ITV Studios Global Entertainment (ITVS GE) has signed a landmark deal to distribute Star China’s hit primetime entertainment series, Sing My Song to the global television market. This marks the first time that an original Chinese talent show format has been exported internationally.

Sing My Song is a studio-based music contest, searching for the best original songs in the nation. Four of the music industry’s most accomplished singer-songwriters share their experience and expertise as producer-judges, providing feedback and guidance to the contestants. The judges also have an important goal: each is scouting for songs to be part of their own original music album. The series aired on China’s national TV channel CCTV-3 earlier this year, reaching 480 million viewers over the series, with a total audience share of 37% in China (CSM) and CCTV-3’s slot ratings up 59% year-on-year.

Sing My Song

Sing My Song takes the talent show genre in a new direction, highlighting the musical creativity of the contestants. The competition uncovers the singer-songwriters who have the ability and talent to compose and perform their own unique songs. The ratings success and high levels of audience engagement with the show on social media have illustrated the appeal of this new approach. In China, where voting is prohibited, downloads of the original songs have proven the popularity of the music and turned the show into a cultural phenomenon, extending its life beyond the TV airing.

Mike Beale, Director of International Formats, ITV Studios, said: “This deal is a fantastic example of the benefits of a British-Chinese creative partnership. As a leading TV distributor, ITVS GE has a wealth of experience of distributing some of the world’s most popular TV formats to territories around the globe. In Sing My Song, Star China has created a primetime entertainment show with proven appeal to millions of viewers in the TV business’s hottest market. As we launch Sing My Song to the international marketplace at MIPTV, this success is sure to generate a huge amount of interest from international buyers.”

“ITVS GE, an outstanding global distributor of the best programmes in the world, has a stellar reputation and Star China is thrilled they are representing our first original format,” said Vivian Yin, Chief Representative of Star China and VP of Starry Production. “We entrust Mike and the ITVS GE team to take Sing My Song to all territories and are positive the international buyers will discover as much success in their region with the format as we enjoy in China.”

Michel Rodrigue, CEO and Partner, The Format People, consulted on the deal between ITV Studios Global Entertainment and Star China.