Russian net nabs ESG’s Brain

The Brain was developed with German broadcaster ZDF

A Russian broadcaster has picked up competition format The Brain from Endemol Shine Group.

A seven-episode run of The Brain will air on Russia1 with Weit Media, Endemol Shine’s production company in Russia, producing. It will be known locally as Incredible People.

The format sees contestants compete for a cash prize by performing mental and physical challenges and was originally developed by Endemol Shine Germany with their joint venture company Herr P and broadcaster ZDF.

The Russian deal marks the eighth launch for The Brain following deals in the US, China, Brazil, Spain, Italy and France.

Yulia Sumacheva, CEO of Weit Media, said the format “celebrates the unique skills of ordinary people and we think Russian viewers will be enthralled with the feats that the contestants undertake.”

Weit Media’s slate includes Hunted, which premiered on NTV last week, Masterchef Junior and The Biggest Loser for CTC Channel. In October it’s launching its own locally developed entertainment show Kinoshow in primetime on NTV.

The company is also behind a local Russian adaptation of Danish drama The Killing, which will launch this autumn on Rossiya.