MUMBAI: HOOQ, Asia’s largest video-on-demand service has today announced its commitment to developing no less than 100 new HOOQ Originals from an extensive range of content creators and filmmakers by the end of 2019.

To be produced across HOOQ territories, including Singapore, Indonesia, Philippines, Thailand and India, new HOOQ Originals will drastically expand upon HOOQ’s current library of original content, and will span the full spectrum of content genres - from horror to comedy, factual to lifestyle. Operating in such a diverse market, covering different tastes, cultural and social nuances, and languages, HOOQ aims to ensure that the broad range of consumers in the region have access to high-quality, engaging content, all in one place.

Since the launch of Critical Eleven in September 2017, the first-ever HOOQ Original from Indonesia, HOOQ Originals have amassed an impressive following, boasting great popularity across the region. Original content to date has enjoyed incredible support from HOOQ users, who are embracing more diverse storylines and more content from across the region.

Jennifer Batty, Chief Content Officer of HOOQ said, “There is an increasing demand for high-quality entertainment in developing and emerging markets to tell the stories that resonate with those in the region. Whether it’s the latest local and regional stories, or Hollywood and international, we’re investing more to bring HOOQ users the most engaging storylines, immersive narratives and exemplary productions that will not only challenge conventions, but also captivate their attention and imagination. We are super excited to bring them even more shows and films that we’re sure they’ll love.”

As well as developing content across genres, HOOQ will also invest in creating more HOOQ Originals for its newly enhanced “freemium” layer, which was recently rolled out across Southeast Asia and has rapidly grown in popularity. Through HOOQ’s deep understanding of consumers in Southeast Asia, HOOQ launched its freemium layer to offer consumers access to great entertainment via free channels on HOOQ, completely for free.

In addition to bringing more HOOQ Originals across the territories, HOOQ also announced the winner of the second HOOQ Filmmakers Guild programme. Singapore’s entry in the HOOQ Filmmakers Guild, She’s a Terrorist and I Love Her was the preferred choice by a panel of film and entertainment judges from across Southeast Asia including Mouly Surya from Indonesia, Manet Dayrit from the Philippines and Adisorn Tresirikasem from Thailand, as well HOOQ users across the region. She’s a Terrorist And I Love Her went up against four other pilots including, Klenix from Indonesia, Lucky Girl and Split Second from Thailand, and Babi! from Malaysia.

Created by Terence Chea and Haresh Tilani of the popular comedy brand, Ministry of Funny, She’s A Terrorist And I Love Her stars highly talented breakout actors from Singapore including Haresh Tilani, Alexis Sueann, Noah Yap, Farah Lola, Tiffany Gnanaraj and Jacky Ng.

Bryan Seah, Head of Original Productions, HOOQ said, “I am very excited to announce the winning entry of the second HOOQ Filmmakers Guild this year, and would like to thank all the filmmakers, production teams and judges who have been involved in this journey. The response from HOOQ users to this year’s Filmmaker’s Guild finalists has been incredible, and is a true testament to the abundance of creative talent in Asia. All five films delivered on the panache and ambition that we want to bring to every Original Production. HOOQ is committed to uncover the true gems of Asian filmmaking, and that’s why we are very pleased to helm a third season of the Guild. We look forward to elevating and working with, the best creatives in our region and producing more stories from Asia, for Asia.”

Taking inspiration from their own witty brand of comedy, Terence and Haresh’s, She’s A Terrorist And I Love Her is a dark comedy about a down-on-his-luck man who’s going through a number of personal and financial woes. Chased by a gang of millennial loan-sharks, he enters a sham marriage to make a “quick buck”, only to find out that his new “wife” is an extremist, hell-bent on wreaking havoc in Singapore. With true love as his only weapon, it’s a battle to win the “heart and mind” of his new “wife” to stop a potential terror attack and save himself from being “kaya-ed and fed to the fishes.”

