“Dancing with the Stars” is waltzing into the Thailand market.
Indeed, BBC Worldwide has signed a deal to launch the reality dance competition show in the Kingdom next year, according to The Hollywood Reporter.
BBC is partnering with Amari for the deal – the local hotel franchise will fund the nascent show with lots of baht in advertising.
The Thai series will be independently produced by MCL (Metine Company) and Kantana Group and funded by advertising.
It will debut January 2013 on Channel 7 with seven 90-minute episodes scheduled for production.
Amari will feature in ad breaks throughout the series and will have logo signage within the show.
Adding Thailand to the mix, there are now 43 local productions of Dancing with the Stars around the world across six continents.
Richard Halliwell, commercial director for Dancing with the Stars at BBC Worldwide, said: “We were really keen to work with a local partner using a funding model that has huge success in this market. Many of our commercial rivals have benefited with advertiser-funded models in Asia and we’re looking forward to creating our own success story at BBC Worldwide, starting with Dancing with the Stars in Thailand”.
Commenting on the partnership ONYX Hospitality Group, owners of the Amari hotel chain, president and CEO Peter Henley said: “What better way to bring the colors and rhythms of modern Asia to life than through the medium of dance and music. We look forward to embracing Dancing with the Stars and introducing the energy and excitement of the show to our Amari guests and the Thai viewing public.”
