Page 12 - AeM_June_2020

BEST
PRACTICES
&
STRATEGIES

How the video industry supports

Asian economies during COVID-19

As the COVID-19 pandemic continues to rage around access to its many channels and streaming platforms,
the world, affecting lives and economies everywhere, to fundraising campaigns and the supply of much
members of the Asia Video Industry Association (AVIA) needed medical equipment to frontline workers, like for
have stepped up to help where they can. The trade instance:
association for the video industry and ecosystem in
Asia Pacific serves to make the video industry stronger • In Hong Kong, in response to the shortage of anti-
and healthier through promoting the common interests epidemic supplies, TVB launched a coronavirus
of its members. AVIA is the interlocutor for the industry donation campaign which resulted in the donation
with governments across the region, that leads the fight of more than 1 million pieces of epidemic
against video piracy and provides insight into the video prevention supplies, including masks and
industry through reports and conferences aimed to sanitizers. With the help of TVB artistes, these
support a vibrant video industry. supplies were distributed to the needy via
charitable organizations, hospitals, and other non-
The fact is that the video industry plays a critical role in profit organizations.
the health and vibrancy of Asian economies, from
employing large and skilled work forces, investing in • With film and TV productions shutting down since
local talent and productions, to entertaining and March, Netflix has committed to spending $150
informing the citizens of our countries during these million to help the industry through the crisis. This
difficult times. And there is no time more important than includes a $100 million fund to assist workers in the
now for the industry to work together to further support TV and film industry hurt by the crisis and a $30
these countries as its people suffer the brunt of what million donation to third parties and non-profits to
the pandemic is bringing in its wake. Hence, many assist crew and cast in countries such as India,
initiatives across Asia Pacific have taken place in the Japan and Thailand, where Netflix has a big
past few months amongst AVIA's members, from free production presence.

June 2020: Video Marketing & Storytelling: compelling and emotional narratives 12