Bunim/Murray Pacts with Former Zodiak USA CEO

Bunim/Murray Productions (BMP) has entered into an exclusive production deal with Kreativ Inc., the new venture set up by former Zodiak USA CEO Joel Karsberg.

Kreativ will develop and produce unscripted formats, backed exclusively by Banijay Group’s BMP. Jesse Daniels, former director of development at Entertainment One (eOne), will join the new company as VP of development. The first show from the two companies is MTV Undressed, premiering on MTV next month. It is based on the Banijay dating format. Karsberg will serve as showrunner, and Banijay Rights will distribute the series internationally.

“Joel is a veteran unscripted executive with vast knowledge of international formats that not only travel but will also play well here in the United States,” said Gil Goldschein, the CEO of BMP. “The pod model has been successful for BMP, contributing to the nearly 30 new series we have launched in the past two years. We are confident that Joel, Jesse and Kreativ Inc. will enable us to continue to expand into new areas of programming.”

“It is a true honor for me to partner with Bunim/Murray Productions, the cradle of reality TV and home to some of the most important franchises of unscripted television in the world, including The Real World and Keeping Up with the Kardashians,” said Karsberg. “I am certain that this is the start of a great and prolific relationship.”