Banijay Entertainment adds blindfold dating and survival reality shows to its format slate
Date on Stage was ordered for NPO Start and NPO3 in the Netherlands
LONDON TV SCREENINGS: European production group Banijay Entertainment has unveiled new formats Date on Stage and Football Island, from labels within its Banijay Benelux group.
Date on Stage was created and produced by Banijay Benelux label TwentyTwo and commissioned by Omroep Zwart for NPO Start and NPO3 in the Netherlands.
In the format, singles are blindfolded and embark on a date with two potential matches, guided only by conversation, chemistry and instinct. The twist is the date takes place on a theatre stage with a live audience. Two comedians are on hand to share their opinions on how it’s going.
James Townley, chief content officer, development at Banijay Entertainment, said: “It is a unique take on the dating genre, mixing humour, theatre and romance. Date on Stage is perfect for buyers looking for a scalable, high-energy series to draw fans of comedy and love, whether they’re searching for romance or just a good laugh.”
Paul van der Maesen, producer at TwentyTwo Productions, said: “Dating is sometimes taken too seriously, both on television and in real life.
“This format taps into the most popular dating trends you see on social media, bringing them to life in an unpredictable and wildly entertaining way. With witty comedians leading the charge and real singletons putting their hearts, and dignity, on the line, it’s dating at its most spontaneous and fun.”
Football Island blends sports, survival and competition reality and is the first coproduction between Banijay Benelux labels SimpelZodiak and Southfields, a sports specialist.
The format drops 13 legendary footballers in a remote tropical location, stripping them of stadiums, status and comfort. They battle the elements and fight for the basic necessities, and victory, in high-stakes, football-inspired challenges.
SimpelZodiak specialises in adventure reality and factual entertainment for linear and VoD platforms. The company is behind local versions of global hits including Survivor, Special Forces and Hunted. Other credits include Good Luck Guys, Shaolin Heroes and Banged Up.
The new title taps into Banijay Entertainment’s growing efforts in sport following its launch of Banijay Sports.
Both shows were unveiled at Banijay’s London TV Screenings event at Bafta on Wednesday.
They join Spain’s 30 Days & 30 Dates (Cuarzo for Mitele Plus), Sweden’s Against All Odds (Meter/ Jarowskij for SVT), Germany’s Mission Unknown: Atlantic (Banijay Productions Germany for Prime Video), Denmark’s The Rest of Your Life (Pineapple Entertainment for DR1 and DR TV) and AI Love You (Nordisk Film TV for TV 2) on Banijay’s slate of European formats.
