21/10/2015 - Sherlock 90-minute special to be released in cinemas in China

The UK’s BBC Earth Films and China entity Shanghai Management Group’s SMG Pictures have partnered to produce a documentary feature film with the working title Earth: One Amazing Day. The film, a sequel to 2007 hit Earth [+see also:
trailer
film profile], will be the first feature to be produced under the UK-China co-production treaty signed in 2014. To be directed by Peter Webber (Girl With a Pearl Earring [+see also:
trailer
film profile]), the film will tell the story of one day in the life of the planet, celebrating real life dramas. Release is slated for 2017 with SMG Pictures handling China.

The deal is being signed at a ceremony in London on Wednesday with Wang Jianjun, Director-General and President, of SMG and Paul Dempsey, President, Global Markets, of BBC Worldwide, at a creative showcase as part of the ongoing official Chinese state visit to the UK. Pending regulatory approval, the new BBC One 90-minute Sherlock special will also be released in theatres in China as part of a global cinema event. 

Tim Davie, Chief Executive of BBC Worldwide, said, “Today’s announcements herald an exciting new collaboration between the Chinese and British creative industries. There is a keen appetite in China for premium British content and creating two new cinematic experiences in partnership with SMG Pictures is a landmark moment for two of our biggest brands, Sherlock and BBC Earth.” 

Madame Wang, Director-General and President of SMG said, “I am delighted that SMG Pictures will be the co-producer of the first feature film to be produced under the landmark UK and China film co-production treaty. This milestone event will act as a bridge between Sino-UK cultural exchanges and set up a new model for Sino-UK collaboration.”