ITV Buys into Teen Wolf Producer DiGa

LONDON: ITV has picked up a controlling stake in DiGa Vision, which is behind the MTV hit Teen Wolf.

ITV will make an upfront cash payment for a 51 percent share in DiGa, with a put and call option to buy the remainder of the company that can be exercised between three and six years. DiGa, based in New York, was launched in 2011 by former MTV executives Tony DiSanto and Liz Gateley. Productions include Girl Get Your Mind Right, Ke$ha: Crazy Beautiful Life and Celebrity Home Raiders.

Paul Buccieri, the president and CEO of ITV Studios US Group, said: “Tony and Liz have an excellent track record in creating original, engaging and compelling reality and scripted programming with an impressive content pipeline which feeds into numerous networks. They’re a true creative force and will be a great addition to the ITV Studios US Group of companies.

“They have developed a brilliant understanding of pop culture and really know what appeals to the key teenage and young adult demographic which is reflected in their online, mobile and social media strategy together with a successful brand extension and merchandising arm. We’re really excited to work with DiGa Vision and look forward to helping them grow and reach their full potential.”

DiSanto and Gateley added: “We are thrilled to join forces with ITV, a company that is truly committed to creative risk taking and great content. Paul Buccieri and his team share our sensibility and enthusiasm for breaking new creative ground and we look forward to this next step in DiGa's evolution.”