New deals for controversial Banijay format

All Against 1, the Banijay format at the centre of an IP dispute with FremantleMedia, has been racked up new deals in Denmark, Finland and Norway, with a free TV deal in the works in Germany.

FremantleMedia-backed alleges the show is a copy of its Dori Media-distributed format Best of All.

A formats dispute erupted on the eve of MIPCOM, placing IP protection in the spotlight at the Cannes market, and TBI understands the situation remains unresolved. Banijay refutes the allegation its show is a copy.

All Against 1 tests whether one contestant can beat a whole nation as they are asked about the outcome of experiments and stunts. Its format is owned by its prodcos Nordisk Film TV Denmark and Nordisk Film TV Norway, alongside Norwegian pubcaster NRK.

NRK was the commissioning broadcaster for All Against 1 and a new 90-minute version of the show is being worked up for the broadcaster.

In Denmark, DR1 has greenlit a second season, having launched the first in May.

Finnish pubcaster Nelonen has also ordered a local version of the format, and Banijay said it is advanced discussions with Germany’s Sat.1 about a German version.

In the dispute with FremantleMedia-backed Abot Halmieri, Banijay said that its show was based on a format in the Zodiak Rights catalogue called King of Chess. NRK commissioning editor, Pia Basberg, reiterated this view today, in comments about the recommission.

“After our successful event show King of Chess in 2014, we challenged Nordisk Film & TV to make a broader entertainment show,” Basberg said.

“In All Against 1 we really have a great take on a weekend prime time show, which appeals to a broad audience, in particular capturing the attention of the hard-to-please youth audience through the use of the app, which allows everyone to play along at home.”