Today at MIPCOM, BBC Studios today announced a deal with Mediacorp in Singapore to bring award-winning factual entertainment format Stupid Man, Smart Phone to audiences in Singapore.
The format, which makes its first appearance in South East Asia will premiere early next year on Channel 5, Mediacorp’s English language FTA channel. The series of 8×30 min episodes will be available on Toggle, Mediacorp’s digital entertainment service, right after its TV telecast.
Awarded ‘Best Multi-platform Format’ at the International Format Awards 2017, Stupid Man, Smart Phone, features a city-dwelling comedian attempt some of the world’s toughest outdoor adventures, with his only survival tool being a mobile phone. Hosted by well-known Singaporean writer, actor and comedian Hirzi Zulkiflie, he is joined by a celebrity guest or two each week. Together they take on ambitious expeditions, relying only on their online fan base to help complete the tasks. Facing the worst that nature can throw at them, they use every app, website and social media platform possible to seek advice. The series will be shot in Malaysia and Indonesia, and is produced by BBC Studios India and Singapore.
“84% of Singaporeans are now online, and 75% of them are active mobile social users. On average, Singaporeans spend two hours and six minutes per day using social media*,” said Myleeta Aga, BBC Studios’ SVP and GM, South and South East Asia. “Stupid Man, Smart Phone is a timely, entertaining and poignant reminder of how dependent we have become on our smart phones. We are confident that the series will resonate and be enjoyed by Channel 5 and Toggle audiences in Singapore.”
Nick Parnes, CEO, Kalel Productions, said: “It’s been brilliant to see Kalel’s Stupid Man, Smart Phone format rolling out in different countries, and now to see it brought to life in Singapore is incredibly exciting.”
Stupid Man Smart Phone, a Second Star and Kalel production for the BBC in association with BBC Brit, was first seen on BBC Three in the UK in 2016. There was also an Indian version made for Viacom’s Video-on-Demand (VOD) streaming service VOOT.
BBC Studios stand – P3.B38. Palais Level 3
*Source: Digital in 2017 report, We Are Social and Hootsuite, January 2018
