EBS Well-Made Documentary ‘Singers – Laugh and Cry with the Times’ Press Conference
EBS Documentary [Korea Travelogue : Life Is a Road Movie] Watching Guide
EBS announced the Journey Through Canada, a Winter Wonderland Part 4. Seeing the Aurora, Yellowknife
EBS announced the Journey Through Canada, a Winter Wonderland Part 3. Lake Louise a Romantic Winter Lake
EBS announced the Journey Through Canada, a Winter Wonderland Part 2.Canmore and Jasper, Deep in the Rockies
EBS announced the Journey Through Canada, a Winter Wonderland Part 1. Banff, the Winter of the Rockies
EBS Documentary 'Themes Around the World-Journey through Canada, a Winter Wonderland' Preview
Gourmet trip in Asia - watching on EBS Documentary
EBS mathematics documentaries enjoyable to watch again
Conversation with YouTube Creators #8 - YouTube Startup
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A+E Networks Korea Market Launching Press Conference
On October 12, A+E Networks officially announced its entry into the Korean market and the launching of two content brands, 'History' and 'Lifetime', at the press conference held at the Four Seasons Hotel in Seoul, Jongro-gu, Seoul. A+E introduced the plan to meet consumers in all directions from TV, digital platform to offline in domestic market launching. Founded in 1984 as a joint venture between Disney and Hearst in the US, A+E is a global media group with operations in more than 200 countries and has more than 80 TV channels around the world, including History, Lifetime and A+E. History and Lifetime, which will be launched in Korea, are planned to meet with Korean consumers in all directions from TV, digital platform to offline. TV has already secured more than 20 million households nationwide through all the platforms including three IPTV companies, cable TV and satellite broadcasting. On Digital, contents will be presented through major platforms such as YouTube, Naver TV, Facebook, Instagram, and GomTV, and an offline experience space is also prepared. In the production of contents, it plans to show various reality and variety shows starting from the hip-hop humanities program 'The Reader', in which ten famous hip hop musicians are participating. In addition, by forming strategic partnerships with iHQ for format development and co-investment, A+E will be working on the production, sales and distribution projects for Korea and the world market, and IHQ will produce and broadcast various real variety formats that A+E has into the contents aiming at Korea media trends. Along with this, all the contents produced in Korea will be broadcasted simultaneously in Southeast Asia and contribute to the global expansion of Korean contents. ▲ Sean Cohan, president of international and digital media for A+E Networks Sean Cohan, president of international and digital media for A+E Networks, introduced about A+E that founded in 1984 as a joint venture between Disney and Hearst in the US, A+E is a global media group with operations in more than 200 countries and has more than 80 TV channels around the world, including History, Lifetime and A+E, and 330 million subscribers worldwide. Also, he cited the content, especially 'storytelling' as the strength of A+E, and this led to the growth as the original brand. He added that it already has acquired over 15,000 hours of content libraries and it produces 1,400 hours of content every year. A+E is creating a global masterpiece TV series such as Six, Knightfall, and UnReal through 'A+E Studio' in contents production. Furthermore, it is investing strategically in its first-person media 'Viceland' and social media content specialist studio '45th&DEAN'. Meanwhile, in Korea, it will increase strategic investment both directly and indirectly, acquire two channel PPs, and re-launch them as 'history' and 'lifetime' brands. Through this, it will deliver the brands to 20 million households in Korea. A+E is also working with Korean production companies to develop content and looking forward to a great synergy with the ability of partners such as iHQ and A+E's storytelling capabilities. It is said that Korea is a digitally innovated country, so A+E sees it as a good place to show digital vision. In particular, it is emphasized that a significant position in overseas market entry strategy is securing partners who can achieve synergy. Likewise, in case of entry into the Korean market, securing partnerships that can be helpful each other is important. In addition, A+E is considering learning and trying new things over expanding to vision's digital activities in the future, as well as reflecting on other markets, through entry into the Korean market. ▲ So Yeong-seon, president of A+E Networks Korea ▲ A+E aims to become a cultural content brand that transcends digital, online, and offline beyond TV. So Yeong-seon, president of A+E Networks Korea, introduced about A+E Networks that it can be expressed as a 'content company' although it has a variety of characteristics such as media group and digital platform. She explained that A+E is a global media group that has reached over 200 countries around the world with its accumulated storytelling ability. It produces more than 1,400 hours of original content per year through 'A+E Studio'. In Korea, it is hoped to grow into a culture, entertainment, and content brand that transcends TV, based on its experience in the global market. A+E is introduced that it will officially launch its 'History' and 'Lifetime' brands in Korea, and it aims become a cultural content brand that goes beyond TV, as well as both online and offline. Among them, TV has secured more than 20 million households nationwide through all the platforms including three IPTV companies, cable TV, and satellite broadcasting. On Digital, contents will be presented through major platforms such as YouTube, NaverTV, Facebook, Instagram, and GomTV without a time gap from TV. In addition, it will organize a space for experiencing large brand offline, and a variety of online and offline campaigns starting with the large-scale room escape game convention "History Room Escape Con". It will also invest in the production of original content for the domestic market as well as launching. A+E plans to show a variety of reality and variety shows such as "The Reader", a hip-hop humanities program in which 10 famous hip-hop musicians talk about their lives, and "Malsool Club", a humanities entertainment with Korean traditional alcoholic drinks. Moreover, it will form a strategic partnership for format development and co-investment production, and carry out production, sales and distribution projects aimed at Korea and the world market with iHQ. Two of these works to be shown in Korea will be introduced as early as the end of this year. Meanwhile, A+E became one of the top three largest shareholder of iHQ through strategic investment in March. iHQ will produce and broadcast a variety of real variety formats that A+E possesses in accordance with the Korean media trend. The production for "Man Vs. Child", a cooking competition between children, who have talent in cooking, and professional chefs, and "Alone", a survival real variety of wild life that has been on air for up to the present season 4 and has become popular worldwide, are planned. Besides, A+E will dramatize a Webtoon, "The Best Time to Quit the Company", with SK Broadband, and show "Idol Mom", an observation entertainment that depicts the competition and stories of children and mothers dreaming of idol stars with SM Entertainment. Especially, all contents produced in Korea will be broadcasted simultaneously in all Southeast Asian countries including Hong Kong, Singapore, Thailand, and Indonesia, and expected to contribute to the advancement of Korean contents into the global market. It will carry out a continuous investment to produce worldwide contents that are distributed to Southeast Asia and other countries around the world. ▲ History changes its positioning to a younger audience of 25-45 men and an entertaining characteristic. ▲ Lifetime also targets 25-45 female viewers, characterizing the entertainment for younger audiences. History is aimed at 25- to 45-year-old male viewers and will show various kinds of blockbusters series, extra-large documentary, real variety, and humanities arts under the slogan 'Knowledge Enter' brand. In addition, various brand activities will be conducted for viewers who desire for humanistic knowledge contents. Especially, from October 13, A+E is going to conduct an offline convention "History Room Escape Con" with a scale of 2,300m^2. It is a form to naturally acquire history contents and related knowledge while enjoying escape con. In addition, a variety of online and offline campaigns are organized to implement "knowing is fun". As History's Korean self-produced program, "The Reader," the hip-hop humanities program in which Korean representative rappers read their own rap lyrics to tell their lives and values in rap, is scheduled to air in October. In addition, scheduled to air in November, "Malsool Club", the humanities arts program that looks at the world with alcohol, will have talks about various culture contained in alcohol when traveling to find our traditional alcohol drinks. The reality program "Alone", a self-documentary film about human being living alone in extreme nature, is scheduled to be produced in 2017. With a plan to grow into an entertainment brand that talks about women's potential and inner beauty under the slogan "Pleasure to find me", the women's content brand "Lifetime" will present global entertainment variety program that will bring up social issues and fun at the same time and high-quality drama line-ups targeting 25-45 year old women, who are sensitive to trends and cherish their daily lives. Furthermore, actor Kim Yoo-jung is selected as a brand ambassador, and A+E plans to launch a variety of online and offline campaigns such as "Try 100 times", an experiment project that enjoys the challenge itself, and "Interview with 100 Korean women who deserve to be praised". As the self-produced program of Lifetime, the drama "The Best Time to Quit the Company", based on the story of Webtoon with the same title that drew the story of the main character working in a small business, is scheduled to air in November. Moreover, the reality program "Idol Mom", similar to the format of "Dance Mom", is planned to cooperate with SM Entertainment in 2017 with the story of the children dreaming about idol stars and the mothers watching them. Apart from them, the reality program "Man vs. Child" is planned to be produced in 2017 by children talented in cooking and professional chefs.
