MIPCOM 2012: Endemol Signs New Deals for 'Fear Factor,' 'Money Drop' in Malaysia

LONDON - Independent TV production giant Endemol said Wednesday it has signed new format deals in Asia for global hit shows The Money Drop and Fear Factor.

The agreements, financial details of which weren't disclosed, were signed ahead of MIPCOM 2012.

Stunt show Fear Factor will return to Asia in primetime based on a commission by broadcaster Astro Ria in Malaysia. The hit format was last produced in Asia in 2009, according to Endemol.

"Launching later this year, the 13-part celebrity series will be filmed in Cape Town produced by Endemol Malaysia Entertainment Group in conjunction with Endemol South Africa," it said.

The Astro Ria network has also ordered a second season of Money Drop, consisting of 26 episodes. It will air in a primetime slot later this year.

Also in Asia, Endemol has signed new deals in Vietnam. TV network HTV7 has commissioned 52 new episodes of Deal or No Deal, while VTV3 has ordered 52 episodes of 1 vs. 100.

“Fear Factor and The Money Drop are among the biggest hits created by Endemol and we’re delighted to have them in peak time slots on a leading regional broadcast such as Astro," Said Arjen van Mierlo, CEO of Endemol Asia. "I’m especially pleased to sign these deals ahead of MIPCOM where both shows continue to be among our market highlights.”

Fear Factor has sold in more than 150 countries, with local versions produced in more than 30 territories. Endemol brought the format back at MIPTV 2012 following its ratings success on NBC in the U.S.

The Money Drop has been sold in over 40 territories.

Email: Georg.Szalai@thr.com
Twitter: @georgszalai