iflix looks to boost originals

Malaysia-based SVoD service iflix plans to quadruple its original programming by commissioning more than 50 new titles over the coming year.

Mark Francis

By the end of 2019, iflix has committed to at least 12 original television series and 30 movies, as well as new programming centred on sports and music.

The announcement was made by global director of original programming Mark Francis, who said “pushing boundaries both through the creative process and challenging the status quo in local programming” was at the centre of the originals strategy.

The streamer’s original programming launched in 2017 and has seen rapid growth throughout 2018.

It commissioned its first original comedy special in February, and linked up with Asian publisher Coconuts Media to create Coconuts TV, a six-part series focusing on idiosyncratic stories from South-East Asia.

Last month, the service partnered with web storytelling platform Wattpad to produce original films based on Wattpad stories from Indonesia. Speaking to C21 at the time, Wattpad Studios chief Aron Levitz hinted that there might be an option to expand the partnership into TV series.

“The 2019 slate will tackle new challenges, including scaling success in markets where the talent pool is still shallow,” Francis said. “We will continue to explore new genres, capitalise on unpredictability and take calculated risks. We see combining outstanding local formats, top local talent and leveraging on local knowledge and creativity as the key to creating truly unique content in each market. This game is part witchcraft, part chemistry.”