SBS sells ‘Go Back’ to US, deal helps ‘balance Australia’s cultural terms of trade’
The SBS and production company Cordell Jigsaw Productions format Go Back To Where You Came From has found a market in the US.
The deal with BBC America marks the first format agreement for SBS Australia with a US broadcaster.
The agreement follows sales of the format to Netherlands, Germany, Sweden and South Africa.
Michael Cordell of Cordell Jigsaw said: “Go Back proved important issues don’t have to be dull television. We’re proud the series became part of the national debate on asylum seekers and is now on its way to becoming part of the international debate. We’re also cock-a-hoop about the format sales. Instead of being a dumping ground for overseas formats, for once, an Australian format is being exported to the rest of the world. Hopefully it will help balance our cultural terms of trade.”
Michael Ebeid, SBS MD said: “It’s rare for a television format to be able to break new ground using an issue that’s a political hot button worldwide. The high level of interest from both international broadcasters and production companies is testament to the compelling nature of the format and the fertile ground it offers to tap into local sentiments about refugees and asylum seekers.”
Perry Simon, general manager, Channels, BBC Worldwide Americas, added: “In the tradition of the BBC, BBC America is committed to bold, provocative original programming that illuminates contemporary social and cultural issues. Go Back to Where You Came From provides another perspective on immigrants and refugees that is sure to spark conversation among our viewers and the public at large.”
The series followed six Australians who took a 25-day journey, re-tracing the steps of refugees and asylum seekers to Iraq and the Democratic Republic of Congo.
When the program aired in Australia in 2011, it was SBS’s highest rating show for the year. It was also trending number one worldwide on Twitter.
The show also featured in a story in The New York Times and on the BBC.
Production company Cordell Jigsaw recently merged with Zapruder’s Other Films, which produce The Gruen Transfer and the upcoming Randling gameshow.
