News

1 May 2008

ENDEMOL SECURES FORMAT RIGHTS TO BIG IN JAPAN

Endemol International today announced it has entered a pan-European deal with LA based distributor Small World IFT for the new format Big in Japan.

Created and owned by Denmark's Babyfoot APS and distributed by Small World IFT, the format sees western contestants moving in together in Tokyo, where they immerse themselves in the local culture and compete in an extreme and wacky Japanese game show.

Endemol has secured exclusive distribution and production rights in Spain, France, Germany Italy, Holland, Belgium and Portugal.

Big in Japan has already been sold to 14 countries worldwide including the USA where it is scheduled to be launched on ABC this summer, alongside Endemol's latest blockbuster format Wipeout.

Lisette van Diepen, Director of Acquisitions at Endemol International comments: "Big in Japan promises a great combination of action, comedy and culture, which audiences across Europe will love. This is a highly sought after format and I'm delighted that we have secured exclusive rights in these key territories. "

Tim Crescenti, President of Small World IFT, adds: "The global demand for this unique and fun format has been unprecedented in my experience. Moreover, we are thrilled that the world's biggest format producer believes in this format so much as to make this tremendous commitment."