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Shows inspired by foreign formats, new technology
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A pack of new reality shows will be heading toward online and television audiences in China later this year, according to information shared at the Shanghai Television Festival, an annual industry event held this week.
Many of these shows will be adaptations of popular foreign titles and also feature new technologies and formats aimed at younger viewers.
Chinese video platforms like Youku Tudou, Sohu and Iqiyi are also investing in programs which they believe will help them connect with youth audiences, while technology manufacturers are promoting hardware solutions to breath fresh life into the viewing experience.
Among the programs slated to hit the Chinese Internet is “Selfie Challenge,” a localized version of an Israeli program that is now broadcast in over 15 countries. The show, which is distributed by Dori Media Group, should be available to view online in China starting in October.
As the title suggests, the show will feature Chinese contestants racing to take self-portraits in front of various world landmarks.
Meanwhile, a localized version of the popular British reality program “Gogglebox” is schedule to debut in the third quarter, according to Fang Du, vice president of Huace Film and TV, at the festival.
The format of the original show features family members and friends making humorous observations about local television programs. The Chinese version will incorporate the same format.
“Chinese audiences have a sense of humor. You have to find a way to express it,” said Du, who is confident of the show’s appeal.
Leung Man-Tao, a veteran host with HK-based Phoenix TV, has announced to run a culture talk show on Youku Tudou, the country’s biggest online video website.
“China needs more high-quality culture programs, but it’s not neccessarily on TV,” said Leung during the festival, explaining the reason for transforming the platform.
Meanwhile, “Couple Travelers,” which will be shown on Youku Tudou as well as state broadcaster CCTV, will center on a global-trotting pair of lovers. The show is said to incorporate new 3D imaging technologies, among other high-tech developments.
New ways to watch
The strength and potential of China’s online video market was a topic much discussed at the recent industry event in Shanghai.
With more than 500 million mobile phone users in the country, and social media platforms like Weibo and WeChat boasting millions of users, industry experts proclaimed that high-quality programs and video content can now be easily viewed and shared.
To capitalize on the flourishing market, Youku Tudou announced that it would invest 600 million yuan (US$96.6 million) on self-produced programs in 2015, double the amount is spent last year. Speaking at a forum at the recent television festival, a representative from Youku Tudou estimated that these efforts should yeild some 4 billion views of its original programming in 2015, up two-fold from a year earlier.
A host of technology manufacturers are now racing to get on the act as entertainment companies explore new mediums and formats.
Chris Goss, creative director & CEO of Ionoco, was also on hand at the festival to show off his company’s heart monitors, laser sensors and motion capture devices can be incorporated into reality programing. Goss explained that his company is in talks with Chinese companies on potential deals.
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