CEE Deals for The Brain

AMSTERDAM/LONDON/WARSAW: Endemol Shine Group has signed the first series deals for The Brain in Central and Eastern Europe.

Endemol Shine Poland has been commissioned by Polsat to produce eight prime-time episodes. The Brain, which showcases the extraordinary abilities of ordinary people in front of a studio audience, is also set to launch in Croatia and Serbia following a deal with Emotion, which will produce the pan-Balkan series for RTL and PRVA, respectively.

Meanwhile, WeiT Media, Endemol Shine Group’s Moscow-based production company, has been commissioned by Rossiya 1 for a second season of The Brain following its launch last year.

Originally developed by Endemol Shine Germany along with joint venture company Herr P and broadcaster ZDF, The Brain has now sold to 11 territories and counting, including the U.S., China, Russia, Brazil, Spain, Italy and France.

Marina Williams, the COO of international operations at Endemol Shine Group, said, “The Brain has already been successful in the region following a stellar launch in Russia last year where the show was recommissioned immediately. This drew the attention of all key broadcasters in neighboring territories and we can’t wait to astound audiences in Poland, Serbia and Croatia.”

Lisa Perrin, the CEO of creative networks at Endemol Shine Group, added, “Packed with incredible challenges and hilarious commentary from the celebrity panel, this format is truly entertaining with wide audience appeal. The Brain is really starting to gain traction globally and we’re thrilled to launch the show 11 territories and counting.”