A reality show in which would-be Chinese entrepreneurs from
around the world compete to become bosses of new businesses is set
to debut on China's largest national TV network in May.
Believed to be a spin-off of The Apprentice, the hit
American reality show, Win in China launched by CCTV on
Wednesday aims to provide a fresh form of entertainment and offer
greater opportunities for aspiring businessmen.
According to its producers, participants in the eight-month show
will face rigorous tests of their tenacity, business acumen and
street savvy.
Here's how the show is formatted:
About 110 competitors will gather in Beijing for the preliminary
contest after being chosen from among 3,000.
Twelve participants will enter the semi-final, adjudicated by
judges including academic experts and successful entrepreneurs.
One competitor will be eliminated in each episode until five
remain.
The winner will run a new business with a registered capital of
no less than 10 million yuan (US$1.2 million); the runner-up, seven
million yuan (US$863,000); and other three, five million yuan
(US$617,000).
The prizes compare favorably with The Apprentice, in
which the winner is given a job at US real-estate mogul Donald
Trump's company and a six-figure salary.
Unlike in The Apprentice, where Trump calls the shots,
delivering the now-famous "You're fired" line to losing
contestants, Win in China will play to audience
preferences.
Two of the 12 semi-finalists will be selected by viewers via
text messages; and the ultimate winner only by audiences.
Wang Lifen, executive producer of the show, said that the
program would be much more dramatic and interactive than The
Apprentice because the audience will be involved.
Viewer participation seems to have been adapted from the
Super Girl singing contest, which was inspired by another
American TV show, the American Idol.
The Super Girl, watched by more than 400 million people
last year and the winner decided by text messages, is one of the
most successful shows in Chinese television history.
"More importantly, Win in China will be inspirational,
celebrating the indomitable human spirit and encouraging Chinese
people to achieve their dreams," Wang said.
(China Daily March 31, 2006)
