2024 WINNERS

Cycle

PRODUCTION COMPANY
Alan Sim

SINGAPORE

Detective Daji

PRODUCTION COMPANY
Organic Media Group

TAIWAN/UNITED STATES

Drawn In

PRODUCTION COMPANY
Big Meta Films

SOUTH KOREA

IMPORTANT DATES

Call for Entry: Sep 10, 2024

Deadline: Oct 22, 2024 (DEADLINE EXTENDED)

Selections: Oct 16 —Nov 8, 2024

Announcement of shortlisted finalists/participants: Mid-Nov, 2024

Live Pitch: Dec 5, 2024

FINALISTS

Be Yourself Truly

PRODUCTION COMPANY
Dennis Sim

SINGAPORE

Logline:

A coming of age story about Suzy who joins a new school and desires a fresh start with new friends. It goes remarkably well, when she discovers her “super power” which allows her to indulge in her love for food but yet maintain her slender and athletic physic, much to the envy of her newfound friends. However when she becomes consumed with her own appearance, a magical spell turns her super power into her possible downfall.

Synopsis:

New School, New Friends and a New Beginning. Suzy is looking forward to a fresh start but is nevertheless nervous about how she would fit into her new environment. She befriends Cindy, a confident go-getter who wants her to join the Cheerleading team. Suzy reluctantly agrees only because cheerleading practice falls on the only day in the week their lessons end early and in exchange, Cindy agrees to accompany Suzy to explore the different varieties of food options in Singapore’s suburban landscape. 

It is during their many culinary escapades that Cindy observes Suzy’s “superpower”. Despite her voluminous consumption of food, Suzy never shows any sign of weight gain. At cheerleading practice, her superpower and her willingness to dig in during post-practice meals, draw equal admiration from her male teammates and envy from her female teammates. She likes the attention and in particular the attention of a certain senior male team member. She never imagined that her new life would turn out this way. 

Her delight quickly turns to an obsession. She steals glances at her slender appearance afforded by her superpower. It was then she uncovers a newfound blemish, too prominent to ignore. A single strand of hair growing from the side of her face. Thick, unruly and hideous. It must have just grown because she had never seen it before. She later discovers that by removing that single strand of hair her superpower immediately vanished.  The impact was instantaneous. Her cheerleading outfit could no longer fit and her increased weight was immediately noticed by her teammates. Embarrassed she stays away from school only to find her hairy problem returning with a vengeance. Coincidentally, so did her superpower.  She realizes she is now forced to choose between retaining her superpower alongside her newfound blemish or remove the blemish, forgo her slender figure and possibly give up her place in the cheerleading team as well.


Cycle

PRODUCTION COMPANY
Alan Sim

SINGAPORE

Logline:

After finding refuge in a brutal, underground world where couriers compete on two wheels to win lucrative but mysterious job assignments, a broke and desperate ex-banker is forced to make a choice between money and ethics when he discovers the murderous nature of his work.

Synopsis:

Jeff, a wealthy money-grubbing banker, loses his wife to an unexplained suicide in Bangkok, and to compound his woes, gets arrested for financial crimes upon his return to Singapore.

Broke and desperate after his release, he returns to Bangkok in search of his daughter, who has moved there with MANDY, his sister-in-law. At his lowest, he discovers the fast world of Cycle, where couriers compete on two wheels to win mysterious, but lucrative job assignments.

And so begins the high-octave races under the Bangkok skyline, where gig workers fight to survive and earn a living in a highly competitive and unforgiving landscape. During a scuffle, Jeff catches a glimpse of what he’s delivering, and discovers a link between the item and his wife’s demise. Shocked, he checks and finds deaths in all the places he delivered to, and realizes he has been used as an accessory to murders, and his wife’s death may not be a simple suicide.

Thus begins his quest for redemption. To do that, he has to cycle again but faces a formidable adversary in SOMCHAL, a rival cyclist who gets in his way all the time, and CHAIYA, a relentless detective who’s on his tail. With Mandy’s help, he traces Cycle to EXIT, a pro-euthanasia group, who believes in the rights of Humans to die anytime they wish. Using only down-and-out ex-cons whose loyalty and compliance to them are guaranteed by their desperation, they deliver suicide-assisting pills to anyone who seeks them.

His action puts his daughter in danger. To save her, he’s forced to cycle again, but realizes the only way out is for him to make the ultimate sacrifice – taking the pills. He miraculously survives and flips the table on EXIT. Jeff, the money-grubbing, win at all cost banker, has learned what it means to love. On a journey to fight death, he will ironically discover how to live.


Detective Daji

PRODUCTION COMPANY
Organic Media Group

TAIWAN/UNITED STATES

Logline:

Murdered in the line of duty, Singaporean Police Force’s Detective Daji Su, gets a second chance at life when she’s resurrected by an ancient Fox Demon, 九尾狐, hell-bent on revenge and reclaiming her place in the demonic world.

