CCTV teams up with UK’s Lion TV on Confucius story

China’s science and education channel CCTV-10 and British production house Lion TV have signed a deal that will see them co-produce a series of projects about the life and times of the teacher and philosopher Confucius.

The two parties have agreed to pool production skills and resources to create a two-hour special for the international audience and a longer series for the domestic Chinese market.  According to a release from Lion parent All3Media Group, both sides will bring substantial financing to the project.

Lion TV’s joint Managing Director Richard Bradley said: “This opportunity to co-produce fully with one of China’s leading channels marks a step-change in our work in China. To be able to make a project on this scale about one of China’s greatest and most influential historical figures is a real privilege.”

“This is a fascinating story about the great sage and how he transcends time and has made us Chinese who we are today,” added Yue Jin, controller of CCTV-10.

“China can provide the world with exciting stories; in return, the world can provide China with experience and expertise in telling these stories.”