TBS signed a production and distribution agreement for TBS’s variety format “KIRIURI (Batsu Bidding)” with global giant FremantleMedia at the international TV market, MIPCOM, in Cannes.

The deal is for the format to “KIRIURI,” a special which aired on TBS on January 4 of this year. FremantleMedia and TBS will work together to license the “KIRIURI” format in their respective territories. The deal was announced by FremantleMedia on October 5. Executive management from both companies met in Cannes. FremantleMedia’s Rob Clark, President, Worldwide Entertainment, commented “We’re delighted to be adding “KIRIURI” to our strong line-up of entertainment formats. TBS has created a very original, creative and hilarious show and we think it has enormous potential.” “KIRIURI” producer Kentaro Fujii said “I am very honored that the project I worked on is getting attention overseas. I can’t wait to see what kind of “KIRIURI” there will be abroad.”

In “KIRIURI,” studio participants compete to propose the most irreverent way to complete a task. If their idea is chosen, they must carry it out themselves in order to receive the prize money. The show is being marketed with the English title “Batsu Bidding.” Hopes are high for overseas productions since the format was well-received in Cannes and many parties voiced interest in licensing the format. TBS currently airs FremantleMedia format-based “Take Me Out” every Thursday night. Both companies plan to continue to work together on future endeavors and distribution.

■ About FremantleMedia:

FremantleMedia is one of the leading creators and producers of entertainment brands in the world. FremantleMedia is part of the RTL Group, Europe's largest television and radio broadcast company, which is in turn 90 percent owned by Bertelsmann AG, one of the world's major media and entertainment companies. FremantleMedia’s worldwide production arm is responsible for many of the world’s highest rated prime time entertainment, drama, serial drama and factual entertainment programmes. FremantleMedia Enterprises is the brand extension arm of FremantleMedia, offering a one-stop-shop for all Licensing, Distribution and Home Entertainment around the world. The FremantleMedia Group (which includes talkbackTHAMES, UFA and Grundy amongst others) has operations in 22 countries, one of the most comprehensive global networks, creating over 14,000 hours of programming a year, rolling out more than 60 formats and managing over 300 individual titles. FremantleMedia has some of the world’s most sought after and long running formats in its catalogue, and globally, produces such programmes as: Idols (co-produced with 19 Productions in the US), The X Factor (co-produced with Syco in the UK), Got Talent (co-produced with Syco in the UK and the US), Neighbours, The Bill, Family Feud, The Price is Right, Farmer Wants A Wife and Hole In The Wall.