Category: Production House

FremantleMedia International presents a fresh array of original content for Miptv 2014

MUMBAI: FremantleMedia International makes its way to this year’s MIPTV with a host of new and diverse content to add to its already extensive catalogue.

Featuring a mix of captivating drama, riveting documentaries, glitzy entertainment, affable lifestyle and classic British comedy; FMI is set on providing buyers with a truly assorted variety of engaging content.

Bob McCourt, Acting CEO, FremantleMedia International, said, “We are delighted to present our new slate at MIPTV, which we genuinely believe offers something for everyone. With a fantastic mix of high-quality content and the addition of global superstars such as Tom Hanks, Taylor Lautnerand Lindsay Lohan to name but just a few, we are all set for this year’s market.”

Images for our new programming can be found in the below link. For press screeners, please contact the PR team. https://fmebrandmanagement.box.com/s/mkkfl8sqe4gp24kctbc2

Scripted

•Jamaica Inn (3 x 60’) is a bold new adaptation of the classic Daphne du Maurier novel, set in 1820 in the Cornish moors. This highly charged, gothic romance follows a young Mary Yellan as she becomes entangled in a dangerous criminal world ridden with smuggling and murder. Produced by Origin Pictures for BBC One.

•Dicte(20 x 60’) is a new wave Danish crime drama from Miso Film. The seriesfollows DicteSvendsen, a crime reporter who returns to her native town of Aarhus with her daughter after her recent divorce. As she begins to rebuild her life, she comes across a case that opens wounds from her past.

•Schapelle(1 x 90’) In October 2004, Schapelle Corby was arrested at Bali airport with over 4kg of marijuana in her luggage. Narrowly avoiding the death penalty, Schapelle was sentenced to 20 years in prison. Based on the controversial events that unfolded Schapellefollows the arrest, trial, conviction, and the media frenzy that erupted in the world’s press. She always proclaimed her innocence and in February 2014 was freed on parole. A FremantleMedia Australia Production for the Nine Network (Aus).

•Birds of a Feather(8 x 30’) follows the lives of sisters, Sharon Theodopolopodous, Tracey Stubbs, and their neighbour Dorien Green. In this classic British comedy, the trio once again embark on a journey tackling the hilarious issues that life throws at them. Co-produced by Retort (part of FremantleMedia UK) and QuirkyMedia Stuff.

•Play Nice(12 x 8’/4 x 22’/1 x 90’) from Vuguru follows Raquel and Peter Jacobs as they look to get their little boy George into the prestigious Le Chance Academy. Ellen and Dave Bell, Le Chance’s headmasters, interview the parents of all prospective students; but they don’t make it easy.A day that began with hope for the Jacobs’ quickly turns into a nightmare when they accidentally hit and kill the Bells’ beloved family dog on the way to their interview. The mystery of a missing dog, a parental culture clash and a very eccentric little George all come to a head in the name of a stellar education in Play Nice.

Entertainment

•Lindsay (8 x 60’) is an exclusive and highly anticipated documentary series following movie star and media sensation Lindsay Lohan on her journey through recovery following a very public period of crisis.Having had her career and personal life sidelined by her public struggles, Lindsay is strikingly candid about her situation and is more determined than ever to get back on her feet. Produced with OWN by Pilgrim Studios.

•The X Factor UK(32 episodes) brings the best wannabe popstars to the stage as the search for the next X Factor begins.Simon Cowell and a group of expert judges will once again pit their skills against each other as they search for that one act that has The X Factor. Co-produced by Syco Entertainment and Thames (part of FremantleMedia UK).

•Britain’s Got Talentis an action packed, entertainment series from Thames (part of FremantleMedia UK) and Syco Entertainment. With the dream judging panel, Simon Cowell, Amanda Holden, Alesha Dixon and David Walliams, the series is set to amaze and astound as an incredible line-up of acts compete to be crowned this year’s winner.

•Under the Gunn(13×60’) features theEmmy® Award winningTim Gunn as he hosts his new fashion competition series. Tim passes the torch to “Project Runway” alumni Mondo Guerra, Anya Ayoung-Chee and Nick Verreos, who have shown their prowess on the runway as contestants, but now must prove they have the vision and business savvy to mentor and manage a fashion empire with 15 new up-and-coming designers.Produced by The Weinstein Company and Bunim/Murray Productions.

