Ukraine’s 1+1 ramps up int’l formats drive

Ukrainian broadcaster 1+1 is ramping up production of international formats after striking a deal for controversial Turkish format Rent A Mama.

The channel is also close to securing a deal with Fox Look, the recently launched international formats arm of the US broadcaster, to produce a local version of dating format Beauty and the Geek.

The broadcaster struck a deal with Turkey-based distributor Global Agency to produce a local version of Rent A Mama. The format sees a number of couples move into a house together to compete for the chance to win a surrogate baby.

“Surrogacy is a very big issue in the Ukraine, it is very popular,” says Global Agency chief executive Izzet Pinto.

The format was created by Seyhan Soylu, formerly programming director at Turkish broadcaster Kanal T, before becoming one of the country’s most famous transvestites. Soylu was also responsible for creating controversial religious format Choosing My Religion.