Singapore – Ming, TIAN, CEO, STAR China Media LIMITED won the coveted Outstanding Contribution to Asian TV award at the 18th Asian Television Awards held on December 5, 2013 at the Resorts World Sentosa., Singapore.
STAR China Media LIMITED and format rights owner TALPA invested in many hours and an undisclosed amount to ensure the quality of the production remains true to its original.Audio Director Jin Xiao Gang, influential music coaches and a quality live band rearranged songs and assisted in practice and rehearsals. To capture every moment of the four-month-long production, more than 1,000 hours of production material was shot on more than 15 cameras for the 90-minute episodes.
The unconventional talent-reality show has judges selecting contestants with their backs facing them -focusing on talent rather than looks.
Winner of “Outstanding Contribution to Asian Television,” Tian Ming.
With almost 19 years of media experience under his belt, Tian obtained the rights and sought government approval of The Voice format in 2011, when the Chinese State Administration of Radio, Film, and Television (SARFT) started limiting the number of reality television programmes and historical dramas. He then worked closely with TALPA on the production from beginning to end, as well as managed the talents. The programme has turned into a renowned success, raising the bar of TV investment and production quality to international standards.
The talent show is based on The Voice format and premiered in 2011. With a 1.2-point increase in ratings since the first season to the second, The Voice of China stayed at the top with a 4.8-point aggregate. The format consists of three audition phases, namely the blind audition, battle phase and live performance.
Tian personally spent months in discussion with coaches, flying to and from Shanghai and Beijing – to ensure adherence to the original format. He was also fully involved in the entire process of talent scouting and directing the flow of production.
Critics hailed this show as the one adaptation of The Voice whose production standards best matched its original.
“After the broadcast of The Voice of China, more format-based reality shows are being produced in China, like X-Factor, Chinese Idol and I am a Singer. We are glad to see that overall production standards have increased in past 12 months. However, we will not stop at what we have achieved thus far. We see the need to create a platform for future contestants to grow and continue with their dream. A successful talent show requires a healthy entertainment industry to support,” Tian says.
Tian began his career in media in 1992 as part of the pioneer team of the Shanghai-based Oriental Television. During his eight-year tenure, Tian launched well-received programmes such as OTV Widewatch and Hotline. It was then that he received awards in news production and reporting.
He joined Shanghai Media Group (SMG) in 2002, taking up various roles in production, programming and management, as well as key positions, eventually leading and creating hit shows, including China’s Got Talent, My Hero and Mr Zhou Live Show.Tian was the Group Vice President of SMG, overseeing their flagship channel, Dragon TV and the group’s variety programming, before he joined Star China Media as CEO in April 2011. He is now in charge of Star China Media’s production unit, Canxing Production.
