C21 unveils best scripted format finalists

C21 has unveiled the finalists in the Best Scripted Format category in the International Format Awards 2020, which is organised in association with FRAPA, EMC and MipFormats.

The International Format Awards will be presented online this year with a digital event initiative that runs between June 10 and 25, sponsored by All3Media International, ITV Studios and Sony Pictures Television. The finalists in each category of the awards will be revealed daily until June 23, with the event taking place ‘as live’ online on June 25 at 7am PST/10am EST/3pm BST/4pm CET.

In terms of entry criteria, these are scripted shows – either comedy or drama – that have been adapted for local production in territories outside their country of origin. The first episode of the remake should have aired in the new territory during 2019.

The finalists in this category include six formats from around the world, encompassing productions and IP from Canada, Germany, Italy, Australia, the UK and the US. From Germany come two shows: Der Pass, from Endemol Shine-backed prodco Wiedemann & Berg TV for Sky Germany, and Rampensau, from UFA Serial Drama for Vox.

Based on well-travelled Nordic drama format The Bridge, Der Pass is a murder mystery set in the Alps, distributed by Endemol Shine Group. Rampensau, meanwhile, is distributed by Dori Media International. The show is based on an original format called Dumb, which is owned and produced by Dori Media for HOT in Israel.

Two finalists this year are from French Canada: Troubled Waters from ICI ARTV and Plan B from ICI Radio-Canada. Produced by Monteal’s KOTV and Productions Bliktv of Ottawa, Troubled Waters is a detective series distributed by Radio-Canada/CBC.

Plan B, meanwhile, is another KOTV series, this one following a company that offers people the chance to go back in time to correct past mistakes. It has already begun being adapted for local audiences in English-speaking Canada (via CBC) and France (TF1). KO Distribution is shopping the show and format worldwide.

Almost Family, a drama that aired on US network Fox after being adapted from Australian series Sisters, is also in the mix. Produced by Endemol Shine North America, the US show follows what happens when a fertility doctor (played by Timothy Hutton) uses his own sperm to conceive at least 100 children. It is distributed by Endemol Shine Group.

Rounding out the list of finalists for Best Scripted Format is drama Non Mentire, an Italian show produced by Indigo Film for Canale 5. Adapted from an original format called Liar that UK-based Two Brothers Pictures produced for ITV, the show is about a relationship based on a lie and its far-reaching consequences. The show and format are distributed by All3Media International, parent company of Two Brothers Pictures.