FremantleMedia Backs New Production House from Ex-Endemol Shine Execs

LOS ANGELES: Chris Culvenor and Paul Franklin, both of whom were most recently part of the Endemol Shine team, have set up Eureka Productions, which has secured an exclusive partnership with FremantleMedia.

Culvenor most recently held the role of Endemol Shine’s senior VP of development, while Franklin was the executive VP of programming. The pair has worked together for a decade, including stints at FremantleMedia Australia, and are the creative force behind a number of unscripted hits. They’ve developed, adapted and produced franchises such as MasterChef, MasterChef Junior, The Biggest Loser, The Voice, Fake Off, The Apprentice, Restaurant Startup, The Face, Project Runway and Minute to Win It.

Eureka opened its Los Angeles office this month. Culvenor and Franklin will open a Sydney office in March, and appointments to the creative team in both countries will be announced in the coming months.

The company will work with FremantleMedia to develop and produce programming. There are already three projects in the works.

Culvenor commented, “Paul and I are thrilled to be partnering with the global powerhouse FremantleMedia who have the best creative network in the business.”

Franklin added, “At Eureka we’re very excited to bring together the talented creative community that we have collaborated with over the last decade to create series that captivate and surprise audiences.”

Rob Clark, the director of global entertainment at FremantleMedia, added, “Chris and Paul are two of the industry’s most highly regarded creatives. Their track records in production, development and sales complement our businesses in the U.S. and Australia and we’re looking forward to creating and sharing ideas across our international network.”