Italian deal for Singapore’s Kitchen

Singaporean drama format The Kitchen Musical is heading into local production in Italy, following a deal sealed by distributor Small World IFT and The Group Entertainment.

Italy’s Casanova Multimedia is the local partner though no network was announced for the Italian adaptation of the show. Casanova CEO Luca Barbareschi said: “If there is one culture in the world that savours food, family, friends, wine and song, it is Italy. The Kitchen Musical is perfect for the Italian audience.”

The original 13-part version was produced in Singapore for MediaCorp Channel 5 and has been renewed for a second season. The show has also aired 17 Asian countries on channels including MTV7 in Malaysia, Studio 23 in the Philippines, Kompas TV in Indonesia, AXN Asia and Fox in the Middle East.

As for local productions, Small World chief Tim Crescenti said Electus has taken the US format rights, adding: “Negotiations are ongoing in Germany, Romania and Spain and UK for local versions.” The format was previously picked up by TV2-owned Bliss in Norway.

The original programme follows a girl from a wealthy family who goes to work in a restaurant after graduating from cooking school.