TCL launches television production studio
APRIL 15, 2024 11.10 EUROPE/LONDON BY JULIAN CLOVER

TCLtv+ has announced plans to enter original content production with the launch of TCLtv+ Studios.

The Hong Kong-based company follows other hardware manufacturers including Apple and Roku who are producing content to stream directly on their own services.

TCLtv+ Studios has a production team that includes animators, VFX experts and AI engineers, customizing the latest AI technology and empowering producers, writers, and actors to create its own premium television shows.

The first original production originating from the studio is an AI generated special, Next Stop Paris, that will make its debut this summer online and on the TCLtv+ streaming app. The short features professional voice actors and an original script, but has been brought to life with the latest AI animation technology.

“TCL is leading the future of television that will make watching content on TCLtv+ a deeper, more dimensional experience, bridging the gap between rapidly changing tech to enhance storytelling,” said Haohong Wang, General Manager, TCL Research America.“ The launch of the TCLtv+ Studio solidifies our commitment and investment in original production, providing an opportunity for exploration in genre bending formats that will help differentiate ourselves in a busy landscape.”

The special is animated by a global team including artists from the United States, Canada, UK, and Poland, who have combined layering tech and high-quality design animation with traditional narrative.

“Story will be at the heart of everything we do, said Chris Regina, Chief Content Officer, TCL. “We are empowering creators and storytellers to use this new technology so the human experience is enriched, and we believe that Creatives with limitless imagination will drive endless innovation. We view ‘Next Stop Paris’ as an early experiment and we’re excited to see how it’s received in the town square.”

Collaborations on future projects will expand beyond the TCLtv+ Studios teams and will include guild writers and actors as well as key Hollywood talent.