Endemol in Pan-European Format Deal for Big in Japan

HILVERSUM, May 1: Endemol
has secured the exclusive distribution and production rights in Spain, France,
Germany, Italy, Holland, Belgium and Portugal to the entertainment format Big
in Japan from Los Angeles-based
distributor Small World IFT.

Created and
owned by Denmark’s Babyfoot APS and distributed by Small World IFT, the format
sees western contestants moving in together in Tokyo, where they immerse
themselves in the local culture and compete in a Japanese game show. Big in Japan has already been sold to 14 countries worldwide, including the U.S.,
where it will launch on ABC this summer alongside the Endemol format Wipeout.

Lisette van Diepen, the
director of acquisitions at Endemol International, commented: “Big in Japan promises a great combination of action, comedy and
culture, which audiences across Europe will love. This is a highly sought-after
format and I’m delighted that we have secured exclusive rights in these key
territories. “

Tim Crescenti, the
president of Small World IFT, added: "The global demand for this unique
and fun format has been unprecedented in my experience. Moreover, we are
thrilled that the world's biggest format producer believes in this format so
much as to make this tremendous commitment."

—By Irene Lew