Fremantle forges Chinese JV

MIPTV: FremantleMedia has linked up with Shanghai Media Group (SMG)’s BesTV and China Media Capital (CMC) to form a joint venture to create and develop entertainment formats for the Chinese market.

Cécile Frot-Coutaz

The JV will be based in Shanghai, with a bespoke development team made up of local producers and format experts working with Fremantle to develop original entertainment IP.

Outside of mainland China, FremantleMedia International will represent the newly created IP through its worldwide distribution network.

Cécile Frot-Coutaz, global CEO of FremantleMedia, said: “The Chinese television market is rapidly becoming one of the most important in the world.

“This new relationship with BesTV, Shanghai Media Group and China Media Capital allows us to build on our existing presence in China and strengthen our ties in this territory.”

Frot-Coutaz said it would provide Fremantle with the chance “to showcase its world-renowned creativity to millions of new viewers, with content that is made specifically for them.”

The shows will air on Dragon TV and BesTV platforms, while Ian Hogg, CEO of FremantleMedia Asia Pacific – whose team oversaw the deal – added: “This is a ground-breaking deal, not only for Best TV, SMG, CMC, and FremantleMedia, but for Chinese audiences.

“The opportunity to create and execute story telling that focuses on Chinese values and tastes blended with western structure and creativity is a very powerful combination.”

FremantleMedia has already forged strong relationships with a number of China’s leading broadcasters and has successfully licensed around 20 titles, including Got Talent, Idols and The X Factor, Don’t Stop Me Now, Take Me Out, Hole in the Wall and Family Feud.