'WORST DRIVER' LANDS IN CHINA
London/Beijing- 2nd December 2015 - Passion Distribution and IPCN, the leading rights content distributor and TV producer focusing on the Chinese market today announce they have struck a deal with China’s largest online video platform to create a local version of the ‘Worst Driver’ format in China.
The deal, which is the ‘Worst Driver’ format’s first Asian region adaptation, sees the 13 episode series being produced by Shanghai Media Group’s New Media Business Unit and premiering in early 2016 on iQIYI, China’s largest streaming video platform with more than 500 million users.
‘Worst Driver’ is a spectacular and hilarious primetime reality format that searches for the most appalling driver in the nation. Originally produced by Mentorn Media for Channel 5 in the UK it is one of Passion’s most successful brands produced in over 20 territories including USA, UK, Australia, Germany and Sweden. Passion Distribution distributes the format worldwide and also distributes all versions of completed series.
Jimmy Harmsen, Head of Acquisitions at IPCN said “’Worst Driver’ is a fun and entertaining format but also sends a very positive social message that encourages safe and orderly driving manners. The show has a great potential to generate debate on social media, which is imperative for us to consider when acquiring and licensing a format for an online platform.”
Nick Tanner, Senior Sales Manager, Passion Distribution said “I am thrilled to announce the arrival of ‘Worst Driver at ATF 2015. The format has been a huge success in many territories around the world and now its China’s turn to unearth its very worst, and most hilarious, motorists. iQIYI has an enormous viewer base so it’s an exciting prospect that the format could potentially reach a new audience of many millions online.”
"SMG New Media Business Unit aims to produce inspirational shows that audiences care about. We think ‘Worst Driver’ will bring audiences new viewer experiences and create great opportunities for SMG New Media Business' " said Lin Zhiqiang, Vice President of SMG New Media Business Unit.
For further information on Passion Distribution please contact
Claire Douglas
PR and Marketing Manager
T: +44(0)207 199 9204
E: clairedouglas@passiondistribution.com
For further information on IPCN please contact
Justin Crosby at Boom! PR
T: +44 (0) 203 176 6688/ +44 (0) 7966 228361
About Passion Distribution
Passion Distribution was officially launched by its founder and CEO, Sally Miles, in 2008. In November 2012, Passion Distribution became part of the Tinopolis Group merging with Mentorn International and increasing the catalogue with brands such as An Idiot Abroad and Paradise Hotel.
London based Passion Distribution specialises in popular quality programming and formats in genres including Factual Entertainment, Reality, Documentaries, Lifestyle, Drama, Comedy and Game-shows. Passion Distribution has exclusive distribution agreements with many US broadcasters and production companies including Sundance Channel, OWN: Oprah Winfrey Network, The Weather Channel and World of Wonder and also benefits from the relationship with all Tinopolis Group companies including Magical Elves, Firecracker Films, Mentorn Media, A Smith & Co. Productions, Daybreak Pictures and Pioneer Productions.
The company is active in pre-selling, finding co-pro partners and deficit funding third party content.
About IPCN
IPCN is a leading international entertainment business with an enviable track record for brokering and managing rights, distributing content and producing programming and ad funded content for the rapidly growing Chinese market.
Founded in Shanghai in 2007 by Rebecca Yang, the company has worked with numerous broadcasters, production companies and brands in China, and has successfully helped numerous international content creators – including NBC Universal, Sony Pictures Television, Talpa Distribution and FremantleMedia - broker deals in the country. To date, IPCN has been responsible for more than 35 major format deals, bringing in excess of 5,000 hours of international TV to the Chinese market, including such global hits as Secret Millionaire, So You Think You Can Dance, Super Nanny, China’s Got Talent and The Voice of China.
In addition to expertise in negotiating format deals, IPCN’s talented and commercially astute team also produces a number of the programmes – including China’s Next Top Model and Supernanny, it offers a wide range of broadcast consultancy services and creates innovative sponsorships and offline activities for leading brands, keen to associate with ratings-winning TV shows.
With offices in China and London IPCN has established enduring relationships with local broadcasters, local and international producers and global brands. A 2015 investment from Gravity, China Media Capital’s investment vehicle, will ensure these relationships continue to develop, as well as allow the business to boost IP creation and original content production, including a move into drama and comedy, for both the domestic Chinese and global broadcast markets. http://www.ipcn.co.uk/
