KC Global Media Secures Global Distribution Rights for Culinary Travel Series 'Eat With Xiami'
KC Global Media Distribution has successfully obtained the exclusive global distribution rights for 'Eat With Xiami,' an engaging culinary travel series. This 11-episode program, currently popular on China's Bilibili platform, offers a unique blend of gastronomy and cultural exploration. The acquisition, formally announced at Filmart in Hong Kong, marks a significant step in expanding the reach of Asian-produced content to a worldwide audience, aligning with the growing international appetite for travel and food-related programming.
The series 'Eat With Xiami' is co-presented by Foodie Xia, who brings an enthusiastic and inquisitive tour guide presence, and Chef Mi, who enriches the experience with culinary insights. Each episode, approximately 22 minutes long, takes viewers on a journey through diverse culinary landscapes. The initial six episodes delve into the rich and vibrant Sichuan cuisine of Chengdu, showcasing its intricate flavors and cultural significance. Subsequent episodes broaden their scope to include other Chinese cities like Yibin and Chongqing, and even extend to international destinations such as Tokyo, providing a broader perspective on Asian food culture. The program is readily accessible to a wider audience, offered in both English and Mandarin, and includes English subtitles. There are also plans to develop future episodes that will explore even more captivating destinations across Asia, further enriching its content.
This strategic agreement was made possible through the efforts of Barbara Lee, a Vancouver-based producer and the visionary behind the Racial Equity Screen Office (RESO) and the Vancouver Asian Film Festival. Lee emphasized the significance of this collaboration, stating that it not only promotes Canadian-produced content on a global scale but also fosters a robust partnership between Canada and Asia. Bonnie Wiryani, the head of content sales at KC Global Media Distribution, highlighted the increasing global demand for compelling travel content, particularly in Asia. She expressed confidence that 'Eat With Xiami' is ideally positioned to meet this demand by showcasing iconic foodie destinations and rich cultural narratives.
The executive producer of 'Eat With Xiami,' Ernest Ho, sees this development as a pivotal moment for the series. He articulated his excitement about how food serves as a gateway to understanding diverse cultures, fostering community spirit, and enhancing human connection. With the extensive international reach of KC Global, Ho anticipates exploring a wider array of food cultures across Asia and beyond, connecting global audiences through authentic, engaging, and universally appealing narratives. KC Global Media Entertainment, established by former Sony Pictures Television executives Andy Kaplan and George Chien, has already established a strong presence in Asia. The company's portfolio includes popular linear and streaming channels like the general entertainment channel AXN, the anime network Animax, and the Korean entertainment network ONE, along with various regional distribution and FAST initiatives. In recent years, KC Global has been strategically expanding its focus from traditional channel operations to embrace broader content partnerships and international distribution, reflecting an evolving media landscape.
The acquisition of 'Eat With Xiami' is a key component of KC Global Media Distribution's overarching strategy to enhance its third-party sales business through meaningful international partnerships and "travelable" factual programming. This move builds upon recent successful ventures, such as a joint initiative with NextTrip, Inc. to introduce the JOURNY travel-lifestyle channel across India, Southeast Asia, and Australia/New Zealand. The series aligns perfectly with the company’s vision of bringing diverse and high-quality content to a global viewership. This partnership is expected to open new avenues for both 'Eat With Xiami' and KC Global, further cementing their positions in the international media market.
This collaboration underscores a significant trend in the global media industry, where cultural content, especially culinary travelogues, is gaining immense popularity. By leveraging strategic distribution partnerships, content creators can reach broader audiences, while media companies can diversify their offerings and tap into new markets. The series is poised to become a global phenomenon, inviting viewers to savor the flavors and stories of Asia, one dish at a time. This move not only enriches KC Global Media's content library but also serves as a testament to the universal appeal of food and travel as powerful tools for cultural exchange and global connection.
