FremantleMedia Pacts with Japan’s Fuji TV

LONODN: FremantleMedia and Japan’s Fuji Television Network have entered into a creative exchange alliance, aimed at the co-development and co-production of new TV formats for the global market.

The pact will see creative execs from Fuji TV and FremantleMedia take on placements at each other’s businesses. The first exchange will take place in May, with So Fujinuma, a producer in the variety production center of Fuji TV’s programming and production department, head to FremantleMedia’s offices in various territories, including the U.K., U.S. and Asia, for three months. Henrik Nielsen, an executive producer at FremantleMedia North America, will work at Fuji TV’s headquarters in Tokyo.

Kou Toyoda, the president and COO of Fuji Television Network, said: “The international market for television content is expanding more and more. This creative alliance between Fuji TV and FremantleMedia will be an attempt to capitalize on opportunities to develop international business more aggressively, working strongly together to create joint productions which appeal to a global audience. Despite the difference in language and culture, the passion for television programs is universal, and through direct input from both professionals, I am looking forward to seeing what that chemistry can create."

Tony Cohen, the CEO of FremantleMedia, added: “I am delighted to have this chance to partner with Fuji TV on such an interesting collaboration. It will create a unique opportunity for two highly creative and respected individuals to work together and I am very excited about the possibility of new ideas for both our companies coming from the exchange.”

FremantleMedia is at MIPTV with a slate of formats that includes Push the Button, in which two families battle it out in a series of challenges to win money for an ever-decreasing pot of cash, and Look Who’s Cooking, which sees five contestants run a catering business for a week. There’s also Young Professionals of the Year, about real people who are excelling at their work; Give Us a Clue, which watches celebrities mime out actions; and My Name is Michael, a talent competition to find a country’s best young and adult Michael Jackson. Further offerings from FremantleMedia for MIPTV buyers include the reality formats Grow Up! and Who Does What, Celebrity Quiz Night and She’s Got the Look.

Rob Clark, the president of worldwide entertainment for FremantleMedia, said: “FremantleMedia has a fantastic selection of programs for MIPTV, with proven ratings winners, prime time favorites and some fresh new shows that we’re very excited about. With a mix of exciting entertainment formats, great game shows that are fun for all the family, and endearing reality shows, we’re confident that buyers will find a program that their audiences will love.”