ITV Studios and Zhejiang Media Group announced a new partnership to co-develop non-scripted IP for the local and global market. The deal was brokered on behalf of ITV Studios by Augustus Dulgaro, EVP Sales Asia Pacific, and Zoe Tsui, Head of Content & Format Sales Greater China.
With an accomplished track record in creating high-end non-scripted TV shows, Zhejiang Media Group is known for its partnerships with established and emerging talent, best-in-class producers and directors. With 60 production labels globally and a 90,000+ hour distribution business, ITV Studios is the content powerhouse behind globally renowned format brands such as "The Voice," "Come Dine With Me," "Hell’s Kitchen," dramas like "Bodyguard," "Snowpiercer," and "One Piece," as well as the landmark natural history show "A Year on Planet Earth." Further details about the first co-developed project the companies are working on, "Go! Fishing!", are to be announced in the coming months.
Mr. Shen Jian, Editor-in-Chief, Zhejiang Satellite TV, Zhejiang Media Group praised their partners: 'We are delighted to partner with ITV Studios to co-develop new IP for Chinese viewers. We are definitely seeing an appetite globally for new formats that explore universal themes through different cultures. I am personally very much looking forward to the collaboration which we expect to produce a new co-developed concept to launch in China and internationally in 2025," commented.
Meanwhile, Ruth Berry, President Global Partnerships & Zoo 55, ITV Studios referred to the importance of having joined forces: "Zhejiang Media Group is a valued, long-term commercial partner to ITV Studios and I am pleased that with this deal we will unite our creative forces to develop original IP for Greater China and the international market;" stated.