Deals round-up: KI unveils African format pact; Amazon launches Channels in France; MADD’s CEE drama sale

Drive Master

Keshet Int’l, M-Net strike format pact

Keshet International (KI) and pan-African broadcaster M-Net have joined forces to create new formats together and unveiled details of a new English-language dating show the two companies are co-producing.

The Big Five is being produced in conjunction with South African label Afrokaans and is part of a wider pact between KI and M-Net that will see the two companies co-develop a range of non-scripted formats for both local and global audiences.

The Big Five, meanwhile, is a dating format that follows five South African singles looking for a relationship who start the show residing at a luxury resort but who are gradually stripped of modern-day comforts in a bid to show their true personalities.

The 13 x 60 minute series is set to go into production in 2020 for broadcast on M-Net 101. KI will distribute the series and format internationally, with M-Net distributing in Africa.

The Big Five is the second new format to be co-developed by KI’s new Networks division, following Drive Master, a shiny floor motoring talent-competition show that was co-developed by KI and NTV in Russia.

Amazon turns on Channels in France

Amazon has launched its Prime Video Channels service in France, enabling customers to subscribe to TV channels and streaming services on a monthly basis such as StarzPlay, Tfou Max and MGM.

The service allows customers to add channels for a monthly fee, with GulliMax and GEO Television also set to become available. Shows on offer include Power and Black Sails on StarzPlay, Vu Du Ciel on GEO, and West Side Story on MGM.

French-based channels from TF1, Lagardère and Mediawan are also accessible, providing viewers with access to movies and TV shows such as Arthur & Les Minimoys, Sophie La Girafe and Oggy Et Les Cafards.

Markiza adds MADD drama

Slovakian broadcaster Markiza has picked up Turkish drama Kizim (aka My Little Girl) from distribution outfit MADD Entertainment.

The show has been produced by Medyapim and tells the story of a clever eight-year old girl who faces a struggle after her aunt disappears, leaving her to be brought up by her con man father.

The series has laready been sold by MADD to Antena in Romania, Skai in Greece, TVKLAN in Albania, NOVA TV in Bulgaria, and, most recently, Sevimli TV in Uzbekistan.