June 14, 2016
Mackey karaoke has x-factor
Television producer Bailey Mackey is on top of the world having sold his Sidewalk Karaoke concept to Fremantle Media, the company behind shows such as American Idol, X Factor and Britain’s Got Talent.
The show, which challenges people on the street to a series of singing challenges, was an instant hit when it screened on Maori Television last month.
It tripled the channel’s Thursday night prime-time viewer average across all key demographics, as well as securing nine times its normal prime-time average with young adults.
Mr Mackey, who was behind shows such as The GC, Happy Hour and Marae, is just back from a whirlwind trip to Los Angeles to line up partnerships.
It’s a long way from his start two decades ago at Radio Ngati Porou but he knows what he’s selling.
"Your greatest asset is yourself. Your greatest brand is you. I find that New Zealanders are incredibly honest and I think in entertainment, particularly internationally, that can be incredibly refreshing," Mr Mackey says.
He says what makes Sidewalk Karaoke work is it’s a simple idea well executed.
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