Biography
Sergio López, a TV Development Producer born and raised in Madrid, Spain. For almost ten years, he's been calling the UK home—where he's been pouring his heart into crafting entertaining television formats. Sergio's love for creativity and TV has made him a standout in the industry, specialising in global unscripted development. His work has extended across borders, leaving a mark on TV entertainment projects in Spain, Mexico, and The Netherlands, among many others.
Which is the concept and the mechanism of The Stupid House? How does it work?
In short, The Stupid House is a comedic twist on intelligence-centred formats— where celebs hide their intelligence to avoid elimination and their IQ being exposed. The smarter you are, the higher your cash value— so, when a celeb gets the boot, their IQ is revealed and their cash value is added into the jackpot. Therefore, kicking out the smartest ones means more jackpot cash! The winner donates the final sum to their chosen charity and keeps their IQ a secret forever!
The best part of the show is that it is crafted to produce the maximum number of episodes in a weekend's worth of filming!
Sergio, first of all, congratulations on your remarkable achievement in winning the important Mip Formats Pitch 2024! Could you share with us the journey of your career that ultimately led to your victory in this important competition?
Thank you. I am still over the moon about having won this award—especially considering 89 submissions were received for this year’s competition from a record 29 countries.
I am a seasoned development producer specialising in originating new entertainment ideas as well as adapting international formats— think epic reality shows, captivating dating and social experiments, and engaging game shows. Entertainment TV formats have always been my passion— I love developing new concepts as much as dissecting big global brands for adaptation in different markets. Although I am originally from Spain, I've worked primarily in the UK— where in the past decade, I've had the pleasure to work at companies like Fremantle, Paramount, and Tinopolis, contributing to international hits like “Paradise Hotel”, "X Factor" or “True Love or True Lies?”.
Thank you. I am still over the moon about having won this award—especially considering 89 submissions were received for this year’s competition from a record 29 countries.
I am a seasoned development producer specialising in originating new entertainment ideas as well as adapting international formats— think epic reality shows, captivating dating and social experiments, and engaging game shows. Entertainment TV formats have always been my passion— I love developing new concepts as much as dissecting big global brands for adaptation in different markets. Although I am originally from Spain, I've worked primarily in the UK— where in the past decade, I've had the pleasure to work at companies like Fremantle, Paramount, and Tinopolis, contributing to international hits like “Paradise Hotel”, "X Factor" or “True Love or True Lies?”.
Which is the concept and the mechanism of The Stupid House? How does it work?
In short, The Stupid House is a comedic twist on intelligence-centred formats— where celebs hide their intelligence to avoid elimination and their IQ being exposed. The smarter you are, the higher your cash value— so, when a celeb gets the boot, their IQ is revealed and their cash value is added into the jackpot. Therefore, kicking out the smartest ones means more jackpot cash! The winner donates the final sum to their chosen charity and keeps their IQ a secret forever!
The best part of the show is that it is crafted to produce the maximum number of episodes in a weekend's worth of filming!
What inspired its creation? And what do you consider to be the key strengths of this format?
Following the above, the format taps into the current formats trend of one location, one task, and very few days of filming. A key strength that is very much in line with Korean and Japanese formats that are taking the world by storm—like LOL or Still Alive. This was definitely one main point of inspiration for me.
Which is the creative process behind the development of The Stupid House?
It always starts by taking something familiar and finding that twist that will make it different. Then, it's all about adding some extra devices and mechanics that make an idea current. In the case of The Stupid House, my train of thought was asking myself how a Korean/Japanese producer would make a comedic intelligence show. Then, the gameplay started to fall into place little by little.
What are the next steps after winning?
There has been a very overwhelming and positive response to my pitch— so my calendar is now filled with chats with people I never thought I would have the chance to speak to. So I am very grateful for MIP and ZDF Studios for having championed and sponsored this competition as so far it's been a great boost for my professional network. I'd like to keep the momentum going and move swiftly and decisively— which means it will probably come in the shape of a strong and tactical partnership to bring The Stupid House to as many markets as possible!
As a creative, do you have any exciting new projects in your mind? Plans for your future?
I've had a few studios and production companies approach me to help them boost their slate of original formats as well as helping them adapt international hit brands in their territories. I'd love to delve into a new TV market soon after so many years in the UK— so watch this space because things are coming and soon!
Following the above, the format taps into the current formats trend of one location, one task, and very few days of filming. A key strength that is very much in line with Korean and Japanese formats that are taking the world by storm—like LOL or Still Alive. This was definitely one main point of inspiration for me.
Which is the creative process behind the development of The Stupid House?
It always starts by taking something familiar and finding that twist that will make it different. Then, it's all about adding some extra devices and mechanics that make an idea current. In the case of The Stupid House, my train of thought was asking myself how a Korean/Japanese producer would make a comedic intelligence show. Then, the gameplay started to fall into place little by little.
What are the next steps after winning?
There has been a very overwhelming and positive response to my pitch— so my calendar is now filled with chats with people I never thought I would have the chance to speak to. So I am very grateful for MIP and ZDF Studios for having championed and sponsored this competition as so far it's been a great boost for my professional network. I'd like to keep the momentum going and move swiftly and decisively— which means it will probably come in the shape of a strong and tactical partnership to bring The Stupid House to as many markets as possible!
As a creative, do you have any exciting new projects in your mind? Plans for your future?
I've had a few studios and production companies approach me to help them boost their slate of original formats as well as helping them adapt international hit brands in their territories. I'd love to delve into a new TV market soon after so many years in the UK— so watch this space because things are coming and soon!
P.S. MipFormats Pitch sponsored by ZDF Studios with RXFrance selected five projects: Villa Incognito by Tuvalu Media (Netherlands), 25 by LGH Entertainment (Norway), A.I. Of the Beholder by David Tobiasz (Canada), Unknown Champions by Phillip Sindermann (Germany).
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