In continuing to strategically expand its global presence through its International Unscripted Format Fund, FOX Entertainment’s in-house unscripted studio FOX Alternative Entertainment (FAE) has closed major format deals for two series, including the upcoming celebrity competition series Beat My Mini-Mes in Spain and Israel, and performance competition Celebrity Masterpiece in the United Kingdom and France.
FAE has licensed the format of its big studio competition Beat My Mini-Mes to Spain’s Antena 3. Additionally, Beat My Mini-Mes has been optioned for development in Israel by ITV Studios’ Armoza Formats.
Showcasing a unique and large-scale set, the series features celebrity singers facing off while surrounded by talented children who are all wearing the same outfit as they are, like mini-mes. After multiple rounds of performances, only one child will help their team be crowned the winner. The original format of Beat My Mini-Mes will premiere in France on TF1 later this year (French title: “Dream Team La Relève Des Stars”). Jointly developed by FAE and TF1, “Dream Team La Relève Des Stars” is co-produced by TF1 Production and FAE.
Additionally, the format of Celebrity Masterpiece has been optioned by ITV Studios’ Multistory Media (Come Dine with Me, Scared of the Dark) for development in the U.K., while Paris-based production company Satisfaction (Anything Goes) has optioned Celebrity Masterpiece for France. Celebrity Masterpiece launched earlier this year on Workpoint in Thailand, where the format was titled “The Masterpiece.”
“An important component of our unscripted strategy is to identify and launch unforgettable formats that have universal appeal and can seamlessly travel to multiple territories,” said Allison Wallach, President, Unscripted Programming, of FOX Entertainment. “The early success of Celebrity Masterpiece in Thailand and strong interest Beat My Mini-Mes is generating even before its premiere are great indications of the power these two energetic formats hold. The teams at Antena 3, Armoza, Multistory and Satisfaction are proven leaders and incredibly creative producers who are the perfect partners to introduce both formats in these very important markets.”
Carmen Ferreiro, Atresmedia’s Entertainment Program Director, said: “Beat My Mini-Mes is an extraordinary original format and it fits perfectly with a family and entertainment channel as Antena 3.”
Added Avi Armoza, Founder and CEO of Armoza Formats: “Especially in this day and age, it’s important to bring to the screen feel-good shows, and we think that Beat My Mini-Mes is a perfect fit to the Israeli primetime and the strong connection that exists in the country between kids and adults. We are proud to continue our long cooperation with FOX to bring new shows to air.”
Multistory’s CEO Tim Carter said: “We’re always searching for entertainment shows with joy, humour and jaw-dropping visual distinctiveness. Celebrity Masterpiece is one of those shows that you can identify within five seconds of tuning in; it simply couldn’t be any other show on television.”
Arthur Essebag, TV host and Satisfaction Group’s Founder, stated that: “My teams and I are thrilled to have the rights for Celebrity Masterpiece for France. This great entertainment format created by Smart Dog Media and FAE offers the viewers a perfect mix of entertainment, illusions and emotions. A TV show offering to re-live some iconic movie scenes, piece of art and unforgettable pop culture moments will for sure leave the viewers wonder. We are confident it will find a prime location in French television.”
