Representation deals closed for new talent-driven formats

Orange Smarty, the independent distributor and financing house that specialises in multiplatform factual content, has announced three new format representation deals in the run-up to next week’s MIPTV content and co-production market in Cannes. The deals were brokered by Orange Smarty head of acquisitions Stella Briley, overseen by CEO Karen Young and head of formats Chloe Deadman.

A new relationship with Zinc Media’s Belfast-based factual production company Tern TV has delivered a new consumer-health format to Orange Smarty’s slate. Dr Xand’s Con or Cure (10 x 45 mins), originally commissioned by BBC One Daytime, follows a TV doctor and celebrity journalist as they scour the country to expose medical fraud, explode false health news and explain topical health issues. Presenting from a mobile ‘health hub’, the pair flag up the dangers of health fads, offer practical advice and answer viewers’ medical questions. They also enlist the help of specialist experts to help audiences separate fact from fairy tale when it comes to health. 

The format of another BBC One show, Scarlett’s Driving School (10 x 30 mins), is also available for the first time at MIPTV. The light-hearted series gets behind the wheel with struggling learner drivers and the long-suffering ‘loved ones’ who are attempting to teach them. In an effort to break the cycle of failure, the show sends both learner and ‘loved one’ to a unique driving school, where a top professional instructor puts both parties through an intensive crash course — no pun intended. The original BBC series featured media personality Scarlett Moffat who, thanks to the show, finally passed her driving test on the 14th attempt.

BBC Three’s youth-skewing format Squad Dates, billed as ‘group dating meets travelogue’, is inspired by the trend for two sets of single friends to get together for a weekend of fun and friendship — with a possible happy ending in the form of a new relationship. From relaxed evenings in the hot tub through busy days spent exploring a new city to glammed-up dinner dates, Squad Dates is a fun and flirty fusion of the dating and travel genres.

Orange Smarty’s format line-up also features The Flower Barn from Cardiff-based indie Wildflame Productions. Full of heart and warmth, SC4’s new six-part series shares meaningful and poignant moments in people’s lives as it explores what motivates us to ‘say it with flowers’. Two talented florists are then challenged to creating stunning floral presentations, put together with creativity, flair — and a lot of love.

Karen Young said: “Orange Smarty specialises in formats that have the potential to work on a long-term repeatable basis, in any territory and across demographics. The old formats rule book has been ripped up and there’s now a massive demand for talent-driven factual formats that can help build brand identities and can bend and flex to suit any platform, budget or territory.”