British independent TV production companies are visiting Xiamen and Beijing this week, meeting with the country’s major broadcasters.
The trade mission includes the signing of a landmark memorandum of understanding between Pact and China Central Television (CCTV) on April 23, 2014. Senior representatives from the Chinese and UK governments will attend.
John McVay, Chief Executive at Pact, said the trip was an opportunity to develop long-lasting relationships.
“This landmark television summit and our business agreement demonstrate the importance of the fast-growing Chinese market for UK television producers – and also the value of UK independent content to broadcasters in China.
“In a global market, the agreement is a shining example of the potential of the UK creative industries – it also shows the importance going forward of continued appropriate levels of funding support from the UK government for SMEs to maximise their potential in growth markets.
“These companies are generating revenues and creating jobs in the UK economy that will help address the imbalance between revenues from the domestic services.
The delegation to China includes 22 independent production companies in Xiamen, along with Channel 4 Chief Executive David Abraham. The summit includes three days of intensive meetings, presentations and pitches with Chinese broadcasters. More than 100 Chinese delegates will attend the event, including senior officials from the Chinese Ministry of Radio, Film and TV, Phoenix satellite TV, Beijing TV and CCTV.
Agreements between Pact and CCTV will be formalised at a signing ceremony in Beijing. The memorandum of understanding (MoU) confirms an agreement to explore potential areas of collaboration between CCTV and Pact member companies, including commissions, co-productions and acquisitions.
The MoU is one of a series of cooperation agreements between Chinese and British companies. It will be witnessed by senior Chinese government officials and the UK Parliamentary Under Secretary of State for Culture, Communications and Creative Industries, Ed Vaizey MP.
