MGM Television Forms Unscripted Formats Division

Mark Burnett, chairman of the worldwide television group at Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer (MGM), and MGM Television have launched a new division dedicated to the distribution and international development of the studio’s unscripted format content.

Under the banner MGM Global Formats & Unscripted Content, the new unit will be responsible for the international distribution of the studio’s formats, expanding relationships with international producers and collaborating international production to support MGM’s existing distribution structure.

Former Mark Burnett Productions executives C. Scot Cru and Patrice Choghi will lead these efforts and expand the range of distribution for the company’s formats globally. Cru will serve as executive VP and lead the division, reporting to Barry Poznick, president of unscripted television. Choghi joins as senior VP, most recently working at GRB Studios.

Burnett said: “I’ve known Scot for more than 20 years. He is a consummate dealmaker who has a stellar reputation with broadcasters and producers around the world. I’m so happy to be working with him and Patrice again as we move to grow our business internationally.”

Poznick added: “When we decided to expand our unscripted formats business, there were two people we wanted to lead that charge, Scot and Patrice. Their experience in this space is undeniable and their work ethic is non-stop. I’m thrilled they are joining Sasha Bushnell and the international team to take our hit formats to every corner of the globe.”

Cru and Choghi said in a joint statement: “We’re very excited to be back at the iconic MGM Studios working with Mark, Barry and so many talented colleagues with whom we have a long and rich history. MGM’s slate and worldwide resources are second to none, and we look forward to diligently expanding the reach of the global format business alongside such a fantastic team.”