MGM Worldwide Television Distribution & RedSeven in Formats Pact

Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer (MGM) Worldwide Television Distribution and RedSeven Entertainment have entered into a multiyear joint venture to co-produce and distribute local versions of MGM’s unscripted formats in Germany.

MGM and RedSeven Entertainment, part of Red Arrow Entertainment Group, will take formats to German broadcasters. This includes Steve Harvey’s FUNDERDOME, the seed-funding competition series; American Gladiators, the ultimate David and Goliath battle where men and women are pitted against trained gladiators; Minor Renovations, where junior designers compete to renovate home spaces in need of a makeover; and Signed, which features aspiring musicians who compete for the opportunity to be signed to a major record label.

“With MGM’s proven track record of inventive formats and RedSeven’s versatile production expertise, this venture gives MGM the ability to offer German broadcasters a turn-key format and production package, allowing them to bring quality programming to viewers,” said Chris Ottinger, the president of worldwide television distribution and acquisitions at MGM.

Jobst Benthues, the managing director of RedSeven Entertainment, added: “Our joint venture with MGM will secure us with additional attractive content for many years to come, allowing us to continue to expand our production output in Germany. I can’t wait to get our partnership started and I am delighted that we will bring together the MGM format brands to Germany.”