CQTV seeks China’s Top Model

China’s Chongqing Satellite Television (CQTV) has commissioned a local version of the Next Top Model format from indie producer and distributor IPCN.

The Next Top Model format (US version pictured)
has sold to countries across the globe

China’s Next Top Model (12×60’) is being shot in Shanghai, Chongqing and London in collaboration with a number of luxury brands and British designer Gareth Pugh.

The competition starts with 30 aspiring models selected from 50,000 applicants. The eventual winner gets a modelling contract and photo spread in Vogue China.

This is the fourth season of the format in China, with Sichuan TV and the local version of Travel Channel airing the previous three between them.

The commission follows investment in IPCN from Chinese private equity group China Media Capital. Mick Desmond, former CEO at ITV Broadcasting in the UK, launched IPCN with Rebecca Yang in 2007 but sold his stake and left his role as chairman as part of that deal.

The Shanghai-based firm has brokered 35 deals and brought more than 5,000 hours of international television into the Chinese market, including adaptations of Got Talent and The Voice.