"Switch"
Lineup Industries is set to launch its fast-moving trivia game show "Switch" in Greece. This move comes after signing a deal with VCM Production to bring the format to primetime on the public broadcaster ERT1. Additionally, a new 50-minute version of the game show has been tailored to fit the ERT1 schedule, and a total of 80 daily episodes, including celebrity editions, have been commissioned.
"Switch" is based on a format developed by Panenka for VRT in Belgium and distributed globally by Lineup Industries. The deal for a local version in Greece comes hot on the heels of a recommission for 100 more episodes by Game Show Network, produced in the U.S. by DIGA Studios.
Panos Rallis of production company VCM Production, said: “Our company was in search of a television gameshow that would make a difference in Greece, specifically a knowledge-based yet fast-moving entertaining show suitable for public broadcaster ERT. It needed to be a format that would target families and appeal to the wider public without being just a knowledge game. ' Switch' fitted the bill, and we acquired the rights to the format for Greece and Cyprus working with both Lineup Industries and the format creator Panenka in the project's setup with production handled by two major Greek production companies, VCM Production and NEEDaFIXER.” He added: “'Switch’ is now airing on Greece's major public broadcaster ERT, providing relaxed and fun daily entertainment for everyone to enjoy. By introducing some innovations, ' Switch' not only serves as an entertaining television game but also conveys messages of social responsibility. Once a week, celebrities such as actors, singers, athletes, and other participate and the prize money is donated to charitable foundations.”
Ed Louwerse, Founder of Lineup Industries, said: “'Switch' is exciting to watch yet simple to play and very visual in that the leaderboard is represented by the position of the contestants on set. The general knowledge-based quiz means the show is ideal family viewing, and we are seeing a lot of broadcaster interest in this type of co-viewing show for access or daily primetime.”
In " Switch", five players begin the game by taking positions behind large numbers from one to five. After a trivia question is asked, players with correct answers move towards the number one spot, and players with incorrect answers move towards the number five spot. The goal of the game is to finish the third round of questions in the number one position, thus winning the game and earning the right to play the bonus round for $10,000.