During a U.K. government delegation to China, London-based 8 Lions Entertainment unveiled an MOU with China Media Group to explore potential collaboration on kids’ and family IP.
The MOU sets a framework for the two companies to explore possible alliances, including Sino-British co-production models, international distribution and talent exchange.
Early conversations will look at how CMG’s platforms can provide 8 Lions insights on kids’ audience engagement in China, while 8 Lions’ U.K.-based creative network could aid in the development of Chinese-originated IP for global audiences. Professional exchanges and knowledge sharing will also be explored.
Kate O’Connor, executive chair of Animation U.K., said: “U.K. animation is a globally competitive sector built on strong intellectual property, skilled talent, and an outward-facing approach to partnership. 8Lions’ leadership in this collaboration with CMG reflects the capability of U.K, companies to operate at international scale and to open new routes to audiences and creative exchange.”
Jiella Esmat, founder and CEO of 8 Lions Entertainment, added, “This MOU hopes to build a new model for global kids’ storytelling. A coming together of British creative excellence and China’s extraordinary cultural heritage. Our desire is to create franchises capable of traveling across platforms, borders, and cultures, inspiring kids worldwide and generating long-term commercial opportunities.”
Esmat, formerly of Moonbug Entertainment, founded 8 Lions in 2024 to build and scale digital-first franchises.
