News

16 March 2010

ENDEMOL LAUNCHES NEW PRODUCTION HUBS AS LATEST FORMATS ROLL OUT WORLDWIDE

Endemol, a world leader in entertainment programming, today announced the launch of two new international production hubs following new deals for its latest global formats.

XXS, which was launched at MIPCOM 2009, has been commissioned by Telefe in Argentina, Brazil's TV Globo, Canal 13 in Chile, Star TV in Turkey and SIC in Portugal.

Endemol is now launching a new international production hub for the show in Argentina where back to back filming of all local productions will take place.

A similar hub in Argentina has also been launched for Endemol's 101 Ways to Leave a Gameshow, which was recently commissioned for a prime time slot on BBC ONE in the UK with further deals expected to be announced soon.

The international sets are being built on the back of the continued success of Wipeout, which is filmed on location in Argentina for broadcasters in 23 countries.  The show has just been commissioned for a third series on ABC in the US and continues to beat the competition in other major markets such as the UK where it continuously wins its prime time slot on BBC ONE and has achieved audiences of up to 8.3 million (32.5% share).

Wipeout also recently premiered in Central and Eastern Europe where it secured a 28.1% share on Channel 1 in Russia compared to the channel average of 17%; whilst on Inter Channel in Ukraine the show achieved a 24% against the channel average of 15%.

Paul Römer, Chief Creative Officer of Endemol Group comments; "Our international hubs allow Endemol to deliver production value on a colossal scale to broadcasters in any territory in a way that would otherwise not be possible. The deals we've secured for these shows in the run up to Mip TV underline the huge appetite there is for the spectacular stunts and hilarious comedy moments they incorporate.  It's a great vote of confidence in the run up to the market." 

Originally developed and piloted by Endemol Argentina's creative team, XXS features families competing for a cash prize by taking on an epic obstacle course set in a giant house. Filled with objects that are 100 times bigger than they are, the families must complete the course in the quickest time in order to win the prize.

101 Ways to Leave a Gameshow, which was developed by Endemol's UK and USA creative teams, sees loosing contestants ejected from the show...literally. From human cannon and catapults to bungee cords and parachute jumps, the only thing the stunts have in common is that contestants don't know they have lost until they're flying through the air - and off the show.

Wipeout is Endemol's action-packed competition game show that sees contestants from all walks of life compete for a grand cash prize in grueling and hilarious rounds across extreme obstacle courses. Packed with muscle, grit, entertainment, action, impact and spectacular wipeouts, it really is survival of the fittest.

All three formats will be among Endemol's highlights at MIPTV in Cannes this April. Visit Endemol at stand number H4.32.