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Endemol Recognizes Endgame As Quality Programming

I managed to miss the original announcement of this, but I’m sharing it with you all now – because there is a very endgame [1]important little nugget of hope contained in this news release from Endemol – providing our favourite locally-shot quirky crime drama does not face the possibility of re-location. It would be hard to watch the show if it were shot anywhere but in Vancouver, with the cast and crew as is – and I know many people who would rejoice at the chance of viewing the show on TV sets outside of Canada.

Endemol [2] recently  announced the launch of Endemol Studios, an LA-based independent scripted TV studio operation, to be headed up by newly appointed CEO Philippe Maigret. In his new role, Maigret will report to Endemol North America Chairman, David Goldberg.  Maigret will continue to oversee North America rights acquisitions for the Group, where he has served as Executive Vice President, North America Acquisitions, since joining the company in March 2010. Joining Maigret, Jeremy Gold is appointed Head of Creative Affairs, Endemol Studios. Gold joined Endemol in 2008 as Senior Vice President, Scripted Programming and launched Endemol USA’s scripted TV development division.

Endemol Studios will develop and produce US scripted TV programming for global exploitation across all platforms.  The operation is resourced to finance the development of projects; deficit-finance the production of pilots and series; and to oversee all related activities. Endemol Studios will focus on primetime U.S. cable drama productions based on original projects developed internally, as well as scripted formats adapted from Endemol’s international portfolio.  The studio will also partner with US networks and producers on projects already developed, coming on board in a studio capacity.

“Endemol Studios represents a significant step in our ongoing strategy to expand and diversify our activities in North America at the same time helping fuel our global growth. Philippe and Jeremy bring together a powerful blend of experience and a track record of delivering projects with global potential” said David Goldberg, Chairman of Endemol North America.

Maigret added: “It is something of a wish fulfillment to build a new-generation TV studio business. Endemol Studios will draw on Endemol’s world leading creative resources in the US and around the world, as well as leveraging the Group’s global distribution platforms.”

The launch of Endemol Studios capitalizes on Endemol’s successes in US scripted television to date. These have included AMC’s recent series order of the Endemol USA-developed series Hell on Wheels, premiering November 6; as well as the rights acquisition of  TV Land’s Hot in Cleveland, Happily Divorced and The Exes, TNT’s Leverage, The Hub’s The Haunting Hour in the U.S. and Showcase’s Endgame in Canada.

The new operation will immediately focus on a number of projects currently in development at Endemol USA and its subsidiaries as well as adapting some of Endemol’s biggest international drama hits. Endemol Studios will benefit from Endemol Group’s creative and production presence in key markets (including the UK and Australia) as well as leveraging the company’s global distribution capabilities and infrastructure. The studio will seek co-production partners where appropriate.  Endemol Worldwide Distribution will monetize the TV and home video rights to the studio’s productions, with Endemol Worldwide Brands managing all ancillary rights.

Maigret delivered a number of acquired and co-financed series at Endemol, expanding the company’s distribution portfolio, and concluded Endemol’s international distribution and co-production first look deal with Ensemble Entertainment. With 20 years experience in television, film and digital media, he has established a track record of success that spans production, distribution, acquisition, business management and development, including as Senior Vice President, Business Strategy and Development at Disney Media Networks (2006-2010); Senior Vice President, Sales and Portfolio Development, EMEA at Disney ABC ESPN Television (2003-2006); Chief Operating Officer at Centropolis / Electric Entertainment (1999-2003); as well as positions at DreamWorks SKG and StudioCanal (US) before then. Maigret’s film production credits include serving as Executive Producer on The Young Americans and Co-Executive Producer on Boiling Point, as well as business and production responsibilities on Murder in the First and box-office hit Stargate.

Gold has developed a broad slate of drama and comedy projects at Endemol USA, including the current production of Hell on Wheels where Gold serves as an Executive Producer, and produced pilots for networks including FOX, CW, and IFC. Prior to joining Endemol, Gold served as Senior Vice President, Comedy at Fox Broadcasting Company where he developed numerous series including American Dad and The War At Home.  Previously, in his role as Vice President, Comedy at 20th Century Fox Television he developed numerous series including the Emmy® award-winning Arrested Development (FOX), the Emmy® award-winning The Bernie Mac Show (FOX), The Simple Life (FOX), and Still Standing (CBS). Additionally, Gold has been featured in The Hollywood Reporter’s NEXT GEN issue, and produced the independent film How You Look To Me.