Dori Media Group, an Israeli TV formats, production and distribution company best known for its telenovelas, said Wednesday that it has sold its interactive, cross-platform "control game"/reality show, "uMan," to Greek free-to-air broadcaster, Mega TV.
According to Dori Media Group, "uMan," which launched in Israel (where it is known as "Megudalim") in July, 2009 on mobile phones and the Internet, is based on an idea that was developed by its Dori New Media arm, and is produced by its Dori Media Darset arm in partnership with Israeli mobile carrier, Cellcom. The original version of the 24/7 show saw eight contestants confined to a "lab" for 21 days, during which time their every move was controlled by viewers. According to Dori Media, "the viewers--and only the viewers--have the control to determine everything for the contestants: what they wear, eat and hear, whom they sleep with or whether they sleep at all. As days go by," the company explains, "viewers can give contestants tools to advance in the game or simply ignore them, in which case, these uMans will disappear, never to return. The winning contestant will be the last uMan standing." According to Dori Media Group, the "uMan" format has been sold into 15 countries over the past year.
Mega TV plans to increase "uMan's" run to 45 days, and to offer a daily TV version of the show. "While 'uMan' remains predominantly a new-media production that is aired online in most countries, we are delighted to announce that the format will for the first time be broadcast on air," Dori Media Group president and CEO, Nadav Palti, said in a prepared statement. "Production has already begun and Mega will even broadcast a daily show to follow contestants. 'uMan' continues to be very well received from international buyers. The show is a truly unique format that gives viewers complete control over the lives of its contestants through their mobile phones and the Internet. As a unique and innovative format that has been developed by Dori New Media and Cellcom Israel, 'uMan' appeals to a wide range of audiences in different countries and cultures worldwide."
