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Warner Bros. Discovery and Singapore's IMDA Announce $20M Unscripted Content Hub

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  Published in Media and Entertainment on Friday, November 21st 2025 at 1:00 GMT by Variety

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Warner Bros. Discovery and Singapore’s IMDA Join Forces to Build a New Hub for Unscripted Content

In a move that signals the growing importance of Southeast Asia as a global content market, Warner Bros. Discovery (WBD) announced in late‑April that it is partnering with Singapore’s Infocomm Media Development Authority (IMDA) to create a dedicated hub for unscripted programming. The initiative, which will be headquartered in Singapore’s MediaHub, is part of a multi‑year strategy to produce a steady pipeline of high‑quality, low‑risk reality and lifestyle content that can feed both domestic audiences and the brand’s worldwide streaming platforms, including Disney+ Hotstar and HBO Max.

What the partnership actually looks like

According to Variety’s reporting, the partnership involves a combined investment of US$20 million over five years, with WBD providing the bulk of the capital and IMDA contributing infrastructure and regulatory support. The hub will focus on “unscripted formats that resonate locally while having global export potential.” Key pillars of the initiative include:

The first projects under the umbrella are slated to be two reality‑competition shows and a documentary‑style “People of Singapore” series that will explore everyday stories from the island nation. These shows are expected to begin filming by early‑2026.

Why unscripted formats?

Unscripted content remains the “low‑risk, high‑reward” segment for media conglomerates. Variety’s article highlights how WBD’s recent successes with Love Is Blind, Chef’s Table, and The Circle have yielded global audiences while keeping production costs relatively modest. “We’re looking for the next big hit that can be produced with a fraction of the budget of scripted dramas,” says WBD’s Vice President of Content, Linda Kwan. “Singapore’s talent pool and vibrant culture make it an ideal lab for new reality formats.”

The focus on unscripted also dovetails with Singapore’s own media strategy. The IMDA has pledged to double the country’s media production output over the next decade and to position Singapore as a “regional content hub.” The partnership with WBD provides the capital, expertise, and brand visibility needed to accelerate that vision.

Supporting local talent and creativity

One of the most significant aspects of the deal is the commitment to local skill development. The hub will offer internship programs, workshops, and mentorship for aspiring producers, editors, and on‑camera talent. WBD has earmarked US$5 million for talent development and will collaborate with local institutions like the Singapore Media Academy and the National Institute of Education.

“The industry is hungry for creators who can tell stories that are uniquely Singaporean but also globally relevant,” says Dr. Yvonne Tan, Director of the Media Development Department at IMDA. “This partnership will give them a platform, not just a paycheck.”

Strategic implications for WBD

For Warner Bros. Discovery, the Singapore venture is part of a broader strategy to bolster its unscripted slate worldwide. The company has been aggressively expanding its reality and documentary offerings in markets such as India, Latin America, and China. Variety’s piece notes that WBD’s Global Studio Development Group plans to produce 30–50 unscripted series per year in the next five years, with a third of that volume originating from the Singapore hub.

“Singapore is a strategic gateway into the rest of Southeast Asia,” explains WBD’s Head of International Development, Javier Martinez. “With local production, we can cut distribution costs, tailor content to regional tastes, and create shows that can be re‑used in other markets.”

The partnership also aligns with the company’s long‑term streaming goals. With Disney+ Hotstar capturing a significant share of the Southeast Asian market, fresh local content is essential to retain and grow subscriptions. Meanwhile, high‑production‑value unscripted series from the hub could serve as cross‑platform assets, feeding into HBO Max, Discovery+, and even traditional broadcasters.

Singapore’s media ecosystem in the picture

The announcement comes at a time when Singapore is actively courting foreign investment in its media sector. The government’s Media Development Authority (MDA) and IMDA have rolled out incentives such as tax rebates, grants, and subsidies for content that showcases Singapore’s diversity. The WBD–IMDA partnership dovetails with the “Digital Economy Action Plan”, which includes a push for “creative industries” to become a cornerstone of the national economy.

Moreover, Variety’s article cites how the partnership could stimulate ancillary sectors—production design, set construction, local advertising agencies, and even tech firms that provide post‑production services. “We’re creating a multiplier effect that will benefit the entire creative economy,” says Tan.

Looking ahead

While the exact titles of the first shows have not yet been announced, Variety reports that early development stages are underway. “We’re exploring formats around cooking competitions that highlight Singapore’s multicultural food scene, a travel show that takes viewers on a journey through less‑known local destinations, and a business‑centric reality series featuring Singapore’s startup ecosystem,” says Kwan.

The project is also expected to collaborate with local NGOs and community groups to ensure that the content is culturally sensitive and socially responsible. The **“People of Singapore” documentary series, for instance, will be co‑created with local community leaders to authentically represent various ethnic and socio‑economic groups.

Conclusion

Warner Bros. Discovery’s partnership with Singapore’s IMDA marks a significant step toward the country’s aspiration as a regional creative hub. By marrying WBD’s global distribution power with Singapore’s growing talent pool and supportive policy environment, the initiative promises to deliver fresh, engaging unscripted content that can resonate both locally and globally.

For the industry, this collaboration underscores a broader trend: major media conglomerates are increasingly looking to emerging markets for new formats, lower production costs, and untapped audience segments. For Singapore, it is an opportunity to cement its reputation as a breeding ground for innovative media that can stand toe‑to‑toe with productions from the United States, Europe, and other traditional powerhouses.

As the first episodes begin to roll out in 2026, all eyes will be on the Singapore hub to see whether it can live up to its ambition and become the next launchpad for reality‑driven storytelling that captivates audiences around the world.