| MUMBAI: For the niche English entertainment channels the challenge
this year will be to hook audiences better by offering a 360 degree experience.
The action oriented AXN has done that succesfully over the years
with efforts like Extreme Dhamaka and Hot 'N' Wild. This year it
is doing an Asian version of the reality show The Amazing Race.
Last month indiantelevision.com
had reported that AXN was on the lookout for participants to join the show. Ten
to 12 teams will be selected from across Asia to participate in the race, which
will be produced for a 13-episode television series. Now the channel has
announced that it has extended the application deadline. It is also holding open
video shoots to help people make their application videos. Interested applicants
can visit AXN's website to find out the locations for the video recording services.
The shoot will be conducted on 25 March 2006 and interested applicants can register
their interest by 22 March online. Basically the channel is looking for teams
with the chemistry, attitude, personality and the X-factor needed to conquer this
gruelling race. SPE Networks GM Ricky
Ow explains that the initiative is in line with the channels aim to give adventure-seeking
audiences in Asia their best chance to experience the adventure of a lifetime.
"So we decided to help them out by holding open video shoots and giving them
some more time to apply. The open video shoots will add a lot of fun to the process."
Ow is also satisfied about the response to date. "So far, nearly 10,000
application forms have been downloaded from our website and we cannot wait to
select some outstanding teams that will demonstrate the passion of Asians in a
show that will surely excite and surprise viewers. The diversity of language and
cultural practices in Asia will add a colourful mix of sensational drama and action,
as we have seen in some excellent audition videos so far." AXN further
says that it has received many enquiries from potential contestants, one of the
common ones being the need for both team members to have international driving
licenses. The channel says that The Amazing Race Asia is a challenging
adventure and contestants will need to drive through all kinds of conditions and
over great distances. While the producers will accept entries where only one member
can drive, applicants are still strongly encouraged to form teams with two drivers
in order to be competitive. Also Read AXN
invites entries for Asian edition of 'The Amazing Race' | 
