Amazon is about to launch localized versions of its Prime Video streaming platform in three Southeast Asian countries. Along with the business impulse, it is going to make latest investments in local content.
The service will start on Monday (August 1, 2022) in Thailand, the Philippines and Indonesia. After the seven-day free trial period, viewers will receive discounted introductory offers of IDR 59,000 (USD 3.98), THB 149 (USD 4.10) and PHP 149 (USD 2.69) monthly, valid until the tip of the yr.
Consumers in these countries could previously use Amazon for international online purchases, but Prime Video was not available through the Amazon Prime store membership program. In Southeast Asia, the Prime Video streaming service doesn’t even offer regional content selection or user interfaces similar to subtitles or localized user interfaces.
In Southeast Asia, Amazon Prime Video launched in 2016, but regional versions of the service have never offered the localized user interfaces, subtitles, and unique content selection typical of more advanced countries.
According to Amazon, Comedy Island’s situation comedy format shall be tailored to audiences in each country throughout the company’s debut shows in Southeast Asia. The series, which tells the story of local comedians and celebrities struggling to survive after being stranded on a tropical island, is scheduled to be ready in 2023.
Iqbaal Ramadhan, Chicco Kurniawan and Kiky Saputri in Indonesia; Mario Maurer in Thailand; and Anne Curtis within the Philippines will lead local marketing initiatives.
Development of various original products began in Thailand and Indonesia. These include the feature-length film “Seige At Thorn High” directed by Joko Anwar, which is currently being developed by Come & See Pictures. Four Color Films is working on the film “4 Seasons in Java”, scripted by Indonesian Kamila Andini.
Local Indonesian hits include: “Perfect Strangers” (available October 17), a remake of the Italian hit of the identical name, starring Vino G. Bastian, Adipati Dolken and Darius Sinathrya; “Ashiap Man” (from November 14), dir. Atta Halilintar; and the horror film “Kuntilanak 3” (from October 10), directed by Rizal Mantovani and starring Julie Estelle.
“Three Idiots and a Ghost,” based on the novel by Sal Kim and published by Wattpad with Jungka Bangkok, is currently filming in Thailand. Likewise, “How to Fake It in Bangkok” from Halo Productions, executive produced by Ananda Everingham, and “Metal Casket” from writer-director Banjong Pisanthanakun (“Snapshot,” “The Medium”) are also television series.
Thai highlights include: “The 100” (from December 12), a thriller set throughout the height of the pandemic, starring Mike Angelo; “The Up Rank” (from November 14), a coming-of-age drama thriller starring Krit Jeerapattananuwong; and “My True Friends: The Beginning,” an motion drama based on a real story set within the Eighties, starring Ryu Vachirawich and Nak Charlie Trairat.
The most significant movies from the Philippines include the drama “Big Night” by Jun Lana, the romance “How to Love Mr. Heartless” (premiering August 15) with Sue Ramirez within the fundamental role, and the surreal drama “Whether The Weather Is Fine” (premiering October 10), with starring Daniel Padilla.
At launch, the choice will include locally licensed content, well-known Korean movies and popular anime series.
For many viewers in Southeast Asia, Korean content is a top priority. The 2021 film “Toy Soldiers: Fake Men 2 The Complete” and the romantic comedy “Nothing Serious” (from August) shall be available on the web site.
The list can even include anime hit “Demon Slayer” and 2021 Japanese box office winner “Jujutsu Kaisen 0” (december 21).
Southeast Asia is a mosaic of cultures, languages and histories, and there has truly never been a greater time to be a content creator or content consumer on this region of the world, in response to Erika North, head of Asia-Pacific Originals, Prime Video, as quoted by The Hollywood Reporter. We are excited to bring the primary three local Amazon Originals, the fun world of Comedy Island, to customers in Indonesia, Thailand, the Philippines and in all places else.
Source: HollywoodReporter.com, Variety.com
