Saturday, April 19, 2008 2 TV giants get franchise of top US reality shows
TWO big television networks in the country got two different highly rated reality shows from the US.
GMA 7 has already announced in its website the qualities it is looking for in its first batch of castaways after acquiring the local franchise of "Survivor".
ABS-CBN, meanwhile, will not get left behind with its copyright of "Fear Factor," a stunt and dare reality game show originally created by Endemol Netherlands entitled "Now or Neverland." When adapted to the American market in 2001, its name was changed to "Fear Factor."
Both networks are very vocal in promoting the two crowd-driven reality game shows in the US.
"Fear Factor" dares its contestants to undertake challenges, from eating disgusting things and undertaking dangerous stunts in the battle for being named "Fear Factor champion" and for the US$50,000 prize money.
Although there is still no chosen host for the show, some reports say Ryan Agoncillo, Derek Ramsey, or Edu Manzano are among those being considered for the position.
For "Survivor Philippines," GMA 7 is now searching for about 16 physically and mentally fit challengers to compete for the title of being the first Filipino survivor.
In its website, the network said it is looking for male and female contestants 18 to 60 years old willing to stay in a castaway place where their physical and mental abilities will be tested by several intense challenges for 39 days.
"Survivor Philippines" will have an audition in Davao (SM Davao) on May 1 and 2; in Cebu (SM Cebu) on May 5 and 6; in Iloilo (SM Iloilo) on May 8 and 9; in Baguio (SM Baguio) on May 17 to 18; in Manila (SM North Edsa) on May 21 and 22; and in SM Manila on May 23.
Many expect Paolo Bediones, who already has a background in hosting a similar game show, to host Survivor Philippines.
"Survivor" is an American version of a survivor reality game show based on a Swedish television series Expedition Robinson, which was created by Charlie Parsons in 1992. (JRDB/Sunnex)
