The second edition of Pitch & Play LIVE had its big finale at NATPE Budapest yesterday as the three finalists presented their original non-scripted formats in front of the jury and attendees of the conference.

The three finalists were Slovenia’s Start Up Slovenia from POP TV, Russia’s SuperYou from NTV and Slovakia’s The Land is Singing from Nunez NFE. Each of the presenters had 15 minutes to pitch their format and impress the jury and the industry players in the hall. Each of the formats impressed the jury with its originality, high production values and huge success in their markets.

The jury, consisting of Levina Negi, VP, Global Acquisitions & Development, FremantleMedia; Ökrös Gergely, Program and Creative Director, TV2 Hungary and Bence Trunko, Chief Creative Officer, Paprika Latino Studios, had a tough choice to make and choose between three very strong formats with great potential for international roll-out. But there could be only one winner and that was The Land is Singing – a Saturday night folklore entertainment show, produced for Slovakia’s public broadcaster STV1.

NATPE President & CEO JP Bommel congratulated producer Peter Nunez for his win and announced that the format will be presented during the upcoming market in Miami where the official award ceremony with the Pitch & Play trophy will be held.

Following the pitching event, all three formats attracted the interest of buyers attending NATPE Budapest and talks over possible deals will continue after the market.