EXCLUSIVE: Ninja Warrior ATS Team, set builder, has created a physical challenge-meets–quiz show Brain vs. Body into development with Mark Wahlberg’s Unrealistic Ideas as it launches an original production arm.
ATS, a LA-based company, has today revealed ATS Originals as well as ATS Productions, a full production services arm. This is part of a list of unscripted projects.
In Brain vs. bodyContestants will need to use their strength and athleticism to overcome intense physical challenges while answering questions for increasing amounts. It is part of the ATS Originals Development slate, alongside other shows like Million Dollar Fail?, WipeoutCompetition series in the -style
“We’ll be taking these ideas to Mipcom and look forward to pitching them to the international market,”Mike Woodward, ATS VP of Development and Production.
ATS Originals will primarily be focused on the development of challenge, competition and show formats for television, travel docuseries, dating shows, and other content for broadcasters and networks around the globe.
Woodward will lead the new division from the U.S., overseeing a UK team run by Development and Production Executive Shayna Waldman.
ATS has been planning its move to original productions for several years. Having made its name in production challenge development and set construction services across North America and Europe, ATS has also provided art direction services on titles likeAmerican Ninja Warrior(NBC),The Titan Games USA with Dwayne J. Johnson(NBC) andNinja Warrior UK(ITV).
The new full service production wing will oversee every stage of ATS Originals’ upcoming projects, from casting in pre-production to post-production — a model used on recent marketing and competition series Clash of Trades.
ATS Productions will also house ATS’s line production services, which have been used on global competition formatThe Bridge Among other shows. The company will continue to offer this service to networks, stations, and other production houses on non-scripted formats specials and series.
ATS Team Managing director and Executive Vice President Production Danny Sanz will be leading ATS Productions. Woodward will manage the North American arm.
“Each year, our team works on up to 16 original and co-productions, which has allowed us to form great partnerships with talent and production companies over time, as well as create and pitch original ideas around the world,”Sanz. “The set is an integral part of the challenge and competition shows we create, so it was no surprise when network execs came to us for our own series concepts.
“This accelerated new conversations with channels around the world and for us to share our unique ideas and evolve into becoming a full spectrum production company with a dedicated division to commit to our own originals.”
Woodward “90% of the focus will be challenge, competition and game show”But there was more: “It’s fun to work on passion projects as well, that many may not know us for. I find talent, travel and paranormal exciting and Shayna in London has proven to be our master of dating and true crime.”