TV Asahi Pacts with Smart Dog Media

January 22, 2025 Kristin Brzoznowski

Japan’s TV Asahi is working with Craig Plestis and Clara Plestis and their Smart Dog Media production company to co-produce the talent competition show Song vs Dance.

The show sees performers competing in head-to-head battles in a video game-inspired format, leaving only one winner and answering the question of which is better, song or dance. It marks TV Asahi’s first co-production with a U.S.-based partner.

Smart Dog Media and TV Asahi will be showcasing Song vs Dance at the inaugural MIP London in February.

Craig and Clara will serve as executive producers, with Takaaki Kitano overseeing production in Japan. Smart Dog Media is represented by Paradigm, which brokered the format deal with TV Asahi.

Smart Dog Media commented, “We are so excited to be collaborating with TV Asahi on this groundbreaking, unique series. This is the first variety show to pit the two most popular forms of entertainment against each other in epic battles. This format strives to embrace Japanese pop culture, video game aesthetics and game structure to bring a distinct look and feel to a performance competition show. We believe this series will be internationally loved for generations. We crafted this show to be like our The Masked Singer: bold, different and never been done before.”

Kitano, creator and producer, added, “Since last June, Craig, Clara and I have exchanged numerous ideas and finally reached the innovative format of Song vs Dance. The proposals from the Smart Dog Media team, led by Craig and Clara, are fresh and groundbreaking, and I am thrilled to be able to co-produce this new format with them. Song vs Dance is a unique musical showdown where singers and dancers compete for their pride. The only criterion for judging is ‘which outstanding performance touched your heart the most!’ This simple yet entirely new format is sure to become an innovative entertainment program that viewers of all generations can enjoy. Look out for the intense battles of world-class performers that Japan proudly presents.”