MANILA – Viacom International Media Networks (VIMN) – a division of Viacom Inc. has struck its fourth local production deal for Spike TV smash and internet sensation Lip Sync Battle in Asia with major TV and radio network GMA in the Philippines. The localised format is scheduled to broadcast in February 2016.
In Asia, local formats of Lip Sync Battle are also available in Indonesia, China, and Vietnam. Celebrity Lip Sync Battle Indonesia (Net TV) began airing in October. Meantime, Lip Sync Battle China (Sohu.com Inc.) and Lip Sync Battle Vietnam (Dong Tay) are scheduled to premiere in February and July 2016 respectively. In China, it will also air on Shenzhen TV.
“Lip Sync Battle has received great interest globally and its appeal has not waned since its U.S. debut. The show is a sure hit format for any broadcaster looking to add an engaging co-viewing, cross-platform experience to their offerings. Regardless of age, gender, nationality or music taste, Lip Sync Battle is the ultimate people pleaser,” says Mark Whitehead, Executive Vice President and Managing Director, Asia, Viacom International Media Networks.
Based on the pop culture phenomenon of lip sync battling, the Spike original series features celebrities going head to head – lip-syncing the song of their choice – battling for the coolest bragging rights on the planet. The series is a ratings and multiplatform superstar for Spike and is the most-watched original series in network history, averaging 3 million viewers. The series has been re-commissioned for 20 more episodes in 2016.
The award-nominated Lip Sync Battle is executive produced for Spike in the U.S. by Casey Patterson of Casey Patterson Entertainment, Jay Peterson of Matador Content, John Krasinski, Stephen Merchant, and Eight Million Plus Productions. The original U.S. series is hosted by two-time Grammy award winner, LL Cool J with Chrissy Teigen as colour commentator, and has featured an array of A-list musical combatants such as Dwayne Johnson, Anne Hathaway, Iggy Azalea, Emily Blunt, John Legend, and John Krasinski.
