Banijay’s Nordic label, Banijay Factory, is developing a new dating format, Sexy Hands, for SVT1.
The format, produced by Delta Studios, is billed as the first dating show to focus on deaf people and use sign language to determine whether or not there’s a connection.
Sexy Hands features three potential suitors using sign language to compete for the affection of a deaf individual. With the exception of their hands, they can’t see each other and must rely on sign to chat, flirt and make an impression in a series of rounds designed to get the potential couples acquainted. The single contestant eliminates the candidates over a series of rounds until one suitor remains.
“We’re proud to be playing a small part in making pop culture more inclusive and diverse. Sexy Hands is a fast-paced, visually captivating, fun, and literally loud blind-dating format where both deaf and hearing, sign language savvy singles come looking for love. It is a new spin on the popular dating genre, but also the first of its kind to place sign language on equal footing with the spoken word,” said Robert Andersson, senior format developer at Banijay Factory and creator of Sexy Hands, in a release.
Added James Townley, global head of content development at Banijay: “Communication in dating and relationships is key and Sexy Hands represents a large community who get to know one another through sign language. This inclusive and refreshing format will enrich the dating genre, giving unique insight into the linguistic identity of people who are deaf and those that use sign language, and we’re extremely pleased to have a new format in the catalogue which reiterates our commitment to diversity both on and off screen.”
Sexy Hands joins Banijay Factory’s burgeoning slate of formats, which includes Food & Fire alongside Mastiff Sweden and Expedition Kahawa with Jarowskij. It also adds to Banijay Nordic’s entertainment formats, which includes Mastiff Denmark’s new series Drag Me Out.
Source: https://realscreen.com/2021/10/13/banijay-developing-dating-show-in-sign-language-sexy-hands/