iQIYI Original Kids’ Show in Development

iQIYI, Zhejiang Blue Star Media and Viacom International Media Networks (VIMN) Asia have entered into a strategic collaboration to develop Deer Run, an original animated children’s series.

Produced by iQIYI with creative guidance and supervision from Nickelodeon Asia, the CG-animated series will premiere on iQIYI’s digital platform and Zhejiang Satellite TV in China, in addition to airing on Nickelodeon Asia in the summer of 2019. This marks the first time Nickelodeon Asia will take a Chinese original on its network from the conception phase.

Deer Run centers on four deer who work together to overcome various obstacles and develop a strong friendship. VIMN will explore Deer Run’s licensing potential outside of China once production is complete.

iQIYI’s chief content officer, Wang Xiaohui, said, “We are delighted to collaborate with Viacom International Media Networks on iQIYI’s original IP animation series, which will be supervised by experienced producers at Nickelodeon Asia. With our distribution capability and track record in IP development, we believe Nickelodeon’s excellence in production and storytelling will extend our IP to kids in China, and beyond.”

“Deer Run will be our first in-depth animation collaboration for Nickelodeon in China,” stated Pierre Cheung, the senior VP and general manager for Greater China at Viacom International Media Networks. “We chose this project because of its great story and compelling, relatable characters that resonate with the Nickelodeon brand. This collaboration deepens our existing strategic relationship with iQIYI, whose extensive distribution ability in China will be the hallmark of the project’s future success in China.”

“The content industry has been looking forward to the development of the Chinese children’s animation market,” added Yang Xiaoxuan, the VP of iQIYI. “We are delighted iQIYI will be taking the lead in promoting Chinese children’s animation outside of China with this winning collaboration.”

Wu Bin, the VP of Zhejiang Blue Star Media, commented, “I believe the collaboration with iQIYI from the upstream of the industry would maximize the advantages of Zhejiang Satellite TV and iQIYI in platform resources and together, we will create excellent Chinese animation content of international standards.”