Endemol Takes Ensemble Stake

LOS ANGELES/LONDON: Endemol has taken a minority stake in Ensemble Entertainment, the venture set up by Tony To, an Emmy and Golden Globe award-winning producer and director whose credits include HBO’s The Pacific.

The investment is accompanied by a long-term co-production and international distribution partnership with Ensemble, as Endemol furthers its U.S. scripted portfolio. The companies will co-produce event-television drama series and mini-series. Endemol Worldwide Distribution will retain distribution rights outside of the U.S., with Endemol Worldwide Brands extending the projects across multiple entertainment platforms.

To, co-executive producer director on, among others, From the Earth to the Moon, Band of Brothers and The Pacific, founded Ensemble with Patrick Murray and Jin Ishimoto. "We founded Ensemble with the goal of creating an independent event television company, bringing innovative financing, management, and creative resources into program partnerships with top tier writers, directors, producers, and broadcasters," To said. "Our partnership with Endemol represents a key strategic alliance for Ensemble."

Tom Toumazis, chief commercial officer of Endemol Group, added, "This partnership represents another significant step in our ongoing strategy for growth in scripted programming. Tony and his team have demonstrated an extraordinary talent for delivering event television of the highest quality and we believe Ensemble’s productions will be in great demand around the world. We are extremely excited about the opportunities our partnership will create.”

Philippe Maigret, Endemol Group’s executive VP of North American acquisitions, commented, "This partnership between a creative team with a proven track record and our distribution platforms and unique co-production capabilities is right to build a leading, new-generation indie tv drama business. Tony and his team have developed a number of sophisticated, original and brand-defining drama projects, an ideal mix from an international distribution point of view."