BBC Worldwide Takes Showcase to China

LONDON: BBC Worldwide’s annual international market BBC Showcase will be held for the first time in Beijing, to take place August 25 alongside the Beijing TV Festival.

BBC Showcase China will be tailored to the Chinese market and will host more than 100 buyers from across the Chinese television industry. BBC Worldwide will launch more than 500 hours of its latest offerings at the event, spanning children’s, entertainment and factual.

Alongside the screenings, BBC Worldwide will also host a Digital Forum to focus on digital distribution opportunities. Participants will include BBC Worldwide, Sohu.com and other Chinese digital media companies to be confirmed.

BBC Worldwide’s sales and distribution managing director, Steve Macallister, said “We’ve enjoyed very close business relationships in China for more than 20 years and this is a major new step in our commitment. There is an abundance of opportunity to be developed between the U.K. and Chinese creative industries and we’re proud to expand our commitment with this important trade event.”

BBC Worldwide’s general manager for China, Pierre Cheung, added, “BBC Showcase is a brilliant opportunity for us and our Chinese partners. This is not just about showcasing our programming to Chinese buyers but also developing new partnerships between Chinese and U.K. producers, whether in co-productions, training opportunities or local production.”