APOS Co-Founder Vivek Couto On Expectations For 2025 Event & How Asia Has Become A Key Battleground For The Future Of Entertainment
The latest iteration of the APOS conference features a who's-who of top-level film, TV and media players changing the course of the business in Asia.
Here's just a small sample: DAZN co-founder James Rushton, Candle Media CEO Kevin Mayer, Foxtel boss Patrick Delany, Google APAC President Sanjay Gupta, iQiyi's Yang Xianghua and Kaichen Li, Netflix Korean content chief Don Kang, Nine Entertainment's Amanda Laing, Owl & Co. CEO founder Hernan Lopez and Jiyeon Song from Korean micro-drama platform TopReels.
More from Deadline
David Harbour On Feeling Relieved Over 'Stranger Things' Ending: "You're Having To Play A Lot Of The Same Beat"
List Of Hollywood & Media Layoffs From Paramount To Warner Bros Discovery To CNN & More
MTV Entertainment Studios, Comedy Central Executives Depart Amid Paramount Layoffs
Add to that bosses from JioStar, Prime Video, NBCUniversal, Warner Bros Discovery, Sony Pictures Entertainment, Disney, Paramount, TikTok, TBS, BBC Studios and Banijay and it's clear why APOS has become a key fixture on the calendar.
They've got plenty to discuss this year. APOS Executive Director and co-founder Vivek Couto is gearing up for his C-suite get-together in Bali with a global market facing a fast-changing outlook. Tech giants in Asia such as Google, Meta, Netflix and Amazon have been benefitting from growth in mobile screen, smart TV and fixed broadband usage across the continent, while traditional players have been rolling out new services and attempting to keep their linear businesses alive.
'At APOS 2025, we're focused on helping the industry navigate through disruption and opportunity,' says Couto, the veteran analyst who led the creation and is also Managing Director of Media Partners Asia. 'The next wave of monetization is here, and it's not just about more eyeballs, but better economics. We've designed a program that addresses the big shifts: the monetization of sport and entertainment, the role of AI across the stack, and how platforms are scaling in the big local markets that matter.'
So what are the pressing live issues? Couto says one is that both the global giants and scaled local businesses need to find 'more robust' ways of making money and investing on content to seal their spots in the new digital ecosystem. 'Our focus is how that transition and monetization keeps pace, and who has the strategies to drive it,' he adds.
APOS begins on June 24 with an invite-only CEO Forum, followed by a welcome reception at the Ayana Resort. Day 1 of the conference (June 25) is a big one for film and TV. An early highlight will be Google's Gupta discussing the power of storytelling in his talk on Asia's digital future. 'Google clearly has a view on the impact of AI on content creation and the growth of creators, who are monetizing through social platforms,' says Couto. 'It could also be a very big opportunity for long-form creators. Everyone is experimenting with AI.'
We hear that on the same morning, Netflix's Kang, who is VP of Content, Korea, will discuss the performance of Squid Game Season 2, just days ahead of Season 3's launch. 'Netflix has a view on how it did, and Kang also wants to address [emerging perceptions] of a lull in the Korean creative economy. Korea is critical for Netflix, as they'll be investing around $700M there in next 3-4 years.'
Ex-Disney boss Mayer will also address how to scale storytelling, while former Fox Networks boss Lopez will discuss the economics of streaming from the perspective of his consultancy Owl & Co. Prime Video India execs will talk about monetizing the explosion in streaming in India, while JioStar execs appear several times as their JioHotstar platform continues with its mission to be a service for a 'billion screens' across India. Couto says the shift towards short-form content, which has blown up in China and Korea through micro-drama platforms such as TopReels, is dictating how several companies are approaching content investments in 2025.
Other points of discussion will be the strong theatrical growth in Indonesia, HBO Max's debut in Australia, the expanding addressable TV ads market in India and sports IP. Couto expects much talk to center on how companies should exploit the changing nature of entertainment consumption, giving the example of Disney, whose consumer products, parks and experiences business now generates over 50% of its operating profit on a global basis. This is one place where the traditional players might have the upper hand over the likes of Netflix and YouTube.
