BBC's Africa funded by China

[beijingwalker]

BBC's Africa funded by China
Several of the BBC's best-loved programmes, including wildlife documentary Africa, are being partly funded by China.

A camera operator filming 'Savannah', part of the BBC Africa series. Photo: BBC/Simon Blakeney

By Alice Philipson

3:59PM GMT 25 Jan 2013

Chinese state broadcaster China Central Television (CCTV) has invested in at least four BBC programmes since 2008.

Among the four is Africa, the BBC's new wildlife documentary epic – featuring Sir David Attenborough – which has left millions of viewers entranced with its close-ups of animals and panoramic shots of unspoilt wildernesses across the vast continent.

Mark Reynolds, Director of Factual at BBC Worldwide, described CCTV as "really quite an important partner in terms of factual programming".

The BBC has a permanent representative stationed in Beijing to oversee its business with the economic giant.

“CCTV is really quite an important partner in terms of factual programming now,” Mr Reynolds told the Independent. “We are going to talk to them about other projects coming up in the future because with the cost of these big productions we are always looking to bring in new partners where it’s the right editorial fit for them.”



The three other programmes known to be partially funded by CCTV are Generation Earth, a documentary series looking at how humans have transformed the planet; Wild China, a six-part series exploring China's wildlife and landscape, and The Wonders of Life, a show due to be broadcast this year examining the story of life through physics.

CCTV has recently opened 60 new bureaus worldwide as its global influence continues to grow.

China also has a growing influence in Africa, where it is a key player in the building of infrastructure across the country.

The funding revelation comes as Sir David Attenborough heads to China to film a new 3D series called the Rise of Animals (working title) for BBC Two. The series is being produced by Atlantic Productions.

CCTV will have the rights to all the BBC programmes it helps produce and it is thought they will be shown in China.

A spokesman said Africa is funded by several co-production partners including Discovery, which provides the bulk of the funding. She said CCTV was a minority partner.

"Co-production funding on big natural history, science and drama programmes is the way TV is made now," she said. "The BBC has a global sales team in all different markets and if you relate it [the work with China] with the work we do with other broadcasters around the world the amount is not that great."

I love those BBC wildlife series,didn't know that those were funded by China.very glad that China gives contribution to those wonderful programs.right now I m watching the one of them,the newest one,非洲2013(Africa 2013)check it out.
http://www.qire123.com/videos/53936vod-play-id-53936-sid-0-pid-0.html