Endemol Shine Lands China Deal on Hunted

SHANGHAI: Endemol Shine China is working with Shenzhen Satellite Television to bring the thriller format Hunted to the Chinese market.

Billed as a “real-life factual thriller,” the format, launched at MIPCOM 2015, sees participants going on the run, using a small amount of cash and limited ability to contact friends and family as they work to elude skilled, professional investigators. After 28 days, fugitives who reach the final objective without capture win the show. The format, created by Endemol Shine UK and produced for Channel 4, will be adapted for China by Endemol Shine China and Shenzhen Satellite Television. Hunted has been ordered for a second season in the U.K., and local versions are in the works for CBS in the U.S. and broadcasters in Spain, the Netherlands and Denmark.

“We are happy and honored to partner with Shenzhen Satellite Television to bring Hunted to China,” said William Tan, managing director of Endemol Shine China. “They showed great enthusiasm for the format in Cannes last year, and their strong track record in producing outdoor reality shows makes them the perfect partner for this incredibly exciting format.”

Lisa Perrin, the CEO of Creative Networks at Endemol Shine Group, added, “Hunted is gaining terrific momentum internationally and we’re thrilled to be announcing this latest commission in China as we head into MIPTV. The format is now being adapted for a number of different sized geographies, budgets and local specifications and Endemol Shine China’s collaboration with Shenzhen Satellite Television will ensure the Chinese version is perfectly tailored for its audience.”

Selina Zhang, content director of Shenzhen Satellite Television, noted, “Hunted is an authentic exploration into the most contemporary issues facing our generation—our internet footprint, technology dependency and the impact this has on our daily life. The show follows modern, urban people going off grid and escaping from material life and will allow viewers in China to reflect on their relationship with technology, society and themselves.”