e4.com acquires US online games format

Channel 4, which is commercially launching its e4.com website today, has acquired US online format Dare for Dollars for the site.

The format, acquired from US outfit Zoo Productions, has been renamed Dare for Dosh and involves people challenging each other online for money.

On the more interesting dares, Channel 4 has agreed to fund the stunt and film the event. If the format becomes a hit online then Channel 4 will make a television series for E4, the channel.

Channel 4 is working with a range of partners, both new media and traditional TV producers to provide content and generate revenue.

Occasionally C4 will joint venture if it’s appropriate and if there’s a real business opportunity, otherwise the broadcaster will treat it as a straightforward commission.

{We’re not averse to sharing revenues if both parties invest together,{ says Andy Anson, head of strategic planning and interactive.

{But the market has changed so much. A year ago, producers wanted to build a business around their programme brand. As the market has turned down and as a few of them have had their fingers burned less of them are inclined to do that.{

Channel 4 has also worked closely with UK indie RDF Productions on Japanese-style gameshow Banzai, which currently airs on E4 but is destined for Channel 4 later this year.

Banzai has spawned many spin-offs including a game, a WAP application, and an interactive TV version where viewers can bet along with the show, which is available on digital terrestrial platform ONdigital. The show is also simulcast on e4.com.

{This has been the best experiment and for me is the model of the future,{ said Anson. {On the first weekend we had 36k people on WAP phones which is just unheard of. It just shows that even the simplest TV format, if cross-promoted properly, can really work on all platforms.{