First Southeast Asia deal for Shark Tank

Business format Shark Tank is heading into Southeast Asia for the first time after VTV in Vietnam ordered a local version of the evergreen show.

VTV’s 16-episode version of the show rolls out next year and was announced as the ARTF market in Singapore draws to a close.

Sony Pictures Television distributes the finished show and format, which is also known as Dragon’s Den. As well as the Southeast Asia first, it said Rotana Media in the Middle East has also ordered a two-season local version for its Khalija channel.

In Europe, free-to-air net TV2 has ordered its first adaptation of the format, which will run to six episodes and launch next April.

Meanwhile, in Australia, Network Ten has ordered a third season of Shark Tank Australia, which will also debut in 2017. SPT will also be producing Season 2 of Shark Tank México: Negociando con Tiburones following a successful first season.

“This is an especially exciting announcement for us, being able to bring this hugely successful format that originated in Japan to yet another audience in Asia,” said Ken Lo, senior VP, International Distribution, Asia Pacific, SPT.

“These new commissions are just further evidence that Shark Tank is truly a format that translates and inspires audiences around the globe.”

The format sees people with business ideas and new products pitch to a panel of successful entrepreneurs, who then decide whether they want to invest.

In the US it is currently on broadcast net ABC.