•Great Christmas Light Fight(5×60’) is a new reality competition series in which 20 families from across America will decorate their homes to the extreme for Christmas as they compete for a $50,000 Grand Prize. The series is produced by FremantleMedia North America.

Factual

•The Sixties(10 x 60’), a provocative documentary series exploring the most transformative decade of the modern era in America. The non-scripted series is executive produced by multiple EMMY® Award-winning producers Tom Hanks, Gary Goetzman(HBO’s John Adams and The Pacific), and EMMY® Award-winning producer Mark Herzog(History’s Gettysburg) of Herzog & Company (HCO) for CNN Originals.

•The Art Of(26 x 30’) explores creative fields that fall outside the traditional definition of “art.” In each episode, a new artistic medium is explored through profiles of boundary-pushing artists. Focusing on the celebrated as well as the undiscovered, this series explores the creative process behind each featured art form, from sushi to sneakers to the holidays. The Art Of is produced by Ovation Studios.

•Drag Queens of London(10 x 60’) is a bold and revealing observational documentary series that follows the lives of a selection of performers on the biggest and broadest drag scene in the world. From the glitz and glamour of this unique subculture, to the performer’s lives off-stage, the series lifts the lid on the world’s biggest and most dramatic drag scene. Produced by The Connected Set.

•Class of ’92(1 x 99’), from Fulwell 73 Productions and Boundless (part of FremantleMedia UK), is a feature length film documentary focuses on six young footballers careers, and their journey to achieving the unique ‘Treble’ (League, FA and European Cup) at Manchester United.

•Catching Hell(10 x 60’) from Stick Figure Productionsfollowsthe extreme, thrilling, adrenalized world of commercial spearfishing. Hundreds of feet below the surface of the Gulf of Mexico, these deep water hunters fight man-eating sharks and risk paralysis to hand-select the freshest fish on the planet.

Lifestyle

•Real Girl’s Kitchen(10 x 60’), hosted by Haylie Duff, takes an intimate look inside Haylie Duff’s kitchen and life, her family and friends. Haylie sharesa selection of recipes, stories and adventures while exploring Los Angeles and New York City. Produced by OraTV.

•Jamie and Jimmy’s Food Flight ClubSeason 2(4 x 60’) features the return ofchildhood friends Jamie Oliver and Jimmy Doherty, as they embark on culinary adventures throughout the continent, taking the best of British food and pitting it against the best of the rest of Europe. Produced by Fresh One.

•Jamie’s Festive Feasts(1 x 60’) is a celebration of lazy winter days at the end of the year. With Christmas over, Jamie Oliver walks the audience through his perfect winter wind-down foods. Produced by Fresh One.

Visit FremantleMedia at MIPTV 2014 at Stand No.C11.A1 (Croisette 11, Aisle 1), 7 – 10 April.

March 11, 2014
Prime Focus Technologies to acquire US-based DAX for Rs 56 crore

MUMBAI: Prime Focus Technologies (PFT), the technology subsidiary Prime Focus, today announced that it has signed a definitive agreement to acquire DAX, a leading provider of cloud-based production workflow and media asset management applications to the entertainment industry for a base consideration of $ 9.1 million (about Rs 56 crore) in a uniquely structured performance linked transaction.

Prime Focus is a global leader in providing media and entertainment industry services.

PFT through its US subsidiary will acquire all the assets of DAX for an upfront payment and with balance payable over 3 years such that cash flows from the North American operations will support the payment.

This acquisition gives PFT ownership of DAX’s patented technology and products including the Primetime Emmy award winning Digital Dailies solution which is the de-facto industry standard in television production. This acquisition also sets the course for PFT’s strategic expansion in North America. PFT will significantly enhance the value proposition to DAX’s marquee customers including major studios and broadcast networks (Warner Bros. Television Studios, CBS Television Studios, 20th Century Fox Television Studios, Relativity Media, Legendary Pictures, Fox Television Studios, A&E, Showtime, Starz Media and Lionsgate) and many independent production and distribution companies.

“Our vision is to build the best enterprise platform for Production on the Cloud by taking a fresh look at media workflows through the lens of a studio that wants to efficiently collaborate across divisions with its entertainment content before, during and after the production phase,” said Ramki Sankaranarayanan, Founder and CEO, PFT.

