BBC Worldwide in Factual Alliance with CCTV9

BEIJING: BBC Worldwide and CCTV Documentary Channel (CCTV9) plan to partner on at least two major projects over the next six months centered on the factual brand BBC Earth.

The two companies signed a Memorandum of Understanding at the Sichuan TV Festival in Chengdu. The agreement includes developing docs targeting a global audience but focused on China and other Asian markets; developing co-productions and expanding the distribution relationship beyond the TV screen. The companies previously co-produced Generation Earth, Wonders of Life and Africa. Most recently, CCTV9 signed up as a partner on Hidden Kingdoms.

“We have been collaborating with BBC Worldwide on TV programs for many years now,” said Liu Wen, managing director of CCTV9. “Like the BBC, we are committed to bringing high-quality programs to our viewers. We are excited that with this MOU, we will be able to extend our partnership to reach new audiences.”
 
Paul Dempsey, BBC Worldwide's president of global markets, added: “This MOU is a significant milestone in the history of BBC Worldwide's business in China and in our relationship with CCTV. The projects we will be working on will enable us to bring our flagship BBC Earth content to audiences across China and help bring together U.K. and Chinese creative talent."