Story Lab to target scripted

The content arm of advertising and marketing giant Dentsu Aegis Network is set to move into scripted as it ramps up its international presence.

Nuno Santos

Michael Iskas, global president of The Story Lab (TSL), told C21 the company aimed to move into scripted content early next year, having previously focused on unscripted fare.

TSL distributes Ninja Warrior in Europe and has so far struck deals for the physical entertainment format with broadcasters such as RTL in Germany and SBS in the Netherlands.

It also represents Indian talent format Street Star, which has been optioned by producers in the UK and France, according to Iskas.

“The number one priority is to find scripted that will travel across geographies and platforms,” Iskas added.

Sinead O’Connor

London-based TSL launched in January 2015 and since then has tapped TV industry veterans such as former Endemol Shine Group exec Erik de Winter whilst opening offices in LA, Shanghai, Paris, Moscow, Hamburg, Madrid, Sydney and Mumbai.

TSL also recently appointed former Small World IFT exec Luci Burnley as global format director following her consultative role within the business over the past nine months.

Former RTP/Multichoice exec Nuno Santos, meanwhile, has joined TSL in Iberia and Sub-Saharan Africa and will use his broadcast and commissioning experience to invest in and distribute new formats.

Nik Wheatley

Elsewhere, Sinead O’Connor, formerly of Irish pubcaster RTÉ, has joined the company as head of TSL in Ireland at its recently opened local office.

TSL will also be opening an office in Manchester in the UK on January 3 next year, with creative strategist Nik Wheatley joining the company from ITV.

“As an investor of premium entertainment content, The Story Lab is also committed to investing in top-level talent, who join us at an exciting time in our development,” said Michael Iskas, president of TSL.