About BBC Studios

The main commercial arm of BBC Commercial Ltd, BBC Studios generated revenues in the last year of £1.8 billion and a third consecutive year of profits of over £200 million. Able to take an idea seamlessly from thought to screen and beyond, the business is built on two operating areas: the Content Studio, which produces, invests and distributes content globally and Media & Streaming, with BBC branded channels, services including bbc.com and Britbox International and joint ventures in the UK and internationally. The business made more than 2,800 hours of award-winning British programmes last year for a wide selection of public service and commercial broadcasters and platforms, both in the UK and across the globe. Its content is internationally recognised across a broad range of genres and specialisms, and includes world-famous brands like Strictly Come Dancing/Dancing with the Stars, the Planet series, Bluey and Doctor Who.

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  • BBC Studios and Shanghai Media Group sign agreement for three ambitious new Natural History Programmes
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    BBC Studios and Shanghai Media Group sign agreement for three ambitious new Natural History Programmes

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    Both parties also pledge to continue exploring brand development opportunities in China.

    We are delighted to once again collaborate with BBC Studios to bring the best of British documentary content to our viewers across China.”— Yin Xin, Vice President of Shanghai Media Group

    BBC Studios and Shanghai Media Group (SMG) signed a three-year agreement to screen the landmark series Kingdom, Blue Planet III and Hidden Planet on SMG’s Dragon TV, with both parties also pledging to continue exploring brand development opportunities in China.

    Jonny Keeling, Head of BBC Studios Natural History Unit said: “These are three stunning series that demonstrate the quality and breadth of original natural history filmmaking at BBC Studios. Building on our legacy, each series brings a unique approach to wildlife storytelling, both on the land and underwater. And with groundbreaking camera technology, we can now showcase compelling stories and extraordinary new behaviour which was previously impossible to film. We are very excited to partner with Shanghai Media Group to take these emotionally impactful programmes to more viewers in China”.

    Kingdom will dramatically chronicle the real-life sagas of four African animal families in one of the most ambitious projects ever undertaken by BBC Studios. Filmed over four years in one location in Zambia, audiences will witness for the first time how the lives and fates of leopards, hyenas, wild dogs and lions are inextricably linked as they battle for supremacy. Working in close partnership with scientists, whose research stretches back over 25 years, the series will reveal ancient rivalries, internal battles for hierarchy and status, and epic shifts in seasons to uncover the mesmerising secrets of these animals’ lives. Kingdom is a co-production with ZDF and France Télévisions for BBC One and iPlayer.

    Blue Planet III, the next instalment of the BBC’s critically acclaimed underwater flagship series, will also return to traverse the world’s oceans for six one-hour episodes. From the coasts to the deep sea, and the tropics to the poles – the series will capture never-before-seen footage while charting the impact of humanity on these fragile environments. Blue Planet III is a co-production with BBC America for BBC One and iPlayer.

    Hidden Planet will dive into the secret world of insects to showcase new behaviour, new insights and extraordinary drama across five episodes. The series will reveal insects to be doting parents, brave defenders, accomplished architects and sophisticated communicators, whose success is critically important to all Life on Earth. Remarkable advances in camera technology, first pioneered by The Green Planet, will highlight these beautiful and dramatic lives in unprecedented detail.

    Yin Xin, Vice President of Shanghai Media Group said: “We are delighted to once again collaborate with BBC Studios to bring the best of British documentary content to our viewers across China, showcasing SMG’s commitment to being more open and international. Providing a snapshot into habitats we can only dream of visiting, these three series will capture the hearts and minds of millions across the country, inspiring more of us to take an interest in nature and appreciate its fragile beauty”.

    This agreement follows the deal for BBC Studios new landmark natural history series Asia, which will launch on SMG’s Dragon TV on November 5th.

    (Source: BBC Studios)