Robot Wars looks set to make a smash in China market

Amateur robot enthusiasts in China will soon have a chance to send their creations into battle, as Robot Wars, the British TV show, looks set to come to China this year.

"We are looking to Chinese partners to exchange expertise and experience and explore the possibility of bringing our content to China and Chinese content abroad -- Robot Wars is definitely on top of that list," said Ron Jones, executive chairman of Tinopolis, a Britain-based production company.

In the show, "combat" robots, created by teams of engineers, university students, school teachers and hobbyists, are sent into an arena where they must avoid fire, spikes, pits, and the House Robots to be crowned the champion.

Robot Wars has been exported to over 90 countries across Europe, Africa and Asia, according to Ron Jones.

"[It has] great potential in the China market. This is why we are keen to work with local partners, who have a much clearer understanding of the market and can advise us on cultural and regulatory issues."

"We've met quite a few potential local partners here in China over the past week, and watched many Chinese reality shows," said Arwel Rees, chief executive of Tinopolis. "Though the language is hard to penetrate, the techniques are impressive."

Tinopolis produces more than 2,500 hours of factual, entertainment, sport, drama and digital media content for broadcast television. Many productions are already available in China, including Worst Driver with SMG New Media's online video platform and Extreme Sailing on LeTV. Endi