TV Asahi, a leading commercial TV network in Japan, is partnering with Emmy-winning producers Craig Plestis and Clara Plestis and their production company, Smart Dog Media, to co-produce a new talent competition show, “Song vs. Dance.”
The Smart Dog Media duo will serve as executive producers, with Takaaki Kitano overseeing production in Japan. Smart Dog Media is represented by Paradigm. The agency brokered the format deal with TV Asahi.
Smart Dog Media has had a lot of success in the talent competition realm, having helped bring “The Masked Singer” to screens and ratings glory.
Their new show will have performers compete in head-to-head battles in a video game-inspired format, leaving only one winner and answering the question: Which is better, song or dance? The producers hope the show will be the next international variety hit. Smart Dog Media and TV Asahi will be showcasing “Song vs. Dance” at the inaugural MIP London in February.
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The show marks TV Asahi’s first co-production with a U.S.-based partner, as they join forces with Smart Dog Media to introduce the new format to Japanese audiences.
Smart Dog Media’s shows include “The Masked Dancer” and “Minute to Win It”, as well as “Dick Van Dyke 98 Years of Magic.” TV Asahi Corporation broadcasts kids’ animation such as “Doraemon” and “Shin chan,” as well as long-running drama series such as the “Doctor-X” series which has been distributed in over 190 countries, and the detective series “AIBOU (Detective Duo)” with 23 seasons. In the variety show field, it has backed “London Hearts,” which has been made available in over 10 countries and regions in Europe and Asia.
Smart Dog Media commented: “We are so excited to be collaborating with TV Asahi on this groundbreaking, unique series. This is the first variety show to pit the two most popular forms of entertainment against each other in epic battles. This format strives to embrace Japanese pop culture, and video game aesthetics and game structure, to bring a distinct look and feel to a performance competition show. We believe this series will be internationally loved for generations. We crafted this show to be like our ‘The Masked Singer’; bold, different and never been done before.”
Kitano added: “Since last June, Craig, Clara and I have exchanged numerous ideas and finally reached the innovative format of ‘Song vs. Dance.’ The proposals from the Smart Dog Media team, led by Craig and Clara, are fresh and groundbreaking, and I am thrilled to be able to co-produce this new format with them. ‘Song vs. Dance’ is a unique musical showdown where singers and dancers compete for their pride. The only criterion for judging is ‘which outstanding performance touched your heart the most!’ This simple yet entirely new format is sure to become an innovative entertainment program that viewers of all generations can enjoy. Look out for the intense battles of world-class performers that Japan proudly presents.”
Details regarding the premiere date, casting, and airing schedule for “Song vs. Dance” will be announced in the coming months.