BBC Worldwide Lands Format Agreements

LONDON: A range of formats from Love Productions will be on offer from BBC Worldwide, including the hit reality show Famous, Rich and Homeless, which has now been licensed to three European countries.

Spain’s Antena3 is to make its own version to air in 2010. Irish production outfit Kite Entertainment has also optioned the format, while Sky High TV in the Netherlands has picked up the original format for Dutch broadcaster KRO. The show features five celebrities navigating their way through the same gritty existence as thousands of homeless people do every day. Filthy, Rich and Homeless is the original Love Productions format, where members of the public experience life on the streets.

Claudia Danser, the VP for format licensing for EMEA at BBC Worldwide, said: "Spain has a strong culture of celebrity and this is exactly the type of show that will attract Spanish viewers because like most of Love Productions’ formats, this is not just about entertainment. Both formats will challenge the audience’s preconceptions of homelessness in Spain, Ireland and the Netherlands."

Danser added: “Both are thought-provoking formats with plenty of touching and entertaining moments and that is why it will appeal to audiences all over the world. We are already talking to other broadcasters and production companies who are interested in licensing this format for other markets.” 

Andrew Brann, the managing director of Love Productions, commented: “It is great news that both formats have found new homes in Europe and I hope more will follow not only because they are highly entertaining shows but also because they tackle a universal relevant social issue.”

In addition to the Rich and Homeless format, BBC Worldwide will be highlighting two new formats by Love Productions at MIPCOM. Kidnapped by the Kids watches as children of workaholics quite literally “kidnap” their parents and force them to spend two weeks without any contact with their job. My Big Decision follows a group of teenage girls who are separated by age, culture and geography, but share the same all-consuming desires. They may be set on having a baby or plastic surgery, but it’s a decision that could change the course of their lives.