News

9 November 2009

ENDEMOL SECURES FOURTH COMMISSION IN CHINA

Endemol, a world leader in entertainment programming, today announced a new prime commission to be broadcast across Mainland China on Dragon TV.

The Best Years of Our Lives has been licensed to Shanghai Media Group by Endemol in partnership with media rights agency IPCN.  The series will be sponsored by Ford.

The Best Years of Our Lives is a fun variety format that combines history and entertainment. The format will be produced locally in China by Shanghai Media Group and has been scheduled for an initial run of 7 x 60 minutes.

The show sees two teams take part in a series of challenges, which compare the decades by looking back at iconic films, fashion, trends, customs, scandals, toys, gossip and music. An audience of judgmental teenagers decides which decade was really was 'The Best Years of Our Lives'.

The commission follows the success of other Endemol productions in China including International King of Sport for Sichuan TV, 1 vs. 100 on Hunan TV and I Love My Country on Sichuan TV.

The Best Years of Our Lives has already proven to be a ratings winner in Spain and Italy. The series launched in Spain earlier this year and easily won its slot. The show has also won the Best Programme of 2008 award at Premio Regia Televisiva - Italy's version of the TV Oscars.

Endemol's CEO of Asian Operations Arjen van Mierlo says; "We are delighted to be working with leading broadcaster Shanghai Media Group and securing our fourth major commission in China in two years.  Endemol's presence in the region is continuing to grow and we hope to bring more of our global hits to the Asian audience."

Tian Ming, Managing Director of Shanghai's Dragon TV adds; "The Best Years of Our Lives is a dynamic prime time series which we believe will be very popular with our audiences. We're looking forward to working with Endemol, who have a strong reputation for delivering hit shows all over the world."

Charles Frump, Fiesta Brand Manager of Ford China says; "The partnership between Ford, SMG, IPCN and Endemol on The Best Years of Our Lives forms a major part of our communication strategy for the launch of the new Ford Fiesta in China. The way the brand has been cleverly integrated into the programme format not only adds to the fun of the show itself, but also delivers a strong brand message."