3 Ball Productions Picks Up U.S. Rights for The Container Cup

The U.S. rights for the Belgian competition series The Container Cup have been secured by 3 Ball Productions.

From Belgium’s Woestijnvis, the show tests elite athletic ability–from speed, strength and endurance to coordination, mental acuity and more—with athletic celebrities competing against professional athletes in a series of intense challenges. Created as an exciting quick-turnaround event format producible in and for a world dealing with the coronavirus pandemic, the competition takes place inside two massive shipping containers, each equipped with numerous cameras and delivered directly to the competitors’ respective homes.

The Container Cup was also designed to give back to first responders and others making a difference during the pandemic, with athletes competing for the charity of their choice.

The format premiered on Belgium’s Vier network on April 26. Within the first week, it was optioned to Germany, France and The Netherlands, with deals currently pending in Spain, Italy, the U.K. and other territories.

3 Ball Media Group’s Reinout Oerlemans said: “So much of regular life has been upended during this crisis and so to be able to find and act on the bright spots, as creatives, is extremely gratifying. We know athletes live to compete and that they haven’t been able to during the COVID lockdowns. We also know that audiences are clamoring for fun and exciting content that can feel inspirational. This show can rally the whole family around a unique and positive entertainment experience that blends serious athleticism with fun and feel-good humor—all done in a way that is safe and COVID-compliant for all involved, and culminates with a significant donation on behalf of the winning athlete. Not to side too much with one sport, we see The Container Cup as a home run.”