Synopsis:

Detective Daji’s weekly criminal investigations play out against the interdependent relationship and battle between Detective Daji Su and a Fox-Demon who inhabits her body. Fox Daji endows Detective Daji Su with extraordinary powers and abilities, enhancing both her physical and investigative skills. This new self is observed in great detail by Dingo, Daji’s detective partner. Their relationship is strained because of their brief affair that ended badly. On the surface Dingo seems like an honest cop — but maybe not. His brother, Bo, was a member of Nam-Lo’s tong but disappeared during a bloody turf war. 

Adding to Daji’s challenges, Fox-Daji has her own agenda.  Betrayed by the Gods and cursed for the downfall of the Shang Dynasty, Fox- Daji’s salvation comes from locating a 3,000-year-old relic, the proof that she believes will exonerate her.  Anything or anyone that stands in her way of achieving this goal—dies. Horribly. That includes anyone Daji Su is investigating—or working with. With every criminal case Daji Su investigates, Fox Daji needs to replenish her ch’i in order to sustain them both.  She needs to feed—on humans.  But Daji Su’s a cop—charged with protecting life—not taking it.  But what’s a few dead criminals matter when you’re charged with saving the world?


Don't Speak With Her

PRODUCTION COMPANY
True CJ Creations Co., Ltd.

THAILAND

Logline: 

In a relentless pursuit of vengeance, ONE WOMAN sacrifices everything, even her child's life, to poison everyone before her secret plan is revealed.

Synopsis:

"Don’t Speak with Her" is a gripping series that delves into the influence of netizens and social media on criminal cases. It portrays how digital sleuths and their conspiracy theories can turn lives upside down. When Aoi, a criminal suspect, is exposed online as the murderer of her so-called “friends,” she quickly becomes the target of relentless attacks from attention-seekers and online mobs. Some witnesses insist on their false testimonies, determined to stick to their stories even when they knowingly lie.

Aoi, cornered and desperate, tries to fight back. She attempts to turn the tide by making counter-accusations, falsely implicating the witnesses in her crimes. Despite having murdered 14 people, Aoi fails to instill fear in the unrelenting "keyboard warriors." Ironically, it is her attackers, consumed by their pursuit of justice, who begin to descend into moral corruption and villainy.

Eventually, Aoi escapes, consumed by a burning desire for revenge against the mob that shattered her life. She commits a horrifying crime—killing her unborn child while in prison to manipulate societal sympathy. Upon her release, she embarks on a calculated, cold-blooded mission to hunt down and punish those who spread false information or gave misleading testimonies against her.

In a world where social media increasingly exposes alleged wrongdoings, this story serves as a chilling reflection on the darker side of online justice. It captures the frustration of those who cheer for the underdog, only to witness how easily the pursuit of truth can spiral into chaos, leaving behind devastation and questions of morality.


Drawn In

PRODUCTION COMPANY
Big Meta Films

SOUTH KOREA

Logline:

A shy but talented teenage artist with the ability to turn her drawings into reality must decide whether to use her power for personal gain or to help her friends.

Synopsis:

Haemi, a talented but withdrawn art student at an international school discovers a hidden ability: her drawings can come to life. Initially thrilled, she uses this newfound power to fulfill small desires for herself and her friends, Amy and Bora. However, as her reputation grows, so does the pressure to use her ability for more significant gains, such as winning a prestigious art competition to secure a place in her dream college.

As Haemi navigates the ethical implications of her power, she encounters jealousy, betrayal, and the dark consequences of manipulating reality. As she uses her gift to alter outcomes, the lines between her imaginary world and reality begin to blur. She grapples with the idea that her ability might not be a gift but a curse, leading her to question her own morals and the true nature of her talent.

Torn between using her power for personal gain and helping her friends solve their social or family problems, Haemi must ultimately decide whether to prioritize her own ambitions or the well-being of others. Her friends, Amy and Bora, offer unwavering support and encouragement, even as Haemi struggles with the moral dilemmas her power presents.

Meanwhile, a classmate named Harry becomes obsessed with Haemi's ability and attempts to steal it for his own gain. He manipulates Haemi's classmates and tries to undermine her confidence, hoping to exploit her vulnerability. Despite Harry's attempts to sabotage her, Haemi remains determined to use her power responsibly and for the greater good.

In the end, Haemi discovers that life has its own plans for her. Impaired from the overuse of her unique power, it isn’t until she reaches a point of desperation that she is forced to think outside of the box and ultimately create her most unique work of art. But with these hardships come lessons. Instead of using her power for self-serving purposes, she reserves it for helping her best friend Amy’s parents get back together. She learns that true fulfillment lies not in using her power for selfish purposes, but in embracing her artistic abilities and using them to create something truly meaningful. She discovers that her greatest strength lies in her newfound ability to challenge herself and to use her strength to help her friends when they need her.

JUDGES

Indra Suharjono
Co-Founder & Director
I.E. Entertainment Pte. Ltd.

Zainir Aminullah 
Founder
Revolution Media

Virginia Lim
Chief Content Officer
Mediacorp

WHAT IS THE ATF x MEDIACORP DRAMA CONCEPTS & CO-PRODUCTION PITCH?

