Gurin, Fuji partner on formats

LA-based format specialist The Gurin Company has become the latest prodco to team up with Japan’s Fuji TV to create new intellectual properties for the international market.

Phil Gurin and his staff will work with Fuji focusing primarily on unscripted programming and gameshows.

The companies already have projects underway. Objects of Desire combines elements of a dating game with over-the-top aspects of a Japanese gameshow, while League of Extraordinary Teams is a studio-based game between teams possessing special skills.

This is the latest US partnership forged by Fuji TV, the network behind Iron Chef and Hole in the Wall, following September’s coproduction deal with film company Illumination Entertainment.

Phil Gurin said: “Our goal is to tap into the entertainment brands of both The Gurin Company and Fuji TV to create highly original shows that combine the shiny-floor-studio ethos with high production values to create series that are as fun to watch as they are to play.”

The Gurin Company’s Oh Sit! format was recently renewed by US network The CW while it’s popular gameshow Singing Bee was sold to Lebanon’s Future TV last week.