Lip Sync Battle Being Adapted in Russia, Thailand

LONDON/NEW YORK: Viacom International Media Networks (VIMN) has clinched two new deals for the hit Lip Sync Battle format, bringing the total number of local adaptations to 20.

A new deal has signed with GroupM Entertainment in Thailand that will see 13 episodes of Lip Sync Battle Thailand be produced in May 2017. The pact is VIMN’s first format license in Thailand and the fifth adaptation of Lip Sync Battle in Asia, joining China, Indonesia, Vietnam and the Philippines. Additionally, GMA Network confirmed its third season renewal on Channel 7 in the Philippines, while Dong Tay will produce a second season for HTV7 in Vietnam.

A second deal has been inked with Russia’s national broadcaster, Channel One. The eight-part local series, which is currently in production, is the first Viacom format to be locally produced for the channel. The series will debut on Channel One later this year.

Casey Patterson, executive producer of Lip Sync Battle, said: “Music is the universal language understood in every country and we’re thrilled to know that Lip Sync Battle resonates throughout the world. We welcome the new formats to the Lip Sync Battle family.”

Laura Burrell, the head of formats, international program sales at VIMN, said, “Since first touching our hearts and tickling our funny bone in 2015, Lip Sync Battle has more than demonstrated its universal appeal with local versions now on-air or in production in 20 territories worldwide. The show has inspired a new generation of irreverent, celebratory, celebrity-driven formats at a time when audiences around the world are wanting them most. We can’t wait to start working with our new partners in Thailand and Russia, as they bring their own national flavor to this highly infectious entertainment format.”