MGM, Jukin link up on unscripted

US studio MGM Television and viral video firm Jukin Media have agreed a coproduction pact to collaborate on unscripted original series for network, cable and premium SVoD outlets.

Barry Poznick

The two companies will create, develop and produce “a number” of competition-formatted programmes featuring user-generated video content.

Jukin is behind viral video brands including FailArmy and People Are Awesome, while MGM’s unscripted franchises include Survivor and Shark Tank. It also moved into multi-platform content with music-based competition series Beat Shazam.

“The projects we are developing together break away from the traditional clip show format and offer something disruptive and fun for fans of UGC,” said Barry Poznick, president of unscripted television at MGM.

“With their top-notch track record for producing innovative formats, MGM is the perfect partner for us to take our massive library and continue to push the envelope for how user footage can be woven into the fabric of a series,” said Josh Entman, co-founder and chief development officer at Jukin.