“Digital Dailies is one of the first significant entry points to Production on the cloud. PFT’s CLEARTM Media ERP platform combined with DAX’s team and products will accelerate the realisation of this vision”.

“PFT has tremendous resources at its disposal,” said Patrick Macdonald-King, CEO, DAX who will now assume the role of President and be part of the executive leadership team at PFT responsible for North America. “Beginning with its 250-person strong R&D and product development team dedicated to a single platform with rare media-centric IT skills. This marriage allows DAX to fulfill its vision and extends DAX’s support of file-based workflows across the enterprise. PFT’s arsenal of media-centric technology tools will drive the DAX product offering to a new level. For DAX customers, it’s important to note that all tech support, client services, product design and account management will remain in Los Angeles, but also expand to the PFT offices in New York and London to better service the East Coast and Europe.”

The global market for media asset management, workflow management, collaboration and media processing services is approximately $10 billion. With content enterprises like broadcast networks faced with flat top lines and rising operating costs, organisations are increasingly attentive to solutions like virtualisation of content supply chain operations, and media process outsourcing to enhance overall profitability as well as top line by realising new media monetisation opportunities in the multi-screen world.

“PFT’s CLEAR platform is the most scalable and feature rich application I have seen in the market and its laser like focus on servicing the media industry is unique,” said Macdonald-King. “Most of the competition is focused on single point solutions that further cement the siloed approach which is detrimental to long term agility and sustainability of media businesses.”

The transaction is subject to customary closing conditions and is expected to close in the coming weeks. PFT and DAX will be exhibiting together at the upcoming NAB Show 2014, and will showcase a number of CLEAR and DAX product releases.

“The biggest broadcast networks in the world run CLEAR Media ERP platform to manage their content supply chain,” informs Ramki. “Managing 200 TV shows every day and over 350,000 hours of content has made CLEAR a world leader in the Media Cloud solutions market. We would like to extend this leadership to Production by tapping into the creative process in a more holistic way, empowering studios to truly transform the entertainment paradigm. DAX takes us closer to this goal,” concluded Ramki.

March 11, 2014
Walt Disney, Shanghai Media Group to develop Disney-branded movies

MUMBAI: Walt Disney Studios has inked a deal with Shanghai Media Group Pictures to develop Disney-branded movies. This is the latest move by a US studio to grow its presence in China’s entertainment business.

US-based writers will team up with local scribes and directors to develop stories and scripts that incorporate Chinese themes in Disney movies, the studio said in a statement.

The studio said the multi-year partnership with Shanghai Media will develop training opportunities between Chinese and American writers and filmmakers.

Tony To, the studio’s executive vice president of production, will oversee the co-development program, which could allow for easier releases of English-language films in China.

A Film Censorship Committee comprising of 37 members filters every movie in China for nudity, violence and politically sensitive scenes. Western films in addition must meet the committee’s “amendment opinions” to be one of the 34 Hollywood films permitted in China each year.

Last year, Disney’s superhero film Iron Man 3 debuted in China and included a top Chinese actress and footage shot in China, additions that helped the film ease past strict censors and often confusing rules for Western films.

In February, the official Xinhua news agency reported that China will maintain its quota for imported Hollywood movies this year, rejecting reports it had planned to increase access for US films to the world’s second-largest cinema market.

Production companies like Viacom Inc’s Paramount Picture and DreamWorks AnimationSKG Inc have also hired Chinese actors and set up co-productions with Chinese firms.

China’s entertainment and media market is estimated to grow to $148 billion by 2015 from around $120 billion in 2013, according to PricewaterhouseCoopers’ outlook for the global entertainment and media business 2011-2015.

March 10, 2014
CA Media elevates Rajesh Kamat to Asia Group COO

MUMBAI: After successfully launching CA Media India, Rajesh Kamat has been elevated to Chief Operating Officer (COO) of CA Media, the Asian investment arm of The Chernin Group, LLC (TCG). In his new role, Kamat will relocate to Singapore and report to CA Media Group’s Hong Kong-based CEO Paul Aiello. Core to his new responsibilities, Kamat will provide strategic guidance to the group’s existing portfolio investments in the region. He will also support Aiello in identifying and managing growth opportunities for CA Media in Asia.