A snapshot of new HOOQ Originals coming soon:

BHAK

To kick things off, on Tuesday, HOOQ announced the upcoming release of BHAK, the inaugural winner of the first-ever HOOQ Filmmakers Guild, launches on HOOQ across the region from today, with new episodes launching every Thursday.

Inspired by real-life events, the colorful dramedy from aspiring filmmakers Arjun Chatterjee and Shreyom Ghosh, BHAK is loosely based on their experience trying to break into the bowels of the Bollywood film industry.

BHAK tells the tale of two ambitious, young filmmakers who, after being rejected by Bollywood, decide to take matters into their own hands. From stalking a celeb (badly) to working on an adult film set, there’s nothing the boys won’t do to get their beloved film script made - leading to a vicious, hilarious roller-coaster ride of frustration, passion, betrayal, and the love of Indian cinema.

Availability: The first episode of BHAK is available on HOOQ now, with episode two launching on 25th April and new episodes premiering every Thursday.

No. of episodes: Season 1 has 8 episodes in total

Starring: Sreecharan Rachakonda, Akash Arora, and Priyanka Nath
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She’s A Terrorist And I Love Her

HOOQ also announced the winner of the second HOOQ Filmmakers Guild initiative at APOS, in Bali, Indonesia.

She’s A Terrorist And I Love Her

This year’s winning submission came from Singapore, titled She’s A Terrorist And I Love Her, was created by popular online comedy channel, Ministry of Funny’s Terence Chia and Haresh Tilani. The dark comedy revolves around a down-and-out man who enters a sham marriage for a quick payout, only to find that his beautiful "wife" is an extremist, hell-bent on wreaking havoc in Singapore. Can love and kaya conquer all?

As the winners of the initiative, both Terence and Haresh will be able to draw inspiration from some of HOOQ’s leading experts in the entertainment industry, to bring their creative visions to life.

Availability: Early 2020

No. of episodes: 8 episodes

Starring: Haresh Tilani, Alexis Sueann, Noah Yap, Farah Lola, Tiffany Gnanaraj and Jacky Ng
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Keluarga Badak

HOOQ will also be bringing back the ever popular Indonesian-made original series’, Keluarga Badak. Viewers will be able to enjoy light-hearted family drama, which takes a comedic spin on everyday Indonesian life.

This new season will be a special Ramadan event containing 30 daily episodes. Viewers can expect to enjoy more of the Badak family’s hilarious adventures as they bungle their way through a wedding anniversary, a family trip, and tackle their day-to-day worries and concerns with general silliness.

Availability: Launching May 6th onwards, with consecutive episodes premiering daily.

No. of episodes: 30 daily episodes

Starring: Reza Chandika, Gita Bhebita, Andre Bailing, Abiel Atan, Mala Barbie, Hifdzi Khoir
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Brata Season 2

Crime thriller smash hit Brata is back with more action, more thrills, and a lot more work for Agent Brata.

The second season will feature the troubled detective, Brata, as he continues his deep downward spiral into uncovering his dark past. Down and out and haunted by the death of his good friend, Brata will chase down new mysterious forces in the Indonesian crime underworld.

Availability: Late 2019

No. of episodes: 12
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HOOQ will continue to bring more HOOQ Originals and great licensed content across its territories over the course of the year, with more to be announced in the coming months.

As well as amping up Original content, HOOQ has also enhanced its freemium layer, now with 50 Free-to-Air channels available to HOOQ users in Indonesia, which includes GLOBAL, TVOne, RCTi and Channel NewsAsia, as well as others. It also expanded its freemium layer across Southeast Asia - to Singapore, Philippines and Thailand, with the inclusion of channels like FailArmy, People Are Awesome, Channel NewsAsia, CNN Philippines and Al Jazeera, with more on the way.

Key: Hooq, southeast asia, Brata Season 2, bhak, She’s A Terrorist And I Love Her,  

Keluarga Badak