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Amazon to Adapt J.R.R. Tolkien’s Globally Renowned Fantasy Novels, The Lord of the Rings, for Television with a Multi Season Production Commitment
Amazon today announced it has acquired the global television rights to The Lord of the Rings, based on the celebrated fantasy novels by J.R.R. Tolkien, with a multi-season commitment. The upcoming Amazon Prime Original will be produced by Amazon Studios in cooperation with the Tolkien Estate and Trust, HarperCollins and New Line Cinema, a division of Warner Bros. Entertainment. “The Lord of the Rings is a cultural phenomenon that has captured the imagination of generations of fans through literature and the big screen,” said Sharon Tal Yguado, Head of Scripted Series, Amazon Studios. “We are honored to be working with the Tolkien Estate and Trust, HarperCollins and New Line on this exciting collaboration for television and are thrilled to be taking The Lord of the Rings fans on a new epic journey in Middle Earth.” “We are delighted that Amazon, with its longstanding commitment to literature, is the home of the first-ever multi-season television series for The Lord of the Rings,” said Matt Galsor, a representative for the Tolkien Estate and Trust and HarperCollins. “Sharon and the team at Amazon Studios have exceptional ideas to bring to the screen previously unexplored stories based on J.R.R. Tolkien’s original writings.” Set in Middle Earth, the television adaptation will explore new storylines preceding J.R.R. Tolkien’s The Fellowship of the Ring. The deal includes a potential additional spin-off series. A world-renowned literary work, and winner of the International Fantasy Award and Prometheus Hall of Fame Award, The Lord of the Rings novels were named Amazon customers’ favorite book of the millennium in 1999 and Britain’s best-loved novel of all time in BBC’s The Big Read in 2003. Its theatrical adaptations, from New Line Cinema and Director Peter Jackson, earned a combined gross of nearly $6 billion worldwide. With an all-star cast that included Elijah Wood, Viggo Mortensen, Ian McKellen, Liv Tyler, Sean Astin and Orlando Bloom, The Lord of the Rings trilogy garnered a combined 17 Academy Awards, including Best Picture. The upcoming Amazon Prime Original will be available for Prime members to stream and enjoy using the Amazon Prime Video app for TVs, connected devices including Amazon Fire TV, and mobile devices, or online with other Amazon Prime Originals online at Amazon.com/originals, at no additional cost to their membership. Eligible customers who are not already Prime members can sign up for a free trial at www.amazon.com/prime. For a list of all Amazon Prime Video compatible devices, visit www.amazon.com/howtostream. The series will be a global release for members to watch via the Prime Video app or online at PrimeVideo.com in more than 200 countries and territories.
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LG Uplus U+tv YouTube Kids Service Announcement Press Conference
On August 30, LG Uplus announced that it will introduce 'YouTube Kids' service as an Android TV version in the IPTV child service platform 'U+tv Kids Country' through a press conference at LG Uplus Yongsan office in Yongsan-gu, Seoul. This service was introduced as the world's first example of providing YouTube Kids service in IPTV environment. 'YouTube Kids', a child-centric app, categorized contents to make them easier for children and infants to search, and by providing block and allow function of channels and contents, it allowed parents with young children to protect their children from harmful contents. Especially, videos in foreign language are expected to help language education, and they will make it possible to have an interest in foreign language naturally by singing, dancing, playing with, and meeting popular characters. Meanwhile, LG Uplus announced it will continue to offer services such as "voice search function," which allows children who can not read to find videos they want. Apart from YouTube Kids, LG Uplus also unveiled IPTV child service platform, 'U+tv Kids Country'. At U+tv Kids Country, you can easily access popular character contents or YouTube channels recommended by parents with gifted children, childcare experts, child psychologists, etc., with a hotkey on the remote control. It provides an optimized UI for parents and children so that they can use infants content in one-stop. Customers who have the U+tv UHD, soundbar, woofer set-top can use U+tv Kids Country without any additional charge, while U+tv set-top customers are required to change to U+tv UHD2 set-top for using the service. ▲ Choi Joo-sik, Vice President of LG Uplus FC(Future and Converged) Division ▲ Don Anderson, General Director of Family and Learning Partnership at YouTube Asia Pacific Choi Joo-sik, Vice President of LG Uplus FC(Future and Converged) Division said that, in cooperation with Google, the world's first Android TV version of 'YouTube Kids' is provided in IPTV environment so that it is easily accessible with pressing the button once. In addition, he also added that 'U+tv Kids Country,' an child service platform composed of new contents and functions focused on childcares, such as children talking to their parents with one button and teachers reading books, is officially presented at the conference. Don Anderson, General Director of Family and Learning Partnership at YouTube Asia Pacific, said that there has been an overall shift in both distribution and consumption of children's content, and within YouTube, the family entertainment segment is the fastest growing category. He also added that 'YouTube Kids' was newly imagined for families and kids, developed by 'parents' in YouTube. Previously, it was provided through free apps on smartphones and tablets, but now it has expanded to LG Uplus's IPTV platform. YouTube Kids aimed to improve the YouTube experience for children and their families, provide a safe and enjoyable environment for them, and target children aged 3 to 10 years. Today, the service is available in 35 countries and 7 local languages, and it will be expanded further. It became a popular app for 11 million users every week. He added that the total number of views over the next two years after the release has exceeded 30 billion. Moreover, in the "YouTube Kids" app, the role of the parent is also important, and it provides easy-to-set instructions for parents to start the app for the first time. ▲ YouTube Kids is now available in 35 countries and 7 local languages. ▲ Representative contents for each category are familiar to everyone. YouTube Kids consists of four categories including program, music, learning, and exploring to make massive content accessible to children's diverse interests and make easy and simple to access. Through algorithms and proper management, it is introduced that only appropriate contents to children are provided. Children can choose their own videos via YouTube Kids, which allows for active media consumption, and this stands out in the learning and browsing categories. Moreover, as well as a variety of content from famous studios from various countries, original contents such as learning or following children's song are provided. The 'Learning' section is also one of the largely growing areas on YouTube, and it has been shown that YouTube receives 500 million views of learning content every day. More than one million learning-related video contents are uploaded and shared every day around the world, with more than half of the uploaded videos being uploaded outside the United States. What's more, YouTube has made it easier to access these content via a channel only for learning, and in September the contents with English learning in YouTube Kids will be enhanced. Meanwhile, YouTube Kids offers a variety of tools and permissions for parents. "Search settings" allows parents to watch videos that are appropriate for their children, or they can restrict search to access only some content. In addition, they can report or block harmful videos, creating an optimized viewing experience for children. In addition, YouTube Kids emphasized that it makes their families closer by exploring, enjoying and learning in an easy and fun way. ▲ Jung Dae-yoon, taking charge of LG Uplus Home, Media Products Division ▲ YouTube kids is considered to be the core content of 'Kids Country' Jung Dae-yoon, taking charge of LG Uplus Home, Media Products Division, mentioned high spending on education compared to GDP, working parents and parenting by grandparents as recent domestic trends. Therefore, parents have 'sorriness' to their children, and grandparents have 'difficulties' in adapting to the new environment in their parenting process. Experts pointed out that a requirement for 'good TV for children' is a content that can help develop emotions and curiosity, less stimulate, and have rhythm and repetition. Desirable methods of watching TV for children are "active watch," moving the body and being active while watching TV, and "sympathy and conversation," talking with parents while watching. He also explained that watching television should be a social promise between parents and children, as well as managing the appropriate time and frequency to create the right watching habits. He introduced that LG Uplus has a variety of functions and contents that can meet these needs in the IPTV child service platform 'U+tv Kids Country'. The core content of the U+tv Kids Country is 'YouTube Kids', and you can easily access popular character contents or YouTube channels recommended by parents with gifted children, childcare experts, child psychologists, etc., with a hotkey on the remote control. It provides an optimized UI for parents and children so that they can use infants content in one-stop. In addition, good contents of YouTube Kids can be enjoyed in multiple languages, enabling parents to solve their concerns about how to nurture their children's foreign languages and other habits and use without worrying about harmful content and advertisements. ▲ 'Book Reading TV' is a content that reads carefully selected children's books. ▲ Watching management made children voluntarily follow by using cute characters. In addition to YouTube Kids, U+tv Kids Country has introduced differentiated content and features tailored to the Korean market. First of all, with carefully selected children's books among the bookstores' bestselling books and