MTV eyes local versions of Jersey Shore

MTV Networks International is eyeing the launch of international versions of controversial reality series Jersey Shore.

The distribution arm of the Viacom-owned broadcaster is also set to launch local versions of hidden camera series Punk’d in the UK and is looking to breathe new international life into long running series Pimp My Ride.

Caroline Beaton, SVP, programme sales, MTV Networks International, told TBIvision that Jersey Shore, which follows a group of Italian-American ‘guidos’ and ‘guidettes’ as they move into a house, was the company’s hottest show at MIP TV.

“Jersey Shore is our buzziest show of the market,” she said. “You could recreate Jersey Shore out of Jersey Shore.”

Beaton, who was previously managing director of Carlton-owned format company Action Time, has been ramping up MTV’s international format sales operation and has seen interest for Punk’d, Pimp My Ride and Singled Out as well as LA scenester series The Hills.

“There’s a lot of interest in Punk’d in the UK. It’ll be interesting to see who would be the British Ashton Kutcher. Pimp My Ride is also coming back to life and there’s a couple of options closed on Singled Out,” she said. “With The Hills, there is talent you could find in London or Paris,” she added.

The company has also closed a number of tape deal including the renewal of the Daily Show with John Stewart in Denmark with public broadcaster DR and Channel 4 has picked up the second season of Important Things With Demitri Martin.