ITV Studios unveiled two major international co-production partners for its Plimsoll Productions natural history series, “A Year on Planet Earth.” The company also announced the acquisition of “The Voice” spin-off, “The Voice Rap,” aimed at a young audience.
FOX Nation, FOX News Media’s streaming service in the US and ARD in Germany, have both joined ITV in the UK in the creation of the new history series.“'A Year on Planet Earth' is such an exciting and fresh concept, we’re delighted that FOX Nation and ARD have decided to join us on this epic journey into nature," Julie Meldal-Johnsen, EVP of Global Content at ITV Studios, said. "This show has the cream of British natural history talent on board and will bring joy and awe to audiences all over the world.”
A Year on Planet Earth (6x60) which will be narrated for the UK by the acclaimed actor, comedian, and author Stephen Fry, draws on the most spellbinding and dramatic stories from all corners of the globe. Featuring a story arc across the seasons, it is set to draw viewers in over a number of episodes, unfolding like a drama. The series is from a highly specialized and multi-award-winning blue-chip natural history team, comprising Tom Hugh-Jones (Tiny World, Planet Earth II) and Dr Martha Holmes (Blue Planet, Hostile Planet).
A Year on Planet Earth" is a new narrative approach, showcasing the many wonders of the world, revealing the incredible ways in which all life is connected and how massive natural events affect the lives of individual animals.Combining extreme weather, breathtaking landscapes, epic wildlife spectacles and lovable animal characters, this series reveals our planet in a completely new light, uncovering how animals react and adapt to shifting habitats and unexpected events.
Moreover, ITV studios also launched a new spin-off: "The Voice Rap". A digital-first music competition developed specifically for the younger audience. In this newest version, the mic is given to the most unique, talented, and aspiring rappers. From Hip Hop to Mumble Rap, and Reggaeton to Pop music. Talents will have to give it their all to impress the coaches with their distinctive style, rhythm and poetry. The format has already been picked up by Turkish SVOD platform Exxen, where it will launch later this month and is being produced by Acun Medya, who also produces The Voice and its spin-offs in Turkey, Greece, and Mexico.
Maarten Meijs, President, Global Entertainment, ITV Studios says, “We are incredibly excited to bring this newest spin-off to the market. Rap music has been conquering the charts for decades and translates into the hottest music genres in the game with a loyal community of followers. Where The Voice, The Voice Kids, and The Voice Senior are formats that cater to all ages, this version is about celebrating a special skill set that is used in various genres. It’s original, diverse, and fits perfectly to our cross-platform strategy with the rise of on-demand players, skewed at the younger audiences. The Voice is a positive show, an empowering platform that uncovers the best talent. The Voice Rap adds to that: original storytelling with a unique look and own lyrics on existing beats.”
Acun Ilıcalı, Founder & Chairman of Acun Medya Group, adds “We are extremely proud and excited to be the pioneer to launch the newest spin-off: The Voice Rap. Our mutual efforts with ITV Studios will once more create new horizons for young talents and aspiring rappers in different territories to follow.”
The award-winning format that celebrates its 10-year anniversary, continues to prove its power with strong performances for all its versions across the globe. The Voice franchise has a total of 133 adaptations across the globe, making it the biggest and most adapted format in the non-scripted global marketplace to date.