HBO gets to work on first Asia-made feature

Filming for the English-language feature began on 28 November and is scheduled to be completed by the end of the year. A spokesman for HBO Asia said the production would feature actors well known in the region but the final castlist had not been finalised yet.

After post-production, the film is due to have a theatrical release in Asia-Pacific markets during 2012. HBO Asia was not able to confirm which specific markets would be targeted. It will then premiere on HBO Asia television channels throughout Asia-Pacific, with the film also likely to be shown on HBO  in international markets.

The film is being co-produced by Infinite Studios, formerly Infinite Frameworks, an integrated media and entertainment production house. Jonathan Spink (pictured), chief executive officer of HBO Asia, says the partnership is an important step for both parties. “HBO Asia is very excited to be working with Infinite Studios on our very first original feature film co-production," he said. "This is truly another important milestone for HBO Asia.”

Mike Wiluan, chief executive officer of Infinite Studios, says the production will help the company's business to grow in the Asia-Pacific region. "This unique co-production will be the first under our new incarnation as Infinite Studios, the first to utilise our new soundstage facilities in Batam, Indonesia," he said. "I'm delighted at the prospect of working with HBO Asia on their first venture in original content production.”

While HBO Asia has produced in-house infotainment programmes previously, this is its first venture in to original entertainment content creation.