U.K. Format Guitar Star Optioned in the U.S.

Sky Vision has inked a new option deal in the U.S. for the musical entertainment talent format Guitar Star.

Under the agreement, U.S. TV producer Scott Sternberg is teaming up with Motion Content Group to pitch the Guitar Star format exclusively to American broadcasters over the next six months. Suzanne Bender (The Voice, American Idol) is on board to lead the casting for the U.S. version.

Guitar Star aims to find a country’s best amateur guitarists of all ages and styles, with the winner able to perform on the main stage at a top music festival. The show was originally produced by Somethin’ Else and GroupM Entertainment in the U.K. for Sky Arts.

Gillian Rose, the senior VP of sales and acquisitions at Sky Vision, said: “The original series of Guitar Star uncovered a wealth of talented guitarists in the U.K. who displayed their skill across acoustic and classical, to electric and rock, and we’re sure that this exhilarating format will once again deliver on showcasing an impressive range of guitarists in the U.S.”

Sternberg, founder of Scott Sternberg Productions, noted: “Guitar Star is a sensational format from the U.K. and we can’t wait to find great Guitar Stars here in the U.S.”

Richard Foster, the CEO of Motion Content Group, added: “We are delighted to be partnering with Scott on the development of the U.S. series.”