MUMBAI: In a first for the channel, Zee Tamil has licensed the format of a show called DNA from the Singapore-based distribution and production agency, Bomanbridge Media.

The channel will produce 26 episodes of the show in Tamil. The format has previously been produced in Spain, Italy, Portugal and Indonesia.

Additionally, Bomanbridge Media has also inked a format deal with Vietnam’s Lasta Multimedia, which has licensed Beauty Academy created by A2G Creations. The format of Beauty Academy was previously sold in China on Dragon TV, and in Brazil on Globo TV.

“The ultimate test for an international TV format is in its ability to travel to distant lands, take on local flavours without losing its fundamental characteristics. We’re delighted that TV networks in South Asia are increasingly looking to us to bring them these winning formulas for non-fiction programming,” said Bomanbridge South Asia office head Arpit Agarwal.

“Bomanbridge Media has licensed other successful formats in the region such as NHK’s Dr. What and Miss Country Girl to China and are pleased to add the popular formats, Beauty Academy and DNA to the list. We look forward to working closely with Zee and Lasta Multimedia to help them create winning versions of these shows,” said Bomanbridge Media CEO Sonia Fleck.

“We bring hot formats to the region, as Asian broadcasters continue to have an appetite for the genre,” Fleck added.