To Eurovision and beyond

Eurovision this week signalled further expansion with plans to see a regional version in Asia.

Asia’s version will start in 2009, and involve competitors from Cambodia, China, Hong Kong, India, Indonesia, Japan, Laos, Macao, Malaysia, Pakistan, Philippines, Singapore, South Korea, Taiwan, Thailand and Vietnam.

EV has already licensed a format for the Middle East with nations like Bahrain, Egypt, Iraq, Morocco, Palestine, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Sudan, Somalia and Yemen. For many years there has been talk of a North American version designed to pit US states against one another -surely a good idea given the enduring popularity of American Idol.

“Having brought the European version of the Eurovision Song Contest to the Middle East and North Africa, we are now delighted that viewers across Asia will enjoy one of the best established entertainment shows in the world,” said Eurovision TV’s Bettina Brinkmann.

“The format is highly suited to the Asia region and its people who love popular music and have a strong national pride,” said Andreas Gerlach, CEO of Asiavision Pte Ltd, the company which will produce and market the program.

A feature film is also to be made with Working Title.

Source: The Age