Following screenings at NATPE Miami and MIP London, Global Agency has sealed two deals on its new music competition format, The Mashup, Izzet Pinto, CEO, reveals to ScreenMDM in our latest podcast episode.
Pinto is a seasoned format creator, having originated 19 formats since he launched Global Agency as an independent distributor 20 years ago. And most of them have been in the music space, he says in the latest episode of ScreenMDM Talks, viewable on YouTube below and on Spotify, with an audio version on Amazon Music.
The Mashup was created to address broadcasters’ need to attract and retain younger audiences, Pinto says, explaining the thinking behind the competition, in which duos must merge popular songs in exciting new ways. Music is universal, he says, and its ability to engage diverse audiences makes it a powerful tool in entertainment. Mashups, meanwhile, have proven especially popular with younger demos on TikTok and Instagram. The surprise factor of what songs will be combined and a large-scale studio setup with moving stages, and audience participation, will keep viewers engaged, Pinto believes—but the real USP comes via the revenue potential with the creation of new IP through the music mashups, live shows, and brand and sponsor engagement, plus artist management and digital rights on social platforms.
“I’m happy to say exclusively here we closed two deals already, Middle East and Italy,” Pinto revealed.
Pinto is, of course, eager for further expansion, but that’s not his number one priority in the short term. “For a brand-new format, we need to focus on the first one or two territories to be very successful. I’m focusing on being on air, let’s say in six or eight months from now, in two territories, make it a big success, and then close deals every day. I’m not in a hurry. I am in a hurry to make a perfect show—the camera angles, the lights, the cast, songs, everything. Since I now have two companies on board, I will focus on making a big show. And then after hopefully a huge success, things move fast.”
Pinto also weighed in on the health of the format sector right now, offered tips on running a successful independent operation amid heightened consolidation, and reflected on Global Agency’s 20th anniversary, which it will mark in October.
