MIPTV: UK broadcaster ITV has secured what it described as a “landmark deal” to broadcast and distribute a gameshow format from China.

^[1]The agreement with production company Star China gives ITV the UK broadcast rights and international distribution rights to Sing My Song. The deal marks the first time an original talent format from China has been exported internationally, according to distribution arm ITV Studios Global Entertainment.

The format is a studio-based music contest that requires a judging panel of four musicians to mentor amateur singer-songwriters trying to progress through the competition with their own original songs. The experts must also look for songs that they can use on their own albums.

The show debuted on Chinese channel CCTV-3 earlier this year as part of a global distribution deal with ITVSGE on which Michel Rodrigue, CEO and partner at The Format People, consulted.

Vivian Yin, chief representative and deputy general manager of Star China, confirmed to C21 the deal with ITV will see a UK version of the format air “within two years.”