Screentime ShinAwil have been commissioned to produce ‘The Voice of Ireland’ for RTÉ. Executive producer on the series is ShinAwil’s Larry Bass (Masterchef) and Series Producer and Director will be Lynda McQuaid (Fame: The Musical).
‘The Voice’ format has already proved a success in Holland and the US. The format was originally created by John deMol (Big Brother) and was produced for NBC in the US by Mark Burnett (Survivor, The Apprentice).
Executive producer Larry Bass told IFTN that he looks forward to doing the Irish version saying “‘The Voice’ is the freshest twist on a talent format since ‘Popstars’.” Larry also went on to say that ”Other talent shows are more negative in the way they treat their talent. ‘The Voice’ is all about promoting the contestants and we start at a much higher level of talent.”
Celebrity coaches will pick a team of singers without seeing them based purely on the quality of their voice. They will then battle against each other and enter the live final stages. The winner will be offered a recording contract with Universal Music. It will be shot using a multi-camera set up with both pre-recorded and live action.
Steve Carson, Director of Programmes, RTÉ Television said, “We are delighted to be able to bring a stand-out new entertainment series to Irish audiences. This show is all about giving expert advice and support to new Irish voices – with a guaranteed recording contract up for grabs. We believe that it will tap into the rich tradition of superb vocalists for which Ireland is famous.”
‘The Voice of Ireland’ will replace ‘The All-Ireland Talent Show’ on RTÉ.
The series is expected to begin filming the first phase of casting in October and will be broadcast on RTÉ in the new season. The length and number of episodes is TBC as are the celebrity coaches and presenter.
