Lionsgate Ties Up with Reality TV Producer Jonathan Karsh

SANTA MONICA/VANCOUVER: Lionsgate has signed a multiyear overall agreement with Jonathan Karsh, an Emmy-winning director and unscripted television producer, who will develop and produce alternative programming through his new Shiny Objects Entertainment banner.

Karsh previously served as senior VP of creative affairs at Relativity Television, which he helped build from its inception in 2008 into a successful company with more than 70 network projects. He developed and exec produced the pilot episode of Catfish: The TV Show for MTV; Policewomen for TLC; and My Extreme Animal Phobia for Animal Planet; among others. Karsh is a recipient of the Audience Award and Best Director Award from the Sundance Film Festival for the hit HBO documentary My Flesh and Blood. He has made docs for AMC and MTV, and prime-time specials for ABC’s Extreme Makeover Home Edition. He has also produced the CBS show Armed and Famous, and developed, produced and hosted the network’s Kid Nation.

“As Lionsgate TV expands its alternative programming portfolio, Jonathan fits right in with our mandate to create formats that can travel around the globe as well as identify interesting worlds to target for series,” said Jennifer O’Connell, the executive VP of alternative programming at Lionsgate Television. “Jonathan is an award-winning, multi-talented producer, director and executive and we are thrilled to be able to support him as he starts his new company.”

Karsh added: “Lionsgate is home to some of the best shows on television. I’m thrilled to join forces with such a talented team of TV pros to create dynamic and original content.”