Keshet International Scores Double Format Sale in Georgia

Keshet International (KI) has licensed its prime-time singing formats Master Class and Showdown to Georgian free-to-air broadcaster Rustavi, the sale being Showdown’s first.

Both formats are based on original series developed and produced by Tedy Productions for Keshet 12 in Israel. The series will be adapted locally by Rustavi’s in-house production team for Rustavi 2.

Rustavi 2 has licensed a full cycle of Showdown (12×120 min.), a competition that sees two famous singers from opposing musical worlds try to influence young singers to join their respective camps. Currently in pre-production and casting for its two stars, the show is slated to premiere Sunday nights at 8 p.m. on Rustavi 2 starting in mid-April.

Meanwhile, musical talent show Master Class (12×60 min.) sees 16 children taught by four leading artists in the music industry, who train them to reach their highest potential. The show is a ratings hit in Israel, attracting 48% audience share, and has sold in five territories so far, including Uruguay (Teledoce), Hungary (TV2) and China (BTV).

Keren Shahar, KI’s COO and president of distribution, said: “We are thrilled to have completed this deal with Rustavi for Showdown and Master Class. The double order demonstrates the ongoing love affair audiences around the globe have with talent shows. These two formats are compelling viewing for very different reasons—Showdown is all about the gladiatorial clash between two mega-stars and their competing musical styles, while Master Class has that fantastic feel-good factor that makes for great family viewing.”