Foxtel takes high-roller format Billion Dollar Playground from Ronde Media

Alison Hurbert-Burns and Ben Davies

MIPCOM: Australian pay TV operator Foxtel has picked up docu-soap reality format Billion Dollar Playground from local prodco Ronde Media for its Binge channel.

The new format was created by observational documentary specialist Ronde Media (Outback Ringer, Big Miracles, Bondi Rescue) and takes viewers into the world of wealthy travellers who pay a premium for high-end vacation homes and ultimate holiday experiences.

The 8×60’ series is being pitched by Ronde Media here in Cannes, where Ronde Media founder Ben Davies was joined by Foxtel Group executive director of Binge and commissioning and content Alison Hurbert-Burns. The show will go into production in Sydney this summer for broadcast on Binge in 2024.

Davies said: “The fascination with rich people and how they spend their money is endless, which is why we’re taking audiences inside some of the most luxurious properties on Earth to witness the upstairs-downstairs dynamic between uber-wealthy jet-setters and the staff who service their every need.”

Ronde Media is currently filming Netflix’s Desert King (working title) in the Northern Territory and South Australia and is attending Mipcom seeking financing and coproduction partners for other projects.