Tag: FremantleMedia

  • Atrangii hires veteran producer to spearhead content blitz

    Atrangii hires veteran producer to spearhead content blitz

    MUMBAI: Atrangii and Hari Om OTT have recruited  Vidyuth Bhandary as executive vice-president for content and studios, as the streaming platforms gear up for an aggressive expansion push.

    The appointment brings nearly three decades of media muscle to the homegrown platforms. Bhandary previously ran studios at Dice Media, where he masterminded OTT content development and production. His cv spans heavyweight roles at Times Internet/MX Media, FremantleMedia, Star India and Big FM, with credits including top-rated international format shows and blockbuster Indian streaming content.

    In his new perch, Bhandary will commandeer content teams across both platforms whilst heading up their newly-minted studio division. His brief includes turbo-charging Atrangii’s fiction and non-fiction pipeline and crafting devotional stories for Hari Om. The studio arm will churn out original intellectual property for third-party OTT services, television and films.

    “We’re in a phase of aggressive growth, expanding our footprint and cementing our leadership,” said Vibhu Agarwal, founder of both platforms. “Vidyuth’s appointment is a key step—his experience will help strengthen our in-house content engine and accelerate our plans to build a world-class studio ecosystem.”
    The hire signals Atrangii’s intent to muscle in on India’s crowded streaming battleground. Bhandary pledged to forge fresh content partnerships whilst building “a multi-year roadmap” for both domestic and international markets.

    “My goal is to help build a strong in-house content slate, while also developing a full-fledged studio setup,” he said. “I look forward to expanding into new markets, genres and achieving the vision set by the management.”
    The move underscores how Indian streaming services are doubling down on original content to differentiate themselves in an increasingly saturated market.

  • Amazon Prime Video secure exclusive rights to new series of american idol in UK for first time

    Amazon Prime Video secure exclusive rights to new series of american idol in UK for first time

    MUMBAI: American Idol, the iconic series that revolutionized the US television landscape by pioneering the music competition genre, goes global as FremantleMedia International completes deals for the new series in 150 territories.

    The latest deal to have been completed is with Amazon Prime Video UK, which will see American Idol air exclusively in the UK the day after it first airs in the US.

    On the deal,  EMEA for FremantleMedia International, EVP, Head of Sales and Distribution, Jamie Lynn said: “American Idol has launched to fantastic ratings on ABC in the US and we are excited that Amazon Prime Video will become the exclusive home of the new series in the UK with this unique deal. To see one of the biggest entertainment shows on a streaming service is a not only a first, but testament to the appetite for American Idol and will be a whole new way to reach fans of the series.”

    FremantleMedia International’s global sales team have secured a multitude of new international deals for new season of the entertainment series with CTV (Canada), Foxtel (Australia), Canal Sony (Latin America), MNET (Africa), SIC (Portugal and Portuguese-speaking Africa), Intervision (Greece), Three (New Zealand), Fjarskipti (Iceland), Novalifε (Greece), Sia All Media (Lithuania), Marjan Television (Farsi-speaking MENA), beIN (MENA) and beIN Series Home&Entertainment (Turkey).

    Helping to determine who will ultimately become the next singing sensation are music industry forces and superstar judges, Luke Bryan, Katy Perry and Lionel Richie. Emmy Award-winning producer Ryan Seacrest returns as host of the beloved series.

    American Idol launched on ABC to an overnight audience of 10.3 million, making it the number one show in its timeslot and more than doubling the slot average. The “Idol” format has taken on original versions in 55 countries around the world, and American Idol itself has played to a worldwide audience across 150 territories.

    To date, American Idol has earned 57 Emmy nominations and eight wins, including the prestigious Governors Award in 2016, and its talented discoveries have already won 13 Grammys, two Golden Globes and an Academy Award, among numerous other accolades. The show has launched the careers of superstars Kelly Clarkson, Carrie Underwood, Jennifer Hudson, Katharine McPhee, Adam Lambert and Chris Daughtry, among many others. American Idol contestants have sold more than 61 million albums, resulting in more than 47 Platinum records.  Its participants have generated more than 444 Billboard No. 1 hits and sold more than 257 million digital downloads.

    “American Idol” is produced by FremantleMedia North America and CORE Media Group’s 19 Entertainment. Executive producers include FremantleMedia North America’s Trish Kinane and Jennifer Mullin, along with executive producer Phil McIntyre representing CORE Media. FremantleMedia International distributes the series worldwide

  • FremantleMedia wins rights for Japanese show Vs Kids

    FremantleMedia wins rights for Japanese show Vs Kids

    MUMBAI: FremantleMedia has acquired the format rights to entertainment series Vs Kids from TV Asahi in Japan. Vs Kids pits former professionals against new generation stars, both champions in their respective categories, as they compete to see who will be the ultimate champion.

