THE ADVENT OF "VINTAGE FORMATS"
Two new adaptations for Netflix - The perfect (maybe?) music format
It is no longer appropriate to call them 'reboots', but rather 'resurrections' or, to put the phenomenon in more accurate terms, 'vintage formats': it is the (relatively) new trend to take old programmes directly from the 70s, 60s and even 50s, and relaunch them in a new edition.
One example is the classic 1950s TV game show I've Got A Secret, which is currently in the works. And now Tic Tac Dough, a Game Show Enterprises Studios production, is going to premiere on Game Show Network in August. The show updates NBCUniversal’s classic format, and is based on the paper-and-pencil game of tic-tac-toe. Three versions were produced: the initial 1956–59 run on NBC (here an episode for nostalgics), a 1978-86 and the third in 1990 on syndication.
The rules are the ones everyone knows: two contestants answer questions in various categories to put up their respective symbol -X or O- on a giant trivia board. The goal is to complete a line of three X or O markers, avoiding a dragon that can steal their turns. After three rounds, the winning player moves on to face the dragon in the grand prize round, with a $10,000 prize at stake.
‘Vintage formats’ are a trend that contrasts with the more 'modern' and 'disturbing' forms, such as the use of AI, new technologies and new genres. They are simple, reassuring formats that take us back to a 'reassuring' and familiar past. And that is why they will be around for a long time to come...
(For completeness, Game Show Network is going to launch two other games: Beat the Bridge, adapted from the UK format Bridge of Lies from STV Studios, and Flip Side: two teams of players pit against each other to test them on how they think two different groups of people feel about the same issue).
FRENCH & BRAZILIAN ADAPTATIONS FOR NETLIX
Netflix recently announced two new adaptations of reality/talent Anglo-American for France and Brazil.
The first is Mauvais Joueurs ("Bad Players"), which will premiere on Netflix France on 17 April, produced by ALP (Adventure Line Productions) as a local version of the British reality show Surviving Paradise.
The show is about 13 players (12 in the UK version) who think they're about to spend a summer in a beautiful villa in Mexico. Instead, the players are almost immediately banished to the wilderness nearby, where they must survive on next to nothing. Players must form alliances to escape the wilderness and reach the luxurious villa in order to win the €150.000 jackpot.
Below the trailer and the first 5 minutes.
Even more traditional is the Brazilian Nova Cena, hosted by Brazilian famous rap stars. The show, which is the national version of the US format Rhythm & Flow, will showcase new talents from the urban music scene in Brazil.
The show, currently in production at Endemol Shine Brazil, focuses on the stories of contestants competing to be the next big thing in Brazil's urban music scene, with a plain documentary style. The winner will receive R$500.000 (just over €90.000) to launch their music career, as well as a role in the fifth season of Netflix's Brazilian series Sintonia.
Shows with very established ingredients, but also a bit overused.
MUSIC JAM
Another music format is The Jam, by L.A.-based Apploff Entertainment (Beat Shazam, Don't Forget the Lyrics…), which is teaming up with rock musician Little Steven (Stevie Van Zandt, member of Bruce Springsteen's legendary E Street Band, pic).
Not much is known about what the format will look like: a press release describes it as an intersection of music, culture and technology. With a multi-stage backdrop and a programming mix of performances, story packages and interviews, the show will spotlight global superstars, emerging artists and pop culture noisemakers to celebrate the past, present and future of music.
The Jam will bring together global superstars, new artists and pop culture noisemakers under one roof to celebrate the past, present and future of music. "From rock to rap, K-pop to hip-hop and indie to Hindi, The Jam is the ultimate ticket to the hottest acts from around the world, introducing viewers to all the artists our social media algorithms aren't showing us," added Jeff Apploff, executive producer and president of Apploff Entertainment.
If this really is the case, it would be the perfect music format...
NEWS IN A NUTSHELL
Korean prodco Something Special is preparing I Am Single for MIPFormats and MIPTV, a new dating format which will be described in the next issues
Spain’s Mediawan acquired two formats through its local production labels: Veranda took Something Special’s spooky format Still Alive while Boomerang took celebrity competition format Battle in the Box
South African streamer Showmax has commissioned the international format adaptation of hit NBCUniversal Formats series The Real Housewives Ultimate Girls Trip – South Africa
MILF Manor 2, a hit in its first season on TLC, is back: season 2 premieres April 28, always on TLC
BBC One has set the premiere of the new season of Celebrity Bridge of Lies, hosted by Ross Kemp, for April 6
Gladiators, made by Hungry Bear Media and MGM Alternative UK, will return with a second series, always on BBC One
UK commercial broadcaster ITV has commissioned a local version of Belgian gameshow format 99 To Beat, distributed by Primitives, with Banijay’s Initial producing.
Bell Media’s Noovo has acquired the format rights to the Got Talent reality competition franchise for the Quebec market, with the title Quel talent!
The first season of the OnlyFans original series House of Sims premiered on Netflix UK March 26th
Netflix’s US version of Love on the Spectrum has been renewed for a third season, after its second soared into the Global Top 10 for three weeks.
This issue is in memory of our friend Peter Van den Bussche