Sony Pictures Television International Hits the Top Note at MIPTV with Major New Talent Show, Strictly Vocal, Just Sold to NBC in the US

LONDON – 20 March 2009 – Sony Pictures Television International (SPTI) announced today the launch of a new talent show, Strictly Vocal, which it is distributing internationally through 2waytraffic. Known as Sing-Off in the US, the show has recently been picked up by NBC where it was developed by the creative team at Sony Pictures Television.

Strictly Vocal features only vocalists – completely unaccompanied by any musicians or backing tracks – and taps in to the global growth of a cappella singing, especially among university and college groups.

Strictly Vocal kicks off with a field of eight outstanding a cappella groups who are put through their paces in front of celebrity judges and viewers at home. Through gripping elimination rounds, each group must compete in classic sing-offs and also alter rock, disco and hip-hop hits into a cappella arrangements. The show also goes behind the scenes of each group’s journey as they battle it out to win the grand prize.

Commenting Mike Morley, SPTI’s executive vice president and chief creative officer, international production, said: “This is one of those shows that is fresh, different and full of personal drama and emotion. A capella is singing without a safety net. There’s no musical harness, nothing to catch you if you fall flat on your face. That’s why it makes great TV and why we think it will appeal to viewers worldwide.”

Morley added: “A capella singing not only has a wonderfully rich history – it’s currently enjoying unparalleled popularity among the young demographic. From international superstars like Ladysmith Black Mambazo to American sensations, Straight No Chaser, the phenomenon has become a modern movement that has touched nearly every corner of the globe.”

Strictly Vocal is just one of a number of exciting new formats being launched by SPTI and 2waytraffic at MIPTV.

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