the books from the three children's book awards, 'Book Reading TV' was introduced as a content that reads children's books by a professional storytelling teacher with realizing illustrations of the book and moving pictures. In addition, the 'TV Phone Play' allows to make video calls with parents through the remote control of the TV, to communicate with character friends, and to make popular characters follow the child's words. In aspect of content provision, there is 'Recommendation of Teachers' that suggests contents classified into children's emotional development and situation by children's psychologists. Busy working parents, novice parents, and grandparents who care for their children, such as those who are not accustomed to child care, have also been able to correctly shape their child's lifestyle through recommended content. Besides, 'Character', which presents children's favorite characters in both images and letters, helps communication between parents, grandparents and children. In addition, specialized functions such as the eye protection mode, which is verified with Korean Ophthalmological Society, and the 'watching management' function with the bear are also provided. With regard to U+tv Kids Country, which will be release from September 1, customers who have the U+tv UHD, soundbar, woofer set-top can use U+tv Kids Country without any additional charge. U+tv set-top customers are required to change to U+tv UHD2 set-top for using the service, which is introduced to be the aspect of ensuring the minimum environment for running the app on the 'Android TV' platform. In addition, U+tv Kids Country have been recognized worldwide for excellence of the design of the entire UX (user experience) and dedicated remote control at the Red Dot Design Award and IDEA (International Design Excellence Award).
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National Geographic Celebrates Historic Solar Eclipse with a full day of coverage
As millions of people across the country are gearing up for the first total solar eclipse to cross the U.S. in nearly a century, National Geographic is offering a full day of coverage, including live commentary from science experts on the ground and stunning visuals, to help people witness this remarkable event. National Geographic has created a number of original resources to enhance viewers' experience and convey the extraordinary nature of this event, including a solar eclipse hub, a 101 video explainer, a detailed map of the path of totality across the U.S. and more. In addition, National Geographic has teamed up with Airbnb to provide live coast to coast coverage of the eclipse starting the night before the event where two National Geographic Explorers will host a live digital broadcast from a Airbnb Geodesic Dome in Terrebonne, Oregon. Internationally recognized scholar and astrophysicist Dr. Jedidah Isler and acclaimed National Geographic photographer and science journalist Babak Tafreshi will discuss the science behind the eclipse and answer viewers' questions in anticipation of the next day's historic event. The live coverage will continue the next day as the total solar eclipse begins its path across the US. Viewers will hear from National Geographic experts stationed along the path of totality, see stunning photos, and be among the first to see the eclipse as it reaches the continental US. Hosting the broadcast will be award-winning science communicator, journalist and podcaster Cara Santa Maria. She will be joined by Former International Space Station and National Geographic author of View from Above Terry Virts. Viewers will have the opportunity to have their questions answered during the broadcast by using #NatGeoEclipse. National Geographic science experts and explorers stationed throughout the country as part of the broadcast and available for interviews include: Andrew Fazekas from Isle of Palm, South Carolina and Victoria Jaggard from Sweetwater, Tennessee. The live coverage will broadcast over Facebook Live, Twitter via Periscope, and on YouTube beginning at 10 p.m. EST/7 p.m. PST on August 20th and 9:30 a.m. PT/12:30 p.m. ET on August 21st. National Geographic and Airbnb are also offering one lucky winner and a guest a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to sleep under the stars in the outskirts of Bend, Oregon before taking flight the morning of August 21 to be among the first to witness the solar eclipse before it crosses the US. Guests will interact with Dr. Jedidah Islerand and Babak Tafreshi during their stay.
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EBS New Concept Nature Documentary 'This Is Wild' Program Presentation
On April 24, EBS (CEO Woo Jong-beom) held a new program presentation at Koreana Hotel in Seoul, and announced that the nature documentary 'This Is Wild', claiming a new genre, will be first broadcast on Sunday, April 30, at 9:05 pm. After its first broadcast, it will be broadcasted on EBS1 channel every Sunday at 9:05 pm. Unlike the existing nature documentaries that contain moments from the birth to the death of the ecosystem, it is a new type of nature documentary that shows the changing of nature at every moment without any adjustment, every week at the same time through more than one year of production period. Through this, the program contains images of eagle owl, night owl as well as other wild animals living in Korea so that it becomes possible to meet people and wildlife living together at the same time at home. Also, unlike the existing nature documentary that only observes the ecology of the wild, this program combines a nature documentary with a human documentary and is produced in a new form that is created by people and wildlife. ▲ A presentation was held with Kim Guk-jin, Son Yeon-jae and Son Seung-woo PD. The program vividly delivers stories occurred during the production process of the documentary, exploring the wilderness with ecology beginners, Kim Guk-jin and Son Yeon-jae, and touch-and-go moments that can be only met at production sites. It tries to deliver a little but important fact that wild and nature are alive near people, not far away from the cities. Announcing retirement after 17 years of a career as a gymnast, Son Yeon-jae is now standing at her second life. To her, who only thought about gymnastics, going to and from only gym and home, 'This Is Wild' is the first challenge except for gymnastics. She says she wants to find the answer to life through the wild. However, the wild is not easy. From the first day of the wild, the cliffside course is unfolded in front of her. It is a series of dangerous moments every time she took a step. In the end, the production team recommends to give up due to safety problems, but she challenges by saying “once I started the work, I want to finish it until the end.” And that evening, she opens her mind to Guk-jin who asked of the first day’s impressions in the wild. ▲ There is a comment that a broadcaster Kim Guk-jin led the filming site with his experience, knowledge and athletic ability. ▲ The interest from the site to Son Yeon-jae, who debuts as a broadcaster after retirement from gymnastic, was high. Kim Guk-jin is an entertainer ranging over various broadcasting genres from drama to entertainment. To him, the wild was nostalgic about childhood. His eyes shine on the story of the various wildlife from hare to snake that he saw in his hometown. His new challenge to meet nature near once again will begin. When he arrived at the wild, Guk-jin feels everything new and amazing. From a small birdsong to a tree, the secret of the wild is hidden. Learning about the nature one by one and dreaming of 'Wild Master Guk,' he has no difficulty in tough hiking, but he finds something unexpected and his eyes are moistened. In addition, the reverse charm of Son Yeon-jae, who was thought to be an ecology beginner, was added. She guessed the right names of the birds with the fallen feathers as well as the birds passed by in the blink of an eye. Even her sense is scary, as she modestly replied, "I just guessed well," to Guk-jin's lavished praise from Dr. Son, Detective Son to Brilliant Son. The unpredictable wildlife story of Kim Guk-jin and Son Yeon-jae begins now. Meanwhile, Kim Guk-jin and Son Yeon-jae challenged the first mission in the wild, "Find the Eagle Owl". And only a piece of ecology map was given to them to find the eagle owl. In the process of finding the eagle owls, they discover the wildlife that they can see in the present time, and they learn the realities of the eagle owl that they have never known. However, the wild was tough to humans. The eagle owls were breathing near people, but they were living between the rock walls of the mountain cliffs. Jumped into the wild to find an eagle owl, Guk-jin and Yeon-jae have to climb up the 90-degree rocky cliff. There is no place to put their feet on the rocky wall. It is a dangerous situation as once they miss a step, they might fall under a cliff. The production team dissuades them to give up if they think dangerous, but they continue the challenge. ▲ EBS's new documentary format and its potential are the points that can not be missed. PD Son Seung-woo talked about the intention of casting that "I thought it would be better with a man and woman. If comparing a man to the nature, I hoped to have the feeling of a big tree, and in the case of a woman, I thought about the composition of florescence. The reason is that we can look at nature sturdy, and the look itself resembles nature. I thought that it would be such a feeling, so I casted them." And, "As everyone knows, Son Yeon-jae has such a feeling originally, and as Kim Guk-jin has actually confirmed it, he has a sense of prudence and weight unlike his image as an entertainer. I could feel it more than I expected after filming." He also said, "I am glad that both of them are safe after the first film. There is a situation that can be dangerous to both of them, so I hoped the shoot finishes safely. Both of them are ecology beginners. They have never lived in contact with nature, but I would like them to become ecology experts and eco-sensitive people at the end of the program from ecology beginners." At the end, he added that "Currently, it is planned to be a 12-episode program for this season. I hope that the filming in spring and summer go well, and, by extension, the program for autumn and winter and even for overseas. I hope to go with Son Yeon-jae and Kim Guk-jin."
