Doctor Who to See Expanded Presence in China

BBC Worldwide has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Shanghai Media Group Pictures that will see the expansion of the Doctor Who brand in China.

The agreement will see BBC Worldwide working with SMG Pictures to increase the Doctor Who fan base in China. The two also inked a pact that will see the entire Doctor Who catalog, including spin-offs Torchwood and Class, become available on TV channels and on-demand platforms all across China. The agreement covers seasons one through ten, as well as the yet-to-film season 11 and a first look for seasons 12 to 15.

“This marks the start of a longer and even more fruitful partnership with SMGP,” said Jaclyn-Lee Joe, the chief marketing officer at BBC Worldwide. “Doctor Who already has a substantial fan base in China. Now, Chinese fans will be able to access the entire catalog of Doctor Who and its spin-offs thanks to this agreement. The MOU is an affirmation of both parties’ commitment to build the Doctor Who brand and grow its fan base in China.”

Chen Sijie, the general manager for SMG Pictures, added: “China is going through a time of tremendous growth and rapid market development. Everyone here is curious about popular cultures around the world. At the same time, they want to share their Chinese culture and values. Doctor Who, with its long television history and iconic place in popular culture, is a great representative of British pop culture. We hope that this partnership with BBC Worldwide will enable both parties, as well as Chinese and British fans, to share and exchange ideas and learnings to grow the universe of Doctor Who in China.”