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Tag: FremantleMedia

  • FremantleMedia gets punk’d

    FremantleMedia gets punk’d

    MUMBAI: FremantleMedia today completed a format acquisition deal with Katalyst Network, co-founded by Ashton Kutcher and Jason Goldberg, and MTV for the international rights (excluding North America) to the hilarious, hidden-camera reality show,Punk’d. FremantleMedia will launch the title at MIPTV.

    Having launched on MTV in 2003,Punk’dbecame a breakout hit and set a new standard by which other hidden-camera shows were judged. The reality format with a twist features pranks being played on unwitting celebrities and friends. The series creator and Executive Producer, Ashton Kutcher, set out to prove that no one in Hollywood was safe from his devious and hilarious antics, as he masterminded and directedan array of devilish pranks.The celebrity victims never suspected a thing, until it was too late and they realised that they had been punk’d. Punk’d’s previous victims include Justin Timberlake, Jessica Alba, Kate Beckinsale, Katie Holmes, Zac Efron and John Cena.

    Vasha Wallace, SVP, Global Acquisitions and Development at FremantleMedia said, “The timing is absolutely perfect to launch thePunk’dformat globally. With all of the advances in cameras and technology, there is a huge amount that we can do with this show, and are very much looking forward to working with Katalyst Network and MTV to take the hilarious format worldwide.”

    Caroline Beaton, Senior Vice President, International Programme Sales, Viacom International Media Networks said,“There is more international interest than ever before in acquiring MTV formats. FremantleMedia has a reputation for creating and acquiring high-quality formats as well as the capacity to produce them in many territories around the world, so we’re delighted that they’ve picked up the international rights to this iconic MTV format with the intention of remaking it for a new generation of fans.”

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

     

  • FremantleMedia asks ‘Who Lives Here?’ in new format acquisition

    FremantleMedia asks ‘Who Lives Here?’ in new format acquisition

    MUMBAI: FremantleMedia is bringing a new format to MIPTV, having acquired the global production rights (excluding North America) to Who Lives Here? – a new competitive property format from Canadian production company, 3Bird Media.

    Who Lives Here?combines our love of snooping around other people’s houses and our pre-conceptions about people based on first appearances. In each episode, five strangers tour each other’s homes together and try to work out who lives where. The only information they have at their disposal are their first impressions and their knowledge of each other’s professions.

    As they visit each home – which can range from quirky to quaint, uber-modern loft apartment to the extravagant mansion, suburban homes to urban condos – participants have to plot who they think lives in this particular place, matching up design style with their preconceptions of one another. Participants can decide which details about themselves to highlight and which to ‘omit’ so that they don’t give away which home is their own. At the end of the show – once all the guesses have been collated – each homeowner reveals their own place. Whoever makes the most correct home to homeowner matches wins a cash prize, not to mention bragging rights.

    Vasha Wallace, SVP, Global Acquisitions and Development at FremantleMedia said, “Who Lives Here? is one of those fantastically simple concepts that has massive potential to travel globally. It taps into two universal notions: our desire to see where – and how – other people live, and the preconceptions we make about people on first meeting them. It is hugely addictive to be both looking at the people’s homes but also to be guessing along with the participants as to who lives in which house. We’re very excited to be working with the creative and talented AndrikaLawren and Jennifer Twamley at 3BirdMedia, to help take their idea to the rest of the world.”

    AndrikaLawren, Partner and Executive Producer at 3BirdMedia added: “FremantleMedia’s breadth of experience and impressive reputation with successful formats makes them the perfect partner to take Who Lives Here?into the international marketplace. We are absolutely thrilled to be working with the team at FremantleMedia who share our enthusiasm for the series and our belief that its universal appeal will resonate globally. ”

    Ten episodes of Who Lives Here are currently being produced for HGTV Network in the US and W Network in Canada. The series will premiere in April 2014 in Canada and the US Visit FremantleMedia at MIPTV 2014 at Stand No. C11.A1 (Croisette 11, Aisle 1), 7 – 10 April.

