First of all , how would you access the rate of video and TV entertainment content consumption over OTT in Asia , and what is HOOQ ’ s strategy to address the OTT business in Asia ? Peter Bithos : There is no doubt on the year-on-year increase in video consumption on mobile . Given the proliferation of smart devices and the roll-out of 4G networks across South-east Asia in the past two years , it has given video content consumption on over-the-top ( OTT ) platforms more accessibility to the masses .

At HOOQ , our strategy to cracking the OTT business is twofold . From a content standpoint , we want to offer our subscribers the best of local and the best of Hollywood , and that is demonstrated in the wide catalogue of over 10,000 titles that we offer . Furthermore , as a service built in Asia , for Asia , we also want to tell stories that remind our broad base of subscribers of home , which is why we are now committed to expanding our original content offering .

From a business standpoint , we want to ensure that we stay ahead of the game by evolving to the changing needs of consumers in our key markets to offer more convenience and versatility .

The HOOQ Filmmakers

Guild was inaugurated to discover and support the wealth of Asian filmmaking talent in

South-east Asia , and serves as HOOQ ’ s avenue to give its “ subscribers stories from their home countries that are hardhitting , edgy and truly original ”.

Take , for example , the significant changes we are currently rolling out in Indonesia ( with the rest of the markets to follow suit ).

We now have a convenient one-day pack or 24-hour subscription format for those hesitant towards paying a monthly subscription , so people can now enjoy getting ‘ HOOQ ’ d ’ — one day at a time

We now offer live TV capability as a free value-add so that subscribers can enjoy the free-to-air channels in their country , in addition to our rich catalogue .

Besides offering a slew of original content , the HOOQ Filmmakers Guild was created to support aspiring filmmakers in South-east Asia . What was the driving force behind the decision to create the HOOQ Filmmakers Guild and how important is this initiative to the region ’ s content creation industry ? Bithos : In terms of our overall content strategy , we knew we wanted to expand into HOOQ Originals right from the get-go . While we are proud to bring new Hollywood Originals like the gritty crime drama , The Oath , and detective comedy , Carter , we want to stay mindful of our objective to give our subscribers Asian stories told

from an Asian perspective .

In order to have a strong foothold to tell Asian stories , it is also important to be an instrument to help accelerate the growth of the film industry in Asia . In order to ensure that the industry thrives , there must be businesses that are willing to purchase the content , but more importantly , there must be businesses that will invest in the future of filmmaking in South-east Asia .

It is a small industry and an even smaller entrance for young and aspiring filmmakers to step foot into this industry , hence the decision to do our small part to help discover new talent and hopefully fuel growth for the film industry through the introduction of the HOOQ Filmmakers Guild .

While discovering and supporting the wealth of Asian filmmaking talent in South-east Asia , the inaugural HOOQ Filmmakers Guild initiative was also our avenue to give our subscribers stories from their home countries that are hardhitting , edgy and truly original . Having showcased the six chosen pilots on HOOQ , we were blown away by the work produced by these talented filmmakers and are proud to see how well they have all been received by our audience during the judging period .

Now that India ’ s entry , Bhak , has been chosen by our judges and subscribers to become a full series to live on HOOQ this year , rest assured that we intend to continue this very special initiative . HOOQ Filmmakers Guild 2018 is currently open for entries until July 31 and , similar to last year , the five best scripts will be given US $ 30,000 to produce a pilot episode which will premiere on HOOQ .

In 2017 , we received more than 500 submissions from all of our key markets and , following the success of this initiative , we anticipate even more submissions this year . There is clearly a huge amount of untapped potential in Asia for more of these original stories and HOOQ is committed to producing more Asian Originals .

While more and more consumers now consume content over OTT platforms , there is also an ever-increasing number of options available to them . When do you see the number of OTT and VoD services reaching a saturation point , and what then , will be the key factors to entice and retain viewers ? For example , is live sports something that you are looking at ? Bithos : In our opinion , the number of OTT players have already reached its saturation point — any players thinking to enter the industry is way too late in the game . While the potential is great , it is a long investment in both technology and content ; hence , it is not a business that can come alive overnight . In fact , there is a higher chance that we start to see fewer players in the market in the coming one to two years and this has already started to happen

— Peter Bithos , CEO , HOOQ

in some markets .

In an increasingly competitive OTT and video-on-demand ( VoD ) space , the first ( and key ) factor in enticing and retaining viewers is content , which is why we are committed to strengthening our overall content offering on HOOQ through new Hollywood Originals like Carter and The Oath ( with many more to follow ) and more Asian Originals through strengthened content partnerships in Indonesia and initiatives such as the HOOQ Filmmakers Guild .

Secondly , it is important for us to keep evolving our business model so we can stay ahead of the competition and give our subscribers what they want , even as their behaviour changes over time . Through our Live TV offering , 24-hour subscription model , and data bundle with major telcos such as Telkomsel , we are proud to be moving in the right direction .