FremantleMedia to Launch Indian Production Operation

LONDON: Former Discovery Networks Asia Pacific executive Saurindra Kumar Barua (known as Raj) is joining FremantleMedia to set up a production base for the company in India, where the company has scored deals on Got Talent and Poker Face, among other formats.

Based in Mumbai, Raj will report to Singapore-based Patrick Schult, the CEO of FremantleMedia Asia. He is tasked with building a local team, assembling a production base and strengthening ties with the local broadcast community. FremantleMedia’s Got Talent is currently airing on Colors, Hole in the Wall has been a hit on POGO and Poker Face was a flagship property for the launch of Turner’s new joint venture channel REAL.

Announcing the appointment, Schult said: "We are delighted that Raj will be leading the team to launch FremantleMedia’s on-ground production operations in the Indian market. India continues to be a popular destination for many of our international hit formats and with Raj’s leadership we look forward to offering our clients a complete service from the introduction of these formats to the delivery of the finished product."