News round-up: CJ ENM Hong Kong preps four scripted shows; Colors Gujarati launches in UK

CJ ENM Hong Kong preps four scripted shows

CJ ENM Hong Kong has announced four new Mandarin-language scripted series aimed at the global streaming market.

Produced by Zhao Wei Films, Hungry Souls is a five-episode mini-series following the unlikely, forbidden love story between a young chef and a hungry ghost.

Venus On Mars, from Mocha Chai Laboratories is a six-part high-concept sci-fi romcom about an undergraduate student, Julia, who is accidentally transported into a parallel world where there are only men – meaning she is the only female.

Akanga Film Asia’s Deep End is a five-part psychological thriller about online cyber-crime in Asia.

These three series are all co-developed and co-created with Singaporean production partners, with CJ ENM Hong Kong bringing onboard a team of producers from Korea as a creative consultant for each series. All three series will finish casting and commence production in the second half of 2021, with CJ ENM Hong Kong to distribute the series globally.

The company has also collaborated with Taiwanese production company, Butt Mountain, to adapt Chen Ming-min’s novel Mom, Don’t Do That! into an 11-episodes series. It is based on the true story of the author’s mum, who relentlessly surfs the web to find love.

Colors Gujarati launches in UK

Viacom18, the Indian joint-venture between ViacomCBS and TV18, has partnered with Sky and Virgin Media to launch its regional entertainment channel Colors Gujarati in the UK.

The channel is already available to Sky subscribers and will be made accessible to Virgin Media’s Asian Mela Pack subscribers from 8 June.

The service is currently the only Gujarati channel available in the UK, offering content including Bhakta Gora Kumbhar, Rashi Rikshawali, Prem Ni Bhavai and Kahu Chu Sambhlo Chu.

Faisal Mahomed, director of BT Media and Broadcast, said “As a leading provider of media services in the UK, BT Media and Broadcast is at the forefront of broadcast innovation. With a successful partner track record, we’re pleased to continue to help Viacom18 capture larger UK audiences through our cutting-edge technology, and as always, we look forward to supporting Viacom18 with their growth plans – both in the UK and internationally.”