WILDBEAR SIGNS CO-PRO AGREEMENT WITH CHINA

31 October 2012

Wildbear has signed the first ever formal co-production agreement for a documentary television series between Australia and China Central Television’s CCTV9 Documentary Channel. The Story of Australia, a six-part series, will be broadcast on CCTV9 and internationally.

Developed to celebrate the 40th Anniversary of diplomatic relations between the People’s Republic of China and Australia, The Story of Australia travels around our country focusing on varied aspects of “a land like no other” including Australia’s flora and fauna, arts and culture, industry and innovation, Indigenous culture and heritage, agriculture and geographic diversity. Each topic is interpreted and explained through the lives of Australians active in their respective fields.

The co-production agreement between CCTV and Wildbear for The Story of Australia will be officially launched at a ceremony in Beijing on October 31. Her Excellency the Australian Ambassador to China Ms Frances Adamson will officiate, along with senior executives from CCTV including President Mr HU Zhanfan and Managing Director Mr LIU Wen.

Dr Ruth Harley, Chief Executive of Screen Australia, in welcoming the news, said: “It’s terrific timing to have this coproduction signed between CCTV 9 and Wildbear in such an auspicious year, celebrating the 40th Anniversary of diplomatic relations between our two countries. Screen Australia would like to congratulate the two parties for working together to achieve the first formal agreement for a China-Australia primetime documentary television series. I believe Chinese audiences will very much enjoy seeing the wonders of our vast and unique country, both natural and societal. Screen Australia is committed to building on our excellent relationship with Chinese Government, broadcasters and screen industry counterparts and I know that our connection will continue to facilitate future co productions.”

Michael Tear, Managing Director of Wildbear, said: “I am particularly proud of Wildbear’s leadership position as the first Australian production company to join with CCTV’s flagship documentary channel.”