Hong Kong –FOX Networks Group Asia (FNGA) announces two significant Chinese content acquisition deals. The first deal is with leading Chinese production house Zhejiang Huace Film & TV Co., Ltd for the exclusive rights to broadcast and distribute Queen Dugu (獨孤皇后), outside of mainland China; the second is with Tianjin Azure Media Co., Ltd for the exclusive rights to broadcast and distribute Martial Universe (武動乾坤), outside of mainland China. Both dramas will broadcast on “Star Chinese Channel”.
Further bolstering its Chinese offering and commitment to bringing quality Chinese content to the region and beyond, Queen Dugu and Martial Universe add to a roster of successful Chinese television series and film collaborations FNGA continues to secure including Ruyi’s Love in the Palace (如懿傳), due to air in Q1 2018; Tiger Mom (虎媽貓爸), May December Love 2 (小丈夫), Go Lala Go 2 (杜拉拉追婚記), Meet Miss Anxiety (我的早更女友) and Ruyi’s Love In The Palace. Queen Dugu is a 60-episode Chinese drama that tells the story of how Dugu helps Yang in bringing the Sui Dynasty into a new golden era. Dugu is played by popular Taiwanese drama queen Joe Chen. Joe garnered attention in the local China market after starring in Swordsman, adapted from Louis Cha’s novel. This is the first time in five years that she is starring in a Chinese costume drama. Yang Jian, played by Chen Xiao, recently starred in the highly successful drama series Nothing Gold can Stay acquired by FOX Networks Group earlier in 2017.
In contrast, one of the most highly anticipated dramas of 2018, Martial Universe, is a 62-episode martial arts fantasy series adapted from the book of the same name. Written by popular writer Tiancan Tudou, the book itself received over 32 million online hits and received 10 billion online hits during its two-year serialization. With a stellar cast including Yang Yang who rose to fame following his box office hit The Left Ear and Crystal Zhang who became a household name after her performance in The Legendary Sniper, for which she won the Best Supporting Actress award at the 2 nd Hengdian Wenrong Awards.
Both Queen Dugu and Martial Universe will be available on STAR Chinese Channel (SCC) as well as FOX+. FNG aims to offer global audiences quality Chinese TV programmes through acquisition deals such as Queen Dugu and Martial Universe. The network’s global presence and extensive experience in international broadcasting, packaging and marketing will ensure the new series successfully reaches audiences in markets including Hong Kong, Taiwan, Southeast Asia, Japan, Korea, Australasia, Europe, North and South America, Middle East and Africa.
