“Talpa Studios’ ‘The Floor’ Expands to 30 Markets with Key Deals”
Talpa Studios has announced a significant achievement with its global quiz show, The Floor, securing its 30th international commission. The latest agreements include an adaptation for the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region, which will air on MBC. This adaptation spans 23 territories and is expected to reach over 150 million weekly viewers. Additionally, the show will make its debut in Asia, with Nippon TV bringing the format to Japan.
The new deals come on the heels of successful launches in Eastern Europe and established markets such as the United States, Australia, and France. John de Mol, founder of Talpa Studios, expressed his pride in this milestone, noting, “Reaching our 30th commission is a milestone we’re incredibly proud of. With the MENA region now on board and our very first sale in Japan, it shows the format’s universal strength.”
A Unique Format Captivating Global Audiences
The quiz show features a dynamic stage and fast-paced gameplay that has captivated audiences worldwide. Megumi Hisamichi, senior manager of programming and platform strategy at Nippon TV, highlighted the show’s innovative nature, stating, “I was tremendously inspired by this format and immediately proposed a Japanese adaptation produced by Nippon TV.” Hisamichi emphasized the commitment to preserving the original appeal while enhancing it for Japanese viewers.
In the MENA region, Samar Akrouk, group director of production at MBC Group, reinforced the network’s dedication to delivering high-quality formats. She remarked, “This is yet another example of MBC’s leadership and commitment to bringing world-class formats to the Arab world.” Akrouk noted that audiences in the region have a strong appetite for game shows, and she is confident that The Floor will resonate well with viewers.
The game involves 100 contestants facing off in quiz duels on a large LED floor divided into squares, each representing a different field of knowledge. Contestants challenge each other in various categories, including “famous athletes” and “Hollywood actors,” with questions supported by visual and audio elements. The winner of each duel conquers the opponent’s square, advancing their position in the game.
Global Expansion and Production Strategy
More than 15 local versions of The Floor have already been produced, with Talpa Studios operating production hubs in the Netherlands, the Baltics, and Argentina. This hub model has become integral to Talpa Studios’ rollout strategy, allowing for scalable and efficient production of entertainment shows tailored for local partners.
Sebastian van Barneveld, director of global distribution at Talpa Studios, noted that the success of The Floor underscores the format’s appeal. “What our hub model adds is the ability to move faster and work more collaboratively with partners,” he stated. This approach not only applies to The Floor but will also be utilized for other formats like The Quiz With Balls.
As Talpa Studios continues to expand its reach, the launch of The Floor in Japan and the MENA region marks an exciting chapter in the show’s journey, affirming its status as a globally recognized format.
