FME, Insight in New Development Deal

LONDON, October 7:
Building off their current first-look agreement, FremantleMedia Enterprises
(FME) and Insight Production Company have struck a deal to co-fund the
development of new projects.

The companies’ current
agreement grants FME a first look at distributing Insight’s projects and
Insight the first option for the Canadian market for new FremantleMedia
formats. FME and Insight have worked together on local versions of Canadian
Idol and Project Runway Canada. FME is also set to launch The Jon Dore
Television Show, an Insight
production, in association with The Comedy Network, for international buyers at
MIPCOM.

Jeff Tahler,
FME’s VP of acquisitions and development for the Americas, commented: “Having
worked closely with Insight in recent years, the quality of their programming
slate and understanding of the global TV market has become increasingly
apparent. We quickly realized that it was in both companies’ best interests to
expand our current relationship to become involved with their projects at an
even earlier stage.”

David Ellender, the CEO of FME, added: “Insight is a very
valued partner to FME. We are extremely happy to continue working with them in
close proximity and are excited to see the fruits of this extension to our
relationship.”

John Brunton,
the president and CEO of Insight Production Company, said: “Our first-look
agreement with David Ellender and his talented team at FME has resulted in some
tremendous successes both in Canada and abroad. The addition of this
significant development fund will open entirely new opportunities to create
exciting new content.”

“Insight and FME have
proved to be a perfect fit. In a short period of time, we have created hour
upon hour of engaging programming that resonates with Canadian viewers,” stated
Barbara Bowlby, the executive VP of Insight
Productions.

—By Kristin
Brzoznowski