Tencent signs European kids copro pacts

Tencent is partnering with Zeilt Productions on Deep in the Bowl

Chinese VoD platform Tencent Video has agreed coproduction deals with Luxembourg-based Zeilt Productions and Sixteen South and Silvergate Media in the UK to develop kids’ content.

The three pacts mark the start of Tencent’s multi-year strategy to partner with major international studios across Europe on copros that will see children’s shows air as originals on the Chinese streamer’s platform Tencent Kids.

Under its deal with Zeilt Productions, the pair will coproduce Deep in the Bowl, a 52×5’ series aimed at eight- to 12-year-olds inspired by French comic book Le Fond du Bocal by Nicolas Poupon.

Integrating 3D animation with live-action, the show depicts amazing aquariums with a fantastic fishy cast whose experiences mirror those of children’s daily lives.

Already in production, the show is expected to be broadcast in 2022. Zeilt and Tencent are currently looking for distribution partners for the series.

Tencent’s deal with Sixteen South, meanwhile, sees the duo working on an original 3D comedy series that will be announced soon, while Silvergate and Tencent are working on an animated CGI comedy show that will air on Tencent Kids and in the rest of the world on a “major SVoD platform” in 2022.

Selina She, editor-in-chief at Tencent Video Kids Channel, said: “International coproduction is an important part of Tencent Kids’ strategy. We are actively looking for new opportunities to acquire outstanding content and to form partnerships to develop and create high-quality content for both domestic and global audiences.”