to acquire the best existing programming (Formats) and be first among their own countries' competitors. They are beginning to understand the credibility issues and are hiring global media consultants to advise and train their executives on how to play nicely in the global field. The Format People, led by Michel Rodrigue, are infiltrating the region with their expertise he number of viewers in the region is staggering to the West, many would be happy with just a fraction of the Chinese viewers.

The ATF has grown since I first attended 12 years ago at the Sentosa Hotel with just 600 attendees (most from nearby countries, the market is now at 4K (up 14% over last year) taking place at the modern Sands Convention Center. I anticipate an ever growing presence in the coming years as the West competes more for media market share. Personally MGC is pleased to be able to reach into the region with our clients Mongol TV and Enlight Media China. We are excited to be in discussion with potential partners from Singapore and Vietnam.