iQIYI & Sony Set Mandarin-Language Co-Pro

BEIJING: The Chinese streaming platform iQIYI is working with Sony Pictures Television (SPT) to adapt the U.S. drama Chosen as a three-part series in the Mandarin language.

Chosen is being produced by SPT’s Playmaker Media with support from Screen NSW. The action thriller follows the story of a family that becomes drawn into a deadly game but ultimately binds together to save each other. The series is expected to feature China’s top stars, while also featuring international actors and production crew. Production is slated to begin in spring 2017, with an anticipated launch in the fall.

“Quality control is key to the development of any industry and iQIYI strives to make the best possible resources available to raise the level of crafting in net film production,” said Yang Xianghua, iQIYI’s senior VP.

“We look forward to bringing culturally relevant, premium content to iQIYI’s important and growing audience,” said Dai Huang, the VP of sales, international distribution and production at Sony Pictures Television, Asia Pacific.

“As an online video service provider, iQIYI’s future hinges upon not only its role to continue to be a leading platform for content from partners, but also its position as a pioneer to produce original and well-crafted content, particularly premium internet films,” added Yang.