The first season of the Rabbit Films original adventure reality series Ultimate Escape has concluded its linear run on TV5 Finland (Discovery Networks)!

The full season ratings are in, and we are happy to share that the series kept up its amazing numbers throughout its entire run. The season averaged an impressive 9.3% share in the coveted Adults 10-54 demo, which is nearly a 200% increase to the TV5 primetime slot average of 3.2%. The first episode of the series scored a 9.9% share back in August, so the full season performance was extremely stable. The highest rated episode was #5 (24.11.), which featured popular heavy metal musician Eicca Toppinen, and scored a 11.4% share.

Though the main episodes of the season have now aired, we are happy to present to you an additional extra episode (#9), which recaps most impressive and agitating moments from the series. The episode also features interviews of the celebrities that are conducted after the filming has concluded and they have been able to watch their own episode. As the celebrities are locked inside the container for the whole duration of the episode, they have not seen the Host complete the extremely tough challenges and endure the severe weather conditions. Only now are they able to comprehend the consequences the decisions that they had on the Host and his journey.

Watch the subtitled Ultimate Escape season recap episode here.

Following its release on the Discovery+ VOD platform two weeks ago, Rabbit’s new original series ‘Ultimate Escape’ aired its first episode last night (Wed 27 October) at 9pm on Discovery Finland’s flagship linear channel TV5. The results have just come in, and not only was it Discovery’s most-watched programme of the evening, the show over tripled the share in the time slot from the previous week!

Last night’s episode scored an impressive 9.9% Share in the Adults 10-54 demo, giving the Discovery group its best result on all of its channels on the day. Furthermore, last week in the same time slot, TV5 had a 3.2% share, meaning that Ultimate Escape was able to bring in over +200% viewers! The programme scored especially well with the young male audiences.

Ultimate Escape is a Rabbit Films original format that was successfully launched at the MIPCOM 2021 TV Festival. It has already been optioned in several international territories prior to its original version’s premiere. The first season consists of 8 x 60 min episodes, each featuring a different celebrity locked in the container, including chef Jyrki Sukula, TV-host Veronica Verho and actor Minka Kuustonen.

Watch the subtitled version of last night’s Ultimate Escape episode here.
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The New Zealand version of hit factual entertainment format is set to premiere on TVNZ in 2022

Finnish production and distribution company Rabbit Films announces today that TVNZ in New Zealand has commissioned a local version of its original factual entertainment format The Most Endangered Species with WWF. The 6 x 60’ series entitled New Zealand’s Most Endangered Species will be produced by Warner Bros. International TV Production New Zealand with the support of NZ On Air. It is set to premiere on TVNZ 2 and TVNZ OnDemand in 2022. The format has additionally been optioned in in Canada.

The Most Endangered Species with WWF is an epic nature series, which sees a well-known comedian travel together with a scientist to the outermost corners of the world to get acquainted with the protection of endangered animals. The format offers once in a lifetime experiences, such as racing a snow leopard in the Himalayas, looking for the Svalbard polar bears and visiting Borneo to explore the shrinking areas of the orangutan.

The New Zealand version will differ from the original in that it will focus on endangered species in New Zealand only. A leading conservationist will travel together with a well-loved New Zealand comedian to incredible, remote locations across the island nation in search of some of the country’s rarest species.

The format has also been optioned in Canada by BGM Inc, a Sphere Media Company, who are currently working on local adaptations for both English and French speaking Canada.

Samantha Ferguson, Senior Sales Manager at Rabbit Films, who brokered the deals said: “We are eagerly awaiting the international roll-out of The Most Endangered Species. Warner Bros New Zealand have been incredible partners and have done an amazing job together with TVNZ, WWF and NZ On Air to create this compelling yet entertaining ‘call-to-action’ series. The series provides easy co-viewing opportunity with the comedic tones which allows audiences to engage in and learn more about environmental issues.”

Greg Heathcote, Managing Director of Warner Bros. International TV Production New Zealand, said “we are excited about bringing this important and timely new show to a New Zealand audience. The chance to showcase Aotearoa’s diverse eco system and the unique and wonderful creatures within it is a once in a generation opportunity. We look forward to working with iwi, WWF, the Department of Conservation and The Endangered Species Foundation to bring these exciting stories to life and share with the audience how we can all contribute to help protect our precious native species.”

