The Hot Ones — Formats: Yacht Sellers, Mexican Loteria & Shaolin Masters Get Mipcom Berths
By The Deadline Team

October 12, 2023 1:56am
Hot Yachts
Curve Media

Welcome to Deadline’s The Hot Ones, our guide to some of the best television being sold at Mipcom next week. Our editorial team has done extensive research in the run-up to the 2023 market and handpicked what we think are sure to be the shows that will be big talking points at this year’s event in Cannes. In between meetings and cocktail parties, you’re sure to hear whispers about the next potential global hit and The Hot Ones is here to guide you. Here’s several big new formats for your perusal.

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Shaolin Heroes



Distributor: Banijay Rights
Length: 8×60’
Producer: Metronome

Banijay is hitting the Croisette this year with Shaolin Heroes, an unscripted adventure series from Danish label Metronome.

Set within a 1,000-year-old temple, where time seems to be standing still, the series features a celebrity cast who immerse themselves in an intense training program under the guidance of two Shaolin masters.

“By surrendering to the ancient and respected traditions of the legendary Shaolin Warrior Monks, the celebrities will find unexplored facets of themselves they never knew existed,” James Townley, Chief Content Officer, Development at Banijay, says of the series.

Townley hails Shaolin’s “unique concept with high-production values” that will “educate, inspire, and inform audiences” about the ancient practices of the masters, which could generate big audiences.

“There are, of course, multiple layers to this format with great talent participating in the challenges, to test them both physically and intellectually,” Townley says. “The experience was life-changing for the celebrities, as they truly learned about the Shaolin culture and how these practices can influence life positively. It will be a journey for viewers as they learn more about the celebrities, and even reflect on their own life.” He adds Shaolin Heroes “perfectly captures our strategy to create innovative TV that is unique, bold, offers new perspectives, and entertains.”

Henrik Rasmussen, Head of Programmes at Metronome, and Peter Hansen, Chief Creative Officer at Banijay Nordic, created the original format, which draws directly from the history of Shaolin monasteries and East Asian culture.

Authenticity was therefore key, Townley says “With a show of this nature, it is extremely important it is respectfully created and produced, and great care has been taken to ensure the Shaolin culture is authentically represented.”

Of the show’s sellability, Townley says the format has “all the makings of a traveling success” due to “responsible story making at its heart, relatable celebrities, and authentic representation of the Shaolin community, paired with stunning visual effects and the production know-how of our teams.”

Banijay partnered with Denmark’s TV2 on the project. Metronome is behind Banijay’s dating format, Alone Together, as well as relationship series, Fabulous Dads. The Danish outfit also produces a range of long-running non-scripted series including The Island, MasterChef, Taskmaster, The Block and Ex on the Beach. —Zac Ntim
Only cut&pasted the Shaolin Heroes stuff. If you want to know the rest, follow the link.