• by David Goetzl  @dgoetzl, December 10, 2007

ABC plans ahead. Perhaps looking for options if the writers' strike persists, the network has linked with prolific reality producers Endemol on a pilot described as a "Fear Factor"-style series without the unpleasant challenges.

Under the title "Wipeout," taping looks to begin in early January.

One casting announcement bills it as: "Think 'Fear Factor' with no gross eating stunts." Indications are that it focuses on the physical challenges reminiscent of the NBC hit, with competitors aiming at "conquering the world's largest obstacle course." Casting information inquires whether potential contestants have experience bungee jumping, cliff diving and hang gliding.

The logistics of "Wipeout" sound ambitious; each episode will include 50 contestants competing for $50,000. ABC confirmed production of a pilot, but offered no further details.

"Fear Factor" launched in the summer of 2001, and ran through 2006. During that span, it went into syndication.

Endemol is the production shop behind current hits such as NBC's "Deal or No Deal" and ABC's "Extreme Makeover: Home Edition."