Warner Bros. Discovery unveils new animated strategy for Asia Pacific and Latin America regions
In the ever-evolving world of animation, staying ahead of the game requires a strategic approach. Warner Bros. Discovery, a powerhouse in the entertainment industry, has demonstrated this with its targeted strategy in the APAC and LATAM animation markets.
One key tool in their arsenal is Vitrina, a global film and TV supply-chain platform. This AI-powered analytics tool allows for segmented searches by genre and geography, enabling targeted expansion beyond the traditional Hollywood borders. By using such technology, studios can pinpoint promising collaborators and emerging markets [2][5].
Another essential aspect of Warner Bros. Discovery's strategy is establishing pan-regional and multi-platform distribution deals. For instance, they secured a broad regional agreement across Latin America for the Silverback Films’ series, achieving scale and market penetration. In APAC, they partnered with both linear broadcasters and leading digital platforms like iQIYI and Tencent Video to maximise audience reach [1].
Tailoring content for local audiences is another critical factor for success. Warner Bros. Discovery has partnered with local broadcasters such as NHK in Japan to create tailored versions for specific markets, blending global production values with local sensibilities to boost relevance and acceptance [1].
Data-driven partner sourcing is another element that sets Warner Bros. Discovery apart. Platforms like Vitrina provide actionable intelligence for outreach and deal-making, as demonstrated by Globo Brazil’s successful expansion through real-time alerts for finding co-production partners and distributors [5].
Focusing on strategic partnerships and early-stage project insights can also provide a competitive edge. Identifying and engaging with partners early in production cycles can lead to deal-making momentum. Intelligent filtering by niche (animation, localization) and integrating contact information with CRM systems accelerates strategic outreach [5].
The website, offering verified profiles of key executives and decision-makers across 100+ countries, can help find the right people efficiently. It also provides updates, access instructions, and connections to join their business network, making it a valuable platform to discover the right companies to collaborate, co-produce, license, or pitch to [6].
Moreover, the site offers trend insights, competitive analysis, and strategy briefs, providing studios with valuable information to inform their strategies and reveal new opportunities [7]. Understanding the full animation supply chain, from financing to post-production, can give a competitive edge. Identifying top vendors, localization specialists, and distribution partners is beneficial in this regard [8].
Tracking competitors' projects and financing trends can also be informative. By staying abreast of market shifts and competitor activities, studios can adapt their strategies and capitalise on new opportunities [9].
In the animation markets of APAC and LATAM, tailored content strategies are crucial due to diverse cultures and languages. These markets offer new co-production opportunities due to growing demand for culturally relevant animation [4].
By combining these approaches—investing in advanced analytics platforms for global market insight, cultivating regional and multi-platform distribution partnerships, customising content for local markets, and streamlining partner sourcing and outreach—studios can build a robust global animation strategy aligned with Warner Bros. Discovery’s successful expansion in APAC and LATAM markets.
In the realm of animation, technology plays a critical role, as demonstrated by Warner Bros. Discovery's utilization of AI-powered analytics tools like Vitrina for data-driven partner sourcing and content segmentation, enabling them to explore new business opportunities beyond traditional markets.
Moreover, Warner Bros. Discovery's strategy exemplifies the value of forging strategic partnerships and establishing pan-regional and multi-platform distribution deals, as seen in their collaborations with digital platforms in APAC and regional agreements in LATAM, thereby maximizing audience reach and market penetration.