Monday round-up: Latest news, deals & hires

Prime Video closes Australia’s Office remake

Amazon’s Prime Video has axed the Australian version of The Office after one season.

The show marked the 14th remake of the UK original, which was created for the BBC by Steven Merchant and Ricky Gervais.

It debuted a year ago and became Prime Video’s most watched locally produced title, with the show also available globally except the US and airing locally on Network 10. BBC Studios ANZ and Bunya Entertainment produced the Aussie version.

Sony’s GSN to develop Japan’s 100 Choices

Sony-owned Game Show Network in the US has linked up with Tokyo-based FANY Studio on remake of the latter’s comedy format, 100 Choices.

The show, which is in development with Sony’s LA-based B17 Entertainment, was created by FANY Studio and picked up globally by Sony Pictures Television in 2023.

The format sees contestants faced with one question but 100 possible answers, with those guessing correctyl competing for a cash prize. The question will be nearly impossible to answer, so contestants take on five physical challenges that allow them to eliminate some of the 100 potential choices.

Trainig scheme revealed by Prime Video UK 

Prime Video in the UK has unveiled a raft of major training and development initiatives that include funding a year’s salary for an executive producer at six major indies and creating training specifically for freelancers who have been out of work for four months or more.

The streamer’s ReSkill UpSkill programme comprises free courses for individuals keen to explore opportunities outside of the traditional TV space, offering training in areas such as podcasting, digital, AI and project management.

It is already accepting applications for free webinars that run from 20 October to 21 November. They will run across five weeks, with new places becoming available on 23 and 28 October and 3 November. There are more than 60 one-day online courses available for up to 1,000 freelancers nationwide. Read more