AMC/Sundance Channel Global sets up Asia headquarters

AMC/Sundance Channel Global has established its Asian headquarters and hired key local staff.

The company’s scheduling and on-air creative services will be based in Singapore while affiliate operations will be spearheaded out of Hong Kong.

The company is beginning an executive search for positions including Head of Scheduling and marketing positions.

Keith Mak was recently hired to oversee affiliate distribution and marketing for the company’s Asian operations.

Also, the Sundance Channel has boosted its programming for 2013-2013 with additions including Rolling Stones documentary Crossfire Hurricane [pictured], Downton Abbey, Monk and The Hour.

The Eagle Rock Entertainment deal for Crossfire Hurricane includes worldwide TV premiere rights for Asia. AMC/Sundance Channel Global has also acquired the basic cable rights in Malaysia to multiple seasons of critically acclaimed Downton Abbey and Monk from NBCUniversal International Television Distribution. Premiere window rights for the second season of The Hour have been secured via Shine International for Asia.

Also, films from the 2012 Sundance Film Festival have struck channel deals — such as End of Love (for Spain, Dutch speaking Benelux and Malaysia); Here (France, Spain, Portugal, Dutch speaking Benelux and Asia); and The Imposter (Asia). Also, rights in Malaysia have been acquired to premiere Teddy Bear and Safety Not Guaranteed.

Bruce Tuchman, AMC/Sundance Channel Global President, stated, “After a tremendous amount of distribution growth and success with our original productions such as Breaking Bad, it is the natural next step for us to augment our localization by establishing both creative and distribution headquarters in Asia. With highly experienced personnel and world-class resources on the ground, we will move even closer to our audiences and partners, thereby further accelerating our growth.”