Ever wonder what it would be like to race against time across countries with only a backpack to your name? Does the thought of journeying through uncharted territory send a shiver of excitement down your spine? How about negotiating a taxi ride using sign language just because the driver doesn't speak your language? If you've answered yes to the above, The Amazing Race Asia wants you!
From now to 15 March 2006, AXN (Ch.19, UBC), the heart of action and adventure television, is on the lookout for participants to join The Amazing Race Asia, the very first "made in Asia for Asia" version of the hugely popular globetrotting reality series, The Amazing Race. Fulfilling the aspirations of millions of die-hard Asian fans, a total of 10-12 teams will be selected to participate in the race (to be produced in a series of 13 episodes) – right on our very doorsteps! Each team will comprise two people with a pre-existing relationship, and the participants must be living or working in Asia (excluding Australia, New Zealand, Japan and the Middle East). All contestants are required to be 21 years and above; must be able to speak English, as well as possess both a valid driving licence and international passport. The first pair across the finishing line will be awarded US$100,000 in prize money.
With a total reach of over 77 million homes across Asia, The Amazing Race has become a signature series on AXN with millions of viewers tuning in to each episode. Many have become such ardent fans that they have sent in numerous requests to AXN, expressing their desire to be a part of the phenomenal show.
That chance has finally arrived. Ricky Ow, General Manager of SPE Networks - Asia, explains, "The Amazing Race Asia fulfils the aspirations of millions of die-hard Asian fans, offering viewers in Asia the chance of a lifetime to be a part of the Race. The series is AXN's biggest original production initiative to date and will span the width of our footprint in Asia not only in terms of production efforts, but also in terms of the level of participation by Asians, the overall sales and marketing, advertising and promotion campaign for this show. I am proud to say that The Amazing Race Asia will truly be a production made in Asia for Asians."
Entry forms can be downloaded from www.axn-asia.com. Each completed application form to be submitted together with a videotape of the team to the address stated on the website.
All information on the race can be found on www.axn-asia.com as well as the individual country websites www.axn-india.com, www.axn-korea.com and www.axn-taiwan.com.
Remember, all applications must be submitted between today until 15 March 2006 (midnight Singapore time)! Sign up now for the most thrilling adventure of your lifetime!
About AXN
Delivering top rated series, blockbuster features, adventure-reality and first-run lifestyle sports programming, AXN is a leading international television destination among young adults 18-34. AXN is seen in 50 countries across Asia, Latin America, Europe and the Middle East, and is part of Sony Pictures Television International's diverse portfolio of over 40 global networks. Sony Pictures Television International is a Sony Pictures Entertainment company.
AXN Asia is available to more than 36 million households 24-hours daily throughout Asia in Taiwan, India, Hong Kong, Singapore, Thailand, Philippines, Japan, Sri Lanka, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Malaysia, Indonesia, Brunei, Cambodia, South Korea, Macau, Papua New Guinea, Nepal, Maldives, Mongolia and in hotels and VIP compounds in China. AXN can also be seen in 40 million cable television households on time-block basis in China. More information about AXN Asia can be found online at www.axn-asia.com.
Both participants to be 21 years and above, with a valid driving license and international passport and/or travel documents.
Contestants must be working or living in Asia (excluding Japan, Middle East, Australia and New Zealand).
Applicants to send in completed entry form, together with a video tape of the team, to the address given on the website.
All information on The Amazing Race Asia will be available from the website www.axn-asia.com from 15 February 2006.
E-mail address for all enquiries: Amazing_Race_Asia@axn-asia.com (enquiries from 15 February 2005 only)
As with the US version, participants will be perpetually guessing their next destination as venturing into the unknown has always been the entertaining hallmark of past programs. This sense of unknown also adds to the thrill for participants and puts everyone on a level playing field.
The announcement for The Amazing Race Asia was made on 17 October 2005 after Sony Pictures Television International's (SPTI) AXN Asia signed a format deal with Buena Vista International Television-Asia Pacific (BVITV-AP). With this, AXN Asia acquired the rights to localize BVITV-AP's three-time Emmy Award? winning reality-competition series The Amazing Race.
AXN has been a leading international channel in Asia, enjoying great success with its unique blend of action and adventure programming. Pioneering the reality genre in Asia, AXN has brought to Asian viewers some of the world's most highly rated reality programs like Survivor, Fear Factor, The Contender and of course, The Amazing Race.
With a total household reach of over 77 million across Asia (including 40 million on time-block basis in China), The Amazing Race has become a signature series on AXN that is watched by millions of viewers during every episode.
AXN has been airing all seasons of The Amazing Race in Asia since the very first season. Consistent high ratings across Asia underscores the tremendous success that the channel has been experiencing with the franchise.
Not only have AXN viewers been glued to the show, they have become such huge fans that they have sent in many written requests to AXN, highlighting their desire to be given the chance to participate in the show! Even partners and advertisers have expressed expectations for AXN to produce an Asian version, and to fulfill the aspirations of millions of die-hard Asian fans.
In line with AXN's key objective of inspiring the "WOW", several initiatives are in the pipeline to boost a new key pillar, AXN Original, in its programming strategy. AXN original, as its name suggests, refers to original productions by AXN, including ideas conceptualized from scratch. Original productions such as "AXN Challenge" and "AXN Xtreme" involves on-ground events created specially for TV, including shows which AXN has acquired format rights to adapt into Asian productions, such as "Mondo Magic Singapore", "Who Dares Win India Special" and "The Amazing Race Asia".
The Amazing Race Asia is set to be the B!GGEST AXN Original initiative to date – a project that will span the width of AXN's footprint which is the whole of Asia, not only in terms of production efforts, but also in terms of level of participation by Asia and the overall sales and marketing, advertising and promotion campaign. The Amazing Race Asia will be the signature project driving the buzz for AXN Original. This "WOW" project will definitely be key in propelling the AXN brand to the next level.
Primed as a "made in Asia for Asia" production coupled with the magnitude undertaken by any broadcaster in Asia, this initiative clearly highlights the mark of AXN's innovation and leadership in the industry.
AXN is injecting a lot of resources behind this project to ensure that it will be a huge success and highly entertaining for its viewers. The production will be handled by some of the best talents in Asia combined with a core team that has worked with previous Amazing Race productions (US versions), to ensure a high quality production.