Shanghai International Film & TV Festival: Forum host to discuss internationalization of Chinese TV drama

World
Europe

02:25

Television executives from China and around the world are sharing their views on the industry during this week's Shanghai Television Festival. On Wednesday, producers and distributors discussed the potential of Chinese TV dramas in overseas markets. CGTN's Xu Mengqi reports.

This Chinese TV drama is entitled "Ode to Joy." A show depicting the lives of five girls in metropolitan Shanghai. But also resonating with audiences beyond China.

HOU HONGLIANG PRODUCER OF "ODE TO JOY" "Portugal might broadcast Ode to Joy this September. That will mean the acceptance of Chinese TV drama by a mainstream European TV station."

At this year's Shanghai international film & TV festival, TV series producers and distributors are invited to share their views on how Chinese TV dramas are performing in the international market. And Ode to Joy isn't the only success story. Karen Fu's company has been selling Chinese TV dramas overseas for over a decade.

KAREN FU VICE CEO, HUACE GROUP "When we first attended the Cannes Festival more than 10 years ago, we sold nothing, but last year our exports of TV series reached 130 million yuan."

XU MENGQI SHANGHAI "China's development in recent years has helped win over a growing international audience, who are watching more and more Chinese TV dramas. Producers say they're proud, but add that they are also aware of challenges that lie ahead."

Su Xiao, CEO of a Shanghai-based production company, says Chinese TV shows are more popular in developing countries, because viewers there can more easily identify with the values and aesthetics of Chinese dramas. But it remains hard for these Chinese stories to enter mainstream European and American markets.

DAVID JOHN BELSHAW INTERNATIONAL SCRIPTED PRODUCER, BBC STUDIO "It's quite difficult in the UK and European market, more so in the UK, cuz it's such a strong powerhouse of drama. We have English, American dramas, dramas in English language coming in, so for a foreign drama to fight into the market, it has to be your best drama."

Difficult it might be, but Chinese producers say they continue to push ahead, and the challenges drive them forward. Xu Mengqi, CGTN, Shanghai.