Viacom grows Fat format

MIPFORMATS: Four European broadcasters have acquired unscripted formats, including new series I Used To Be Fat, from Viacom International Media Networks (VIMN).

The formatted documentary has been optioned by the UK’s STV Productions and by Banijay-owned production house Nordisk TV for adaptation in Finland and Sweden. The format was originally devised by MTV’s news and documentary team in the US.

Pimp My Ride will be produced by Limelight TV for weekly transmission on male-skewing Norwegian channel Viasat 4 on Tuesdays at 21.30 from April 10. The hour-long show will be titled Pimp My Ride Norge.

In Germany, Spin TV has picked up reality format One Bad Trip (4×60′), which will air in a weekly primetime slot on German terrestrial broadcaster RTL2 from this autumn. The show is currently filming in a Mediterranean beach resort.

“Our recent agreements in Northern Europe demonstrate the continued strength of our content – both iconic library hits and brand new series,” said Caroline Beaton, senior VP of international programme sales at VIMN.

At MipTV, VIMN will debut new format Friend Zone, described as an “emotional rollercoaster dating format.” The show is devised by the producers of Jersey Shore.