Before joining CA Media in 2011, Kamat had launched Viacom18’s Hindi general entertainment channel Colors and made a spectacular success of it.

Both directly and through CA Media, TCG has made significant investments in the U.S., Europe and Asia. CA Media will continue to focus on supporting the growth of its existing portfolio of investments, while seeking to expand its position in India and other important emerging markets in Asia.

Kamat will continue to oversee CA Media operations in India while the senior management team – Vivek Raicha and Rishi Negi – will continue to lead their respective domains, as Head of India Investments and Head of India Investee Operations.

Over the last three years, CA Media India has built a strong portfolio of growth investments in the Indian media and entertainment space, including television and film production, live music events, youth media, digital content, intellectual property and graphic novels. In each investment, CA Media has worked with strong on-the-ground partners and local management teams.

CA Media India’s current investments include strategic stakes in Endemol India, Only Much Louder (OML), Graphic India, and a wholly owned online influencer network, FLUENCE.

Since CA Media’s investment, Endemol India has transformed itself from being principally a non-scripted television content production company to one that is producing content across multiple screens including TV, films and digital. Today, OML is India’s premier music, live events and youth media company, with music festival brands such as NH7. While Graphic India is establishing its position as one of India’s leading character entertainment companies, FLUENCE has already become India’s leading online influencer network, connecting celebrities, consumers and brands to create exciting media properties that can be monetised across various consumer facing digital platforms.

“Given what Rajesh has accomplished with CA Media in India, I am confident in his abilities to take on this expanded regional role for CA Media throughout Asia, we look forward to the contributions he will make,” said CEO CA Media Paul Aiello.

Chairman of The Chernin Group Peter Chernin noted, “As we move into our next phase of growth, it is critical to have a structure that supports our operations and continued expansion plans in Asia. Rajesh’s new expanded role in the region will help the group achieve this objective.”

“Moving from a country role to a region profile is both exciting as well as challenging given the diversity of the key Asian markets and our unique portfolio of assets. I look forward to the challenge ahead,” Kamat said.

Kamat will assume his new role and responsibilities in Singapore starting April 2014.

CA Media was founded in partnership with Paul Aiello in November 2010 with a mandate to build, manage and operate media, entertainment and technology businesses throughout Asia. CA Media is building a regional footprint primarily focused on the region’s dynamic growth markets including India, Indonesia and China.

March 10, 2014
India Inc. puts up a great show on ‘CEO’s Got Talent’

MUMBAI: Mid-life crisis is nothing unusual. Whether it’s a middle-class executive or the chairman of a company, there comes a time when one just can’t ignore but go through the crisis that has struck. What could be the possible solution to overcome the phase? A vacation? Time off from work and family? Or something so differentiating that the meaning of your life changes?

At the age of 40, the CEO of Kaytek Computers Pvt. Ltd Atul Khatri was going through this phase of his life when he decided that he would learn bartending. A fairly new talent for him. His bad luck: the bartending teacher didn’t appear for the first day’s class. He could have given up the idea of doing something exceptional but not so soon. He performed a stand-up act at an open mic venue. Surprisingly, he was liked and there has been no looking back.

This is the story of Khatri, who in the last few years has discovered and only improved in the talent of being funny on stage. With his rib-tickling performance, he ended up winning the coveted trophy of CEO’s Got Talent on Friday night. The show by FremantleMedia India is a corporate initiative under the Got Talent franchise that brought together the mavericks of the corporate and entertainment industry on a common platform.

The gala event witnessed twelve CEO’s of India Inc. battle it out in front of the judges – filmmaker Mahesh Bhatt, actor Raveena Tandon and Colors CEO Raj Nayak. The corporate executives, who are mostly seen discussing projects, negotiating deals and taking decisions for their companies presented a completely different face of theirs on this stage.

The evening started with the performance of The Xlantic Group’s chairman David Fischer (the second runner-up), who with the band, The Other People, put up a nice solo performance of a song by Bruce Springsteeen. With his scintillating performance, he set the standard for the competition, leaving even the three judges surprised that in the “garb of a corporate lies such a good singer”.

Fisher says music for him is an universal language that knows no boundaries and after a hard day’s work, it is music that relaxes him.

