Keshet, YTV strike development deal

MIPTV: Israeli producer and distributor Keshet International (KI) and commercial Japanese broadcaster Yomiuri Telecasting (YTV) have struck a co-development deal to create international unscripted formats.

Gary Pudney

The partnership will initially kick off with a minimum of one project developed this year, with the option of extending the agreement. IP will be jointly owned, with any formats created first piloting on YTV within six months of production.

The deal is the first such collaboration between the two and is set to strengthen KI’s presence in the Asian market.

Gary Pudney, KI’s head of Asia, said the company is committed to expanding its presence in Asia through such agreements, mirroring its growing interests in Europe and North and South America.

The agreement was signed by Pudney and Akito Sasagawa, international sales manager for YTV.

KI is already present in China, in the shape of children’s singing format Master Class, two seasons of which have been licensed by Chinese producer 3C Media, and branded entertainment car gameshow Trade Up, licensed by Beijing Tong Chang Tong Ying and broadcast on state channel CCTV-2.

Master Class has also been sold to Vietnam’s TTN Media and was remade for its channel HTV3. Additionally, commercial Indonesian broadcaster RCTI has taken gameshow format Who’s on Top and talent show Rising Star, the latter running for two seasons.

This week, Vietnam’s Purpose Media picked up two seasons of talent show entertainment format Masters of Dance for HCM City Television’s Channel 3.