Sony to distribute CCTV drama series

Sony Pictures Television International has signed an agreement with China Central Television’s programme licensing division to distribute a CCTV drama series in Asia.

The deal between SPTI and China International Television Corporation is the latter’s first such arrangement with a US studio.

SPTI picks up Asian distribution rights, excluding the People’s Republic of China and Japan, to The Stories of Han Dynasty (21×120′ or 50×60′), an HDTV drama chronicling the lives of two men caught up in the revolution against the Qin dynasty.

The cast includes among other Hu Jun (Lan Yu, Infernal affairs II), Xiao Rongsheng (Metropolitan Prattle), Wu Chien-Lien (Eat Drink Man Woman) and Kristy Yeung (The Drunken Swordsman).

Wei Hantao (Terracotta Warriors, Book and Sword, Gratitude and Revenge), Huang Weiming and Li Jiqiang are directors. William Chang Suk-Ping (Internal Affairs, 2046) is production designer.

“We’re thrilled about selling The Stories of Han Dynasty and are extremely grateful to CCTV for the opportunity to distribute this acclaimed drama,” said Betty Tsui, SPTI’s acquisitions executive and SPE Networks–Asia’s vice president programming and production.

Cheng Chunli, marketing executive gm for CITVC, added: “Together, CITVC and SPTI will be able to introduce quality productions such as The Stories of Han Dynasty to as many countries and media outlets as possible.”

The CITVC deal comes on the heels of SPTI’s distribution agreement with CJ Entertainment to distribute two Korean films throughout Asia, The Greatest Expectation and How to Keep My Love.