BBC Studios signed a series of agreements focused on South Africa. Firstly, a new format agreement will see a South African adaptation of the global hit format "The Office" launch on Showmax and kykNET. Additionally, Primedia Studios is partnering with BBC Studios' owned production company Rapid Blue to create BBC Studios’ multi-award-winning format "Dancing with the Stars".
"The Office", licensed by BBC Studios, will be launched on both Showmax and kykNET, DStv’s Afrikaans channel. It will be produced locally by Rapid Blue, which is part of BBC Studios’ international family of production companies.
Nicola van Niekerk, Showmax’s acting head of content referred to the format: “Our very first Showmax Original was a mockumentary, 'Tali’s Wedding Diary', so we’re delighted, just seven years later, to start reimagining the most iconic mockumentary of them all," commented.
BBC Studios’ South African production company, Rapid Blue will begin production in 2025. Rapid Blue produced Is’thunzi, which earned Thuso Mbedu two International Emmy nominations, as well as formats such as "Dancing With The Stars", "The Bachelor", "Family Feud", "Got Talent", "Shark Tank", "Come Dine With Me" and "Homegrown Tastes South Africa" to name just a few.
Rapid Blue Managing Director, Ziyanda Ngcaba Expressed her enthusiasm about the adaptation: “We are proud to be producing the first African version of 'The Office' for Showmax and kykNET. The format is globally recognised and adored by audiences all over the world," stated.
On the other side, Primedia Studios, African media television content and distribution hub, has signed a license agreement with the BBC Studios-owned production company Rapid Blue to bring the multi-award-winning format "Dancing with the Stars" back to South Africa.
Licensed to over 60 countries, the format continues to inspire millions of fans with the uplifting mix of joy, warmth, and wow factor. The revitalized South African audiences will see A-list local celebrities teaming up with professional dancers to learn, master, and perform Latin and ballroom routines, judged by a panel of renowned ballroom experts.
Jan du Plessis, President of Primedia Studios praised their partners: “Primedia Studios is delighted to be joining forces with esteemed and prolific production company Rapid Blue, which also produced the country’s previous spectacular and much-loved local edition of ´'Dancing with the Stars'.We are incredibly proud to add this global phenomenon to our Primedia Studios' fantastic ‘shiny floor’ content slate. It underlines our quest to bring the biggest and best international formats to mass South African audiences," noted.
This year, "Dancing with the Stars" (also known as "Strictly Come Dancing") will be produced in multiple countries, including the UK, US, Denmark, Spain, France, Germany, and Italy. "Dancing with the Stars" also recently returned to Telecinco in Spain.
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