    When an ex-pro is pitted against a current young star of the same field in a serious match, real international competition rules apply. There are no advantages given to the kid champions nor handicaps to the pros, as professional commentators give live play by play commentaries of the competition.

    Vs Kids originally launched in a late evening slot in October 2016. The series was then immediately promoted to primetime in the autumn and continues to attract huge ratings, while expanding into both academic and game categories.

    Global Acquisitions and Development EVP Vasha Wallace said: “It’s an exciting and timely for a show like Vs Kids. The series has done incredibly well in Japan on TV Asahi, both in terms of ratings and reception.”

    TV Asahi format development and sales head Yuka Kakui, said: “The show has received much acclaim and continues to be a stellar and unique program in our primetime. As Japan prepares for the next summer’s Olympic Games, we are thrilled that many young and uprising champions will be given a stage and look forward to many countries seeing the talent and enthusiasm of former champions.”

  • FremantleMedia enters into creative partnership with 87 Films

    FremantleMedia enters into creative partnership with 87 Films

    Mumbai: FremantleMedia continues to build its roster of creative scripted partnerships with a new development deal with 87 Films. 87 Films was formed by Dudi Appleton and Jim Keeble, one of the leading writing teams in the UK drama industry, with executive producer Patrick Irwin joining the company. 

    Under the new agreement, the companies will collaborate on ambitious scripted projects for the international market alongside FremantleMedia’s global in-house producers. 87 Films is currently developing dramas with the FremantleMedia’s Wildside in Italy, Kwai in France, Miso across Scandinavia, and FremantleMedia North America in the US.

    FremantleMedia director of global drama Sarah Doole said, “Jim and Dudi are a creative force that will be a tremendous addition to FremantleMedia. They have an exceptional vision for stories that tie perfectly into our ambitions for our drama business. This key relationship will bring their talents to our global network of producers.”

    Appleton added, “Christian Vesper and Sarah Doole are hugely inspiring collaborators for us. We speak the same language. In an international television business that can seem increasingly corporate, they are passionate about great dramatic stories wherever they come from, wherever they lead. And telling those stories is what we do. Collaborating with FremantleMedia’s global producers, we are creating authentic new drama that breaks through traditional borders of culture, language, and place.”

    The agreement with 87 Films is the latest in FremantleMedia’s creative partnerships. Over the past few years, the company has invested in talented scripted creators, including Miso Film, Abot Hameiri, Dancing Ledge, Fontaram, Kwai, Wildside, Bend It TV and Easy Tiger, and has completed development deals with SLAM Films and Neil Gaiman.

  • FremantleMedia appoints Aradhana Bhola as India MD

    FremantleMedia appoints Aradhana Bhola as India MD

    MUMBAI: FremantleMedia has announced the appointment of Aradhana Bhola to the role of the managing director at FremantleMedia India.

    Based in Mumbai, Aradhana will head up the company’s Indian business, reporting in to Ian Hogg, FremantleMedia’s Regional Chief Executive Officer, Australia & Asia Pacific. As Managing Director, Aradhana will be responsible for managing all development and production operations in India and leveraging relationships with broadcast and digital partners throughout the country. The appointment will be effective immediately.

    Announcing the appointment, Ian Hogg, said: “Aradhana is a class act, she’s creative, energetic and driven. Aradhana’s experience and understanding of the Indian market means she is the ideal candidate to build on the great successes FremantleMedia has already enjoyed in the region while unlocking the many exciting creative and commercial opportunities it presents.”

    On her appointment, Aradhana Bhola said: “I am delighted to have the opportunity to spearhead the India operations at FremantleMedia. This challenge is very exciting, given the complexity and diversity of the Indian content market. In my new role, I hope to push the team’s creative and innovative vision to new heights.”

    Aradhana joined FremantleMedia India in 2012 as Creative Director and was promoted to Head of Content in 2015. During her time with the company she has overseen production on titles including India’s Got Talent (Colors), Indian Idol (Sony), Covershot (National Geographic Channel), Angels of Rock (MTV) and Amra Na Ora (Star Jalsha). Prior to joining the business, Aradhana was VP Programming at Star Plus and Head of Programming at Zoom.

    FremantleMedia India first opened its office in 2009 and has since ranked amongst the leaders in television content in the region. The company has produced tentpole programmes such as Indian Idol and India’s Got Talent, which continue to attract record audiences. The seventh season of Indian Idol premiered to over 9 million viewers, doubling Sony TV’s primetime average. The most recent series of India’s Got Talent peaked at 9.7 million viewers, delivered an audience 55% higher than Color’s primetime average and reached an impressive 230 million viewers across the season.

    In 2016, FremantleMedia India produced its first web series, Confessions – It’s Complicated, which launched exclusively on Facebook. The online series amassed an incredible 40 million hits across the series and 11.5 million views. There were also 70,000 innovative live audience interactions with the cast. A second season is now in development.

