8 Lions Entertainment signs MoU with China Media Group for kids and family IP

London-based 8 Lions Entertainment signed an MoU with China Media Group (CMG) during the UK government delegation to China last week, to explore potential collaboration on global kids and family IP.

Jiella Esmat

The MoU establishes a framework for dialogue and exploration around potential areas of co-operation, including Sino-British coproduction models, international distribution, talent exchange and emerging media technologies.

The companies said the MoU reflects a shared interest in understanding how UK and Chinese creative companies might collaborate on children’s and family content for cross-border audiences.

Discussions will consider how “British creative expertise and IP development experience could intersect with China’s storytelling traditions and production capabilities, with a view to identifying projects of mutual interest.”

The parties will explore how CMG’s domestic and international media platforms may provide context for understanding audience engagement in China and abroad, alongside opportunities for learning about global content pathways. In parallel, 8 Lions will examine how its UK-based creative networks could support the international development of select Chinese-originated stories, subject to future agreements.

Jiella Esmat, founder and CEO of 8 Lions Entertainment, said: “This MoU hopes to build a new model for global kids’ storytelling. A coming together of British creative excellence and China’s extraordinary cultural heritage. Our desire is to create franchises capable of traveling across platforms, borders and cultures, inspiring kids worldwide and generating long-term commercial opportunities.”

Kate O’Connor, executive chair of Animation UK, added: “UK animation is a globally competitive sector built on strong intellectual property, skilled talent and an outward-facing approach to partnership. Eight Lions’ leadership in this collaboration with CMG reflects the capability of UK companies to operate at international scale and to open new routes to audiences and creative exchange.”