‘The Next Pro’ Waltzing To LA? BBC Studios Eyes Production Move For ‘Dancing With The Stars’ Spinoff
BBC Studios is considering moving its competition series *Dancing with the Stars: The Next Pro* from Australia to Los Angeles for a possible second season. The move would bring production to the city where the main *Dancing with the Stars* series has filmed all 35 seasons, and could support LA’s production industry amid a decline in local filming.
The first season was filmed in Brisbane, employed about 110 local cast and crew, and contributed an estimated A$7.2 million (US$5 million) to the Australian economy. It debuted in July to 5.3 million viewers across ABC, Disney+ and Hulu after three days. BBC Studios has applied for a California tax credit and is in the second stage of the process, but the show has not been renewed and the company is awaiting the credit decision before preparing a budget and speaking with ABC.
In short
- BBC Studios is seeking a California tax credit for a possible second season.
- The first season was filmed in Brisbane and drew 5.3 million viewers.
- A move could bring production to LA, but renewal is not confirmed.
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The case for
Moving production to Los Angeles could support a city whose filming industry is under pressure, while placing the spin-off alongside the main series and its established production base. If the California tax credit makes the numbers work, a second season could create local jobs and strengthen the connection between the two shows.
The case against
Keeping production in Brisbane would preserve the local work and economic contribution made by the first season, which employed about 110 people and contributed an estimated A$7.2 million to Australia’s economy. With renewal still uncertain, relocating could shift those benefits away from the community that hosted the debut without yet demonstrating that the move would improve the show’s prospects.
Explained simply
Dancing with the Stars is a televised dance competition in which celebrities perform with professional dancers. The Next Pro is a spin-off focused on finding a new professional dancer for the show; its first season was filmed in Brisbane, Australia, and broadcast on ABC, Disney+ and Hulu.
BBC Studios makes the spin-off, while ABC is the US network behind the main series, which is filmed in Los Angeles. A possible move would link the spin-off more closely to that production base and could bring work to LA, where local filming has declined. The first season also brought jobs and spending to Brisbane, illustrating how a production’s location can matter to local economies.
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