Ballandi lines up more razzle for Rai

MIP NEWS: Italian producer Ballandi launches its latest primetime event show on Rai 1 this Saturday, while the company is also lining up a classic Granada format for the same broadcaster.

Virtually guaranteed a massive ratings haul, the Stasera Pago Io Revolution follows previous Ballandi show Torno Sabato E Tre, which won a peak audience share of 59.2% and an average share of 34%. The new three-hour show will go out on Saturday nights at 21.00 and has an eight-week run ending at the end of May.

“It’s going to be the biggest hit of the year” boasted Alessandro Bassi, head of format acquisition and development at Ballandi. The variety show built around popular Italian host Rosario Fiorello will take place over three stages and feature appearances by both Italian and international stars, beginning with Anastasia and Monica Bellucci.

The country’s main producer of the variety format, an audience favourite in Italy, Ballandi is also producing the late night show Nessun Dorma, centred around popular Italian female comic Paula Cortollesi.

But Ballandi is active in the area of acquired formats as well, having recently taken the Italian rights to Stars & Their Doubles from Granada International, with the format destined for Rai. Casting begins tomorrow.