'The difference for players like Disney and Warner, in particular, is they've got a lot of revenues coming out of consumer products,' he says. 'It emphasizes the need to consider all revenue streams beyond screen entertainment.' In a similar vein, Couto notes that Google will address why YouTube is looking into subscription models, 'driven by the need to sustain growth beyond ad revenues.'
Day 2 morning will be focused on AI – no surprises there, as the conversation moves towards digital companies such as Sandbox, StoryFit and TikTok. After lunch, there will be a session on U.S. content's impact in APAC, with Chris Taylor, MD APAC, Television Distribution, Networks & DTC at NBCUniversal; Amanda Laing, MD Streaming & Broadcast, Nine Entertainment; Adam Herr, SVP of Distribution, APAC at Sony Pictures Entertainment and Toshi Honda, COO at U-Next appearing together on a panel. Nicholas Simon, founder and CEO of The White Lotus Season 3 co-producer Indochina Productions will appear in a chat about Asia's creative economy going global, alongside Banijay Asia CEO Deepak Dhar and Disalada Disayanon from Kantana Group. Storytelling in the fast-growing theatrical market of Indonesia, the micro-drama boom, sports streaming and media investments will also be on the menu.
The key focuses at APOS this year in terms of markets are India, where addressable TV ad growth is supercharging streaming revenues; Japan, which Couto says has 'really come of age as a $5.5B premium VOD market, led by SVOD and premium AVOD'; Indonesia, where the theatrical market has exploded; and Australia, which he predicts will see more big-scale M&A following DAZN's deal for paycaster Foxtel.
Ulitmately, the entire event will be geared towards what comes next. 'As we go into this year's APOS, Netflix, Disney, Amazon and YouTube and scaled local platforms such as JioStar, U-Next and Foxtel are all generating profit and more and more cash,' says Couto. 'The key question is now about maintaining the balance between growing margins and investing to drive new growth.'
Best of Deadline
List Of Hollywood & Media Layoffs From Paramount To Warner Bros Discovery To CNN & More
Sean 'Diddy' Combs Sex-Trafficking Trial Updates: Cassie Ventura's Testimony, $10M Hotel Settlement, Drugs, Violence, & The Feds
A Full Timeline Of Blake Lively & Justin Baldoni's 'It Ends With Us' Feud In Court, Online & In The Media
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Tom's Guide
41 minutes ago
- Tom's Guide
Copilot Vision just launched on Windows — here's what it actually does
Microsoft just flipped the switch on one of its most ambitious Copilot features yet. Copilot Vision with Highlights is now rolling out to Windows 11 users in the U.S. The new tool allows Copilot to 'see' what's on your screen and provide contextual help — a move that puts it in direct competition with Google's Gemini Live and Apple's upcoming Apple Intelligence. Essentially, it's Microsoft's answer to the next generation of AI assistants: ones that are proactive, ambient and deeply integrated into your device. At its core, Copilot Vision gives the AI access to "see" whatever you're currently doing on your PC. Whether you're browsing, editing a document, watching a video or working in Excel, and allows it to offer help based on that screen content. For example, you can ask questions like: Get instant access to breaking news, the hottest reviews, great deals and helpful tips. Copilot can now view the apps and windows on your screen (with permission), making the AI smarter and more responsive in real time. Highlights is a companion feature that automatically surfaces useful content from your apps, browser and documents. Think of it like an AI assistant that notices what you've been working on and suggests relevant files, reminders or actions; but no prompt is necessary. Highlights appear in a refreshed Copilot interface, which now docks to the side of your screen for quick access. These features are now available to U.S. users running Windows 11 version 23H2 with Copilot+ PCs, or select devices that meet the hardware requirements. You'll need to have screen reading enabled in the Copilot settings. Note, Vision only activates when you give it permission. You can try it today by opening Copilot from the taskbar and clicking the new Vision icon in the corner. A pop-up will confirm screen access and let you toggle Highlights on or off. While you're at it, try the prompts in the video to help get you started. Microsoft's move signals a major shift towards staying competitive, giving their AI assistant more capabilities, similar to those of rivals like Google's Gemini and OpenAI's ChatGPT. With OpenAI powering Copilot and Meta and Apple launching their own ambient AI tools, we're entering the age of 'AI that sees.' Whether that's helpful or a little creepy may depend on how well it works — and how much you choose to share.
