Dream Express Co (DEX), a broadcast rights holder for Japanese animation in Thailand, is ready to meet demand spurred by the rise of digital TV and online devices, aiming to boost revenue to 400 million baht this year.
Pitchapa Nalongphun, DEX's sales and marketing manager, hailed the "great opportunity" to enhance content to serve digital TV and online channels.
"Many entertainment channels for kids and animation lovers need quality content to draw their audiences, which we can provide them as we're a leader in this field," said Ms Pitchapa.
She said DEX would partner with various companies to release online animation content, avoiding the piracy that has plagued the industry for a long time. DEX joined with AIS Movie Store to broadcast animation that can be viewed soon after it is released in Japan, which she hopes will solve illegal use of content.
"The only way to fight piracy is to release day-and-date content and provide reasonably priced digital content alternatives," Ms Pitchapa said.
DEX has provided animation content for digital TV channels such as MCOT HD, Workpoint TV, Thairath TV and Mono29 while planning to negotiate with satellite TV channel Boomerang this year to expand its fan base.
The company's core business is providing animation content, movies and product merchandising.
This year DEX expects to generate 400 million baht in revenue, with 30% each from TV animation, online content and product merchandising, and 10% from movies. Revenue should at least match last year as it can provide animation content to more digital TV channels. DEX holds the rights for the Ultraman Series, Masked Rider, The Salads and LoveLive.
Ms Pitchapa said DEX would also focus on adding shows to generate extra revenue from selling more licensed products.
"There are 70 shows for our animation characters confirmed already and we plan to add 30 more," she said.
DEX also invested 4 million baht to team up with Japan-based special effects studio Tsuburaya Productions Co to launch the Ultraman Marathon event on May 28, celebrating the 50th anniversary of Ultraman. The event aims to generate 5.4 million baht, with the proceeds donated to the Foundation For Children.