Endemol in Digital Video Push

LONDON/AMSTERDAM: Endemol says it is investing 30 million euros ($40.4 million) to expand its digital video operations via a new division, Endemol Beyond.

Endemol Beyond plans to set up a network of premium channels on YouTube, Yahoo, MSN, Dailymotion and other platforms that will feature original digital content, organized by genres such as comedy, entertainment, fashion and film, produced with engaging talent and notable brands. The channels will also acquire third-party content.

The new division bolsters existing digital video operations in the U.S., U.K., Germany, France, Italy and Spain, with more than 100 YouTube channels in operation worldwide.

At the helm of Endemol Beyond International as managing director is Georg Ramme, previously with Endemol Germany. He reports to Lucas Church, the group commercial board chair.

“Endemol is more than just a great television company; we're a global content creator across all platforms, and we want to further invest in our own creativity and IP to stay innovative," said Tim Hincks, the president of Endemol Group. "This scaling up of our online digital video ambition is one of the most exciting journeys Endemol has embarked on and we have the international network, the talent and the imagination to make it happen worldwide.”
 
Lucas Church, chair of Endemol’s group commercial board, added: “Endemol Beyond will accelerate the growth of our digital video business around the world, building a global network of connected, genre focused, premium channels with significant scale across key platforms.  Not only will this add a further dimension to Endemol as a content creator, it will allow us to directly engage a new worldwide fan base for our entertainment brands and it is essential that we have someone with Georg’s proven track record and expertise to coordinate this worldwide initiative.”