ABC to Bring Israeli Reality Series RISING STAR to U.S.

ABC has ordered 10 episodes of the highly sought-after Israeli format "Rising Star" from Keshet DCP, the joint venture between Keshet International (KI), the global distribution and production arm of Keshet Media Group, and DC Media, the parent company of Dick Clark productions (dcp). Keshet DCP was formed to Leverage Keshet's globally successful unscripted business with DC Media's expansive U.S. infrastructure and production expertise. The singing competition for ABC will mark the company's first foray into the market since its formation in October. The show is slated for Summer 2014.

"Rising Star," produced by Tedy Productions for Keshet Broadcasting, made a record-breaking debut on Israel's Channel 2 this fall and keeps breaking records with a 49.4 percent share, having almost half of all TV audiences tuning into the show. The show has far outperformed all second screen data ever recorded in Israel, with a participation rate 10 times higher than previous shows, and is maintaining high ratings and conversion rates (viewers to second screen participation) of over 30 percent.

The format has already sold to numerous territories, including France, Germany, Italy and Russia, and interest continues to grow worldwide, with ABC beating out several competitors for the U.S. market.

"Rising Star" completely reinvents the traditional singing competition as--for the first time ever--the audience has the final say in real time. The show follows a group of aspiring singers as they audition in live performances. During the performances, viewers vote via an App in real time to determine if the singer will advance in the competition. If the voting reaches a certain threshold, the performer moves on, and the performer can see how the voting is going during the performance, so the feedback is immediate and dramatic.

The deal was brokered by WME.

ABOUT ABC ENTERTAINMENT GROUP
Formed in 2009, the ABC Entertainment Group, comprised of ABC Entertainment and ABC Studios, develops and produces compelling programming across all day parts for both national and international broadcast and digital platforms, as well as for national syndication. ABC Studios' current hits include "Scandal," "Marvel's Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.," "Castle," "Cougar Town" (TBS), "Criminal Minds" (CBS), "Grey's Anatomy," "Nashville," "Once Upon a Time," "Perception" (TNT), "Revenge" and "Trophy Wife." The ABC Television Network is also home to the Emmy-winning "Modern Family" and comedy favorites "The Middle" and "The Goldbergs"; reality phenomenon "Shark Tank" and long-running hit "Dancing with the Stars"; "General Hospital," which just celebrated its 50th anniversary on the network, along with daytime talk shows "The View," "Katie" and "The Chew"; and "Jimmy Kimmel Live," in late-night. The network also boasts some of television's most prestigious awards shows, including The Academy Awards, the Country Music Awards, The American Music Awards and The Billboard Music Awards.

ABOUT KESHET INTERNATIONAL
Keshet International is Keshet Media Group's global distribution and production arm. Headed by Managing Director Alon Shtruzman, it includes Keshet's local production outposts (Keshet UK, Keshet Australia, Keshet Canada and Keshet DCP in the US) as well as its global distribution arm. KI's catalogue consists of over 60 tried and tested properties that appeal to audiences worldwide, spanning all genres. Highlights include hit drama Prisoners of War, the original Israeli version of prime time Emmy winner Homeland; hit interactive talent show Rising Star; International Emmy nominated docu-reality format Dear Neighbors, Help our Daughter Find Love; talent show Master Class; cross platform format 50 Things You Have to Know; reality dating format Girlfri3nds; game show The Vault; and 'buddy comedy' Traffic Light, winner of the International Emmy Award.

ABOUT Dick Clark PRODUCTIONS
Dick Clark productions is the world's largest producer and proprietor of televised events. dcp produces perennial hits such as the "American Music Awards," "Golden Globe Awards," "Academy of Country Music Awards," "Hollywood Film Awards," "Billboard Music Awards," and "Dick Clark's New Year's Rockin' Eve with Ryan Seacrest." dcp also produces popular weekly television programming, including "So You Think You Can Dance," and owns one of the world's most unique and extensive entertainment archive libraries with more than 55 years of dcp's award-winning shows, historic programs, specials, performances and legendary programming. For additional information, visit HYPERLINK "http://www.dickclark.com"www.dickclark.com.

To post a comment, you must register and login.