Flip through the latest issue of Gulf Weekly.
International television production and distribution company Endemol is moving away from its reality competition programmes into more original scripted series.
The entertainment giant responsible for reality-based shows such as Fear Factor and Big Brother has announced that it has set up Endemol Studios in Los Angeles. The outfit will allow the company to adapt any and all dramas and comedies produced by its international partners for the US market.
It will be headed by Philippe Maigret, who will also continue on as the executive vice-president of Endemol’s North American acquisitions.
According to its press release 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 wide international portfolio.
The studio will also partner with US networks and producers on projects already developed, coming on board in a studio capacity.
However, this new development doesn’t mean the end of Endemol’s ever-growing staple of reality programmes. Big Brother continues to draw solid ratings on CBS, and Fear Factor will return in Autumn.
