The Write Offs Scores French-Canadian Adaptation

Banijay Rights has signed a deal with Télé-Québec for a French-Canadian adaptation of The Write Offs, titled L’Épreuve des Mots.

The Write Offs helps a diverse group of adults who can’t read or write master basic literacy skills necessary for everyday situations. With Sphere Media Productions producing, the new adaptation will be hosted by Patricia Paquin, whose own 13-year-old suffers from learning disorders.

The format was originally created by Shine TV for Channel 4 in the U.K. It has since been adapted in Australia, with two seasons on SBS, as well as in Denmark on DR and Germany on ZDF.

“We are thrilled to partner with Télé-Québec and Sphere Media Productions to bring this important—and heartwarming—format to Québec viewers,” said Jane Rimer, senior VP for Canada at Banijay Rights. “The Write Offs shines a light on a very serious global issue and demonstrates how television can be used as a force for good to literally change lives.”

Nadine Dufour, VP of content at Télé-Québec, said, “As a public television broadcaster, Télé-Québec’s mandate is to reflect the reality and challenges of Québec through its programming. With 10 percent of the population considered functionally illiterate, we are proud to finally give a voice to those whom we see very little of in our Québec media landscape.”

“The adaptation of The Write Offs in Quebec has enabled us to understand that illiteracy is a challenge present in most countries,” added Renaud Chassé, executive VP of unscripted and documentaries for French content at Sphere Media Productions. “Since we announced this project, this issue has gained prominence in the media.”