Russian, Thai nets prepare for Battle

Broadcasters in a Russia and Thailand have commissioned local versions of US cablenet Spike’s Lip Sync Battle.

Spike’s global hit music format Lip Sync Battle

Channel One in Russia and GroupM Entertainment in Thailand have ordered eight- and 13-part runs of the format respectively.

The format is distributed by Viacom International Media Networks and sees two celebrities mime along to pop and rock hits.

It quickly became one of Spike’s most successful programmes after launching in the US in 2015, having originated as a segment on Jimmy Fallon’s Tonight Show.

It was developed and executive produced for Spike by Casey Patterson of Casey Patterson Entertainment, Jay Peterson of Matador Content, John Krasinksi, Stephen Merchant and Eight Million Plus Productions.

The deal brings the total number of locally adapted versions of the format to 20, including those in the UK, China and Canada.

In related news, GMA Network is preparing a third season of the show for Channel 7 in the Philippines, while Dong Tay will produce a second season for HTV7 in Vietnam.