Shine/GroupM Format Scores Australian Commission

SYDNEY/LONDON: Don’t Stop Believing, a new entertainment series produced Shine and GroupM for Five in the U.K., is to be adapted in Australia for Network Ten.

Don’t Stop Believing, created by Five controller Richard Woolfe, premieres in the U.K. this Sunday at 7 p.m. It focuses on musical groups formed by friends, colleagues, schoolmates or families, performing well-known songs in new arrangements. The Australian adaptation will be produced by Shine Australia for Network Ten.

Jamie Munro, joint managing director of Shine TV, said: “It is a significant boost to have a green light for an Australian version of Don’t Stop Believing ahead of its premiere on U.K. screens. Shine seeks to work with the best producers in each territory and I’d like to congratulate Shine Australia who are by far the strongest production company in the territory—on securing the commission with Network Ten. We look forward to working with our sister company and Ten on this amazing format and help them realize its potential.”

Richard Foster, managing director of GroupM Entertainment U.K., noted: “Our strategy is to back fantastic ideas from quality producers in partnership with broadcasters looking for fresh, new formats. Along with Shine TV and Five, we have ambitious plans for the U.K. show and whole heartedly believe in its international appeal, so we’re delighted Ten has picked up the show and look forward to working with them and all the team at Shine."