BNK48 Office Co, which operates businesses related to idol girl group BNK48, has renamed itself Independent Artist Management (iAM) as it strives to become the biggest talent management operator in the country, including supplying new idols to the market.
Speaking at a company press conference on Thursday, chief executive Jirath Pavaravadhana said iAM aimed to become the "largest centre of talent management in the country" soon.
The company will lean on strategic shareholder Plan B Media, an outdoor media and marketing provider, which can help boost idol perception among big commercial brands, he said. SET-listed Plan B bought a 35% stake in the firm in May 2018.
Mr Jirath said iAM will form a joint venture, Dreamers Society Management (DSM), to produce an idol boy group, building on the successful business model of BNK48.
The BNK48 group was launched in June 2017, modelled after Japan's AKB48 under AKS Group.
BNK48 Office ran various businesses in connection with the girl group, which has launched seven singles and held a series of activities for fans such as concerts, festivals and handshaking events.
Movies, series and content in relation to the idol group's members are also presented via TV and online channels.
According to Mr Jirath, four movies are planned in relation to the girl group.
"Within the next two years, iAM's business model will be gradually clear on the operation of fan-based management," he said.
New business, excluding BNK48, is expected to provide 50% of the company's revenue over the next two years, contributing to a more sustainable growth model for the company.
DSM, meanwhile, will introduce a training programme called "The Brothers", seeking about 20 talented boys to become influencers who will engage with brands.
The idol boy group will be trained by four popular male actors: Jesadaporn Pholdee, Ananda Everingham, Mario Maurer and Nichkhun Horvejkul.
"The idol boy group through The Brothers will change the landscape of idol boy group creation in the country," Mr Jirath said.