10 October 2013

The series Fferm Ffactor has recruited a new audience in the world's most populated country, as the format is sold to a Chinese broadcaster.

The popular farming challenge series – which sees farmers tested on all aspects of agriculture work – has been licensed by Chinese broadcaster CCTV 7 by the Welsh production company, Cwmni Da. CCTV 7 has commissioned an eight part series.

The Fferm Ffactor brand was established by Irish producers Good Company Productions for TG4. Cwmni Da developed the format and the first Welsh series was broadcast on S4C in 2009. Since then Cwmni Da has been working with the Irish company and distributors Nordic World to sell the format to other countries.

This latest sale will introduce the format to an Asian audience for the first time - in the world's most populated country, which employs over 300 million farmers, and has the most sheep of any country in the world!

"It's obvious that agriculture is very important in China," says Fferm Ffactor producer Non Griffith. "We're not sure yet what sorts of tasks the Chinese Producers will set for their farmers, but we look forward to finding out more during the next few months."

It's an exciting development as S4C viewers prepare for the start of the latest series on Wednesday 16 October 7.30 (English subtitles). Each year S4C's Fferm Ffactor expands and grows, moving up a gear and turning up the heat. And the same is true about the new series as it extends to an hour long programme for the first time ever - more time for quizzing, testing and challenging the farmers!

Gaynor Davies, S4C Content Commissioner says, "Fferm Ffactor has a strong following among S4C viewers and we look forward to welcoming the series back to the screen for the fifth time. The format has wide appeal and it has the potential for development and adaption for the audience, which makes it an attractive prospect for international broadcasters. We're proud that programmes made and developed in Wales are recognised in this way, and entertain audiences across the world."

In 2012, it was announced that producers in six European countries had bought the rights to develop their own versions in France, Germany, Sweden, Norway, Denmark and Finland. The Danish channel DR will broadcast their series during autumn 2013, and the format has also been sold to New Zealand.

Go to s4c.co.uk/ffermffactor to find out about the new series on S4C and get to know the 10 farmers taking on this year's challenge.

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