Prime Video Japan gameshow ‘Freeze’ goes global with Fremantle

LR: Vasha Wallace & Mari Kawamura

Fremantle has landed global production rights to Japanese gameshow format, Freeze.

The format was originally developed and produced by FANY Studio – launched last year – and Yoshimoto Kogyo for Amazon Prime Video, where it is into its second season.

The show sees players entering a closed room, where they must ‘freeze’ until the presenter releases them – and while battling not to react to traps and tricks along the way.

Only those who remain still survive to battle it out for a place in the grand finale, with the player who remains still for the longest time throughout the game crowned the winner.

Vasha Wallace, EVP of global acquisitions & development at Fremantle, said the format “is all about having nerves of steel and a fun and unique mechanism that is bound to keep viewers of all ages entertained.”

Mari Kawamura, head of global business at FANY Studio, added: “Many Japanese children grew up playing games ‘Freeze (Do Not Move)’ with their friends, and we believe this simple rule is universal which can make audiences laugh.”