     

  • FremantleMedia to bring ‘Benefits Street’ to MipTV

    FremantleMedia to bring ‘Benefits Street’ to MipTV

    MUMBAI: FremantleMedia and Love Productions todayannouncedan acquisition deal that sees FremantleMedia take the worldwide rights (excluding UK and North America) to Benefits Street, the most talked about and opinion-dividing show in the UK.Givinga no holds barredaccount of the reality of life on state welfare,the controversial social reality showrecently aired on Channel 4in the UK, and became the highest ratingseries for the channel in three years.

    Benefits Streetdivided the country and sparked a national debate in every home,office and even in parliament. Highlighting social issues, the show reveals the reality of life on benefits as the residents of one of Britain’s most welfare-dependent streets invite cameras into their tight-knit community. The series follows the residents as they navigate their way through life enduring economic hardships, raising children in poverty, low levels of education and training, and crime. Despite the challenges, the street has a strong sense of community. This is a place where people look out for one another and where small acts of kindness can go a long way.

    The UK version of the show launched in January and achieved a peak audience of 6.5 million viewers. Over the course of the series20.7 million viewers sampled the show, a massive 35% of the UK’s TV population.Throughout the series, Benefits Street continuously ranked as the number one show in its time slot amongst young adults (16-34). The show created such a strong reaction, including a social media storm,that an additional live debate show,Benefits Street: The Last Word, was commissioned.A second series of Benefits Street is in the pipeline.

    Rob Clark, Director of Global Entertainment Development, FremantleMedia said: “I’m a huge fan of this show. It is a noisy, gloves-off, groundbreaking reality series that at times is touching and heartwarming. It covers a social issue that affects us all and cannot be ignored. I watched it on Channel 4 and am proud to launch it internationally at MIPTV.”

    Richard McKerrow, Chief Executive of Love Productions said: “Benefits Street caused a huge stir when it was broadcast in the UK, engaging record-breaking audiences in serious social issues. We are delighted to be working with FremantleMedia and very excited to be bringing this show to the international market”.

     

  • FremantleMedia reveals Jury Members for CEO’s Got Talent

    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.

  • FremantleMedia increases global production footprint with a new spanish office

    FremantleMedia increases global production footprint with a new spanish office

    MUMBAI: FremantleMedia, one of the largest creators, producers and distributors of television brands in the world, is continuing to grow its global production business by opening a new Spanish office in Madrid and appointing Nathalie Garcia as Chief Executive Officer. Reporting directly to FremantleMedia’s Chief Executive Officer, Cecile Frot-Coutaz, Garcia will be charged with the strategic vision and overall management of the business, as well as developing and producing programming for broadcasters in the market.

    FremantleMedia’s Chief Executive Officer, Cecile Frot-Coutaz says: “Having a presence in Spain is an important step in FremantleMedia’s growth strategy for southern Europe.  Nathalie’s impressive track record in understanding the Iberian television market and her expertise working with key broadcasters to develop successful originations and local format productions will be invaluable in helping us to gain a foothold in this market, as we seek to broaden our global presence further.”

    Nathalie Garcia says: “FremantleMedia has a worldwide reputation as a high quality television producer with an international network of production offices that feed and supply one another. I’m very much looking forward to working with such a global business, helping to build FremantleMedia Espa?a’s operation. I can’t wait to work with local broadcasters on FremantleMedia’s impressive catalogue of brands like Family Feud, Got Talent, The X Factor, Idols and The Price is Right in order to build a 360 degree business that encompasses television and digital.”

    Garcia joins FremantleMedia from Plural Entertainment where she was CEO for Spain and Portugal. She is credited with restructuring the business to bring it more in line with market conditions, securing long-term production commitments like Hermano Mayor (Spanish adaptation of french format Le Grand Fr?re) and boosting the novelas production with both original developments and adaptations of formats such as Belmonte (based on Telemundo´s Herederos del Monte).

    Before Plural, Garcia was CEO of Notro TV, part of the Vertice 360 Group. Within two years, the company was positioned as one of the main players in Spain, developing local productions including Doctor Mateo  – a highly successful local version of the UK series, Doc Martin. As SVP Distribution and Production for Sony Pictures Television International, Garcia opened Sony´s office in the territory, leading the company for 10 years, and launched the production business, getting two series commissioned, including Spain’s first local drama in HD, based up on the Argentinian format Los Simuladores. She began her television career with Telemadrid, negotiating film buying from large multinational companies.

