TORONTO – Toronto-based Insight Productions Company this week expanded its 2006 development deal with FremantleMedia (FME) to encompass more co-funding of new projects.
The companies will pool their development resources and will seek out co-venture opportunities. The companies said a number of new projects are already underway as a result of the collaboration.
Under the deal, FME will have the first look at distributing Insights’ productions, and Insight gets the first option for new FME formats in the Canadian market.
The two companies have already worked together on Canadian Idol and Project Runway Canada. As well, FME will market Insight’s 26 episode half-hour The Jon Dore Television Show for international sale at MIPCOM 2008.
The agreement was brokered by FME VP Acquisitions Americas Jeff Tahler, FME VP Program Distribution North America Lisa Honig and Insight International Creative and Business Development head Jane Rimer,
“Having worked closely with Insight in recent years, the quality of their programming slate and understanding of the global TV market has become increasingly apparent. We quickly realized that it was in both companies’ best interests to expand our current relationship to become involved with their projects at an even earlier stage,” said Tahler.
Insight President and CEO John Brunton added, “Our first look agreement with David Ellender and his talented team at FME has resulted in some tremendous successes both in Canada and abroad. The addition of this significant development fund will open entirely new opportunities to create exciting new content.”
