Another country will soon get in on the “Got Talent” fun, as Fremantle, Syco Entertainment and Hunan TV announced Monday they are co-developing a new China-based, 13-part series in the immensely popular global franchise. The local adaptation will be known in Chinese as “Dian Feng Zhi Lu,” which translates to “World’s Got Talent” and will air in April on Hunan TV.
And it isn’t just for Chinese contestants.
Per Fremantle: “This primetime production will bring together a number of the world’s most talented, memorable and fan-favorite acts from over 30 of the ‘Got Talent’ franchises around the globe. These all-star performers will take to the stage in Hunan, China to compete in a massive global competition with the hopes of claiming the ultimate title of China’s World Champion of Got Talent and an equally impressive winner’s grand prize.”
“Inspired by China’s One Belt One Road initiative, this production will welcome many exceptional acts who’ve already featured in many Got Talents around the world,” Vivian Yin, CEO, Fremantle, China, said. “It will celebrate the cultural diversity and stories of ordinary people with extraordinary talents together on the world’s biggest stage in Changsha, China. We are thrilled that our partners Hunan TV and Syco Entertainment share the same vision and have made this unique project possible.”
“‘Got Talent’ is the biggest TV brand in the world and responsible for discovering incredible international talent,” Abi Doyle, Vice President, International Productions, Syco Entertainment, said. “This format has already entertained a global audience of almost a billion and we are delighted to have Hunan TV commission this exciting production with our Fremantle partners, which will showcase a variety of Chinese acts as well as the very best of our ‘Got Talent’ global family.”
Lester Hu, Head of Formats and International Business, Hunan TV added: “As China’s leading content producer and broadcaster, we’ve always been looking for big ideas with global influence. What Hunan TV is really after is co-developing original content with our partners by engaging global creative into local market at the very beginning of the development process. We are excited about hosting this massive television event that promotes intercultural communication and appreciation. Combined with our in-house production expertise, we trust that Dian Feng Zhi Lu will make a splash in both local and international markets.”
Simon Cowell created the “Got Talent” format, which is co-owned by Syco Entertainment and Fremantle. Per Fremantle, the reality TV format is watched by an estimated 900 million people worldwide and there are 71 local versions of the series across Europe, Asia Pacific, the Middle-East, Africa and the Americas.