Hunan TV, Endemol Shine announce first co-production Acting Up
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Rebecca Hawkes
| 08 April 2019

China’s Hunan TV and Endemol Shine have unveiled a new talent format Acting Up, the first result of the content development partnership they first announced at last year’s MIPCOM.

The talent show, to be produced by An Desheng, will see up-and-coming actors jostle for position in Chinese scripted drama films. The pilot is currently in pre-production and is slated for release in the second half of this year.

The partnership between Hunan TV and Endmol Shine China is approved and supported by China’s National Radio and Television Administration in line with the government’s call for further content innovation and content export.

“It is great to see the progress we have made in co-developing shows with Hunan TV, with an exciting first format already entering the next stage of production just months after our partnership was announced,” said William Tan (pictured), MD, Endemol Shine China.

“This demonstrates our continuing achievements in and commitment to the local market. Such long-term strategic partnerships are key for us in China as they deliver exciting and innovative content for both local and international markets.”

The co-development team will be led by Rebecca De Young, Endemol Shine China’s head of content, and Lester Hu, Hunan TV’s head of formats and international business.

“Following a series of creative exchanges and on-location workshops, we are all happy to see the pilot come together,” said Hunan TV’s Lester Hu.

“It’s been a thoroughly enjoyable experience working hand-in-hand with ES China’s team throughout the format development process. We trust that this international creative collaboration will deliver more fresh and innovative formats.”

Endemol Shine Group’s Creative Networks CEO, Lisa Perrin added: “China is an exceptionally dynamic, inspiring and flourishing market and there couldn’t be a better time for us to be working alongside Hunan TV to launch Acting Up.

“The format is really compelling and distinctive and it’s hugely exciting to announce the first production to come through the pipeline with this co-development deal. We can’t wait to release it later this year and to announce others from the line-up.”