Strictly exec sets up China-backed prodco

Former BBC and Sky programming executive Andrea Hamilton has launched Om TV, an indie prodco backed by Chinese media firm 3C Media.

Hamilton has been the exec producer on BBC entertainment show Strictly Come Dancing and her new indie will work up fact-ent and entertainment shows.

Beijing-based 3C produces the Chinese version of dancing format Strictly and its investment in Om marks the first time a prodco from China has invested in a UK content business.

Hamilton, whose other credits include The Voice, was a commissioning editor at Sky before working at the BBC.

She said: “It’s a really exciting time to be launching an entertainment production company, particularly in partnership with one of China’s largest and most successful production companies. Om TV will strive to win commissions in the UK and, additionally, it’s a privilege to have a direct link with this fascinating emerging market.”

3C is BBC Worldwide’s production partner in China and as well as the local Strictly, has coproduced a Chinese Top Gear special.

Company owner and CEO Xichen Liu, said: “We greatly admire the creativity and production capability of the UK. Grounded in this impressive entertainment industry, Om TV is a great opening to this market for 3C Media. We’re excited about the possibilities as we work together to foster an internationally focused space for creation.”