David Ellender Sets Up U.S.-Based Indie TV Studio

LOS ANGELES: David Ellender, formerly the CEO of FremantleMedia International, is launching a new independent TV studio, Slingshot Global Media.

The company was formed in partnership with equity investment platform TPG Growth. It will focus on developing and producing drama and comedy TV programming for multiple platforms in the U.S. market. The company will also work to identify globally appealing projects for international co-financing, co-production and presale deals.

Ellender will be serving as CEO, overseeing the development, financing, production and distribution of premium scripted TV content for Slingshot. TPG Growth will finance the new venture.

“The proliferation of new distribution channels in the media landscape has given the at-home audience extensive viewing choices thereby driving demand for more quality and talent-driven product,” said Ellender. “Through Slingshot’s multiple arms of production, management, financing and development, Slingshot is dedicated to delivering superior projects to the multiplatform television market, as well as cultivating new talent with these projects, which will aim to set us apart from other independent television studios.”