FremantleMedia and Applicaster Join Forces to Create an Immersive Companion Experience For Hit Format Master Athletes

LONDON, Oct. 7, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- FremantleMedia and Applicaster have partnered to develop and distribute an innovative off-the-shelf companion app for the new hit format, Master Athletes, the companies announced today. The format, developed and produced by FremantleMedia, recently debuted to stellar ratings in Sweden and will be introduced to broadcasters for the first time at the upcoming MIPCOM in Cannes.

Photo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20141006/150567
Photo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20141006/150568

Master Athletes is a high-octane and groundbreaking reality show where 24 ultra-fit members of the public prepare themselves for a grueling 10-week challenge. The athletes, teamed in mixed-sex pairs, live, eat, sleep and train together in the Master Athletes Village where relationships develop, alliances are formed and the intense battle begins. To win, the teams must conquer 10 sporting disciplines; the top teams make it to the next episode while the two lowest placed compete in a dramatic head-to-head duel for the last remaining spot. The format was developed by FremantleMedia North America's Henrik Neilsen and originally produced by FremantleMedia Sweden for broadcaster SVT.

The Master Athletes mobile app will be the perfect companion to the show. While the show is on air, second screeners can compete with their friends and other fans through prediction and trivia games. Real-time content such as instant replays of key moments and commentary from the contestants will enhance the viewing experience; and in between episodes, fans can befriend their favourite contestant for exclusive insight into how they train and prepare for each challenge. The app will also provide plenty of snack-sized video content, both from the show itself and from behind the scenes.

Potential sponsors can transform their involvement in the show from a TV only proposition into a truly multi-platform, interactive ad campaign including in-app branding and branded content, synchronized second screen ads, and incentives such as competitions and giveaways.

The app is fully adaptable to broadcasters' needs including bespoke branding, content and functionality, and offers significant cost and resource savings.

Dug James, Executive Producer of Global Entertainment Development for FremantleMedia said, "The way audiences engage with programmes has changed and it makes sense to offer a second screen product alongside the format. Master Athletes is a fantastic new format and a natural fit for second screen activity."

"Master Athletes has all the hallmarks of a show that leaves fans wanting more - competitive gameplay, strong characters and huge drama. We are delighted to be working with FremantleMedia to deliver a companion app that will give fans of the show that additional engagement and interactivity on their smart device both while the show is on air and in between episodes. We think it is the perfect vehicle to drive additional engagement and tune-in and create an innovative way for sponsors to maximise their association with the show," added Peter Cassidy, VP Europe, Applicaster.

ABOUT FREMANTLEMEDIA                             
FremantleMedia is one of the largest creators, producers and distributors of television brands in the world.  It is responsible for many of the world's highest rated prime time entertainment, drama, serial drama, factual entertainment and kids & family programming, with capabilities that extend from content creation to licensing, digital and branded entertainment, gaming and home entertainment. The FremantleMedia Group (which includes FremantleMedia International, FremantleMedia Digital & Branded Entertainment, FremantleMedia Kids & Family Entertainment, FremantleMedia North America, UFA, FremantleMedia UK, FremantleMedia Australia, Ludia, @radical.media and Original Productions, among others) has an outstanding global network with operations in 28 countries, creating over 8,500 hours of programming a year, rolling out more than 60 formats and airing 400 programmes a year worldwide. The company also distributes more than 20,000 hours of content in over 200 territories. FremantleMedia has some of the world's most famous and long running formats in its catalogue, and globally produces such programmes as: Idols, Got Talent (co-produced with Syco in the UK and the US), The X Factor (co-produced with Syco in the UK and the US), Take Me Out, Hole In The Wall, Family Feud, The Price is Right, Farmer Wants A Wife, Through the Keyhole Gute Zeiten Schlechte Zeite, Wentworth, Neighbours, Generation War, Salatut Elamat, Grand Designs, Project Runway, Tree Fu Tom and Strange Hill High.  FremantleMedia is part of RTL Group, the leading European entertainment network, which is in turn 75.1 percent owned by the international media company Bertelsmann. www.fremantlemedia.com

ABOUT APPLICASTER                               
Applicaster provides broadcast solutions for cross-screen TV experiences, empowering world-leading broadcasters and formats. Solutions include live and on demand TV, CrossMates digital format, second screen, synchronized and social TV experiences, and engaging TV apps that support any business model. The rich layers of daylong & play-along engagement and branded entertainment transform viewers into active participants and consumers. Together with its powerful management and analytics tools, Applicaster enables broadcast operations to quickly address the business and technology challenges of TV technology as it evolves. To learn more, log on to www.applicaster.com and follow us on twitter @applicaster.

For more information please contact:

Sharona Meushar            
Marketing & Media Director, Applicaster                 
+972 (0) 74 702 3211                    
Email

Belinda Thomas-Dunphy                  
Senior Communications Manager, FremantleMedia                      
+44 (0) 207 691 6911, Email

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SOURCE Applicaster