Australian maker of MAFS taking program formats to the world

TV buyers at London Screenings last week were offered a new reality TV format from the makers of Australia’s Married At First Sight.

Australian Survivor Season 10 contestants. Picture: Nigel Wright

The Australian arm of global TV production business Endemol Shine is behind a new reality TV format that was presented to buyers from around the world last week at the London Screenings.

Endemol Shine Australia is known globally for its prowess in turning an attractive format into a sprawling multi-episode hit that can be replicated in TV territories worldwide.

Its track record includes “supersizing” the Married At First Sight, Lego Masters and MasterChef Australia formats.

Under the leadership of chief executive Peter Newman, ESA is the biggest producer in TV entertainment, making shows as diverse as Australian Survivor and The Summit to Gogglebox Australia and Old People’s Home for 4 Year Olds.

One of their series, an Australian version of Ninja Warrior, established a close relationship with the format owner, Tokyo Broadcasting System Television.

The Japanese company runs broadcast, cable and satellite TV channels, radio stations, productions companies and theatres.

TBS declared FY2024 as the “First Year of Global Business” with an ambition to strengthen its presence in global markets.

Mr Newman travelled to Japan with creative director Elliot Spencer last year to meet his TBS counterparts to develop their first format collaboration.

After reviewing more than 20 possibilities at TBS they settled on something they’re marketing as The Insider. The show is a take on TBS Japanese game show Actor Vs Reactors.

Speaking on his return from London, Mr Newman confirmed there was much interest in The Insider, adding there would be formal pitches for interested broadcasters beginning in April.

“With The Insider, we have a title built for a broad audience – unpredictable and attention-grabbing,” Mr Newman said last week. “Combining the thrill and addictiveness of strategic gameplay with explosive laugh-out-loud excitement, this hysterical genre-busting show promises surprises, deception, celebrities, comedy and sleuthing – perfect ingredients for a universal travelling hit.”

Leading the global format sales for ESA parent Banijay is Australian Cathy Payne, now based in London.

The London Screenings attracted 850 TV buyers from around the world including local executives from Seven, Network 10, SBS and Stan.