STV Group PLC STV Studios signs US series development deal
November 01 2023 - 3:00AM
RNS Non-Regulatory
TIDMSTVG
STV Group PLC
01 November 2023
STV Studios and NBCUniversal sign US series development deal for
The Underdog
STV Studios and NBCUniversal have signed a series development
deal for innovative reality format, The Underdog, in the US.
The format, created by STV Studios label Primal Media and
co-owned by GroupM Motion Entertainment, sees a cast of
conventionally popular contestants - all with big online followings
and a knack for influencing people - compete in a popularity
contest. However, in amongst the group is an underdog that no one
is expecting. He's an ordinary guy, has almost zero followers
online, and is unfazed about trying to be the most popular.
None of the cast, including the underdog, know that a group made
up of TV's most iconic reality stars are living next door and
controlling the game by setting tasks, introducing jaw-dropping
format twists, mastering the art of manipulation, and using all
that they've learnt about reality shows to make sure the underdog
wins - at any cost...
The US rights were secured by Toby Gorman, President, Universal
Television Alternative Studio (UTAS) and Ed Havard, SVP, Unscripted
Programming, Universal International Studios (UIS) for development
at NBC led by Corie Henson. Both UTAS and UIS are divisions of
Universal Studio Group.
The deal was brokered on the STV Studios side by Creative
Director of International Development, Josephine Brassey, and
Commercial Director, Camilla Cope, who recently joined the team as
part of STV Studios' acquisition of Greenbird Media.
Josephine Brassey, STV Studios' Creative Director of
International Development, said: "Primal Media have created another
truly genius format which puts a unique new spin on the reality
genre, so we're delighted to be working with Toby, Ed and the
talented team at NBCUniversal on developing it for the US
market.
"This deal is the first secured by our newly combined business
and Camilla and I are excited about the potential of our
international growth strategy."
Mat Steiner and Adam Wood, Managing Directors of Primal Media,
said: "Pulling the curtain back on the reality genre has been such
fun, but the most revealing thing about this format is the
emotional rollercoaster ride that the cast goes on. We're sure
it'll be the same for the viewers!"
Toby Gorman, President, Universal Television Alternative Studio
added: "This development partnership cements our ambitions at
Universal Studio Group to partner with some of the best content
creators on shows with global scale and appeal. This is such a
unique reality format that really lends itself to adaptation for
the US market, so we're super excited to bring it to life for
NBC."
A UK version of the format is currently in the works for E4
produced by Primal Media and GroupM Motion Entertainment. The
working title is Alan Must Win.
Outside of the US, All3Media International has been appointed
the show's global partner.
STV Studios was recently named Production Group of the Year at
the 2023 Edinburgh TV Awards.
ENDS
Media Contact
Stephen Innes, STV Studios - stephen.innes@stv.tv
Shereene Witter, UTAS & UIS - shereene.witter@nbcuni.com
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