Singapore: Production of The Contender Asia, the Muay Thai (Thai kick-boxing) version of US-based Mark Burnett Productions' reality series The Contender, has commenced in Singapore on September 5 with the shoot of the first fight completed by local production outfit Imagine Omnimedia.

The opening match was filmed in the presence of 400 spectators which included members of the media at the purpose-built The Contender House which will house twice-weekly fights on Wednesdays and Saturdays till October 20. All matches will make up 15 episodes of the series to air across Asia on AXN in December 2007.

Comprising 16 exponents of the Muay Thai middle weight division from 14 nations, the reality series follows the fights as well as their experiences living and working with each other in two groups within The Contender House.

Imagine Omnimedia is partnering US-based Mark Burnett Productions and DreamWorks SKG to produce the reality series in Singapore. Post production will be handled by Singapore's Infinite Frameworks. The deal was facilitated by the Media Development Authority of Singapore and received financing from DBS Bank.

Riaz Mehta, CEO of Imagine Omnimedia and Mark Burnett, owner of Mark Burnett Productions are executive producers and C. Scot Cru, also from Mark Burnett Productions, is co-executive producer. The series is directed by Jerry Schafer and Ozzie Smith, working with Singaporean talents and senior producers from Mark Burnett Productions.

The matches are open to the public with tickets to be available through SISTIC, and details to be announced.

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