Cannes/London/New York – MTV Networks International (MTVNI) has broken into new markets through new deals in Asia-Pacific, Europe and Africa. Reality shows from BET, VH1 and Spike will be adapted and localised for broadcast in both new and established territories. The news was announced ahead of MIP Formats by Caroline Beaton, senior vice president, international programme sales, MTV Networks International. Spike’s Pros v Joes, the reality competition where average Joes have the chance to compete against their sporting heroes, will be aired by Norwegian broadcaster TV2 and produced by local production house, Mediacircus. The format has also been optioned by Freehand Productions in Australia. Italy’s leading broadcaster Mediaset has signed for the VH1 reality re-vamp hit Bridal Bootcamp, in which brides-to-be enrol in a hardcore weight-loss bootcamp in order to slim into their dream wedding dress while at the same time, revolutionising their lifestyle and outlook on life. Topical BET game show Pay It Off, in which contestants reveal how they fell into debt and then have the chance to wipe the slate clean by answering a series of pop culture-themed quiz questions, has been picked up by Nigerian brand management company Linam Concept, who will partner with a local sponsor to package the format. In addition, MTVNI will launch four new formats at MIPTV in April. Slips, an original MTV UK home grown commission, is the street racing show in which two aspiring Lewis Hamiltons will bet their cars that they can beat each other around the track. Appealing to family audiences around the world, weekly dance competition, VH1’s Dance Cam Slam, is the perfect addition to any broadcaster’s talent competition slate. Anyone with a web cam, internet connection and a few cool moves can take part as contestants to compete for cash prizes from the privacy of their own homes. I Used To Be Fat, leads the universal trend for life-enhancing, personal journey and transformational content. A formatted documentary series originally conceived by MTV’s News and Documentary team, the show empathetically and optimistically follows overweight teenagers as they try to reshape themselves and their lives in 100 days. Finally, Moving In is a format in which parents hold the casting vote over two potential suitors for their kids after spending an eventful weekend with both potential partners living in the family home.
