ITV

Tag: ANTS

  • Fremantle secures global rights to Japanese game show Ants

    Fremantle secures global rights to Japanese game show Ants

    MUMBAI: Fremantle has acquired worldwide distribution rights to Ants, a novel Japanese competition format where contestants tackle supersized challenges while pretending to be ant-sized humans.

    The format, originally created by Nippon TV and further developed by Fremantle North America, transforms contestants into ant-sized competitors who must navigate enormous everyday objects and work together to complete physical challenges. Tasks include transporting oversized food items across a giant kitchen against the clock, with prize money increasing based on successful collections.

    Under the distribution agreement, Nippon TV will retain rights for most of Asia, while Fremantle will handle the rest of the world. The show has already proven successful in Japan, where it launched as a special on Nippon TV.

    “It is so rare to find a format that makes you say to yourself ‘I have never seen anything like this,’” said Fremantle EVP of Unscripted Jimmy Fox. He noted that Nippon TV has a strong track record in format creation, having developed both Dragons’ Den (known as Shark Tank in America) and Sokkuri Sweets, which sparked the ‘cake or not cake’ trend.

    Fremantle’s EVP global acquisitions and development Vasha Wallace, said the company has already received significant interest in the format, citing its unique blend of humour and physical challenges that appeals to viewers of all ages.

    Nippon TV  head of formats Tom Miyauchi described the show as highlighting “the power of unity and teamwork, much like the ants themselves.” The format features distinctive themed characters and larger-than-life set designs to create its miniaturised world.

    The deal marks another significant format export from Japan, following Nippon TV’s previous international successes with shows like Dragons’ Den and Old Enough!, the latter of which streams on Netflix in over 190 countries.

  • Ants Digital appoints Ryan Alan Marshall; announces PR and advocacy vertical

    Ants Digital appoints Ryan Alan Marshall; announces PR and advocacy vertical

    Mumbai: Ants Digital has scaled its bouquet of services by launching public relations and advocacy as its sixth vertical. To spearhead its newest business, Ants has brought on board Ryan Alan Marshall, who has close to two decades of experience across industries with reputed Indian and global organisations.

    Marshall will be responsible for building and driving the public relations and advocacy mandate from the Gurgaon office of Ants.

    A seasoned professional, Marshall has spent a fair bit of time on both the agency and client sides. Before joining Ants, in his last assignment, he led the public advocacy practice at SPAG Finn Partners and was a senior member of the vertical at First Partners. As an advocacy professional, he comes with valuable experience in industries related to metals and natural resources, responsible plastics, tobacco, carbon black, and alcohol. In his earlier stint with Genesis BCW, Marshall led the communication mandate for a state government and also worked with marquee corporate, sports, and entertainment clients of the agency.

    Ants Digital CEO Sanjay Arora said, “At Ants, we are constantly looking to scale our service offerings for clients. With PR and advocacy services becoming operational, Ants is now a fully integrated digital and marketing consulting firm. We are delighted to welcome Marshall on board to head the public relations and advocacy vertical. Marshall comes to Ants with multi-sector experience and brings with him a high level of understanding in the field of PR. With him coming on board, we are sure to make an impact on our clients and stimulate public relations, government communications, advocacy and stakeholder communication. I am excited to welcome him to the team.”

    Speaking on his appointment as Ants Digital senior director, public relations and advocacy, Marshall said, “The rapid economic progress of the country has led to a plethora of growth opportunities, resulting in the growing need and enhanced understanding for public relations and advocacy.” The opportunity to define, build, and nurture this journey at Ants is something I find extremely exciting. I am elated to be a part of the Ants team and look forward to building and advancing the PR & advocacy narrative for the company by bringing value through impactful and strategic communications for all clients.”