Tag: Netflix

Singapore – Lexus Asia has announced their partnership with AR Asia Production to launch the gastronomy series ‘The Maverick Academy’ on Netflix. Said show is an innovative culinary competition that champions gastronomic talent in craft, and entrepreneurial spirit of aspiring chefs from across Asia. 

This marks the first partnership of its kind, where Lexus’ promise of creating experiences meets the artistry of culinary mastery, elevating luxury beyond vehicles. The show will air on November 8.

On the show, the contestants will be put to the ultimate test with exciting cooking challenges, fierce eliminations to showcase their cooking prowess, creativity, entrepreneurial potential and grit to survive The Maverick Academy. Each episode aims to uncover the sophistication of culinary craft that can transform a simple dish into an epicurean experience.

‘The Maverick Academy’ will be led by The Demon Chef Alvin Leung, and will see 8 contestants from the Philippines, Thailand, Indonesia, Myanmar, and Hong Kong vie for the top spot in the competition. The winner of The Maverick Academy will be granted an invaluable opportunity as Chef Alvin’s apprentice and business partner.

Moreover, the show will also star chef entrepreneurs in Thailand as judges like Chef Tam who received the 2024 MICHELIN Guide Young Chef Award, and Chef Ton who runs one of the most popular kitchens in Bangkok, Le Du. Also joining the lineup is celebrity chef Michael Bonacini, co-founder of one of Canada’s leading fine dining restaurant companies Oliver & Bonacini Restaurants.

For Lexus, the brand has been underpinned by the dedication to craftsmanship and its human-centred mindset, and been driven by the commitment to provide amazing experiences. 

“The very essence of these values are mirrored in The Maverick Academy, which advocates the continuous refinement of skills, the boldness to defy culinary norms, and the determination to stay true to one’s cultural and inspirational roots,” the brand said in a press statement.

Lexus is the first automotive brand to partner with AR Asia Production for ‘The Maverick Academy.’ This collaboration is a unique opportunity to showcase how Lexus’ commitment to craft translates across different fields.

Preston Tan, vice president of Lexus Asia, said, “This partnership is a celebration of craftsmanship and excellence, and we’re excited to be a part of The Maverick Academy. The show aptly demonstrates the ethos of Lexus – the blending of passion, innovation, and exceptional customer-centric focus to create unforgettable elevated experiences.” 

He added, “Just as Lexus crafts exceptional experiences, the chefs are creating amazing sensory experiences.”

Singapore – Global streaming platform Netflix has recently reported that they have closed deals with all major holding companies as well as independent agencies, with a 150% plus increase in upfront ad sales commitments over 2023, in line with their expectations. Upfront commitments include investments from all key categories like CPG, tech & entertainment, auto, QSR, and retail.

Netflix closed partnerships for a number of their upcoming films and series including fan-favourites ‘Squid Game,’ ‘Wednesday,’ ‘Outer Banks,’ ‘Happy Gilmore 2,’ ‘Ginny & Georgia,’ and ‘Love is Blind’ as well as deals around highly anticipated live events including WWE Raw, and the Christmas Day NFL games. 

A recent example of this commitment is for the third season of ‘Bridgerton’ where they secured multiple international on-screen title sponsors including Pure Leaf, Amazon Audible, Puig, Booking.com, Stella Artois, and Hilton.

They have also partnered with LVMH, COTY Gucci, Kaiku Caffee Latte, Aeromexico, Google, and Rakuten for the highly anticipated return of ‘Emily in Paris.’ 

“Over the last few months, we’ve hit great milestones for our ads business including closing another successful Upfront market, building and implementing an expanded programmatic suite, enhancing our global measurement capabilities, and securing impactful global ad campaigns,” Netflix said in a press statement.

Netflix’s expanded buying capabilities include allowing marketers to set up private 1:1 marketplace deals directly with Netflix through The Trade Desk, Google’s Display & Video 360, or Xandr. They are working to extend the capabilities across different buy types including programmatic guarantee in November.

Moreover, they have introduced Google’s Campaign Manager 360 and Innovid for impression verification and extended their existing DoubleVerify and Integral Ad Science relationship for fraud and viewability verification into programmatic channels. These solutions will then be available across all buying channels in October.

Netflix will also extend its campaign performance measurement suite into NielsenOne, Lucid (or Cint), EDO Inc., NCSolutions, Kantar, and Affinity Solutions for all buy types.

