News round-up: CBS climbs ‘The Summit’; Beta to sell ‘Krank Berlin’; Mediaset strikes Lat Am deals

The Summit (Source: CBS)

CBS climbs ‘The Summit’

CBS has ordered a US version of action-adventure reality competition based on the Australian series, hosted by actor and New Zealander Manu Bennett.

Produced by Endemol Shine North America, the series is based on a format by Endemol Shine Australia and Nine. Kevin Lee, Tina Nicotera, Sharon Levy and DJ Nurre are executive producers.

In the show, 16 strangers will embark on a once-in-a-lifetime journey through the treacherous New Zealand Alps in an attempt to reach the peak of a distant, towering mountain.

With their backpacks containing an equal share of $1m, the group must traverse an exhausting distance in just 14 days in order to win the cash they are carrying.
But not everyone will make it, as these strangers must work together to tackle the dangerous terrain, unforgiving Antarctic winds, heart-pounding challenges and gut-wrenching eliminations on their way to the peak.

“The Summit encompasses everything our viewers love in a reality show – everyday people overcoming and conquering their fears, a fierce game of strategy and an intense physical and emotional competition,” said Amy Reisenbach, president of CBS Entertainment.

Beta to sell ‘Krank Berlin’

German distributor Beta Film has boarded ZDFneo’s new medical drama Krank Berlin, set in the most overcrowded hospital in the German capital.

Originally commissioned by Sky Germany, the series was later picked up by ZDFneo when the company halted scripted originals.

The series is produced by Violet Pictures and Real Film Berlin and directed by Alex Schaad and Fabian Möhrke, with Violet Pictures MD Alexis von Wittgenstein and Real Film’s Henning Kamm producing.

 Mediaset strikes Lat Am deals

Mediaset Distribution has closed deals with Lumina TV in Brazil, Telefuturo in Paraguay and Telecorporación Salvadoreña in El Salvador for titles including Call Me Francesco: The People’s Pope, Karol and Child Called Jesus.

The company said it has been receiving “particular attention” for its biographies titles.