London – With the focus on Nordic programming at MIPTV next month, Banijay International has acquired hot new entertainment format Treasured Tunes from Iceland’s biggest production company, Sagafilm.

The studio-based primetime format, which Banijay International will launch at MIPTV, attempts to find a country’s best loved song, as voted for by the viewers, with all songs reinterpreted and rearranged by modern day hit recording artists. The selected musical style or decade dictates the overall mood and theme of each season delivering opportunities for flexible and multiple entertainment series.

Treasured Tunes has been a runaway success in Iceland – when it aired on the main state broadcaster RUV it received an 85% market share.

Sagafilm, who created the format and produced the successful Icelandic version, is the leading independent production company in Iceland with more than 37 years’ experience. As well as creating formats the company produces original scripted, non-scripted and documentaries  as well as producing international formats such as MasterChef, Idol, and Minute To Win It for Icelandic broadcasters.

Jimmy Humphrey, Banijay International’s Sales and Acquisitions Manager, who brokered the deal with Sagafilm commented, “Treasured Tunes has a fantastic ratings record which we know can be replicated in many other territories.  It is a fun, family entertainment primetime show with a strong interactive component which works to build audiences across multiple platforms. We are very excited to have this engaging Nordic format to share with our clients at MIPTV.”

Kjartan Thor Thordarsson, CEO at Sagafilm Nordic adds, “I am delighted to have Banijay as our worldwide distributor and partner for Treasured Tunes Sagafilm’s most successful original entertainment show to date.” Said Kjartan, “Music shows tend to do well in today’s market and our unique take on creating new songs out of old classics really hit a nerve with the nation. It’s the perfect talent format showcasing today’s real hot talent.”