Fox Networks Boards Chinese Series ‘Ruyi’s Love in the Palace’

Patrick Frater

Asia Bureau Chief

Variety Magazine

http://variety.com/2016/tv/asia/fox-networks-boards-china-seriesruyis-love-in-the-palace-1201793549/

JUNE 11, 2016 | 01∶40AM PT

Fox Networks Group Asia has acquired global rights outside mainland China to Chinese series “Ruyi’s Love In The Palace.” The show, produced by New Classic Media, is the sequel to the award winning and successful show “Empresses in the Palace.”

Fox said that “Ruyi’s Love” is a “special joint project under which FNG and NCM have worked closely together for a 360 degree programming strategy, from co-production to broadcasting and promotion strategies.” It will be carried by STAR Chinese Channel (SCC), the flagship Chinese general entertainment channel, in the territories under the channel’s footprint. Within mainland China rights were acquired by Dragon TV, Jiangsu TV and Tencent (online only).

“Ruyi’s Love” will start production from August 2016. The 90-episode period drama depicts a royal romance in the palace at the time of the Yongzheng Emperor’s death and during the Qianlong Emperor’s rise to the throne. “Ruyi’s Love,” like “Empresses,” is an adaptation from a novel by Zi Liu Lian of the same title.

The cast is headed by Zhou Xun as the title character, alongside Wallace Huo as the Qianlong Emperor.

Fox says that the deal “further underlines its commitment to bringing quality Chinese content to the region and beyond.” Last month it acquired rights to 42-part series “To Be A Better Man” from Linmon Pictures.

It has previously worked with New Classic Media on movies and series including “Tiger Mom,”“May December Love 2,” “Go Lala Go 2,” and“Meet Miss Anxiety.”