Wipeout Canada contestant applications surpass 44,000 in just one month

- 1 in 750 Canadians dare to tackle the world's largest obstacle course for a chance at $50,000 -

- Contestant callbacks begin this month -

ATTN: Editors - Photos, Sample Application at canwesttvmedia.com

TORONTO, July 8 /CNW/ - What do a walrus trainer, a professional bull rider, roller derby girls, beauty pageant participants, CFL/NHL players and Olympic medalists have in common? They are just a few of the astonishing 44,619 Canadians who completed the extensive online application form for the opportunity to appear on TVtropolis' Wipeout Canada.

Between June 2 and July 1, almost one in every 750 Canadians answered the highly buzzed-about Wipeout Canada questionnaire. With questions ranging from the silly to the serious, applicants submitted their photos and video links, while sharing their stories of adventure and inspiration for an opportunity to win $50,000 and compete on the world's largest obstacle course.

"We are thrilled that the massive support from Canadian fans during this application process has been so positive and enthusiastic and has generated overwhelming buzz for the series," said Karen Gelbart, SVP, Content, Lifestyle Channels, Canwest Broadcasting. "Along with our producing partners Lone Eagle Entertainment Ltd., we're committed to sustaining this energy and momentum as we create a truly Canadian perspective for the series."

"If the application process is any indication of the intensity and vigor that Canadians will bring to the series, then we all better hold on tight," said Michael Geddes, Executive Producer, Lone Eagle Entertainment. "Our dedicated team of producers is currently reviewing all of the applications, looking for the most enthusiastic, fun-loving fans to be part of the show, plus those who can also pull off the ultimate victory dance!"

A national shortlist of potential contestants will be contacted for follow-up interviews in the days to come. A total of 260 contestants will be chosen to participate in Wipeout Canada, giving 20 contestants in each episode the chance to conquer the course, ultimately leading to the winner who will earn the episode's $50,000 grand prize.

Hosted by quick-witted Canadians, Jonathan Torrens (TV with TV's Jonathan Torrens, Trailer Park Boys), Ennis Esmer (Young People Fucking; The Listener) and co-hosted by Jessica Phillips (Deal or No Deal Canada; Being Erica), production of the 13 one-hour episodes of Wipeout Canada will begin this October on the iconic set, promising to provide the most spectacular and often painfully hilarious spills, face plants and, of course, wipeouts.

For exclusive news, interviews, contests and behind-the-scenes footage and photos, fans are encouraged to join the official Wipeout Canada Facebook fan page at www.Facebook/WipeoutCanada.com.

Wipeout Canada is slated to premiere on TVtropolis in the spring of 2011. The Wipeout format is licensed to Lone Eagle Entertainment and is distributed in Canada by Disney and internationally by Endemol, a leading producer of television programming specializing in reality and non-scripted genres for network and cable television. The Canadian format will air on TVtropolis - joining an already robust lineup of hit reality shows including Hoarders, Parking Wars, Runaway Squad, and Wife Swap UK.

WIPEOUT CANADA - BY THE NUMERS

50,000 - Dollar amount of the grand prize for each episode

44,619 - total number of Wipeout Canada applicants

260 - number of Wipeout Canada contestants (yet to be selected!)

67 - number of questions on the Wipeout Canada official application form

30 - number of days Wipeout Canada application process was open (June 2 to July 1)

20 - number of contestants in each episode

4 - number of rounds of competition in each episode: Qualifier, Sweeper, Dizzy Dummies, Wipeout Zone

4 - average number of hours entrants spent online, filling in application, submitting photos and uploading a personalized video

1 - The most common answer to application form question, "How would you use your Wipeout Canada winnings?" Take a vacation

1 - The wackiest answer to application form question, "How would you use your Wipeout Canada winnings?" Pay for my cat's hysterectomy

About Canwest Broadcasting:
Canwest Broadcasting operates Global Television and nineteen of the country's most popular specialty channels, including HGTV, Mystery TV, National Geographic Channel, Showcase, History Television, Food Network and TVtropolis. Canwest Broadcasting is a division of Canwest Media Inc.

About Canwest Originals:
Canwest is the proud home of the most diverse slate of Canadian Original programs across the Dramatic, Lifestyle and Entertainment genres. As a steadfast supporter of the Canadian production community, Canwest is dedicated to bringing the best of the country to audiences nationwide - including shows such as: Rookie Blue, Family Restaurant, Holmes Inspection, Ice Pilots: NWT, 16:9, Re-Vamped and Canada's most trusted entertainment news show Entertainment Tonight Canada.

About Canwest Media Inc.:
Canwest Media Inc. is a subsidiary of Canwest Global Communications Corp. (www.canwest.com), Canada's largest media company. In addition to owning the Global Television Network, operating 19 industry-leading specialty channels and having ownership in 5 specialty channels, Canwest is Canada's largest publisher of English language paid daily newspapers and owns and operates more than 80 online properties.

About Lone Eagle Entertainment:
Lone Eagle Entertainment Ltd. is an independent production company based in Toronto. Founded in 1996 by Michael Geddes, Lone Eagle develops and produces high-concept television such as the smash hit series Popstars, the #1 rated Canadian series for three consecutive seasons. Lone Eagle has also brought TV audiences Inside the Box, You Bet Your Ass, The Office Temps, The Call, Supermodels, Tribes of the 21st Century and Carlawood. www.loneeagle.tv.

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