FIC sets up Singapore formats lab

Documentary producers in Singapore have been given a boost thanks to a new mentorship initiative from Fox International Channels (FIC) and the territory’s Media Development Authority (MDA).

Fox Formats Lab aims to cultivate local talent by offering Singaporean prodcos an opportunity to produce factual content under its mentorship. A total of S$6m (US$4.5m) is available in production development funding.

Initially, the project will see content created for the network’s flagship factual entertainment networks: National Geographic Channel (NGC), Nat Geo Wild and Nat Geo People.

The initiative will kick off with a production workshop in May, when invited Singapore registered production companies will be presented with a commissioning brief.

Interested parties can then submit show concept proposals based on the brief, for the opportunity to be selected to take part in a series of workshops hosted by experienced FIC executives and producers. The workshops are aimed at helping the participants develop their ideas into full production proposals.

The process culminates with select proposals being chosen to be developed and produced into documentary series for NGC, co-funded by FIC and the MDA.

“The Fox Formats Lab will not only provide a window into how channels operate and what drives our creative decisions, but will also result in new programming that will resonate with a global audience,” said Hamish Mykura, exec VP and head of international content for NGC International.