Media Ranch Enters Distribution Partnership with Trace Studios

Media Ranch has scored its first South African content partnership with Trace Studios and will distribute its formats internationally.

Trace’s catalog includes the multi-award-winning weekly competition format Ultimate Braai Master, in which nine teams compete across various outdoor braaing (barbecuing) challenges to win a cash prize and a car.

Another proven format in the catalog is 2 Weddings & A Superstar, which sees some of South Africa’s greatest musicians surprise two of their biggest fans on their wedding days with a performance.

Paper formats include Any Objections?, a reality series that follows couples whose wedding plans have come to a halt because a family member does not approve of their union, and Trendsetters, a lifestyle show that turns obscure social media superstars into real-world trendsetters.

Media Ranch President and Founder Sophie Ferron said, “Media Ranch’s new partnership with Trace Studios is a major step in Media Ranch’s global footprint. After expanding in Asia recently, we now add South Africa for the first time. As we do with DR (Danish Broadcasting), we are taking Trace’s great formats out to the world. We are grateful that Sivan and his team have entrusted us with their fantastic IP, and we expect very positive responses from our buyers.”

Sivan Pillay, CEO of Trace Studios, said, “This is an exciting chapter in the Trace Studios business, and having a partner like Media Ranch represent Trace Studios formats globally is an exciting first for us. We look forward to a long-term, mutually beneficial relationship where we can break new ground and continue in our pursuit to create more opportunities for African-based IP.”

The deal was brokered by Barbara Bellini, Trace’s senior international consultant, who added, “Having worked for the past two years with South African creative teams and experienced their brilliance, I look forward to work with the Media Ranch team to bring some front IP to global audiences.”