M-Net launches Survivor SA Malaysia

This time around, 16 South African Survivors will be subjected to conditions that will repeatedly take them to the brink of utter exhaustion. Only the toughest of the tough can survive the physical and mental challenges posed by the series… and some would say only the slyest of the sly will stand a chance of scooping the winner’s cheque of R1 million.

Chosen by public

Entries are now open and M-Net and series producer Endemol SA will select 15 of the 16 contestants. The remaining contestant will be chosen by the people of SA, giving the public a chance to play a part in the selection process.

"The excellent viewer ratings of our first local Survivor, Survivor South Africa: Panama, made it clear to us that we simply had to do another series," says Carl Fischer, M-Net’s head of original productions.

“We do feel that we can do a lot better, though. We’ve learnt many valuable lessons from the first series and we hope to bring viewers a much more exciting television experience with Survivor South Africa: Malaysia.

“Two additional contestants broaden the scope of the show, and the challenges will be more complex and more appealing. We are striving to ensure that virtually every aspect of the show will top that of its predecessor.

More interactive

“It will also be more interactive. We’d like everyone to participate in the human dramas played out on our screens every week. The first interactive step is to give viewers a chance to choose one of the contestants.”

A variety of media partners will invite their readers to apply for a place among the 16 contestants and viewers will be voting for their favourite among these entries.

Carl Fischer says this viewer’s choice competition enables M-Net and the producers to cast the net wider in the search for this year’s Survivors. “By involving these publications we’ll reach potential Survivors who don’t fall in the traditional M-Net target market. Another bonus of course is that panels from different backgrounds will scrutinise the entry forms to find Survivors that will provide unforgettable television.”

Who can enter Survivor South Africa: Malaysia?

Contestants have to be strong swimmers older than 21, possess a valid passport, and be in good mental and physical shape.

Experience Hell in Paradise

Erika Klopper, head of info and entertainment at Endemol, says the M-Net/Endemol panel will be looking for “a variety of interesting people with strong personalities who are keen to experience Hell in Paradise. If you think you’re Survivor material, give it your best shot!”

She also urges wannabe Survivors to post their entries as soon as possible, as entries close on 2 April 2007.

Application forms for Survivor South Africa: Malaysia are available online at www.mnet.co.za and in City Press, Drum, Huisgenoot, Mense, People, Rapport, Son, TV Plus and You magazine.

Mark Bayly will again host the show and filming will start in May.