  • Studio Canal’s Neylon joins FremantleMedia as EVP

    MUMBAI: FremantleMedia International has appointed Katrina Neylon as the executive vice president – global content.

    Neylon will manage the existing global content team and oversee the acquisition strategy for all scripted and non-scripted programming for FremantleMedia International (FMI) with the aim of generating strong commercial returns for all partners.

    Working creatively with a mix of third party and in-house producers to invest, develop and acquire content, Neylon and the team will continue to source top-quality programming from around the world to build and complement FMI’s current pipeline. Joining the company next month, Neylon will report to the FMI CEO Jens Richter.

    Richter said, “With a standout reputation, in-depth industry knowledge, as well as fantastic producer relationships, Katrina is the ideal executive to lead our global content team. Katrina’s extensive experience of complex deal-making and commercial acumen will be key to continuing our business growth strategy.”

    On her appointment, Neylon said, “FremantleMedia International has an established reputation for high-end quality content and I look forward to working with the team to build upon their ambitious plans of working with the best producer and writer talent in the business.”

    Neylon joins FremantleMedia from Studio Canal where she held the position of EVP of international sales and marketing, and oversaw the global sales strategy for Studio Canal’s extensive TV production slate and drove global and multi-territory deals. Prior to her position at Studio Canal, Neylon was the SVP of sales, EMEA, at Shine International where she managed the EMEA sales team. Neylon has also held sales and management roles at Disney ABC International Television and Twentieth Century Fox International Television.

  • FremantleMedia expands into scripted content, partners bestselling author Heather Lende

    MUMBAI: FremantleMedia is further expanding its push into scripted content by teaming up with bestselling author Heather Lende to develop Find The Good, an uplifting drama series inspired by Lende’s memoir of the same name and her earlier memoir, If You Lived Here, I’d Know Your Name.

    FremantleMedia’s global drama director Sarah Doole and EVP – creative director, global drama Christian Vesper (Top Of The Lake and The Honourable Woman) have acquired the rights and will oversee the rollout of the adaptation.
     
    The books will serve as the inspiration for a TV drama about Heather, a small-town Alaska obituary writer who investigates the lives of her recently deceased neighbours. Her hometown of Haines (pop. 2,400) is as beautiful as it is perilous, and as a result, residents are just as likely to die from natural causes as they are from an avalanche, small plane crash or boat sinking.

    For Heather, each assignment begins a new investigation. Like a detective, she uncovers everything from past glory to family secrets, from intimate community connections to love, loss, and regret. Each journey not only informs how Heather navigates her own life – she is married with five children and six grandchildren – but also encourages us to understand our own.

    “Find The Good offers an honest, clear-eyed, optimistic worldview that today’s audiences are yearning for,” Vesper said. “Heather’s books are packed with authentic characters living real lives in this gorgeous yet sometimes harsh environment. Her writing reinforces our need for deep human connection and we’re looking forward to adapting the stories into a drama that the whole family can enjoy. Life. Death. Humanity. Heather’s stories have all of the elements of a successful, feel-good, multi-generational and multi-cultural drama with universal appeal.”

    “I’m excited to partner with Sarah, Christian, and a company like FremantleMedia,” author Lende said of the acquisition. “Some people may think that what I do is morbid, but compared to front-page news these days, obituaries are downright inspirational. I don’t write about death, I write about life—one person at a time, and I do it while living in community that is like a family. If I have learned anything, it is that what matters in the end are relationships. Did he do a little good? Was she kind? Was he brave? Will someone miss her? I think that matters, and mostly, the answer to those questions is yes.”

    Brian Pines of Hypomania Content and Ellie Altshuler of Nixon Peabody LLP brokered the deal. Lende is represented by Elizabeth Wales of the Wales Literary Agency. Find The Good and If You Lived Here, I’d Know Your Name were originally published by Algonquin Books of Chapel Hill, a division of Workman Publishing Co.

    Heather Lende grew up on Long Island’s North Shore and attended private school and college before moving to Alaska 35 years ago. Lende has contributed to NPR, The Christian Science Monitor, The New York Times, The Washington Post, National Geographic Traveler, and others. She’s also a former contributing editor to Woman’s Day Magazine.

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  • Amazon renews ‘American Gods’ originals, starring Whittle & McShane

    MUMBAI: Amazon has announced that the highly-acclaimed Amazon Original Series American Gods, which premiered on 1 May, has been renewed for a second season. At present, American Gods is among the top 10 shows in India on Amazon’s international Prime Video service.

    Amazon claims American Gods, produced by FremantleMedia North America, garnered an overall rating of 8.6 on IMDb and a top critics score of 95% on Rotten Tomatoes. Prime Video vice president – international Tim Leslie said, “We’re bringing a second season of Neil Gaiman’s riveting story.”

