BBC unveils Sherlock, Earth cinema plans with SMG in China


Details

Rebecca Hawkes

| 22 October 2015





Sherlock is set for theatrical release in China at the same time the 90 'special' show is broadcast in the UK, the BBC has announced.


Sherlock Special First PicturePlans for co-production of a new documentary feature film by BBC Earth Films and Shanghai Media Group (SMG) Pictures were also unveiled at a creative showcase in London forming part of the state visit to the UK of China's president, Xi Jinping.

"Today's announcements herald an exciting new collaboration between the Chinese and British creative industries. There is a keen appetite in China for premium British content and creating two new cinematic experiences in partnership with SMG Pictures is a landmark moment for two of our biggest brands, Sherlock and BBC Earth," said Tim Davie, chief executive, BBC Worldwide.

The feature film, which has the working title Earth: One Amazing Day, is set for cinematic release in 2017. It is the official sequel to Earth and will be the first to be produced under the UK and China film co-production treaty announced in 2014.

Earth was a box office success in many countries including the US, Japan, and Germany, and grossed US$92 million worldwide. Its sequel will be directed by Britain's Peter Webber (Girl with a Pearl Earring; Emperor; Hannibal Rising) together with a yet to be announced Chinese director.

"I am delighted that SMG Pictures will be the co-producer of the first feature film to be produced under the landmark UK and China film co-production treaty. This milestone event will act as a bridge between Sino-UK cultural exchanges and set up a new model for Sino-UK collaboration," said Wang Jianjun, director-general and president, SMG.

Pending regulatory approval, the new Sherlock special will be released in Chinese theatres as part of a global cinema event. The last season of the popular detective series has attracted over 98 million views in China, where it aired online on Youku Tudou and the BBC website.

The new Sherlock special will see Benedict Cumberbatch and Martin Freeman return as Holmes and Watson in a one-off episode set in Victorian London in 1895. The episode, co-written by Steven Moffat and Mark Gatiss, will also star regulars Rupert Graves, Una Stubbs, Louise Brealey and Amanda Abbington. Directed by Douglas Mackinnon (Doctor Who, Line of Duty), Sherlock is produced by Hartswood Films for the BBC and co-produced by Masterpiece in the US.