Format

Banijay has announced that Zeppelin (Banijay Iberia) will produce Time Zone for HBO Max in Spain. Created by Zeppelin and EndemolShine Nederland, the extreme competition show employs video game aesthetics for a unique and exciting format, set to air this summer.

Time City is a huge, abandoned facility where the Master of Time has created a real-world video game: Time Zone. Outside its perimeter is desert and dust, while inside 10 players will compete in thrilling challenges and complete the levels to defeat the Master of Time, who will be embodied by eSports presenter and streamer Cristinini, monitoring the players’ progress as they race against the clock.

Each level will require great mental and physical skills: at the end of each round, the player with the least amount of remaining time is eliminated. However, ‘time zones’ scattered around the arena offer a few minutes of relief, because when players are inside them, time will stop. Each task also offers the chance to win a reward, from receiving extra seconds to stealing minutes from their teammates. In the final level, a player must face the Master of Time in an epic duel that will see only one winner.

Miguel Martín, Managing Director of Zeppelin, says: “Time Zone is a strategic game we have been fortunate to create together with EndemolShine Nederland and HBO Max – both who have trusted in this pioneering format. There is nothing like it… 10 brave participants completely immersed in a unique show totally inspired by video games, in terms of look and language."

Miguel Salvat, VP Original Programming and Commissioning Editor HBO Max Iberia, adds: “Time Zone immerses you in the universe, aesthetics, and technology of a video game, but with real people, carefully selected for their strategic skill and competitiveness. This happens all under the orders of Cristinini, an expert in the field who acts as Master of Time, both in person and in "cyborg" version. The series stands as a spectacular production, with frenetic rhythm, music and tension, and a unique location. Through new recording elements, the production is a clear commitment to innovation."

James Townley, Chief Content Officer, Development at Banijay, comments: “At Banijay, we strive to develop IP which is innovative, visually powerfully and ultimately, with concepts people will engage in, but are yet to see. Zeppelin and EndemolShine Nederland’s new creation is a perfect example of these elements coming together. It is a clever combination of the two hugely popular worlds of gaming and competition reality, with a healthy dose of strategy added to the mix.”

The series is produced by Zeppelin for Warner Bros. Discovery. Miguel Martín and Floren Abad are executive producers for Zeppelin, with Miguel Salvat and Annelies Sitvast dexecutive produce for HBO Max.