'Gossip Girl' would go to China via WB

Warner Bros. is searching to grow its achieve in China into TV production having a deal to evolve "Gossip Girl" for Mandarin-lingo auds.Deal is really a first around the smallscreen side for that studio, that has been enhancing its worldwide TV production activity on several fronts recently. Pact for "Gossip Girl" adaptation was orchestrated by China's H&R Century TV and Mei Tian Mei Yu with L.A.-based Metan Development Group and Warner Bros. Intl. Television Production, headed by senior veep Andrew Zein. "Gossip Girl" professional producers Stephanie Savage and Josh Schwartz will consult around the production.The untitled series will center around a clutch of collegiates at Shanghai Intl. U. and, like "Gossip Girl," it'll incorporate the tell-all tales recorded with a blog composed by among the key figures.There's no TV outlet for that show yet, however the partners are focusing on a November debut. Prominent Chinese actress Yang Mi is placed for any recurring role.H&R prexy Zhong Junyan known as the partnership an attempt to "forge a brand new type of drama series in China."Metan Development Group was founded in '09 by industry veterinarians including Marty Pompadur and E! co-founder Ray Namer to build up content for worldwide marketplaces.Warner Bros.' recent efforts to develop its worldwide TV footprint include its purchase of U.K. production giant Shed Media along with a partnership inked earlier this year to developed formats with Japan's TV Asahi. Contact Cynthia Littleton at cynthia.littleton@variety.com