Check out the trailer and full subititled episodes here.

Discovery Networks Finland has announced the commission of Ultimate Escape, a new original adventure reality series from Rabbit Films.

In Ultimate Escape, a fearless and strong host has 24 Hours, 24 Clues and 24 Calls to release a celebrity from a locked container at an unknown location. The celebrity has access to information, clues and tips that will help the host find them. The series will be hosted by Jukka Hildén from The Dudesons, who will have to face extreme conditions and dangerous challenges in order to successfully complete his mission. Each episode will feature a different celebrity locked in the container, including chef Jyrki Sukula, TV-host Veronica Verho and actress Minka Kuustonen.

The 8 x 60 mins series will have its premiere 6 October on the Discovery+ VOD service, and on Discovery Finland’s flagship linear channel TV5 on 27 October.

As a part of the deal, Discovery has also negotiated an option for the format for its channels in the Nordics as well as select European territories.

Ultimate Escape is distributed by Rabbit Films, and the format will be part of Rabbit’s lineup for the upcoming MIPCOM 2021 Festival in Cannes.

Jonathan Tuovinen, Head of International at Rabbit Films commented: “Here at Rabbit have been extremely happy working with Discovery on our previous adventure reality series Over the Atlantic, which they have commissioned in 5 territories so far. Ultimate Escape is an exciting and dangerous adventure reality format, with which we hope to continue that great relationship. And we can’t wait to present the format to the international market!”

Katja Santala, Content Director at Discovery Networks Finland continued: “We at Discovery Finland have great admiration for Rabbit Films’ creativity, ambition and professionalism. Over the Atlantic has proven to be such an amazing success story within the Discovery group on multiple territories. Now we are excited to give another outcome of Rabbit’s creativity a shot. We all know how in need we broadcasters are for fresh ideas and formats, so we are very happy to partner up with Rabbit on Ultimate Escape.”

Check out the brand new trailer for Ultimate Escape from here.

Finnish production and distribution company Rabbit Films announces today that TVN in Poland has commissioned a local version of its original adventure reality format Over the Atlantic. The filming of the 8 x 60’ series will begin in November 2021 and will be produced by Jake Vision.

Over the Atlantic sees six celebrities given a once in a lifetime challenge to sail across the Atlantic Ocean. Week after week they learn how to sail, work as a team, and fight the harsh ocean. In these incredibly difficult conditions, the celebrity contestants discover more about the people they are with and are reliant on, but most importantly go on their own journey of self-discovery.

In addition, the first season of the Norwegian version of the format will debut on TV Norge on 31 August, and the third season of the Swedish one will premiere on the same day on Kanal 5.

Jonathan Tuovinen, Head of International at Rabbit Films said: “Over the Atlantic has proven to be a hit territory after territory and season after season. These new deals demonstrate the staying power of Over the Atlantic as a brand. We are very excited to see the success build with the first commission in Central Europe.”

The original version of Over the Atlantic is produced by Rabbit Films Finland for TV5 (Discovery), with a 3^rd season currently in production due in 2022. Other international adaptations of the format include Denmark, where the show’s 3^rd season aired earlier this year on Kanal 5; Vier in Belgium and SBS6 in The Netherlands. The show has also been optioned in various territories including the UK, Germany, French-speaking Belgium and France.

 

Russian Pay TV channel HD REX acquires original Finnish content

Finnish production and distribution company Rabbit Films today announces that Russian Extreme TV (HD REX) in Russia has acquired the Pay TV rights for a number of original Finnish factual and factual entertainment shows including Beyond Human Boundaries, The Dudesons, Most Endangered Species, The Ultimate Expedition and Globetrotters. 

Rabbit’s flagship finished content will be available to Russian viewers for the first time from this autumn.

The sports and entertainment TV channel “Russian Extreme” is dedicated to extreme sports, travel, martial arts and active lifestyle. The deal with Russian Extreme Channel was brokered by MV Media in Russia and by Marta Csizmadia from Rabbit Films.

 

“We are happy to be the first TV Company representing Rabbit Films’ TV shows in Russia. The content produced by Rabbit Films is a really new level of extreme, their programmes combine travel, humor and danger, all the things our viewers love so much. We hope for a long and friendly cooperation with the distribution company Rabbit Films.” Maxim Zemlyanko, Program Director of Russian Extreme TV said.