New York Post
42 minutes ago
- New York Post
Candace Cameron Bure says horror films can lead to ‘portal' that's ‘demonic': Not in my home!
Candace Cameron Bure isn't a fan of horror. The 'Full House' alum, 49, who is outspoken about her Christian faith, opened up about why she won't allow her family to watch scary movies at home. 'In our house as a mom, I feel like you guys make fun of me when I talk about — they make fun of me all the time — but particularly when I'm serious about a spiritual thing happening, and then they're rolling their eyes at me. Like the portal,' Bure said on an episode of 'The Candace Cameron Bure Podcast' published on Tuesday, June 10, with her son, Lev, and pastor Jonathan Pokluda as guests. 10 Candace Cameron Bure shared her thoughts on horror films during a recent podcast episode. The Great American Family chief creative officer shares children Natasha, Lev and Maksim with her husband, Valeri Bure, and said that her loved ones 'laugh at me because of the portal. I'm like, 'You're opening up a portal.'' 'Like if you're watching this, or you're playing this video game, or whatever, that's a portal that could let stuff inside our home,' she explained. 'I don't even want someone watching a scary movie in our house on the TV, because to me, that's just a portal.' Bure laughed off her criticism, noting the irony since she's an actress and understands how movies are made. Still, she believes even making horror films is a slippery slope. 'Listen, I'm in the film industry,' she said. 'I understand how it all works. I know that movie has a crew of 200 people, and they're lighting it, and they're adding the sound effects, and it's makeup, and the camera, people and actors; however, there's still something that can be incredibly demonic while they've made it.' Scary movies aren't the only things that Bure is cautious of. 10 The 'Full House' alum said there's something 'demonic' about scary flicks. 10 Her pastor and son Lev, 25, appeared on the podcast episode with her. 10 The 'Scream' franchise is a big no in Candace Cameron Bure's home. Paramount/Courtesy Everett The 'Fuller House' star also dragged the water brand Liquid Death into the conversation. 'That just reminded me like you posted something a while back about Liquid Death,' she recalled to Pokluda. 'You're like, 'Do you want to buy a product that is literally being cursed as it's going out into distribution?'' Despite Bure's views on horror, she's made a career out of starring in several murder mysteries like her TV movie franchises 'Ainsley McGregor Mysteries' and 'Aurora Teagarden Mysteries,' which follow her characters investigating killings. 10 She addressed the irony, adding she's an actress and understands how movies are made. Everett Collection 10 Still, Candace Cameron Bure believes you are 'opening up a portal' by turning on horror flicks. 10 She admitted that her three children and husband 'laugh at me' for her view on scary movies. Candace Cameron Bure/Instagram Last year, Bure shared that she won't let her husband, whom she married in 1996, watch any of her kissing scenes. 'I don't think it's as comfortable for anybody – maybe if you're an actor married to another actor – it's just never comfortable to watch your spouse in the arms of someone, even though it's a peck or a kiss or anything,' she said in a December 2024 interview with Danica McKellar, with both actresses confirming they 'fast-forward' or go to a commercial when the intimate scenes come on. Bure insisted that her significant other is 'supportive' despite being uncomfortable. 10 Candace Cameron Bure/Instagram 10 She also mentioned the water brand Liquid Death, recalling her pastor asking, 'Do you want to buy a product that is literally being cursed as it's going out into distribution?' Candace Cameron Bure/Instagram 10 Candace Cameron Bure also doesn't want her husband watching any of her kissing scenes. candacecbure/Instagram 'We have those honest conversations. He's like, 'I don't really want to watch that part' and 'I don't want to put you through that.' But … we kind of worked through those feelings to a place where we both feel good and supported through it,' she shared. Bure has never been one to shy away from sharing her views. In April, she made headlines for applauding those in Hollywood who are outspoken about their faith, adding they are no longer worried about cancel culture. 'I feel like people are just a little less afraid of being canceled now that they can share their faith openly or whatever their opinions are [even] if they're not congruent with some other people's opinions,' she told Fox News Digital at the Movieguide Awards. 'And, so, I love seeing this in our country, and I'm hopeful. I'm very hopeful.'
