Fifth deal for Keshet’s Rising Star

Buzzy singing competition format Rising Star is set for an Italian remake after a Sony Pictures Television prodco acquired local rights.

The show, which was arguably the hit reality format of last week’s MIPCOM, will be produced in Italy by SPT-owned Toro.

This comes after distributor Keshet International scored deals for the format in France with M6, Russia with Rossiya 1, Germany with RTL and the Nordics with Nordisk. The Israeli show, produced by Tedy Productions, scored a mammoth 49.4% share on Keshet Broadcasting’s Channel 2 last month.

“We are very excited to team up with a leading production company such as Toro to give the Italian viewers this new and innovative TV experience”, said Alon Shtruzman, managing director, Keshet International.

“RISING STAR is such a great and innovative show. Its huge, spectacular impact and its interactive and friendly technology can lead the TV audience into the very heart of the show”, said Marco Tombolini, CEO, Toro.

The interactive talent format gives viewers a real-time voting opportunity through a free app integrated into the show. If a performer secures 70% of the viewers and the judges votes, a screen rises in the studio and the person is revealed.