MUMBAI: Over the past few years, action oriented AXN has succeeded in developing admirable viewer cachet with reality shows like Fear Factor, The Amazing Race.. The channel' now primed to take on potential competition with a reality show with an acting theme.
Last September, the producer of The Matrix Joel Silver signed a deal with NBC and FRB Entertainment to develop a 10 episode reality series Next Action Star. On the show, contestants vie for a chance to appear on a Silver telefilm. Now GRB's Senior VP Sales, Gavin Reardon has announced that Sony Pictures Entertainment's AXN has licensed the show.
AXN is available in Asia, Brazil, Israel, Japan, Latin America, Spain and Portugal, which is where the show could potentially air. AXN officials could provide no clues as to when Indian viewers would get to see the show.
The reality competition will take place over an extended period of time unlike Fear Factor , where each episode features a different competition.
The producers for Next Action Star are currently combing the US for wannabe actors. Those hoping to be chosen should have that indefinable "it factor" that combines talent, charisma and raw appeal. Once chosen, six men and six women will be flown to and will reside together in Hollywood where they will compete against one another for the starring role in Hit Me Silver's action packed telefilm for NBC, which will air later this year.
The 12 stars will go through training, acting, and combat lessons. They will learn how to handle weapons as well as tango lessons. They will also work with a physical trainer, a stylist and an acting coach who will let them in on all the tricks of the trade. At the end of each episode, each contestant will participate in a screen test, including a challenging stunt action sequence and a dramatic scene, which will be judged by a panel of industry experts.
The end of each episode sees one competitor getting eliminated. The 12 will be narrowed down to one pair - one man and one woman - who will be crowned America's newest action stars after a stunt sequence. The reality show will air on NBC this summer and marks the US broadcasters plunge into the reality genre.
Senior VP Programming, Sony Pictures Television International Marie Jacobson said, " This show was tailor-made for our AXN action / adventure network. We're thrilled to partner with GRB on Next Action Star' exposing the series and Joel Silver film to our 86 million households around the world."
Reardon said, "AXN has a powerful action and adventure programming mix that keeps its viewers tuning in week after week. This makes it the perfect outlet for 'Next Action Star. With the consistent, strong support Sony provides its AXN outlets regionally, we know we have a hit on our hands."
GRB Entertainment produces and distributes non-fiction programmes. Founded in 1987 by Gary Benz, GRB Entertainment currently produces 75 hours per year of prime time programming for the US and international television markets. GRB distributes its own programme catalog of more than 400 hours of original programming in addition to representing international distribution rights for other non-fiction and entertainment producers.
Watch this space for further details as to when the show will air in India.
