In a press release earlier today (30 Jan), Mediacorp, Singapore’s largest content creator and national media network, announced that it has sealed separate subscription and content deals with over-the-top (OTT) platform HOOQ, a Singapore-based joint venture by Singtel, Sony Pictures Television, and Warner Bros.
Effective immediately, the full suite of HOOQ’s Subscription Video-on-Demand series and movies can be streamed on Mediacorp’s digital video destination, meWATCH.
Additionally, a curated catalogue of Mediacorp’s productions will be proffered on HOOQ, paving the path for cross-company content to be consumed by Mediacorp and HOOQ subscribers spanning multiple markets in Asia.
Hooked on HOOQ: Expanding meWATCH offerings by melding Mediacorp shows with Asian flicks and Hollywood hit
As part of the subscription deal, meWATCH is offering HOOQ as a monthly or annual package at S$5.98 and S$26.98 respectively.
Anil Nihalani, Head, Digital Products & Technology, Mediacorp said: “We are pleased to welcome HOOQ to meWATCH. HOOQ’s catalogue of TV series and movies will expand meWATCH’s ever- increasing catalogue of local, Asian, Hollywood and sporting content. HOOQ’s catalogue has been seamlessly integrated within meWATCH, providing an enriched experience for users.”
Unlike other app-in-app configurations that compel consumers to exit existing primary interfaces to activate their secondary apps, HOOQ is accessible within meWATCH for fuss-free multi-platform navigation. HOOQ subscribers on meWATCH may opt for the on-the-go convenience of consumption via commuter-friendly mobile devices, or hunker down for the experiential enjoyment bestowed by big-screen smart TV viewing from the comfort of their couches.
“This integration with meWATCH demonstrates HOOQ’s flexibility and commitment to deliver even more fresh and unique stories to our viewers across Asia. With like-minded partners like Mediacorp, HOOQ is able to reach an even wider audience across Singapore anytime, anywhere”, said Vishal Dembla, Chief Commercial Officer, HOOQ.
Subscribers of HOOQ on meWATCH can expect to enjoy a gamut of genres from HOOQ’s lauded line- up of premium programming. Titles include the internationally acclaimed Wet Season «热带雨» (2019), a HOOQ Original film by distinguished director Anthony Chen that explores an extramarital affair between a forlorn female teacher and a troubled teenager, for which Yeo Yann Yann bagged a Best Actress win at the 56th Golden Horse Awards.
Another HOOQ Original highlight is the Asian Academy Creative Awards 2019 Best Original Programme by a Streamer/OTT recipient She’s A Terrorist And I Love Her (2019). This eight-part dark comedy is centred on a cash-strapped man who enters a sham marriage for an easy payout, only to discover that his deceptive wife is an extremist bent on blowing herself up in a brutal attack on Singapore shores. HOOQ on meWATCH subscribers can also access the latest seasons of superhero sensations The Flash and Supergirl.
Introducing international audiences to a blockbuster buffet of multi-genre Mediacorp content
Meanwhile, 275 hours of Mediacorp content will be made available to over 80 million registered HOOQ users in the Philippines, Thailand, Indonesia, and Singapore.
Doreen Neo, Chief Content Officer, Mediacorp commented: “We are pleased to proffer our proudly ‘Made in Singapore’ content to cosmopolitan HOOQ consumers in the region. This alliance attests to the universal appeal and storytelling strength of Mediacorp productions.”
HOOQ audiences can anticipate being acquainted with the memorable Mediacorp era epic The Little Nyonya《小娘惹》(2008); diverse contemporary Chinese scripted series like the domestic dramedy Hero《大英雄》(2016) and the touching tales in the anthology series Love at Cavenagh Bridge《加文 纳桥的约定》(2018); plus vivacious variety fare like Deluxe-Licious《有何贵食》(2018) and Food Secrets《料理的秘密》(2019).
They can also enjoy an English entertainment experience composed of the compelling courtroom drama Code of Law seasons 3 and 4 (2015 and 2018) and supernatural suspense series Incredible Tales seasons 7 and 8 (2013 and 2017); as well as light-hearted lifestyle travelogues Miss Adventures (2016) and This Weekend (2019).
Jennifer Batty, Chief Content Officer, HOOQ noted: “For the past three years, we have seen a significant increase in the viewing of local and regional movies and TV shows across all our markets. HOOQ’s entertainment platform is made in Asia, for Asia.”
“We are excited about the addition of Mediacorp’s English and Chinese dramas and lifestyle programmes to HOOQ as well as the integration with meWATCH, and are confident that viewers across the region will enjoy HOOQ’s & content on the platform,” she added.
