Nippon TV’s Man or Mannequin? Optioned in Italy

The Nippon TV game-show format Man or Mannequin? has been optioned for an adaptation in the Italian market by Casta Diva Pictures.

Man or Mannequin?, which launched globally at MIPCOM, is a high-stakes, team-based game show in which celebrity contestants race against time to find mannequins cleverly hidden throughout the city. Each mannequin found brings the team closer to victory, but hidden among them are fake mannequins and humans pretending to be mannequins trying to fool the contestants.

Sayako Aoki, head of international sales at Nippon TV, said: “Since the launch of Man or Mannequin? last October, we have been receiving positive feedback towards this format from around the world for its lighthearted, hilarious content, which can provide viewers with a little break from their busy everyday life. We are excited to work with Casta Diva Pictures toward its first international version and looking forward to seeing what their creativity brings to this format.”

Massimo Righini, COO at Casta Diva Pictures, said: “Being able to option this format while other global companies had also been showing interest is a great honor. We immediately understood that Man or Mannequin? has a very high entertainment potential that comes from a simple but brilliant idea that only the Nippon TV team could create. We can’t wait to propose it to an Italian broadcaster. We are sure that an idea like this has never been proposed.”

Fabio Nesi, CEO at Casta Diva Pictures, added: “We are proud to have been chosen by an entertainment giant like Nippon TV to bring an innovative format to the Italian audience. This decision highlights our ability to look beyond national borders to seize the best international opportunities and bring innovation to the Italian market. Leveraging our extensive experience in producing high-quality content, coupled with our deep knowledge of the international market, we will be able to create an Italian edition of Man or Mannequin? that reflects the tastes and expectations of the local audience, while maintaining the originality and charm of the original format.”