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EBS Public Health Project, ‘Ah! Sunday - Miracle Running’ Press Conference
EBS (President Woo Jong-beom) held a press conference on January 16 at Koreana Hotel in Seoul, and announced the first broadcast of ‘Ah! Sunday - Miracle Running’ on January 22, which is a health project for modern people experiencing warning signals about their health due to irregular, westernized eating habits, excessive stress and lack of exercise. 'Ah! Sunday - Miracle Running' is a program that shows final 16 challengers restoring the mind and body through a 7-week training camp and challenging a 10km course in the marathon event co-hosted by EBS and Korea Marathon Association. From January 22, it is possible to watch the program every Sunday at 9:05 pm through EBS1. It is consisted of total six episodes, which will be broadcasted every Sunday at 9:05 pm from January 22 to February 26. ▲ Lee Cheon-soo, Kim Sook, Cheong-ha, Oh Sang-jin, and Kim Dong-yeol PD (from left to right) attended to introduce the program. The hot topics for modern people living experiencing warning signals about their health due to irregular, westernized eating habits, excessive stress and lack of exercise are the health and diet. What would be the best method to kill two birds, the health and diet, with one stone? The answer is ‘running,’ the best exercise God has ever done. Through regular ‘running’, it is possible to maximize the power of the body organs as well as strengthening muscular strength of the whole body. In addition, it is the most economical, the best diet method without yoyo, and the best exercise for mental health such as dementia prevention and stress relief. Among about one thousand applicants, the final 16 challengers were selected after the screening and selection match. Feeling abnormalities about their health due to obesity and mental stress, the challengers aim to complete 10km course in the marathon event co-hosted by EBS and Korea Marathon Association by recovering physical and mental health through basic physical strength training, running training and healthy diet for the 7 weeks of the training period. From a challenger who shows signs of depression and interpersonal avoidance to a challenger who has resigned to his workplace and a challenger who put his restaurant on sale to participate in 'Miracle Running,' the greatest challenge and healthy change for their health will be presented. On the other hand, Baek Yeong-gwang, an individualistic actor who attracted the attention of viewers as a manager of Lee Sang-min in the entertainment program, was selected as one of the final 16 people through the selection match. He expressed his aspiration to change himself, who is taking roles like ‘gangster’ and ‘village fool’ due to his appearance. The 16 challengers with various stories and journey of healthy change will be revealed. ▲ The chemistry of 4 MCs, Lee Cheon-soo, Kim Sook, I.O.I Cheong-ha, and Oh Sang-jin, is announced as a main attraction. The four individualistic MCs will present fresh entertainment by creating unique chemistry as MCs of EBS public health project, ‘Ah! Sunday - Miracle Running.’ Kim Sook, Oh Sang-jin, Lee Cheon-soo, and I.O.I Cheong-ha will team up with challengers and experience health management methods and weight loss secrets that match each team’s characteristics together. As well as cheering for the challenge, they will also be actively engaged as friendly and warm-hearted MCs and supporters that were never seen in any health program. Even a running exercise that anyone can easily practice is not easy for challengers due to health reasons. So, Health Avengers’ Corps of ‘Ah! Sunday - Miracle Running’ will appear to help their health care and diet and make dreams come true. Doctor's Corps, consisting of Kim Joon-bae, Kim Si-wan, Park Sang-joon, and Choi Bo-yoon, will check the health status of the challengers and suggest characteristic diet methods for each team. The 2015 Musclemania World Championship 1st place trainer Choi Sung-wook team will take charge of basic physical exercise and diet management for weight loss. And, the special support of an Olympic gold medalist and Korea's marathoner Lee Bong-joo and customized running class by Kwon Eun-ju, Park Byeong-gwon, who was on the national team, will be presented. Thus, the performance of the Health Avengers' Corps, changing lives of the 16 challengers, can be confirmed through broadcasting. On the other hand, challengers, who are tired of limited diet and repetitive exercises, eventually abscond and secretly buy things that they should not eat. In the end, some of them drop out. However, the friendship between the challengers with ardent minds and wills shines in this unpredictable situation, and they become another family to each other after leaving their family, creating a touching human story. ▲ The seven-week camp of 16 challengers and the positive impact that their healthy changes will have on public health are already expected. (Photo courtesy: EBS)
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Preview of Netflix New Original Series 'Lemony Snicket's A Series of Unfortunate Events'
Netflix held a preview of a new original series, ‘Lemony Snicket’s A Series of Unfortunate Events,’ at Deahan Cinema in Chungmuro, Seoul, on January 16. This new original series is based on world’s bestseller children’s literature series written by Daniel Handler, and features eight episodes. ‘Lemony Snicket’s A Series of Unfortunate Events' is based on Daniel Handler's fantasy series, which had become a bestseller that was selected by New York Times for 600 weeks, and broken Harry Potter’s record. It is drawing a story of suddenly orphaned Baudelaire family’s three brothers and sisters, Violet, Klaus, Sunny and Count Olaf, the evil guardian who tries to steal heritage by any means. In this series, the story of each episode is based on the half of the novel so that viewers can feel the details in the rapid development. Consisting of total eight episodes, ‘Lemony Snicket’s A Series of Unfortunate Events' was produced by Daniel Handler, the author of the book, and Barry Sonnenfeld, Emmy award winner. Neil Patrick Harris turned into an unfeeling evil villain, and Patrick Warburton appears as Lemony Snicket. Malina Weissman, Louis Hynes, and Presley Smith were casted for Baudelaire family’s three brothers and sisters. ▲ From the beginning, this story blusters, 'It is not always a happy ending'. (Photo courtesy: Netflix) ‘Lemony Snicket’s A Series of Unfortunate Events' draws turbulent life of Baudelaire family’s three brothers and sisters, Violet, Klaus and Sunny, who lost their parents in a sudden fire. And, Lemony Snicket (Patrick Warburton), who leads the narration of the series warns "This story is terrible, depressing, and unhappy." In this work, which consists of an hour of eight episodes, each episode deals with about half of the novel so that it does not lose detail as well as developing rapidly. The Baudelaire family's three brothers and sisters are left to suspicious distant relative Count Olaf. Count Olaf is a wicked person with a black spirit trying to steal the legacy of the three brothers and sisters. Even though various schemes turned out failure and his dark intention is revealed, he does not give up and constantly harass children. While the three brothers and sisters avoid Count Olaf’s threats of all sorts of trickery, the story continues by seeking hidden clues about their parents’ deaths. Daniel Handler, the author of the book, and Barry Sonnenfeld, Emmy award winner, were executive producers of ‘Lemony Snicket’s A Series of Unfortunate Events', and Rose Lam and Emily Fox were its co-producers. In addition, the settings