Sparks Adds Battle of the Blades to Catalogue

TORONTO/STOCKHOLM: The original format Battle of the Blades, which highlights an ice-skating competition, has been added to the portfolio of Sparks Network, which picked up the series from Insight Production Company.

The show has been a hit in Canada on CBC Television. It showcases Olympic and world champion female figure skaters, as they team up with eight of the country’s greatest hockey players to compete for a championship title and cash prizes that will be donated to Canadian charities.

John Brunton, the president and CEO of Insight Productions, said: “Battle of the Blades was instantly loved by Canadians from coast to coast and we’re confident the same success can be re-created in any country with an ice sport tradition. The format has already gathered a lot of interest from all over the world and we’re looking forward to working with Sparks on the international launch and distribution of Battle of the Blades.”

Added Fredrik af Malmborg, the managing director of Sparks Network: “Battle of the Blades is a great idea that is very well developed and produced by Insight Productions. The combination of the worlds of ice hockey pros and figure skating ballerinas is simply irresistible.”

“Battle of the Blades was such a big hit for CBC Television we’ve ordered more episodes for next season and look forward to building an ongoing franchise with this unique concept,” commented Julie Bristow, the executive director for factual entertainment at CBC Television.