Hong Kong, 8th March 2012 – Disney Media Distribution (DMD) today announced plans for a localized version of eight-time Emmy Award-winning reality series, "The Amazing Race" for the first time in Vietnam with BHD and VTV3 and in the Philippines with TV5.

In Vietnam, BHD and VTV3 will produce and shoot 13 episodes of "???ng ?ua K? Thú, the local name for "The Amazing Race", at locations across the country.  Casting has begun to select 10 teams of two and will be hosted by actor Dustin Nguyen ("21 Jump Street") who will also serve as producer and director. The first episode of "???ng ?ua K? Thú" will air every Friday at 20:00 pm, with the premiere on May 18th 2012.

In the Philippines, TV5 has also signed on for a Tagalog version of "The Amazing Race", which will see 11 teams of two set off across the Philippines, an archipelago rich in biodiversity and comprised of 7,107 islands that will serve as the perfect backdrop for the race.  The Philippines was always a popular destination for "The Amazing Race" in both the U.S. version and the other international formats.  The call for audition started on March 5th.

"I am particularly thrilled with this great news of the production of ‘The Amazing Race’ in Vietnam and the Philippines.  To see the concept and production becoming a worldwide phenomenon for ‘The Amazing Race’, winning awards and accolades from colleagues and viewers, is outright thrilling," said Bertram van Munster, Co-Creator and Executive Producer of ‘The Amazing Race’ and President and CEO of Worldrace Productions.  "Bringing contestants from all walks of life together means creating bonds and friendships and a better understanding of the ‘unexpected side’ of human nature, which includes great humor and drama for the television audiences.  To be accepted by such large audiences globally is a tremendous honor and with the enthusiasm and expertise of the Disney Media Distribution (Asia Pacific) team, I can imagine that this is only the beginning!".

"South East Asia is an exciting and growing market for us, and we are thrilled to be working with BHD and TV5 as we continue to expand our business and presence in the region," said Amit Malhotra, Vice President, Program Distribution, Disney Media Distribution (Asia Pacific).  "We are also extremely pleased with the performance and success of ‘The Amazing Race’ in Australia and China and look forward to the up and coming seasons."

Channel 7 will be returning in 2012 with season 2 of "The Amazing Race Australia" which averaged 1.26 million viewers for its first outing and excelled in delivering People 25-54.  "The Amazing Race Australia" also won Best Adaptation of an Existing Format and Best Direction at the 2011 Asian Television Awards.

"The Amazing Race: China Rush", had been commissioned in China by International Channel Shanghai (ICS) for two seasons and promoted Chinese culture through the exciting competition of 11 teams of two racing across the vast and diverse landscape of China.  Thousands of contestants from over 40 countries registered for the first two seasons of "The Amazing Race: China Rush".

Created by Elise Doganieri and Bertram van Munster, "The Amazing Race" has been on-air in the U.S. since 2001.  This season, which marks the 20th sprint around the globe for the series, pits 11 teams of two members against each other with first time visits to Paraguay, Azerbaijan and other exotic locations. At every destination, each team must compete in a series of challenges, some mental and some physical, testing their ability to work together as a team, challenge their personal relationships and provide life-changing experiences.  Often, many teams found the biggest challenge is just getting there as they face dizzying heights, heavy loads, confronting foods and different languages.

About Disney Media Distribution: 
Disney Media Distribution is the distribution arm of The Walt Disney Company (Asia Pacific) responsible for the licensing of branded and non-branded entertainment to all platforms in the Asia Pacific region including free-to-air, cable and satellite broadcasters and mobile, broadband and VOD platforms. Its program portfolio includes quality feature films, critically-acclaimed network TV series, ABC news programming, the very best in animation and prestigious specials such as the Academy Awards®.  Disney Media Distribution also oversees channel distribution of the much-loved Disney Channel and Disney Junior which are distributed on all major pay TV platforms in the region.

For further information contact:
Lily Ng
Disney Media Distribution Asia Pacific
Tel: (852) 2203 2366
Email:  lily.ng@disney.com