Surprisingly, not just him, a lot of other corporate honchos find solace in music. And that was the reason that out of the 12 performers, eight sang, one played the accordion and one sang and played the guitar. With this, though the CEO’s Got Talent turned to CEO’s Got ‘Musical’ Talent, no one was complaining as everybody thought it’s a nice initiative to bring to the fore the unknown side of the corporate world.

After the performance of Ajay Chopra, the executive chef of The Westin Mumbai Garden City who “married cooking and singing” as he prepared a palatable seafood platter and sang Dil Ye Mera Tumse Kuch Keh Raha Hai…, Mahesh Bhatt remarked, “It’s a hell of a speed to cook and sing at the same time. Since your hands already know how to cook, you sing and let the cooking happen on its own.”

Raj Nayak, however, was highly surprised by the performance of the winner Khatri. He thought that coming out with something that you like doing without worrying about “others” is a commendable thing. “One of the things we don’t do is follow our passion. We shy and conform to what others would say,” he remarked as the stand-up act by Khatri got a standing ovation.

The first runner-up trophy went to Rich Graviss Products Pvt Ltd executive director and CEO Pankaj Chaturvedi. A great Kishore Kumar fan, Chaturvedi brought back nostalgia as he performed on a classic number.

While Rhythm House’s managing director Mehmood Curmally, the last performer of the evening, didn’t win a prize, but he got a huge applause as he came dressed as Elvis Presley and ended the evening with the famous pelvic thrust of the legendary musician. Even the judges couldn’t control but applaud. Raveena was amazed by the effort that he put in for the performance.

FremantleMedia India managing director Anupama Mandloi said that the team has got a huge response for creating something like the CEO’s Got Talent. “It has engaged Corporate India and brought forth their fun side for the world to behold.”

Presented by Blackberry Messenger, the proceeds from CEO’s Got Talent will go to Genesis Foundation, which provides financial support for life-saving and life-changing medical intervention for critically ill under-privileged children in areas of cancer, cardiac disorder, organ failure, thalassemia and extreme deformities.

The show will go on air on CNBC TV18 on 22 and 23 March, 2014.

March 9, 2014
Reliance MediaWorks delisting process starts

MUMBAI: The process for delisting the shares of Reliance MediaWorks started today with Reliance Capital and Reliance Land issuing a public announcement of an offer to acquire shares from public shareholders.

Reliance Capital and Reliance Land, the acquirers, are part of the promoter group which collectively owns 73.30 per cent of Reliance MediaWorks.

At 1450 hours, Shares of Reliance MediaWorks were at Rs 56.65, up 0.65 per cent on the BSE.

The acquirers have made the offer to acquire 26.70 per cent of Reliance MediaWorks that is not already owned by the promoter group, at a floor price of Rs 48.65 per share.

Reliance MediaWorks is a leading media & entertainment company with presence in theatrical exhibition of films, film and media services and television content production and distribution. It is part of Anil Ambani’s Reliance Group.

The company will dispatch bid forms to public shareholders tomorrow. The bids submitted by shareholders will be opened on 20 March and the last date for upward revision or withdrawal of bids is 25 March.

The company will make a public announcement of discovered price/exit price and the acquirer’s acceptance or rejection of the discovered or exit price by 9 April.

A special resolution for delisting of the company’s shares was earlier approved by the shareholders through a postal ballot.

Reliance MediaWorks has been reporting losses for five years now. The company last reported a profit (Rs 48 crore) in 2007-08.

The company will proceed with voluntary delisting of shares from the National Stock Exchange and the BSE on promoter shareholding reaching a minimum of 90 per cent and on fulfilment of other conditions stipulated in the delisting regulations.

ICICI Securities is the manager to the delisting offer by Reliance MediaWorks.

March 7, 2014
FremantleMedia International renews Jamie Oliver output deal

MUMBAI: FremantleMedia International (FMI), the global distribution division of FremantleMedia, one of the largest creators, producers and distributors of television entertainment brands in the world, has extended its output deal with Jamie Oliver’s indie, Fresh One Productions Ltd, it announced today. Under the terms of the arrangement, FremantleMedia International will continue to be the exclusive distribution and first-look partner for all Fresh One productions featuring Jamie Oliver. The deal allows FMI to distribute tape sales from Oliver’s existing shows- such as Jamie’s Money Saving Meals/Save With Jamie; Jamie and Jimmy’s Friday Night Feasts and Jamie’s 15-Minute Meals – and includes those made under the terms of the original deal as well as any future titles.

