Hong Kong, August 7, 2006 - Qin Jia Yuan Media Services Company Limited (HKEx: 2366, hereinafter referred to as 'the Group') announces the planning of three TV drama series with a total production cost of up to HK$100 million.
Dr Anita Leung Fung Yee, Maria, CEO of the Group, said: "We are set to provide funding of up to HK$100 million for the production of three mega TV drama series: My Home is in Beijing, The Passenger Liner 'Sunrise' and Angel of the Road, each being around 40 episodes. Such investments are expected to be disbursed between the fourth quarter of 2006 and the first quarter of 2007, with a view to enhancing both the quality and volume of the Group's TV drama productions in Mainland China."
The three drama series will be produced by Beijing Jingshi QJY Cultural Company Ltd., a 51:49 joint venture between Beijing BTV Media Co., Ltd. and Shenzhen Qin Jia Yuan Media Company Limited. Beijing BTV Media is a subsidiary of Beijing TV Station. The forming of Beijing Jingshi QJY signifies the Group's further network expansion following its establishment of Fujian Qin Jia Yuan production center, East Shanghai QJY Television Company Ltd. and Jiangsu Xiu Ye QJY Television Cultural Investment Ltd. It is expected that cash sponsorships will be solicited to cover a large part of the production costs of the three TV dramas.
It is estimated that the volume of TV drama, to which the Group provides planning and production services, will increase by 40% to 250 episodes in FY2006/07, from this year's estimated 180 episodes. The Group is set to strengthen its relationship with production teams in other major provinces in order to achieve the goal of increasing its TV drama production volume further by 50% in FY2007/08.
Dr Leung said each of the three TV dramas has its unique appeal. For example, My Home is in Beijing is a special program in the lead up to the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games. It features eight girls from all over China (including Hong Kong) who were selected in 1993 to perform in a show as part of Beijing's bid to host the 2000 Olympic Games. Although the first bid was unsuccessful, Beijing did come back eight years later for a second bid and was finally named the host city for the 2008 Olympics. My Home is in Beijing is a touching story about the lives of these eight girls, who are now grown-ups. As it is by far the first TV drama featuring the Olympic Games, the Propaganda Department of the Beijing Municipal Party Committee organized a special seminar last week to discuss the drama series, with the participation of the Propaganda Department of the Beijing Olympic Games Organization Committee.
Mr Wei Yonggang, Head of Beijing Jingshi QJY Cultural Company Ltd., said that the cast of My Home is in Beijing will include Taiwan and Hong Kong actors. He added: "I have great confidence in The Passenger Liner 'Sunrise', which is probably the first PRC produced disaster-theme TV drama. It is adapted from a novel written by Dr Anita Leung and is about the capsizing of a luxurious ocean liner and the desperate struggle of a handful of survivors. Angel of the Road is also a unique production based on the exciting story of a Dalian female ranger."
Drawing on Mr Wei's experience in producing variety shows, such as the longevity show All Enjoy Themselves, Beijng Jingshi QJY will also look into the feasibility of producing variety shows.
About Qin Jia Yuan
Qin Jia Yuan Media Services Company Limited (HKEx: 2366) is a China-focused one-stop shop for TV media services, providing integrated programme, distribution, advertising and marketing and public relations services to production houses, advertising agencies and advertisers. The Group was listed on the main board of the Stock Exchange of Hong Kong on June 30, 2004 following a successful initial public offering. Its strategic shareholders include Aegis Group plc, a public company listed on the London Stock Exchange and one of the world's five largest media groups.