| The Rebel Billionaire: Branson's Quest for the Best | |
|---|---|
| Genre | Reality television |
| Written by | Tod Dahlke, Laura Fuest |
| Directed by | Leslie Garvin, Sean Travis |
| Opening theme | "Live and Let Die" by Wings[1] |
| No. of seasons | 1 |
| No. of episodes | 12 |
| Production | |
| Executive producer(s) | Richard Branson, Tod Dahlke, Laura Fuest, Kevin Lee, Lori Levin-Hyams, Jonathan Murray |
| Producer(s) | Tess Gamboa (senior producer), Denise Alvarado (segment producer), Darren Roth (associate producer), Dave Neglia (associate producer), Jeff Schmidt (segment producer), Bechara 'Bicha' Gholam (segment producer) Danny Kon (segment producer), Farzin Toussi (line producer) |
| Editor(s) | Chris Collins, James Gavin Bedford, Larry Druker, Todd R. Lewis, Matt McCartie, Jeff Savenick, Joe Shugart |
| Cinematography | Mark Jungjohann, Marc McCrudden |
| Broadcast | |
| Original run | November 9, 2004 – 2004 |
The Rebel Billionaire: Branson's Quest for the Best is a reality show for Fox Broadcasting Company's fall 2004 season.
Contents |
The premise for the series was that billionaire Richard Branson, founder of Virgin Worldwide, challenges 16 contestants to tasks that will prove to him which is most qualified to take over as president of Virgin Worldwide. This format is strongly derivative of popular NBC reality show The Apprentice, though as well as business-related tasks it also incorporated many tough physical challenges, reflecting Branson's love of daredevil stunts. Each week also saw the contestants travel to a different country, whereas The Apprentice is just situated in one area. Shawn Nelson was the winner of the first and, so far, only season.
The one hour show premiered on November 9, 2004 on the Fox network, and aired 12 episodes through January 2005.[2] Although the show had over 5.5 million viewers, it was considered a ratings disappointment for American television prime-time programming.[3] The show found ratings success internationally though, airing in 19 countries around the world, ranking as the #1 show in many countries where Richard Branson does business.[4] The Rebel Billionaire can still be seen in America in re-runs on the Fox Reality Channel.
(as they appeared on the show & in order of elimination)[5]
| Contestant | Occupation |
|---|---|
| Shawn Nelson (Winner) | Founder of LoveSac Corporation |
| Sara Blakely | Founder of Spanx, Inc. |
| Heather Maclean | Founder of Little Laureate Inc. |
| Gabriel Baldinucci | Real Estate Investor |
| Erica Vilardi | Model |
| Nicole Harvat | Labor Attorney |
| Candida Tolentino | Founder of Earth Cafe Living Foods |
| Steve Berke | Real Estate Manager/Tennis Pro |
| Jessica McCann | Former Owner of Sales Company |
| Michael Zindell | Wall Street Strategist |
| Jermaine Jamison | Technology Sales Specialist/Motivational Speaker |
| Sam Heshmati | Financial Analyst |
| Jennifer Grinspan | Radio Station Advertising Manager |
| Tim Hudson | Trial Attorney |
| Aisha Krump | Pharmaceutical Sales Representative |
| Spencer | Car Salesman |
Has been announced [6] the Brazilian version named "O Grande Desafio" (The Great Challenge, in English). The prize awarded for the winner will be US$ 1,000,000.00.
The New Reality Show "Roberto Justus, who was inspired on" The Rebel Billionaire "Sir Richard Branson, who was a great success in the United States 2004. Sir Richard Branson and founder of the group" Virgin "and its investments music ranging from aviation, telecommunications and travels to aero-space.
The first Reality show in Brazil to Include both business and action elements. Each episode will include : One chance at two "Desafios" (Challenges) - One business related, and one physical challenge. Contestants will need more than just professional skills... their courage will also determine if they are eligible for the next challenge.!
Roberto Justus will be the host of the show, much like Richard Branson was on the Rebel Billionaire. [7] Walter Longo and Vivianne Ventura will be the counselors by his side throughout the course of the show.