BBC Worldwide Showcasing New Formats

LONDON: The Speaker, a new competition series that tests the communication and improvisation skills of a set of teens, is among the new formats on offer from BBC Worldwide.

The Speaker is designed to find the nation’s best young orator by putting contestants through a series of tough challenges and tasks. The series ends with the final eight competitors putting all the skills they have learned to the test as they vie to become the best speaker. Another new entertainment offerings is Genius, in which members of the public are given a minute to pitch their ideas and inventions to a host and celebrity guest. In Animal Showtime, a voice is added to the inner thoughts of a host of weird and wonderful creatures.

Gareth Williams, the director of new programming for BBC Worldwide, said: “BBC Worldwide’s formats catalogue is stronger than ever with new, exciting titles such as The Speaker and Animal Showtime on offer as well as tried and tested titles like Greats and of course Dancing with the Stars. The formats catalogue has something for everyone whether it is glossy entertainment shows or escapist drama.

“The scripted formats on offer are equally exciting with Mistresses leading the way. Already a hit in the U.K., this sexy drama about a group of friends has huge appeal to audiences all over the world. Scripted formats such as Mistresses are a great way for broadcasters to make local versions of proven hits and ratings winners.”

Mistresses is a drama that follows the lives and loves of a group of 30-something girlfriends. The six-part series charts the highs and lows in the love lives of four very different friends. The British hit How Not to Live your Life is another scripted format on offer. This new comedy poses the question: If we could live the same situations again, would we do things better or just end up making an even bigger mess of things. BBC Worldwide will also be bringing other internationally successful formats such as The Office, Life on Mars, Dancing with the Stars and Baby Borrowers.