Fremantle Acquires Global Production Rights to Japanese Comedy Format ‘Freeze’
Fremantle has acquired global production rights to the Japanese format “Freeze.” The high-energy comedic game show, which has aired for two seasons in Japan, was developed and produced by FANY Studio and Yoshimoto Kogyo for Amazon Prime Video. It is FANY Studio’s first global deal since it was set up in May 2023.
In “Freeze,” contestants battle it out for a grand prize. The rules are simple: Players enter a closed room and simply must “freeze” until the presenter releases them. With traps and tricks along the way that provoke reaction from the players, such as flying mannequins and giant popping balloons, only those who remain still, will survive to battle it out for a place in the grand finale. Those who move, laugh or react the most will be eliminated. The player who remains still for the longest time throughout the game is crowned the winner and will receive a prize.
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Vasha Wallace, exec VP global acquisitions and development at Fremantle, said: “When the team at FANY Studio first showed us a clip of ‘Freeze,’ we all thought it was hilarious and we knew this would resonate with audiences everywhere.”
Wallace added: “‘Freeze’ is all about having nerves of steel and a fun and unique mechanism that is bound to keep viewers of all ages entertained.”
Mari Kawamura, head of global business at FANY Studio, said: “Many Japanese children grew up playing games ‘Freeze (Do Not Move)’ with their friends, and we believe this simple rule is universal which can make audiences laugh.”
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