Zodiak, Ricky Martin form JV

MIPCOM NEWS: Distributor Zodiak Entertainment is launching a production company called RM 5to Elemento in partnership with the Ricky Martin Entertainment Group, and has taken a majority stake in UK indie Dangerous.

The new joint-venture prodco will be based in Miami. As well as producing and selling De Agostini-owned Zodiak Entertainment’s catalogue into the Latin American and US Hispanic markets, it will be a production hub for original formats, with global sales handled by Zodiak Entertainment Distribution.

Ricky Martin Entertainment’s CEO and entertainment industry veteran Bruno Del Granado heads the new JV, with creative operations overseen by former CNN journalist, partner and chief creative officer Harris Whitbeck.

Patrick Svensk, senior VP mergers and acquisitions, business development at Zodiak Entertainment, said the deal would widen the company’s global reach. “Working with Ricky, Bruno and Harris we can combine our creative and business strengths and exceptional knowledge of the region’s needs and tastes to develop programming that will work for broadcasters and audiences in all parts of the world.”

Zodiak Entertainment already houses more than 30 production companies in 18 territories, and has international distribution hubs in London and Paris. In 2008, the firm owned companies generated more than 200 shows, 5,225 hours of broadcasting and €400m (US$584.7m) in revenue.

In related news, Zodiak factual subsidiary Diverse Productions will be producing an event-driven high-definition TV series based on access to previously unseen Leonardo da Vinci archives, known as The Codex Atlanticus – the largest collection of da Vinci’s writings, sketches and drawings.

Diverse CEO Paul Sowerbutts is in Cannes to explore coproduction opportunities.

Zodiak’s majority stake in UK factual and drama indie prodco Dangerous was also announced today. Dangerous MD Mike Kemp, director of creative content Richard Dale and co-founder/producer Tim Goodchild will remain with the company, which made Moon Shot.