Relativity Ties Up with China’s JSBC

BEVERLY HILLS/SHANGHAI: Relativity Media has entered into a joint partnership with Jiangsu Broadcasting Corp. (JSBC) to develop, co-finance, co-produce and distribute film and TV content.

As part of the partnership, JSBC will make an equity investment in Relativity. The two companies will develop, produce and distribute new film and TV content across JSBC and Relativity's platforms. The projects are intended for both the international and Chinese markets.

"China is one of the world's largest and fastest growing markets for every form of content, and Relativity has long been focused on expanding our footprint in this incredibly dynamic market. The partnership with JSBC we announced today will further strengthen the robust foundation we have built in China," said Ryan Kavanaugh, the CEO of Relativity. "By collaborating with JSBC, we will deepen our relationship with the Chinese media and entertainment industry and provide a world-class platform from which to co-develop Chinese and international film, television, and sports content with one of the preeminent media companies in China."

Bu Yu, the president of JSBC, said, "JSBC is delighted to make this investment into Relativity, one of the world's most disruptive and fastest growing media companies. Combining our distribution and content with Relativity's will strengthen the formidable platforms of both our companies. This partnership will allow JSBC and Relativity to collaborate across the full range of content from film and television, to sports and music, and we are excited about the possibilities it creates."

Additionally, Relativity has been appointed as the strategic international distribution partner for Chinese-language films licensed by China Film Promotion International (CFPI), a state-owned government agency that oversees the promotion and commercial distribution of Chinese films overseas. Relativity also signed a strategic advisory agreement with Industrial and Commercial Bank of China Limited (ICBC). SeedShine Capital, a Chinese investment firm focused on the media and entertainment sector, has entered into a binding agreement to invest in Relativity.