SINGAPORE : For the first time in Asia, a Chinese drama will be released to mobile phones even before it hits free-to-air TV or video.
MediaCorp Studios is spearheading the project, which will showcase popular Asian idols, including Singapore stars.
The Chinese 3G mobile drama will consist of 45 episodes, each only 2 minutes long.
It will be made available to 3G mobile users for periodic downloads.
Telco operator, M1, will be offering an exclusive preview of this 3G mobile drama from the middle of next year.
MediaCorp Studios is also in negotiations with regional telco operators to distribute this drama in Asia and beyond.
3G mobile portals in Singapore offer mainly music videos, movie trailers, news and sports video clips.
But this new initiative will add a new entertainment option for 3G mobile users.
Announcing this, Senior Minister of State for Information, Communication and the Arts, Dr Balaji Sadasivan, also revealed that other projects are in the pipeline.
He said the Media Development Authority will be inking a deal with Singapore animation studio, Peach Blossom Media, to produce seven animation series.
Dr Balaji said Singapore will also be home to a brand-new Asian Food Channel.
This pay-per-view service will start operation next year before heading to Hong Kong, Malaysia and Thailand. - CNA