Bob McCourt, Acting CEO, FremantleMedia International, said, “Jamie Oliver is one of the world’s most pioneering and sought-after TV personalities, renowned for his global campaigning work as well as the diversity and quality of his output. He has been a stalwart of the FremantleMedia International catalogue for over a decade and I’m delighted that we are continuing our relationship with him and the team at Fresh One Productions.” Tara Donovan, CEO, Jamie Oliver Media added: “We are delighted to be continuing the relationship with FremantleMedia International. Their international sales network has helped to take our shows across the world and in doing so, has spread the message that food and home-cooking is a joy to be embraced by everyone.”

FMI began its relationship with Fresh One in 2002, when it began distributing Oliver’s Twist on behalf of the international chef and campaigner. That title continues to whet the appetite of international buyers and has so far been sold to over 200 territories. Meanwhile, Oliver’s most recent title Jamie’s Money Saving Meals/Save with Jamie, which FMI launched at MIPCOM in October 2013, has already sold to over 100 territories to date.

In April, FMI will be bringing two new Oliver titles to the international marketplace: Jamie and Jimmy’s Food Fight Club S2, in which childhood friends Jamie Oliver and Jimmy Doherty embark on further culinary adventures, creating incredible food with celebrity guests including Usain Bolt and Sienna Miller, and Jamie’s Festive Feasts a celebration of the lazy winter days at the end of the year after Christmas when it’s time to kick back, spend some quality time with family and friends, and cook up some amazing dishes.

Founded by Jamie Oliver in 2001 and now led by the creative brains behind hit shows from The X-Factor and Who Wants to Be a Millionaire, Jamie’s Kitchen and 30-Minute Meals to Operatunity and Ballet Changed My Life, the company has broadened out to make acclaimed food formats such as Chef Race, The Restaurant Inspector and Two Greedy Italians; hit formats such as Dream School – now in its second season in the US; documentary series and singles such as The Men Who Made Us Fat/Thin, The Sound of Musicals, Richard Pryor Omit the Logic, Mad Dog: Gaddafi’s Secret World and even dramas such as Spies of Warsaw with David Tennant.

March 5, 2014
FremantleMedia reveals Jury Members for CEO’s Got Talent

MUMBAI: Following the announcement of the new initiative, CEO’s Got Talent, FremantleMedia today announced its distinguished three-member jury for the evening. Bringing together the mavericks of the corporate and entertainment world on a common platform, Raj Nayak, CEO, COLORS; celebrated director-producer Mahesh Bhatt and renowned actor Raveena Tandon are all set to be part of the jury panel. Hosted by Mini Mathur, CEO’s Got Talent is a unique initiative, featuring 12 CEOs of India Inc.showcasing a fun and lighter side to themselves. The event is set to take place at Grand Hyatt Mumbai on Friday, March 7, 2014 and will be telecast on CNBC TV18.

Illustrious Bollywood actor Raveena Tandon, jury member said, “I have recently started my own venture and, so, I can confirm first-hand that it is very difficult to find a balance between work and play. I feel humbled to be given the opportunity to be a part of this unique initiative which allows you to witness never-seen-before talent of corporates on stage. The fact that proceeds raised through this initiative will be donated towards the welfare of under-privileged children and make a difference in their lives also prompted my decision to judge this event.”

Speaking about his decision to be part of the jury, acclaimed filmmaker Mahesh Bhatt said, “Over the years, discovering impressive talent and bringing them to the limelight has been my passion. Through my association with CEO’s Got Talent, I am looking forward to extend my expertise to Corporate India. The initiative is a novel concept with the head-honchos from the corporate world revealing their hidden side. I am happy to be a part of this initiative and am looking forward to an enjoyable and entertaining evening witnessing the fantastic talent of today’s leaders.”

Raj Nayak, CEO, COLORS said, “CEO’s Got Talent is an incredible initiative being undertaken by FremantleMedia to encourage CEOs from across the country to step away from the hustle and bustle of their daily routine and showcase their talent. I am elated to be associated with the property as a jury member and look forward to witnessing the creative side of today’s young and upcoming leaders who have taken the corporate world by storm.”