    Garcia joins FremantleMedia in March.

  • After IGT’s success, FremantleMedia brings ‘CEO’s Got Talent’

    After IGT’s success, FremantleMedia brings ‘CEO’s Got Talent’

    MUMBAI: The Indian audience loves watching the talented sector of the country showcase it on the screen. That’s the reason why a reality show like India’s Got Talent has not just become popular but has even sustained for five seasons. Taking the concept forward, FremantleMedia India, the production house behind the show, has announced the launch of a unique initiative called CEO’s Got Talent.

     

    CEOs, who form the backbone of Corporate India, will compete against each other to put their unique talents under the spotlight, that usually don’t come into play in their boardroom lives. A first-of-its-kind property created by FremantleMedia within the ‘Got Talent’ franchise, is an effort to recognise the creativity and talent amongst CEOs, which often remains hidden due to their intense day to day business-led lives.

     

    The programme will feature 12 CEOs and will take place at the Grand Hyatt on Friday, 7 March, 2014. It will be broadcast on CNBC TV18 .

     

    Produced by FremantleMedia and presented by Blackberry Messenger, the initiative will invite CEOs from India Inc. who will compete on this stage. The special event will have Raj Nayak, CEO – COLORS, as jury member among notable personalities. The most talented CEO will be chosen from among the 12 participating CEOs, who will showcase their lighter and talented side thereby making it a fun evening.

     

    FremantleMedia India MD Anupama Mandloi said: “We are excited to launch this unique format, a first-of-its-kind adaptation of our global ‘Got Talent’ Franchise.  With CNBC TV18 as our broadcast partner, our endeavour is to reach out to the core business leaders in the country and show-case their talent outside of the corporate board rooms!”

     

    She further added, “The response has been fantastic and we look forward to some very enthusiastic participation.”

     

    Proceeds from CEOs Got Talent will go to Genesis Foundation that 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.

  • Fremantlemedia on form with new formats

    Fremantlemedia on form with new formats

    MUMBAI: Exciting new titles are on their way to MIPTV this year with a range of fresh formats from FremantleMedia. Renowned for enthralling global formats, FremantleMedia are set to provide buyers with even more original and creative ideas for audiences across the world.

    Setting pulses racing is the dating show of the future The Love Table, in association with Asahi Broadcasting Corporation. The inventive new show sees the world’s first flat-pack dating machine – a completely interactive, electronic and talking table, that will help singletons to bag themselves a date. With her LED screen the Love Table cheekily reveals more about the girls and guys seated across each other, by hacking into their online profiles and activities. Using the latest technology and social media the Love Table exposes the most intimate details of their lives, helping them to get to know each other and steering them in the right direction in their quest for love. The singletons then push the Love Table’s buttons to highlight the direction of their desires. These electronic arrows of affection are also shown on the Love Table’s screen allowing viewers to see if a match has been made. The Love Table’s fun games and touch screen rounds bring dating shows into a new generation.

    Also getting off the blocks is Fittest Family from Animo TV/Kite Entertainment, which sees twelve uber fit and sports mad families compete for the title of the fittest family and a big cash prize. Each episode sees four sporting legends assigned to coach the families and push them to their fitness max. The families compete against one another as they get put through a set of extreme challenges with only the fittest surviving. Currently airing on Irish pubcaster RTÉ One as ‘Ireland’s Fittest Family’,  the primetime series is on track, and has become popular viewing as it delivers big numbers in it’s 7.30pm, Saturday slot.

     
    With pens at the ready, a brand new talent show for aspiring writers, Masterpiece, is set to hit the shelves. The series aims to find the next big name in literature and sees contestants compete for the chance to see their first work (whether a novel, a collection of short stories or poetry) printed by a renowned publisher. Contestants are shortlisted through a series of interviews and a critique of previously prepared work, with the chosen few going on to compete in a number of literary challenges that are marked by expert judges. The first episode of Masterpiece on RAI in Italy performed well above the channel average, reaching a 5.14% average share and generated an incredible buzz on social media, with #masterpiece trending overnight. 

