Mumbai: Television format creator and distributor Endemol has announced the launch of Endemol Studios, an LA-based independent scripted TV studio operation, to be headed up by newly appointed CEO Philippe Maigret.
Maigret will report to Endemol US chairman, David Goldberg. He will continue to oversee North America rights acquisitions for the Group, where he has served as executive VP, North America Acquisitions, since joining the company in March 2010.
Endemol Studios will develop and produce US scripted TV programming for global exploitation across all platforms. The operation is resourced to finance the development of projects; deficit-finance the production of pilots and series; and to oversee all related activities.
Endemol Studios will focus on primetime US cable drama productions based on original projects developed internally, as well as scripted formats adapted from Endemol’s international portfolio. The studio will also partner with US networks and producers on projects already developed, coming on board in a studio capacity.
Goldberg said, "Endemol Studios represents a significant step in our ongoing strategy to expand and diversify our activities in North America at the same time helping fuel our global growth. Philippe and Jeremy bring together a powerful blend of experience and a track record of delivering projects with global potential".
The launch of Endemol Studios capitalises on Endemol‘s successes in US scripted television to date. These have included AMC‘s recent series order of the Endemol USA-developed series ‘Hell on Wheels‘, premiering on 6 November; as well as the rights acquisition of TV Land‘s ‘Hot in Cleveland‘, ‘Happily Divorced‘ and ‘The Exes‘, TNT‘s ‘Leverage‘, The Hub‘s ‘The Haunting Hour‘ in the US and Showcase‘s ‘Endgame‘ in Canada.
The new operation will immediately focus on a number of projects currently in development at Endemol USA and its subsidiaries as well as adapting some of Endemol’s biggest international drama hits.
Endemol Studios will benefit from Endemol Group‘s creative and production presence in key markets (including the UK and Australia) as well as leveraging the company‘s global distribution capabilities and infrastructure. The studio will seek co-production partners where appropriate. Endemol Worldwide Distribution will monetise the TV and home video rights to the studio’s productions, with Endemol Worldwide Brands managing all ancillary rights.
Maigret delivered a number of acquired and co-financed series at Endemol, expanding the company‘s distribution portfolio, and concluded Endemol‘s international distribution and co-production first look deal with Ensemble Entertainment.
