Fuji, The Story Lab agree IP partnership

Japanese broadcaster Fuji Television Network (FTN) and UK-based investor, distributor and producer The Story Lab have teamed up to create IP for the global marketplace.

Yuki Matsumoto

Under the partnership, the two companies will jointly develop and produce original unscripted formats that will initially launch on Fuji TV in Japan before being distributed internationally by The Story Lab.

Development is currently underway on a studio-based entertainment show, with The Story Lab bringing in UK producer and long-term partner Rumpus Media to support adaptation and roll-out in key markets. The show is scheduled to launch on Fuji TV at the end of next month.

Yuki Matsumoto, producer at FTN, said: “Japanese entertainment shows are among the most innovative and unique formats in the world. Our partnership with The Story Lab will allow us to leverage this creative edge by developing IP that is tailored for global audiences while retaining the exciting elements that make our shows stand out from the rest.”

Ryuji Komiya, head of formats and producer, global business, FTN, added: “Joining forces with The Story Lab will allow us to further build on the success of our formats around the world while strengthening our business internationally.

“The combination of The Story Lab’s global expertise and Fuji TV’s creative perspectives will help both parties to develop IP we may never have come up with on our own.”