Terracotta Warriors, Regulation, Philosophy, Rom-Coms: China Partnerships in MIP London Focus

At MIP London on Tuesday, discussions centered around partnerships with Chinese collaborators in the television industry, specifically highlighted in a session titled “Partnering with China: Trends, Obstacles & Strategies.” The conversation delved into various aspects, including the renowned Terracotta Army, philosophical programs, and romantic comedies. They discussed potential benefits as well as obstacles to consider.

In the U.K., we’re currently collaborating with Lion TV, run by Richard (Bradley), on creating documentaries. Li Wei, deputy general manager at Golden Dreams Media & Communications (U.K.), mentioned this during a discussion. “Lion TV has been an outstanding partner for us,” said Li Wei. “Together we’ve produced at least five documentaries so far, and we’re currently working on an incredibly exciting new project – it explores the lives and ideas of two of history’s most influential thinkers: Socrates from the West and Confucius from the East.

She admitted there are some difficulties involved, stating, “It’s not a walk in the park, let’s be honest, as discussing philosophies and showcasing minds visually can be quite complex.” However, she reassured that both teams are putting in tremendous effort and expressed confidence that by the end of the year, you will witness this on a significant international broadcast platform.

Regarding our project methodology, she noted: “We’re collaboratively constructing a link that bridges our distinct cultural landscapes. While we share many commonalities in our cultures and histories, there are also significant differences, and this bridge aims to illuminate these unique aspects for the broader audience, fostering mutual respect and admiration for each other’s rich cultural heritage.

Commissioning Editor at National Geographic, Carolyn Payne, discussed some complex aspects: “One of the difficulties lies in discovering fresh topics,” she said. “We’re limited in the amount of content we can produce within China due to our agreement with a local partner, which stipulates that all footage must be captured in China. There are only so many themes that we’re confident a worldwide audience will find appealing.

Currently, Jun Zhang, the manager at Yulele Film (Hong Kong), is in London seeking collaborators. He expressed that he’s constantly on the hunt for content featuring a distinctly Chinese background but universal themes that can resonate with viewers globally. At present, he mentioned, “I’m developing an epic TV series based on Chinese history and I’m searching for international production partners.

Among the main topics we emphasize, one is history and archaeology. We frequently produce programs about the Terracotta Warriors and the Great Wall since we understand our viewers are interested in these subjects. However, we’re always on the lookout for novelty. We seek out the latest advancements in engineering or space, or other topics we can film in China that will captivate a worldwide audience.

Katherine Senior, the leader of international sales at Gutsy Pictures, shared that her team constantly searches for universal themes in children’s shows. She emphasized that while humor plays a significant role, it should also encapsulate broader themes like kindness, friendship, and more. Additionally, she highlighted that an exciting adventure is essential. She further noted that comedy currently holds greater importance than action, with their previous focus on action shifting towards a more whimsical approach.

Allen Lo, who serves as deputy general manager at Fantawild International, which is known for creating the Chinese animated hit series “Boonie Bears,” emphasized that it’s a well-loved family entertainment brand from China that has even expanded globally. He shared with the MIP TV crowd that they are present precisely because they aim to collaborate on projects.

Avi Armoza, head of Armoza Formats, emphasized the importance of strategic partnerships with Chinese businesses for success. “Instead of merely selling a format,” he said, “you should collaborate on its creation and modification to suit the Chinese market.” He elaborated that this involves working closely with your partner to mold the format according to local preferences and requirements. “This is a lengthy process,” he added, “requiring time to establish rapport, build trust, and comprehend the intricacies of China’s regulations, as television in China is heavily regulated and its guidelines are frequently updated.

Roy Lu, head of Linmon Media International, proudly announced the achievement of their drama series titled “Nothing but Thirty“, a story revolving around three diverse urban women in their 30s that has been translated into six regional languages such as Japanese and South Korean versions. However, his team is actively pursuing possibilities for adaptation in European and North American markets, he added.

Beyond this, our focus is on more intimate, humorous love tales, particularly those falling under the category of romantic comedies. These stories resonate strongly with audiences and have proven effective across various regions.

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2025-02-25 15:24