They have also partnered with clean room suppliers Snowflake, InfoSum, and LiveRamp to create a secure and privacy-safe environment for their members and advertisers. The Clean Rooms will allow advertisers to determine audience overlap, post-campaign reach and frequency, and last-touch attribution in a secure environment. Meanwhile, Snowflake Data Clean Rooms is available for partners today, and InfoSum and LiveRamp will launch in the coming months.

“We’ll continue to improve the Netflix ads plan to ensure our members are delighted by the experience while simultaneously creating solutions that deliver results for our marketers, putting brands at the centre of the best shows and films in the world, to a highly valuable and engaged audience,” Netflix concluded.

United States – Popular streaming platform Netflix has announced that they will be launching their in-house adtech platform by 2025, a move that will continue supporting the platform’s ad-supported plan.

For Netflix, this will give advertisers new ways to buy, new insights to leverage, and new ways to measure impact.

Amy Reinhard, president of advertising at Netflix, said, “Bringing our ad tech in-house will allow us to power the ads plan with the same level of excellence that’s made Netflix the leader in streaming technology today.”

Moreover, Netflix will also expand its buying capabilities to include The Trade Desk, Google’s Display & Video 360, and Magnite who will join Microsoft as the main programmatic partners for advertisers.

“We’re being incredibly strategic about how we present ads because we want our members to have a phenomenal experience. We conduct deep consumer research to make sure we stay ahead of the competition, bringing opportunities that are better for members and better for brands,” Reinhard added.

The announcement was made during Netflix’s Upfront presentation, where Reinhard walked advertisers through the continued growth and momentum of Netflix’s ad-supported plan, which now has 40 million global monthly active users — up from 5 million a year ago. She also stated that over 40% of all signups in the ads countries now come from the ads plan.

It is worth noting that 70% of Netflix’s ad-supported members watch for more than 10 hours a month — which is 15 percentage points higher than the nearest competitor, according to Nielsen. Netflix members also pay even more attention three hours into watching than they do when they first start. With this, they’re around twice as likely to respond to an ad compared to other streaming services and linear TV.

Bela Bajaria, chief content officer at Netflix, explained, “Our audiences are highly engaged — and by engaged I mean that they are choosing to spend their time watching Netflix. That’s important because engagement is the key to success in streaming. When people watch our shows and movies, they get more value from Netflix, they stick around longer, and they’re more likely to recommend us to their friends. And this matters to all of you because you want to be where the audiences are, too.” 

Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia – The Communications and Multimedia Content Forum of Malaysia (Content Forum) has rolled out its inaugural supplementary guideline, ‘The OCC Guidelines’ on updated best practices for online curated content service providers.

Developed through extensive collaboration among local and international industry leaders, the pioneer initiative is set to function as a self-regulation tool for online curated content (OCC) platforms.

The guidelines aim to emphasise and underscore Content Forum’s dedication to nurturing a dynamic creative content environment while ensuring compliance with Malaysian laws and regulations.

Content Forum’s ‘The OCC Guidelines’ will encompass national and public interest, racial and religious sensitivities, as well as improved accessibility standards for persons with disabilities.

Other than this, the guidelines will also cover key points such as content classifications allowing for informed viewing choices, safety features and advisory, consideration of underage viewers on content promotional materials, news contents that cover diverse perspectives and presentations, more accessible consumer feedback mechanisms, and open dialogues with relevant stakeholders.

The formation of the OCC Guidelines highlights how self-regulation can serve to elevate the industry further.

Mediha Mahmood, chief executive officer of the Content Forum, explained, “This guideline is designed as a supportive tool for both local and international service providers, enabling them to self-assess their programming quality and streamline compliance with Malaysian content standards. In line with our dedication to promoting self-regulation, we expect that these recommendations and best practices will further our ongoing mission to foster a creative, forward-thinking, and inclusive content industry.”

Also commenting on the guidelines, Euan Smith, group chief executive officer at ASTRO, said, “The dedication of the Content Forum and the Working Group underscores the power of industry cooperation in crafting meaningful guidelines.”

Echoing this sentiment, Zuraidah Mohd Yatim, general manager of regulatory affairs and intellectual property at Media Prima, shared, “The success of this collaborative policy-making process reflects the strength of industry unity in shaping responsible content practices.”

Also part of the collaborative effort, Clare Bloomfield, chief policy officer at the Asia Video Industry Association, commented, “AVIA has been a strong proponent of self-governance for online-curated content. We are honoured to have been a part of Content Forum’s collaborative effort to deliver this OCC approach for Malaysia.”

