M ontreal-based format production and distribution company Media Ranch has inked its first South African content partnership with Trace Studios.

The deal will see Media Ranch handle the global distribution of the formats of Trace, a global Afro-urban platform for youth entertainment and empowerment with video and sound production facilities in Cape Town and Johannesburg.

The partnership includes proven reality formats 2 Weddings & A Superstar, an original lifestyle property in which acclaimed South African musicians surprise two fans with a performance for their nuptials; and Ultimate Braai Master, in which nine teams compete in outdoor cooking “braaing” (barbequing) challenges for a chance to win a cash prize and a car. Trace produced and aired seven seasons of Ultimate Braai Master, which are on Netflix, and is in development for an eighth.

The deal also includes paper formats Any Objections?, a 13-part series about the complicated family dynamics that can arise when a couple decides to tie the knot; and Trendsetters, featuring social media users who are hoping to become “Africa’s hottest Insta-star.”

The global distribution partnership deal was brokered by Barbara Bellini, Trace senior international consultant.

Last month Media Ranch further solifidied its Asian footprint by expanding its partnership with South Korean format agency Something Special and selling formats out of its existing deal with FormatEast.

“Media Ranch’s new partnership with Trace Studios is a major step in Media Ranch’s global footprint,” said Sophie Ferron (pictured left), president and founder of Media Ranch, in a statement.

“After expanding in Asia recently, we now add South Africa for the first time. As we do with DR (Danish Broadcasting), we are taking Trace’s great formats out to the world. We are grateful that Sivan [Pillay, CEO of Trace Studios] and his team have entrusted us with their fantastic IP, and we expect very positive responses from our buyers.”

Said Pillay (pictured right): “This is an exciting chapter in the Trace Studios business and having a partner like Media Ranch represent Trace Studios formats globally is an exciting first for us. We look forward to a long term mutually beneficial relationship where we can break new ground and continue in our pursuit to create more opportunities for African based IP.”