The short-form series titled ‘Balcony Stories’ will premiere on April 22 on Paramount Channel and Comedy Central across the Middle East.
ViacomCBS International Studios (VIS) has announced the production of Balcony Stories, a slate of short-form content to inspire people to be creative during the lockdown. The short-form series, which is being produced in collaboration with global distributor Fremantle, leverages user-generated content from both audience and talent, redefining the role of the users.
Premiering from April 22 on ViacomCBS Networks International’s linear channels in the Middle East, including Paramount Channel and Comedy Central, and on digital platforms across Europe, Middle East, Africa, and Asia, the new short-form series offers an exclusive look into our new lockdown life, with balconies transforming into windows that look into everyone’s homes during this unprecedented time.
The content will be localised into 27 languages and air across 130 countries and 100 channels, with four daily episodes, airing in the region from Sunday to Thursday. A selection of the best content from the week will also be aired every Saturday in an extended edition (with a repeat on Fridays).
Balcony Stories will turn the viewers into the protagonists. All users will be able to submit their own videos and clips by uploading them to ‘balconystories.tv’. Videos can show anything from the new daily routine, the sense of humour coming up from the stay-at-home situation to relationships, love, and the art.
Commenting on the initiative, Raffaele Annecchino, President of ViacomCBS Networks EMEAA, said: “At ViacomCBS, we have always been committed to reaching our audience everywhere and at any time. Now that we are living in this unprecedented situation, more than ever, we need to stay connected and close to our fans, helping them to stay positive. Balcony Stories was born with this spirit. During these months, our eyes have opened up as well as our imagination, our sense of humour, and the artist within us all. Sharing the fun and emotional stories that we are all living can underline even more the fact that we are still all together, reflecting the empathy, creativity, and positive vibes from around the world. With Balcony Stories, we want to celebrate this positive attitude.”