Forbes
an hour ago
- Forbes
Tech Giants Partner With Retailers As Smart Glasses Battle Heats Up
Google is hoping that the path to the future is through Warby Parker stores. (Photo by Michael M. ...) In the race to finally convince consumers of the benefits of AR and AI powered smart glasses, the global tech giants are heading back to the future – with stores. As Google, Apple, Meta and Snap go head to head for what they believe will be a lucrative growth market, three of the four have established store networks to introduce their products to a new generation of consumers – many of whom will not have seen Google's pioneering but unsuccessful first attempt to create the market. Meta has partnered with Ray Ban, Apple has its own flagship store network to leverage, while the big headline came when Google recently committed to as much as $150 million with the consumer eyewear company Warby Parker. They are set to jointly develop AI-powered smart glasses based on Android XR and Google has already committed $75 million to Warby Parker's product development and commercialization costs. Google will invest an additional $75 million, taking an equity stake in Warby Parker, should the trendy eyewear manufacturer meet certain milestones. The news immediately turbocharged Warby Parker's stock price, which is up a little short of a fifth since the announcement after a challenging year to date which means that despite the boost the value is still around 11% off year to date. In May, Warby Parker announced first-quarter net revenue increased nearly 12% year over year to $223.8 million. It also reported its first positive quarterly net income as a public company, with $3.5 million in income compared with a loss of about $2.7 million in Q1 2024. It also opened 11 net new stores, ending the quarter with 287 locations nationwide. At the Google I/O 2025 event, Google also announced partnerships with several companies to develop smart glasses with Gemini AI and AR capabilities, including Samsung and uber trendy Korean eyewear retailer Gentle Monster. Google has no doubt taken a close look at Meta's smart glasses strategy after the latter found success partnering and investing in the maker of iconic sunglasses brand Ray-Ban to develop its smart glasses. One of the reasons that Ray-Ban and Meta have acheived some success is that the smart glasses, far from the clunky original iterations, have a stylish and familiar design and they are being sold across Ray-Ban's stores network. Ray-Ban Meta smart glasses, which are equipped with cameras and speakers. (Photo by Joan ... More Cros/NurPhoto via Getty Images) It seems likely that Google will use the same playbook with Warby Parker, taking advantage of the eyewear company's popular frame designs and its growing network of retail stores and online presence around the country. In announcing the collaboration, Warby Parker and Google said that they intend to launch a series of products over time and forecast that their first line of eyewear will launch 'after 2025' and will incorporate multimodal AI with prescription and non-prescription glasses. Meantime, Snap has announced its own plans to release a sixth-generation of its augmented reality glasses next year. The company behind Snapchat said that its next-generation glasses will be called Specs, marking a break from the company's Spectacles branding that it has used for prior versions of its wearable devices. Specs will use AR technology to let wearers see and interact with digital imagery overlaid over the physical world and its new glasses will be smaller and lighter than their predecessors, the company said, with Snap's most recent Spectacles released in September 2024 to developers only. Those glasses were made available under a leasing model that required users to commit to paying $99 a month for a full year. Apple is also working on its own smart glasses, based on chips used in the Apple Watch that require less energy than the components in some of its other products like the iPhone, iPad and Mac, but they may not hit the market until sometime in 2027. Apple has already leveraged its store network to launch a host of products and updates and will be able to use those stores again to provide a platform for its smart glasses technology when it finally arrives.
