Local Heroes
This is a format that takes to the road, travelling the country to uncover the incredible talent that it has to offer. Talent that is often hidden, sometimes unusual, sometimes breathtaking, but is showcased thanks to the GUINNESS WORLD RECORDS™ titles they attempt. And what better way to explore the distinctive culture, history, flavour and traditions than through record-breaking?
The Format
In each episode our presenters travel around the country meeting existing record holders and people who want to become record holders. Against a backdrop of local landmarks, the country is shown off at every opportunity. At each stage of the process, the Guinness World Records team find the best records to showcase the country's rich bank of talent, or create new world records to be attempted that celebrate the local culture. Even when new records are being created, they all have a high threshold to be achieved, ensuring there is real jeopardy within an episode. Not everyone will succeed, making the triumphs all the sweeter.
Records cover areas such as food, dance, costume/dress, ceremony, and skills. Some records will be devised especially for children to attempt, and others for teams and even whole communities to participate in. Guinness World Records also have an astounding bank of archive footage that is available to producers to help create montages and backstories for each of the contributors.
Examples
These programmes are easy wins for channels who want to find cost effective programmes that deliver engaging content relevant to their audiences. In Wales, there have now been multiple series of a special St David’s Day celebration show on S4C. In South Africa the first series of Stumbo Record Breakers has aired, highlighting talent across the country on e.tv.