such as the ‘Miserable Mill’, Count Olaf's mansion, and the ‘Reptile Room’, filled with Uncle Monty's snakes, could be expressed more vividly due to a team of set designers, costume and prop experts. ▲ Along with the intense performance of Neil Patrick Harris, a unique storytelling also attracts attention. (Photo courtesy: Netflix) The main role of this series is Neil Patrick Harris, who is an actor, singer and TV show host. Especially in his work, he has become various figures in various episodes, including Uncle Monty's assistant Stephano, Captain Sham, and receptionist Shirley, in addition to a two-and-a-half hour of makeup for a vicious Count Olaf role with sharp nose. Moreover, Lemony Snicket, who leads the narration of the series, is played by Patrick Warburton and he plays a role in telling stories from a future perspective in all stories. Through this work, Malina Weissman, the oldest child of the three Baudelaire children, met again with Barry Sonnenfeld, who directed ‘Nine Lives’, her feature family comedy movie. Klaus Baudelaire was played by Louis Hynes, and the youngest child, Sunny, was casted by Presley Smith. In the case of Presley, it is introduced that the character was reproduced by computer graphics or some facial parts were replaced, but sometimes she was really acting. A clumsy banker Mr. Poe, who manages the legacy of the Baudelaire children, is played by K. Todd Freeman. He wants to help the children, but unlike his intentions, he hands over the children to the hands of evil guardians, and he continues to fall into Count Olaf's traps. Besides, as guest appearances, Joan Cusack plays Justice Strauss, Alfre Woodard plays scary Aunt Josephine, Catherine O'Hara plays vicious optometrist Dr. Orwell, and Aasif Mandvi plays Uncle Monty. Don Johnson and Rhys Darby made surprise appearances. ▲ ‘Lemony Snicket’s A Series of Unfortunate Events' will be opened on January 13 and seen in Korea. (Photo courtesy: Netflix)
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MBC Every1 / MBC Music ‘Star Show 360’ First Broadcast Celebrating Press Conference
The new variety show of MBC Every1 / MBC Music, ‘Star Show 360,’ is first broadcasted on September 19, at 11:10 p.m. Accordingly, before the first broadcast, MBC Music held the press conference in CGV Yeouido, Seoul, on September 19, at 11:00 a.m., and expressed its ambitions with the casts. ‘Star Show 360’ is a star’s solo variety show where a star opens his/her story that was hard to be heard in various forms such as talk, show, drama, or conte. The best stars will present the best show with talk, which digs into the star’s image from onstage to offstage from various angles, the new performance, which was never seen before, and conte, which can appeal the star’s hidden charms or talents in entertainment. Tak Jae-hoon, working about most energetically in the popular entertainment program as MC after 3 years of gap, and Lee Teuk, one of the most famous entertainment-idol and a leader of Super Junior, are in one team. As the two MCs have outstanding sociability and great entertainment talents in both K-pop world and entertainment world, there is much attraction towards what synergy will be created from their combination. ▲ The first broadcast of ‘Star Show 360,’ which sheds new light on the stars with various forms like talk, show, drama or conte, is drawing near. ▲ As ‘Star Show 360’ challenges various forms with 5MCs-system, it is expected to be a new epoch of the entertainment program. Comedian Lee Yong-jin, Yang Sae-chan and Kim So-hye, a member of idol group ‘I.O.I’, are the regular panels of ‘Star Show 360.’ Lee Yong-jin and Yang Sae-chan will not only present lots of laughter with witty words and inspired performance at many conte corners, but also work as an entertainment mentor who can bring out star’s potential entertainment talents. Kim So-hye will show special chemistry with 2MCs, Tak Jae-hoon and Lee Teuk, while hosting a talk corner. She is expected to capture viewers with her unique girlish and cute attraction by playing attractive role in conte. Meanwhile, the first guest of ‘Star Show 360’ will be EXO as the whole team of 9 members. On the first broadcast, EXO will communicate with fans and open EXO members’ various images and attractions without any adjustments through ‘Star Show 360.’ ‘Star Show 360’ is positioned as a star variety show, and scheduled regularly on every Monday. The program will be first broadcasted on September 19, Monday, at 11:10 p.m. on MBC Every1/MBC Music/MBC Dramanet at the same time. ▲ Part Chan-uk PD’s ‘Star Show 360’ will show the new approach to a star. ▲ EXO as a whole team is the main guest of the first broadcast of ‘Star Show 360,’ which has been the major issue since its teaser.
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SkyTV Brand Program Production Press Conference
SkyTV held ‘skyTV brand program production press conference’ at Seoul Stanford Hotel on September 9, and opened the contents of extensive reorganizations for strengthening sky Drama channel’s product competitiveness and channel brand identity. With its own entertainment programs, ‘In and Out,’ ‘Beautysky,’ ‘Mismatch,’ sky Drama will present sky Drama’s exclusive specialized programs such as ‘the American version of Grandpas Over Flowers,’ ‘The Strain,’ to local viewers. Also, by implementing the concept of separate time zone to channel’s schedules, skyTV will provide the customized contents to viewers’ preferences, so it divided the schedule into sky-time zone (Monday, Tuesday at 9:30 p.m. / Wednesday at 12:00 p.m.) when the brand’s own entertainment programs are broadcasted and life-time zone (Friday, Saturday, Sunday at 10:00 a.m.) when its own culture/information/art programs are broadcasted. ▲ skyTV presents new projects for strengthening its production competency. ▲ In the entertainment field, ‘Mismatch,’ ‘In and Out,’ and ‘Beautysky’ are deployed forward. ▲ In the culture field, ‘Star Pet Travel in Italy,’ ‘I Travel Solo,’ ‘Art Meets on Street Season 4,’ and etc. are scheduled. ▲ Regular program of the work, which had been an issue by importing the format from CJ E&M tvN channel, will be broadcasted on skyTV. The three self-produced programs are announced at the production press conference on September 9. (The order is in the date of the first broadcast.) First, ‘Mismatch’ will be first broadcasted on September 12, at 9:30 p.m., Jung Jun-ha, Lee Sang-min, Jung Jin-un, and Kim Sae-ron are the main casts. It contains the contents of interesting 1 to 4 date Truth or Dare played by female entertainer and ordinary males with travel voucher, consisted of Korea’s unusual dating course, hot items and recent trends, as the prize. Only one person is single, and the mission is to find out the single. Next, on September 13, at 9:30 p.m. in the first broadcast of ‘In and Out,’ Han Seok-jun, Hyeon Yeong, Boom, Yang Jung-won, and Sim Eu-tteum will appear. For the health of people, doctors and body trainers are gathered in one place, and study about how both inside and outside of the body become healthy. As a nationwide health program, it will deliver a variety of health information with the fun of entertainments. Lastly, ‘Beautysky’ will be first broadcasted on September 21, at 12:00 p.m. The program is hosted by three MCs, Uhm Hyun-kyung, Shin Bo-ra and Han Bo-reum, and it plays a role of delivering essential tips to viewers with selecting new daily beauty items in Korea, considered the hottest beauty market in the world. ▲ ‘In and Out’ casts drew attentions by teaching the method of making apple-hip in minitalk. ▲ ‘Beutysky’ casts appealed their attractions in minitalk. ▲ ‘Mismatch’ casts revealed a kind of spoiler in minitalk, and got penalty of dancing.
