Fremantle confirms stake in former HBO, Amazon execs’ Dutch prodco AMANT
L-R: Georgette Schlick, Jeroen Compeer and Sabine Feij
Fremantle in the Netherlands has confirmed its backing of AMANT Productions, the Dutch company founded last year by former HBO Max and Amazon execs Sabine Feij and Jeroen Compeer.
Feij and Compeer set up the Amsterdam-based company after leaving their roles at HBO Max and Amazon’s Prime Video, respectively, where they were responsible for Dutch unscripted titles.
Georgette Schlick, CEO at Fremantle Northern Europe, said the RTL Group-owned production giant started conversations with Feij and Compeer about investing in their fledgling company as soon as they heard about their plans to set it up.
“We have been secretly living together for a while. But as of today, it’s official,” AMANT wrote on LinkedIn, following Fremantle’s announcement that it had taken a stake in the outfit. The size and financial details of the stake were not disclosed.
AMANT focuses on producing shows with a strong focus on “workplace reality” and “human interest” programming while working with young talent. The prodco recently coproduced Help My Man is a Handyman with Fremantle for DPG Media-owned RTL4, while it is currently producing Welcome to the Family! for KRO-NCRV and an as-yet-unannounced programme for RTL5, set to be shown this fall.
Both Compeer and Feij began their careers at various production houses, where they focused on factual formats and talkshows. They previously worked as editors, reporters and chief editors for programmes such as Jinek, Keuringsdienst van Waarde, Vijf Jaar Later, Expeditie Robinson and Love in the Wild.
At EndemolShine Netherlands, they helped produce reality shows including Lego Masters, Holland’s Next Top Model, Big Brother, Staatsloterij Puur Geluk and The Heir.
Schlick said: “When we heard that Jeroen and Sabine intended to start a new production company together, we immediately entered into conversation. Both have a lot of experience, a good reputation and an extensive network of both experienced and young creators. In addition, they have a keen eye for successfully reintroducing already existing format titles.
“With a catalogue like Fremantle’s, that offers tremendous prospects. Fremantle therefore sees in AMANT a partner with a complementary scope. We are greatly looking forward to this cooperation.”
Feij and Compeer added in a joint statement: “From the first conversation with Fremantle, it felt like a strong match. Now that we have officially joined forces, it gives us even more clout to grow AMANT and we can start creating more unique and impactful stories as a result.”