     
    The medical observational reality format, An Hour to Save Your Life explores in forensic detail the dilemmas and innovations at the frontline of emergency medicine. The moment an emergency call is made, the clock starts ticking – the expert medical attention a patient receives in this first hour is critical, and could mean the difference between life or death. Following specialist clinicians as they respond to the most serious of cases, the series offers a unique insight into the minute-by-minute decisions that are made in the fight for life. Each episode follows the responses to three very different medical emergencies and viewers are able to see the extraordinary drama unfold as critically ill patients are treated with revolutionary new procedures. Exploring the predicaments and advances of emergency care in a way not previously seen on television, An Hour to Save Your Life captures it all.

     
    Finally, it’s never too early to start thinking about Christmas and what better gift than the unique festive competition, The Christmas Light Fight. From the breath-taking to the bonkers, families decorate their homes to the extreme for Christmas in the first competition of its kind for television. Families are chosen based on their previous elaborate Christmas light displays, incredible ornaments and over-the-top designs, as they compete against one another each week to transform their homes for the holidays. The families are whittled down to four finalists, who are then flown to a surprise finale city to compete for a big cash prize.

     
    Rob Clark, Director of Global Entertainment Development, said: “FremantleMedia are constantly striving to find exciting and trendsetting new formats that are accessible worldwide and we are thrilled to bring this great roster of shows to the market. Not only are these formats adaptable but I’m confident that they could be the next big thing! We’re looking forwarding to showcasing them to potential clients in April.”
     

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

  • Fremantlemedia international renews deal with Ash Atalla’s Roughcut television

    Fremantlemedia international renews deal with Ash Atalla’s Roughcut television

    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, had extended its relationship with indie comedy and comedy drama producer Roughcut Television for a further two years, it announced today.

     

    Under the terms of the deal, FremantleMedia International will continue its co-development relationship with Roughcut TV until at least the end of 2015, allowing FMI to distribute all tape sales from Roughcut’s UK commissions, including Trollied, World’s Craziest Fools, Cuckoo and Anna & Katy. The deal also grants FMI the opportunity to exploit format rights for Roughcut Television’s UK-commissioned title, allowing FremantleMedia’s global network of production offices the chance to produce the shows for local markets.

    Bob McCourt, Acting CEO, FremantleMedia International, said, “We couldn’t be happier to renew our relationship with Ash and his team for the next two years. Roughcut TV produces some of the best-known comedies in the UK and they work perfectly for FremantleMedia International’s audiences. We’re looking forward to working together to exploit our back catalogue, as well as work on new titles coming through the pipeline.”

    Ash Atalla, founder and Managing Director Roughcut Television added: “FremantleMedia are like the clever and popular mate you never had at school. They speak loads of languages, know the right people all over the world and give you the best advice.  I wish I’d met FremantleMedia when I was 15, but this will have to do.”

    Established in 2007 by Ash Atalla, Roughcut TV is one of the UK’s fastest growing independent television production companies. Specialising in scripted comedy and entertainment, the production house is best known for producing the multi award winning series’ The Office and The IT Crowd, and enjoyed record-breaking success with the supermarket based sitcom Trollied (Sky 1), which debuted with two million viewers – the highest rating multi-channel comedy launch in British TV history. Other Roughcut titles include the BBC 3 hits Cuckoo – which achieved the channel’s biggest comedy launch when it debuted last year – and World’s Craziest Fools starring Mr. T; sketch show Anna and Katy (Channel 4) and the cult hit mockumentary People Just Do Nothing (BBC 3).

    FremantleMedia International will be bringing the second season of Cuckoo to MIPTV this year, starring Hollywood A-lister, Taylor Lautner.

  • FremantleMedia international expands with creation of FremantleMedia canada

    FremantleMedia international expands with creation of FremantleMedia canada

    MUMBAI: FremantleMedia International (FMI) has officially announced the creation of FremantleMedia Canada, a Toronto based sales office for its distribution operation. The office will be headed by Susan Hummel, who has recently been hired as Senior Vice President of Distribution and Sales and starts her new position early March.

    While FMI has always had a strong presence throughout Canada, the creation of this new sales office in Toronto exemplifies the company’s long term commitment to the market/region.  Having a dedicated team on the ground will enable the company to organically grow its business in the highly competitive market across Canada, in both the English and French languages, maintaining the company’s position as a leading global distributor.

