MGM Forms Unscripted Production Outfit in Benelux

Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer (MGM) has teamed up with Roy Aalderink and Peter Lubbers to form the unscripted television production company Concept Street, which is headquartered in the Netherlands.

Concept Street will create and produce original programming, along with working on MGM’s unscripted formats, in the Benelux countries. Under the deal, Concept Street has an exclusive first look at MGM’s unscripted formats in the Benelux countries, and MGM will serve as the distributor of all Concept Street IP outside of the Benelux.

Aalderink and Lubbers will run the day-to-day operations of the business as co-managing directors with an ownership stake in the company. They will work with Mark Burnett, the president of the television group and digital at MGM, and his team on production and Chris Ottinger, MGM’s president of worldwide television distribution and acquisitions, on distribution.

Aalderink has created, sold and produced multiple original formats, including My Last Words, Save My Holiday, Jo Frost: Nanny on Tour and Ugly Ducklings. He held positions as CEO at both Zodiak Netherlands and Strix Television Benelux. Lubbers has worked at a variety of production companies, including Endemol, Medical Multi Media and Zodiak Netherlands, where he served as CEO.

Burnett commented: “Roy and Peter possess an exceptional understanding of the Benelux market and knowledge about what resonates with audiences in the region. We look forward to breaking new ground with the Concept Street team and expanding into the Netherlands to produce the same kind of innovative formats and quality original programming with which MGM has become synonymous.”

Ottinger added: “This is a tremendous opportunity to expand MGM’s IP portfolio internationally, by joining MGM’s development and distribution resources with Roy and Peter’s ability to sell and produce quality content in Benelux.”

Aalderink and Lubbers stated: “We are looking forward to creating and producing fresh and exciting new concepts for both linear channels and nonlinear platforms, as well bringing the best MGM has to offer to our local markets. We couldn’t have wished for a better strategic partner than MGM and are very excited to be working with Mark and Chris and their teams.”