FremantleMedia in Canadian first-look deal

FremantleMedia Enterprises (FME), the commercial arm of FremantleMedia, has forged a mutual first-look deal with a Canadian indie, continuing UK distributors’ move towards North American content.

The new deal with Insight Productions will grant FremantleMedia a first look at the Canadian Idol producer’s new projects, while Insight will have the first option for the Canadian market on new formats from FremantleMedia, which they will both produce for the Canadian audience.

Under the pact FremantleMedia and Insight will look to develop funds and produce projects together with other Canadian production companies and broadcast partners around the world.

This deal builds on an existing relationship between the two companies, as Insight already produces not only Canadian Idol for CTV but also a local version of Project Runway, the fashion reality series developed by Miramax and The Weinstein Company, a format that FremantleMedia represents worldwide, excluding the US, UK and Italy.

Insight also coproduces teen drama Falcon Beach with Original Pictures, in conjunction with Global Television in Canada and ABC Family in the US, a series that Fremantle International Distribution sells internationally.

David Ellender, CEO of FremantleMedia Enterprises, said: “Insight is a proven leader in producing shows with global appeal, and has tremendous expertise in replicating international formats to suit a local audience.”

Elsewhere in the RTL Group-owned company, FremantleMedia’s licensing division, FremantleMedia Licensing Worldwide (FLW), has made a number of promotions within its US operation as it seeks to evolve its international business.

Keith Hindle has been promoted to exec VP for North America, from his current role as VP of integrated marketing and interactive in the Americas. He will remain based in New York reporting directly to Olivier Gers, general manager of FLW, and will be responsible for the whole of FremantleMedia’s US and Canadian ancillary activities.

David Luner moves up to senior VP of consumer products at FLW North America. In this newly-created position he will continue to oversee the company’s brand licensing and consumer activities while taking on management of the online, interactive and wireless activities across North America for all FremantleMedia brands.

Finally, James Ngo has been promoted to director of licensing at FLW North America. He will be responsible for managing the brand licensing and development activities across the whole spectrum of FremantleMedia’s brand portfolios including American Idol, The Price Is Right and Family Feud. Ngo will report to Luner.