David Ellender

Global CEO, FremantleMedia Enterprises

What are some of your top properties for MIPTV?
We have a number of new and returning programmes that form our slate for MIPTV 2010. The list below is a small sample:
Kell on Earth (8 x 1 hour): Public relations guru Kelly Cutrone gives her guide to the high-powered and fast-paced world of fashion PR in Kell on Earth. Previously seen as the mentor in MTV’s The City, Cutrone has been called one of the “coolest, most intimating persons ever,” and it’s easy to see why. Kell on Earth takes a no holds barred look into the life of one of America’s most legitimate tastemakers as she juggles running her wildly successful fashion PR company, managing Fashion Week shows in New York and London, with being a single mother and one of New York’s most notable women about town.
The Delicious Miss Dahl (6 x 30 mins): The delectable Sophie Dahl brings her culinary prowess to television with a six-part cookery series, The Delicious Miss Dahl, marrying her talent for storytelling with fresh, enticing recipes. Initially known for an international modelling career, Sophie turned her focus to writing and is now a best-selling novelist and columnist who has written widely about her passion for food and cooking. For Sophie, food and emotion are inextricably linked. Each episode is themed around an emotional thread including romance, nostalgia and escapism. With food as the centrepiece, she revisits treasured places, revealing the personal resonance behind each of the recipes. Sophie’s quirky and unique approach to cooking makes this series funny and straight from the heart.
Jamie Oliver’s Food Revolution (6 x 1 hour): Jamie Oliver is in the United States to start a food revolution. The impassioned chef, TV personality and best-selling author is determined to take on the high statistics of obesity, heart disease and diabetes in the US. Jamie is inviting viewers to watch as he makes a stand to change the way America eats, in home kitchens, schools and workplaces, with this thought-provoking new series airing on the ABC Television Network. In the series Jamie heads to Huntington, West Virginia – which has been called the unhealthiest city in America – to start his new cooking initiative. He hopes to help Huntingdon become a healthier city and start a chain reaction of positive change across the country. Needled by local naysayers, challenged by ingrained unhealthy habits and government bureaucracy, and welcomed by some of the most surprising youngsters, families and local leaders, Jamie shows how, in just a few short months, he tried to transform Huntington as a template for the entire country.
Panda Adventure with Nigel Marven (5 x 1 hour): In his latest animal adventure, wildlife specialist Nigel Marven heads to China to become the first ever presenter to be filmed with a wild Giant Panda in its native habitat. Panda Adventure with Nigel Marven also captures footage of an extremely rare brown Giant Panda cub – one of only five known to science.
With the verve, charm and acumen that has made him so popular the world over, Nigel visits the beautiful reserves the Giant Pandas inhabit before he heads off deep into the wild to be filmed with them. Along the way he meets the amazing creatures that share the bamboo forest abode, including naughty macaques, Golden Snub-nosed monkeys and fluffy rabbit-sized Bamboo rats. He also feeds adorable Red Pandas; like their giant namesake, they are brilliantly adapted for munching on tough bamboo. To capitalize on his time in China, Nigel also takes in the tourist sites including the fabulous Terracotta Army, the Great Wall, the ancient city of Chengdu and a world-class reserve devoted to saving the rare and spectacular crested Ibis.
Kirstie Alley’s Big Life (10 x 30 mins): Two-time EMMY Award-winning actress Kirstie Alley is returning to TV in a big way. This amusing reality series trails single mum Alley as she juggles launching a new weight-loss company with raising her two teenagers in the Hollywood spotlight, sharing her comic take on her personal weight struggles along the way. She’s also producing a feature film, patenting multiple inventions, taking care of eight ringtail lemurs, and on top of everything, looking for love.

Why will these programs appeal to buyers?
Buyers can always acquire content with confidence from FME. Jamie and Nigel are tried and trusted brands who we know delight audiences on a global scale. They are both so passionate about what they do, it makes for genuinely compelling watching. Sophie’s programme is co-produced by Fresh One, who make Jamie Oliver’s programmes, with the same high quality approach to creating enticing food television. We’re confident that the series will do well, it’s fun and quirky with broad appeal.

What are your goals and expectations for MIPTV?
We look forward to welcoming both new and familiar faces onto our stand this market. Our 2010 slate is bigger and better than ever, with exciting new titles and successful returning titles, and we can’t wait to showcase our portfolio to the buyers.