FremantleMedia Takes Original Productions Stake

LONDON: FremantleMedia has picked up a 75-percent interest in Thom Beers’ Original Productions, the outfit behind Deadliest Catch and Ice Road Truckers.

Original Productions, a prolific producer of male-targeted factual content for U.S. cable networks, will join FremantleMedia’s global network of production, distribution and licensing companies. The move marks an expansion of Beers’ relationship with FremantleMedia; last year, Original Productions inked a global distribution deal with FremantleMedia Enterprises (FME) covering shows such as Black Gold, LA Hardhats, America’s Ports, 1000 Ways to Die and America’s Toughest Jobs. The ownership change will not result in a management overhaul at Original, where Beers will continue as CEO and Philip Segal as president.

“I’m thrilled to be partnering creatively with FremantleMedia," Beers said. "We’ve already established a very strong relationship with the FremantleMedia Enterprises team who have far exceeded our expectations in terms of distribution. Now, the Original Productions brand will reach an even wider audience under the incredibly successful FremantleMedia umbrella.”

“FremantleMedia’s success has been built on our commitment to attracting the very best talent, and our partnership with Original Productions is a major addition to our global activities," said Christian Schneider-Sickert, the director of operations and strategy at FremantleMedia. "Looking ahead, we will continue to invest in talent as well as companies to support our expansion strategy."