Meanwhile, Ruben Hattari, director of public policy for Southeast Asia at Netflix, also shared, “The collective effort behind this monumental task is a true reflection of Malaysia’s progressive mindset and is worthy to be emulated by other policymakers in the region.”

Singapore – With over one in three consumers subscribed to it, Netflix has emerged as the most popular streaming service in Singapore. In this latest data, market research company YouGov also indicated that the same platform encompasses the largest proportion of contented customers garnering an 83% average satisfaction rating.

Among the platforms, Disney+ is the next most popular, with one in six (17%) subscribers. Singtel TV and StarHub TV are also tied at the same level, with around one in ten consumers indicating they are subscribers. Amazon Prime Video, Viu and Apple TV+, on the other hand, were noted to have less than one in ten consumers subscribed.

Furthermore, consumer satisfaction is relatively higher, as Disney+ and Amazon Prime ranked the second highest satisfaction rates at 74% and 73%, respectively.  Viu’s rating also remains favourable with over two in three subscribers expressing their satisfaction. This percentage is higher than satisfaction with Apple TV+ (61%) and SingTel TV (60%) services, with around three-fifths of the way there. Over half of StarHub TV (56%) subscribers also said they are satisfied customers.

The data also revealed the factors affecting consumers’ willingness to pay for streaming or TV subscriptions. More than one-quarter cited these factors as not being TV watchers (28%) and finding the costs of streaming subscriptions too high (27%). Other common reasons include having difficulty finding what they want to watch (13%), poor viewing quality or experience (7%), and poor or no internet connection (6%).

Seoul, South Korea – Netflix and SK Broadband have entered into a new strategic partnership, aimed at providing better entertainment experiences to their customers. Following this, both companies have also withdrawn their previous lawsuits with one another, following SK Broadband’s case filed against Netflix back then whether content providers that generate large volumes of traffic should pay for network usage.

In a new statement, SK Telecom and SK Broadband aim to help customers enjoy Netflix shows and films on mobile devices and IPTV (B tv) with easier access and payment options. SK Telecom and SK Broadband will offer various price plans and products, including bundled packages.

Moreover, the two companies also plan to introduce services combined with Netflix’s ad-supported price plan to allow more customers to enjoy Netflix.

In addition to the partnership, SK Telecom and SK Broadband will explore opportunities with Netflix to leverage AI technologies developed by SK Telecom and SK Broadband, such as conversational UX and personalised recommendation technologies, to create better entertainment experiences for customers.

Choi Hwanseok, vice president of corporate strategy at SK Broadband, stated, “This strategic partnership with Netflix originates from the philosophy of SK Telecom and SK Broadband, where customer value is prioritized, and comes as part of our efforts to provide customers with an enhanced media service environment. We will continue to evolve into an AI company and work together with various players at home and abroad.”

Meanwhile, Tony Zameczkowski, vice president of APAC partnerships at Netflix, commented, “The partnership with SK Telecom, a leader in Korea’s telecommunication and innovative technology industries, holds special significance as it enables Netflix to enhance entertainment experiences for a broader Korean audience. Netflix is committed to creating and delivering the best stories to members in Korea and audiences worldwide, and we have high expectations for the journey ahead as partners serving our customers with SK Telecom and SK Broadband.”

SK Broadband previously filed a case against Netflix back in 2020 when the broadband company said that Netflix should be charged for excess network usasge following the surge of viewership from the popular South Korean series “Squid Game”. Netflix also fired right back at SK Broadband back then, saying that it has no obligation to pay network usage fees.

Seoul, South Korea – Popular streaming platform Netflix has announced that it has pledged US$2.5b in investment to South Korea’s entertainment scene, including the creation of films, series, and other unscripted shows for the next four years.

The announcement was made following a meeting with Netflix Co-CEO Ted Sarandos with South Korean president Yoon Suk Yeol following the latter’s ongoing state trip in the United States.

According to Sarandos, said investment is twice the company had previously pledged in the Korean market since they started service in Korea in 2016.

“We were able to make this decision because we have great confidence that the Korean creative industry will continue to tell great stories. We were also inspired by the President’s love and strong support for the Korean entertainment industry and fueling the Korean wave,” he said.

Sarandos also added that with the partnership, they will continue to grow with the local industry while sharing the joy of entertainment with Korean storytellers to their fans around the world.

“I have no doubt our investment will strengthen our long-term partnership with Korea and Korea’s creative ecosystem. We are deepening our partnership with the Korean creative industry, which has produced global hits such as ‘Squid Game’, ‘The Glory’, and ‘Physical:100’,” he concluded.

