FremantleMedia, one of the largest creators, producers and distributors of television brands in the world, Shanghai Media Group (SMG)’s BesTV and China Media Capital (CMC) have announced an exclusive joint venture partnership that will create and develop entertainment formats for the China market, set to reach millions of viewers on Dragon TV and BesTV platforms, and take proprietary China content to the world market through FremantleMedia’s global distribution network.
Based in Shanghai, the bespoke development team will include international experts and local producers and will draw on FremantleMedia’s creative strength to develop original entertainment IP. Outside of mainland China, FremantleMedia International will represent the newly created IP through its worldwide distribution network.
Ian Hogg, CEO, FremantleMedia Asia Pacific, whose team oversaw this deal, added: “This is a ground-breaking deal, not only for BesTV, SMG, CMC, and FremantleMedia, but for Chinese audiences. The opportunity to create and execute storytelling that focuses on Chinese values and tastes blended with western structure and creativity is a very powerful combination.”
FremantleMedia has already forged strong relationships with a number of China’s leading broadcasters and has successfully licensed around 20 titles, including Got Talent, Idols and The X Factor, Don’t Stop Me Now, Take Me Out, Hole in the Wall and Family Feud.