- CCTV9 The Documentary Channel came out with a blast at MIPDoc in Cannes last year.
- Last month, it was CCTV10’s turn at Asian Side of the Doc in Chengdu.
- CCTV10 is the public broadcaster dedicated to disseminating China’s Science and Culture.
- The channel’s executive team presented an enthusiastic slate of new historical, ethnographic, nature and science specials.
- Here’s how CCTV10 showed off its best stuff in Chengdu:
Some Numbers
- Established in 2001, CCTV10’s ‘average daily audience is 136 million.’
- Original documentary productions: 450 hours
- Premieres: 750 hours
- BTW, CCTV10 says that its average prime time audience is more than 60 million.
Competition
- CCTV10’s remit overlaps with CCTV9.
- Although the channels are part of the same government-run structure, they are highly competitive.
- CCTV9 was barely a presence in Chengdu, but is the key sponsor of the Science and Factual Producers Congress in Beijing later in the year.
Deals
- License fees for acquisitions are in the low $ thousands.
- Like CCTV9’s rates, we hear that they are dropping.
- Many co-productions are properly funded, particularly those with blue chip international partners.
More on ASD Chengdu
- ASD was a terrific success, and I’ll write more about the highlights soon.
- Congrats to executive director Yves Jeanneau and the ASD team for a great effort.
- Thanks to Warren Chien for the presentation tape.
MIPDoc
- Hope to see many of you in Cannes.
Fascinating And full of possibilities. I want to know more. I have completed 4 projects as copros in China, including 2 mini-series and 2 one offs, all with Chinese TV stations. These shows have been broadcast in China, Canada and elsewhere. I have another project in development. I am looking for a co-producing partner.