    Reporting directly to New York-based Lisa Honig, Senior Executive Vice President, FMI, Hummel will lead FMI’s first local distribution office in Canada.  She will be responsible for developing and managing strategies to license FremantleMedia content to the various distribution platforms, including traditional broadcasters, pay TV, new media, digital, etc. She will also create local marketing initiatives that will support the sale of key content within the territory.  

    “It’s a very exciting time at FMI with the company’s larger commitment to the Canadian TV market. While this last year has been one of transition, the result has been an increased focus on investing in both in-house and third party content and development, as well as a re-energized commitment to building our scripted portfolio,” said Lisa Honig, Senior Executive Vice President, FMI.  “Canada has always been one of our largest territories for international distribution and having a local team led by Susan is going to help us to build upon on our already solid foundation and growing portfolio of content.”

    “I’m proud to be at the forefront of the creation of a larger FMI presence throughout Canada,” said Hummel. “It’s great to be part of the newest FMI office, right from the ground-breaking.  I look forward to expanding FMI’s existing relationships across all platforms throughout Canada.”

    Hummel comes to FMI from MGM where she most recently served as Senior Vice President of U.S. Basic Cable and Canada Television Distribution based in Toronto.  During her time at MGM, Hummel also held positions as the Senior Vice President of North American Television Distribution, as well as the Vice President of Television Distribution for Canada.  In addition to her time at MGM, Hummel brings with her experience from the U.S. programming and acquisitions side of the business, having worked at Comedy Central, Nickelodeon and FX.

  • FremantleMedia’s ‘Ella the Eelephant’ now available across Disney Junior channel Latin America

    FremantleMedia’s ‘Ella the Eelephant’ now available across Disney Junior channel Latin America

    MUMBAI: FremantleMedia Kids & Family Entertainment today announced that the preschool show, Ella the Elephant, has been sold to Disney Junior Channel Latin America.  Having already sold to 23 children’s TV platforms in more than 50 territories,Disney Junior Channel Latin America is the latest network to fall for the adorable elephant with a charmingpersonality.

    Ella the Elephant is an animated preschool series about an adventurous elephant and her magic hat.  The series is based on the popular books by Carmela and Steve D’Amico and follows the adventures of Ella, the little elephant with a giant heart.  Ella loves to play and explore Elephant Islands with her friends Tiki, Frankie and Belinda, but sometimes their adventures create challenges along the way.  Luckily through a combination of imagination and “hat magic,” Ella is able to transform her hat into numerous objects that can come to her aid.  

    “With its upbeat tone and expression of positive values, Ella the Elephant is sure to be a great addition to children’s programming across Latin America,” said Sheila Aguirre, Senior Vice President, Sales and Development Latin America, Caribbean and Hispanic USA, FremantleMedia International.  “While we have had success with shows such as Merlin and My Babysitter’s A Vampire on Disney XD Latin America, we’re excited to have a show like Ella that’s filled with great messages for preschoolers find a home on Disney Junior Channel Latin America.”

    In addition to the upcoming premiere in Latin America, Ella the Elephant will launch on Disney Junior in the U.S. this spring.  The show also premiered on TVO, Knowledge Networkand Tele-Quebec in Canada and Tiji in Franceandis also currently airing in Poland where it performs well amongst girls aged 4-9, with an average share of 16.4%.  Additional territories expected to begin airing Ella the Elephant during the first half of 2014 include Finland (MTV3 Juniori), Norway (TV2), Australia (ABC), Spain (Clan) and Singapore (Okto), with additional territories to follow later in the year.  

    Ella the Elephant is an animated series produced in CGI against 2D backgrounds by DHX Media in association with TVO Kids and FremantleMedia Kids & Family Entertainment.  DHX Media has international distribution rights in Canada, USA, Middle East and India, with FremantleMedia Kids & Family Entertainment handling the rest of the world.  DHX Media and FremantleMedia Kids & Family Entertainment are also currently exploring multiple opportunities for consumer products programs including toys and apparel.

    Visit FremantleMedia at NATPE 2014 at Fontainebleau Resort in Miami, Tresor Tower, Suite 2-3003 from January 27 – 29.