BeachTV Preps MMA Reality Series

Singaporean lifestyle channel BeachTV is working with Indonesia’s Nation Pictures on an MMA reality format, Beach Brawl.

The series will bring aspiring fighters from around the world to train at a bootcamp. Contenders will be eliminated after losing challenges until one is named Champion of Beach Brawl. The format was developed in Singapore. The three-year, $12-million deal between BeachTV and Nation Pictures will see six seasons produced. Cross-platform exploitation is a priority, with the companies creating VR content and licensing the franchise into MMA gyms, training programs and merchandise. Nation Pictures will manage production, brand sponsorships and syndication partnerships in Indonesia.

Timothy Lee, managing partner of BeachTV, noted, “Since our soft launch last year, we have focused a lot of our efforts on the creation of original properties with global franchise potential. Beach Brawl puts a new spin to MMA, bringing the popular sport from the confines of stuffy gyms and fighting rings into a powerful and visually vibrant outdoor environment. By creating a reality program, we go beyond merely staging fights, to reveal the training and various exciting obstacles the fighters go through. We also delve deeper into each fighter’s background and psyche. Why did these fighters put themselves into such punishing regimens? What gives them the courage to face their opponents? There is a story behind each fighter that can be as entertaining as the fight itself.”

Delon Tio, CEO of Nation Pictures, added, “Nation Pictures believes in developing the best concepts and telling the most compelling stories. When I first heard the Beach Brawl concept, you can say it hit me like a punch. The series not only appeals to a growing base of MMA fans, but has the potential to cross over to mainstream audiences as well. The franchise is universal and can be easily adapted to many countries. I look forward to producing this series in Indonesia, and potentially with partners in Thailand as well.

Following the launch of the franchise in Bali, Beach Brawl will be produced in Singapore, Malaysia, the Philippines and Thailand. The winners of each local edition will be brought together for a regional showdown.