The ATF x Mediacorp Drama Concepts & Co-production Pitch invites global creators to present their concepts for new and original scripted formats for a co-development/co-production opportunity with Mediacorp TV Singapore Pte Ltd (“Mediacorp”), Singapore's national media network and largest content creator. This event is jointly organised by RX, the official organiser of the Asia TV Forum & Market 2024 (ATF) tradeshow, and Mediacorp (“Organisers”). Onsite events will take place at ATF in Singapore on December 3—6, 2024. 

WHAT WE ARE LOOKING FOR

We are on the hunt for the next big drama hit that can set new trends in content across the world, with the potential to travel internationally. We will focus on stand-out, scripted format ideas that are fresh, new, innovative, entertaining, but with broad appeal as well.

Who should apply:

  1. Scriptwriters (individuals of any nationality) who are at least 16 years of age as of the date of the submission of his/her application, provided that any individuals below 18 years of age shall be required to obtain the consent of their parent or legal guardian prior to submitting an application.
  2. Production companies & platforms (excluding any entities or businesses registered in Singapore)

ELIGIBILITY

  • Only new ideas/concepts for scripted formats are eligible. Submissions must not have been used for any past production(s) in any manner (whether publicly released or not), and must be free from any encumbrances. 
  • Submission applicant (“Applicant”) can be the IP’s Founder, Owner, Creator, Writer, Director, Producer or Executive-in-Charge, but must be available to represent the IP if chosen for the ATF x Mediacorp Drama Concepts & Co-production Pitch 2024.

PRIZE

  • Winner:  S$10,000 cash
  • Winner concepts will have the opportunity to be considered for co-development and/or co-production into a drama in one of languages (Chinese, English, Malay, Tamil, to be determined by Mediacorp). The terms of any such co-development and/or co-production opportunities will be shared with all finalists prior to the Live Pitch. 

GENERAL SUBMISSION PROCESS

  • Prepare your submission materials for each concept in ONE combined document or visual deck.
  • There is no fee to enter. Each applicant may submit only up to 5 IPs/concepts.
  • Only completed applications will be assessed.
  • Please ensure that all information is filled up and submitted for every concept that is submitted, and that all contact details are current and accurate, as we may need to contact you.
  • Please ensure that each concept clearly labelled and submitted in a separate file if more than one concept is submitted within the same application.
  • There is no limit to the number of pages to the submission, but brevity will be appreciated.
  • Please submit your entries in English.  You may also include additional information in your own native language. 

SUBMISSION GUIDELINES

Each project to be submitted in ONE combined document or visual deck. Submitted project(s) must address (labelled clearly) the following:

  1. Title / Genre
  2. Country / region
  3. No. of episode (required between 10 to 20 episodes) / Duration
  4. Logline
  5. Unique Selling Point
  6. Target audience
  7. Synopsis
  8. Main characters’ profile
  9. Company/Writer’s profile
  10. Producer/Writer’s photo (optional)

For submissions by companies, please include the following additional information:

  1. Total production budget (optional)
  2. Current Status (E.g. Concept development in progress, Script development in progress, Script completed, Looking for investment)   

There is no limit to the number of pages to the submission.

Incomplete submissions will not be evaluated. 

NOTES

  • Concepts with a fuller base of creative materials and presentations (deck, visuals, synopses, character bios, storyboards, character designs etc) and attached elements (directors, writers, co-producers, production companies, distribution, actors, financing partners etc.) will be assessed more favourably.
  • By submitting their project and all relevant information (“Submitted Information”) to the  ATF x Mediacorp Drama Concepts & Co-production Pitch 2024,  each Applicant grants, and on behalf of all other individuals listed in the submission, (i) grant the Organisers access to the Submitted Information for the purposes of evaluating and shortlisting the final projects; and (ii) the right to reproduce, publish and use the Submitted Information as it deems fit for marketing and publicity purposes or any other purposes in connection with the  ATF x Mediacorp Drama Concepts & Co-production Pitch 2024.  

ABOUT MEDIACORP

Mediacorp is Singapore’s national media network and largest content creator. Its purpose is to create engaging and trusted content, as well as to connect communities and inspire people. Mediacorp engages over three million people in Singapore daily across four languages on its digital platforms including mewatch, melisten and CNA.asia, six TV channels and 11 radio stations. Beyond Singapore, Mediacorp also has a growing international audience through CNA and content distributed across markets.

With a focus on nurturing talent and growing the sector, the company is committed to investing in nation-wide initiatives like Star Search, Anugerah, Yaar Antha Star and SPOP, commissioning a wide variety of work from local content creators, and collaborating with institutes of higher learning. As Singapore’s first local Multi-Channel Network in partnership with YouTube, Mediacorp is also committed to developing a network of digital content creators.

For advertisers, Mediacorp has partnered industry-leading brands like ESPN, Mothership, Singapore Tatler, theAsianparent, VICE, YouTube and 99.co to form the Mediacorp Digital Network in offering more effective content-driven solutions.

Mediacorp is the recipient of industry accolades including New York Festivals, World Media Festivals, PromaxBDA (World and Asia) and Asian Academy Creative Awards.

For more information, please visit mediacorp.sg.

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