Russian Format Deal for Southern Star

SYDNEY, June 21: TNT
Broadcasting Network in Russia is set to produce a local version of Southern
Star International’s lifestyle/reality format The Block.

Dan Berbridge, executive producer at TNT Broadcasting
Network, commented, “This type of series fits perfectly with TNT’s programming
strategy of character-led reality formats, which already include a number of
other well-known U.K. and U.S. hits such as Wife Swap, Faking It and The Apprentice.
We’re confident that The Block
will capture the imagination of Russian viewers and further enhance our
position as one of Russia’s most forward-thinking broadcasters of formatted
entertainment.”

First produced for Nine Network, the show sees four couples
renovating four identical apartments. At the end of the series, the apartments
are auctioned off. The winners are the
couple whose apartment achieves the highest bid. The format has been produced
in the U.S., the U.K, Netherlands, Belgium, South Africa, Norway, Denmark,
Finland and Iceland.