 

“We are proud to start our cooperation with Rabbit Films. Russian Extreme TV is one of the most curious TV channels in Russia and we are happy to help them add more fresh and creative titles from Rabbit Films.” Vadim Verevkin, Head of Sales of MV Media said.

 

Jonathan Tuovinen, Head of International at Rabbit Films said: “It’s a real testament to Rabbit Films’ creative strategy to produce innovative titles with longevity that continue to make an impact. We are delighted to have partnered with Russian Extreme TV to broadcast our content in Russia for the first time and MV Media to represent our finished programme catalogue in Russia/CIS.”

Six-part drama charts the dramatic story of Nokia. Rabbit Films handling international distribution

 

Rabbit Films has announced the start of production on Mobile 1.0 (working title), a new six-part scripted drama series charting the incredible story of the rise of Finnish company Nokia to become the world’s leading manufacturer of mobile phones, before a later equally dramatic fall from grace.

The Finnish and English language series, shot in Finland and the US, will launch in early 2022 on the C More streaming platform, with the linear premiere to follow on MTV3. C More has also acquired the first-window VOD rights for the Nordics and Baltics regions. Rabbit Films is handling distribution to the international market.

Mobile 1.0 is the first dramatic account of Finnish electronics company Nokia’s rise from a small business to become a global success in the mobile phone industry, beating huge established brands. The first season is set to focus on the years 1988-1990, when the technology for mobile phones was just starting to be developed.

At the centre of the series are the young and resourceful lawyers willing to take on their counterparts at deep pocketed multinational competitors; the brilliant, single-minded engineers developing revolutionary new products, boardroom plots and personal feuds; and a business leader whose courage saved the entire company following the tragic death of his predecessor. The drama is based on years of research and interviews with those involved at the heart of the company’s history.

 

Mobile 1.0 is written and directed by Jussi Award-winning Maarit Lalli (Almost 18, The Sixth Time). The producers are Tiina Pesonen, Olli Suominen and Minna Haapkylä from Rabbit Films, and the co-producers for Aurora Studios are Petri Kemppinen and Ari Tolppanen. The series is being produced with additional funding from the Finnish Impact Film Fund.

The series stars Satu-Tuuli Karhu (Maria’s Paradise, Eden) as Katarina Tammi, a recently graduated lawyer working in the company’s legal department; newcomer Emil Kihlström as Aki Makkonen, Katarina’s former law school colleague with a secret to hide; Aku Sipola (Forest Giant) as Risto Salminen, a talented but eccentric and obsessive engineer determined to create a new type of mobile phone; Oona Airola (The Happiest Day in the Life of Olli Mäki, Dogs Don’t Wear Pants) as Risto’s wife and fellow developer Vuokko Salminen; and Sampo Sarkola (Bordertown) as Jorma Ollila, the visionary Nokia CEO who drove the company to success. Further cast will be announced shortly.

“Behind Nokia’s well-known narrative, there are the untold stories of the people whose passion for their work made immense success possible. But there were also personal losses and moments of despair. Now, 30 years on from the first GSM call, and based on first-hand accounts from those most intimately involved in Nokia’s story we can tell the full, dramatic story of the extraordinary events behind its remarkable rise and fall,” says Maarit Lalli, Creator and Director of Mobile 1.0.

“Nokia is a national treasure but also a huge global brand. The series unfolds as an epic story of how a small Finnish town and a small Finnish company grew to become the home of biggest mobile phone supplier in the world, and one that changed literally all our lives,” adds Producer and Head of Scripted Content at Rabbit Films, Minna Haapkylä.

“A story this incredible could never have been invented. I believe this series will become one of the most talked-about of 2022,” comments Jani Hartikainen, Head of Drama at MTV, which is responsible for C More’s content.

Media Contact:
Mark Ogle, OH Communications (for Rabbit Films)
[email protected] / +44 (0) 7789 981 561

Over De Oceaan, the Dutch-speaking Belgian version of the Rabbit Films original format Over the Atlantic, has ended its first season on a high ratings wave. The 8 x 60 min series, which aired on local broadcaster Vier, averaged 639,000 in total viewers, equalling a 20.1% total share and 10.1% total rating. In the target group of 18-54 the results were even more impressive: 28.2% share and a 14.6% rating, making the show the market leader!

