Mediapolis’ First Media Hub Development Infinite Studios Officially Opens

MEDIAPOLIS’ FIRST MEDIA HUB DEVELOPMENT INFINITE STUDIOS OFFICIALLY OPENS
• Singapore’s largest soundstages fully operational
• Globecast Asia, Discovery Networks, Namco Bandai and M&C Saatchi among key tenants

1. 15 January 2014, Singapore – Leading business space solutions provider, Ascendas, together with joint-venture partner Citramas Nusaterra, today announced the official opening of Infinite Studios at Mediapolis, Singapore’s digital media city located in one-north, an integrated research hub in South West Singapore. The official opening of Infinite Studios, the first multi-tenanted development in Mediapolis, was graced by Singapore’s Minister for Communications and Information, Dr Yaacob Ibrahim.
   
   
2. Strategically located within Mediapolis@one-north, the 24,078-square metre development brings under one roof a full suite of digital media services – from production, post-production to transmission – that supports large scale television, film and animation productions. This vibrant media ecosystem hosts a rich mix of top local and international companies involved in pre-production, production, post-production, animation, games, audio and sound, creative services, interactive and digital media activities. In addition to anchor tenant Infinite Frameworks, key tenants include major media service provider, Globecast Asia; international television business, Discovery Networks; Japanese game maker Namco Bandai; global media company, Haymarket Media; and international advertising agency M&C Saatchi.
   
   
3. Infinite Studios features Singapore’s largest purpose-built soundstages, which were designed in consultation with leading Hollywood-based soundstage operator, Raleigh Studios. Measuring 928 square metres and 1,681 square metres respectively, the two soundstages are complemented by 1,445 square metres of supporting production offices alongside dressing and equipment rooms. Managed and operated by Infinite Studios’ production services division, the soundstages are equipped to support productions that require intricate set builds, multi-cam operations and the latest green screen technology for visual effects productions.
   
   
4. To date, the soundstages have played host to the popular Australia Kids TV show Hi-5, television commercials and reality shows. For 2014, two international feature films are slated for production in the soundstages with Hi-5 returning for another season.
   
   
5. Speaking at the ceremony, Mr Manohar Khiatani, President and Group CEO of Ascendas, highlighted “With the development of Infinite Studios, Ascendas is privileged to be able to contribute to Singapore’s vision of being the region’s leading media city. Now home to 17 companies, Infinite Studios is testament to Ascendas’ commitment to create a differentiating advantage for our customers and provide a vibrant business hub for companies in the media industry.”
   
   
6. Mr Mike Wiluan, CEO of Infinite Frameworks said, “Infinite Studios is the first media ecosystem of its kind in Singapore which offers a unique platform for media companies to complement each other to serve the global media industry. "
   
   
7. Ms Darby Sanchez, CEO at Globecast Asia said, “The move to Singapore’s Infinite Studios at Mediapolis as our regional Asian HQ is testament to the growing significance of Singapore as a regional media hub. Globecast is very pleased that this move has enhanced our ability to provide innovative solutions to both Asian and international content companies as they capitalise on the growth of this dynamic market.”
   
   
8. Mr Arjan Hoekstra, President and Managing Director of Discovery Networks Asia-Pacific highlighted, “As one of the region’s leading international television business, with a portfolio of channels that reaches close to 600 million cumulative subscribers in Asia-Pacific, we are thrilled to be located in Singapore’s media hub with an environment that spurs strategic partnerships amongst industry professionals.”
   
   
9. Mr Kazuki Eitaki, Senior Vice President, Corporate Planning of Namco Bandai Studios said, "Singapore is the key to our global expansion strategy with its great talent, the strong initiative of its government and its ability to attract people from the ASEAN region. We are very eager that Infinite Studios will play a part in making people happy through our contents from Singapore."
   
   
10. Mr Anthony Khoo, founding partner of M&C Saatchi (Singapore) said: “We chose to move into Infinite Studios because of the distinct advantage it offers as a media hub development. Being neighbours with broadcasters, publishers and production companies has provided opportunities for collaboration with key media players and expanded our capability in providing high quality creative solutions to our clients.”
    
    
11. Mediapolis@one-north is a strategic joint stewardship between four government agencies: Media Development Authority (MDA), JTC Corporation (JTC), Infocomm Development Authority of Singapore (IDA) and Singapore Economic Development Board (EDB). Slated to be fully completed by 2020, the 19-hectare Mediapolis@one-north will be home to a cluster of media companies across the value-chain from production to financing, distribution and trade.

Notes to Editors
Relevant quotations from the government agencies:

1. Mr Png Cheong Boon, Chief Executive Officer, JTC Corporation (JTC) – “We congratulate Ascendas on the completion of Infinite Studios at Mediapolis@one-north. Infinite Studios is a key infrastructure to support and spur the growth of the media cluster in Mediapolis, thereby enhancing Singapore’s position as a global media hub.”
   
   
2. Ms Koh Lin-Net, Chief Executive Officer, Media Development Authority (MDA) – “Infinite Studios is a strong addition to Singapore’s media ecosystem. With state-of-the-art soundstages and a full suite of facilities and services available, Singapore is now well-positioned to take on larger-scale projects and produce high quality local and international productions which meet international standards. We encourage international film and TV companies to partner with our local media industry to anchor their productions here in Singapore.”
   
   
3. Mr Khoong Hock Yun, Assistant Chief Executive (Infrastructure & Services Development), Infocomm Development Authority of Singapore (IDA) – “The opening of Infinite Studios is a milestone at Mediapolis, providing an important focal point for media technology providers to showcase their capabilities and contribute to Singapore’s growing role as a regional hub for content distribution, powered by such technologies as analytics, payment and mobility.”
   
   
4. Ms Thien Kwee Eng, Assistant Managing Director, Singapore Economic Development Board (EDB) - “The Infinite Studios facility is an important addition to Singapore’s media landscape, which has grown significantly over the years. We now have numerous international and local companies located here that span across animation, games, visual effects, broadcasting and publishing sectors. The addition of this facility further enhances our media ecosystem and allows international broadcasters like HBO and Discovery to create content of higher complexity to meet the growing needs of the region and beyond.”