FremantleMedia Looks to Increase Dutch Drama, Entertainment Output

January 16, 2014 World Screen Top Stories
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LONDON: Georgette Schlick, formerly the CEO of SBS Broadcasting, has been tapped to lead FremantleMedia's Blue Circle entertainment label, while Willem Zijlstra, a FremantleMedia veteran, has been tapped to increase drama production through his label FourOne.Media.

Zijlstra will be overseeing all drama production through FourOne.Media. He started his career as a scriptwriter at John de Mol Productions. He was head of drama at Endemol before starting up FourOne.Media in 2006. In 2009, Zijlstra took over responsibility for Blue Circle.

Now, Schlick will be leading the entertainment output at Blue Circle. Prior to her stint at SBS Broadcasting, Schlick was the CEO of Dutchview, the Netherlands' largest media facilities company.

Both Zijlstra and Schlick report to Cecile Frot-Coutaz, FremantleMedia's CEO.

Frot-Coutaz commented, “In the last few years, our drama and entertainment productions have enjoyed success in this highly competitive market. However, we’ve now reached the stage where we need to split the responsibilities for both genres if we are to grow further. By taking more of a label approach to our drama and entertainment output in this market, Willem and Georgette can capitalize on the opportunities available to us and really focus on our commitment to expand our scripted business while continuing to build on our world class entertainment operation.”

Zijlstra said: “Given my long track record in drama, and FremantleMedia’s ambition to expand its focus in this area, it makes absolute sense for me to take on this more targeted role. I’m thrilled to be able to focus my attention on developing a series of new and original shows for Dutch audiences, which have the potential to travel around the world.”

Schlick added: “FremantleMedia has a formidable reputation for the range and quality of its entertainment output. I’m delighted to be joining the business at this very exciting time, and look forward to making a contribution to its future growth.”