    As is known Amazon Prime Video is offering 30-day free trial for watching these and other Hollywood and Bollywood movies, US TV shows, kids’ programming and Amazon Originals.

    In Season one, viewers encountered a war brewing between Old Gods and New. The traditional Old Gods, with mythological roots from around the world, fear irrelevance as their believers die off or are seduced by the money, technology, and celebrity offered by the New Gods. Adapted from the award-winning novel by Neil Gaiman, American Gods stars Ricky Whittle (The 100, Austenland) as protagonist ex-con Shadow Moon, Ian McShane (Deadwood, Pirates of the Caribbean) as Mr. Wednesday, who enlists Shadow Moon as part of his cross-country mission, and Emily Browning (Sucker Punch, Legend) as Shadow’s wife, Laura Moon. American Gods Season one also features Gillian Anderson (The X-Files) as Media, the mouthpiece for the New Gods, Kristin Chenoweth (Pushing Daisies, Wicked) as Easter, Pablo Schreiber (13 Hours, Orange Is the New Black) as Mad Sweeney, and Yetide Badaki (Aquarius, Masters of Sex) as Bilquis.

    Written by Neil Gaiman in 2001, American Gods has been translated into over 30 languages and earned numerous accolades including Hugo, Nebula and Bram Stoker Awards for Best Novel.

    Bryan Fuller (“Hannibal,” “Pushing Daisies,” “Heroes”) and Michael Green (“Blade Runner 2049,” “Alien: Covenant,” “Murder on the Orient Express,” “Kings,” “Heroes”) are writers and showrunners. David Slade (“Hannibal,” “The Twilight Saga: Eclipse”) directed the pilot and additional episodes. FMNA’s Craig Cegielski and Stefanie Berk are executive producers along with Fuller, Green, Slade, Adam Kane and Neil Gaiman. Senior Vice Presidents of Original Programming Marta Fernandez and Ken Segna are the Starz executives in charge of “American Gods.”

  • FremantleMedia signs Europe deals for factual reality series ‘The Lie Detective’

    CANNES: FremantleMedia has secured five new commissions for the highly entertaining factual reality series The Lie Detective. Devised by True North, the format, which sees a human lie detector put couples in the hot seat to test their honesty, has been picked up by SBS (Belgium), Antenna (Greece), STV Pirma! (Latvia), RTL 5 (Netherlands) and TV2 (Norway). FremantleMedia holds the global rights (excluding the US) for the format.

    FremantleMedia Head of Global Entertainment Production Chris O’Dell said, “We are delighted at the fantastic reception The Lie Detective has received from the international broadcasters. We’re excited to work with them to deliver local versions of the entertainingly honest and distinctly frank format.”

    True North executive producer Fiona O’Sullivan said, “It’s great to see The Lie Detective take off in so many territories so quickly. It’s a completely captivating concept with so many universal themes, it will be amazing to see all the hard work everyone has put into its creation and production manifest in these international series.”

    The highly-charged series, which launched on Channel 4 (UK) in Autumn 2016, sees current couples, wannabe couples, and ex-couples engage in heart-to-heart and compellingly candid conversations with their loved ones to find out whether they’ve always told it like it is, or whether their relationship has been based on lies. Dan Ribacoff will return as the Lie Detective in the Netherlands version of the show where he will use his incredible ability to read body language with genuine polygraph tests to give the couples answers to their long running problems.

    Meanwhile, the local versions will be presented by new experts, who will lend their own unique and extensive knowledge to the format.

  • FremantleMedia to handle global rights to IMR TV format co-developed with Future Group

    MUMBAI: FremantleMedia has unveiled the first look at the ground-breaking ‘Lost in Time’, a newly-developed, entertainment format created in collaboration with The Future Group.

    The format will be showcased to buyers at MIPTV. The Norwegian series is due to launch on TV Norge on 25 March.

    Using Interactive Mixed Reality (IMR), Lost in Time follows three contestants as they are transported into different eras including the Wild West, Ice Age, Medieval age and the Jurassic period where they compete in a series of epic challenges against the clock with the aim of winning one jackpot prize. The fast-paced entertainment show will keep viewers on the edge of their seats as they watch the contests battle it out to be crowned Champion.

    Viewers can also be taken to the Lost in Time virtual world where they are able to play against the show contestants and players from across the country in real-time with the chance to win prizes through an iOS or Android app – a first-ever blending of primetime TV and mobile entertainment.

    Lost in Time is set to push the boundaries of television as we know it by incorporating real-time special effects pioneered in The Matrix that bring a feature film experience to the TV.

    Produced in partnership with Norway-based IMR pioneer The Future Group, the initial version of Lost in Time will be hosted by Fridtjof Nilsen.