The unexplainable trend with Over the Atlantic, where the most-watched episodes of the season are neither the premiere or finale, continued to be true for Belgium. The best-rated episode was Episode 5/8 (25.1.2021), which scored 716,000 average viewers with a peak of over 800,000. This translated to a whopping 22.4% total share and a record-breaking 31.5% in the key demo. This tendency of having best-rated episodes be from the middle of the season has traditionally been the case for almost all Over the Atlantic seasons in all countries so far, including the Netherlands, Sweden, Finland and Denmark.

Willem Stellamans, the producer of Over the Atlantic Belgium, commented: “Making Over The Atlantic was a great experience for us. 6 celebrities having the adventure of their lives, produced fantastic material. In Belgium we were also very pleasantly surprised by the media attention and the sharing of this adventure on social media. The celebrities themselves have contributed enormously to this and that has ensured that the program became the market leader and was top-of-mind with all viewers. We are looking forward to making many series more!”

Watch Over the Atlantic Belgium full episode here

2020 was an exceptional year in many ways, but one thing that stayed the same was the success of Rabbit’s entertainment shows! The 2020 Year-In-Review figures are in, and we are happy to report that once again our original formats City Vs Country and Should I Be Worried were amongst the most-viewed entertainment shows of the whole year in Finland.

When the full viewing data from all TV-channels, digital channels and VOD-platforms for 2020 was combined, the game show phenomenon City Vs Country was Finland’s largest commercial broadcaster MTV3’s 5th most watched programme! The hit show’s 4th season continued the success-level of its predecessors, and this season’s best episode averaged 1,470,000 viewers (in a country of 5.5 million) and a 29% share!

The whole country’s #1 entertainment show was -once again- Farmer Wants a Wife, now it’s 13th season! This was followed by new entries Masked Singer and Taskmaster (which is also produced by Rabbit Films).

City Vs Country also outperformed juggernaut productions such as Dancing With the Stars (#8), The Chase (#10) and Finland’s Got Talent (#14). Because of this continued success, the show will obviously return: Season 5 (14 x 60 mins) of City Vs Country will premiere on MTV3 Finland in April 2021! City Vs Country is also once again nominated at 2021 Finnish TV Awards in the Best Game Show category, which will be given out later this spring.

But not far behind, at #6, was our wonderfully quirky comedy panel series Should I Be Worried! The show, which is currently in season 9, has been a steady top-performer throughout the years! Last year’s top episode averaged a whopping 1,379,000 viewers and 28% share. The format does especially well in re-runs, where it consistently outperforms the linear premieres of large productions on competing channels, such as Temptation Island Finland on Nelonen. Much like City Vs Country, Should I Be Worried is also a regular at the Finnish TV Awards: the show is nominated once again for Best Entertainment Show!

It is worth noting, that the two formats are also the highest ranking original commissions on the list, whereas the others are based on international formats.

Additionally, when looking at the overnight ratings only, Rabbit’s live entertainment show Posse also makes the list of most-viewed shows, with 619,000 viewers and a 25% share. Posse has aired on MTV3’s weekend primetime for already 8 successful seasons now! The show has been recommissioned once again and season 9 will be premiering later this autumn.

 

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Flea Market Challenge Premieres As Most-Watched Show of the Night! 

Rabbit’s new original series Flea Market Challenge aired its first ever episode last night (Tuesday 8th December) at 9pm on MTV3 Finland. The results have just come in, and not only was the show the slot winner, it was also the most viewed programme of the whole night! 435,000 Total Viewers tuned in, which equalled a whopping 25.3% Total Share. In the Key Demo of 10-54 year-olds, the result was equally impressive with a 24.7% Share.

Flea Market Challenge is a fun and exciting game show, where 3 ordinary people compete against each other to see who is the best seller! Each contestant is allowed to bring a maximum of 300 personal items. They all will then have 3 hours to simultaneously sell at a local flea market. In the end, whoever has made most cash from sales, gets the money from all the players!

Flea Market Challenge is a Rabbit Films original format that was launched at the MIPCOM 2020 TV Festival. It has already been optioned in several international territories prior to its original versions premiere. The first season consists of 12 x 60 min episodes, where each episode always features 3 new contestants at a new flea market.

Watch the subtitled version of last night’s Flea Market Challenge episode here. 
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