Bangkok, Thailand – In partnership with Wunderman Thompson and Netflix, one of the top sauce and canned food companies in Thailand, Roza, has co-created a film-to-kitchen sauce inspired by Netflix’s biggest Thai film called ‘Hunger’. The Roza Chef@Home special sauce was derived from the infamous ‘Cry Baby’ noodles featured in the film. 

‘Hunger’ tells the story of a young street-food cook named Aoy who runs her family’s battered stir-fried noodles restaurant. One day, she receives an invitation to join Team Hunger, Thailand’s No.1 luxury chef’s table team led by a famous chef. 

The movie gained epic attention on social media and topped Netflix’s trending movie lists in Thailand and in the world overnight.

“Roza Chef@Home Hunger sauce is a co-creation with Netflix to provide cooking convenience to consumers. With just one bottle of Roza Chef@Home, everybody can be a chef at home as we believe that gathering for mealtimes is the most valuable time for families,” said Khun Suwit Wangpattanamongkol, marketing director of Hi-Q Food Product Co Ltd.

Wangpattanamongkol added, “Our purpose at Roza is to be the food solutions company who fulfills the happiness of families. Having the opportunity to work with Netflix in this Hunger movie has been an enriching brand collaboration with this fresh and exciting concept. The output is a powerful one.”

Park Wannasiri, chief creative officer of Wunderman Thompson Thailand also said, “This collaboration took us a year to make happen, starting with R&D, to production line and distribution. From the entertainment world to your kitchen, Roza Chef@Home Hunger sauce is the next level of brand experience where anyone can satisfy their Hunger from screen to table in five minutes.”

Paris, France – Apparel and fashion brand Lacoste has teamed up with streaming service giant Netflix to release a new collection celebrating some of the extraordinary universes of the most beloved shows on the platform, including ‘Stranger Things’, ‘Bridgerton’, ‘Lupin’, ‘Money Heist’, ‘The Witcher’, ‘Sex Education’, ‘Shadow and Bone’ and ‘Elite’.

Starting April 12, the iconic Lacoste clothing — from polos and sweatshirts to tracksuits — has been reimagined from the ‘Upside Down’ of ‘Stranger Things to ‘Las Encinas’ high school of ‘Elite’, with the Lacoste crocodile dawning the costumes from these fan-favourite Netflix shows.

“We think products can be a powerful medium for storytelling and partnering with Lacoste presents a unique opportunity to blend the worlds of fashion and entertainment. This collection is a compelling and creative way for fans to express their love for our stories and characters,” said Josh Simon, VP of consumer products at Netflix. 

Catherine Spindler, Lacoste’s deputy CEO also commented, “We are delighted with this collaboration which has resulted in a unique encounter between our two worlds and two global references of creativity and innovation, both with an unparalleled power to bring together communities from all walks of life. The collection born from our collaboration is the embodiment of this powerful encounter, of our respective codes, influences and know-how.” 

As part of the collaboration, videos were also created featuring the Lacoste crocodile with the codes of the various Netflix shows.

Recently, Netflix has also tapped virtual reality (VR) experience company Sandbox VR to create a VR experience based on its popular South Korean drama series ‘Squid Game’.

Hong Kong – Netflix has tapped virtual reality (VR) experience company Sandbox VR to create a VR experience based on the popular South Korean drama series ‘Squid Game’, which has been the platform’s most popular series to date. It is set for release in the latter part of 2023.

In the VR experience, players are transported to iconic ‘Squid Game’ locations, where they become contestants in a variety of pulse-pounding challenges inspired by the Netflix series and compete against each other to be the last one standing. 

After each game session, players will receive personalised highlight videos capturing their in-game reactions and recapping how their very own ‘Squid Game’ story unfolded.

Steve Zhao, founder and CEO of Sandbox VR, said, “Our mission is to bring people closer together through world-class immersive experiences. What could be a more perfect fit than Squid Game, the most widely shared and discussed television series of the past years. It’s an amazing opportunity to partner with Netflix to provide these fans the chance to transport themselves into the world of the show.”

Sandbox VR currently boasts six proprietary experiences based on both exclusive licensing of well-loved Hollywood properties as well as their own unforgettable intellectual property. All Sandbox VR experiences are developed by an in-house AAA gaming studio led by game industry veterans and are specifically designed for groups to play as social experiences. 

Netflix has been doing several campaigns and outdoor activations to promote some of its series including Trese, All of Us Are Dead, Money Heist: Korea, Red Notice, amongst others.