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FashionN Dressing Table Season 2 Broadcast Press Conference
The press conference celebrating broadcasting of ‘Dressing Table Season 2,’ which is the beauty battle program of FashionN, women’s channel affiliated with Tcast, is held at Cinecube Gwanghwamun in theater one on September 5. On September 8, Thursday, at 9:00 p.m. ‘Dressing Table Season 2’ is hosted by three MCs, Korean wave star ‘Han Chae-yeong’, a member of Super Junior ‘Lee Teuk’, and a member of AfterSchool ‘Lizzy’. In season 2, Han Chae-yeong, women’s forever wanna-be and Barbie doll who caught Korea and even China, gets the main MC like season 1. Lee Teuk, who cleanses his face in 5 steps and finishes perfume layered in 3 steps, will provide support as a beauty tip preacher for men. Also, it is a point to see how attractive idol, Lizzy, who will provide fun with her distinctive attraction, grows up as a beauty mentor from beauty dream tree. ▲ FashionN’s beauty battle program, ‘Dressing Table Season 2’ officially announced its broadcasting. ▲ With Han Chae-yeong as a main MC, the combination of Lee Teuk and Lizzy explodes chemistry. It was great even from the press conference. ▲ At the event, Lee Teuk showed off his witty words and hosting talents by saying, “It feels more like talk show than press conference.” Based on the concept of bringing a miracle to the dressing table, ‘Dressing Table Season 2’ is progressed in the form of a spectacular beauty battle show by the best makeup and hair beauty masters in Korea. Through a mission of completing makeup and hair in 20 minutes by using the star’s real beauty products on the dressing table, viewers can have fun and feel tension at the same time. Besides, it is projected as a total beauty program that introduces the star’s beauty tips and trend information all together through star’s self-camera. FanshionN Kim Hyun-a PD showed her confidence by saying, “We started season 2, since viewers loved season 1 very much. The combination of the program’s mascot, Han Chae-yeong, and newly joined Lee Teuk and Lizzy is funnier than expected, so we look forward to season 2.” And, “Like people who have been working many seasons, we worked hand in glove. You can expect much better season 2 than season 2.” ▲ Coming back to season 2, the program became a total beauty program where women and men can all enjoy together.
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BCWW 2016 Main Speaker Press Conference
On August 31, in the morning, ‘Broadcast Worldwide(BCWW) 2016’ main speaker press conference was held at COEX Intercontinental Hotel, in Gangnam-gu, Seoul. Before the opening of ‘BCWW 2016,’ held at COEX Intercontinental Hotel and COEX until August 2, the event was prepared to listen to which theme the main speakers of ‘2016 Global Workshop for TV Writers,’ one of the main events of ‘BCWW 2016,’ will have for their presentations, and what opinions they have about media contents industry in Korea. At the press conference, representative of Media Res Productions ‘Michael Ellenberg’, who was a producer of ‘Game of Thrones,’ representative of Hypnotic Film ‘Gene Klein’ who was was a general producer of ‘Suits,’ representative of Third Culture Contents ‘Sean Richard’, who is a production director general and leading actor of ‘Drama World,’ attended. The press conference was progressed in the way of introducing what contents each of them will present at ‘2016 Global Workshop for TV Writers’ and answering journalists’ questions. Ellenberg said, “I will have presentation about the contents that need to be considered when designing TV contents, especially high-end contents.” Klein said, “I will talk about the things to be considered when bringing American contents abroad, why ‘Suits’ achieved success in America, and how it can be succeeded when remade in another country.” Richard revealed that he will introduce about “the concept of the web drama ‘Drama World,’ the episodes occurred during the process of Korean-Chinese-American joint production, and the reactions to ‘Drama World.’” The following is the content of the questions and answers from the press conference. ▲ BCWW 2016 main speaker press conference is opened. Q1. Where did you get the idea of Drama World’? (Richard) In 2013, I’ve done the advertisement of a platform ‘Viki,’ and at that time, the reaction was greater than I thought, so I began to pay attention to the people who use ‘Viki’ platform. The number of ‘Viki’ users is about 40 million, and 80% of them live in the regions that are not related to Asia. So, I talked about a drama for them with Chris Martin, who was at that time a director of the advertisement, and started to produce the drama with ‘Viki.’ Investment took 8 months, and 60% of it was from Chinese capital on condition of giving rights to remake or spin-off version in China. Q2. In case of producing the season 2 of ‘Drama World,’ will it be having Korean drama as a concept? Or employing concept of China or another country? (Richard) Clearly, there is a part where cliché about Korean drama at the center of ‘Drama World’ made it possible. If spin-off is progressed, story about Chinese drama will be covered. If extending season of ‘Drama World,’ story about Korean drama might become the center of drama. ▲ Sean Richard, Representative of Third Culture Contents Q3. What do you think about that each of your production hits box-office over the cultural area? (Klein) In our case, I think the show accidentally achieved a huge success. The show itself has great organization and funny characters appear. However, I think the universal appeal of the part that the producer and writer had interests drew interests all over the world. In case of ‘Suits,’ it shows the story of hiding people who couldn’t achieve success, and it appealed to many cultural areas. I think if it had approached deliberately to succeed in various cultural areas, it couldn’t have succeeded. (Ellenberg) I have the same opinion with Klein. Universal thinking has parts to appeal. With sincerity and unique material, I think it is sufficiently opened to success. As American, I feel the sincerity and attraction when I encounter foreign contents. I believe that it can appeal more by using the culture’s unique feature. (Richard) I think the story is the first. Especially during the process of cooperation, if too many calculations are put into the process, there will be a room for problems. So, the progress should be making good story first, then selecting the most suitable area for the story, and finally proceeding filming. Q4. Do you consider completeness more important than contents? (Ellenberg) What I want to talk about is that concreteness and detail are important. The more specific and the more detailed it is, it will have sincerity, and I believe there will be consequential attraction. When trying to appeal to unidentified all the viewers, no one can sympathize. So I think that other viewers also can feel the attractions by selecting target viewers and producing the best content for them. Among foreign shows, the content that I had interests and got inspirations is the show that local viewers also loved. If these shows receive recognition in the country, I believe that they will also achieve succeed abroad. Of course, the situation that was never thought about always exists. ▲ Gene Klein, Representative of Hypnotic Film Q5. Is there any Korean content remained in your memory? And how much competitiveness do you think Korean contents have? (Richard) American studios participate in Korea’s various contents, and I feel amazing that American contents are remade and shown to Korean market. (Ellenberg) To answer the second question, I think Korean contents have competitiveness and influence, and Korean contents are becoming important not only in Asia, but also all over the world. I personally like the works of Bong Jun-ho and Park Chan-uk. Among them, especially ‘The Host,’ it completely reinterpreted monster movie, so I was scared and enjoyed it at the same time. The strength of Korean movies is a different approach to traditional genre. I think they give big inspiration to foreign directors and raise the standard. (Klein) I am also a fan of Bong Jun-ho and Park Chan-uk, and I watched many Korean movies through New York Film Festival. For one country’s movies to succeed abroad, its movie industry has to be solid and strong, and I think Korea has such a solid movie industry. Therefore, movie directors have confidence of developing stories in their ways. I was impressed at their appearances of having lots of characteristics. Q6. Movie or the original platform is flowing into the internet platform. Comparing to the original platform, it seems to be needed another approach. What do you think about it? (Richard) From a contents creator’s position, I think there are pros and cons. The advantage