EXCLUSIVE: Banijay Leisure‘s journey actuality format Shaolin Heroes has kung fu-kicked its manner on to networks in Belgium and the Netherlands.
Banijay Benelux has struck a take care of broadcaster VTM for a model of the Danish present in Belgium, and RTL Nederlands has handed SimpelZodiak, one other Banijay manufacturing home, a greenlight within the Netherlands.
The offers mark the primary worldwide variations for the format, which was initially created by Banijay’s Danish label Metronome for native broadcaster TV2 final yr.
The format sees celebrities embark on a transformational journey to grasp the traditional martial artwork of the Shaolin warrior monks. Beneath the steerage of two Shaolin masters, they face intense trials that check their psychological and bodily boundaries.
In Denmark, the place Season 1 surpassed its prime-time slot common by 31%, a second season is ready to launch later this month.
Banijay Belgium is behind native variations of Excessive Makeover: Dwelling Version, Hunted Concern Issue and journey format Starstruck, whereas SimpelZodiak has a slate together with Good Luck Guys, Hunted, Survivor, SAS: Who Dares Wins, Temptation Island and fact-ent format Banged Up.
“Metronome’s Shaolin Heroesis an journey actuality format in contrast to another, taking the viewers on an immersive and transformational journey,” mentioned Isabelle Dams, Managing Director at Banijay Belgium. “Bringing this distinctive format to Belgium with VTM is an thrilling step, and we all know viewers shall be enticed by its depth.”
Justine Huffmeijer, Managing Director at SimpelZodiak, added: “Shaolin Heroes is a daring and distinctive format which respectfully highlights the Shaolin custom. Having fun with a strong efficiency in Denmark, we’re wanting to launch the Dutch model and watch these celebrities embark on this difficult, but rewarding expertise.”
Shaolin Heroes was a Deadline Sizzling One for MIPCOM in October, with Banijay’s Chief Artistic Officer, Improvement, James Townley saying Townley it had “all of the makings of a touring success” due to “accountable story-making at its coronary heart, relatable celebrities and genuine illustration of the Shaolin neighborhood, paired with beautiful visible results and the manufacturing know-how of our groups.” Seems to be like we picked properly.
“This premium journey actuality sequence is a testomony to the creativity and ambition of the Metronome crew, mixing beautiful surroundings and human endurance,” mentioned Tina Christensen, Managing Director at Metronome at the moment “Shaolin Heroes has all the important thing parts to captivate world audiences and it’s thrilling to see this unique format increasing its worldwide footprint, whereas returning right here in Denmark for an additional thrilling season.”
The deal comes forward of Banijay’s London TV Screenings occasion later this month.
