News Broadcasting
Kofic, MDA sign film cooperation deal
MUMBAI: The Korean Film Council (Kofic) has signed a co-operation agreement with the Media Development Authority (MDA) of Singapore.
The co-production agreement will contribute to the development and expansion of both the Korean and Singaporean media industries, further develop cultural exchanges across national boundaries and enhance relations between the two countries.
The two parties will collaborate in the field of film production under the Korea-Singapore Free Trade Agreement (KSFTA).
The first between the two countries to cover film, it will enable Kofic and the MDA to:
exchange information on production and the creative development of feature-length films, short films, animation, documentaries, experimental films, etc;
accord the highest importance to the preservation and promotion of cultural diversity in the fields of cinema;
encourage co-productions of films for theatrical release, television broadcast, as well as VCD and DVD releases;
identify, facilitate and link potential producers to participate in co-production projects;
support the distribution of co-produced films in each others territories;
share expertise and knowledge through training or attachment programmes and masterclasses;
identify international film festivals organised in each others territories for showcasing films from both countries.
MDA chairman Dr Tan Chin said, Under the KSFTA, the MDA will work closely with Korea to establish more co-production agreements in the different media sectors to strengthen the relationship between the two, as well as harness the potential offered by our media industries. For a start, the co-production agreement sealed today will pave the way for partnerships between Singaporean film-makers and their Korean counterparts.
In recent years, Han-ryu, or the Korean Wave, has not only hit countries in Asia, but also as far-reaching as America and Europe. The exportability of Korean content and its talent underscore the vibrancy and robustness of the creative sector in Korea. The Koreans have definitely made their mark in the global media industry.
Dr Tan also noted that Singapore, likewise, has scored some successes. Although relatively nascent, its recent Singapore-made films such as Eric Khoos Be With Me, Djinns Perth and the short film G-23 by Anthony Cheng, have not only travelled the international film festival circuits but also won accolades at various international platforms.
As one of the key thrusts of Media 21, the MDA encourages cooperation between Singaporean media companies and their overseas counterparts in the various sectors in a bid to internationalise the local industry. The agreement with Kofic is certainly the start of many opportunities for exchanges in ideas and expertise between film-makers and producers of both countries in the future. This is especially timely with the growing global demand for Asian content” he adds.
Kofic chairperson An Cheong-sook said, The Republic of Korea and Singapore have enjoyed a cordial relationship for some time, however exchanges between the two countries in the realm of cinema are just beginning. KOFIC and the MDA are now entrusted with the important task of leading this commencement. With the signing of a co-operation agreement between KOFIC and the MDA, Korean and Singaporean filmmakers will be able to efficiently make use of the support programs provided by both organizations, and then to functionally proceed with co-operative business.
The KSFTA was signed in August 2005. In January 2005, the Korean Broadcasting Commission also signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the MDA to co-operate in the field of broadcasting.
News Broadcasting
News18 India launches Command Centre war explainer with Arya
New show shifts from debates to decoding global conflicts and impacts
MUMBAI: News18 India has rolled out a new war-focused programme, Command Centre, featuring Gaurav Arya, as it looks to offer viewers a sharper, more grounded take on global conflicts amid rising tensions in West Asia.
Positioned as an “insider war room”, the show moves away from conventional panel debates and instead focuses on explaining military developments, decoding strategy and connecting global events to their everyday impact, from fuel prices to economic shifts.
The format leans heavily on visuals and data. The studio has been designed like a command hub, complete with large LED war maps, real-time graphics and an alert system to track developments as they unfold.
At the centre of it all is Arya, who brings his military background to simplify complex war strategies for viewers. His signature line, “Seedhi baat samjhiye”, anchors the show’s promise of clarity over noise.
News18 India managing editor Jyoti Kamal said, “Command Centre, featuring Major Gaurav Arya is designed to deliver accurate insights and a clear perspective on how evolving conflicts impact everyday life, from household budgets to national security. With expert voices analysing every development in real time, the show goes beyond headlines to decode what’s happening now, what it means, and what could come next.”
Echoing the intent, Gaurav Arya added, “In times of war, confusion is the biggest threat. With News18 India’s Command Centre, we are bringing viewers inside the war room, decoding strategies, tracking every escalation, and explaining, in the simplest terms, what it means for India and for every household. Seedhi baat samjhiye, this is where you understand not just what is happening, but what happens next.”
The weekday show will air in the afternoon slot and will also feature Gaurav Shukla, adding to its editorial depth.
With its mix of analysis, visuals and a clear focus on impact, the show reflects a broader shift in news consumption. Viewers are no longer just watching events unfold, they are looking to understand what those events mean for them.
