First ever Chinese version of reality blockbuster set to debut on Youku Tudou Inc., the country’s number one digital video platform with over 500,000,000 active users across screens, annually generating over 200 billion views
Endemol, a company of multiplatform entertainment, announced that it is partnering with China’s digital video platform Youku Tudou Inc. to launch the first ever Chinese version of global reality hit Big Brother.
The new series will be a collaboration between Youku Tudou Inc. and Endemol China. Both parties will contribute their strengths to the co-operation, including Youku’s strong digital platforms, its advertising and interactive capabilities and Endemol its production expertise and international distribution network. Launching in Early 2015, Big Brother China will run for ten weeks and production is expected to begin soon.
Endemol’s CEO of Asian Operations Arjen van Mierlo commented, “We’re thrilled to announce this landmark deal with Youku Tudou Inc., bringing a format that has changed the face of television to China for the first time. In a market that annually generates hundreds of billions of video views, partnering with the number one digital video platform will allow us to bring Big Brother to a young audience and deliver the most immersive, interactive and unique experience to fans across the nation.”
Victor Koo, Chairman and CEO of Youku Tudou Inc. added, “We are delighted to be joining forces with Endemol to finally bring this groundbreaking format to China. Fifteen years after its launch, Big Brother continues to be a worldwide hit that engages passionate young fans across multiple platforms. Youku Tudou has been advancing its multi-screen media and entertainment ecosystem to provide its users with higher quality original content. By partnering with Endemol, Youku Tudou can build on its achievements with this great fit into our business model.”