Mediawan Rights and Studiocanal team up for groundbreaking sports talent show ‘Hit the Mic!’
In an unprecedented alliance, two of Europe’s TV giants, Mediawan Rights and Studiocanal, are joining forces to bring a unique sports talent competition to the masses. Their latest venture, ‘Hit the Mic! – A New Voice for Sports,’ promises to revolutionize the genre of talent contests.
A new format for sports commentary
Produced by Canal+ in collaboration with Black Dynamite Production, a Mediawan label, this sports TV talent contest shifts the spotlight to soccer match commentating. What sets it apart is its adaptability to a myriad of sports, ensuring that it unveils exceptional commentating talent across various disciplines.
Innovative TV show debuts
Premiering in April 2024 amidst the anticipation of the UEFA European Champions League crunch matches, ‘Hit the Mic’ garnered an impressive average of 400,000 viewers per episode, including those on catchup. The show’s enthusiastic reception led to its renewal for a second season by Canal+ in May.
A format with global reach
The international potential of this format is underscored by the interest it has drawn from major markets, including the U.S., U.K., Italy, Spain, the Netherlands, Finland, Germany, and several African countries.
The essence of the competition
The premise of ‘Hit the Mic’ involves 30 contestants from Paris, Lens, and Marseilles, who compete by delivering commentary on a 50-second clip from a classic Champions League match climaxing in a goal. The show’s debut season saw Canal+ receive around 10,000 applications from hopefuls vying for one of the 30 spots.
Mastering the art of commentary
The series delves into the core values of sports commentary: conveying the emotion of the moment, infusing personal flair, and avoiding the pitfalls of monotonous intensity. It also reflects on the rich cultural heritage of Canal+, a leading pay-TV provider in Europe, and the expertise of Black Dynamite Production.
A journey through memorable moments
Viewers get to relive some of the most iconic moments from Champions League history, such as Karim Benzema’s powerful header against Chelsea, propelling him towards the coveted 2022 Ballon d’Or.
Esteemed jury panel
The first season’s French format featured a distinguished jury comprising Laure Boulleau, a former Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) player and Canal+ sports consultant; David Ginola, a charismatic ex-PSG winger and Premier League Player of the Year in 1999; and Hervé Mathoux, the editor-in-chief and legendary soccer voice on Canal+.
Statements from leadership
“We’re extremely excited to be continuing our strategic development around unscripted distribution with programs of this quality,” stated Mediawan Rights’ Managing Director. “‘Hit The Mic! – A New Voice for Sports’ is a creative gem that unites soccer fans and beyond, combining real entertainment with deep sports culture.”
Studiocanal’s Chief Commercial Officer echoed this sentiment, adding, “By partnering with Mediawan Rights for distribution, we are confident in offering ‘Hit the Mic! – A New Voice for Sports’ a variety of adaptations worldwide, marking Studiocanal’s new ambitions for formats and unscripted content.”
As the world eagerly anticipates the next wave of broadcasting innovation, it is worth highlighting the remarkable potential of ‘Hit the Mic!’ to not just entertain but also deepen the appreciation of sports commentary. The collaboration of Mediawan Rights and Studiocanal might well set a new benchmark for talent shows, celebrating the unique art of sports narration.
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