Non-Fiction
Fremantlemedia set to enthrall global audiences with trailblazing new formats
MUMBAI: FremantleMedia will launch a range of sensational new formats at MIPCOM 2014 that are set to provide buyers with even more original, creative and exciting ideas to thrill audiences around the world.
Rob Clark, Director of Global Entertainment said: “Our MIPCOM 2014 slate is incredibly strong and really delivers creative, original formats that have a proven ratings track record. I believe that we’ve got something for every broadcaster for both their prime-time and access schedules, l am very excited by the calibre of shows we have to offer and can’t wait for the market….bring it on.”
First off the block is high-octane entertainment format, Master Athletes, a development from FremantleMedia North America. This intense and ground breaking reality show is a visually stunning prime-time reality competition where 24 ultra-fit members of the public, prepare themselves for a gruelling 10-week challenge. The athletes teamed in mixed sex pairs live, eat, sleep and train together in the Master Athletes Village where relationships develop, alliances are formed and the intense battle begins. To win, the teams must conquer 10 sporting disciplines. Each episode sees the athletes’ fitness and teamwork tested to the max as they take part in different events to qualify for the next round. The top teams from the first two events leap to the next episode while the two lowest placed teams compete in a final head to head duel for the last remaining qualification spot. As the competition heats up, only the strongest team can survive and claim victory. Master Athletes was the second highest rated show of the week in Sweden and it was Sweden’s highest rated new summer season launch since 2011. Produced by FremantleMedia Sweden for SVT, the Swedish version (Swedish title – Athlets) launched in August 2014.
Heaven or Hell, devised by FremantleMedia owned UFA Show & Factual, is a game of two halves. The hit gameshow launched this summer on ProSieben’s Pro.7 and became the channel’s highest rated new entertainment launch of the year so far having achieved Germany’s highest ratings of 2014 amongst the commercial target of 14-49 year olds.
Heaven or Hell is at times shocking, and devilishly different to other traditional gameshows. Heaven, a quiz set bathed in white lights, is a place where contestants attempt to win up to €50K by correctly answering a series of multiple choice questions. If they’re unsure of an answer, but wish to continue playing they have to descend into HELL, a fiery pit where they must successfully complete a Hellish and hilarious Jackass-style challenge. The format is a must see TV event with a blend of traditional quiz and a unique style of questioning where anything can happen. Heaven or Hell is a brilliantly promotable and hilarious gameshow in which contestants need to be fearless and game for a challenge. Anyone winning on Heaven or Hell is sure to have been to Hell and back.
FremantleMedia will test audience’s celebrity knowledge with the launch of Celebrity Name Game. Originally developed by Courteney Cox and David Arquette, the format is co-produced by FremantleMedia North America and Debmar-Mercury. This celebrity packed, quick-thinking gameshow combines the best of pop culture with laugh-out-loud comedy as celebrities team up with contestants to identify famous names including actors, singers, athletes, pop culture figures, politicians and even cartoon characters, using only improvised clues. Debuting as a daily strip in the US this September, Celebrity Name Game is on track to deliver huge laughs and huge audiences with a host of celebrity guests.
My Mom Cooks Better Than Yours, produced by Mandarina in Spain, will be cooking up a storm at MIPCOM 2014. The fast-paced culinary gameshow combines cooking, competition and family dynamics in the ultimate recipe for success. A comedy of cooking errors and kitchen calamities are guaranteed when two teams, a Mother and their culinary challenged son or daughter, compete against one another for a tasty cash prize. With the clock ticking, tempers can soon start to boil-over as the contestant has to listen carefully to their mom who is watching – and interfering – from the sidelines. If things start to go wrong the Mom can push a ‘panic button’ which allows them to intervene, but it also makes the time wind down twice as fast. Once each team has had their turn, a food critic blind tastes both dishes and reveals which contestant’s ‘mom cooks better.’ A cooking show with a secret ingredient, My Mom Cooks Better Than Yours broadcasts daily on Cuatro and is in its third series.
Last up is Virtually Famous, an inventive new panel show format. From globally famous viral memes and twitter rants, to the greatest YouTube posts and Vine shorts, three rival teams battle it out for points over the online moments that have got millions of us laughing. The stars behind the classic clips will also be celebrated with special guest appearances from some of the creators of the online content. Virtually Famous is originated by FremantleMedia owned Talkback and Hungry Bear Media, and was originally produced for E4 in the UK where it is hosted by Glee star Kevin McHale.
Visit FremantleMedia at MIPCOM 2014 at Stand No. C11.A1 (Croisette 11, Aisle 1), Palais du Festival, 13 – 16 October.
MUMBAI: Dharma Cornerstone Agency is turning the page. The talent venture created by Karan Johar’s Dharma Productions and Bunty Sajdeh’s Cornerstone Sport and Entertainment is being reshaped as both partners head in different directions, according to media reports.
What began as a bid to bring top-tier celebrity representation under one roof is now winding down its joint structure. With each company pursuing its own strategy in a fast-evolving talent industry, the partnership has reached its final chapter.
Reports suggest that Dharma is buying out Cornerstone’s 45 percent stake in the LLP. Once the transition is complete, Dharma is expected to hold full ownership and steer the operation entirely on its own.
The move comes at a time when celebrity and creator management is splintering into more specialised, independent models. Agencies are sharpening their focus as the entertainment economy grows more crowded and competitive.
DCA has represented a starry roster featuring Tiger Shroff, Ananya Panday, Janhvi Kapoor, Tripti Dimri, Aditya Roy Kapur, Neha Kakkar and Jubin Nautiyal, along with rising names including Ibrahim Ali Khan and Shanaya Kapoor. As the curtain falls on the joint venture, both Dharma and Cornerstone are expected to manage their talent stables separately.
The industry will watch closely as the two now script their next acts.
