[Mickey2009]

Endemol’s The Gap Year returns to Bebo
• Interactive online reality show returns to Bebo in 2009
• Five Bebo users travel to New Zealand for adventure of a lifetime
• Tourism New Zealand to sponsor project

Endemol, a world leader in entertainment programming today announced the return of pioneering online reality show- The Gap Year. The groundbreaking interactive series will follow five Bebo users on an unforgettable journey to the adrenaline headquarters of the world- New Zealand.

Created by Endemol UK’s award winning Digital Media arm, The Gap Year will be sponsored by the New Zealand Tourist Board in a deal brokered by New State- a division within Endemol UK dedicated to securing partnerships with leading brands.

Every weekday the travellers will post short videos on the Gap Year homepage documenting their amazing adventures in New Zealand. Gap Year fans will also be able to keep right up to date via the travellers Twitter and Facebook updates.

During their stay in New Zealand, they will all be taking part in a series of incredible high adrenaline challenges. Each week the Bebo community will pick a traveller they want to send home, leaving just two for the final week and one eventual winner. Bebo users at home will also have a chance to win a trip to New Zealand to meet The Gap Year finalists.

Online auditions have now begun in the UK and Ireland. To be in with a chance of going on the amazing trip they must complete a series of online challenges to engage the Bebo community. They will then be able to vote for the travellers they want to go.

Endemol’s Global Head of Original Digital Programming, Peter Cowley says; “We’re thrilled to be working on the second season of The Gap Year. This year Bebo users can expect even more interaction and experience the high and lows of travel abroad. This latest production demonstrates Endemol’s leadership in Original Digital Programming around the world. ”

Tourism New Zealand Chief Executive George Hickton said; “The project was an exciting way to promote New Zealand to a group of young travellers who are still travelling despite the economic downturn. New Zealand is the ultimate destination for young travellers. Working with Endemol and Bebo will allow people from all over the world see young travellers getting the most out of what New Zealand has to offer. Tourism New Zealand has embraced social media because we know that our visitors become our best ambassadors in promoting New Zealand when they get to tell their own stories about their time here.”

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