BBC’s Global Upfronts: DNA Journey and Weakest Link

Our DNA journey and Weakest link (13×60’) spearheaded the presentation of the global upfront of BBC Studios in the framework of the Mipcom Online+.

Sumi Connock, Creative Director of Formats at BBC Studios, presented the shows. Leading actors of Our DNA Journey, Anthony McPartlin and Declan Donnelly, along with director Ian Thompson, discussed the show’s plot where two celebrities team up to uncover the family they never knew they had. It’s produced by ITV, which has been commissioned for a new 4-part series that is currently being filmed and will be ready in 2021.

To present Weakest Link, that has been sold to more than 40 countries, has more than 46 adaptations and whose new edition in the US started on NBC on September 29, Connock spoke with the host of the show Jane Lynch (Glee) and Ryan O’Dowd, SVP, Entertainment Development BBC Studios.

According to O’Dowd the games shows have worked very well in the US in the last two years. She said that they were able to film 13 episodes in five days during the pandemic, complying with social distancing and without an audience. Among the novelties, they introduced a 360-degree set, an amphitheater scheme for the contestants, and a tunnel through which the losers parade adding drama to the moment each one leaves the show.

In the framework of the first day of Mipcom, BBC Studios also presented a panel with the main cast and the creators of the dramatic comedy The Pursuit of Love (3×60 ‘) that will be available in the first quarter of 2021.