Subscription video on demand (SVOD) has started to scale in Southeast Asia (SEA), with real consumption and monthly spend accruing to between three and four platforms in each market, according to research from Media Partners Asia (MPA) affiliated AMPD.

Censorship and regulatory issues have derailed China’s formats market somewhat, but the country remains able and willing to invest in big-budget adaptations and co-development, particularly as part of reciprocal international distribution arrangements. 

Indonesia leads Southeast Asian formats activity at the moment, with auditions opening this month for the new season of Indonesian Idol by Fremantle for RCTI, and the premiere on Monday (15 June) of the second season of Endemol Shine scripted format, The Bridge, by Malaysia’s Double Visi

HBO original series, Westworld, was way ahead of demand for video content in China for the week of 20-26 May, coming in 21.9% ahead of demand for the average TV show being measured in China by data science company Parrot Analytics. 

Broadcasters across Asia have resumed various levels of production following months of lockdowns and Covid-19 containment measures.

Long-running Korean titles swept TV show demand in Korea and travel/food played a major role in entertaining local audiences for the week of 6-12 May, according to data science company Parrot Analytics.