TheSmartLocal launches YouTube drama series inspired by Netflix's 'Black Mirror'

Media publisher TheSmartLocal (TSL) has made its first foray into network programming through the launch of mini series Alternate Beginnings. Inspired by Netflix’s Black Mirror series, Alternate Beginnings is supported by the Infocomm Media Development Authority (IMDA). 

The four-part mini series takes viewers on a time-tangled journey through three relationship types that are relatable to Singaporeans - the ideal partner, the partner you settled for to avoid hurt and the partner who had a different direction in life. Since its launch on YouTube on 27 February 2020, Alternate Beginnings has garnered over 400,000 views at the time of writing. 

In addition to the series, TSL will be releasing an official music video for “Can You Feel It”, the theme song on 20 March 2020. The original soundtrack which includes three versions of the song - original, acoustic and duet - was launched on 21 February 2020 and is now available on Spotify and iTunes. 

Helmed by a group of in-house talents and creatives, the original soundtrack and music video were produced, in collaboration, with recording studio GRYD.  According to Bryan Choo, TSL’s managing director, the team has been wanting to create more episodic content that could be distributed on networks. 

“It was thanks to IMDA's support that we were able to make the first step. Our team worked extremely hard on this series and we're very encouraged by the positive response. It is our dream to, one day, see locally-created content enjoyed by people outside of Singapore - the same way, we enjoy Korean dramas and Hong Kong TV shows today," he said. 

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The local publisher has also in recent times ventured into sports marketing. Launching a new programme for Singaporean athletes, the initiative looks to help budding athletes raise their profile on social media, to help them secure sustainable athletic careers and compete in events while residing in Singapore. Athletes will be hired full time by TSL and will benefit from a flexible work schedule that includes extra paid-leave for training while being groomed and marketed alongside the company’s roster of KOLs. 

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