is that it is possible to produce the contents based on the contents that people like. Regardless of where people are, they can watch any time and anywhere. From a position of managing an independent production company, it is the advantage. The disadvantage is that the available budget is small as the scale of the platform itself is small. When considering them, the internet platform will grow and develop more, and after 5 years, I think it can reach saturation. It is interesting that the internet platform is growing. (Klein) I want think in two aspects, creative and marketing. Internet VOD is a subscriber’s platform, and I think this form makes us free. There is no limitation in length and contents, so it is possible to do freely storytelling. Non-fiction series that we are now preparing will be opened in December, each episode is made independently, and there was no limitation in length. However, if many people use VOD platform, the problem can occur from the position of marketing. As algorithm is getting better, it became possible to recommend by finding out the theme that the user likes. But to a certain user, how to recommend a suitable show that fits the person might be hard. (Ellenberg) I might be helpful as it can be creative in short versions. In the past, a storytelling had to follow the rules of TV platform, but there is no need to, now. In the past, when showing one season consisting of 12 episodes, we had to consider how to make the first episode interesting to satisfy customers or investors, but now it is no longer matter. Richard’s ‘Drama World’ is a great example. For appealing and achieving success at overseas markets, there is no need to suit all the countries. Once you found target, I believe that you can surely succeed.” ▲ Michael Ellenberg, Representative of Media Res Productions
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EBS Docuprime UHD Nature Documentary ‘Green Animal’ Press Conference
EBS held a press conference before the first broadcasting of EBS Docuprime ‘Green Animal,’ showing plants behaving with strong desire and instinct from a unique vision and perspective of ‘Plant is animal’ point of view, on January, 18, 2016. Capturing plants evolving and using animals for survival and propagation in 4K UHD, ‘Green Animal’ is a documentary with beautiful scenes of dynamic aspects of plants which are thought to be static. *Broadcast schedule : 2016. 01. 18(Mon) ~ 01. 20(Wed) PM 09:50, EBS1 ▲ Seung-woo Son PD, in charge of directing and script of EBS UHD nature documentary ‘Green Animal,’ introduced the program. With 4K UHD quality, EBS Docuprime ‘Green Animal’ is a documentary of plants’ life stories by looking for wonderful plants on the Earth by visiting five major oceans and six major continents for about two years. It shows nature’s beautiful scenes with a secret of primal, and illuminates plants which were discounted as static existences with a new point of view. It follows plants’ lives with the actor Sung-hwa Jung’s narration. As plants cannot move, they couldn’t choose good land by themselves. The program reveals plants’ dynamic movements and strategies for survival and their unimaginable life stories. It lively describes images of plants moving for survival by fair means or foul through interval filming, micrography, and electron microscope. With a high speed camera, it also captured even a hundredth of a second movement created by plants. Part one, ‘mating,’ contains scenes of plants solving sexual appetite through various mating methods. You can see a variety of views of plants attracting pollination mediator for mating, such as ‘Titan Arum,’ the size of 3m and attracting flies by stinking and increasing its temperature, ‘Hammer Orchid,’ attracting male wasps by its same appearance with a female wasp, and ‘Cypripedium japonicum’ which entraps bees for its mating. Part two, ‘propagating,’ shows plants with the strongest desire of reproduction than any other live things on the Earth. It introduces how plants, the only producers of the Earth, solve their reproduction appetite, such as ‘Erodium stephanianum Wild,’ digging into the ground like a drill, ‘Giant sequoia,’ surviving even in the environment with temperature higher than 200︒C such as forest fire to put out its seeds, and Koelreuteria seeds which travels 3500 kilometers. Part three, ‘hunger,’ examines survival strategies of hungry plants trying to survive from barren soil. Plants exist anywhere on the Earth that they can survive from barren soil, between jewels, or even on electric wires. Plants such as ‘Cuscuta australis R.Br,’ a parasitic plant hunting through scenting, ‘Nepenthes lowii,’ having evolved as an appearance of a toilet to use animal refuse as nutrients, and ‘Rhaphidophora,’ making holes on its leaves to hunt sunlight, are illuminated their animal-like behaviors through creative survival methods and strategies created by themselves. ▲ Through ‘Green Anima’, witness the innovation of EBS UHD documentary. Seung-woo Son said “You might feel strange when see the title ‘Green Animal.’ People mostly consider that the opposite word of ‘animal’ is ‘plant,’ and I also personally thought the same way. However, I have been thinking that plants are not much different from animals since I started to look closely of plants. Then I started this program.” He told about some abstruse things during filming “In the aspect of period, the longest period spent to film a plant was about three months, and it was filming of a leaf changing. But the most memorable difficult work was to film ‘Nepenthes lowii.’ This plant has the best form for tree shrews to defecate in the best position. There had been some programs that filmed Nepenthes lowii, but we filmed the scene of tree shrew defecating for the first.” The episode was also mentioned. He said “Filming was progressed on mountainous areas of 2700 meters in Mulu, Malaysia. Since the plant grows on top of the mountain, we climbed for three days with some food and porters. However, filming took only two hours. A tree shrew fortunately defecated right away.” Also, he said “I remember the biggest flower, Titan Arum. ‘Titan Arum’ has the height of 3 meters, so it was hard to film the flower due to having enough height and a fixing device of camera. To film from the top, we trimmed surroundings and built a cabin. Without the native’s help, we couldn’t film bird’s-eye view scenes.” Among about 50 species of plants on film, the most favorite plant is ‘Erodium stephanianum Willd.’ Seung-woo Son said “I accidentally found Erodium stephanianum Wild when I went to Australia for filming. During filming Zaspilothynnus trilobatus, I opened the door and found the plant. The seed was unique. I had been thinking by looking at the seed, and talking about plants’ desire and appetite. At that time, I acutely realized that plants have desire and appetite. That kind of shape is almost impossible for humans to make.” He also said “Though it is also explained in the film, it isn’t simply digging into the ground. It fits the digging angle to the right angle by rotating its tail. After planting the seed, it has to be watered. So the period of digging fits the timing when the weather is rainy. If a rotating part is untied, it will be failed. It will be tied again when the weather is sunny. This will allow digging into the ground again when it is raining.” Meanwhile, Acrofan asked two questions related to UHD production and got answers. The following is the arrangement of question-and-answer session. 1. (Acrofan) A content involving plants is very rare. By format standards, it almost jumped over from SD to UHD. What assessment was about in domestic and foreign trade fair? (Seung-woo Son) 800 million won was invested into the production of this film. Among them, 500 million won was supported by UHD content enterprise from the Ministry of Science, ICT and Future Planning. In the process, we gave presentation at RAPA(Korea Radio Promotion Association). Our ‘Green Animal’ proposal was ranked 2nd of all entries. Maybe results talks all, but we think that shows the plants to people who feel boring about watching animal is good choice. 2. (Acrofan) Related to terrestrial UHD content production, there are some sponsor agreements of Samsung Electronics, LG Electronics and etc. How were the supports from these UHD relevant enterprises or institutions? Supporting business is supported from largely two parts. Electronic industry and home shopping industry arranged fund, and we were also financially supported by government. There are several parts in it, and ‘Green Animal’ is a work supported fund from home shopping industry. At that time, it was also being judged for supports by electronic industry. Samsung/LG Electronics had a condition that the production should be done in eight months. Since a plants documentary includes changes of season, I didn’t enter it.
