Pioneer launches Korean JV

Tinopolis Group-owned Pioneer Productions has moved into the South Korean market by launching a joint venture with a local production company.

London-based Pioneer and Seoul’s PAAN Media have come together to form Buzz Media, which will create programming for the UK, South Korean and international markets.

Programming will include 4K natural history and science science, documentaries and factual entertainment formats.

This comes after the companies coproduced 3x60mins blue-chip natural history series Treasures of the Earth for Nova in the US and KBS in South Korea

Pioneer managing director Kirstie McLure (pictured) will oversee the JV and has appointed Patrick Youngtaek Suh to lead day-to-day operations as CEO.

“Korea is such a dynamic and forward thinking market,” said McLure. “Its talent base and CGI capabilities are incredible and they are way ahead of the game in terms of 4K, making it the perfect time to form a bridge between the two territories.

“Creating innovative factual content is in our DNA and working with PAAN Media over the past year on Treasures of the Earth has really opened our eyes to the opportunities available to create and harness more synergy.”

She added that the JV not only complimented “everything that Pioneer is doing with content”, but would also “take us to new technological frontiers and cement our presence in Asia”.

“We are honoured to be participating in such a great venture with Pioneer,” said Youngtaek Suh. “With their longstanding heritage in creating innovative specialist factual and factual content and our Korean capabilities in various fields of broadcasting, we are determined to make Buzz Media a successful company that takes content to new heights.”