Electus takes Thumb Wars to US

Ben Silverman’s Electus has entered an agreement with newly launched Engine Entertainment to coproduce a US version of interactive treasure hunt gameshow Thumb Wars.

The format, which relies heavily on the use of smartphones, is Engine’s first and has been taking a 31% overall market share on South African network SABC. Local producer Stimulii makes the show. Electus is currently seeking network, advertising and digital media partners in the US.

“Electus is scouring the world for next generation entertainment and Thumb Wars is a groundbreaking programme utilizing everyone’s most important means of communication and connection – their PDAs,” said Silverman.

Electus Distribution was formed in February this year by Silverman and some of his former Reveille colleagues from his time as co-chair of NBC Entertainment. Engine is the fledgling production and distribution outfit set up by former Power distribution chief Chris Philip.

“Ben’s vision for this unique and successful South African format from Stimulii will transcend all that’s been done in the US so far as multi-platform technology is concerned,” claimed Engine distribution consultant Michel Rodrigue.