TBI Formats Hot Picks: The Summit

Producer: Endemol Shine Australia, Nine Network | Distributor: Banijay Rights | Broadcaster: Nine Network (Australia)

A group of 14 strangers faces both the beauty and harsh realities of New Zealand’s rugged Southern Alps in this reality competition series in which they must work together to overcome nature and win a large cash prize.

Each of the contestants is carrying an equal share of AUS$1m, but they have just 14 days to reach the peak of a distant mountain to win the cash. Standing in their way are a series of endurance and morality-testing challenges.

“Inspired by mountain action thrillers, expect money exploding and ropes burning as the contestants climb to safety,” reveals James Townley, CCO, development, at Banijay. “Every challenge has a different consequence, ensuring the path to the summit is unpredictable and the stakes are supercharged.”

The strangers have the choice to work together or turn on one another once the going gets tough and even if they reach the summit in time, who will walk away with the money remains in question.

Hosted by actor Jai Courtney and already recommissioned for a second season by Nine Network, the Australian version doubled its viewership on catch-up.

The format was specifically designed to be adaptable and scalable to different budgets and territories, and Townley sees it working well internationally. “New Zealand as a location was perfect, but there are epic mountain ranges right across the world that could work just as well.

“As long as casting focuses on an ordinary and varied group of people and the core premise remains the same; the three key format beats can be quickly dialled up or down depending on budget and the pace & flow required in a particular market.”

The Summit is not about recruiting a group of mountaineering enthusiasts, adds Townley. “For the premise to work they all need different skill sets, values and should not be comfortable in that environment. Humour and different levels of physicality is key.”