For the first time, The Contender, the Emmy-award winning television reality series, is being filmed outside the United States, in Singapore, where its crew spent most of September filming.

Singapore is the backdrop for 16 international boxing hopefuls who will battle for boxing supremacy in the fourth season of this 12-episode series, which will air in December 2008.

Mr Mark Burnett, President and founder of Mark Burnett Productions and Board Member of Mark Burnett Productions Asia, said: "At the format production of The Contender Asia here last spring, the ease of shooting and cooperation from the different government agencies like the Singapore Tourism Board ( STB) and the Media Development Authority made it an easy decision to bring our entire US production to Singapore."

He said that producing in Singapore has a lot of advantages, some financial, some aesthetic. "STB's support through the Film in Singapore Scheme has definitely helped. Besides, Singapore has evolved to become an exciting new global city," he continued.

The move to film in Singapore also follows the setting up of Mark Burnett Productions Asia in a joint venture with leisure and hospitality group Genting International, the owners and operators of Resorts World at Sentosa.

The show is hosted by Tony Danza, professional boxer, producer, actor and TV host, who is best remembered for his roles in long-running television series, Who's the boss? and Taxi.

While filming had to take place on a closed set in an undisclosed location, some of the outdoor locations include familiar Singaporean locales and landmarks such as the Esplanade Park, Boat Quay, Singapore Botanic Gardens, Singapore River, Singapore Changi Airport and West Coast Park.

Mr Ken Low, the STB's Assistant Chief Executive (Brand and Communications), said that through the entertainment media, the STB hoped to create greater awareness of Singapore as an exciting and compelling travel destination with international audiences.

"Besides the various distinctive and interesting filming locations that Singapore offers, the city also provides for important filming and production infrastructure that give companies like Mark Burnett Productions the confidence to produce their quality work here. With this latest series of The Contender set to hit new rating highs, we hope Singapore will yet again play host to Mark Burnett's new shows soon."

Mr Man Shu Sum, CEO of Mark Burnett Productions Asia said, "The Contender is going to be an excellent showcase of Singapore, and of the production talents that we have here. This is the first time a production of such scale is taking place here in Singapore, and this gives the local media industry the rare chance to work alongside such world class talents, enabling both parties to exchange ideas and expertise."