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Big Brother breaks into China

The first Chinese version of classic reality format Big Brother is in the works following a deal between Endemol and leading online video operator Youku Tudou.

Youku and Tudou, which merged two years ago, together have 500 million active users and generate more than 200 billion views annually.

The company is now working on a local version of Big Brother with Endemol China, a new arm of the formats giant recently established in Beijing.

Youku Tudou will bring its digital platform, advertising and interactive capabilities to the coproduction while Endemol will add production expertise and international distribution.

The series will run for 10 weeks in early 2015 with production due to start soon.

Big Brother was originally created by John De Mol back in 1997 and has since aired around the world, including for 14 years in the UK on Channel 4 and more recently Channel 5, and on CBS in the US. Endemol says 25 series of the format aired in more than 70 territories around the world this year.

Victor Koo, chairman and CEO of Youku, said: “Youku Tudou has been advancing its multi-screen media and entertainment ecosystem to provide its users with higher quality original content. By partnering with Endemol, Youku can build on its achievements with this great fit into our business model.”

Endemol has previously had five seasons of its Your Face Sounds Familiar format air on Hunan TV in China as well as The Brain on Jiangsu, which is currently in production on season two. The company is awaiting final regulatory approval for its merger with 21st Century Fox’s Shine Group.

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