Fremantle has signed an exclusive deal with Singapore broadcaster Mediacorp to license “Wingman,” a dating show in which singles hand their romantic decisions over to their closest friends. Fremantle is presenting the format to buyers at Mipcom. Fremantle will handle sales, licensing and production of the show across most overseas territories on behalf of Mediacorp and Beach House Pictures (BHP), which own the format.
Mediacorp keeps control of the format at home in Singapore and in certain Asian markets. Mediacorp then worked up the idea with BHP and commissioned a first season, which BHP produced. That season is streaming on Mediacorp’s mewatch platform and on the Mediacorp Entertainment YouTube channel.
Mediacorp, which originated and commissioned the show, is the majority owner of the format. BHP, itself a Fremantle company, is co-owner. Fremantle will now shop “Wingman” through its worldwide formats business, with an eye on licensed remakes produced in new territories.
BHP managing director Jocelyn Little said the premise asks a simple question: what happens when the friends who know you best take charge of your love life? The company is also looking to work more closely with local producers on formats that can find viewers outside the home market. Ben Crompton, head of global entertainment at Fremantle, said: “‘Wingman’ is one of the new titles we’re taking to international buyers at MIPCOM as part of a slate reflecting the broad spectrum of modern dating.
What makes ‘Wingman’ special is the authentic friendship-led casting and the resulting twists that come from having that dynamic control the dates. It’s launched well for Mediacorp – their most-viewed dating format of the year – and we think it has real international potential.” BHP’s entertainment work also includes long-running franchises “MasterChef Singapore” and “Bake Off Japan.”
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