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Press Conference of EBS Tok!Tok! Boni-Hani Live 3000th Anniversary
Before the 3000th live, EBS Boni-Hani held a press conference at EBS head office in Gangnam, Seoul on December 21. In this press conference, Tae-jin Park who took a role of Boni for the first, Won-sik Jang & So-yeong Kim who took roles of Boni and Hani respectively for the longest period, Dong-woo Shin & Soo-min Lee who are hosting Boni-Hani, and Dong-hyeon Moon, the director of the program having made and designed the program for the first time, attended the conference to celebrate the 3000th of Boni-Hani live. ▲ The press conference was hosted by Tae-gyu Park, a manager at EBS marketing department. Boni-Hani is a program that has been received big love from children by adding thematically diverse and instructive insert programs, unique format with studio full of laughter, and real-time communication through telephone call. Boni-Hani accomplished several records such as the longest broadcasting among domestic live programs for children and consecutively number one in ratings among EBS children programs. It also got credit publically, so it received 2006 Korea broadcasting targeted outstanding work award in children and teenagers TV program, 2009 blue media award, 2014 appropriate broadcasting language special award and etc. Two hosts, ‘Boni’ and ‘Hani’, gained popularity as much as idol stars from viewers. Starting with Tae-jin Kim and Byul Han taking roles of Boni and Hani respectively, total eight of Boni and nine of Hani went through the program Boni-Hani. Jae-sung Ahn and Da-yeong Ju, at that time third grade in middle school and first grade in high school respectively, opened fire of the youngest hosts and gave off fresh charm. Subsequently, the teenagers in 2014, Dong-woo Shin and Su-min Lee, succeeded them and received big love with friendly and smooth hosting. ▲ Dong-hyeon Moon PD(left) and the first Boni Tae-jin Kim(right) ▲ Won-sik Jang(left) and So-yeong Kim(right) having the record of the longest taking roles of Boni and Hani. ▲ Dong-woo Shin(left) and Su-min Lee(right) currently taking roles of Boni and Hani. For giving thoughts of the 3000th live, Dong-hyeon Moon PD spoke his mind by saying ‘I don’t look like sensitive, but I am. I have a lump in my throat.’ Tae-jin Kim broadcaster gave his impression by saying ‘I hosted the program for about one and a half year as the first Boni. Now, I am known as a staff of the program called Entertainment Weekly(연예가중계), but still hometown in my mind is Boni-Hani. It’s honored place. The set was very small like a box room. I am filled with emotions and satisfactions as I see development of the program and the luxurious set.’ So-yeong Kim broadcaster said ‘It is nice to be here again.’, and expressed her opinion of hoping to attend with her kid at the 5000th or 30000th live. Won-sik Jang broadcaster expressed his mind ‘I took a role of Boni for about three years and three months. When I came here, I felt that I have to stand at the center with half-joke half-serious. I’m honored. I hope it would be a good time.’ The present Boni, Dong-woo Shin said ‘Though this set is the usual place, it is honored to sit with people like ancestors. It somewhat reminds me of old memories.’ The present Hani, Su-min Lee said ‘I searched for your Boni-Hani, since I had hosted it. It is honored to meet you. I appreciate having a press conference together.’ ▲ Lots of promotional video clips for the 3000th are played. You can check them through TV. ▲ All the participants, including Dong-hyeon Moon director, expressed impressions about having the 3000th live. On December 29, Boni-Hani staffs will show a special live, ‘The Boni-Hani’, to make the 3000th live more meaningful time. It will be worked with viewers for 60 minutes studio live, which is different from the original one that shows various insert programs. You will be able to watch Boni’s hidden rapping skills and ‘Hani begins’ containing top star Hani’s secret of her birth. Many supporting characters such as Meokni, Dangdangman, and Flower twins will be with more interesting tales, and there will be a special guest at the same time. Especially, Boni-Hani works with viewers through various events. It will present gifts through random drawings to viewers who become a friend with Boni-Hani KakaoTalk Plus, participate in the day’s quiz event on SNS, and wrote tales for Boni-Hani on ‘Talk! Talk! Tree’ on the 1st floor of EBS office. Meanwhile, children channel EBSU of EBS provides a chance to watch Boni-Hani again by specially organizing the 3000th live from 7:30 p.m. on December 30 and 31. Ho Lee PD who is in charge of directing the 3000th live said ‘I planned to give invitation to PDs who once passed through Boni-Hani, and about 30 people were in my mind at first thought. Directing the 3000th live is that much responsible and rewarding. I want to take responsibility for primary school students’ after school now and forever.’ ▲ There was an opportunity to watch senior MCs’ hosting of ‘Lucky Circle’ ▲ They received an ovation with outstanding hosting. Dong-hyeon Moon said “When I just looked at the title logo, something popped in my mind. But humans being human, I thought that there might be some evidence of my work although it was ten years ago. If you look at Boni-Hani’s title, the words’ composition is still same while the background is changed a bit. ‘Tok!Tok!’ means popping and bouncing, and after a long meeting, we decided to put the phrase in the title for meaning communicating with children. The colors of ‘Boni-Hani’ were also blue and pink, but they were changed due to feedbacks from feminism point of view. Every little thing has its history and time. I hope (the present directors and staffs) have responsibility, but don’t feel it as heavy rather enjoy it.” Tae-sik Kim said “The meaning of Boni-Hani came from ‘what are you watching, what are you doing.’ It meant teaching curious primary school students. Personally, my daughter is four years old. She everyday watches it. She really likes when Young-Soo Choi comedian appears. It is happy to watch the program that I hosted with my daughter.(with my daughter that I hosted) In fact, I didn’t want to come for the first casting, because I was known on the internet as ‘icon of an adverse change’. But I heard that they cannot contact the first Hani, so I hoped the first Hani, Byul Han, please contact. I wonder how she is doing. I’m glad to open a page of memories. This program is like a medal in my life. I hope viewers love Dong-Woo Shin and Soo-Min Lee.” Soo-yeong Kim said “It has been over two months since I gave birth. I came here after having a child. Recently, when I watch Boni-Hani, I feel like watching ‘Reply 1988’. It reminds me of old memories. I want to take a commemorative photograph with my child. I hope that it will last for long.” Won-sik Jang talked about the episode of his appearance, “I’ve put on a log of weight. I shouldn’t be, so I have been eating ten oysters and one banana for five days. I even tried to lose moisture yesterday.” He also said “I’m attached to the program, so I have special determinations. By watching you having done very well until the 3000th, I hope you don’t lose tension and forget your first time. I personally cannot contact Byul Han, so please find her.” Dong-woo Shin talked about his episode of appearance, “We came to the 3000th live, thanks to you. The reason why we did this much well is that you created steppingstone at the first, I believe. I’m honored to host this 3000th live. I will keep doing harder.” Su-min Lee said “I feel the same way with him. Even though I didn’t do all the lives from 1th to 3000th, I feel like I did for a very long time. I’m attached to the program, and I think the 3000th will be a special memory as I did my best. I’m already happy and excited to have it. Like seniors’ saying, I will not forget my first time, and other previous comments.” ▲ Ho Lee answered to Acrofan’s question. ▲ Boni-Hani staffs and casts hoped that the program will continue 30,000th and 300,000th. Acrofan asked the thoughts and process of recreating the ideas collected from Boni-Hani’s characteristic of experimenting formats dealt by main programs, concepts, patterns and etc. to the main viewers, primary school students. Ho Lee, who is currently directing Boni-Hani, answered like this. He said “I want to submit primary school life report as an annual leave.” He then answered “We are now processing two methods to be close to primary students’ lives. First, ‘Our Ranking Show’ is dealing with places where primary school students cannot easily go or the way of thinking which are different between that of mothers and children. At the same time, we are analyzing primary school students’ life patterns with a laboratory. This is for submitting primary school life report.” “Apart from these grand works, we keep visiting primary schools for once a week or two weeks. We’re trying to meet students’ opinions and likings.” He also said “By reorganizing the program from the last September, we prepared a system that allows participation through KakaoTalk. From now, it is possible to participate in a program through KakaoTalk in real time.” Lastly, he added “We have a draft meeting and reading with all the staffs on every Thursday. As trying acting every line, all the staffs including the writer and FD are acting well enough to debut as minor voice actors. Like this, we construct, demonstrate and produce the program by ourselves.”
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