Tag Archive: The Write Offs

1. The Write Offs Books French-Canadian Deal

   13th February 2024 3:32 pm Comments Off on The Write Offs Books French-Canadian Deal

   Banijay Rights, the global distribution arm of media and entertainment powerhouse Banijay, today announces the fifth adaptation of factual entertainment format The Write Offs, with a new version set for French-Canada.

   French-Canadian broadcaster Télé-Québec will launch a new 4 x 30’ adaptation entitled L’Épreuve des Mots in primetime this month, with Montreal-based Sphere Media Productions on board as local producer.

   Originally created by Shine TV for Channel 4 in the UK, The Write Offs helps a diverse group of adults, who can’t read or write, to master basic literacy skills necessary for everyday situations. Each embarks on an eye-opening journey as they face tasks that encourage them to go truly outside of their comfort zones. The series concludes with a heart-warming and dramatic performance for their loved ones.

   The French-Canadian version will be hosted by Patricia Paquin whose own 13 year-old suffers from learning disorders; and features a cast of five contributors who all have primary school literacy and must complete a 16 week course. Following the Channel 4 version, The Write Offs has since been adapted in Australia, with two seasons on SBS, as well as in Denmark on DR and Germany on ZDF.

   Jane Rimer, SVP, Canada, Banijay Rights, who negotiated the agreement, said: “We are thrilled to partner with Télé-Québec and Sphere Media Productions to bring this important – and heart-warming – format to Quebec viewers. The Write Offs shines a light on a very serious global issue and demonstrates how television can be used as a force for good to literally change lives.”

   Nadine Dufour, Vice President of Content, Télé-Québec, said: “As a public television broadcaster, Télé-Québec’s mandate is to reflect the reality and challenges of Quebec through its programming. With 10% of the population considered functionally illiterate, we are proud to finally give a voice to those whom we see very little of in our Quebec media landscape.”

   Renaud Chassé, EVP, Unscripted & Documentaries, French content, Sphere Media Productions, added: “The adaptation of The Write Offs in Quebec has enabled us to understand that illiteracy is a challenge present in most countries. Since we announced this project, this issue has gained prominence in the media.”

2. EndemolShine Germany Highlights Low Literacy Levels with Banijay’s The Write Offs

   9th March 2023 11:29 am Comments Off on EndemolShine Germany Highlights Low Literacy Levels with Banijay’s The Write Offs

   Banijay, the content powerhouse, today announces that EndemolShine Germany, part of Banijay Germany, will adapt The Write Offs for ZDF. The format created by Banijay UK’s Shine TV will be known locally as Lost for Words (w/t) and presented by Sabine Heinrich.

   The Write Offs gives a group of adults the incredible opportunity to change their lives and address the one thing that may be holding them back. Can you imagine not being able to navigate public transport or read a text? For many, this is a reality, as globally a large proportion of people struggle with the basic literacy skills necessary for everyday situations. In this empowering format, adults receive one-to-one tuition and embark on an eye-opening journey as they face tasks that encourage them to go outside of their comfort zones. The series concludes with a heart-warming and dramatic performance for their loved ones.

   Fabian Tobias, Managing Director at EndemolShine Germany says: “The Write Offs shines a light on an issue that affects 6 million people in Germany and up to now rarely discussed. Just as in the UK, Denmark, and Australia, we hope this new series will provide uplifting and relevant content whilst also inspiring those who do struggle with their literacy.”

   Lucas Green, Global Head of Content Operations at Banijay says: “The Write Offsresonates worldwide, because shockingly-low literacy rates are not exclusive to one country. This is a daily reality for many people globally, and the show raises awareness and starts discussions among the wider public. It is powerful, empowering, stigma-reducing, and we’re looking forward to seeing where it goes next.”

   Originally created by Shine TV for UK broadcaster Channel 4, this commission marks the fourth adaptation of the factual series with The Write Offs having travelled to Denmark and Australia where a second series recently aired on SBS. Described in the UK as ‘a heart-warming, inspiring and education watch’, by Stylist UK and in Australia as ‘an unexpectedly joyous documentary series’, by The Saturday Paper Australia, the show has received international acclaim. In addition, the show had a positive social impact – a study from SBS found that 94% of Australians felt more aware of adult literacy following series one, and 91% said it gave hope to Australians with lower literacy.

   EndemolShine Germany is a leading production and entertainment company in Germany and is behind some of the nation’s best-loved non-scripted shows, with titles such as Big Brother VIP, Kitchen Impossible, Limitless Win, The Masked Singer, and Who Wants to be a Millionaire?

3. Banijay’s The Write Offs Books First International Deals

   13th April 2021 2:50 pm Comments Off on Banijay’s The Write Offs Books First International Deals

   Banijay confirms The Write Offs has landed its first international deals, having been picked up for Australian and Danish audiences.

    

   Metronome Productions will produce the local Danish version for DR1, while SBS has also ordered its own version of The Write Offs which will be called Lost for Words from Endemol Shine Australia. Originally created by Shine TV for Channel 4, The Write Offs gives a group of adults the amazing opportunity to change their own lives.

    

   Around the world ordinary people struggle with the basic skills necessary for everyday situations, whether it be reading a signpost, writing a shopping list or sending a text message to a loved one. Like the UK version, the Australian and Danish productions offer a group of adults the chance to change their lives forever. New doors are opened as they receive one-to-one tuition and face entertaining tasks to take them out of their comfort zones to improve their reading and writing. It’s an eye-opening and emotional journey, culminating in a moving and dramatic performance surrounded by their friends and family.

    

   Lucas Green, Global Head of Content Operations at Banijay: “The Write Offs is a heart-warming format which uses personal stories to address a critical issue relevant to every country around the globe. Whilst the subjects’ journeys are poignant and challenging, this uplifting show is full of heart, humour and triumph as viewers see the participants grow in confidence like never before, to share their newfound abilities in front of an audience of stunned and proud loved ones.”

    

   Lana Salah, Executive Producer at Shine TV adds: “Shine TV aims to create thought-provoking formats which entertain, and we are incredibly proud to add another travelling format to our roster. The Write Offs is an empowering series, tackling a sensitive topic with sense of warmth and fun, it’s going to be exciting to see how the lives of learners from Australia and Denmark will be changed forever.”

    

   Metronome Productions is behind hit shows such as MasterChef Denmark, The Block, TaskMaster, The Island and Ex on the Beach. Last year the company produced new formats Alone Together and Fabulous Dads, with both showing international potential.

    

   Endemol Shine Australia is responsible for producing ratings hits such as MasterChef, Big Brother, AustralianSurvivor, LEGO Masters, Married at First Sight and International Emmy Award Winning Old People’s Home For 4 Years Olds.