Produced by FremantleMedia and presented by Blackberry Messenger, CEO’s Got Talent will showcase India Inc.’s leaders in a manner never seen before, even by their peers. Proceeds from CEO’s Got Talent will go to Genesis Foundation, who provide financial support for life-saving and life-changing medical intervention for critically ill under-privileged children in areas of cancer, cardiac disorder, organ failure, thalassemia and extreme deformitie.

March 3, 2014
FremantleMedia International swings acquisition of The Sixties

MUMBAI: FremantleMedia International further expands its factual portfolio with the acquisition of global distribution rights (excluding the U.S.) to The Sixties, a 10 x 1 hour documentary series from CNN Originals. The series is executive produced for CNN/U.S. by the multiple EMMY® Award-winning producers Tom Hanks and Gary Goetzman (HBO’s John Adams, The Pacific, and Game Change) of Playtone; and the EMMY® Award-winning producer Mark Herzog (History’s Gettysburg) of Herzog & Company (HCO). FremantleMedia International will launch The Sixties at this year’s MIPTV market in April, 2014.

The provocative and sweeping The Sixties explores the most transformative years of the modern era in America and beyond, examining how and why this decade became a period of such consequence and fascination. From the assassination of JFK, the Cold War and civil rights, to social change and the British invasion with Beatlemania. The Sixties presents a unique view of this decade as it retraces the familiar and unearths the unknown.

Through rarely seen archival footage, personal movies, interviews with eyewitnesses and expert commentary from a range of leading historians including David McCullough, Robert Dallek, and Robert Caro and prominent participants including Smokey Robinson, Carol Burnett, The Smothers Brothers, journalist Morley Safer, and political activist Tom Hayden; the series will reveal all of the key moments that helped to shape this pivotal decade.

Hayley Dickson, Vice President, Television Acquisitions and Development, Global Content, FremantleMedia International, who collaborated with Stacey Wolf, Vice President for Business Affairs at CNN and HLN for the deal, said, “The Sixties is a truly paramount docu-series that is unlike anything that I have seen before. Featuring fascinating topics, beautifully remastered rarely seen archive footage, and award-winning producers Tom Hanks, Gary Goetzman, and Mark Herzog at the helm, this special series is already generating a lot of excitement throughout the US and we’re confident that it will be equally as popular around the world.”

The Sixties is co-produced by CNN, Playtone, and Herzog & Company for CNN/US. The series launched on CNN in the US, in November 2013 with a 90-minute special episode, The Assassination of JFK (1963), timed with the observance of the 50th anniversary of the assassination of President John F. Kennedy and seen by 21.0 million total viewers and 8.2 million viewers in the coveted 25 to 54 age demo during 19 broadcasts.

The Assassination of JFK (1963) and The British Invasion will encore on CNN/U.S. with the full The Sixties series which is due to launch in May 2014.

Visit FremantleMedia at MIPTV 2014 at Stand No. C11.A1 (Croisette 11, Aisle 1), Palais du Festival, 7 – 10 April

February 25, 2014
Private equity firm Apollo may get management control of Endemol

MUMBAI: US-based Private equity firm Apollo Global Management is close to taking control of Endemol, the world’s largest independent television production company, according to media reports.

Apollo owns a 30 per cent stake in Endemol, which produces popular television shows including ‘Big Brother’ and ‘Deal or No Deal’.

The reports said Apollo has arrived at an agreement with the creditors of Endemol, including Royal Bank of Scotland and goldman Sachs, that allows it to take a majority stake in the Dutch entertainment company.

The reports also suggested that the management of Endemol would back the move to let Apollo have a majority stake in the company as it would strengthen its capital position.

Apollo also owns Core Media, which produces formats like ‘American Idol’ and ‘So You Think You Can Dance’.

Endemol in India has adaptations of its reality formats in ‘Big Boss’ and ‘Khatron Ke Khiladi’, and original formats like ‘Emotional Atyachar’ and ‘The Great Indian Laughter Challenge’.

The reports said Dasym Investment Strategies, which has a 25 per cent stake in Endemol, has given up on its bid for having management control of the company.

February 22, 2014