IMDA AND WARNER BROS. DISCOVERY PARTNER TO DEVELOP ORIGINAL UNSCRIPTED FORMATS
November 21, 2025 12:35 pmNew content programme kicks off at the 2025 Asia TV Forum & Market
The Infocomm Media Development Authority (IMDA) of Singapore and Warner Bros. Discovery (WBD) today announced a new unscripted content partnership to co-develop original and globally appealing entertainment formats.
The collaboration kicks off at the Asia TV Forum & Market (ATF), part of the Singapore Media Festival 2025 hosted by IMDA, with a dedicated masterclass series (3-4 December). During the sessions, WBD content executives from Global and APAC Networks, as well as Warner Bros International Television Production (WBITVP), will share insights on unscripted content development, storytelling, and format globalisation, while industry producers will discuss learnings from globally acclaimed content. Interested companies can sign up for the IMDA x WBD masterclass series at ATF here.
Following the masterclass series, there will be a call for submissions for the joint IMDA-WBD original unscripted format programme, for Singapore-based production companies to apply. Shortlisted projects will progress to an unscripted bootcamp in early 2026, with the possibility of further co-production and premiere opportunities across WBD’s international networks in 2027. Selected formats may subsequently be explored for inclusion in WBITVP’s sales portfolio for wider distribution and development opportunities. More details on the call for submissions will be announced at ATF.
Ms Yvonne Tang, Assistant Chief Executive, Media Industry Group, IMDA, said: “IMDA is excited to collaborate with WBD to develop unscripted content which may include formats such as documentaries and reality series. This is where Singapore’s creative talent meets international expertise. It’s a win-win partnership that opens exciting pathways for our local industry while connecting WBD to our vibrant creative community. The masterclass will fuel innovation and create co-production opportunities that showcase Singapore’s storytelling power to the world.”
Myriam Lopez-Otazu, SVP, International Unscripted Content & Global Networks, EMEA, WBD, said: “From Deadliest Catch and Property Brothers to Border Control and First Man Out, WBD is a global leader in unscripted entertainment with universally relatable formats that scale. We’re always on the lookout for dynamic new ideas that complement our popular slate and bring fresh stories to local and international audiences.”
Lynn Ng, GVP, Head of Content, APAC Networks, WBD, said: “This new partnership with IMDA reflects a commitment to support the local creative industry, combining homegrown talent with WBD’s unrivalled unscripted expertise. We look forward to welcoming producers to the ATF sessions next month and exploring new concepts as part of this initiative.”
Warner Bros. Discovery’s unscripted portfolio is home to some of the world’s most celebrated global factual and factual entertainment hits such as Body Bizarre, Wheeler Dealers, Deadliest Catch, Marooned with Ed Stafford and Naked and Afraid. These productions are broadcast across WBD’s vast network of free-to-air channels and pay channels, as well as being distributed to third parties.
In addition, through WBD’s production arm WBITVP, global format franchises have been built both for WBD’s own channels and adapted for third parties such as the BBC and RTL, including The Bachelor, First Dates, Cash or Trash, Who Do You Think You Are?, and Reality Queens. These franchises have been produced in dozens of countries, providing thousands of hours of content and captivating audiences across the globe.
Successful projects selected as part of this new content initiative will have the opportunity to join the ranks of the very best in unscripted television.
ENDS
About the Infocomm Media Development Authority
The Infocomm Media Development Authority (IMDA) leads Singapore’s digital transformation by developing a vibrant digital economy and an inclusive digital society. As Architects of Singapore’s Digital Future, we foster growth in Infocomm Technology and Media sectors in concert with progressive regulations, harnessing frontier technologies, and developing local talent and digital infrastructure ecosystems to establish Singapore as a digital metropolis. For more news and information, visit http://www.imda.gov.sg or follow IMDA on LinkedIn (IMDAsg), Facebook (IMDAsg) and Instagram (@imdasg).
About Warner Bros. Discovery
Warner Bros. Discovery is a leading global media and entertainment company that creates and distributes the world’s most differentiated and complete portfolio of branded content across television, film, streaming and gaming. Available in more than 220 countries and territories and 50 languages, Warner Bros. Discovery inspires, informs and entertains audiences worldwide through its iconic brands and products including: Discovery Channel, HBO Max, discovery+, CNN, DC, TNT Sports, Eurosport, HBO, HGTV, Food Network, OWN, Investigation Discovery, TLC, Magnolia Network, TNT, TBS, truTV, Travel Channel, MotorTrend, Animal Planet, Science Channel, Warner Bros. Motion Picture Group, Warner Bros. Television Group, Warner Bros. Pictures Animation, Warner Bros. Games, New Line Cinema, Cartoon Network, Adult Swim, Turner Classic Movies, Discovery en Español, Hogar de HGTV and others. For more information, please visit www.wbd.com.
Media Contacts:
Selina Govan
Head of Communications, APAC, WBD
Priya Shandhini
Manager, Communications and Marketing, IMDA
Categorised in: Industry News, Member News
This post was written by Warner Bros. Discovery