VIMN secures format deals in Russia, Nordics & Canada

Viacom International Media Networks (VIMN) has unveiled format production deals for MTV global reality hit series 16 and Pregnant in Russia and Ex on the Beach in the Nordic territories, together with a license agreement for Comedy Central’s Roast Battle in Canada.

In Russia, public broadcaster Channel U, will adapt MTV’s 16 and Pregnant for local audiences, marking the first format deal for VIMN on the channel. The series, which will comprise 10 episodes, will be produced in house by Channel U and air later this year.

Ex on the Beach, meanwhile, is being adapted for the Discovery channel in both Norway and Denmark. Both series, which will consist of 24 x 60 episodes, will be produced by Endemol Shine Productions. The deals bring the total number of adaptions of Ex on the Beach to 13 with local versions in markets such as Brazil and France.

Meanwhile in French speaking Canada, VIMN has struck an international format sale with Bell Media’s Canadian French language channel Ztélé for Roast Battle. The 9 x 30 production, titled Roast Battle: Le grand duel, will be produced by ComediHa!.

“The strength of our catalogue is demonstrated by this latest raft of deals for three very different formats,” said Laura Burrell, head of formats, international programme sales, VIMN. “We’re excited to have struck our first format deal with Russia’s Channel U, while Roast Battle is starting to make a real impact in the international market.”