SINGAPORE – The record-breaking global hit “Got Talent”, co-owned by FremantleMedia and Syco Entertainment, is set to extend its search for talent further than ever following Sony Pictures Television (SPT) Networks, Asia’s commission of “Asia’s Got Talent”, a pan-Asian version of the hit format.
“Asia’s Got Talent” will debut in early 2015 on AXN, the number one English general entertainment channel in Asia, which spans 20 territories, including South East Asia, South Korea, Hong Kong and Taiwan.
Production for “Asia’s Got Talent” will commence this month and will be open to contestants across Asia. The series will scout for talent across 13 countries in Asia, with auditions planned in major cities including Jakarta, Indonesia; Singapore; Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia; Manila, Philippines; and Bangkok, Thailand.
Hui Keng Ang, senior vice president and general manager of Sony Pictures Television Networks, Asia said, “As the trailblazer in high quality local productions, ‘Asia’s Got Talent’ furthers our commitment to creating engaging content that truly resonates with audiences across the region. We look forward to providing aspiring Asian performers with an incredible international platform to showcase their talent. The next Asian star is about to be discovered on AXN!”
George Levendis, Head of International TV, Syco Entertainment, said, “It is very exciting for the 63rd version of our show to be a pan-regional production which offers viewers the chance to enjoy the wonderful shared values of the Asian region whilst also celebrating the unique talents of individual cultures.”
FremantleMedia Asia managing director Paul O’Hanlon said, “This is a hugely exciting step for the ‘Got Talent’ format in Asia. This latest commission further builds on the success of the existing ‘Got Talent’ versions in the region and we are looking forward to working with all partners on launching this mammoth pan-regional version of the show.”
FremantleMedia has also secured deals with local free-to-air channels in Thailand, Vietnam, Indonesia and India to broadcast the series soon after its original airing on AXN. Additionally, for the first time, Chinese digital platform Youku will bring the “Got Talent” format to a vast online audience in that country.
The new deal follows FremantleMedia’s recent announcement that “Got Talent” won the Guinness World Records title for being the world’s “Most Successful Reality TV Format”. With the addition of “Asia’s Got Talent”, an impressive 63 versions of the international ratings phenomenon have now been commissioned worldwide across Africa, the Americas, Europe, Asia Pacific, and the Middle-East.
