Each episode of the format, presented by Jan Versteegh, features two celebrity-led teams who have to move a giant ball, four metres in diameter, from location A to location B. The ball, made of sturdy bouncy castle material, has to be manoeuvred past all sorts of obstacles, twists and turns along the way.
But more than the concept itself (which seems very nice and fun), the most interesting thing is the development of the project, which follows a trend that is very popular at the moment and will undoubtedly become more and more successful.
Let's Play Ball is a co-development between Banijay Benelux label EndemolShine Nederland (which will also handle the international roll-out), Talpa Studios and Amsterdam indie Signal.Stream. Talpa and Signal - a Dutch content and production house focused on the streaming market - have formed a strategic creative partnership in 2023. This format was originally piloted on YouTube via StukTV and attracted more than 1.2 million views.
Using YouTube as a reservoir/springboard/laboratory for new formats aimed at young viewers is the strategy of the moment, and it seems to be paying off in (almost) every corner of the globe.
Big (and exciting) changes are on the horizon for those working in our industry.
Axel Fiacco
To read about a UK/Spanish pet show and an Italian grand finale game go to https://cmmespresso.substack.com/p/you-tubes-big-ball
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