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Lineup, NHK partner to shop formats

Co-viewing comedy show Chiko’s Challenge

Netherlands-based distributor Lineup Industries is linking up with Japanese broadcaster NHK to drive the international exploitation of its formats.

Lineup is partnering with the public broadcaster’s commercial arm, NHK Enterprises, to provide consultation and sales outside Asia.

The distributors will use its insights and knowledge of the global market to help bring NHK’s formats to Western buyers, with a focus on Europe, North America, Australia and New Zealand.

The first formats to headline the new partnership are The Late Night Show with Nitty & Gritty, 72 Hours and Chiko’s Challenge.

NHK/NHK Enterprises and Lineup Industries originally began collaborating on the hugely successful Japanese adaptation of Radio Gaga, a format that follows a hyper-local, intimate radio station and is now in its third season on NHK.

Ed Louwerse and Julian Curtis, co-founders of Lineup Industries, said: “Although many Japanese formats can seem puzzling to audiences outside of Asia, they are often only a few small tweaks away from captivating Western viewers.

“NHK has an extensive library of standout, innovative formats that we believe can be successfully adapted for local markets, while still respecting and retaining the core creative elements that made the original so special.”

The Late Night Show with Nitty & Gritty celebrates underground and little-known-but-rumored ways of life through a candid talkshow… using puppets.

72 Hours is an authentic documentary format that captures the real stories of ordinary people who come and go at a specific location during a 72-hour period.

Chiko’s Challenge is a co-viewing comedy show which challenges celebrities with child-like questions that are often surprisingly difficult to answer.

The quizmaster is an “eternal five-year-old” character named Chiko, who is half CGI, half costumed with the voice of a famous male comedian.

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