FremantleMedia to Up Investment in Kids, Branded Entertainment, Gaming

CANNES: FremantleMedia CEO Tony Cohen announced this morning in Cannes a doubling of the company’s investment in kids’ programming, with continued focus on branded entertainment and gaming as other key growth areas.

In his opening remarks at FremantleMedia’s MIPCOM press breakfast, Cohen noted the success of the company’s formatted entertainment brands around the world, with the company continuing to "deliver on its promise of providing inspiring entertainment." He also cited the success of eight daily dramas airing worldwide, some 12 scripted series and a slate of TV movies out of Germany. On the FremantleMedia Enterprises front, meanwhile, Cohen noted that the division has also experienced "a really tremendous year. Everything from the sponsorship deals we’ve done in the U.S. to what we’ve done in drama on U.S. cable and what we’ve done in kids."

Discussing the company’s growth strategy, Cohen said, "We’ve focused on three main things for the future for investment: branded entertainment, gaming and kids." In branded entertainment, U.S.-based outfit @radicalmedia, which FremantleMedia acquired a stake in last year, will further expand its geographical footprint, adding a London office to its existing international operations in Berlin, Sydney, Shanghai. In gaming, Ludia, which FremantleMedia took a majority stake in also last year, launched 13 new games this year, based on third-party brands and original ideas. "The business model in gaming moves at warp speed compared to traditional television," Cohen said. "That business has transitioned from a console business to one that is firmly focused on social media, Facebook and mobile. We see that also as a point of investment in the future."

On the heels of the tremendous success of My Babysitter’s a Vampire, Cohen said, "We’re doubling the amount of money we’ll invest in kids because we see this as a priority area for the next few years."