International TV format experts recently gathered at Mip London to discuss the growing exchange of content between China and global markets. The panel highlighted both opportunities and challenges in cross-cultural adaptation, shedding light on the evolving landscape of the industry.
Qin Xiaoming from Jiangsu Broadcasting Corporation (JSBC) shared insights on the broadcaster’s journey from acquiring international formats to developing original content for export. JSBC has been actively involved in the format business for over a decade, bringing successful shows like ‘Got Talent’ and ‘Still Standing’ to China. While some formats have been optioned to the U.S., U.K., and Europe, Qin expressed the need for a “milestone format” that could resonate globally.
Avi Armoza of Armoza Formats emphasized the importance of co-development when working with Chinese partners, highlighting the need to adapt shows to the Chinese market. He also pointed out the significant difference in production scale in China compared to other markets.
Tim Crescenti of Small World IFT discussed the scalability challenges of Chinese formats, emphasizing the need to showcase this aspect in presentation materials. He shared an experience with a Chinese magic show featuring 475 magicians, underscoring the importance of understanding cultural differences in content adaptation.
Roy Lu from Linmon International highlighted the export potential of romantic comedies, noting their success in markets like Indonesia and Thailand. He also mentioned the adaptation of their show “Nothing But Thirty” into six different language versions across Asia.
Zhang Jun of Yulele Film shared insights on enhancing the global appeal of Chinese content by balancing cultural authenticity with internationalization. He is currently developing a TV series about Chinese history during the Song Dynasty, aiming to attract global production partners.
The panel also discussed the crucial role of sponsorship in format adaptation in China, with Qin emphasizing the need to secure sponsorship before bringing a show to the screen. In another panel at Mip London, industry experts discussed the growth of co-productions in the documentary and animation sectors, highlighting successful partnerships and ambitious projects in China.
Overall, the key takeaway from the discussions was the importance of understanding cultural nuances and universal themes in creating successful international content. As the industry continues to evolve, collaboration and co-development between Chinese and global partners will play a vital role in shaping the future of TV formats in the international market.
